Our History & Story

The Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky

1494

1494

Distilling was taking place on this site at least as early as 1494, although it was most probably happening long before that.

THE ABBEY

THE ABBEY

Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I.

THE MONKS

THE MONKS

The monks who arrived at Lindores in 1191 from Kelso in the borders of Scotland, to build and populate the monastery, were Benedictines from the Order of Tiron, France, or Tironensians.

MODERN DAY

MODERN DAY

Learning as much as we can from the great Scottish distillers around us, past and present, and from others much further afield, we are bringing a very modern whisky-making approach to this ancient site.

The incredible history of Lindores Abbey Distillery

Although now best known as the Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky, the history of Lindores Abbey itself dates back to 1191. The wealthy Abbey entertained monarchs such as David II, Edward I of England and Robert the Bruce; Scotland’s greatest national hero William Wallace rested here; three puissant knights swore their loyalty to The Bruce in this sacred space and many important Scottish historical figures sought solace and even eternal rest within the grounds.

The Whisky part of our history starts in 1494 and owes its origins to the Tironensian monks that lived at Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, over half a millennium ago.

Read about the years of research and archaeological exploration that have taken place into the history of Lindores, Friar John Cor and Aqua Vitae.

History of Lindores Abbey

Archaeology at Lindores

The Association of Friar John Cor To Lindores Abbey 1494

Friar John Cor and Lindores