Balmenach Distillery has its roots in the early 19th century, when James McGregor, inspired by a walk through the Cromdale hills with his brothers, chose to settle and establish a distillery in the area. Officially licensed in 1824, Balmenach became one of Scotland's oldest legal distilleries. Situated a mile inland from the village of Cromdale, on the banks of the River Spey, it operates in the heart of Speyside — though it is sometimes associated with the broader Highland region. In 1897, the Balmenach Glenlivet Distillery Company was formally founded, and in 1997 the distillery was acquired by Inver House Distillers, a subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings. Balmenach is regarded as one of Speyside's most traditional distilleries, producing what experts describe as an 'old-style' Speyside malt. The distillery operates largely under the radar: the vast majority of its production goes into blended malts, including Johnnie Walker, making official single malt bottlings relatively rare and sought after. Independent bottlers such as Duncan Taylor have stepped in to offer enthusiasts a window into its character. Balmenach is also home to Caorunn Gin, adding a contemporary dimension to this historic site.