A rather large hole has appeared in the side of the still room.

It's intentional of course. The wall was demolished in preparation for the removal of one of the two wash stills.

After 129 years this old war horse of a still is being removed. Usually, stills last for around 40 or 50 years - depending on use - as the copper becomes increasingly thin. Amazingly, this one has lasted around three times as long as one would expect. Could it be the oldest still in use in the business?

Originally built to be direct coal fired, its base was particularly thickly constructed, with the copper plates riveted together as was the practice then. While repairs have occurred over the years we felt it could no longer be maintained as before and it would sadly have to go.

...It would have to go to Forsyth's, for welding and polishing work, before being reinstated at Bruichladdich to carry on distilling for, who knows, another century.

Forsyths, based near Keith, are snow bound which will hold up proceedings.