FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nova Scotia, Canada – Glen Breton Whisky is proud to announce the 30-year anniversary of its home, the Glen Breton Distillery. As the oldest single malt distillery in North America dedicated exclusively to the production of single malt whisky, the distillery has spent three decades transforming the rugged landscape of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, into a world-class hub for spirits excellence.
A Pioneering Vision in Cape Breton
The story of the oldest single malt distillery in North America began with a bold dream in the late 1980s. Founder Bruce Jardine sought to replicate the mist-covered highlands of Scotland in the similarly lush terrain of Glenville, Nova Scotia. By importing traditional copper stills and a mash tun from Scotland, he ensured that North America’s first foray into the category was rooted in authentic heritage.
Construction was completed in 1990, leading to the historic initial production of just 20 barrels. This marked the birth of the first single malt to be made on the continent, officially establishing the site as the oldest single malt distillery in North America.
“Our 30th anniversary is more than just a date; it’s a celebration of resilience and the spirit of Cape Breton,” says Lauchie MacLean, President of Glen Breton Distillery. “From those first 20 barrels to our current global distribution, we have remained dedicated to the traditional Scottish methods that define our identity as the oldest single malt distillery in North America.”
Decades of Growth and Ancestral Pride
In 1994, the current owners acquired the business, bringing with them a deep respect for their Scottish ancestry and their Cape Breton roots. Their stewardship saw the distillery through its most formative years, leading to the monumental first bottling of Glen Breton Rare in 2000.
To honor the early supporters of the oldest single malt distillery in North America, the first 500 bottles were numbered, signed, and boxed as collector’s items. This commitment to craftsmanship continued through the distillery’s 25th anniversary in 2015, which featured the release of the Silver Anniversary Package and the Bruce Jardine Special Reserve 25-Year-Old.
Triumph Over the “Battle of the Glen”
Being the oldest single malt distillery in North America in a new frontier often comes with unprecedented challenges. Shortly after the release of Glen Breton Rare, the Scottish Whisky Association launched a high-profile lawsuit, claiming the use of the term “Glen” could confuse consumers into thinking the whisky was Scotch.
After a nine-year legal battle, the Supreme Court of Canada ultimately ruled in favor of the distillery in 2009. To celebrate this hard-won victory, Glen Breton Distillery released the “Battle of the Glen” 15-year-old single malt, a spirit that remains a favorite for its beautiful golden color and storied past. This victory cemented the distillery’s legacy as a trailblazer among international spirits producers.
The Standard for North American Quality
Today, as Glen Breton celebrates three decades in production, it remains a beacon for quality and a premier destination for whisky tourists worldwide. While many other producers have since entered the market, Glen Breton Distillery remains the oldest single malt distillery in North America, utilizing bourbon cask barrels and the unique maritime climate of Cape Breton to age its spirits to perfection.
The distillery is not just a production site; it is a piece of living history. Visitors can experience the craftsmanship firsthand through tours that showcase the copper stills and the aging warehouse. The site also offers overnight stays, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the oldest single malt distillery in North America.
For more information about the 30-year legacy of Glen Breton Whisky or to purchase a bottle of history, visit glenbretonwhisky.com.
Media Contact:
Marion Matheson Glen Breton Distillery Phone: (902) 468-6516 Email: mmatheson@glenoradistillery.com
