David Thomson, being an expatriate Scot, was looking to do something that would anchor his life back to his native Scotland. Teresa Church, the other member of the founding duo, has an enduring passion for restoring old buildings. Through her visionary lens, the intrinsic beauty of Annandale’s historic buildings shone brightly through the dilapidation, the decay and the dereliction. For both of them, Annandale Distillery was a case of ‘love at first sight’…and every bit as irrational and unfathomable as that!
Annandale Distillery, nestled in the picturesque lowlands of Dumfries and Galloway, is a whisky lover’s dream—a historic gem reborn. Originally established in 1836, the distillery enjoyed a long and industrious life before falling silent in 1918. For nearly a century, its once-thriving stills lay dormant, until a meticulous restoration project, spearheaded by Professor David Thomson and Teresa Church, brought Annandale back to life in 2014. Today, it stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation, blending heritage with modern craftsmanship to produce some of Scotland’s finest single malts.
The distillery is renowned for its distinctive twin expressions: "Man O’ Words," a nod to Scotland’s beloved bard Robert Burns, offering a smooth, unpeated whisky rich in orchard fruits and vanilla, and "Man O’ Sword," a bold, peated dram inspired by King Robert the Bruce, exuding robust smokiness and maritime character.
