Jericho 10 Year Old

Celebrating 10 years of Inverurie Whisky Shop

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For those that know us, you’ll be aware that we are passionate about our local history. Tie that together with history of local whiskies and we’re definitely on to a winner! That’s why, when the opportunity to work with the Lost Distillery Co came along, we had to take it.

“As an Aberdeenshire distillery lost to history, Jericho’s story is one that resonates particularly strongly with us. Working alongside The Lost Distillery Company to bring this 10 Year Old release to life has allowed us to celebrate a forgotten chapter of the region’s whisky-making past while creating something entirely new for today’s whisky enthusiasts, serving the same community that was once enjoying the Jericho whisky in the past” – Mike

The Story of Jericho Distillery 1822-1913

Long before modern whisky production transformed Scotland, Jericho Distillery stood beneath the shadow of Bennachie in rural Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1822 by farmer William Smith, Jericho was one of the early legal distilleries established following the Excise Act of 1823, a landmark piece of legislation that brought much of Scotland’s whisky production out of the illicit era and into legitimate trade.

Smith, a deeply religious man, named the distillery “Jericho” after the biblical city. The nearby Jordan Burn, which supplied the distillery’s water, is said to have inspired the name. Production began in earnest by 1824, and Jericho whisky quickly earned a reputation throughout Aberdeenshire for its rich, characterful spirit.

In its early years, Jericho operated on a modest scale using remarkably small stills, producing a heavy, oily whisky that reflected the traditional methods of the time. Peat from the surrounding countryside was used extensively in production, while maturation often took place in sherry casks, a practice that would become one of the distillery’s defining characteristics.

Under the stewardship of John Maitland, who inherited the distillery in 1864, Jericho underwent significant modernisation. The site expanded, equipment was upgraded, and in 1883 the distillery was renamed Benachie Distillery, taking its name from the famous local hill. Despite the change, the whisky continued to be known as Jericho for many years.

Sadly, like many historic Scottish distilleries, Jericho’s story came to an end in 1913 when the distillery closed its doors for good. Legend has it that the final surviving cask was enjoyed at a wedding celebration held in the old malt barns during the early years of the Second World War, marking the last taste of the original whisky.

Today, thanks to the work of The Lost Distillery Company, the spirit and character of Jericho live on. Through meticulous historical research and blending expertise, they have recreated what this lost Highland whisky may have tasted like, allowing whisky lovers to experience a remarkable piece of Scotland’s distilling heritage once again.