Convalmore (pronounced: KON-val-mor) is another of the old school, tragically lost distilleries that was culled by Diageo in the 1980s. It is one of the lower-key names in the closed distillery stable but most people who discover it are quite quickly charmed by its occasionally stubborn and old school complexities.

Founded: 1893
Closed: 1985
Stills: 2 Wash 2 Spirit
Owners: William Grant & Sons/Diageo

1962-1985: Expansion and Closure.

Like so many distilleries in the 1960s, Convalmore was expanded and modernised. In 1962 the stills were converted to steam heating and in 1964 a second pair was added thereby increasing the distilleries capacity, Convalmore was an integral part of the Black & White blend and the promising outlook of the 1970s demanded increased production.

There are very few bottlings of Convalmore until the mid-seventies, it was only ever bottled officially twice, both times in the Rare Malts series as a 1977 28yo and a 1978 24yo. Both bottlings are smoky, herbaceous, resinous, and subtly fruity, most people prefer the 24yo but both are excellent examples of the make. There are a handful of fine independent bottlings as well, notable exceptions are examples by Cadenheads and Dun Bheagan. Convalmore is usually quite an aromatic malt with a peppery bite and many sub-characters that speak of an old style of malt.

Sadly bottlings are scarce and if things continue the way they are it seems that there will be very few further bottlings in years to come. That makes is on a par with the likes of Coleburn in terms of underrepresented distilleries. Try it if you get the chance, it will all be gone one day.