Whisky firm sells off distillery

Glendronach has been bought by an independent firm

A leading whisky firm has announced the sale of a Speyside distillery.

Chivas Brothers said it was selling Glendronach so it could concentrate on developing and improving its remaining 13 malt distilleries.

It said the new owners, The Benriach Distillery Company, would be able to "give it the attention it deserved".

The firm was was set up by three entrepreneurs in 2004 when they bought Benriach, which was also previously owned by Chivas Brothers.

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of leading drinks group Pernod Ricard.

Christian Porta, Chivas Brothers CEO, said: "We currently have 13 operational malt distilleries, including the recently re-opened Braeval distillery.

"We have also started significant expansion plans for The Glenlivet Distillery, which is one of the top 15 priority brands of Pernod Ricard.

"Therefore, our focus is to continue to develop and improve these distilleries."

The BenRiach Distillery Company an independent and privately-owned organisation, which currently produces single malt whiskies at Benriach in Speyside.