Chivas Brothers bolsters whisky tourism with unveiling of Linn House
Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky division of Pernod Ricard, has broadened its visitor experience with the launch of Linn House, its first guest house opening this November.
The Victorian manor, located in Keith on the banks of the River Isla, invites whisky lovers and explorers alike to enjoy a countryside getaway with traditional Scottish hospitality, unfettered access to a permanent whisky library and delicious fine dining prepared by its resident chef.
With origins dating back to 1870, the building, designed by Scottish gentleman Robert Kynoch-Shand, has been reimagined for today with an impeccable renovation boasting luxurious amenities and rustic-chic interiors inspired by Chivas Brothers’ distilleries across Scotland. It is available to reserve in blocks of either six or 12 bedrooms, with both options offering sole occupancy of the house for the utmost privacy.
Exclusive use of all the communal house facilities, including the charming living room with original Victorian fireplace, the oak-panelled mahogany dining room or the enchanting walled kitchen garden on the grounds of the estate, is offered with each reservation.
The carefully curated whisky library boasts an outstanding selection from the Chivas Brothers portfolio including Single Malt whiskies from The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Scapa, as well as blended whiskies from Chivas Regal, Royale Salute and Ballantine’s. Guests can discover these iconic whiskies through guided tastings, while learning about their rich heritage and sampling limited-release editions up to 30 years old, all from the comfort of the House.
Each reservation incorporates a culinary journey prepared by Linn House’s resident chef, who uses fresh, locally sourced produce to create elegant seasonal feasts for guests, including traditional Scottish dinners with an address to the haggis, served in the oak-panelled mahogany dining room, followed by a nightcap by the firepit under the starry Speyside sky.
Jacques-Henri Brive, head of brand advocacy and prestige acceleration at Chivas Brothers, spearheaded the project in response to the growing demand for luxury whisky experiences from global consumers. It also follows a recent report from the Scotch Whisky Association signalling whisky tourism has become the #1 attraction for visitors to Scotland in the last 12 months with more than £85 million spent in total at sites across Scotland’s five whisky regions, up 90% since 2010 (SWA, 2022).
Mr Brive said: “Linn House represents an opportunity for us to encourage global consumers to connect with the region in which many of our iconic whiskies are made.
“Just as a luxury fashion brand has an atelier, or a boutique perfumer has its by-invitation salon; the heart of our whiskies lies here in Scotland. As demand for whisky expands around the world, more consumers are intrigued to discover and explore our heritage.
“Linn House is an extension of our brand homes, affording anyone who visits the luxury of time: to rest, to indulge and to enjoy all that the region has to offer. It is our ambition that Linn House becomes a destination hospitality offering here in Speyside.”
In addition to whisky experiences, Linn House provides personalised itineraries, including distillery tours, cocktail masterclasses, and historical excursions, alongside outdoor activities like fly-fishing and golfing in the Speyside region.