Glengoyne distillery is one of only two distilleries in Scotland to use Golden Promise barley.

For years Golden Promise barley was favoured by maltsters and distillers. This was largely due to its ability to stand up to the wind, for ripening early (in August) and for producing delicious, rich nutty flavours. However, as the whisky industry grew, distillers started to look for varieties of barley that gave a higher yield of fermentable sugars rather than varieties that gave the best flavour. This, coupled with the fact that many farmers moved to strains of barley that gave them more grain per acre, has led to the huge decline in the number of distilleries using Golden Promise barley.

Luckily Glengoyne still manages to source Golden Promise barley from the Borders and thus the taste of Glengoyne Single Highland Malt is not compromised in any way.

According to Glengoyne Production Manager, Robbie Hughes, " Golden Promise barley is much more expensive and gives about 5% less yield per tonne compared to modern day strains of barley. However, we are putting our money where our mouths are at Glengoyne and paying more for what we truly believe adds to the final spirit."