distillery

The company planned at the time to invest at least $150 million in the distillery’s development, but little progress has been made since.

But critics said newly-planted trees had failed to grow and buildings marked to become an eco-hotel, distillery and outdoor centre were sold off.

They added: "This unusual quality situation has come at a bad time, with distilleries rapidly scaling back whisky production, and a high global grain supply depressing prices around the world."

In part, bourbon has become a victim of its own success - the rise in bourbon sales, and the growth of the premium market, helped fuel many small distilleries.

In Speyside, the Scotsman newspaper reports that several whisky distilleries have shut down summer production early due to low water levels on the River Spey.