By 1869, John Smith was considered to be one of the most experienced distillers in Scotland after his occupation in Macallan, Wishaw distilleries, Glenfarclas and Glenlivet. Sir George MacPherson-Grant was persuaded to lease the land to John Smith in order for the new distillery to be founded.

By using the advantage of being next to the railway the distillery began building its reputation, and in 1886 after John’s death the distillery was passed to his son Gordon, who was only 21 years old at that time.

The distillery continued to operate successfully and in 1912 after Gordon Smith passed away, his widow Mary Jane took control.

In 1923 the distillery was sold to Cragganmore Distillery Co. The years to come would be years to changes in owners status, ups and downs in production (In 1930 the distillery was closed for 4 years) and renovation as the distillery would always use the latest technology in equipment.

In 1988, the Cragganmore 12 years old became part of the United Distillers’s Classic Malt Range along with other 5 single malts.

Today the distillery is owned by Diageo and it’s capacity can reach 1,4 million liters per year.