It is situated at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, which rises to 1,345 m (4,413 ft) above sea level.

Founded in 1825 as an independent enterprise, it has been owned by Nikka Whisky Distilling of Tokyo, Japan, since 1989.The distillery was founded in 1825 by 'Long John' McDonald,[3] a 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) descendant of a ruler of the western Scottish kingdom of Argyll (after whom the renowned blended Scotch, Long John, was named).

After Long John's death in 1856, ownership was passed down to Donald McDonald, his son.

In a bid to keep up with growing demand, the two distilleries eventually became one in the early twentieth century.

There have also been a few cask-finishes, limited editions and independent bottlings, notably from Blackadder and Douglas Laing.