Cadenhead's story started in 1842 in Aberdeen as wine and spirit merchant. The company was family owned and widely successful until the Great Depression in 1930s. Unfortunately it was at this time, that the owner passed away in a tram accident and wihtout a sucessor his sisters took over the company. Determined to keep the surname of Cadehead  known in the spirit world, yet not knowing much about the trade themselves they decided to appoint someone to take care of the company. Under the wings of a long-time employee the Cadenhead's continued on, however struggling to keep up with the times ultimately caused the Cadenheads to be closed, their stock sold off and the company being bought over by Campbeltown firm of J & A Mitchell & Co. Ltd, the owner of Springbank Distillery.