New Distilleries and Distillery Projects |
Page Updated 12/01/2018
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The Whisky Cyclist Guide to New Distilleries and Distillery Projects attempts to list all those distilleries that have started building; have detailed plans in hand for a distillery; as well as those that have recently started producing. This came about following a discussion in the bar at SMWS Queen Street after the Whisky Lounge Solstice event on 20th June 2015 and reading Cask & Still Magazine.
I hope this is a comprehensive round up of the new planned distilleries, but new ideas seem to be popping up with amazing frequency these days. If you are included here and have an update for me, or are not included but have some firm plans, please email me. The latter category is the most difficult to define - I have included Abhainn Dearg (producing whisky, but not readily available) and Daftmill (producing whisky as long as Kilchoman, but none has been bottled), but not Ailsa Bay or Roseisle, whose production is probably already in Grants/Diageo blends. (Ailsa Bay have now released a peated single malt). Nor have I included the now delayed Diageo expansions at Clynelish, Mortlach and Teaninich; the expansion of Glenlivet; or the new teletubby build at Macallan - all of which just promise more of the same. The proposed re-opening of Brora and Port Ellen announced on 09/10/17 are similarly not listed. Rosebank's proposed revival has been included as it is not from the original distillers. Of the listed distilleries only Dalmunach (on the site of the old Imperial distillery) is a large distiller from a big player already owning many distilleries in Scotland (Chivas). See also Cask & Still Magazine interviews with six of the guys behind new distilleries and Spirits Business Top Ten New Scotch Whisky Distilleries.The Malt Madness page on New Distilleries was updated in October 2016. Pandemonium of Single Malts has a New Distilleries page and scotchwhisky.com's Whiskypedia has details of some of the projects A list of the new projects with contact details where I've been able to find them - unless I already have a page on the distillery, in which case all contact details will be there - is shown at right. More details are listed below. See also page on English, Welsh and Irish distilleries Other Possibles
Islands of Uist Whisky Company was founded in 2010 with a wish to make "the world a better place, one or two Dram's at a time..." by producing a fine single malt. They have a facebook page - and a website that directs you to facebook. Little progress so far. Both sites are now defunct. Loch Thom A tentative proposal for building a distillery at Gavrocks Farm, near Loch Thom, Inverclyde was mooted in 2015, but nothing further has been reported. Plans for distilleries near the Forth Bridge and in Oban don't appear to have progressed according to The Times. Mellerstain and Longship distillery proposals also don't appear to have come to anything. |
List of Projects - see below left for more details
Distilleries highlighted in this light brown colour (as well as those with pages of their own) have started distilling and filling casks for maturation into whisky - some already have whisky, though not all are selling any yet. Aberargie facebook.com/aberargie.distillery Perthshire Abhainn Dearg abhainndearg.co.uk 01851 672429 @ via website Isle of Lewis Annandale annandaledistillery.co.uk Dumfriesshire Arbikie arbikie.com 01241 830770 @ Angus Ardgowan ardgowandistillery.com Inverkip, Inverclyde Ardnahoe ardnahoedistillery.com Islay Ardnamurchan adelphidistillery.com 01972 500285 @ Way out West Ardross Alness Ballindalloch ballindallochdistillery.com 01807 500331 @ via website Speyside The Borders Distillery Hawick Borders (Tweeddale) rbdistillers.com/borders 0131 564 0764 @ Peebles (?) Cabrach Moray Crafty Scottish Distillers craftydistillery.com Newton Stewart, SW Scotland Clydeside theclydeside.com (formerly The Glasgow Distillery, but name changed to avoid confusion with the other Glasgow Distillery - see below) Daftmill daftmill.com Fife Dalmunach Speyside Dornoch dornochdistillery.com NE Highlands Dunrobin Castle Golspie, NE Highlands Eden Mill edenmill.com 01334 834038 @ via website Fife Falkirk falkirkdistillery.com 01324 670000 Gartbreck Islay Glasgow Distillery glasgowdistillery.com @ Hillington Glasgow (Douglas Laing) douglaslaing.com Pacific Quay Glen Wyvis glenwyvis.com Dingwall Granton halewood-int.com - Edinburgh Holyrood Park - holyroodparkdistillery,com Edinburgh Huntly Speyside InchDairnie inchdairniedistillery.com @ Glenrothes (Fife not Speyside) Isle of Barra uisgebeathananeilean.co.uk 01871 810006 @ Isle of Harris harrisdistillery.com 01859 502098 @ Kingsbarns kingsbarnsdistillery.com 01333 45130 @ Fife Lagg (Arran) arranwhisky.com Isle of Arran Lindores Abbey lindoresabbetdistillery.com 01337 842547 @ Fife Loch Eriboll NW Highlands Lochlea Farm Ayrshire Lone Wolf (Brewdog) lonewolfspirits.com Ellon, Aberdeenshire Lost Loch lostlochdistillery.com/ Facebook Page Aboyne Mossburn Borders Ncn'ean ncnean.com Drimnin, Morvern Portavadie portavadiedistillery.co.uk Cowal Peninsula Port of Leith leithdistillery.com Raasay rbdistillers.com/raasay 01478 470178 @ Island off Skye Reivers Borders Rosebank rosebankwhisky.co.uk Shetland shetlandreelgin.com 01957 711711 @ Strathearn strathearndistillery.com 01738 840100 @ Perthshire Torabhaig torabhaig.com/ Skye Toulvaddie toulvaddie.com 01862 808138 @ Nigg peninsula Twin River twinriver.co.uk Banchory, Deeside Wolfburn wolfburn.com @ via website Thurso Failed ProjectsNot all distillery projects have turned out well - Ladybank distillery was proposed as a club, with whisky only to be sold to members - unfortunately no distillery was ever built, and last I heard those who signed up for it lost their money. The original plan for a Shetland distillery came from Blackwood, and the company did produce gin, but subsequently went into administration - their former website now appears to lead to a page in Japanese about phone sex!
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More Details
Aberargie facebook.com/aberargie.distillery Distillery built and initial distillation and filling has now taken place. Have picture of the still room on their Facebook page. East of the M90 and a mile or so south of the River Earn, so they will classified as a Lowland Distillery. 12/11/17
Abhainn Dearg abhainndearg.co.uk Have produced a 3yo whisky (available on the website at £150!). Now say they are waiting for the 10yo in 2018. Distillery shop and tours available.
Annandale annandaledistillery.co.uk Starting distilling in November 2014. New make spirit (Rascally Liquor) available, peated and unpeated in 5cl and 20cl bottles. Has a visitor centre and coffee shop. For updates see main Annandale page.
Arbikie arbikie.com Producing pot-stilled potato vodka and gin (from July 2015), they have already started distilling whisky - casks are available for purchase. Plan to have a visitor centre eventually. Not intending to release any whisky until it's 14yo, so not until 2029! In the meantime, they have released a 2yo Highland Rye Spirit 22/12/17
Ardgowan ardgowandistillery.com Has planning permission and received a £1m grant from the Scottish Government in November 2017 - they plan to commence building in 2018. Their intention is to produce three style of whisky - unpeated, lightly peated, and heavily peated. There was a [revious Ardgowan distillery in nearby Greenock until 1941 when it was destroyed in the blitz. They also have a Facebook page. 17/11/17
Ardnahoe ardnahoedistillery.com Hunter Laing (independent bottlers) are building a distillery at Ardnahoe, between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila. Hoping to be distilling spirit by Spring 2018, their Facebook page is the best place for updates, though the distillery now has its own website. The Islay Blog have revealed that Jim McEwan has come out of retirement to help them set up the distillery. The distillery is now offering casks from first year's distillation at £7,000. 9/11/17
Ardnamurchan adelphidistillery.com Producing whisky since 2014. Visitor centre, various tours available. Casks can also be purchased.The website sates "The Ardnamurchan Distillery produces two signature styles of spirit, one peated and one unpeated. The spirit is maturing in our warehouses in American and European oak, ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks until it’s deemed to be ready." 01/11/17
Ardross A distillery is to be built in the grounds of Ardross Castle, 4 miles north of Alness. Planning permission was given in February 2017, and building commenced in November. The distillery, which hopes to commence operation in 2018 will have a capacity of 1m litres. Gin will also be distilled. No website or contact details as yet. 26/11/17.
Ballindalloch ballindallochdistillery.com Website now includes details of how to arrange a tour and tasting - by appointment only. A "handful" of casks are/have been available, and spirit will not be available until it is mature. More pictures on their facebook page.
The Borders Distillery (Hawick) The Three Stills Company and are building a distillery in Hawick, but I've not been able to find anything in terms of a website. Latest news from the Borders Telegraph and Hawick News.
Borders (Tweeddale) rbdistillers.com/borders I've called this Borders (Tweeddale) to distinguish it from other potential Borders distilleries - as well as the Three Stills Company, Mossburn Distillers have also announced plans for a Jedburgh distillery (see below). Tweedale has produced a booklet, but nothing firm about the plans. More progress has been made with their plans for a distillery on Raasay (see below). See also R&B's facebook page. Alasdair Day has recently said "realistically we’re looking at a five to 10-year timescale for the project, and probably closer to 10." 26/11/17
Burnbrae A company called Burnbrae Distillery Company was set up in 2015 by Campbell Meyer, a Scotch whisky blending and bottling company based in East Kilbride. There is a website with nothing more than a single 19th century picture on it. Hart Brothers independent bottlers are also based at the same address.
Cabrach proposals for a distillery on Inverharroch Farm near the remote Grouse Inn have been instigated by the Cabrach Trust. Now received planning consent and seeking funding - £5.3m needed - a share offer is expected in May 2018. Subject to raising the money, work would start in 2018 with completion hoped for in 2020.
Clydeside (formerly The Glasgow Distillery, but name changed to avoid confusion with the other Glasgow Distillery - see below) theclydeside.com There have been delays, but the distillery is now started distillation. Their website insists they will be distilling and welcoming guests in 2017, but their facebook page is the best place for news at present.
Crafty Scottish Distillers craftydistillery.com have been distilling vodka and gin in Newton Stewart since 2015,and under Products coming soon their website states "...and even some Whisky - From day one it’s our plan to produce some barrels of whisky. But, to give it a Crafty twist, it’ll be made with unusual grain choices. And, there’ll probably be some unique maturation methods thrown in for good measure too."
Daftmill daftmill.com Daftmill has been distilling whisky since December 2005, but none has yet been bottled. The distillery is NOT open the the public, but guided tours may be possible by appointment. Capacity about 20,000 litres a year. For updates see main Daftmill page.
Dalmunach Distillation commenced October 2014. No website, not open to the public. Pernod Ricard's answer to Ailsa Bay/Roseisle. Officially opened by Nicola Sturgeon in June 2015. Some pictures on facebook. For updates see main Dalmunach page.
Dornoch dornochdistillery.com The distillery at Dornoch Castle is up and running producing gin, and they have now started laying down spirit which will become their Single Malt (July 2017).
Dunrobin Castle Permission granted for a Single Estate distillery in the grounds of Dunrobin Castle - hopes to be operational mid-2018. Are now seeking investors. Latest from scotchwhisky.com.
Eden Mill edenmill.com Eden Mill have been brewing on the site in Guardbridge, near St Andrews, since 2012, Distillation for whisky commenced in late 2014, limited edition bottles of spirit are being sold - prior to the lauch of their "maiden single malt" in January 2018. Gin is also produced at the site. Casks can be purchased. Visitor centre.
Falkirk falkirkdistillery.com Under construction, the website's Latest News in a first entry since October 2010, states they are "on the brink of a new dawn of whisky production in Falkirk" (May 2017). The Falkirk Herald has a picture and says it will open later in 2017.
Gartbreck at one time destined to be Islay's 9th distillery, the site has been cleared of some outbuildings but the partnership with Hunter Laing has fallen through with HL moving forward with their own distillery at Ardnahoe. HL owned a vital strip of land at Gartbreck - after initial refusal to sell back to Garbreck, this has now been resolved. Their facebook page is best place for info at present - currently saying "things do not look bad". 9/11/17
Glasgow Distillery glasgowdistillery.com They have started producing Makar Glasgow Gin a handcrafted gin produced in their copper pot still. Have been making whisky since 2015. Not open to the public. Capacity to be 100,000 litres annually. They also have a facebook page.
Glasgow (Douglas Laing) douglaslaing.com Announced in July 2017, Douglas Laing plan to move their HQ to a new facility on Pacific Quay to include a distillery and bottling plant - they hope to start work on the site by then end of 2017. Name to be announced.
Glen Wyvis glenwyvis.com A community funded distillery that seeks to restore the tradition of whisky distilling to the area where the famous Ferintosh distillery once stood. Under construction will open 30/11/17. Seeking further investors to part-own the distillery from 3rd August 2017. Also have a facebook page. 29/11/17
Granton halewood-int.com nothing on the website yet, but the owners of such brands as Pogues Irish Whiskey; Crabbies Ginger WIne; Liverpool Gin and Red Square Vodka have announced plans for a whisky distillery in a disuesd warehouse in Granton Harbour. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years.
Holyrood Park - holyroodparkdistillery,com This project has a website, which has recenty announced that they are seeking investment of £5.5m (June 2017) and have hired a team of experts including a distiller (July 2017). Latest update (Oct 17). Updates also on their twitter account. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years.
Huntly Duncan Taylor have had plans to build a distillery on the site of an old granary in Huntly for some time, and had a website at one stage. Not much since this from WhiskyCast in July 2013. Malt Whisky Yearbook 2017 reported that the site had been cleared (brick by brick, as the intention is to rebuild the old building once equipment has been installed inside). The original proposals can be seen in this document, though obviously the timeline has slipped a lot.
InchDairnie - inchdairniedistillery.com Glenrothes (Fife not Speyside) - distillery built and in production. Website has a clock counting down to the release of their first whisky - in 2029! 12/11/17
Isle of Barra uisgebeathananeilean.co.uk The website's timeline commences in 2005. The first year's casks have already been sold, but production is yet to commence. They have built the wind turbines to produce the power they will need - there is considerable emphasis on this being a very green distillery. The proposals is for a small distillery producing about 25.000 litres of spirit a year, with a Visitor Centre. They don't have a facebook page, but do tweet from time to time.
They have announced the production of a gin, which will initialy be distilled in London, but hope to distill on the island within 18-24 months (Feb 2017)
Isle of Harris harrisdistillery.com Now distilling whisky (and selling gin). The first whisky will be bottled "after 2019". The website proclaims:"Opened in October 2015, we welcome guests to our hearth every day bar the Sabbath to witness and share in our work".
Kingsbarns kingsbarnsdistillery.com Distilling since January 2015, though the Visitor Centre opened in November 2014. The distillery is now owned by independent bottlers Wemyss Malts (and the Wemyss family), the company also makes gin, though not at the distillery. Visitor centre and café. Various tours available - with tastings of Wemyss Malts. They have a facebook page.
Lagg (Arran) arranwhisky.com A second distillery on the Isle of Arran also owned by the existing distillery. They broke ground on the new site in the south of the island on 21/02/17. Further update from May 2017. 3 new warehouses have een built on the Lagg site (for storage from Lochranza), and work has started on the distillery itself. They hope to start distilling and open to the public in early 2019. 22/12/17
Lindores Abbey lindoresabbetdistillery.com "The Spiritual home of Scotch Whisky" is a bold claim to make, but is based on the earliest written record of whisky referring to Lindores Abbey - in 1494. I happened to meet Drew McKenzie Smith in the SMWS Vaults bar acouple of years ago - he was very enthusiastic about the project, though at the same time cautious to get things right to reflect the history of the place. There are also plans to use herbs and fruit to replicate an authentic 15th century spirit before the whisky is ready. Facebook page. Distilling commenced in October 2017. 12/11/17
Loch Eriboll Proposals emerged in 2015 for a dsitillery in the far NW of Scotland, though it would not be the most northerly mainland distillery, as this article neglects the existence of Wolfburn. Further article in October 2016. Not seen any further news about this distillery, but the company appears to be still active.
Lochlea Farm Initial planning permission granted (Dec 2015) to build a distillery and visitor centre at a farm once home to Robert Burns. Further planning permission granted in August 2017. Work has now started on building and instillation of equipment, they hope to e distilling in early 2018. Malcolm Rennie, who oversaw the setting up of Annandale has now moved on to Lochlea to undertake a similar role there. 18/11/17
Lone Wolf (Brewdog) lonewolfspirits.com Originally announced in July 2014 and then in more detail to their 2015 AGM, the Brewdog Blog gave further details of their plans for 2 3,000 litre pot stills, a gin still and a column still - all to be made in Germany! The initial intention is to make whisky, gin and vodka, but they also mention possibly rum and tequila in the future. The company that brought us beers called Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32%) and The End of History (55%) may have relinquished the title of strongest beer (to Snake Venom from Brewmeister in Keith at 68%), but they have a cunning plan to get higher ABV by true distillation. Planning stalled over a dispute with Aberdeenshire council over purchase of land for the distillery, but vodka and gin have already been produced, and an update from the distillery in August 2017, announced the first steps towards whisky distillation. 01/11/17
Lost Loch lostlochdistillery.com/ Started up in August 2017, and so far just producing absinthe, but they have plans to produce a single estate whisky. The website is just a holding page at present, but the Facebook Page has more details on what's happening at this very young distillery. The distillery name references Loch Auchlossan, a shallow loch that was drained 3 times, finally successfully in 1944 so that crops could be planted for the war effort. 1/11/17
Mossburn quite possibly not the final name is the second larger distillery planned for Jedburgh by Mossburn distillers, planned to open in 2020/21. Again it is planned to have both malt and grain stills. See scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk for more. 12/01/18
Ncn'ean ncnean.com Drimnin in Morvern - west of and arguably even less accessible than Ardnamurchan Distillery. Started distilling in March 2017, their new website provides further information on how it was set up, and how you can visit this fledgling distillery. They believe they are Scotland's first organic distillery. 1/11/17
{The previous entry for this distillery may also give some insight into it's early days - see this from Urban Realms from October 2013, and this on facebook, but nothing recent, until a post on 26 June 2015 by Organic Distillery Designers, in response to my query, indicating they were to start work on site in August 2015. This post appears to have been subsequently taken down. The Drmnin Estate site says that plans are well advanced}.
Portavadie on Cowal Peninsula portavadiedistillery.co.uk Plans have at last been put forward for a 60,000 litre whisky and gin distillery. The site of the never occupied Polphail village has been cleared in preparation, and it is hoped that building will start in mid-2018. Pictures of the site in 2009. The former website still displays a message "You are probably seeing this page because the web address you have used is under design at SAMTEQ Limited." 8/12/17
Port of Leith leithdistillery.com Proposals announced in early 2017 for a distillery close to the site of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Planning permission granted in December 2017. Small site (currently occupied by the Steel Shed), so a vertical process is being put forward. Pictures of the propsed building can be sen on their facebook page. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years. They have installed a gin still and are planing to start distilling gin on a different site in Leith - the Tower Street Stillhouse - in January 2018. 22/12/17
Raasay rbdistillers.com/raasay Borrodale House has been converted into a distillery and visitor centre as a companion project for the Borders (Tweeddale) disitllery (above). R&B are creating "a single malt that ... gives a tantalising taster of what's to come ... this special edition , lightly peated whisky will be christened While We Wait" - available until the single Raasay malt is ready. You can join the Slàinte club just to be kept in touch with events, An Roghainn (the Choice) for £599, or for £1,999 the Na Tùsairean (pioneers) club and receive yearly bottles of whisky etc. Distillation commenced in September 2017 and the visitor centre was due to open in October 2017, but the website is still saying "The date of opening is still to be confirmed." Facebook page suggests later in November. 12/11/17
Reivers Mossburn distillers are planning to build 2 distilleries near Jedburgh. Work on the first one, originally named Jedhart, but now Reivers, has commenced and they hope to be operational in June 2108. It is planned to have both malt and grain stills. See scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk for more. 12/01/18
Rosebank rosebankwhisky.co.uk "The distillery will reopen over the next few years, and Ian Macleod Distillers will produce Rosebank Lowland Single Malt Whisky in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers." Website currently just contains a sign up form for further updates, but Facebook page now has further updates, mostly about the casks of Rosebank they have acquired. 12/11/17
Shetland shetlandreelgin.com As mentioned above, Blackwood attempted to establish a distillery in Shetland and looked at a number of sites before settling on the former RAF base at Saxa Vord, on the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland, Unst. After Blackwood, Saxa Vord, which is about as far north as you can go on Unst - and you'd never get permission to build anything on the slightly more northerly protruding Hermaness peninsula - has been turned into a tourist resort with self-catering accommodation and a seasonal hostel and bar/restaurant. they started distilling gin in September 2014. The plan is now to build a whisky distillery alongside the gin still. They also have a facebook page. They have now bottled a blend and a single malt (from elsewhere), which is claimed to be the first single malt bottled in Shetland - it sold out very quickly.
Strathearn strathearndistillery.com Started distilling whisky in September 2013, and have been selling gin and "Uisge Beatha" 28 day to 6 month old spirit matured in 40 litre casks of cherry, chestnut, acacia,apple, pear and mulberry wood. The first bottles of whisky have now been sold, but regular bottlings are still awaited. You can also buy casks, and uniquely invest in a cask which the distillery will buy it back from you in 4 years time for and give you six bottles from it! The number of casks this applies to is limited each year - 2017 is now sold out. Various tours and experiences are available for visitors to the distillery, some combining gin, malt spirit and whisky, or even a five day whisky making school. Strathearn also have a facebook page. For further updates see the main Strathearn page.
Torabhaig torabhaig.com/ Mossburn Distillers have now taken on the project originally proposed by Sir Iain Noble, who founded Pràban na Linne (the Gaelic Whisky company, producers of Poit Dubh and Te Bheag), for a new Skye Distillery close to Pràban na Linne's current base of operations at Eilean Iarmin. This feature on the architect's website provides more details including a video animation of the finished buildings, which commenced production in January 2017. A visitor centre is due to open 'later in 2017'. They now have a rudimentary website. 12/11/17
Toulvaddie toulvaddie.com will be the first Scotch whisky distillery to be founded and run by a woman in over 200 years and will be the first legal distillery in the Fearn and Tarbart peninsula. At the foot of Nigg Hill, on the site of the old World War II Royal Naval Air base HMS Owl, Toulvaddie Distillery will begin to distill single malt whisky in 2017.
Twin River twinriver.co.uk Deeside Brewery in Banchory, announced in August 2017 that they were branching out into whisky, and had laid down some single malt spirirt in July. They intend to move to a larger site in Banchory, and build "a new destination distillery, brewery, visitor centre and taproom in 2018". They have a Facebook page, but the website listed there is inactive. 17/11/17
Wolfburn wolfburn.com Unlike almost every other distillery mentioned here, Wolfburn suddenly appeared as a distillery in production in January 2013, without masses of prior publicity. They are the most northerly whisky distillery in mainland Scotland (though there is a more northerly distillery producing gin in Dunnet Bay, they don't seem intent to branch out into Whisky). Although Wolfburn is named after a long lost (1850-60?) Thurso distillery, unlike Annadale it is not on the same site. Capacity 190,000 litres a year. No visitor facilities, though you may be able to visit by appointment. They have now released their first whiskies. Wolfburn on facebook.
Abhainn Dearg abhainndearg.co.uk Have produced a 3yo whisky (available on the website at £150!). Now say they are waiting for the 10yo in 2018. Distillery shop and tours available.
Annandale annandaledistillery.co.uk Starting distilling in November 2014. New make spirit (Rascally Liquor) available, peated and unpeated in 5cl and 20cl bottles. Has a visitor centre and coffee shop. For updates see main Annandale page.
Arbikie arbikie.com Producing pot-stilled potato vodka and gin (from July 2015), they have already started distilling whisky - casks are available for purchase. Plan to have a visitor centre eventually. Not intending to release any whisky until it's 14yo, so not until 2029! In the meantime, they have released a 2yo Highland Rye Spirit 22/12/17
Ardgowan ardgowandistillery.com Has planning permission and received a £1m grant from the Scottish Government in November 2017 - they plan to commence building in 2018. Their intention is to produce three style of whisky - unpeated, lightly peated, and heavily peated. There was a [revious Ardgowan distillery in nearby Greenock until 1941 when it was destroyed in the blitz. They also have a Facebook page. 17/11/17
Ardnahoe ardnahoedistillery.com Hunter Laing (independent bottlers) are building a distillery at Ardnahoe, between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila. Hoping to be distilling spirit by Spring 2018, their Facebook page is the best place for updates, though the distillery now has its own website. The Islay Blog have revealed that Jim McEwan has come out of retirement to help them set up the distillery. The distillery is now offering casks from first year's distillation at £7,000. 9/11/17
Ardnamurchan adelphidistillery.com Producing whisky since 2014. Visitor centre, various tours available. Casks can also be purchased.The website sates "The Ardnamurchan Distillery produces two signature styles of spirit, one peated and one unpeated. The spirit is maturing in our warehouses in American and European oak, ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks until it’s deemed to be ready." 01/11/17
Ardross A distillery is to be built in the grounds of Ardross Castle, 4 miles north of Alness. Planning permission was given in February 2017, and building commenced in November. The distillery, which hopes to commence operation in 2018 will have a capacity of 1m litres. Gin will also be distilled. No website or contact details as yet. 26/11/17.
Ballindalloch ballindallochdistillery.com Website now includes details of how to arrange a tour and tasting - by appointment only. A "handful" of casks are/have been available, and spirit will not be available until it is mature. More pictures on their facebook page.
The Borders Distillery (Hawick) The Three Stills Company and are building a distillery in Hawick, but I've not been able to find anything in terms of a website. Latest news from the Borders Telegraph and Hawick News.
Borders (Tweeddale) rbdistillers.com/borders I've called this Borders (Tweeddale) to distinguish it from other potential Borders distilleries - as well as the Three Stills Company, Mossburn Distillers have also announced plans for a Jedburgh distillery (see below). Tweedale has produced a booklet, but nothing firm about the plans. More progress has been made with their plans for a distillery on Raasay (see below). See also R&B's facebook page. Alasdair Day has recently said "realistically we’re looking at a five to 10-year timescale for the project, and probably closer to 10." 26/11/17
Burnbrae A company called Burnbrae Distillery Company was set up in 2015 by Campbell Meyer, a Scotch whisky blending and bottling company based in East Kilbride. There is a website with nothing more than a single 19th century picture on it. Hart Brothers independent bottlers are also based at the same address.
Cabrach proposals for a distillery on Inverharroch Farm near the remote Grouse Inn have been instigated by the Cabrach Trust. Now received planning consent and seeking funding - £5.3m needed - a share offer is expected in May 2018. Subject to raising the money, work would start in 2018 with completion hoped for in 2020.
Clydeside (formerly The Glasgow Distillery, but name changed to avoid confusion with the other Glasgow Distillery - see below) theclydeside.com There have been delays, but the distillery is now started distillation. Their website insists they will be distilling and welcoming guests in 2017, but their facebook page is the best place for news at present.
Crafty Scottish Distillers craftydistillery.com have been distilling vodka and gin in Newton Stewart since 2015,and under Products coming soon their website states "...and even some Whisky - From day one it’s our plan to produce some barrels of whisky. But, to give it a Crafty twist, it’ll be made with unusual grain choices. And, there’ll probably be some unique maturation methods thrown in for good measure too."
Daftmill daftmill.com Daftmill has been distilling whisky since December 2005, but none has yet been bottled. The distillery is NOT open the the public, but guided tours may be possible by appointment. Capacity about 20,000 litres a year. For updates see main Daftmill page.
Dalmunach Distillation commenced October 2014. No website, not open to the public. Pernod Ricard's answer to Ailsa Bay/Roseisle. Officially opened by Nicola Sturgeon in June 2015. Some pictures on facebook. For updates see main Dalmunach page.
Dornoch dornochdistillery.com The distillery at Dornoch Castle is up and running producing gin, and they have now started laying down spirit which will become their Single Malt (July 2017).
Dunrobin Castle Permission granted for a Single Estate distillery in the grounds of Dunrobin Castle - hopes to be operational mid-2018. Are now seeking investors. Latest from scotchwhisky.com.
Eden Mill edenmill.com Eden Mill have been brewing on the site in Guardbridge, near St Andrews, since 2012, Distillation for whisky commenced in late 2014, limited edition bottles of spirit are being sold - prior to the lauch of their "maiden single malt" in January 2018. Gin is also produced at the site. Casks can be purchased. Visitor centre.
Falkirk falkirkdistillery.com Under construction, the website's Latest News in a first entry since October 2010, states they are "on the brink of a new dawn of whisky production in Falkirk" (May 2017). The Falkirk Herald has a picture and says it will open later in 2017.
Gartbreck at one time destined to be Islay's 9th distillery, the site has been cleared of some outbuildings but the partnership with Hunter Laing has fallen through with HL moving forward with their own distillery at Ardnahoe. HL owned a vital strip of land at Gartbreck - after initial refusal to sell back to Garbreck, this has now been resolved. Their facebook page is best place for info at present - currently saying "things do not look bad". 9/11/17
Glasgow Distillery glasgowdistillery.com They have started producing Makar Glasgow Gin a handcrafted gin produced in their copper pot still. Have been making whisky since 2015. Not open to the public. Capacity to be 100,000 litres annually. They also have a facebook page.
Glasgow (Douglas Laing) douglaslaing.com Announced in July 2017, Douglas Laing plan to move their HQ to a new facility on Pacific Quay to include a distillery and bottling plant - they hope to start work on the site by then end of 2017. Name to be announced.
Glen Wyvis glenwyvis.com A community funded distillery that seeks to restore the tradition of whisky distilling to the area where the famous Ferintosh distillery once stood. Under construction will open 30/11/17. Seeking further investors to part-own the distillery from 3rd August 2017. Also have a facebook page. 29/11/17
Granton halewood-int.com nothing on the website yet, but the owners of such brands as Pogues Irish Whiskey; Crabbies Ginger WIne; Liverpool Gin and Red Square Vodka have announced plans for a whisky distillery in a disuesd warehouse in Granton Harbour. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years.
Holyrood Park - holyroodparkdistillery,com This project has a website, which has recenty announced that they are seeking investment of £5.5m (June 2017) and have hired a team of experts including a distiller (July 2017). Latest update (Oct 17). Updates also on their twitter account. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years.
Huntly Duncan Taylor have had plans to build a distillery on the site of an old granary in Huntly for some time, and had a website at one stage. Not much since this from WhiskyCast in July 2013. Malt Whisky Yearbook 2017 reported that the site had been cleared (brick by brick, as the intention is to rebuild the old building once equipment has been installed inside). The original proposals can be seen in this document, though obviously the timeline has slipped a lot.
InchDairnie - inchdairniedistillery.com Glenrothes (Fife not Speyside) - distillery built and in production. Website has a clock counting down to the release of their first whisky - in 2029! 12/11/17
Isle of Barra uisgebeathananeilean.co.uk The website's timeline commences in 2005. The first year's casks have already been sold, but production is yet to commence. They have built the wind turbines to produce the power they will need - there is considerable emphasis on this being a very green distillery. The proposals is for a small distillery producing about 25.000 litres of spirit a year, with a Visitor Centre. They don't have a facebook page, but do tweet from time to time.
They have announced the production of a gin, which will initialy be distilled in London, but hope to distill on the island within 18-24 months (Feb 2017)
Isle of Harris harrisdistillery.com Now distilling whisky (and selling gin). The first whisky will be bottled "after 2019". The website proclaims:"Opened in October 2015, we welcome guests to our hearth every day bar the Sabbath to witness and share in our work".
Kingsbarns kingsbarnsdistillery.com Distilling since January 2015, though the Visitor Centre opened in November 2014. The distillery is now owned by independent bottlers Wemyss Malts (and the Wemyss family), the company also makes gin, though not at the distillery. Visitor centre and café. Various tours available - with tastings of Wemyss Malts. They have a facebook page.
Lagg (Arran) arranwhisky.com A second distillery on the Isle of Arran also owned by the existing distillery. They broke ground on the new site in the south of the island on 21/02/17. Further update from May 2017. 3 new warehouses have een built on the Lagg site (for storage from Lochranza), and work has started on the distillery itself. They hope to start distilling and open to the public in early 2019. 22/12/17
Lindores Abbey lindoresabbetdistillery.com "The Spiritual home of Scotch Whisky" is a bold claim to make, but is based on the earliest written record of whisky referring to Lindores Abbey - in 1494. I happened to meet Drew McKenzie Smith in the SMWS Vaults bar acouple of years ago - he was very enthusiastic about the project, though at the same time cautious to get things right to reflect the history of the place. There are also plans to use herbs and fruit to replicate an authentic 15th century spirit before the whisky is ready. Facebook page. Distilling commenced in October 2017. 12/11/17
Loch Eriboll Proposals emerged in 2015 for a dsitillery in the far NW of Scotland, though it would not be the most northerly mainland distillery, as this article neglects the existence of Wolfburn. Further article in October 2016. Not seen any further news about this distillery, but the company appears to be still active.
Lochlea Farm Initial planning permission granted (Dec 2015) to build a distillery and visitor centre at a farm once home to Robert Burns. Further planning permission granted in August 2017. Work has now started on building and instillation of equipment, they hope to e distilling in early 2018. Malcolm Rennie, who oversaw the setting up of Annandale has now moved on to Lochlea to undertake a similar role there. 18/11/17
Lone Wolf (Brewdog) lonewolfspirits.com Originally announced in July 2014 and then in more detail to their 2015 AGM, the Brewdog Blog gave further details of their plans for 2 3,000 litre pot stills, a gin still and a column still - all to be made in Germany! The initial intention is to make whisky, gin and vodka, but they also mention possibly rum and tequila in the future. The company that brought us beers called Tactical Nuclear Penguin (32%) and The End of History (55%) may have relinquished the title of strongest beer (to Snake Venom from Brewmeister in Keith at 68%), but they have a cunning plan to get higher ABV by true distillation. Planning stalled over a dispute with Aberdeenshire council over purchase of land for the distillery, but vodka and gin have already been produced, and an update from the distillery in August 2017, announced the first steps towards whisky distillation. 01/11/17
Lost Loch lostlochdistillery.com/ Started up in August 2017, and so far just producing absinthe, but they have plans to produce a single estate whisky. The website is just a holding page at present, but the Facebook Page has more details on what's happening at this very young distillery. The distillery name references Loch Auchlossan, a shallow loch that was drained 3 times, finally successfully in 1944 so that crops could be planted for the war effort. 1/11/17
Mossburn quite possibly not the final name is the second larger distillery planned for Jedburgh by Mossburn distillers, planned to open in 2020/21. Again it is planned to have both malt and grain stills. See scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk for more. 12/01/18
Ncn'ean ncnean.com Drimnin in Morvern - west of and arguably even less accessible than Ardnamurchan Distillery. Started distilling in March 2017, their new website provides further information on how it was set up, and how you can visit this fledgling distillery. They believe they are Scotland's first organic distillery. 1/11/17
{The previous entry for this distillery may also give some insight into it's early days - see this from Urban Realms from October 2013, and this on facebook, but nothing recent, until a post on 26 June 2015 by Organic Distillery Designers, in response to my query, indicating they were to start work on site in August 2015. This post appears to have been subsequently taken down. The Drmnin Estate site says that plans are well advanced}.
Portavadie on Cowal Peninsula portavadiedistillery.co.uk Plans have at last been put forward for a 60,000 litre whisky and gin distillery. The site of the never occupied Polphail village has been cleared in preparation, and it is hoped that building will start in mid-2018. Pictures of the site in 2009. The former website still displays a message "You are probably seeing this page because the web address you have used is under design at SAMTEQ Limited." 8/12/17
Port of Leith leithdistillery.com Proposals announced in early 2017 for a distillery close to the site of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Planning permission granted in December 2017. Small site (currently occupied by the Steel Shed), so a vertical process is being put forward. Pictures of the propsed building can be sen on their facebook page. Plans are available at Edinburgh City Council planning pages. One of three projects seeking to become the first Edinburgh based distillery for nearly 100 years. They have installed a gin still and are planing to start distilling gin on a different site in Leith - the Tower Street Stillhouse - in January 2018. 22/12/17
Raasay rbdistillers.com/raasay Borrodale House has been converted into a distillery and visitor centre as a companion project for the Borders (Tweeddale) disitllery (above). R&B are creating "a single malt that ... gives a tantalising taster of what's to come ... this special edition , lightly peated whisky will be christened While We Wait" - available until the single Raasay malt is ready. You can join the Slàinte club just to be kept in touch with events, An Roghainn (the Choice) for £599, or for £1,999 the Na Tùsairean (pioneers) club and receive yearly bottles of whisky etc. Distillation commenced in September 2017 and the visitor centre was due to open in October 2017, but the website is still saying "The date of opening is still to be confirmed." Facebook page suggests later in November. 12/11/17
Reivers Mossburn distillers are planning to build 2 distilleries near Jedburgh. Work on the first one, originally named Jedhart, but now Reivers, has commenced and they hope to be operational in June 2108. It is planned to have both malt and grain stills. See scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk for more. 12/01/18
Rosebank rosebankwhisky.co.uk "The distillery will reopen over the next few years, and Ian Macleod Distillers will produce Rosebank Lowland Single Malt Whisky in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers." Website currently just contains a sign up form for further updates, but Facebook page now has further updates, mostly about the casks of Rosebank they have acquired. 12/11/17
Shetland shetlandreelgin.com As mentioned above, Blackwood attempted to establish a distillery in Shetland and looked at a number of sites before settling on the former RAF base at Saxa Vord, on the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland, Unst. After Blackwood, Saxa Vord, which is about as far north as you can go on Unst - and you'd never get permission to build anything on the slightly more northerly protruding Hermaness peninsula - has been turned into a tourist resort with self-catering accommodation and a seasonal hostel and bar/restaurant. they started distilling gin in September 2014. The plan is now to build a whisky distillery alongside the gin still. They also have a facebook page. They have now bottled a blend and a single malt (from elsewhere), which is claimed to be the first single malt bottled in Shetland - it sold out very quickly.
Strathearn strathearndistillery.com Started distilling whisky in September 2013, and have been selling gin and "Uisge Beatha" 28 day to 6 month old spirit matured in 40 litre casks of cherry, chestnut, acacia,apple, pear and mulberry wood. The first bottles of whisky have now been sold, but regular bottlings are still awaited. You can also buy casks, and uniquely invest in a cask which the distillery will buy it back from you in 4 years time for and give you six bottles from it! The number of casks this applies to is limited each year - 2017 is now sold out. Various tours and experiences are available for visitors to the distillery, some combining gin, malt spirit and whisky, or even a five day whisky making school. Strathearn also have a facebook page. For further updates see the main Strathearn page.
Torabhaig torabhaig.com/ Mossburn Distillers have now taken on the project originally proposed by Sir Iain Noble, who founded Pràban na Linne (the Gaelic Whisky company, producers of Poit Dubh and Te Bheag), for a new Skye Distillery close to Pràban na Linne's current base of operations at Eilean Iarmin. This feature on the architect's website provides more details including a video animation of the finished buildings, which commenced production in January 2017. A visitor centre is due to open 'later in 2017'. They now have a rudimentary website. 12/11/17
Toulvaddie toulvaddie.com will be the first Scotch whisky distillery to be founded and run by a woman in over 200 years and will be the first legal distillery in the Fearn and Tarbart peninsula. At the foot of Nigg Hill, on the site of the old World War II Royal Naval Air base HMS Owl, Toulvaddie Distillery will begin to distill single malt whisky in 2017.
Twin River twinriver.co.uk Deeside Brewery in Banchory, announced in August 2017 that they were branching out into whisky, and had laid down some single malt spirirt in July. They intend to move to a larger site in Banchory, and build "a new destination distillery, brewery, visitor centre and taproom in 2018". They have a Facebook page, but the website listed there is inactive. 17/11/17
Wolfburn wolfburn.com Unlike almost every other distillery mentioned here, Wolfburn suddenly appeared as a distillery in production in January 2013, without masses of prior publicity. They are the most northerly whisky distillery in mainland Scotland (though there is a more northerly distillery producing gin in Dunnet Bay, they don't seem intent to branch out into Whisky). Although Wolfburn is named after a long lost (1850-60?) Thurso distillery, unlike Annadale it is not on the same site. Capacity 190,000 litres a year. No visitor facilities, though you may be able to visit by appointment. They have now released their first whiskies. Wolfburn on facebook.