New Distilleries
Scotch whisky is going through a golden era. A report released in February 2016 by the Scotch Whisky Association found whisky creates 40,000 jobs and supports the salaries of over £1.4bn for UK workers. This growth means more new distilleries (and abandoned ones) opening all the time, so this week I thought I would give you a run down of some of the ones that have just opened or are opening soon.
The Clydeside Distillery: Located on the site of a disused pumphouse right next to the River Clyde and a stone's throw from the SECC, The Clydeside Distillery was the brain child of Tim Morrison, formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers now owner of the AD Rattray Whisky Company. The vision for the distillery which should open very soon is to create 25 jobs and attract around 65,000 visitors per year. As well as distilling they will also put a big focus on the history of scotch and its relationship to Glasgow and the Clyde as well as an interactive tour, shop and cafe and restaurant.
Port Ellen, Brora, Bladnoch & Rosebank: The whisky business was not also as buoyant as it is today. There have been many tough times over its history. These tough times led to many closing their doors and becoming “silent”. The distilleries I have listed here are four iconic places that suffered during the hard times but are now being brought back to life by new investors. I must admit I’m pretty excited by Rosebank, which is being rejuvenated by Scottish whisky firm Ian Macleod. Not only was the whisky amazing from here, it is also five minutes up the road from my house.
Dornoch Distillery: Phil and Simon Thompson are well known brothers in the whisky world, having built up a reputation as whisky experts while running the bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel. This micro-distillery sits on the grounds of the castle in a old firehouse. It cost around £250,000 to build and will produce around 50,000 litres of alcohol per year, which compared to some of the others is a drop in the ocean. But don't let the fact that this is a smaller distillery make you believe the whisky will not be good, I have no doubt that these brothers will make (when it is ready) some amazing whisky that will go on to win many awards.
Lindores Distillery: This week saw the first spirit run through the new stills in Scotland's most historic whisky location next to the town of Cupar. This site is where Lindores Abbey was located, this is where the first documented mention of scotch whisky production was found in 1494, so you can imagine there is a lot of excitement about the distillery opening. This has been a monumental journey for owners Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith, whose family owned the 12th-century abbey and neighbouring farm for more than 100 years.
Some others to keep an eye out for are Isle of Raasay Distillery, Torabhaig Distillery on Skye and Toulvaddie Distillery by Tain.
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