The founders of Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife have declared its development has been a “once in a lifetime opportunity” as it marks 10th anniversary.
Kingsbarns, based in the picturesque East Neuk of Fife, opened its doors to the public for the first time in November 2014, following a multi-million-pound investment by the Wemyss family. The investment turned the historic ruins of a semi-derelict 19th century farm steading into an award-winning visitor experience offering tours, tastings, a shop, and a café.
The distillery released its inaugural single malt, Dream to Dram, in January 2019 and over the course of its first decade has produced nearly half a million bottles of whis,y while expanding its distribution into Asian, American, and European markets. It now exports to 30 countries around the world and welcomes 20,000 visitors to its brand home each year.
Founder and chairman William Wemyss, who runs Kingsbarns with sister Isabella as part of the Wemyss Family Spirits business, said: “The distillery has gone from strength to strength over the past decade during which time we have created dozens of unique expressions.
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“These have firmly established Kingsbarns as a boutique whisky producer, using first class ingredients on our doorstep including locally sourced water and barley from Fife to create memorable whisky moments.
“Creating a distillery is a once in a lifetime opportunity, the distillery started with my sister, Isabella and I and now supports a 32 strong team across the distillery and visitor centre.
“This milestone is very much cause for celebration, but we are also firmly set on looking ahead and continuing with our ambitions to grow and produce more incredible malts.”
Kingsbarns produces a classic Lowland spirit that is light and fruity in style. Its many different expressions are created by Ms Wemyss, the master blender, who matches the spirit to a selection of quality casks from around the world.
A core range of three distinctive whiskies is complemented by an annual limited release, with range set to expand even further over the coming years.
Distillery manager Peter Holroyd said: “Having been here from the very beginning and seeing our whisky develop and how well each expression has been received is testament to the passion and artisanal approach our team takes.
“The culmination of all these efforts can be seen in our latest Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2024, which is our oldest expression to date and our very best yet."
The 2024 Distillery Reserve has been matured in first fill ex-sherry casks and "demonstrates classic sherry characteristics without overpowering the quality of the spirit".
All Kingsbarns whiskies are natural in colour and non-chill filtered, the firm said.
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