Plans for new distillery in the heart of Campbeltown have
been submitted by Bowman Stewart Architects of Lochgilphead.
The new Dál Riata Distillery, will have the capacity to
produce 850,000 litres of spirit per annum and will utilise locally grown
barley from Dunadd Hillfort.
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| The planned Dál Riata Distillery |
Previously known as the capital of the whisky world, in the mid-1800s Campbeltown boasted over 25 distilleries, until a dramatic decline during the 1920s - by 1929 the town had only two operating distilleries.
With the birth of Dál Riata Distillery, the legendary
whisky region of Campbeltown is set to experience a distilling renaissance not
seen for over a century. The name Dál Riata is derived from the ancient
kingdom that existed on the Western coast of Scotland and Northeast Ireland between
the 6th & 9th Centuries.
The distillery will aim to enhance the area and work within
the Campbeltown Conservation Area scheme. The Still House will incorporate
curtain-wall glazing with a viewing balcony providing sweeping views of the
Loch and bay. In addition to the distillery, a retail and visitor’s centre will
be situated on Longrow, adjacent to the distillery.
To mark the launch of the Dál Riata Distillery, three
bottlings have been released under the South Star Spirits label: Highland,
Speyside and Islay. Each release is bottled at 48% ABV and is comprised of a
vatting of 10 Hogsheads. RRP’s (tbc).
Commenting on the news, Iain Croucher, Co-Director, said: “Dál
Riata Distillery will be much more than just a single malt whisky production
facility; it will be friends and family, it will be business, it will be social
and believe us, it will be fun. A distillery is nothing without its supporters.
To be able to connect with people around a table discussing our production
methods, wood policy or our maturation strategy, or simply to catch up with old
friends, I can only imagine will be the most magical whisky experience. The
addition of this distillery to the Campbeltown region will reinforce the town’s
place in the story of Scotch and Dál Riata will be a new chapter to an already
incredible history.”
Earlier this week, R&B Distillers announced plans to
open a distillery in Campbeltown; The Machrihanish Distillery - the first new
farm to bottle distillery in the region for over 180 years.
Posted by Steve Rush