NEW £5M WHISKY DISTILLERY TO BE BUILT IN LEITH

It has been announced today, that whisky distilling will return to Leith with the construction of a new £5m distillery in Edinburgh’s port district.

The Port of Leith Distillery, will be the first purpose-built single malt distillery to be constructed in the capital for over a century. Following the confirmation of the site for the new state of the art distillery in Leith, a planning application is underway and will be submitted in the next three months.

The Port of Leith Distillery founders Patrick Fletcher and Ian Stirling

Founded by Patrick Fletcher and Ian Stirling, who grew up together in the capital, the distillery will bring a distinctive, new approach to Scotch whisky production by focusing on fermentation; a key part of the production process that is rarely highlighted to consumers.

The Port of Leith Distillery’s modern approach will be reflected in the design and construction of the building, which is intended to create an exciting new landmark for Leith and includes plans for an adjacent floating restaurant and bar.

Accessibility is a key priority for the company, who intend to open the distillery not only to tourists, but also students and local enthusiasts alike.

Commenting on the news, Ian Stirling, said: “The first step to making whisky is making a beer, and as any beer fan will know, there is a whole world of possibilities in that process. We want to play with those possibilities, ferment something special, and then distil a delicious lowland whisky.”

The company has secured investment to apply for planning consents and building warrant. Significant investment has already been committed for the construction phase, pending the successful outcome of the planning process.

Posted by Steve Rush

LUX ROW DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THAT IT'S A STEP CLOSER TO COMPLETION

Kentucky based Lux Row Distillers, has announced that it’s a step closer to completion with the installation of a 43 foot high, all copper column still.

The still produced by Vendome Brass and Copper Works, has 19 distillation plates and will be able to produce six gallons of new distillate per minute.

Still installation at Lux Row Distillery

In addition to the still, spirit tanks have been installed and the distillery’s 20,000 barrel capacity warehouse is rapidly taking shape. The warehouse will also feature a four-barrel lift on the north side of the building that will make it easier to transport barrels.

Commenting on the news, Donn Lux, Chairman and CEO of Luxco, said: “This is a momentous day for us at Lux Row Distillers. The still is the heartbeat of a distillery and we have carefully chosen the perfect still for Lux Row. We are looking forward to putting this still to good use soon, making some fine bourbon.”

Lux Row Distillery, which will be the new home to Luxco’s Blood Oath, Rebel Yell, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks brands, is expected to begin operations in late 2017 and open to the public in the spring of 2018.

Posted by Steve Rush

JAMESON DISTILLERY BRAND HOME REOPENS AFTER COMPLETION OF €11M REDEVELOPMENT

Irish Distillers, has announced the official reopening of its Jameson Distillery brand home, following the completion of a €11 million redevelopment of the Bow Street site.

The new look ‘Jameson Distillery Bow Street’ which was opened today, by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe, will support the Irish whiskey tourism strategy target of trebling the number of Irish whiskey tourists visiting Ireland annually, to 1.9 million by 2025.

Jameson Distillery Bow Street reopens following completion of €11m redevelopment

As Jameson continues its phenomenal growth story, with 27 years of consecutive growth, the redeveloped Jameson brand home draws on cutting-edge technology to complement the historic surroundings of this iconic distillery and deliver an unforgettable storytelling experience.

Three fully-guided tours are offered: ‘The Bow St. Experience’ tasting tour focuses on the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage and on-going innovations while ‘The Whiskey Makers’ and ‘The Whiskey Shakers’ experiences provide more in-depth whiskey and cocktail masterclasses, both including the opportunity to sample whiskey straight from a cask in the distillery’s new live maturation house.

Commenting on the reopening, Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers said: “As the home of Jameson, Smithfield has an incredibly important place in our history. We’ve grown up on Bow Street and welcomed over 4 million whiskey lovers through our doors since the opening of the Old Jameson Distillery brand home in 1997. With this latest investment, we place storytelling at the core of the visitor experience, drawing on state of the art technology to bring the 230-year history of Bow Street to life, with a variety of tour options to cater for everyone – from those who may be discovering Jameson Irish whiskey for the very first time, to long-standing Jameson enthusiasts who are seeking to further their understanding of this much-loved spirit. The success of Irish whiskey is a success story for Ireland and we look forward to welcoming whiskey-lovers from across the globe and sharing our story with them.”

Construction work on the redevelopment began in September and was led by BRC Imagination Arts, Dublin based firm TOTP Architects and Flynn Management & Contractors, with approximately 100 people employed as part of the project.

Posted by Steve Rush