Badenoch business announces plans for major new distillery
Plans for a major new distillery have been announced by Badenoch based Speyside Distillers.
The company, which operates the Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, has revealed its intention to build a state-of-the-art distillery as part of its ambitious plans for expansion.
The firm – which is best known for its award-winning SPEY single malts – has also recently taken on two new members of distilling staff to assist with increased production.
Managing director Patricia Dillon said: “Last year was challenging for us, as it was for most businesses dealing with Covid-19. With our industry also facing the added problem of US tariffs, we have had to change our strategy to find new and innovative ways to drive our business forward.
“In 2019 we committed to increasing our distillate to meet rising demand, and this year we are producing five times our normal rates.
“Our plans for a new distillery will ensure that we can continue to distil the quantities of whisky required, while also allowing us room for further expansion.
“Although our full plans – including location and design – are currently under wraps, we’re looking forward to sharing more as they unfold over the coming months and years.”
Chief executive John Harvey McDonough is confident that this is the perfect next step for the SPEY brand and his Harvey family legacy.
He said: “Building a new distillery is obviously a major commitment, and we are incredibly excited about the opportunities it shall bring for our single malt whisky brands.
“In recent months we have brought in two new team members – Martin MacLeod and Raymond MacKay – to assist long-serving employee Andrew Scorgie and distillery manager Allan Findlay, which will allow us to maintain the levels of production required to match demand.
“It’s important to us that we continue to embrace experience and history within the whisky industry, while also continuing to innovate and nurture new talent to ensure its bright future.”
Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie.
Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin.
Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, at the Aviemore Retail Park.