Kingsbarns Distillery have launched a seven figure investment programme aimed towards increasing production capacity and cutting energy use.
The first step in the multi-million pound plan was adding a new 20,000 litre washback to the distillery. This will increase their output by approximately 40%. At over 5 meters tall, the washback is so large that an entire wall had to be removed to install it.
Work has also begun on a new warehouse facility in Glenrothes. This will offer the distillery a large scale storage options for casks of their spirit - a necessary development to both help meet current demand and increase stocks for the future. The new warehouse is set to be completed by the end of the summer.
Speaking on the expansion, founder of Kingsbarns’ parent company Wemyss Family Spirits William Wemyss said: “We’ve developed a real foothold in the market for Lowland whiskies and now need to substantially increase our stocks of maturing spirit to meet the thirst for this delicate, fruit-forward malt.”
He added “as the distillery approaches its 10th anniversary, this expansion will allow us to ramp up production while gaining better control over specialised maturation and bottling when we start releasing 10 and 12 year-old aged expressions over the coming years.”
New technology has been introduced that will also improve the distillery’s energy use. A wash charging tank and heat exchanger will capture heat during distillation that can then be reused during other parts of the production process.
Earlier this year Wemyss announced their plans to reach net zero carbon emissions. The spirits group are phasing out cartons and presentation boxes across their brands and have switched to electric vehicles where possible.
Additionally, their distilleries - including Kingsbarns - already utilise hydro electric technology and source most of their ingredients from local suppliers.
Distillery manager Peter Holroyd stressed that the influx of new equipment won’t sacrifice the quality of the Kingsbarns whisky. The technology will be carefully implemented to increase their output but "not alter the fruity, elegant house style our team has diligently created," he said.
