This past weekend saw Outlander’s Sam Heughan announce that he has purchased and rebranded a distillery based in Newton Stewart.
Speaking at an event on 27th September, Heughan revealed that he has taken over Crafty Distillery and renamed it Galloway Distillery.
While the actor isn’t new to the world of whisky, having been the face for The Sassenach blend since it was launched in 2020, this is Heughan’s first foray into distilling. He already had ties to the distillery, with Crafty having produced the spirit for The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin.
There’s also a personal element for Heughan. He was born and raised in Balmaclellan in Dumfries and Galloway - a short drive away from where his new distillery is situated.
Reflecting on this local connection, Heughan said: “We’ve been working on this project for a number of years. We wanted to create a distillery in Galloway. It’s basically a homecoming for me. I was born and raised here and I feel very, very thankful to come from such an amazing place.”
He continued: “I created the Galloway distillery to champion and celebrate the unique terroir and history of this beautiful corner of Scotland. A homecoming and new chapter, in the pursuit of fine spirit.”
Before this high-profile takeover, the distillery produced a range of spirits including the award-winning Hills and Harbour Gin, 24seven vodka, and another vodka for The Sassenach range. Casks have also been laid down, designed to be released as single malt whisky.
Those at the distillery recognise Heughan’s commitment both the history and culture of the local and the distillery’s ambition of producing great spirit. This is no cynical cash-grab for the actor, attaching his name to the project for a quick buck.
Master distiller and commercial manager Craig Rankin spoke Heughan’s involvement: “Sam grew up here and Galloway is close to his heart. It’s an understatement to say that he’s invested in Scotland, Galloway and creating spirits. He feels it deeply.”
At the launch event, Heughan filled a PX cask with new make spirit, symbolically ushering in a new era at the site.
While the some of single malt spirit previously produced at the distillery has recently reached three years old - the minimum age at which it can be bottled -, Heughan has said the distillery are likely to produce a new blend for The Sassenach range before Turing their attention to single malt whisky.
Last year, Bevvy were lucky enough to meet Sam to discuss all things Sassenach alongside whisky industry veteran Charlie Maclean. Check out the video below!
