Ian Macleod Distillers
| Industry | Drink industry |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933 |
| Founder | Leonard Russell |
| Headquarters | Broxburn, Scotland, UK |
| Website | www |
Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. is an independent, family-owned business which produces Scotch whisky and other spirits, based in Broxburn, Scotland. It was founded by Leonard Russell, Snr. in 1933.[1] They own three single malt whisky distilleries: Glengoyne distillery, Tamdhu distillery, and Rosebank distillery and one gin distillery: Edinburgh Gin. They also produce a number of other distilled spirits including Smokehead Islay whisky.
The company is a member of the Scotch Whisky Association.[2]
History
[edit]Ian Macleod traces its roots to the whisky brokerage founded in October 1933 by Leonard Russell, Snr.[3] The Russell Brokers firm acquired Ian MacLeod & Co., Ltd. in March 1963 followed in May 1963 by the purchase of Isle of Skye Blended Whisky.[4] In March 1968 the King Robert II line of spirits was acquired.[5]
In May 1981 Ian Macleod, in conjunction with J & G Grant, opened Broxburn Bottlers, Ltd.[6]
In September 1990, Ian Macleod acquired London Hill Gin, a brand that dates back to 1785. In May 1996 Watson's Rums were brought on board and in September 1998 Hedges & Butler Blended Scotch and Wincarnis Tonic Wines were added to the portfolio.[7][5]
The company officially became Ian MacLeod Distillers with the acquisition of the Glengoyne Distillery in April 2003.[8] Glengoyne along with Langs Blended Whisky were purchased from Highland Distillers.[9] In January 2006 Smokehead Islay Whisky was introduced by the company.[4]
In June 2011, Ian Macleod added another mothballed distillery from Highland Distillers Tamdhu Distillery.[10] The brand was re-launched in May 2013 at the Speyside Whisky Festival.[11] In September 2016 Spencerfield Spirits was acquired, bringing Edinburgh Gin, Pig's Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery Scotch Whiskies into the fold.[12]
In October 2017, Ian MacLeod bought the trademark for Rosebank Distillery from Diageo and the distillery site from Scottish Canals with the intention of reopening the distillery.[13] In July 2023 production restarted at Rosebank Distillery.[14]
On 6 December 2024, Edinburgh Gin opened a new distillery and visitor centre on East Market Street.[15]
Distilleries
[edit]- Edinburgh Gin (founded 2010)[16]
- Glengoyne Distillery (founded 1833)[17]
- Tamdhu Distillery (founded 1896)[10]
- Rosebank Distillery (founded 1840)[18]
Brands
[edit]Core brands
[edit]- Glengoyne Highland single malt Scotch whisky
- Rosebank Lowland single malt Scotch whisky
- Tamdhu Speyside single malt Scotch whisky
- Smokehead Islay single malt Scotch whisky[19]
- King Robert II blended Scotch whisky
- Isle of Skye blended Scotch whisky
- Edinburgh Gin
References
[edit]- ^ "The spirits redolent of a past age Old fashioned is way ahead at Peter Russell". The Herald. 25 November 2002.
- ^ "SWA member directory". Scotch Whisky Association.
- ^ Gabanyi, Stefan (1996). Whisk(e)y. Abbeville Press Publishers. p. 289.
- ^ a b "Ian Macleod Distillers | Scotch Whisky".
- ^ a b "Ian Macleod Distillers".
- ^ "Broxburn Bottlers Limited".
- ^ "Wincarnis".
- ^ "Glengoyne - Scotch malt whisky distillery profile".
- ^ "Lang Brothers | Scotch Whisky".
- ^ a b Jackson, Michael (2015). The Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch. Dorling Kidersley Limitied. p. 333.
- ^ "Top 10 spirit launches in May". 10 June 2013.
- ^ "Ian Macleod Distillers purchases Edinburgh Gin". 13 September 2016.
- ^ "Ian Macleod Distillers announce they are set to revive one of Scotland's most famous 'lost' lowland distilleries". 10 October 2017.
- ^ Collins, Georgie (19 July 2023). "Production restarts at Rosebank Distillery". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
- ^ https://www.insider.co.uk/news/edinburgh-gin-opens-new-city-34261114
- ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-37350910
- ^ Gabanyi, Stefan (1996). Whisk(e)y. Abbeville Press Publishers. p. 131.
- ^ Murray, Jim (2015). Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2016. Whitman Publishing LLC. p. 187.
- ^ Morton, Andy (15 May 2018). "Ian Macleod targets five-fold Smokehead increase | Beverage Industry News | just-drinks". www.just-drinks.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020.