BrewDog to close Aberdeenshire distillery as brand exits spirits market
The Scots brewing giant will close its distilling side of the business after 10 years.
BrewDog has announced today that it will close its distillery in Aberdeenshire and cease producing its branded spirits.
The news comes just months after managing director of distilling, Steven Kersely, left the business, which followed on from the departure of BrewDog co-founder and BrewDog distilling CEO Martin Dickie in August 2025.
His decision to leave the business came just a month after it was announced that BrewDog would be closing ten bars, including their flagship venue in Aberdeen - the site of their first bar. It is unknown if this decision will lead to job losses.
Brands affected by this distillery closure include Lonewolf Gin, Casa Rayos Tequila, Abstrakt Vodka, Duo Rum and Ron Bodega rum.
Ready to drink cocktail cans under the brand Wonderland will continue to be made by a third party.
A memo sent to staff about the distillery closure stated: “We wanted to share an important update regarding our distilling business.
“After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to cease production of our distilling brands, with the exception of Wonderland cocktails, which will continue. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the distillery team has built and the brands we’ve created – however, the spirits market remains highly competitive and we need to simplify the business and focus our energy where we can truly win.
“That means doubling down on our beer range and Wonderland cocktails, where we see significant growth potential.
“Over the coming months, we’ll work through a responsible wind-down of the distillery, including managing existing stock and commitments.
“For any Equity for Punks who hold whisky-related perks, or any Whisky Cask investors: we will be contacting you directly with details on next steps. Importantly, we want to reassure you that we will fulfil all existing obligations in full.
“Thank you to everyone who has bought, shared, and championed our spirits over the years – we’re incredibly grateful for your support.”
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: “The announcement of the closure of BrewDog’s distilling business is deeply concerning. The staff at BrewDog whose jobs are now risk will understandably be very worried by this.
“This decision highlights the growing issues facing the drinks industry and hospitality sector, with challenging market conditions causing financial difficulties. Residents in and around Ellon rely on employment from BrewDog, and an important local business making cutbacks like this is very unsettling for the area.
“I will now be writing to BrewDog asking what implications this closure will have on jobs, and if this decision will affect any other parts of its business.”
Since setting up the distilling business ten years ago, there have been a number of rebrands and spirit launches including Five Hundred Cuts rum, a hard seltzer range, shochu and Seven Day Vodka.
There were plans to lay down thousands of whisky casks - and a fleeting moment when potential whisky branding was widely mocked - and talk of building a craft US distillery.
This latest chapter in the BrewDog story comes amid reports of the business losing almost £100million in 2023 and 2024 and controversy around former cofounder James Watt who is rumoured to be planning to buy back control of the business.
Mr Watt stepped down as CEO in 2024 after several reports and a BBC investigation into inappropriate behavior.
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