The Scottish Borders’ first whisky distillery since 1837 welcomes visitors for heady mix of drams and heritage
The Hawick distillery, which opened in 2018, is the first in the Borders since 1837 and they are proud of returning a key part of Scotland’s heritage to the area.
Tours are running Monday to Saturday until October at 11am, 1pm and 3pm – click here to book a place.
Kirsten Blackburn, head of marketing at the distillery, said visitors are enthralled to learn as much about the whisky-making process as the history of the large Victorian building that was renovated by the company. “It is an iconic building in the town and we wanted to keep it’s silhouette intact, as it has been here for around 200 years,” she said.
“But at the same time we wanted a new, modern distillery to produce world-class spirit. So, we have built a superb production facility that is now embedded in the fabric of the town.”
Home grown drams
The distillery set up the Borders Growers and Distillers programme with Simpsons Malt to ensure they produce an authentic product. All the barley they use is grown within 35 miles by 12 farms in what Kirsten calls a “seed to spirit” approach. She added: “It is Borders water, Borders barley and Borders people – that’s what it takes to make our spirit.”
Not just whisky
However, the distillery is not just about the water of life – it uses its spirit to produce vodka and gin.
Kirsten said: “Our malted spirit sets our gin and vodka alight, as it is the same one used as a base for our whisky. Whatever your favourite drink is, you now have a chance to enjoy great Scottish Borders product.”
Book a visit
Kirsten says it is really exciting to tell their story to visitors. “We are part of a wave of new distilleries across Scotland – and we love welcoming whisky enthusiasts interested in the return of a distillery to the area, as well as history lovers and people who just enjoy a good day out in the beautiful Scottish Borders.”
To book a tour go to The Borders Distillery website.