FIRST VERTICAL DISTILLERY OPENS

Nestled in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh, the Port of Leith Distillery stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring passion for whisky. What began as a visionary concept over a decade ago has now materialized into the UK’s first vertical distillery—a nine-story architectural masterpiece, poised to become a prominent tourist attraction.

A Distinctive Vision Takes Shape

Intriguingly, the idea for the Port of Leith Distillery was conceived during a casual whisky tasting at Milroy’s whisky bar in London by Ian Stirling and Paddy Fletcher. However, the journey from concept to reality was anything but ordinary. Their quest led them to secure a modest plot of land near Ocean Terminal, adjacent to a formidable harbor wall. This unique challenge ultimately birthed the UK’s inaugural vertical distillery.

Overcoming Formidable Challenges

To bring their vision to life, Muckle Brig, their company, encountered a series of formidable obstacles. These included acquiring more than 3,300 individual steel components and navigating the turbulence of pandemic-induced material shortages. Fire safety remained paramount, given the unorthodox layout that encompassed both production facilities and visitor spaces. Notwithstanding these hurdles, the vertical design offered substantial energy savings and an efficient air handling system.

An Unparalleled Whisky Experience

The distillery promises a very different whisky experience, with a top-floor bar that will offer breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a culinary menu that celebrates local ingredients and of course, an extensive whisky bar!

A Promising Future for Leith

Beyond its architectural marvel, the distillery holds the promise of bolstering the local economy. It is set to create up to 50 long-term jobs and produce an impressive one million bottles of whisky annually. With projections of 25,000 visitors in its inaugural year, escalating to an estimated 160,000 by 2025, it is poised to revitalise Leith’s tourism landscape.