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The UK’s
first vertical distillery, The Port of
Leith distillery in Edinburgh,
officially started production this week.
The Port of Leith distillery in
Edinburgh, the UK's inaugural vertical
distillery, has officially started
production, marking a significant
milestone for the more than £12m,
decade-long project that signals the
revival of whisky distillation in Leith.
This week, The Port of Leith distillery
successfully distilled its initial new
make spirit, embarking on a journey of
experimentation in the upcoming months
to craft a distinctive profile for its
future whisky. This innovative approach
places Port of Leith at the forefront of
the evolving Scotch landscape.
Enthusiasts of Scotch are encouraged to
join Port of Leith's Quality Control
Division, where they can partake in the
whisky-making process from new make
spirit to single malt Scotch whisky.
Members will receive an annual sample
from maturing casks and have the
opportunity to actively engage in
progress tastings, witnessing firsthand
the development of the spirit. This
invitation extends a unique chance to be
intimately involved in the creation of
Port of Leith's exceptional whisky.
 Vaibhav Sood, Head of Whisky at The Port
of Leith Distillery said: "Port of Leith
Distillery stands out for its innovative
vertical design, presenting both
challenges and promising opportunities
for our operation. We have been
experimenting with every stage of the
production process - from yeast strains
and fermentation techniques, to the
careful selection of perfect casks to
nurture our spirit - to fine tune our
desired taste profile and create a
whisky as unique as the distillery it’s
from."
Since its opening in October 2023, Port
of Leith has been offering a unique tour
and tasting experience along with a
top-floor mezzanine bar. This space
features unparalleled panoramic
360-degree views overlooking Edinburgh,
complemented by a floor-to-ceiling
whisky bar and a menu of small plates
crafted to highlight Scotland's renowned
ingredients.
Positioned at the forefront of Leith's
broader revitalisation and the emerging
trend of Scotch whisky distilleries,
Port of Leith is set to host an
estimated 25,000 visitors within its
inaugural year. This development stands
as the largest tourist attraction to
grace Leith in decades, marking a
significant milestone in the area's
cultural and economic resurgence.
Ian Stirling, Co-Founder of Port of
Leith Distillery added: "We stepped into
our distillery this week to find the
whole place smelling of mashing and
fermentation. More than any other moment
in the incredible journey of the last 10
years, this was the moment our
improbable dream became a reality.
"We are proud to be part of the new wave
of Scotch whisky producers making the
world’s most remarkable spirit. The
dream that emerged in a back garden in
2013 was to create a whisky both we and
Scotland could be proud of; nothing now
stands in our way."
The distillery is generating up to 50
permanent jobs for the local community
and has the capability to produce one
million bottles of whisky annually.
Port of Leith Distillery tours are
priced at £26 per person and are
available daily from Wednesday to
Sunday. Bookings can be made online at
te Port of Leith website. For those
interested in booking the Port of Leith
Distillery Bar separately, reservations
can also be made online.
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