Kingsbarns distillery

Introduction to Kingsbarns

A distillery with passion for craft

Kingsbarns is a Scottish distillery nestled in the picturesque East Neuk of Fife, just a stone’s throw from the legendary St Andrews home of golf. This lowland gem combines traditional Scottish whisky craftsmanship with innovative approaches to create spirits that truly reflect their coastal terroir.

Located in a converted 18th-century farm steading, the distillery benefits from the rich agricultural heritage of Fife and the cooling influence of the nearby North Sea, which plays a pivotal role in developing their elegant, fruity spirit character.

Why we have a soft spot for Kingsbarns

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that maintain a deep connection to their surroundings, and Kingsbarns exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. Their commitment to using locally grown barley and traditional copper pot stills results in a whisky that is authentically Fife in every drop.

What particularly sets Kingsbarns apart is their light, gentle distillation approach which produces a clean, fruity spirit that beautifully captures the essence of the lowland style while bringing a contemporary freshness to the category.

The History Behind Kingsbarns

Origin and Development

Kingsbarns Distillery was born from a dream of Douglas Clement, a local golf caddie who recognized the absence of a distillery in the “Home of Golf” despite the area’s rich history and perfect conditions for whisky production. His vision began to take shape in 2009, but it was the Wemyss family, with their established credentials in the whisky industry, who helped bring this vision to fruition in 2014.

The distillery found its home in the historic East Neuk doocot (dovecote) and farm steading dating back to the 1800s. After extensive renovation, the first spirit flowed from the stills in January 2015, marking the return of whisky production to this part of Fife after many decades.

The People Behind

Today, Kingsbarns is operated under the guidance of the Wemyss family, who bring generations of whisky expertise to the operation. The distillery team is led by Peter Holroyd, whose meticulous approach to distillation ensures that every batch maintains the distinctive Kingsbarns character.

The local farmers who grow the barley, the skilled distillers who craft the spirit, and the warehouse team who nurture the casks all contribute to the authentic sense of place that defines Kingsbarns whisky.

Craftsmanship and Production

From Raw Materials to Finished Product

Production at Kingsbarns begins with barley grown in the fertile fields of Fife, primarily the Concerto and Laureate varieties. Following malting, the grain undergoes a long, careful fermentation process lasting up to 85 hours – considerably longer than industry standard – to develop complex, fruity esters.

Distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills designed with ascending lyne arms to promote reflux and create a light, elegant spirit. The slow, gentle distillation process allows maximum copper contact, removing heavier elements and resulting in a clean, fruit-forward new make.

Maturation and Storage

Kingsbarns matures its whisky primarily in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and high-quality sherry casks, which are stored in their on-site dunnage warehouse. The coastal climate of Fife creates ideal conditions for maturation, with the sea air influencing the development of the spirit.

The distillery’s patient approach to maturation allows the whisky to develop naturally, with the first flagship release, ‘Dream to Dram,’ launched in 2019 after maturing for over three years. This commitment to quality over speed is evident in the balance and depth of their expressions.

Selected Products from Kingsbarns

Dream to Dram – An Introduction to the House Style

This flagship release encapsulates the Kingsbarns essence: a light, fruity lowland malt with remarkable depth. Notes of banana, pineapple and summer berries mingle with vanilla custard and caramel, concluding with a hint of ginger and a gentle oaky spice on the finish.

At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, Dream to Dram offers the perfect introduction to the distillery’s character – approachable yet complex enough to satisfy experienced whisky enthusiasts.

Balcomie – A Connoisseur’s Experience

Named after the famous Balcomie Links golf course nearby, this expression represents a more mature offering from Kingsbarns. Matured in ex-Oloroso sherry butts, it delivers rich notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and warming spices, complemented by the distillery’s signature fruitiness.

With a deeper, more complex profile and a satisfying, lengthy finish, Balcomie appeals to those looking to explore the more indulgent side of the Kingsbarns range.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Kingsbarns offers an immersive visitor experience in their beautifully restored farm buildings. The tour takes you through every stage of the whisky-making process, from the locally grown barley to the gleaming copper stills and atmospheric warehouse.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions from both Kingsbarns and parent company Wemyss Malts, providing a comprehensive understanding of their approach to whisky creation. The Visitor Centre also features a well-stocked shop and a comfortable café serving local produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingsbarns?

Kingsbarns is a Scottish lowland single malt whisky distillery focused on creating elegant, fruit-forward whiskies that express the distinctive terroir of Fife. Their approach combines traditional Scottish distilling methods with a commitment to local ingredients and patient maturation to create whiskies with a genuine sense of place.

Where is Kingsbarns located?

The distillery is located in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland, just a few miles from St Andrews and the famous golf courses of the region. The coastal location influences both the microclimate for maturation and the character of their whisky.

What characterizes Kingsbarns whisky?

Kingsbarns is known for producing light, elegant lowland single malts with pronounced fruitiness, vanilla sweetness, and a clean, gentle character. Their extended fermentation times, slow distillation, and quality cask selection all contribute to creating whiskies with remarkable depth despite their inherent lightness.

Where can I buy whisky from Kingsbarns?

You can find selected bottles from Kingsbarns at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you can experience the best this innovative lowland distillery has to offer.