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Introduction to The Borders Distillery
A distillery with passion for craftsmanship
The Borders Distillery is a Scottish whisky distillery that beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern finesse. Located in Hawick, it holds the distinction of being the first Scotch whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders region since 1837. The distillery has quickly established a reputation for delivering spirits of exceptional quality – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique and terroir.
Why we have a soft spot for The Borders Distillery
At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something unique – both in flavor and identity. The Borders Distillery stands out for its commitment to local heritage, sustainable production methods, and its revival of whisky-making in a region with deep historical ties to Scotch production. Their approach to creating spirits that truly reflect the character of the Scottish Borders region is something we find particularly compelling.
The story behind The Borders Distillery
Origin and development
The Borders Distillery was founded in 2018 in the historic town of Hawick, after several years of planning and construction. It all began with a vision to create exceptional single malt whisky with local roots and uncompromising quality. The founding team, with decades of industry experience, chose to establish their distillery in a region that once had a thriving whisky heritage but had been without a working distillery for nearly 180 years. Through careful planning and significant investment, the distillery has grown to become an important player in Scotland’s whisky landscape.
The people behind
The distillery was founded by four industry veterans – Tim Carton, John Fordyce, Tony Roberts, and George Tait – collectively known as The Three Stills Company. Each brings extensive experience from their careers at major Scotch whisky companies. Their shared passion for quality spirits and deep respect for tradition, combined with a willingness to innovate, is reflected in every aspect of the distillery’s operations. Their vision was to create not just exceptional whisky, but to revive a proud tradition in the Scottish Borders.
The craft and production
From raw material to finished product
Production at The Borders Distillery starts with carefully selected Scottish barley, much of it grown in the fertile fields of the Borders region itself. The distillation process uses traditional copper pot stills designed specifically for the distillery, giving the spirit its characteristic profile. What makes their approach special is their attention to every detail of the production process, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation.
The distillery takes pride in controlling the full production process in-house, including the malting of barley, which is unusual for a new distillery and demonstrates their commitment to quality and provenance.
Maturation and aging
The aging takes place in carefully selected oak casks, primarily ex-bourbon barrels and various wine casks, where the spirit is given time to develop depth, complexity, and balance. The unique climate of the Borders region, with its distinct seasonal variations, contributes to the character of the maturing whisky. While waiting for their single malt to mature, the distillery has released other spirits including their William Kerr’s Borders Gin, named after a local botanist who traveled the world collecting plant specimens.
Selected products from The Borders Distillery
Lower East Side Blended Malt – An introduction to the house style
While waiting for their own single malt to mature, The Borders Distillery has created this blended malt that offers a glimpse into their flavor philosophy. With notes of honey, orchard fruits, and subtle spice, along with a pleasing mouthfeel, it serves as a favorite among both new enthusiasts and experienced connoisseurs alike. This expression demonstrates their blending expertise while their own whisky continues to develop in cask.
William Kerr’s Borders Gin – A spirited alternative
This premium gin is crafted using the distillery’s own malt spirit as its base, offering a distinctive character that sets it apart from other gins. Expect vibrant botanical notes, a silky texture, and a complex finish – a bottle for those who appreciate thoughtfully crafted spirits beyond whisky. Named after the famous Scottish botanist from the Borders region, this gin represents the distillery’s connection to local heritage.
Visit the distillery
Tours and tastings
The Borders Distillery offers guided tours that bring you up close to the process – from grain to glass. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian-era building that once served as an electrical works, the distillery provides a fascinating glimpse into both historical industrial architecture and modern whisky production. The tasting experience typically includes 3-5 expressions, giving you an excellent introduction to their portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Borders Distillery?
The Borders Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery that produces spirits with a focus on quality, local heritage, and sustainable production. Their approach combines time-honored traditions with modern techniques to create unique flavor experiences, all while reviving whisky production in the historic Borders region of Scotland.
Where is The Borders Distillery located?
The distillery is located in Hawick, a historic town in the Scottish Borders region. This location plays a significant role in both their choice of raw materials and the story their bottles tell, with the surrounding landscape and climate contributing to the character of their spirits.
What characterizes The Borders Distillery?
The Borders Distillery is particularly known for its commitment to traditional production methods, including in-house malting, their beautiful copper pot stills, and their connection to local heritage. Each bottling bears the hallmark of careful handling and a clear identity rooted in the Scottish Borders region. Their patience in waiting for their whisky to properly mature demonstrates their dedication to quality over expediency.
Where can I buy spirits from The Borders Distillery?
You can find selected bottles from The Borders Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – including their gin and blended malts now, with single malt releases to come – ensuring you have access to something special from this historic revival of Border region whisky-making.