Bruichladdich doubles production under Remy plans

Bruichladdich has confirmed plans to double its Scotch whisky production to meet distribution targets set by new owner Rémy Cointreau.

Bruichladdich insists that doubling production output won’t impact the whisky’s quality

The Islay distillery will increase its annual output from 750,000 litres to 1.5 million litres by moving to a 24-hour production for five days a week.

The distillery, which is currently building a third warehouse, has plans for a fourth in the pipeline.

“There’s no doubt we have moved into a rather different universe with the takeover by Rémy,” a spokesman from the distillery said. “It has a far, far larger distribution network which they’re asking us to supply.”

He added that the increase in output, which will be phased in gradually, would not impact Bruichladdich’s production processes. “We’re absolutely determined to maintain our traditional methods of production,” he insisted. “We can move to this 1.5m without making any changes at the plant.”

Rémy Cointreau acquired the Islay distillery in July 2012 for £58m. At the time critics questioned whether Bruichladdich would manage to retain its independent reputation under a major drinks group.