Edinburgh Gin plans new multi-million-pound distillery

Ian Macleod Distillers is planning to build a new multi-million-pound distillery for Edinburgh Gin, which would increase the brand’s production capacity by more than 200%.

If plans are approved, Edinburgh Gin’s new distillery would increase its production capacity by more than 200%

The Scottish group has acquired a “large-scale premises” on East Market Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, which it plans to renovate and transform into a 1,357-square-metre distillery and visitor centre.

Edinburgh Gin currently operates two other distilleries: one in the city’s west end and a second that opened in Edinburgh’s Leith district in 2016.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Edinburgh Gin,” said Neil Mowat, UK marketing director at Ian Macleod Distillers. “As the number one super-premium gin brand in the UK [CGA], Edinburgh Gin is in high demand and this investment is our commitment to continued innovation and growth.

“Working with local businesses including Staran Architects and Contagious, we are confident this will be a stunning distillery that offers a gin experience quite unlike any other.”

The new three-storey site will offer a “sensory immersion into flavour, botanicals and distilling”, and will give guests the chance the make their own gin in the Edinburgh Gin Experience.

The first stage of the plans, which are subject to local-authority approval, will include the installation of a glass-fronted entrance that will allow the stills to be viewed from street level, a rooftop terrace showcasing Edinburgh Gin’s botanicals and private gin tasting rooms.

Edinburgh Gin was founded in 2010 by Spencerfield Spirit Company, which was acquired by Scotch whisky maker Ian Macleod Distillers in 2016. The brand launched its first national advertising campaign – called Do Your Gin Thing – in June this year.