Linlithgow Distillery up for sale

Scottish gin producer Linlithgow Distillery is being sold following the founders’ decision to step away from the business.

Founded by couple Alyson and Ross Jamieson in 2017, Linlithgow Distillery produces a range of acclaimed gins and vodkas at its production site in West Lothian, Scotland.

Speaking to The Spirits Business, Alyson confirmed that while issues such as the energy crisis, duty hikes, and the incoming deposit return scheme were a concern, the couple’s decision to withdraw from the business was a personal one: “The current climate in this industry is very challenging but not overwhelming, and can all be surmounted by someone with the energy to drive it forward.

“We are getting to that stage where energy is waning, although the passion is still there. Health is part of the decision, too, and we have been discussing this for the past six months – it’s just now is the right time to start seeking a new brand owner.”

Alyson explained that the purchase of the distillery would include all brand assets, including the company’s two stills: a 100-litre still called Gleann Iucha, which translates to mean ‘Linlithgow’ in Gaelic; and a 500-litre still called Scotty after Star Trek character Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott, who will be born in Linlithgow in the year 2222.

Furthermore, the buyer will acquire “all finished goods, recipes, intellectual property, trademarks, and empty bottles”.

The brand’s portfolio includes its range of premium LinGin gins, which is composed of a classic London Dry; multiple limited edition cask-aged expressions; a pink fruit-based gin; a mulled gin; and a navy strength bottling.

In addition, the distillery released four brightly coloured bottles during the Covid-19 lockdowns to “bring a bit of colour back into your life”, each of which contains four individual primary flavours designed to be enjoyed individually or mixed and matched to create 15 different flavour combinations.

Furthermore, the brand has developed a collection of flavoured gins called Four Marys, inspired by the four ladies-in-waiting to Mary Queen of Scots, who was born at Linlithgow Palace, as well as one quadruple-distilled Four Marys vodka.

Linlithgow Distillery received a Growth Assistance Grant from Business Gateway West Lothian in 2019, which allowed it to move across the road to a new site that was double the original size. As a result, the distillery was able to increase production, and begin offering tasting sessions and tours for visitors.

Alyson confirmed the company was “already in very early discussions with someone” about an acquisition, “but we are open to speaking to anyone with a genuine interest in taking the brand forward. The best way to contact is by email to contactus@linlithgowdistillery.co.uk.

“It’s a great wee business with a quality brand, so all we want is to see it continue,” she added.