Kythe Distillery to revive ‘old-style’ distilling

Construction of Kythe, a new single malt whisky distillery that will prioritise an ‘old style’ of Highland distilling in Perthshire, Scotland, is now under way.

Kythe will be a new distillery located on Hills of Bendochy farm in Perthshire.

The distillery, which is due to start production in late 2024, will make ‘old-style’, traditional, Highland single malt Scotch whisky under the guidance of its directors: distillery manager Jonny McMillan, chairman Aaron Chan, and whisky maker Angus MacRaild.

The distillery plans to operate with an ‘ideological focus on absolute quality’, and will use many of ‘the most historic whiskies ever bottled’ as the benchmark against which the directors will measure the company’s success.

MacRaild commented: “While I have often been critical of contemporary Scotch whisky’s quality and direction, I don’t believe in simply being critical. I have always wanted to make whisky, to put my ideas into practice, put my money where my mouth is, and to create a charismatic and very specifically ‘old-style’ single malt.

“In my view, efficiency is the enemy of character when it comes to Scottish single malts, and with Kythe we can start to test this and be part of a growing movement that is changing the direction of Scottish single malt whisky for the better.”

Kythe will produce an estimated 50,000 litres of whisky per year, equivalent to approximately 250 casks.

The distilling team will work closely with local farmers to source protein-rich, heritage and brewing barley varieties.

The distillery’s one-tonne mash tun will feed clear wort into seven wooden fermenters.

The resultant distillation will take place in a wood-fired wash still, complemented by an electrically heated spirit still, both condensing through worm tubs. These decisions are said to be a return to true direct firing with wood and old-style production, all with the aim of creating a traditional-style Scotch whisky.

This production process, which will utilise sustainably sourced, air-seasoned logs for direct firing, will also reduce Kythe’s carbon emissions by 94% in comparison with a similar sized, kerosene-boiler distillery.

Local investment

The distillery team will also work to support high regenerative standards with its farming partners, and invest in the maintenance and improvement of the local environment and landscape.

McMillan added: “We’re focused on making a spirit which is noble in every respect, not just a grand cru malt whisky. With locally sourced, ethically grown barley and environmentally sustainable production, Kythe has a shot at making something profound, authentic and truly beautiful.”

The project has been conceived, founded and fully-funded by lifelong whisky enthusiasts, who wish to see the styles, flavours and qualities of ‘long-extinct, true’ Highland malt whiskies made again.

Included in this roster of supporters is Ronnie Cox, a whisky industry veteran, who will serve as brand director emeritus.

While Kythe Distillery is fully funded, the company plans to launch limited cask purchasing opportunities for private individuals and selected independent bottlers. Details are available via the distillery’s website.

Last week, Burnt Faith, the first dedicated brandy distillery on the British Isles, officially opened.