REB names partners for maturation facility
Edinburgh-based Royal Elizabeth Bond (REB) has appointed Summerhall Distillery and Proof 8 as its operating partners for a new bonded Scotch whisky warehouse.
The new 50-acre development at the outskirts of Edinburgh, located in a former World War II naval storage depot in Dalmeny, known as Royal Elizabeth Yard, received HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) Warehouse Keepers approval earlier this month.
The REB-owned facility will include a combination of newly constructed buildings and refurbished historic warehouses.
As the warehouse begins to welcome clients and operations commence, the business has appointed Edinburgh’s Summerhall Distillery as its facilities management partner.
In addition, Proof 8 will provide complete transparency and traceability for REB’s inventory and warehouse operations through a specialised, blockchain-based platform designed for the spirits industry.
Jonathan Sutton of REB commented: “We are delighted this strategically located facility is now onboarding spirit. REB now begins its transformation into the industry’s largest independently-owned cask maturation facility. In turn, and aligned with the needs of the Scotch whisky industry more generally, REB has outstanding storage capacity specifically tailored to meet the inherent long-term industry demands of Scotland’s most famous export.
“In Summerhall Distillery and Proof 8, we have two diligent and hands-on technical partners to exceed customers’ expectations in the management of their maturing spirit. Collectively, we will be working to ensure REB becomes a trusted, long-term storage partner for Scotland’s distillers, independent blenders and bottlers and brokers.”
Operating partners
Summerhall Distillery, which produces brands such as Pickering’s Gin and The Broody Hen Scotch Whisky, is said to bring years of experience and expertise to its role at the facility.
Occupying two renovated warehouses on-site – one for cask storage and the other for bottling – the distillery has assembled a team of four to manage cask handling and maturation. Additionally, it will provide extra services to customers through its Edinburgh Bottlers business.
Proof 8’s technology, on the other hand, ensures full compliance with HMRC regulations, secures cask ownership using digital deeds, and offers real-time access to all production and maturation data for every cask stored across the entire REB estate.
Stuart Maxwell, chief operating officer at Proof 8, said: “By choosing Proof 8, Royal Elizabeth Bond is making a clear statement that their warehouses are built for the future, and will lead the industry in transparency, efficiency and operational excellence.
“The level of traceability Proof 8 brings is proving transformative. It reduces admin, strengthens compliance and gives both warehouse keepers and cask owners total confidence in what’s held in their facility. Royal Elizabeth Bond is aligning with where the industry is headed, towards smarter, more secure systems that prioritise traceability and efficiency.”
Proof 8’s initiative seeks to address the concerns of cask fraud and the regulatory demands stemming from the reform of the Warehousekeepers and Owners of Warehoused Goods Regulations.
The Royal Elizabeth Bond project is strategically situated in the heart of Scotland’s whisky industry. It aims to attract investment, foster innovation, promote sustainability, provide value for money, and ensure high-quality cask management.
Marcus Pickering, co-founder of Summerhall Distillery, explained: “This historic naval site has played an important role in our business for several years, and we’re incredibly proud to be taking on this new partnership with Royal Elizabeth Bond.
“The development represents a significant investment in Scotland’s whisky infrastructure, and our experienced team will be on site every day, managing each cask with the same care and precision we give our own. Together, we’re helping to build a world-class maturation facility that sets a new benchmark for quality and service in the Scotch whisky industry.”
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