The Campbeltown region of Scotland was once a whisky making powerhouse, but in this day and age only a handful of Scotch distilleries remain. A few new ones have been announced in recent times, however, and one of those now set to begin construction is Witchburn.
The upcoming Witchburn distillery, according to those behind it, was approved by local government officials to begin construction at the former RAF Machrihanish airbase in the region. It will be capable of producing 2 million litres of alcohol per year – with the potential and scope for expansion to 4 million in the future, and will be powered by 100% green renewable energy sources.
Operational features of Witchburn will include 1 Mash tun – with a capacity of 5 tons; 16 Washbacks – each with a capacity of 30,000 litres, allowing for a fermentation period of 96 hours or more; 2 Wash Stills – each with a capacity of 16,000 litres and 2 Spirit Stills – each with a capacity of 7,000 litres.
The Campbeltown region of Scotland was once a whisky making powerhouse, but in this day and age only a handful of Scotch distilleries remain. A few new ones have been announced, and one of those now set to begin construction is Witchburn. (image via Brave New Spirits)
Unpeated, lightly peated and heavily peated whisky produced through this equipment will be aged in what’s described as “a carefully planned wood policy, with the majority of its spirit to be filled into barrels from famous American Bourbon producers, Oloroso Sherry casks from various Bodegas, selected Tawny and Ruby Port barriques and organic Bordeaux wine barriques.
“Witchburn will mature its casks in on-site warehousing close to the sea, and in warehouses in the Campbeltown area.”
Witchburn, which is the brainchild of Brave New Spirits founders Adam Hochul and Alexander Springensguth, will have its production headed by founding master distiller, Andrew Nairn, former distillery manager of Glenkinchie, Strathmill and Borders Distillery.
“Our team is excited to be working with the Campbeltown community in the coming months and years to develop Witchburn Distillery,” said Hochul in a prepared statement.
Plans call for production to begin at Witchburn in the latter months of 2024.