New whisky distillery plans to prioritise sustainability
The developers of a planned third new single malt whisky distillery for Campbeltown say they have sustainability at the heart of their ethos.
Brave New Spirits is behind the proposal to build Witchburn Distillery at Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) Business Park, plans for which were officially submitted to Argyll and Bute Council on Wednesday May 24.
It says it plans to operate the net zero carbon production distillery, producing two million litres of alcohol per year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure it keeps reusing as much heat and energy as possible.
It will be powered by 100 per cent green renewable energy sources and the latest in heat and energy recovery systems, which would make Witchburn one of the most environmentally-friendly distilleries in Scotland.
When complete, Witchburn would operate with one mash tun – with a capacity of five tons; 16 washbacks – each with a capacity of 30,000 litres, allowing for a fermentation period of 96 hours or more; two wash stills – each with a capacity of 16,000 litres and two spirit stills – each with a capacity of 7,000 litres.
Witchburn has 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. The distillery will mature its casks in on-site warehousing close to the sea, and in warehouses in the Campbeltown area.
The distillery takes its name from the words witch – originally meaning folk healers, mostly “wise women” using herbs and power of imagination, previously amongst the most respected people in village life – and burn – which comes from the Scots Gaelic for naturally occurring fresh water stream or very small river that flows into a larger river.
Witchburn could create 30 permanent new jobs across production, warehousing and distribution roles.
“MACC are delighted that Brave New Spirits has chosen to develop Witchburn Distillery with us at
MACC Business Park,” MACC development manager Malcolm McMillan told the Courier this week.
“It’s an incredibly exciting proposal and we look forward to working with them to realise their ambitions and maximise the benefits to the local community.”
Helensburgh-based sustainable distilling and engineering experts Organic Architects has designed Witchburn Distillery.
Gareth Roberts, the company’s founder and director, said: “This latest planning application is great news for Campbeltown’s economy. Craft whisky makers can thrive here, benefiting from clean water, local power generation and an idyllic location.”
Proposals for R&B Distillers’ Machrihanish Distillery at Rhoin Farm and South Star Spirits’ Dál Riata Distillery in the heart of Campbeltown are also currently in the pipeline, sparking the suggestion that there is going to be a whisky renaissance in Campbeltown.