The Hebridean Whisky Trail is pleased to announce Benbecula Distillery as our newest member. Easily identified on the island with its unique glass lighthouse architecture, this beautifully renovated building was once a crab processing plant. Repurposing the plant is just one of many ways the owners Angus A. and Angus E. MacMillan are focusing on sustainability. The whisky and gin distillery will also employ a dozen or more locals, providing new opportunities for locals to remain on the island.
This summer saw the installation of their whisky making equipment, placing a beautiful illuminated copper still in the glass lighthouse. The architectural design is intended to reflect the nautical heritage of the island, something they intend to capture in their spirits as well. Under the guidance of master distiller Brendan McCarron, Benbecula began distilling whisky this summer. Reviving a 130 year old recipe, the malt is kilned over fires laid with peat and foraged heather, a rare malting technique completely unique in Scotland todayThe resulting spirit will be classically maritime in style; smoky on the nose, with salty and sweetly peated notes.
We look forward to seeing more from Benbecula when their visitor centre opens later this year.