Two brothers are celebrating seeing the first spirit flow at their new micro distillery in the Highlands.
The start of production in a former fire station beside a hotel owned by their family marks a major milestone for Phil and Simon Thompson, after they raised £250,000 to launch the Dornoch business.
Aiming to produce nearly 11,000 gallons of alcohol annually, they are now working to establish home and international markets for their gin, vodka and rum as the distillery’s whisky matures.
The brothers raised £200,000 from a crowd funding campaign launched in 2015 and also received £34,000 funding from development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to set Dornoch Distillery up.
With it, they have installed equipment including a mash tun, copper still and washbacks in the 134-year-old buidling in the grounds of Dornoch Castle Hotel, where their father Colin is managing director. The brothers also run the hotel’s acclaimed whisky bar.
The distillery’s first products are being sold under The Thompson Brothers’ Highland Gin Brand, with 10 different styles available.
Phil Thompson, the distillery’s sales director, said: “Realising our ambition of opening up our own distillery has been incredible.
“It’s been hard work and we are grateful to many people who have encouraged us along the way, investing their time and money to get us to this stage.”
Simon Thompson, who oversees product distilling, flavouring and technical aspects at the distillery, added: “Our passion for championing old style whisky while developing new flavours and experiences to cater for modern tastes has made it all worthwhile.
“The next step is to establish ready markets at home and internationally for our gin, vodka and rum. Sales of these will enable us to successfully trade until our whisky can be bottled after a minimum of three years.”
HIE account manager Laura Gunn said the new distillery added to the “rich variety and high quality” of food and drink being produced in the Highlands and Islands.
She added: “Research indicates the premium white spirit market is growing and there is increased consumer interest in craft distilleries that use local ingredients and promote product provenance.”
HIE also assisted the business with a grant towards an international sales and marketing mission to Japan. Guidance on the distillery’s production layout, systems and processes was provided through the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service.
