Arbikie Distillery
History of Arbikie Distillery
The story of Arbikie Distillery stretches back much further than its founding in 2013. The Stirling family, now in its fourth generation managing the land, has been farming the Arbikie Highland Estate for over a century. Originally situated on the west coast of Scotland since 1660, the family relocated to the east coast’s Angus region in the 1920s under the leadership of great-uncle Bill Stirling. The estate, now a sprawling 2,100 acres, has been passed down through generations, each adding their own chapter to the Stirling legacy.
Brothers with a Vision
John, Iain, and David Stirling, the current stewards of the Arbikie estate, are the masterminds behind the distillery. Growing up working the land instilled in them a deep respect for its bounty. While their careers initially led them away from farming, a shared vision brought them back.
Inspired by a night out in New York, the brothers conceived the idea of building a distillery that would showcase the very best of their land. Their concept? A true farm-to-bottle experience, utilizing homegrown ingredients and a meticulous production process.
Whisky and Beyond: A Diverse Spirit
Arbikie Distillery isn’t just about whisky, although they do offer a single malt Scotch whisky produced using barley grown on the estate. Their commitment to farm-fresh ingredients extends to a variety of other spirits.
Notably, Arbikie produces Scotland’s first rye whisky in nearly two centuries, the aptly named Highland Rye. They’ve also found success with Kirsty’s Gin, Haar Vodka made from wheat, and the innovative Nàdar Gin, the world’s first pea-based spirit touted for its climate-positive credentials.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Arbikie Distillery prioritizes sustainability throughout its operations. They source a remarkable 90% of their raw materials from the estate, reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, they partnered with EcoSpirits in 2021 to minimize the environmental impact of packaging and distribution.
Arbikie Distillery is a testament to the enduring spirit of family, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. With their commitment to quality and sustainability, they continue to carve a unique path in the world of spirits.
Awards Won by Arbikie Distillery
Newcomer of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards, where they were praised for their field-to-bottle ethos and innovation. They also won a silver medal for their Highland Rye whisky, the first Scottish Rye Whisky in over 100 years.
Craft Producer of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards, an accolade that acknowledges their dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. This recognition came shortly after rebranding their 1794 Highland Rye whisky.
Excellence in Sustainability at the Scottish Whisky Awards in 2020, highlighting their efforts in sustainable distilling practices.
Best UK Varietal Vodka and Best UK Traditional Gin at the World Drink Awards, recognizing the exceptional quality of their spirits. Their Kirsty’s Gin and Chilli Vodka also won gold and bronze medals, respectively, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Arbikie Distillery Tour Information and Experience
The Arbikie Distillery offers a comprehensive and immersive tour experience that allows visitors to delve deep into the distillery’s unique “field to bottle” approach. Here are the highlights of what you can expect from the various tours:
Whisky Experience
The Whisky Experience at Arbikie is a 60-minute tour priced at £25 per ticket. During this tour, you’ll explore the golden crop fields where the journey of Arbikie’s whisky begins. You’ll learn about the different grains they farm, experience the heat from their copper pot stills, and enjoy the aromas from maturing casks in their traditional dunnage warehouse. The tour concludes with a tutored tasting of two drams, including an expression of their 1794 and Limited Edition Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whiskey.
Rye Experience
For those looking for a more in-depth experience, the Rye Experience is a 150-minute tour priced at £95. This tour starts in the private Stirling Suite with a Rye cocktail and includes a comprehensive exploration of the whisky-making process, accompanied by samples along the way. Guests will also learn about the rich history of the distillery while enjoying stunning views of Lunan Bay.
Gin & Vodka Experience
The Gin & Vodka Experience offers a 60-minute tour for £25 per ticket. Visitors will learn about Arbikie’s innovative approach to gin and vodka production, including their use of homegrown crops and sustainable practices. The tour includes tastings of their premium spirits and insights into the creation of Nàdar, the world’s first climate-positive gin and vodka.
Cocktail Experience
The Cocktail Experience, also a 60-minute tour priced at £25, takes guests on a journey through the creation of cocktails using Arbikie’s spirits. The tour includes a hands-on session where participants create two cocktails under the guidance of an Arbikie ambassador. This experience is perfect for those interested in mixology and enjoying unique, farm-to-bottle cocktails.
Additional Amenities
Visitors can also enjoy Arbikie’s café and cocktail bar, which offer a range of expertly crafted food and drinks with stunning coastal views. The distillery shop is available for guests to purchase their favorite Arbikie spirits and merchandise.
Booking and Visiting
Arbikie Distillery is open from Monday to Sunday, with extended hours on Saturdays. Tours should be booked in advance, especially for private or group bookings. The distillery is located at Drumbertnot Farm, Lunan, and is easily accessible from major cities like Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Flask & Barrel Review of Arbikie Distillery
As a whiskey collector who’s toured numerous distilleries, Arbikie Distillery stands out as a unique and memorable experience. Nestled on the picturesque east coast of Scotland, this place is more than just a distillery; it’s a testament to the field-to-bottle philosophy.
From the moment you step onto the Arbikie Highland Estate, you’re greeted with the sight of lush fields where they grow the crops used in their spirits. The Whisky Experience tour, which I opted for, started with a scenic walk through these fields. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating details about the grains they use, like rye and potatoes.
Entering the distillery, the aroma of the maturing casks hits you immediately. It’s a sensory delight. Watching the copper pot stills in action and learning about their traditional distilling methods was a highlight. The pride in their craftsmanship is evident in every step of the process.
The tasting session overlooking Lunan Bay Beach was the perfect end to the tour. We sampled two drams, including their limited edition Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky. The flavors were complex and rich, reflecting the care and quality put into each bottle. As a collector, I appreciated the opportunity to taste something so unique and well-crafted.
The distillery also features a cozy café and a well-stocked shop where you can purchase their award-winning spirits and some exclusive merchandise. The café’s coastal views add to the relaxing atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind after the tour.
Arbikie Distillery is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. Their commitment to sustainability and quality, coupled with the beautiful location and excellent hospitality, make for an unforgettable experience. I’ll definitely be adding more of their bottles to my collection. If you’re in Scotland, don’t miss out on this gem of a distillery.
What To Do Nearby Arbikie Distillery
Lunan Bay (0.5 miles): This beautiful stretch of golden sand beach is a short walk from the distillery. Enjoy a scenic walk along the shore, take in the crashing waves, or go for a refreshing swim.
House of Dun (3 miles): Immerse yourself in Scotland’s aristocratic past at this grand National Trust property. Explore the lavishly furnished rooms, wander through the extensive gardens, and learn about the fascinating history of the House of Dun.
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre (4 miles): Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, this visitor center is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the diverse wildlife of the Montrose Basin nature reserve, take a boat trip, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Arbikie Distillery?
Gordon’s Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is East Haven, Angus, DD7 6LJ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1241 890244.
The But ‘n’ Ben: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Kirk Square, Arbroath, DD11 1DX, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1241 877223.
The Old Brewhouse: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1BH, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1241 879945.
What hotels are near Arbikie Distillery?
Kinnettles Castle: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Forfar DD8 1TR, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1307 820424.
The Old Manor Hotel: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 55 Leven Rd, Lundin Links, Leven KY8 6AJ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1333 320368.
Carnoustie Golf Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Links, Carnoustie DD7 7JE, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1241 411999.