North British Distillery logo, established 1885.

The North British Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
  • Recognized with the AD & Biogas Award
Website
  • http://www.northbritish.co.uk/
Phone Number
  • +441313373363
Address
  • 9 Wheatfield Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2PX, United Kingdom

Train station entrance with barrier and signage.

History of The North British Distillery

Founding and Early History

The North British Distillery, a beacon of Scotland’s whisky industry, was founded in 1885. Situated in Edinburgh, this distillery was established by a group of independent blenders, led by Andrew Usher, William Sanderson, and John Crabbie. Their vision was to create a reliable source of grain whisky for blending, which was becoming increasingly popular at the time.

Expansion and Development

Throughout the 20th century, the North British Distillery underwent significant expansions and modernizations. Notably, in the mid-20th century, the distillery expanded its production capacity to meet the growing demand for Scotch whisky worldwide. This period marked a transition from traditional methods to more modern, efficient production techniques.

Present and Future Outlook

Today, the North British Distillery stands as one of Scotland’s largest and most prestigious grain whisky producers. With a blend of tradition and innovation, it plays a vital role in the Scotch whisky industry, contributing to blended and single grain whiskies. The distillery’s future looks promising, with plans to further enhance production capacity and maintain its legacy in the ever-evolving world of whisky.

The Whiskies

The distillery specializes in grain whisky, primarily using wheat and maize. Their whiskies are known for their versatility and are a crucial component in many popular blended Scotch whiskies. The North British grain whisky typically exhibits a light, sweet, and smooth profile, making it a preferred choice for blending.

Environmental Commitment

In recent years, the North British Distillery has shown a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. They have implemented various eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient production methods and sustainable waste management, reinforcing their role as a responsible and forward-thinking company in the whisky industry.

Awards Won by The North British Distillery

Innovative Environmental Achievement in the Food and Drink Industry

  • Recognized with the AD & Biogas Award, the North British Distillery was celebrated for its state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion plant.
  • This facility, developed in collaboration with HydroThane UK and Ener-G, stands out for its substantial reduction in carbon emissions and enhancement of energy efficiency.
  • This award underscores the distillery’s commitment to eco-friendly practices in Scotch whisky production.

The North British Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The North British Distillery does not offer a public tour experience. Their operations primarily focus on the production of grain spirits for blended whiskies and various by-products.

What To Do Nearby The North British Distillery

Edinburgh Castle: A historic fortress offering stunning city views, rich in Scottish history. It’s a must-visit for its fascinating military history and architectural beauty. (Distance: 2.7 miles)

Royal Mile: This famous street stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace, lined with historic landmarks, shops, and cafes. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk to soak in Edinburgh’s culture. (Distance: 2.5 miles)

Arthur’s Seat: An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. A popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature within the city. (Distance: 3.6 miles)

Scottish National Gallery: Home to a vast collection of fine artworks, located in a grand Neoclassical building in central Edinburgh. (Distance: 2.5 miles)

Royal Botanic Garden: A beautiful and serene garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll among diverse plant species. (Distance: 4.1 miles)

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: An attraction filled with fascinating optical illusions and interactive exhibits. (Distance: 2.6 miles)

National Museum of Scotland: A museum showcasing a wide range of collections from Scottish history to science and technology. (Distance: 2.3 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near The North British Distillery?

Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441312284446. Their address is Fountain Park, 124 Dundee St, Edinburgh EH11 1AF, United Kingdom.

BABA: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441312405500. Their address is 130 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JZ, United Kingdom.

The Boozy Cow: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441312266055. Their address is 17 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 2EY, United Kingdom.

What hotels are near The North British Distillery?

Haymarket Hotel: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441313371775. Their address is 1 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh EH12 5LG, United Kingdom.

Ashgrove House Hotel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441313375014. Their address is 12 Osborne Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5HG, United Kingdom.

The Murrayfield Hotel: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +441313371844. Their address is 18 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6HN, United Kingdom.