Crafty Distillery

History

I founded Galloway Distillery to promote and celebrate the unique terroir and history of this beautiful corner of Scotland. A homecoming and a new chapter in the pursuit of fine spirits. The main message "Spirit of Home" reflects an ambition to bring the Scottish spirit and the destination of quality into modern spirits production.

Galloway Distillery is connected to Sassenach-spirits, where the story of Sam Heughan and the special connection to Scotland underpins the expansion of the product range. In the description of The Sassenach it becomes evident how dreams and culture meet in the development of a modern blended Scotch Whisky and related products.

The organization also presents Hills&Harbour, i.e., gin and other spirits reflected through a sustainable approach to packaging and design. Emphasis is placed on terroir and history from Galloway, together with an ambitious plan for growth and accessibility in several countries.

Production / Manufacturing

The Hills&Harbour gins are described as the raw materials and processes that emphasize a high quality through longer fermentation and the use of local ingredients. For example, local Noble Fir needles and bladderwrack seaweed are used, and a 7-day fermentation with local wheat flour and water is highlighted for maximum character and mouthfeel, followed by distillation with the company’s own spirit.

Their bottle design is an integral part of the experience: a bottle designed to be lighter (30% lighter) and thus more environmentally friendly in production, transport and recycling. The unique opening is wider for easier pouring and the possibility to up-cycle bottles after the contents have been used. There is also focus on the environment in terms of packaging and recyclability, with a call to reuse and give the bottle new life.

Their product packs and gift boxes, such as Hills&Harbour Gin and accompanying accessories such as upcycled glassware, illustrate a holistic experience from bottle to table, prioritizing both design and functionality.

Products / Whisky Series

The Sassenach Spirit of Home Blended Scotch Whisky

This blended Scotch Whisky is described as an innovation that breaks conventions in Scottish whisky. It consists of an ornate but notated blended mix of primarily Single Malt aged 9–12 years and bourbon-barrel-aged Organic Single Grain, finished in Madeira casks. The bottle is 46% ABV, not chill-filtered and uses undyed natural color – in line with nature’s own approach.

It tells the story of an origin point in the interplay between tradition and modern approaches, where the Spirit of Home serves as a real reference to the spirit of place.

Other Sassenach Spirits (expansions)

• The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin: a gin that captures Scotland’s wild nature and botanical richness through notes such as apples, berries and juniper with rhubarb and roasted oats, as well as pine and heather notes that become part of the archetypal Scottish larder.

• 24Seven Vodka and other products in the portfolio, including Galloway-related merchandise and gifts.

Visits / Experiences

Galloway Distillery offers experiences and experience gift cards, including a Galloway Distillery Tour Gift Card. Customer reviews and testimonials, including remarks from TripAdvisor, show positive experiences around tours, tastings and guided experiences in the Newton Stewart area.

Philosophy / Sustainability

Their bottle design and packaging focus on sustainability and functionality, with a bottle designed to be reused and that carries an integrated measuring function. The new bottle is 30% lighter, which reduces energy in production, shipping and recycling. The wide opening makes it possible to up-cycle bottles and provides space for more creative uses.

There is an emphasis on terroir and history in Galloway, and Hills&Harbour spirits are described as highly rated and broadly available in the UK and in over 12 other countries, reflecting an ambitious growth and a commitment to the craft philosophy.