History

Beinn an Tuirc Distillers was established in 2015 on the Torrisdale Castle Estate on the Kintyre peninsula by Niall and Emma Macalister Hall. The distillery sits near Torrisdale Castle, which was built in 1815 and has been home to the families since 1890. In the wake of a modernization of the estate, the couple refreshed the buildings, added Nordic cabins, and revived an old stable area into a modern Scottish distillery with an accompanying cafe and shop. During the first years, they built a 230-liter Muller still ('Big Don') powered by a hydroelectric power supply, and the team began developing their signature Kintyre Botanical Gin. Sue Black became head distiller and helped refine the recipe. The gin was launched in July 2017 with twelve botanicals, including Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel. The couple also commissioned architect Kenny Macalister Hall for branding and marketing. In 2017, an estate cafe-restaurant and a shop opened, and in 2021 the Kintyre Gin School opened, where visitors can learn about gin production and blend their own Scottish gin. Since then the distillery has expanded its range of products and spirits inspired by the estate — including apple brandy and eau de vie made from estate apples, a sea-salted Scottish vodka, and an orange coffee liqueur. There is also bottling and blending of rum and whisky from Scotland. The need for sustainability has been a central part of the project; the estate has an on-site hydroelectric scheme and a biomass boiler as part of a long-term goal to reduce its carbon footprint. With the motto 'Distilling to leave a legacy,' Beinn an Tuirc Distillers looks set to build on the Torrisdale Castle Estate and plans, in the future, to erect a single malt whisky distillery.

Production

Beinn an Tuirc Distillers operates a 230-liter Muller still ('Big Don'), powered by the estate's hydroelectric power. The site also has a biomass boiler as part of a long-term strategy to reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption. Current production focuses primarily on gin—specifically Kintyre Botanical Gin—whose recipe comprises twelve botanicals, including Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel. The distillery developed and launched its Kintyre Botanical Gin in 2017; branding and packaging were supported by Kenny Macalister Hall.

Whisky (Future plans)

Future plans include the construction of a single malt whisky distillery on the estate, as well as continued investment in the property and restoration of natural and landscape areas. Niall and Emma take a long-term approach as stewards of the Torrisdale Castle Estate and aim to create a new heritage for the area through distilling—including whisky projects in the future.

Products (Exploration)

In addition to gin, the distillery has mentioned bottling and blending of Scottish rum and whisky; thus there is an existing single- or multi-path approach to whisky production beyond the gin activities. Recipes and details for specific whisky releases are not mentioned in the text, but whisky is noted as part of Beinn an Tuirc’s product range and future plans.

Whisky/Products

• Whisky: Scotland – Whisky production mentioned, including planned single malt whisky distillery in the future and existing reference to whisky production via blending/bottling.
• Rum and whisky: The distillery mentions bottling and blending of a range of Scottish rum and whisky as part of their range.
• Gins (signature): Kintyre Botanical Gin – 12 botanicals including Icelandic moss and sheep sorrel.
• Other products: Apple brandy and eau de vie based on estate apples; sea-salted Scottish vodka; orange coffee liqueur.

Visits/Experiences

The distillery offers gold-tier guest experiences focused on gin and information about the Kintyre Gin School, which opened in May 2021. There is also an estate cafe-restaurant and a shop, opened in 2017, offering visits and products from the walled garden and locally produced ingredients. According to Behind the Scenes content from The Gin Cooperative, the team regularly hosts walks and tastings as well as open-house events.

Philosophy

Beinn an Tuirc Distillers focuses on sustainability through on-site hydroelectric power and a biomass boiler to reduce the estate's energy use and CO2 footprint. The family views themselves as stewards of the Torrisdale Castle Estate and emphasizes that they are 'stewards of the Torrisdale Castle Estate,' with a long-term vision to preserve the area and let history and the landscape inspire future generations of distilling and production. The distillery's motto is 'Distilling to leave a legacy.'