FDBusiness.com

Scotch whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co has announced that its new distillery in Glasgow is to be named the ‘Clutha Distillery’. ‘Clutha’, meaning Clyde in Gaelic, reflects both the company’s heritage and the location of the new distillery which will sit on the banks of the river in the heart of the city.

Planning has now been submitted for the £10.7 million project which will see the creation of the new distillery and bottling complex in conjunction with the corporate head office, visitor centre, whisky archive and bar/bistro. The development will also create 41 new jobs with the Douglas Laing workforce set to almost treble from 24 to 65.

The first whisky to be created by the new distillery will also bear the name ‘Clutha’. Clutha whisky will be a specialist, high end Single Malt with a heavy Sherry influence through its maturation in ex Sherry casks.

With 70 years of experience in the Scotch whisky industry, it is a key time for the independent specialist as it turns its hand to distilling. The company will be working closely with a skilled distiller who has more than 40 years of experience.

The new venture will enable the firm to focus on developing its highly successful global export trade – the company already sells to 50-plus countries worldwide. The new distillery will allow further and deeper growth into existing markets including North America, Europe and Asia Pacific markets, in particular China, plus the UK domestic market. The Clutha Distillery is expected to open in autumn 2019.

Chris Leggat, chief executive of Douglas Laing & Co, says: “Douglas Laing has a long and proud association with Glasgow and the Clyde with the city at the heart of the company. It was important to us that the new distillery was located on the banks of the Clyde as it brings us back to where the company has its heart. After careful consideration the name was selected to reflect our proud heritage and the importance of the location.”