Independently Owned Scotch Distilleries

For these purposes, we’re identifying “independently owned” distilleries as companies that own just one production distillery in Scotland, and don’t have a significant footprint anywhere else. There aren’t a lot of them, but they’re an interesting group, including some of Scotland’s newest distilleries (Ardmanurchan, Kilchoman, Daftmill), and some of its smallest (Edrdour, Loch Ewe):

• Ardmanurchan
• Edradour
• Daftmill
• Isle of Arran
• Glenfarclas
• Loch Ewe (one of the strangest little distilleries in Scotland)
• Kilchoman
• Abhainn Dearg
• Bladnoch
• The Speyside Distillery

Beyond these, there are a handful of drinks groups that own a very few Scottish distilleries—say two or fewer—that I’d argue qualify as “independently owned,”especially when compared to the big boys like Diageo. This, of course, is where things get a little fuzzy, because Gruppo Campari (Glen Grant), LVMH (Argbeg and Glenmorangie), Nikka (Ben Nevis), and Remy Cointreau (Bruichladdich) all fall into this group, and I think I’d have a tough time telling somebody with a straight face that they should be counted among the “independently owned.” In any case, here are the other small(ish) players in the industry:

Angus Dundee: Owners of Tomintoul and Glencadam

J&A Mitchell: The owners of Springbank Distillery (which has three brands: Springbank, Hazelburn, and Longrow) recently acquired the Glengyle distillery, also in Campbelltown, which produces whisky under the Kilkerran brand.

Benromach: It’s the only distillery owned by Gordon & MacPhail, a venerable family-owned indie bottler.

Ian MacLeod Distillers: Owns Glengoyne and Tamdhu, ans sells a number of other blended whisky brands as well as gin, rum, and vodka

Am we missing any? Leave ‘em in the comments, and we’ll update the list!