7 Of The UK’s Best Artisan Whisky Producers To Know Ahead of Burns Night

As the dark days of January wend their way toward Burns Night, that most hallowed of Scottish celebrations, so our thoughts turn to the poet’s immortal verse, hearty feasts of haggis, neeps, and tatties, and, of course, the fortifying amber nectar that hails from Scotland’s rugged lands. Whisky, or Scotch as it is known worldwide, holds a special place in the Burns Night revelry, its every sip imbued with the spirit of its birthplace. But while the industrial titans of the trade may dominate space on the supermarket shelves, it is the UK’s artisan producers who are quietly crafting bottles for the discerning palate. Here, we celebrate the best of the bunch, those producers whose passion for the craft and respect for tradition ensure that they create whiskies worth raising a glass to.

Kilchoman Distillery, Islay

Few places are as synonymous with whisky as Islay, and Kilchoman exemplifies the island’s artisan ethos. Founded in 2005 as the first new distillery on the island in over 120 years, Kilchoman is also one of the few farm distilleries in Scotland. This means that much of its whisky, from barley to bottle, is produced entirely on-site, lending authenticity to every wee dram. Try the Kilchoman Machir Bay, £44.17, a beautifully balanced single peated malt with floral notes and classic Islay peat smoke.

Cotswolds Distillery, England

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, this English distillery has made waves for its commitment to crafting spirits that reflect the beauty of their surroundings. Since founder Dan, a native New Yorker, flung open its doors in 2014, Cotswolds Distillery has focused on using local ingredients and traditional methods, earning accolades for its bright, complex whiskies. Be sure to sample its Cotswolds Signature Single Malt, £45, which is crafted using the finest locally grown, traditionally floor-malted Cotswold barley and has notes of honey, red berries, and treacle.

GlenWyvis Distillery, Dingwall

Perched above the Highlands town of Dingwall, GlenWyvis is a community-owned distillery with sustainability at its heart founded in 2015 after Dingwall’s last whisky distillery closed in 1926. Entirely powered by renewable energy, this innovative producer combines traditional methods with modern values to craft exceptional spirits that benefit both people and planet. Its GlenWyvis Single Malt Batch 01/19, £59.95, is complex and delicate, with layers of red wine, black fruit, spice and citrus.

Nc’nean Distillery, Morvern

With its sleek branding and forward-thinking approach, Nc’nean represents the new face of Scotch whisky. Its founder, Annabel, wanted to create a whisky that would exist in harmony with nature on the west coast of Scotland and, in 2017, she did it. This Highland distillery champions organic ingredients, sustainable practices, and a mission to redefine Scotch for a new generation. Try the Nc’nean Organic Single Malt, from £54.95, which is bright and delicate, with flavours of peach, citrus, and a hint of baking spice.

Ardnamurchan Distillery, Lochaber

On Scotland’s wild west coast, Ardnamurchan, established in 2014, has quickly gained a reputation for its exemplary single malts crafted in a traditional mix of American and European oak, ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks. The distillery employs a mix of traditional craftsmanship and a staunch commitment to sustainability, producing whiskies that sing of their rugged surroundings. Try the AD Core Release, £48.95, a 50/50 mix of peated and unpeated whisky that offers ‘orchard fruit, wet pebbles on a beach, oyster shells and eucalyptus’ on the nose; ‘Tobacco leaves, peppercorns, brine, hay bales and marzipan’ on the palate; and a finish of ‘coastal sea spray and bonfire on the beach lingering.’

Daftmill Distillery, Fife

A hidden gem, Daftmill is a family-run farm distillery founded in 2005 that operates on a seasonal basis, using its own barley to create some of the rarest whiskies in Scotland. With an emphasis on quality over quantity, each small-batch release is eagerly anticipated by collectors and enthusiasts alike. If you can get your hands on and shell out for Daftmill 2009 Summer Batch , £299.99, you will be rewarded with aromas of tropical fruit, dried figs and cigar box, complemented by notes of lemon zest, toffee, biscuits and freshly-baked gingerbread.

Penderyn Distillery, Wales

Wales may not be the first place that comes to mind for whisky, but Penderyn is changing that perception one bottle at a time. Known for their unique single malt, distilled in specially designed Faraday stills, Penderyn creates whiskies that are smooth, vibrant, and utterly distinctive. Its Penderyn Madeira, £40, is elegant and golden with layers of tropical fruit, vanilla, raisins and creamy toffee.