9th July, 2015 by Amy Hopkins

Islay distillery Bruichladdich has confirmed that plans to build six new maturation warehouses will allow it to double production of Scotch whisky.

It was revealed earlier this month that the Rémy Cointreau-owned distillery had been granted permission by Argyll and Bute Council to build the six additional buildings despite local objections.

In addition to the warehouses, a disgorging unit/filling store, septic tank, access road, and drainage infrastructure will be constructed.

The distillery has planned an increase in its output to 1,500,000 ola (original litres of alcohol) following its acquisition by French drinks group Remy Cointreau in 2012.

“We have always made no bones about the fact we are utterly committed to maturing all of our spirit for all of its life on the island,” said Carl Reavey, spokesperson for Bruichladdich.

“The company has always said that if we can’t mature our spirit here on Islay then we will stop distilling. It will be apparent that if we were unable to mature the spirit here we wouldn’t be able to bottle here either in the long term.

“This decision has secured the Islay-based employment associated with the business for decades to come.”

Reavey added that Bruichladdich’s recent efforts to preserve “artisanal production methods” have resulted in “production being reduced in the short-term”.

However, he states that such projects, such as the rebuild of an open mash tun which dates back to 1881 and a major refurbishment of its wash stills, will help ensure long-term capacity.

Work on building the new warehouses will begin immediately.

“We are very proud of our position as the largest private employer on Islay and conscious of the responsibilities we have to the local community,” said Bruichladdich Distillery manager Allan Logan.

“These projects all demonstrate that the future is very bright for everyone associated with this company.”

Sales of Bruichladdich have remained strong in recent years, boosting the overall performance of owner Rémy Cointreau in the firm’s latest financial results.

It was announced earlier this year that Jim McEwan, production director and master distiller at Bruichladdich, is set to retire after 52 years in the industry.