North British distillery

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North British Distillery is a prominent grain whisky distillery located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Established in 1885, it is one of the largest and oldest grain whisky distilleries in the country. The distillery primarily produces grain whisky for use in blended Scotch whisky.

History

The North British Distillery was founded in 1885 by a group of independent blenders and merchants who sought to create a reliable source of grain whisky. The founding members included Andrew Usher, William Sanderson, and John Crabbie, who were notable figures in the whisky industry at the time. The distillery was established to provide an alternative to the Distillers Company Limited (DCL), which dominated the grain whisky market.

Production

The distillery uses a continuous column still process to produce grain whisky. The primary grain used in production is maize, although other grains such as wheat and barley are also used. The whisky produced at North British is aged in a variety of casks, including American oak and European oak barrels, to develop its distinctive flavor profile.

Products

While the North British Distillery does not typically bottle its own whisky for direct sale, its grain whisky is a key component in many well-known blended Scotch whiskies. Some of the brands that use North British grain whisky include Johnnie Walker, Famous Grouse, and Cutty Sark.

Ownership

The distillery is jointly owned by Diageo and Edrington Group, two of the largest companies in the Scotch whisky industry. This partnership ensures a steady demand for the distillery's output and provides the resources needed for ongoing operations and improvements.

Location

The North British Distillery is situated in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. The site covers a substantial area and includes various production facilities, warehouses, and offices. The distillery's location in the capital city of Scotland makes it a significant landmark in the region.

Environmental Initiatives

In recent years, the North British Distillery has implemented several environmental initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability. These initiatives include energy-efficient production processes, waste reduction programs, and efforts to source raw materials locally.

See also

• List of whisky distilleries in Scotland
• Scotch whisky
• Blended whisky
• Grain whisky