Edrington, Scotland’s premier producer and distributor of global spirits brands, today announces plans for an iconic new Speyside distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan, the world’s most prestigious Scotch malt whisky.

The company will work with the world-renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to build the new distillery and visitor centre. 

Edrington plans to invest over £100 million in The Macallan estate to sustain the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovation that have become the hallmarks of the brand.

The Macallan is recognised around the world as the ultimate marque of excellence and innovation, and the new facility will embody these characteristics in a design that complements the natural beauty of the area and The Macallan Estate.

Creating a site of major architectural significance in the heart of Speyside will consolidate The Macallan’s position as one of the world’s leading luxury spirits.  Over time the distillery is expected to deliver additional capacity to meet the growing demand from existing and new international markets.

Ian Curle, chief executive of Edrington said: “This is a confident investment in the future of The Macallan and its home on Speyside. Our plan for the estate includes a contemporary distillery that embodies the international style of The Macallan and builds on the brand’s tradition of quality and craftsmanship. As this long-term investment develops it will bring significant employment and economic benefit to the local community.”

Ken Grier, Edrington’s director of malts said: “As a leading luxury single malt, it was imperative that we selected an architect that understood and respected the importance of the history of The Macallan but had the experience and skills to create a building that is inspirational in its interpretation of contemporary luxury. In selecting RSHP, we have chosen a partner that shares our values and pushes the boundaries of style and quality.

“Easter Elchies House plays an integral role in the history and future of The Macallan. The proposal from RSHP will retain the integrity and importance of Easter Elchies House and the estate in the future. We are confident that this will give international visitors an outstanding impression of both The Macallan and Scotland and will build on the brand’s position as the definitive luxury spirit.”

Graham Stirk, senior partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said: "We are delighted to be working with The Macallan to realise their vision for the new distillery. This is a rare and fascinating project set within a great parkland estate. Our aim will be to reveal both the mystery of the place and the process, within this dramatic setting. “

Subject to receiving planning consent, work on the project will begin in autumn 2014 and is due to be completed in spring 2017.

Edrington
Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, including The Macallan, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Highland Park. In addition to its core brands, Edrington acquired Snow Leopard vodka in 2013.

Edrington directly controls its route to market in sixteen countries, and operates the remainder through joint venture and third party agreements. Over the past five years the company has increased the international nature of its business through the acquisition of the Brugal and Cutty Sark brands and sales and distribution companies in key markets.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs more than 2,200 people worldwide, with over 60% employed overseas.

Edrington is owned by a charitable trust, The Robertson Trust, which donated £15.3 million to a variety of charitable causes last year.

The Macallan
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.