A Dram with Paddy Fletcher
Instead of erecting yet another Highland whisky ’shed’, Paddy Fletcher and Ian Stirling hit the scene with their dramatic, vertical Port of Leith distillery in 2023. This restless pair have also embraced gin, Scotch RTDs and launched a new whisky bar as Ian Fraser discovers … Despite developing an early taste for Tè Bheag, the [...]
In 2023, Paddy Fletcher and Ian Stirling brought a dramatic, vertical Port of Leith distillery to the whisky scene, marking a shift from traditional Highland whisky 'sheds'. This innovative duo also ventured into gin, Scotch RTDs, and a new whisky bar. Despite a journalism career, financial setbacks, and a stint at Hailo, Fletcher and Stirling persevered, eventually founding Port of Leith Distillery.
They chose a restricted site overlooking Leith Docks to distinguish themselves from the 800lb gorilla organisations dominating the Scotch whisky market. The £15m investment paid off, as the distillery welcomed 100,000 visitors in its first year, despite lacking a single malt. The brand's single malt is set to launch in 2027, while other products fall under Muckle Brig subsidiaries Leith Bond and Lind & Lime.
To generate revenue beforehand, they introduced Table Whisky, a single-grain whisky launched in 2023 in wine-like bottles and cans. Currently, the sector faces challenges such as overstocking, reduced production, and geopolitical shocks, but Fletcher remains optimistic about Scotch whisky's bright future.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
