Aberdeen is set to reclaim its place on the whisky map with the approval of plans to build a distillery on the site of the derelict Bon Accord Drinks factory.
The new Bon Accord Distillery will not only produce single malt Scotch whisky but also serve as a visitor attraction, offering guided tours, tasting sessions, and interactive exhibits.
The project is the latest venture from business partners Mike Bain and Dave McHardy, the duo behind the Burn O Bennie Distillery in Banchory, who hope the distillery will create jobs and boost the local economy.
“This is an exciting project for Aberdeen,” said Davis Gonnella, brand director of Bon Accord Distillery. “We want to create a world-class distillery that will attract visitors from all over the world. We also want to showcase the best of local food and drink, so we’ll be working with local businesses to provide food and drink at the distillery.”
Award-winning chef and restaurant owner John Chomba has been recruited as managing director and the distillery has plans to team up with local brewery Fierce Beer.
Fierce Beer director Dave McHardy said: “We’ve worked with Davis and the team over the last few years and it’s great to be involved with the project, where we can contribute our experience from building up Fierce Beer, to help make this a success.”
Construction of the distillery is set to begin in the summer. The first spirit is expected to be ready for bottling in 2028.
The original Bon Accord factory produced soft drinks from 1903 before closing in 2000. Its products were sold direct to customers across Scotland; readers of a certain age may well remember the ‘ginger lorry’ coming down their street. The brand was revived by the great-great granddaughter of the original founder in 2016 and now produces a range of premium naturally sweetened soft drinks.
