Whisky distilling in Fife at Kingsbarns
Scottish whisky needs to mature in cask for at least 3 years before it can legally be called whisky and this month marks the 3rd birthday of the first cask to be filled at Kingsbarns, which seemed like a fitting time to visit their Distillery and Visitor Centre in Fife.
The distillery and visitor centre opened to the public on St Andrews Day 2014. Shortly after, in January 2015, spirit distilling commenced. Kingsbarns perfected their style and began filling the first cask on March 23rd 2015.
The Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre is in an old farm steading which had been refurbished to a high standard. Here you can find out about the smells, the wood and the history behind the whisky!
The very first cask filled is on display for visitors to see in the oldest part of the farm, “the doocot”.
Behind the scenes
The working distillery looks new and shiny, modern and impressive!
Head Distiller, Peter Holroyd, took us on a journey of how to make whisky from the beginning to the end. Ending up in the Kingsbarns tasting room for a couple of drams (of course!).
If you can’t wait to find out what the whisky will taste like, here is Peter sampling the cask.
The first release of Kingsbarns Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be exclusively available to Kingbarns Founders’ Club members and is expected in summer 2018. Membership is still available either at the Visitor Centre or online.
Where
Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre, East Newhall Farm, Fife, KY16 8QE
Telephone 01333 451300
Email: info@kingsbarnsdistillery.com
Opening Hours
7 days a week (closed 25/26 December and 1/2 January)
March, April and October: 10am – 5pm.
Tours: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm
May – June: 10am – 6pm. First tour 1030am, last tour 430pm.
July – September: 10am – 7pm. First tour 1030am, last regular tour 430pm. The 19th Hole Tour is at 530pm.
November – February: 11am – 4pm. Tours 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm
Disclaimer: we were invited in for a tour but Fred sez we didn’t steal or break any bottles and left sober so you can probably trust everything above to be true!