The Borders Distillery

The Borders Distillery

Hawick has a long history of making things to last. At The Borders Distillery, that tradition takes a new form, bringing generations of craftsmanship into the world of Scotch whisky. Housed within a restored former electrical works, The Borders Distillery brings together Victorian architecture and original industrial features with a modern approach to whisky making. The distillery draws on the region’s making culture and its natural resources, with barley grown by 10 Borders farmers and water drawn from beneath the building itself providing the foundations for their award-winning spirits. Alongside The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, visitors can explore a wider portfolio, including Kerr’s Gin and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka. The Brand Home offers a shop stocked with spirits, gifts and merchandise to take home, as well as wheelchair-accessible tours led by the distillers themselves. For enthusiasts and the whisky-curious alike, The Borders Distillery offers a fresh perspective on Scotch whisky, from a region with a long history of making and plenty still to prove.

Review

Scotland’s whisky renaissance has gained a remarkable new chapter in Hawick, where The Borders Distillery proudly continues a manufacturing tradition celebrated worldwide for tweed, wool and cashmere. Established by seasoned whisky industry professionals, this impressive distillery combines genuine craftsmanship with modern innovation and expertise. After eight years of patient maturation, its inaugural single malt has finally arrived, with just 10,000 bottles produced. Elegant, fruit driven and beautifully balanced, its bourbon cask sweetness and Madeira influenced richness make this an exciting debut. What particularly impressed me, however, was the visitor experience. Rather than relying on conventional guides, tours are conducted by the distillers themselves, offering fascinating firsthand insight into every stage of production. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and obvious pride make the experience exceptionally rewarding. For whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, this is a Scottish Borders attraction that deserves serious attention and recognition. Hawick has every reason to raise a glass!