Ian Macleod Distillers buys Spencerfield Spirit Company

14 September, 2016

Ian Macleod Distillers has announced that it has bought the Spencerfield Spirit Company, including its flagship brand, Edinburgh Gin.

Macleod was the exclusive distributors of Edinburgh Gin and Spencerfield Spirit’s whisky range of Pig’s Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery in the UK. Ian Macleod will now take full ownership of the whole portfolio with immediate effect.

It says production of Edinburgh Gin will continue at the distillery and visitor centre on Rutland Place in Edinburgh and at their second distillery at The Biscuit Factory in Leith.

Edinburgh Gin’s founders Alex and Jane Nicol will continue to work with the brands during a transition period. The acquisition secures all jobs and Ian Macleod Distillers plan to make further investment in the portfolio.

Macleod managing director Leonard Russell (pictured right with Alex Nicol) said: “Spencerfield Spirit Company and Ian Macleod Distillers are both family-run businesses, with firm commitments to quality spirit production. Edinburgh Gin will be a great addition to our existing brand portfolio which includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead and Isle of Skye whiskies and Atlantico Rum.

“Edinburgh Gin is a multi-award winning, small-batch gin at the forefront of the gin renaissance in the UK.  We are eager to build upon this foundation and the success of the Nicol family.”

Edinburgh Gin founder, Alex Nicol said: “The acquisition came along at the right time for Spencerfield Spirit.  We have built a solid partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers over the last three years and feel they are in an excellent position to take forward Edinburgh Gin and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio. We look forward to working with them over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the momentum in growth.

Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers. The company currently produces and sells more than 15 million bottles of spirit per year.





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