The Borders Distillery, has announced the launch of its first single malt Scotch whisky, marking the most significant milestone in its history.

The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky – First Release (46% ABV) is an eight year old single malt, initially matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels before being finished in Malmsey Madeira casks.

This limited release marks the Hawick based distillery’s inaugural single malt Scotch whisky and the first whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The expression has been carefully selected to introduce the distillery’s distinctive house style of fruity, sweet and aromatic whiskies.

Delicately balancing rich sultanas, bright citrus and sweet caramel, the First Release is said to open with notes of honey and vanilla on the nose, before giving way to warm, lingering flavours of hazelnut and buttery macadamia on the finish. The bottling reflects the patient approach to maturation that has defined the distillery since spirit first flowed from its stills in 2018.

The Borders Distillery was the first Scotch whisky distillery to be established in the Scottish Borders since 1837. Founded in 2013 by former William Grant & Sons executives John Fordyce, Tim Carton, Tony Roberts and George Tait, the distillery was built on a simple ambition: to create a quality single malt Scotch whisky that is unmistakably rooted in the Borders.

Commenting on the launch, Giancarlo Bianchi, Managing Director, said: “This inaugural single malt represents years of dedication from the team, and I am honoured to share that story with the world. The ambition was to create a whisky that reflects the place it comes from. For our inaugural release, we’ve chosen a secondary maturation in Madeira casks, adding subtle layers of complexity while allowing the character of our spirit to shine through. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the distillery, and we look forward to sharing more of our whisky in the years ahead and telling our unique story.”

Limited to 10,000 bottles, The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky – First Release will be available from September 14th from selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £46.00.