Edinburgh Gin purchased by Ian Macleod Distillers

By Erin Smith

Published: 15 September, 2016

Spencerfield Spirit Company and owner of the Edinburgh Gin brand has been acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers for an undisclosed sum.

Leonard Russell, the managing director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: "This announcement is great news for both companies and further strengthens our portfolio of premium spirit brands. 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."

Ian Macleaod Distillers has been the exclusive distributor of the Edinburgh Gin as well Spencerfield Spirit's whisky ranges including Pig's Noses, Sheep Dip and The Feathery.

"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,' said Alex Nicol, founder of Edinburgh Gin.

Edinburgh Gin, under the parent company Spencerfield Spirit, was established in 2010 by Alex and Jane Nicol.

The ownership of the entire portfolio takes effect immediately.

Edinburgh Gin was named as the the fastest growing gin brand by Nielsen Scantrack in 2015. Following the success of the gin the company was forced to expand to a second distillery in Leith. This expansion has allowed the company to quadruple their production capacity. Production of Edinburgh Gin will continue at both distilleries.

The small-batch gin is made in a 200 year old copper pot still named Flora, alongside a column still Caledonia, bringing together Scotch grain spirit with juniper, coriander, citrus peel and orris root. The gin also has Scottish botanicals, including milk thistle, native Scots pine and heather from the Scottish hillsides.

The Nicols will stay on board for the coming months to ensure a smooth transition "and to maintain the momentum in growth." All jobs will move to Ian Macleod Distillers.

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