Elixir Distillers gains approval for Islay distillery

Spirits producer and bottler Elixir Distillers has been granted approval to build a Scotch whisky distillery on the Scottish island of Islay.

Elixir Distillers has been granted planning permission by the Argyl & Bute council planning committee to build a new distillery which will combine “elements of tradition and modernity in both design and production”.

Elixir, which was co-founded by brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh of retailer The Whisky Exchange, first applied for planning permission back in 2018. Despite gaining approval, the company submitted revised plans last year, changing the design of the distillery so that it has a more traditional exterior that is in-keeping with the look of other coastal distilleries. .

Sukhinder Singh commented: “The news that our planning application has been accepted is fantastic. We’ve worked closely with the Argyll & Bute planning committee to create plans for a distillery that fits into the landscape and supports the community. We want to create whiskies that inspire both the people of Islay and Islay whisky fans world-wide, enhancing the already glowing reputation of Islay whiskies, while also becoming an integral part of the community.”

The interior will include floor maltings capable of supplying over 50% of the one million litre annual capacity of the distillery.

The plans also include on-site housing, a visitor centre, and a multi-purpose educational facility. The Singhs also aim to create an apprentice programme to train the next generation of distillers and hope to launch more schemes to support the local community.

Oliver Chilton, head blender at Elixir Distillers, added: “We take great pride in being able to learn, as whisky enthusiasts and use that knowledge as a guide to find and bottle great whisky including our independent bottlings brands Port Askaig and Elements of Islay. Having our own distillery will be a fantastic opportunity to apply the same methodology and passion for flavour in a drive to make truly great spirit to enhance the incredible reputation that Islay single malt already has.”

Once the plans are finalised, Elixir hopes to break ground this year, with the name of the new distillery due to be announced at a later date.