| Industry | Drink industry |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933 |
| Founder | Leonard Russell |
| Headquarters | Broxburn, Scotland |
| Website | www |
Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. is an independent, family-owned business which produces Scotch whisky and other spirits, based in Broxburn, Scotland. It was founded by Leonard Russell, Snr. in 1933. [1] They own three single malt whisky distilleries: Glengoyne distillery, Tamdhu distillery, and Rosebank distillery and one gin distillery: Edinburgh Gin. They also produce a number of other distilled spirits including Smokehead Islay whisky.
The company is a member of the Scotch Whisky Association. [2]
Ian Macleod traces its roots to the whisky brokerage founded in October 1933 by Leonard Russell, Snr. [3] The Russell Brokers firm acquired Ian MacLeod & Co., Ltd. in March 1963 followed in May 1963 by the purchase of Isle of Skye Blended Whisky. [4] In March 1968 the King Robert II line of spirits was acquired. [5]
In May 1981 Ian Macleod, in conjunction with J & G Grant, opened Broxburn Bottlers, Ltd. [6]
In September 1990, Ian Macleod acquired London Hill Gin, a brand that dates back to 1785. In May 1996 Watson's Rums were brought on board and in September 1998 Hedges & Butler Blended Scotch and Wincarnis Tonic Wines were added to the portfolio. [5]
The company officially became Ian MacLeod Distillers with the acquisition of the Glengoyne Distillery in April 2003. [7] Glengoyne along with Langs Blended Whisky were purchased from Highland Distillers. [8] In January 2006 Smokehead Islay Whisky was introduced by the company. [4]
In June 2011, Ian Macleod added another mothballed distillery from Highland Distillers Tamdhu Distillery. [9] The brand was re-launched in May 2013 at the Speyside Whisky Festival. [10] In September 2016 Spencerfield Spirits was acquired, bringing Edinburgh Gin, Pig's Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery Scotch Whiskies into the fold. [11]
In October 2017, Ian MacLeod bought the trademark for Rosebank Distillery from Diageo and the distillery site from Scottish Canals with the intention of reopening the distillery. [12] In July 2023 production restarted at Rosebank Distillery. [13]
On 6 December 2024, Edinburgh Gin opened a new distillery and visitor centre on East Market Street. [14]