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FAQ’s

Answers to our most common questions

WHEN WILL YOUR WHISKY BE READY?

Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be matured in an oak barrel for 3 years and a day to qualify as Scotch. We started distilling in March 2018. We hope to release our first Single Malt Scotch Whisky before the decade is out.

WHAT WILL YOUR SCOTCH TASTE LIKE?

We are the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. As a result, we hope to create our own style of Single Malt that is fresh, fruity and unique to us. We built the distillery to make an elegant, aromatic single malt whisky, fully reflective of the locally sourced barley.

What is distinctive about your Kerr’s Borders Gin?

We make our own base spirit here at the distillery from malted barley. This gives our gin a very distinctive flavour, delivering a creamy mouth feel which together with our unique blend of botanicals is followed by citrus notes and spice. We guarantee all our barley is sourced locally from farmers in the Scottish Borders.

Do you have a private cask scheme?

Yes – our private cask scheme is called 1837. Please see the 1837 section of our website or call the distillery for more information. 1837 was the year the last distillery in the Borders closed. This scheme celebrates a moment in history as The Borders Distillery is the first to open in the region in over 180 years.

What are your opening hours?

Our visitor centre is open to the public Monday-Saturday 10am-430pm, April-October. During these summer months, our tours run Monday-Saturday 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Our Winter season runs from November-March, where tours are closed but our visitor centre is open Monday-Friday 10am-430pm.

Can I visit the shop without going on a tour?

Yes, our Visitor Centre shop is open to all. You can visit our shop online as well.

Do children pay?

There is no charge for under 18’s to tour the distillery, however they must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there wheelchair access?

The distillery is fully wheelchair accessible. We can also be found on the WelcoME app.

How long does the tour last?

Our tours last approximately 45 minutes, lead by one of our distillers. Each tour will guide you through the history of the building and distilling process, finishing with a complimentary tasting in the distillery bar.

Please note our tours can carry a maximum of 12 adults in each.

Our distillery car park cannot facilitate coach buses – for anyone looking to book a larger tour, please contact a member of the distillery team directly on 01450 374330. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do you have to pre-book my tour?

Walk-ins are welcome to tour our distillery during the tour operating hours. You can book and pay for a tour when you arrive at the distillery.

However, we advise pre-booking online or over the phone before visiting us to guarantee a place.

I bought a voucher from the Visitor Centre, how do I book my tour?

Please phone the distillery on 01450 374330 to reserve your space on the tour.

Is the tour refundable or transferable?

If you have booked a tour online and we have accepted payment- it is non-refundable. However, if you would like to change the date and time of your tour we will try our best to accommodate you, if possible.