An untold story in Scotch whisky
The Borders Distillery brings centuries of making culture to Scotch whisky, with a single malt eight years in the making.
Available on 24.09.2026
A whisky that welcomes you in.
And asks you to stay.
Limited to 10,000 bottles, our inaugural single malt is smooth, elegant and fruit-forward. First-fill bourbon barrels are the foundation of this whisky and of every signature whisky that will follow, bringing notes of caramel, vanilla, honey and a soft, rounded sweetness.
A final Madeira cask maturation takes it further, adding flavours of rich sultanas, warmth and greater depth. This is only the beginning.
Nose
Rich sultanas, bright citrus and sweet caramel, with notes of honey and vanilla, followed by cola cubes, a hint of gingerbread and malt.
Palate
Soft and smooth, with ripe berries and stem ginger leading into rich brown sugar, raw cocoa and buttery digestive biscuit.
Finish
Warming and lingering, with hazelnut and buttery macadamia giving way to dried fruits, candied peel and a gentle oak character.
In the Borders, the best things have always been made by bringing tradition and modernity together. “Nothing ever comes out of nowhere,” as the weavers next door like to say. We protect and honour a long-established tradition of making great single malt Scotch, bring it into a making culture centuries deep, and carry it forward.
Borders barley from ten Scottish farms within 30 miles of the distillery. A 72-hour fermentation. Four copper stills, precisely configured for maximum copper contact. Eight years in the Scottish climate. And a Madeira finish that deepens the sweetness, warmth and fresh orchard notes.
Nothing is rushed. This is an area that knows that quality takes time, on the land, in the mills, and now in the distillery.
A land built on making.
Always moving forward.
Scotch whisky has one of the great origin stories. It has long been told through its famous regions, but one story hasn’t been told yet, and it starts somewhere else.
The Borders Distillery was founded in Hawick, once one of Britain’s richest towns. Tweed was born just down the road, and our cashmere is worn and admired around the world. That same know-how of taking what our land offers and turning it into things of elegance and worth continues to run through our people.
The distillery is part of something bigger than whisky: a town determined to be known for what it can make today, rather than simply where it comes from. The Borders Distillery is the latest chapter in Hawick’s manufacturing legacy.
“Easy drinking and more-ish!”
Charles MacLean
The future is made.
Not inherited.
In the Borders, making is more than a livelihood. It’s part of the character of the place.
No legends. No figureheads. No ego. Just ordinary people who know how to learn thoroughly and then deliver to the highest standard. Knowledge passed from hand to hand, generation to generation.
We are part of that tradition. Not because we inherited a whisky story. Because we inherited something more fundamental: the belief that if you’re going to make something, you should make it exceptionally well – good enough for the world to want.
A working land
It’s impossible to talk about The Borders without talking about farming. The landscape is richly green and soft, but this is a land hard at work. People have tended these hills and fields for around 6,000 years, and the region has long been a place of agricultural progress. Our barley comes from ten Scottish farms within 30 miles, fully traceable from seed to distillery.
Move forward with us
Follow the story, get first access to new releases and be the first to see what comes next.
Single Malt FAQs
What is The Borders Distillery First Release?
Our First Release is the first single malt Scotch whisky to leave the Scottish Borders in almost 200 years. Distilled in Hawick and matured in our own warehouses, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for whisky in the region. Just 10,000 bottles have been produced worldwide, making this a limited release. Once all 10,000 bottles have been sold, this exact release will not be repeated. Future releases will continue the story but each will have its own identity. The First Release is bottled at 46% ABV and bottled without chill filtration to preserve its natural texture, colour and flavour.
Why has it taken eight years to release?
We filled our first casks in 2018 and allowed the spirit to mature naturally. Rather than releasing it at the earliest opportunity, we waited until we believed it had developed the character and quality worthy of becoming our first single malt.
What casks were used?
Our house style is built on first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. For the First Release, the whisky is finished in Madeira casks, adding richness and depth while retaining the character of our spirit. First-fill bourbon casks are the foundation of our signature house style. They bring notes of caramel, vanilla, honey and a rounded sweetness while allowing our fruity spirit to shine. The Madeira finish adds layers of dried fruit, richness and complexity without overpowering the whisky, complementing the sweetness of the bourbon casks.
Where is the barley grown & whisky distilled?
We use Scottish barley entirely sourced within 30 miles of the distillery, reflecting our commitment to producing a whisky that is rooted in its place of origin. Every drop is distilled at The Borders Distillery in Hawick, in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
What style of spirit do you produce?
Our distillery produces a light and fruity new make spirit that develops beautifully in oak, particularly first-fill bourbon casks. From the First Release, expect notes of vanilla, caramel and honey from the bourbon casks, layered with rich sultanas and dried fruit from the Madeira finish. Whisky should always be enjoyed your way. We’d recommend tasting it neat first, then adding a few drops of water to open up the aromas and flavours if you wish. Remember – there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy whisky. If you prefer it over ice, that’s the best way to drink it.
Is The Borders Distillery open to visitors?
Yes. You can visit the distillery in Hawick to take a tour, discover how our whisky is made and enjoy a tasting experience. Hawick has a centuries-long reputation for craftsmanship, manufacturing and making things properly. We believe those values are just as important in making exceptional whisky. The Borders has always been a region of makers, from textiles to farming and engineering. Our whisky continues that tradition by creating something of lasting value from local ingredients and expertise. The Borders is a beautiful part of Scotland just waiting for you to discover, and the distillery is just one part of that fascinating legacy!
Where can I buy the First Release?
The First Release is available through The Borders Distillery website and Brand Home in Hawick, as well as selected UK specialist whisky retailers and stockists (while stocks last).
>