Scotch producer R&B Distillers has received planning approval to construct a distillery in Campbeltown and has acquired a majority stake in Caskshare, a notable e-commerce platform.
The newly approved Machrihanish Distillery marks a significant development as the first farm-to-bottle distillery in Campbeltown in over 180 years. This site will encompass a visitor experience, shop, and tasting room, with construction set to commence next year. Machrihanish Distillery will align with R&B’s ethos, focusing on provenance, quality, and community regeneration similar to their Isle of Raasay Distillery. R&B aims to establish a net-zero distillery by eliminating fossil fuel use from the whisky production process through environmentally friendly farming practices, creating up to 20 new jobs in the region.
William Dobbie, managing director of R&B Distillers, expressed excitement about this milestone, emphasizing its potential to attract visitors and support the local economy, akin to their operations on Raasay.
In addition to the distillery venture, R&B Distillers has acquired a controlling stake in Caskshare.com, an e-commerce platform offering a selection of single cask whiskies, including Scotch, R&B-owned brands, and global whiskies. This acquisition aligns with R&B’s strategic plans to expand Caskshare to include rum and Cognac offerings, targeting European and US markets.
Dobbie emphasized that these developments position R&B on a clear trajectory to become a leading new wave spirits business in Scotland.
R&B Distillers reported revenue of £5 million (US$6.2 million) in 2023 and aims to surpass £25 million (US$31.3 million) in sales over the next decade. The company exports to 40 markets worldwide, with the Isle of Raasay distillery having introduced its debut gin in mid-2019 followed by its inaugural single malt release at the end of 2020.