Whisky distilling back in Fife town after 160 years

Whisky is now being distilled in St Andrews for the first time in 160 years.

Whisky has made a long-awaited return to the Fife town, as a local distillery has launched the region’s first dram for 160 years.

Now, Eden Mill is toasting its milestone malt by giving whisky fans a chance to own a piece of history with the release of only 3800 20cl bottles priced at £25 each as part of the Hip Flask Series.

The series includes seven single malt whisky expressions, each the result of experimental small-batch distilling.

The release marks the first time whisky has been distilled in the region for nearly 160 years, when the Haig family owned the Seggie Distillery until it closed in 1860.

Paul Miller, co-founder of Eden Mill, said: ‘St Andrews has a rich history when it comes to whisky, and now we’re picking it up where it left off – on the site of the old Seggie Distillery that Eden Mill now stands on.

‘Each expression in the Hip Flask Series contains liquid matured in what we call “honey casks” – first-fill and virgin oak casks that we’ve hand-selected from all around the world, from Speyside to Spain.

Paul Miller, co-founder of Eden Mill, celebrates the return of whisky to St Andrews after 160 years

‘As each cask only holds a small amount of liquid, releasing smaller bottles of each is a way for as many whisky fans as possible to discover a taste of what’s to come.

‘The Hip Flask Series is about applying the pioneering and experimental nature synonymous with Eden Mill to single malt whisky, showing the power of trying different grains, processes, maturation techniques and woods to highlight what you can do differently within the realm of single malt Scotch whisky.’

The launch of the whisky follows the announcement of Eden Mill’s expansion to a new £4m distillery and brewery just metres from its current headquarters in Guardbridge. This expansion will see capacity increase tenfold to 200,000 litres per year as well as opening the door to new product development.

Paul added: ‘What people are tasting now is the start of a journey that will see the Eden Mill single malt evolve over 10, 20, 30 years. The passion of our small team of distillers is evident in every drop of liquid we have released, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.’

A 70cl bottling of Eden Mill single malt whisky is due to be released this summer, with those purchasing a bottle from the Hip Flask Series given the opportunity to be among the first to sign up to the exclusive waiting list.

The Hip Flask Series is available HERE or at the distillery shop in St Andrews from 25 April.