First whisky distilled in St Andrews for 160 years

Eden Mill distillery in St Andrews has released its first single malt whisky as its Hip Flask Series goes on sale today (Tuesday 24 April).

Only 3,800 20cl bottles from the series of seven single malt expressions are available, priced at £25 each.

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 over a century and a half later 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. 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 ten, twenty and thirty 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 now at www.edenmill.com/singlemalt or at the distillery shop in St Andrews from Wednesday 25 April.