The Starlaw distillery is a modern grain whisky distillery located in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland. Commissioned in 2010, it is owned and operated by Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd., an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky company.
History and Ownership: Ian Macleod Distillers, known for its portfolio of Scotch whiskies (including Glengoyne, Tamdhu, and Rosebank distilleries) and other spirits, established Starlaw to produce grain whisky for its various blends and other products. The distillery was a significant investment, reflecting the company's commitment to controlling its raw material supply for grain whisky.
Production: Starlaw distillery primarily produces grain whisky using unmalted cereals (such as wheat or maize) along with a small amount of malted barley as an enzyme source. This grain whisky is a fundamental component of many blended Scotch whiskies, providing a lighter base spirit that complements the more characterful malt whiskies. The distillery's output is largely destined for Ian Macleod Distillers' own brands, including popular blends like Pig's Nose and Smokehead, as well as various independent bottling labels.
In addition to grain whisky, Starlaw distillery also houses the production facilities for Edinburgh Gin, another prominent brand owned by Ian Macleod Distillers. This diversification highlights the distillery's modern capabilities and its role in producing a range of spirits for its parent company.
Location: Situated in Bathgate, West Lothian, Starlaw benefits from its proximity to major transport links, facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished products. Its location in the central belt of Scotland places it within a region historically associated with industrial activity and spirit production.
Significance: As one of Scotland's newer grain distilleries, Starlaw plays an important role in the Scotch whisky industry's supply chain, ensuring a consistent volume of high-quality grain whisky for blending purposes. Its operation under Ian Macleod Distillers underscores the trend of independent companies investing in their own production facilities to secure their future spirit requirements.