A Whisky Tribute to Aberdeen’s Past: New Distillery Set to Replace Former Bon-Accord Juice Factory

To businessman Mike Bain, the crumbling former Bon-Accord juice factory in Torry is more than just another abandoned industrial site. It holds deep sentimental value—his father worked for the famed drinks manufacturer in the 1970s, and like many in the north-east of Scotland, he has fond memories of the fizzy pop it once produced.

So, when demolition crews move in later this year to bring down the remnants of this iconic piece of the region’s food and drink history, it will be a bittersweet moment. However, Mike has plans to honour its legacy in a unique and meaningful way—by naming his new whisky after the site’s historic roots.

A New Era: Whisky Distillery to Take Shape in Torry

With plans for a brand-new distillery at the Greyhope Road location officially approved, Mike, his business partner Dave McHardy, and their brand director Davis Gonnella are ready to turn their vision into reality.

Already known for running the Burn O Bennie Distillery in Banchory, Mike and Dave set their sights on transforming the site of the old juice factory into a whisky production hub. But their ambitions don’t stop at whisky-making; they aim to create an inviting space that includes a café, a retail shop, and visitor facilities.

The distillery, once completed, will boast “dynamic views over the harbour,” offering a fresh lease of life to a neglected part of the city and instilling a sense of pride in the local community.

Bringing Down the Old to Make Way for the New

The journey to realisation has not been without challenges. Late last year, it was revealed that demolishing the existing structure would cost a hefty £240,000. However, the team remained undeterred and have already invested over £100,000 to push the project forward.

Although they initially hoped to have the distillery operational in time for the Tall Ships event in Aberdeen this July, the process has taken longer than expected. Despite these setbacks, their enthusiasm for the project remains unwavering.

Tapping Into Aberdeen’s Cruise Ship Tourism Boom

One of the key advantages of the distillery’s location is its proximity to Aberdeen’s South Harbour, a prime spot for the city’s growing cruise ship tourism industry. With thousands of passengers disembarking in the area each year, the new attraction could become a major draw for visitors eager to experience local whisky and Scottish hospitality.

Davis Gonnella explains: “We thought this would be a fantastic place for it. It was just a great opportunity, and it all kind of linked in.”

The team also highlights the positive response from Torry residents, who have been supportive of their vision. Part of the plan includes a food area featuring vendors selling fresh Scottish produce and seafood, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Can Aberdeen Emerge as a Top Tourist Destination?

Beyond creating a whisky distillery, the team is deeply passionate about elevating Aberdeen as a must-visit destination. Davis shares their broader mission: “Our focus really is going to be a distillery that’s a visitor attraction for Aberdeen, with a focus on the city’s history.”

But they’re not just thinking about tourists; they want to create a space that the people of Aberdeen can enjoy too. “We also want to make something that residents could come to and have a nice experience, with good food and a great atmosphere,” Davis adds.

As they forge ahead with their ambitious plans, the team behind the new distillery hopes to craft something truly special—both in whisky and in community spirit. By paying tribute to the past while embracing the future, this project has the potential to be a transformative force for Torry and Aberdeen as a whole.

Investing in the Future of Whisky

Whisky has seen a renewed interest in recent years, with many new whisky distilleries opening around Scotland. These include:

• Lochlea Distillery is celebrating six years after opening witha new release
• The Isle of Tiree Distillery reviving whisky on the island after 200 years
• North Uist Distillery starting production using bere barley
• Loch Lomond Brewery set to open Levenbank Distillery

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