Bonnington reveals inaugural single malt

Halewood Artisanal Spirits-owned Bonnington Distillery in Leith has released its first expression.

Bonnington Inaugural Release Single Malt is a single cask, Lowland single malt, with only 500 bottles available. Each bottle is hand-signed by distillery manager Jamie Lockhart. The expression is aged in ruby Port casks and offers notes of ‘dessert wine, hints of dried pears, subtle citrus and rich oak’ on the nose. On the palate, it has ‘sweet malt, creamy berries, poached pears, caramel and candied ginger’, with a ‘long, sweet’ finish with hints of spice. Lockhart said: “It’s been a long journey since we bought the distillery back in 2018, so naturally it’s a hugely exciting step for us to finally announce the launch of our inaugural release, which, from start to finish, has been produced right here on site. “The liquid itself is something that we’re really proud of – aged in ruby Port casks and cut at 57.1% ABV, it’s bold, rich and full of flavour, and certainly worthy of the first release from this new distillery.” Bonnington Inaugural Release Single Malt has an ABV of 52.3% and will retail at £75 (US$95) for a 700ml bottle. Work on the distillery began in 2018, with the team discovering the ruins of Bonnington House and inspiring the creation of the brand. Crabbie & Co whisky is made at Bonnington distillery, with the brand releasing the first single malt to be produced in Edinburgh in nearly a century.