Lochlea Distillery

Lochlea had always been a dairy farm until 2006 when Neil and Jen moved there. They transitioned the farm into pedigree beef cattle farming until 2014 when they determined that for a farm of that size to remain viable, a significant change was necessary.

Historically, barley was cultivated on the farm primarily as livestock feed. In 2015, they undertook an experiment by allocating 50 acres for the cultivation of malting barley. Through quiet perseverance, learning from occasional mistakes, exploring various possibilities, and establishing connections in the malting industry, they gained the confidence to pursue a major endeavor: the development and operation of a single malt distillery at Lochlea. Construction commenced in 2017, repurposing former piggery, byre, and midden structures at the heart of the farm steading into the distillery, and converting cattle sheds into bonded warehouses.

Securing all necessary licenses in 2018, the distillery was commissioned in August of the same year. Since then, they have diligently cultivated barley while the distillery team skillfully and patiently crafts spirit. Rooted in Scottish history, the pride of Lochlea lies in being the home of Robert Burns during his formative years, from 1777 until his father's passing in 1784.

During the day, Burns toiled on the farm, and in the evenings, he relished the company of friends, engaging in debates at the Bachelors' Club in nearby Tarbolton. The fertile ground of Lochlea has inspired the creation of honest, passionate, and progressive Lochlea whisky.