Scotland’s most northerly mainland Scotch Whisky producer, 8 Doors Distillery, was officially opened this week by His Majesty the King.
His Majesty toured the visitor centre, distillery and warehouse, meeting with a number of the team and finding out more about 8 Doors and the whisky and liqueur it produces, before unveiling an official welcome plaque.
In the distillery’s dunnage-style bonded warehouse, His Majesty was invited to fill an American Oak, Pedro Ximinez Hogshead cask, before sampling the new make spirit being laid down to produce single malt.
Working under the motto ‘Whisky. From the edge.’, a major influence on the 8 Doors Distillery is the unique, dramatic landscape of the rugged coastal highland area it calls home, with its Scotch whisky the first to be produced in John O’Groats since 1837.
The brainchild of local Caithness husband and wife team, Derek and Kerry Campbell, the micro-distillery and visitor centre have been designed to showcase the two copper stills and traditional whisky making process, while making the most of the views across the Pentland Firth, through large glass windows placed along the front of the building.
Co-founder Kerry said: “We were honoured to welcome The King to 8 Doors Distillery and thoroughly enjoyed sharing our story and what makes our distillery so unique with him, as well as offering him the opportunity to fill a cask in our warehouse.
“Throughout his visit he had the opportunity to meet many of our team, from those working in our distillation team through to our retail and distillery lounge staff, all of whom embody our passion for both the whisky industry and the local area.”
