The Borders Single Malt First Release, 8 Years Old: Historic Inaugural Expression from the Scottish Borders

A Return to Whisky Making in the Scottish Borders

The Borders Distillery in Hawick has unveiled its inaugural single malt, The Borders Single Malt First Release, 8 Years Old, establishing a significant milestone for Scotland's whisky regions. This expression is the first single malt whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837, reclaiming a distilling heritage that had lapsed for generations. The distillery's emergence reflects Hawick's contemporary manufacturing renaissance, following its storied history as a center for textile and cashmere production.

The First Release: Production and Specifications

The Borders First Release was matured for eight years in Bourbon casks from their first fill, an approach the distillery intends to replicate across its core range. The whisky then underwent a secondary maturation in Malmsey Madeira casks, which added further complexity to the spirit's profile. Bottled at 46% ABV in 70cl format, the release is limited to 10,000 bottles worldwide. The UK retail launch occurred on September 24, 2026, with a suggested retail price of €53.

Pre orders for the 1837 Private Cask Owners began ahead of the official launch date, with the same pricing applied to early access purchases.

Local Sourcing and Distillery Production

The distillery's location in Hawick, housed in a restored Victorian building, incorporates local input at every stage of production. The barley sourced from ten farms within 30 miles of the distillery provides the foundation for the spirit. A 72 hour fermentation period and four stills configured for maximum copper contact shape the character of the new make spirit. Water is drawn from beneath the building itself, extending the sense of place into the production process.

"The ambition was to create a whisky that reflects the place it comes from. For our inaugural release, we've chosen a secondary maturation in Madeira casks, adding subtle layers of complexity while allowing the character of our spirit to shine through."

Eight years of maturation in the Scottish climate completes the production journey for this expression, establishing what the distillery describes as the foundation for its house style.

Character and Flavor Profile

The First Release presents as a smooth, elegant, and fruit forward single malt. The Bourbon barrel foundation brings notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and soft rounded sweetness to the nose and palate. The secondary Madeira cask maturation deepens these characters, introducing sultanas, fresh orchard fruit, and warmth, alongside hazelnut and macadamia notes with lingering fruitiness. Together, these components establish the distillery's house style as a departure from heavily sherried or peat driven regional traditions, instead emphasizing aromatic fruit and approachability.

Availability

The Borders Single Malt First Release, 8 Years Old is available on Spiritory. The inaugural expression joins several other releases from the distillery already featured on the platform, including Borders Cornet's Blend Limited Edition and Borders Deep Time #4, which demonstrate the broadening scope of the Borders Distillery's range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Madeira finish contribute to this whisky?

The secondary maturation in Malmsey Madeira casks deepens the spirit's inherent sweetness and warmth while introducing sultanas and fresh orchard notes. This approach allows the distillery's characteristic fruit forward style to take center stage rather than adding heavy oak influence.

Who should consider this expression?

The smooth, elegant, fruit forward profile at 46% ABV appeals to both newcomers to single malt and established collectors seeking an expression without heavy sherried or peated influences. The emphasis on local sourcing and Scottish Borders terroir also attracts those interested in regional character and provenance.

Will the Borders Distillery release more whisky?

Yes. Managing Director Giancarlo Bianchi indicated that the First Release marks the beginning of an ongoing line, with future expressions planned to share the distillery's unique story.

Why is this release significant beyond being a new bottle?

The First Release represents the resumption of whisky distilling in the Scottish Borders after a 189 year absence since 1837, making it a historic milestone for the region and a tangible symbol of Hawick's manufacturing renaissance.