Ever wondered who’s behind the brands that you sell? Here’s the seventh of nine of Scotland’s drinks bosses, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Managing Director Leonard Russell, with his plans for 2020, including a steer on what he thinks you should be doing with your business.
You’ve been MD for an incredible 31 years – what’s the secret to such longevity?
It’s a family business so it’s not so easy to get fired, and I hire people that are better than me. Success came about by investing in scotch malt whiskies and buying Edinburgh Gin at the right time. We were so very lucky that interest rates were very low and that the banks were supportive. Plus we have a very good team.
What do you love about the drinks industry?
It’s the friendliest industry I know. Distilleries exchange whiskies to make blends, so it’s convivial. Consumers are also drinking less but better.
How do you plan to drive the business forward in 2020?
By continuing to build the Edinburgh Gin brand. We’re also building a new Edinburgh Gin distillery and visitor centre in Edinburgh and rebuilding the Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk.
What is your best stress-buster?
An Edinburgh Gin and tonic. And spending time with my family. Include that last part, then I can show this to my wife.
Which piece of advice would you pass on to licensees?
Clean your toilets. Make your pub more of an experience. Retail calls it ‘in-store theatre’ and licensees should think about applying something similar to their business. Customers want to make memories.
If you had a pub what would you call it and why?
The Edinburgh Gin Bar and I’d make it just what it says. The customer is always looking for different serves, cocktails and garnishes and that’s what I’d be concentrating on in my bar.
Ian Macleod Distillers has today (10 October) revealed plans to resurrect one of Scotland’s most cherished distilleries – Rosebank in Falkirk. Leonard Russell, MD of Ian Macleod Distillers commenting on the plan comments, “This is an extraordinarily exciting project for us. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Rosebank has been dubbed ‘the King of the Lowlands’ and the late whisky writer, Michael Jackson had no doubt that it was one of the ‘greats’. He described its demise as “a grievous loss”, while fellow critic, Gavin D Smith, wrote of the region’s whiskies having: “subtle charm, and none is more charming than the elegant, floral, aromatic Rosebank produced by a triple distillation process in the traditional Lowland manner.” http://www.ianmacleod.com
All this will be preserved, as Leonard Russell explained, “The distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we are committed to ensuring this is the case. We will produce Rosebank Lowland single malt in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers. This way we ensure the revival of its classic style and taste.”
“Our investment goes way beyond production,” he continued. “We are looking to develop a Rosebank Visitor Centre to help tell the story of this remarkable whisky – as well as safeguard the atmospheric Canal side Bond and its important heritage.”
Ian Macleod Distillers has entered into a binding agreement with Scottish Canals to purchase the site and has separately acquired the Rosebank trademark from Diageo. The company is proud to be investing in Falkirk by adding to the town’s flourishing economy and tourism scene.
But perhaps most exciting for whisky lovers as they wait for the reborn Rosebank to mature, is the acquisition of some precious existing casks. “Over the coming months we will carefully review Rosebank’s rare stocks with a view to releasing some truly scarce and extraordinary whiskies,” said Leonard Russell. With this in mind, all the latest developments will be revealed on a new, dedicated website where those who sign up will be the first to hear about the release of the rare and collectable bottlings of Rosebank Lowland Single Malt.
Alex Nicol has sold his Spencerfield Spirit Company to Ian Macleod Distillers. The company whose brands include Edinburgh Gin, Pig’s Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feather, has had a long-standing arrangement with Ian Macleod who have been the exclusive distributors of Edinburgh Gin and Spencerfield Spirit’s whisky range for the last three years. Ian Macleod will now take full ownership of the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio with all brands being transferred with immediate effect.
Leonard Russell, Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said, “This announcement is great news for both companies and further strengthens our portfolio of premium spirit brands.
“Spencerfield Spirit Company and Ian Macleod Distillers are both family-run businesses, with firm commitments to quality spirit production. Edinburgh Gin will be a great addition to our existing brand portfolio which includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead and Isle of Skye whiskies and Atlantico Rum.
“Edinburgh Gin is a multi-award winning, small-batch gin at the forefront of the gin renaissance in the UK. We are eager to build upon this foundation and the success of the Nicol family.”
Edinburgh Gin founder, Alex Nicol said, “The acquisition came along at the right time for Spencerfield Spirit. We have built a solid partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers over the last three years and feel they are in an excellent position to take forward Edinburgh Gin and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio. We look forward to working with them over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the momentum in growth.
He continued, “Ian Macleod Distillers is the perfect home for Edinburgh Gin’s future. The company shares our family values and artisanal approach to production and we look forward to working with them to maximise its potential”.
Production of Edinburgh Gin will continue at the distillery and visitor centre on Rutland Place in Edinburgh and at their second distillery at The Biscuit Factory in Leith. While Spencerfield founders Alex and Jane Nicol will continue to work with the brands during the transition period.
The acquisition secures all jobs and Ian Macleod Distillers plan to make further investment in the Spencerfield portfolio.
Edinburgh Gin – under the parent company Spencerfield Spirit – was established in 2010 by Alex and Jane Nicol.