Talisker Distillery to be rebuilt
Is the Talisker Distillery we know and love set to be no more?
Talisker Distillery to be rebuilt
Diageo has submitted a planning application to redevelop Skye’s oldest distillery, which was founded in 1830 in Carbost on the Minginish Peninsula of the island.
In a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) lodged with the Highland Council. last week, the drinks giant outlined intentions to construct a new distillery to expand Talisker’s Scotch whisky output and enhance its infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.
Most strikingly, however, is the news that Diageo has earmarked the demolition of the existing production facilities once the new one is open.
A description in the application reads as follows:
“Proposed redevelopment of the Talisker distillery site to expand the existing output of the distillery with the construction of a new distillery, incorporating sustainable technologies, with associated support facilities at the site”.
“Together with all associated infrastructure, including new access, drainage, outfall, road improvement and landscaping works, including the demolition of existing production facilities post-commission of the new facility.”
Talisker Distillery to be rebuilt? Will we lose the beautiful distillery we know and love?
What will happen to Talisker whisky distillery?
A Diageo spokesperson has since followed up on the breaking story, commenting:
“As a business we continually review our production footprint in support of our long-term growth ambitions for Scotch and the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for Talisker Distillery allows us to explore and evaluate potential options. A public consultation will form part of the PAN however at this point in time we have no firm plans for investment. Details of the public consultation arrangements will be shared in due course where the community will be able to view these proposals and provide feedback.”
This statement demonstrates that nothing is certain yet, but whisky lovers will have questions regardless. Will the current production equipment be deemed inefficient and thus longed for the scrap heap, from the stills to its signature worm tub? Will Diageo be able to maintain the beloved Talisker character in this new site? Does the distillery not represent a significant cultural and historical icon on the island that should be preserved? Whisky fans will also be considering whether they need to panic buy the spirit they love while it still exists in its current form.
We’re not losing our marbles yet, however. The history of whisky is a turbulent one, of development and re-development. Distilleries change hands and upgrade equipment all the time. Typically it’s handled in a manner that preserves the integrity of the spirit’s character. It’s hard to imagine Diageo risking dramatic production changes. But we’ll keep an eye on how this story develops before drawing any firm conclusions. You don’t want to welcome your insect overlords before they hatch.
You can buy Talisker whisky here.
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