Marking the most significant milestone in its history, The Borders Distillery in Hawick has unveiled today (14th September 2026) The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release, an eight year old first fill bourbon matured single malt, finished in the finest malmsey Madeira casks.
The limited bottling marks the distillery’s inaugural single malt Scotch whisky and the first whisky distilled in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The expression has been carefully selected to introduce the distillery’s distinctive house style, of fruity, sweet and aromatic whiskies.
Delicately balancing rich sultanas, bright citrus and sweet caramel, the first release opens with notes of honey and vanilla on the nose, before giving way to warm, lingering flavours of hazelnut and buttery macadamia to finish. The bottling reflects the patient approach to maturation that has defined the distillery since spirit first flowed from its stills in 2018 and has been maturing patiently since then.
Giancarlo Bianchi, managing director, said: This inaugural single malt represents years of dedication from the team, and I am honoured to share that story with the world.
“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.
The ambition was to create a whisky that reflects the place it comes from.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the distillery, and we look forward to sharing more of our whisky in the years ahead and telling our unique story.”
Just as Hawick’s cashmere and tweed producers transformed natural fibres into garments prized far beyond the Borders, the distillery’s young team is drawing on the town’s manufacturing heritage to create a whisky with a distinctly local character but with ambitions to reach audiences the world over.
The elegant foil embossed weave logo is a strong nod to the Borders’ heritage, drawing inspiration from the different industries that helped shape the region’s identity, which is now carried forward by the distillery.
Charles MacLean sums it up as an “Easy drinking and more-ish!” single malt Scotch.
The Borders Single Malt Scotch Whisky, First Release, bottled at ABV 46%, will be available from 24th September at £46 RRP from select UK retailers with international distribution to follow. Only 10,000 bottles are available worldwide.
Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.
