Islay's Bruichladdich Distillery toasts prestigious B Corp certification

Bruichladdich Distillery, based on Islay, has become the first whisky and gin distillery in Europe and one of two worldwide to obtain what it says is “the stamp of commitment to a greater purpose”.

The distillery says it is now ‘part of a global movement of leaders using business as a force for good’. Picture: contributed.

The spirits producer said that after a “rigorous” submission process, it is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp) – meeting standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. It comes after the distillery was re-opened in 2001 by a group of private investors and aims to decarbonise its operations by 2025.

It also said that - “unusually” - it produces four different spirits under one roof; including the first ever Islay dry gin, The Botanist, and three single malts - Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore. Out of the distilleries on the island, it is the third-smallest producer but the largest private employer, it added.

Chief executive Douglas Taylor said: ““After 15 months of intense work and rigorous examination we stand here, not only as the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery to be B Corp certified, but as the first whisky and gin company in Europe to attain B Corp status.

“I’ve been asked what the benefit is to us, but that’s not important. Being a certified B Corp business is validation that the transparent, sustainable,

community minded business we’ve been running since 2001 is a worthwhile project.

“We are excited to now be officially part of a global movement of leaders using business as a force for good, standing shoulder to shoulder, and working

together to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”

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