'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to buy into Scotland’s most northerly mainland distillery

Whisky enthusiasts are being given a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to buy into Scotland’s most northerly mainland Scotch distillery as it today unveiled its name.

The million-pound project will establish the first whisky producer in the Caithness village since 1837 and marks a dream come true for its founders, local husband-and-wife team Derek and Kerry Campbell.

The 8 Doors whisky micro-distillery and visitor centre is set to open in John O’Groats during 2021, after planning permission was granted in March this year.

The million-pound project will establish the first whisky producer in the Caithness village since 1837. It also marks a dream come true for its founders, local husband-and-wife team Derek and Kerry Campbell.

As part of a limited edition launch offer, 8 Doors Distillery is giving whisky lovers the opportunity to tap into the 874 Founders Club and the 874 Club – named after one of the great journeys in the UK, the 874 miles between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

The distillery is collaborating with whisky master John Ramsay to create its exclusive launch products. Ramsay brings with him over 40 years’ experience in the industry, having being involved in the making of some of the nations’ best-known tipples including The Famous Grouse, The Glenrothes and The Macallan.

The founders club offers the opportunity to become a member and buy one of a limited number of 50 litre and 250 litre founders casks. The founders club cask packages will be available for sale exclusively through Whisky Hammer for an initial period of one month until 5 November.

Those who join the 874 Club will receive a collection of three bottles from some of the first casks laid down and can purchase these packages directly from the distillery.

Kerry Campbell said: “The creation of our 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats and our limited edition launch is part of a dream come true for Derek and me.

“We have a long-held passion for whisky and for the local area in Caithness where we both grew up. We’re so pleased to be able to bring them together with the development of our distillery and visitor centre.

“We believe our limited edition offer provides an unmissable opportunity for whisky lovers across the world to join our 874 Club and be part of the creation of a new Scotch legacy.”

The inspiration for the distillery branding comes from the story of Jan de Groot, from whom the village of John O’Groats takes its name. The Dutchman once plied a ferry from the Scottish mainland to Orkney, built his legendary house in the area during the reign of James IV.

De Groot’s seven descendants quarrelled about succession, so he decided to build an octagonal house with eight doors – one for him and each of his seven sons – and an eight-sided table so that nobody could sit at the head of the table.

Meanwhile, Kilchoman, a family-run whisky distillery based on Islay, has secured a £10 million lending facility from HSBC UK to support its “rapid” expansion plans.

Having seen considerable growth over the past 15 years, the business is utilising the financial support to build two warehouse facilities that will “significantly” increase the level of stock the company can store. They will be able to house some 6,000 casks of whisky.

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