Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery
About the distillery
Uile-bheist is located by the River Ness in Inverness and brings together whisky, beer, a restaurant and a taproom in a modern building. It is the city’s first new distillery in more than a hundred years, and the place stands out by combining traditional Scottish principles with advanced technology, local ingredients, and a clear effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
History
Uile-bheist stems from the founder’s lifelong ambition to make artisan whisky and beer in Inverness. The distillery was created as the city’s first new distillery in 130 years and the first in more than a century, marking a real return of whisky production to the city. From the start, the goal was to combine traditional techniques with innovative methods, while also building an experience where Scottish history, folklore, and great drinks are closely interwoven. The project is independent and brings together distillery, brewery, restaurant and taproom along the banks of the River Ness. It is therefore both a production site and a destination for visitors, connecting Inverness with a modern interpretation of Highland craftsmanship.
Ingredients and production
The production is based on the principles of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but in a modern setting. The distillery works with some of the most advanced stills in Scotland, developed by Kaspar Schulz, and describes its approach as innovative without losing touch with the classic Scottish methods. The ingredients highlighted are 100% locally grown and malted barley, Scottish oats and water from the River Ness. The water is not only a raw ingredient, but also part of the building’s energy solution, because the river’s energy is used to power the distillery. Overall, it is a production where place, technique and sustainability are built in from the start, and where local rootedness is part of the craftsmanship itself.
Whiskies
Uile-bheist works with both whisky and beer, but the available material does not describe a named whisky range. Instead, it is clear that the house produces artisan whisky in Inverness and at the same time runs a taproom with a wide selection of whiskies. That makes the place more than a distillery: it is also a tasting room and a visitor destination where the whisky experience is closely linked to the production. The profile is therefore a modern house focused on craftsmanship, locality and experiences rather than a long list of single releases.
General tasting profile
Visit the distillery
Yes, the public can visit Uile-bheist. Guided tours and experiences are offered for both beginners and experienced guests, and some tours are led by a master maker. The visit provides insight into both whisky and beer brewing—you can see the working Brewstillery, taste the house’s drinks and use the taproom, where there is fresh beer and a wide selection of whisky. There is also a restaurant on site. Booking is required for the tours.
Philosophy and craftsmanship
Uile-bheist is built around sustainability, local rootedness and storytelling. The house will reduce its carbon footprint and uses energy from River Ness as part of the solution. At the same time, it has been created as an independent project in Inverness, where traditional techniques and innovative methods meet. Scottish history and folklore are woven into the identity of the place and into the way the experience is envisioned.
Sustainability
Works to reduce its carbon footprint.
Uses energy from the River Ness to run the distillery.