Bimber Distillery Ltd applies to convert Dunphail farm buildings into whisky distillery
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A LONDON-based business group hopes to open a new whisky distillery and visitor centre in Dunphail.
Co-founders of handcrafted single malt whisky producer, Bimber Distillery Ltd, AKA Dariusz Plazewski and Ewelina Chruszczyk, have applied for planning permission to renovate existing farm sheds, erect new cask storage space and a stone building for traditional floor malting at Wester Green Steading.
Dariusz said: “I have been to Scotland on whisky tours and it is always a great experience.
“I visited Dunphail last year and I fell in love with the area. The landscapes are breathtaking and I love the agricultural setting. There is a strong community spirit where people cultivate their sense of identity and trades in conjunction with environmental protection.”
In 2015, Dariusz turned his passion for hand-crafted spirits into a craft distillery in north-west London. The company released a well-received and highly-demanded range of single malt whiskies.
The planning applicant for Dunphail is MDE Investment Ltd, also co-founded by Ewelina and Dariusz. The planning application, design and construction is managed and coordinated by Darma London Ltd, an experienced architecture and construction company.
Dariusz and Ewelina hope to lay down 1577 casks a year in Dunphail – 200,000 litres of alcohol with up to 63.5 per cent strength. The spirit will be matured for a minimum of three years in casks varying from 190 to 600 litres.
“We will craft our spirits in the traditional way,” said Dariusz.
“Locally-sourced barley will be malted at our floor malting facility. This was the way of producing malt for brewing before the industrial revolution. It was largely a manual process, and today is considered a niche artisanal practice.
“Dunphail’s distillery will take the traditions of the past and apply them to make the whisky of tomorrow.”
The project seeks to create a welcoming and accessible experience which draws upon the character of the distillery. The farm sheds restoration programme will also adopt the use of traditional building techniques and materials.
The majority of tourists in Scotland want to see local crafts and sample local food and drink. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish distilleries are the third most visited attraction in Scotland. It is hoped that Dunphail’s visitor centre will be open for tours and tastings for up to 60 people-a-day.
“Today’s customers want to understand how their favourite blends and malts are made, and to meet the people who make them,” said Dariusz.
“Our visitors will be able to see the slow, careful craft, rooted in a distinct sense of place.”
The new business will create a possible 10 jobs, including distillery manager and operators, shop assistant, visitor centre receptionist and tour guide.
Local trades and services will also benefit from the construction stage.
Dariusz added: “The intention is to use local contractors, farmers and suppliers wherever possible.
“The proposal will create a place with character, identity and a sense of arrival, and is compatible with policies to protect and enhance the built and natural environment.
“The project is not just a soulless distillery, but a place with a sense of arrival where the scotch whisky history, local agriculture and spirit of the community will be cultivated.”
