THE BORDERS DISTILLERY APPOINTS GIANCARLO BIANCHI AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hawick distillery strengthens leadership team to drive next phase of growth and international expansion

The Borders Distillery has announced the appointment of Giancarlo Bianchi as its new Managing Director,  marking an important new chapter for the Scotch whisky producer, as it continues to scale its domestic and international presence.

Giancarlo brings more than 15 years of commercial and strategic leadership experience within premium spirits SMEs. Most recently at Penderyn Distillery in Wales, he progressed from operational and technical management into senior commercial leadership, developed international growth strategies, opened new export markets, and delivered sustained revenue expansion.

Giancarlo will take up his position with effect from 1 st April 2026.

Commenting on his appointment, Giancarlo said:

“It’s a privilege to be joining The Borders Distillery at such an exciting time in its journey. The business already has strong foundations, from production capability to brand authenticity, and there’s significant potential for growth both in the UK and internationally. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that platform, strengthen our presence in key markets and drive the brand in a sustainable way, ensuring that whisky production becomes a landmark industry in this ancient and historic region.”

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for The Borders Distillery; established in Hawick in 2018, the distillery has brought the craft of Scotch whisky making back to the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1837 and is currently gearing up to launch its first single malt Scotch.

Harvinder Hungin, Chairman at The Borders Distillery, added:

“Giancarlo’s combination of operational and commercial understanding together with international distribution makes him ideally placed to lead the next phase of our development. His proven ability to transform production led operations and grow branded sales aligns perfectly with our ambitions.” 

For more information on The Borders Distillery, visit www.thebordersdistillery.com

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About The Borders Distillery:

Located in Hawick in the Scottish Borders and opened in March 2018, The Borders Distillery revived Scotch Whisky distilling in an ancient and historic region, where Scotch Whisky was last made in 1837. Hawick is renowned for its world class tweed and cashmere industries. Using locally grown barley, mineral rich water and a dedicated team of young, local talent, The Borders Distillery has been quietly laying down stocks with a view to launching its Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Borders Distillery Limited, Commercial Rd, Hawick, Scotland. TD9 7AQ

Compass Box “The Spice Tree/The Story of the Spaniard” Combo Pack Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Mossburn Dupont Calvados Cask Finish

The Mossburn Cask Collaboration Series is a testament to enduring friendships, bringing together the knowledge, craft and experience of two producers from different catergories, in a meeting of inquisitive minds and iconic spirits.

This collaboration with the Dupond family, Calvados producers in Normandy’s Pays d’Auge since 1887, is the second in the series. The single malts for this blend were chosen from four Speyside distilleries and aged for 12 years in refill American oak hogsheads, then married together and re-aged in French oak barrels that previously held Calvados and Pommeau, both typical of the Normandy region.

The Master Distiller chose these four single malts for their spicy florality and nutticess, to combine during the second maturation with the baked apple and oaky spice that the Calvados casks would contribute. The final whisky has a well-rounded complexity with notes od red apple, ginger, nut brittle and a gentle spic finish.

Bottled at batch strength, at natural colour and no chill filtration.

SHOP ALL MOSSBURN

Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

How do you make the world’s best bourbon even better? Release it at full proof! Green River Wheated Full Proof is a small batch of select barrels, blended and bottled at barrel strength, and offers a robust expression of the World’s Best Bourbon. Each batch will vary slightly in proof depending on the blend of the barrels.

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AN ICONIC PORTFOLIO BUILT OVER A CENTURY OF

CRAFTSMANSHIP, PATIENCE, AND FAMILY STEWARDSHIP

This week’s Spotlight falls on one of the most iconic collections of American Whiskies under the umbrella of Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Distillery. In 1935, as America emerged from the shadows of Prohibition, a group of visionary entrepreneurs led by the Shapira family planted the seeds of this enterprise with the simple but ambitious mission to create bourbon that honored tradition, reflected the rich agricultural heritage of the region, and would stand the test of time. Today, nearly a century later, Heaven Hill has grown into the largest family-owned and operated distillery in the United States, with a legacy built on craftsmanship, patience, and a deep connection to Kentucky soil and spirit.

From its earliest days, Heaven Hill distinguished itself through dedication to quality and consistency. Master distillers meticulously selected grains, refined fermentation and distillation processes, and adhered to the highest standards of aging, creating spirits that quickly gained a reputation for depth, richness, and balance. Over time, the company expanded beyond bourbon, producing rye, corn whiskey, and other spirits, all while maintaining the hallmark integrity of its craft.

Heaven Hill is home to some of the most recognized and celebrated bourbon brands in the world including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna, each offering a unique flavor profile and aging style that speaks to both tradition and innovation. The distillery’s vast rickhouses, stretching across Kentucky, hold millions of barrels of aging whiskey, forming one of the largest and most carefully curated inventories in the world. Every barrel is a living story, absorbing the character of Kentucky’s climate, oak influence, and generational patience.

We invite you to explore current whiskey offerings from the Heaven Hill portfolio below, including both Bourbons and Ryes, as well as a few limited releases and special Single Private Barrel offerings. Click on through to learn more and to order, or simply swing on by to chat with our knowledgeable staff.

VIEW HEAVEN HILL PRODUCTS

At Kingsbarns we’re committed to developing a classic Lowland whisky – one that’s light, fruity and floral. So, when Europe’s biggest whisky retailer decided to run a feature on the Lowlands, we were delighted to be involved. They spent time with our Distillery Manager, Peter, to taste a few of our drams and understand what makes Kingsbarns so special. We can’t wait to see the finished product and are looking forward to sharing it with you.

Discover Benedikt’s Favourite Kingsbarns

Ten Years of Tiree Whisky Company Ltd!

Today (May 22nd) we’re celebrating 10 years since the inauguration of Tiree Whisky Company Ltd at A’ Bhuain 2016 – Tiree’s second official homecoming.

We marked our launch with an independent bottling, The Cairnsmuir, named after the ship that ran aground off Tiree carrying spirits and wine that famously made its way ashore for islanders to enjoy.

At the launch event, we spoke about Tiree’s distilling heritage and shared our hopes for the future:

“Today is the initial step in re-establishing the island’s connection with the Scotch Whisky industry and we hope that this is just the start.”

Ten years later, that vision has become reality. We now produce Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whisky here in Tiree.

We’re also delighted that next May, the third edition of A’ Bhuain will take place, and we’ll welcome homecomers to the Distillery and introduce them to our Tiree spirits for the first time.

A’ Bhuain 2027 will take place between 16th – 21st May 2027. We’ve their official preview video below.

www.tireehomecoming.com
Here’s to the last decade – and the next. Slàinte! 🥃