A history born in toasting the Auld Alliance brought back in new Firth of Forth distillery, book a tour
The Blackness Bay Distillery is using the traditional pot still method of making whisky, as well as rum and “virgin whisky”. The owners are welcoming visitors for tours, and some great hospitality in the unique Lobster Pot pub next door.
Colm O’Rourke moved to the village with wife Sheena after a career spent refitting pubs in his homeland of Ireland and across Britain.
At first they bought a seafront Georgian house and renovated it, then came the pub next door, which had been empty for more than 10 years. “It became intolerable for an Irishman to live next door to a closed pub – it was mental torture,” says Colm
The pub’s renovation, with what Colm calls a “wacky” décor of seaside memorabilia, was complete in 2019 and is now a popular venue with a menu with lobster at its centre.
A distillery with a big history
Next came the distillery. It has just opened to the public but its history goes way back before the O’Rourke’s arrived.
Colm said: “We are pleased to be welcoming people for tours. And as well as talking about rum and whisky-making we love to tell visitors about the fascinating history of this lovely wee place.”
The biggest moment in that history was probably in 1512 when James IV boarded the “Great Michael”, the largest ship afloat at the time. He was there to meet with the French ambassador to confirm the Auld Alliance and agree to help attack English-owned ports on the French coast.
Colm added: “It was victualled from the distillery and we are proud to have revived it in the ancient building.”
Tours with more than whisky on offer
The “new” distillery began producing spirit in October but it will take three years and a day from then until it can be properly called whisky.
In the meantime a range of rum is on offer including the Outlandish brand, named after the hit US blockbuster TV series was filmed in the area, as well as a Flower of Scotland make, infused with heather thistle and pink rose petals.
And before the uisge beatha is ready Colm and Sheena are offering “virgin” whisky, or New Make Whisky, which they describe as being like Irish Poteen.
Tours are run every Saturday and Sunday at 4pm and cost £20, including five samples. Drivers pay a reduced price of £10 and get to take samples away with them. Parties of between 10 and 20 can visit anytime but must book ahead.
Go to www.blacknessbaydistillery.co.uk to find out more and book.