Tucked away in a Lanarkshire village, Jackton Distillery is transforming a former family farm into a destination for whisky, tourism and Scottish hospitality.
Built on the site of a family farm, the distillery was established with a vision to benefit the local community.
Katie O’Brien, Head of Tourism at Jackton Distillery, said the family wanted to create something meaningful in the community that raised them.
The distillery has developed into a destination offering tours, tastings, a bar and overnight accommodation.
Visitors can discover the journey from grain to glass, learning how spirits are produced while exploring the site.
Alongside its inaugural single malt Scotch whisky, Jackton produces blended whisky, vodka, three gins, nine wines and apple juice, catering for a range of tastes.
Katie O'Brien - Head tour guide/Jackton Distillery
Making whisky accessible to everyone
For Katie, helping people discover whisky is an important part of the visitor experience.
She believes there is no single way to enjoy Scotland’s national drink, encouraging newcomers to experiment with different flavours rather than dismissing whisky altogether.
One of her recommendations is a Cranachan-inspired cocktail made with raspberries, whisky, sugar syrup, lemon and egg white, offering a sweeter introduction to the spirit.
The distillery aims to create an inclusive environment where visitors can learn, ask questions and find something they enjoy.
A Scottish welcome for visitors from around the world
Jackton also attracts visitors from overseas, including people returning to Scotland after decades away.
Katie said some guests travel from Canada, the United States and France, with the distillery becoming their first stop on a wider trip around Scotland or Europe.
The team encourages visitors to share their stories, with conversation and connection at the heart of the experience.
The distillery has also established an international partnership with the Domaine National de Chambord in France’s Loire Valley. Jackton was selected as the Scotch whisky partner to use Chambord’s virgin oak casks for the maturation of Scotch whisky and gin.
What comes next?
Following the release of its inaugural single malt, the team hopes to introduce further whisky releases and new visitor experiences.
A Christmas market will also bring together local makers, craftspeople and food and drink producers, giving visitors another reason to explore the site.
Tours cost £34 per person, according to Katie, and include a look at the production process and the opportunity to sample spirits. Overnight accommodation is also available.
From its beginnings as a family farm, Jackton Distillery is building a future centred on whisky, community and a warm Scottish welcome.
You can book a tour and accommodation here.