Tayport Distillery was founded out of a passion for Scotland's unique produce, particularly the soft fruits from the Tay region. Drawing inspiration from the European tradition of transforming surplus harvest fruits into spirits, the founders dedicated themselves to crafting authentic fruit spirits that capture the essence of Scottish berries without any added flavourings or essences.
Part One
A Berry Unique Challenge
Nestled along the banks of the River Tay, the distillery enjoys a microclimate that nurtures some of the finest soft fruits and grains in the UK. Just as great wines derive their character from specific vineyards, Tayport’s spirits reflect the quality and provenance of ingredients sourced from Fife and Angus.
However, working with fresh berries posed significant challenges due to their fragility. Despite this, the team pressed ahead, perfecting their process to produce a spirit that preserves the authentic flavours of the fruit.
Part Two
Conquering the Globe
Their dedication was recognised with a prestigious Great Taste 3* Award and the title of Golden Fork Winner for Scotland in 2020, validating their commitment to authenticity.
After six years of success in Scotland and the UK, Tayport Distillery began exploring international markets in 2023. Enrolling in Scotland Food & Drink’s ‘Prepare to Export’ programme, they garnered interest from European countries.
Following the industry body’s Showcasing Scotland event in 2024, they secured their first export contracts with buyers in the USA, Canada, and Japan. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for Tayport, as they introduce the world to Scottish spirits beyond whisky, including their fruit liqueurs and malt barley vodka.
Part Three
Rooted in Local Tradition
Tayport Distillery proudly showcases its connection to the local area through its branding, featuring the iconic Larick Lighthouse—a symbol of Tayport’s heritage that resonates with families whose ancestors once served as lighthouse keepers. This local identity is further reinforced by close partnerships with nearby farmers and producers, including the use of ‘wonky’ berries from neighbouring farms to minimise food waste and create distinctive spirits.
Their collaboration with the renowned Criterion Bar in St Andrews to develop a locally inspired gin exemplifies their dedication to celebrating the region’s flavours. Membership in the Food From Fife regional food group has been invaluable in fostering these connections, enabling Tayport to work alongside fellow producers, exchange best practices, and stay informed about broader opportunities offered by organisations such as Food and Drink Scotland. This network has played a key role in strengthening both Tayport’s community ties and the local food economy.
Looking Ahead..
As Tayport Distillery continues to expand, its mission remains clear: to promote Scotland’s world-class soft fruits and grains. Through their engaging distillery tours and growing product range, they aim to put Tayport on the map, showcasing the region's rich produce and stunning landscape to visitors from around the world.