In a landmark move for the Scotch whisky industry, Fife’s trailblazing InchDairnie Distillery has officially merged with MacDuff International Scotch Whisky Limited to form a new, unified company: InchDairnie Whisky Limited.
Effective from 1st May 2025, this merger brings together two powerhouses of Scotch whisky—each with deep roots and distinct strengths—under a single name and vision.
A Strategic Union with a Vision for the Future
InchDairnie Distillery, founded by whisky veteran Ian Palmer, has built a reputation for precision distilling and flavour innovation since its first spirit ran on Christmas Day 2015. Known for pushing the boundaries of whisky-making with a scientific and sustainable approach, the Fife-based distillery is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
MacDuff International, founded in 1992, is best known for producing heritage whisky brands including Islay Mist, Lauder’s, and Waterproof. The company has also been instrumental in the distribution of InchDairnie’s award-winning Scottish Rye Whisky, RyeLaw, and the much-anticipated KinGlassie—InchDairnie’s inaugural single malt, launching in May 2025.
This merger signals a bold new chapter for both companies. By combining operations, the newly formed InchDairnie Whisky Limited will offer a more streamlined, strategic structure—uniting all teams under a single long-term vision and creating efficiencies across external communications, operations, and brand development.
A Portfolio Designed to Excite Whisky Enthusiasts
InchDairnie Whisky Limited will continue to offer:
- Cased whisky sales of established brands: Islay Mist, Lauder’s, Waterproof, RyeLaw, and the new KinGlassie
- Bulk mature whisky & cask sales
- New make spirit supply
- InchDairnie Cask Club membership
- Whisky warehousing opportunities
With additional InchDairnie whisky brands scheduled to launch over the next four years, the portfolio is set to become even more exciting for whisky collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Leadership & Legacy
The new entity will be led by:
- Graham Glen, Managing Director (Commercial)
- Scott Sneddon, Managing Director (Distilling)
They will be joined on the board by:
- Ian Palmer (Chairman)
- David Sloan (Vice-Chairman)
- Lesley Ramage (Operations Director)
- Jim Campbell (Finance Director)
In a joint statement, Glen and Sneddon highlighted the merger as “more than just a name change”—it represents a shared ambition to build a modern, innovative Scotch whisky business, firmly rooted in tradition but focused on the future.
“While the MacDuff name will be retired from active use,” said Glen, “it will forever remain a proud part of our legacy.”
Both Glasgow and Glenrothes offices will remain operational, ensuring continuity for customers and distributors.
Award-Winning Innovation: RyeLaw & KinGlassie
RyeLaw, released in 2023, has already earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including:
- Newcomer of the Year – Scottish Whisky Awards 2023
- 98/100 – Club Oenologique
- Gold (94 pts) – Beverage Testing Institute 2024
- 5 Stars – Difford’s Guide
- Best Bottle Design – World Whisky Awards 2024
Distribution of RyeLaw is global, with availability at major retailers such as Masters of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies, and Fortnum & Mason.
Coming this May is KinGlassie, InchDairnie’s first peated 8-year-old single malt—a milestone moment for the distillery.
Explore the World of InchDairnie Whisky
Whether you’re drawn to the bold peat of KinGlassie, the refined complexity of RyeLaw, or the heritage blends of Islay Mist and Lauder’s, the newly formed InchDairnie Whisky Limited is poised to offer whisky lovers a portfolio of flavour-rich, forward-thinking expressions.
