Jackton Distillery
Jackton Distillery
Jackton Distillery
In this Q&A, we speak to the team behind Jackton Distillery, a family-run, female-led whisky distillery in the Scottish Lowlands. From their estate-grown barley to their “grain to glass” philosophy, they share how early releases, innovation, and tradition are shaping the character of their award-winning spirits.
Jackton Distillery is a family-run, female-led business in the Scottish Lowlands, how has that shaped your journey into whisky-making?
At Jackton Distillery, being family-run and female-led shapes everything from the way we make decisions to the way we welcome people through the door. Our journey into whisky-making has never been about following a script. It has been about building something with heart, rooted in our family farm in the Scottish Lowlands and shaped by the people around us. That gives us a strong sense of independence, but it also keeps us grounded. We care deeply about quality, provenance and creating a distillery experience that feels warm, open and human.
We also think it brings a fresh perspective to whisky. We respect the traditions that make Scotch so special, but we are equally interested in making whisky feel more accessible and less intimidating. At Jackton Distillery, we want people to feel they belong here, whether they’re lifelong whisky drinkers or completely new to the category. That sense of openness has been part of our journey from day one.
You often talk about a “grain to glass” approach, with your own barley grown on the estate, how does that influence your spirits?
For us, grain to glass is about connection. At Jackton Distillery, having our own barley grown on the estate keeps us closely tied to the land, the seasons and the raw materials that shape our spirits. It means provenance isn’t just an abstract idea or buzzword. It’s something tangible. And influences the way we think about flavour, sustainability and responsibility in equal measure.
We talk about grain to glass honestly. It’s our long-term direction and a commitment in motion. We’re building a more circular distillery model step by step, connecting farming, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling in a way that’s more transparent and more meaningful. This approach gives our spirits a stronger sense of place. It also keeps us focused on making liquid that feels true to Jackton Distillery: characterful, thoughtful and shaped by local heart as much as technical craft.
You filled your first cask in 2020 and have already released award-winning blended whiskies, how have those early releases helped shape your style?
Laying down our first cask in February 2020 was a huge milestone for Jackton Distillery, but our award-winning blended whiskies have also played a vital role in shaping who we are. Those early releases gave us the chance to understand what people respond to in our whisky and, just as importantly, what feels most authentic to us as a distillery. They helped us define a house style that values flavour, approachability and character in equal measure.
From the beginning, we’ve been interested in whiskies that are expressive and well balanced, whether enjoyed neat or in a highball. Our early blends and cask finishes let us experiment with different flavour profiles, cask influences and serve occasions while still building trust with drinkers. That process taught us a lot about the kind of whisky we want to make: quality-led, welcoming and full of personality. In many ways, those early blends have been the bridge between our first cask and the single malt story that continues to unfold.
Your approach mixes Scottish tradition with a more innovative mindset, how do you balance tradition with new ideas?
At Jackton Distillery, tradition gives us our foundation and innovation keeps the story moving. We have enormous respect for Scotch whisky making; for the patience it demands, the craft it relies on and the sense of heritage that runs through it. That is why process matters so much to us. Time, quality ingredients, careful cask selection and attention to flavour sit at the centre of what we do.
At the same time, we’re a young distillery, so curiosity is part of our DNA. We’re interested in how new ideas can make whisky more engaging, more transparent and more relevant to today’s drinker. That might mean different cask influences, more open storytelling, a stronger visitor experience or serves that bring new people into the category. For us, innovation should never feel gimmicky. It should deepen the experience and stay true to the liquid. That’s how Jackton Distillery balances both sides: respecting the old ways, while having the confidence to bring fresh energy and a modern point of view to the Scottish Lowlands.
Does the type of glass you use make a difference when tasting whisky?
Yes, absolutely. At Jackton Distillery, we believe the glass can make a real difference to the tasting experience because it shapes how you take in the aroma, the texture and the flavour of the whisky. A well-designed tasting glass helps concentrate the nose, which can be an important part of enjoying whisky. Before you even take a sip, you’re already learning something about the dram.
That is why the Glencairn Glass works so well. Its wide bowl gives the whisky room to open up, while the tapered rim helps focus the aromas and draw out more detail on the nose. It also feels right in the hand, which matters more than people sometimes realise. Whisky is about slowing down and enjoying the moment, and the right glass encourages that. A great glass doesn’t change the spirit itself, but it can absolutely change how much of it you discover.
