| Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. | |
| Industry: | Drink industry |
| Founder: | Leonard Russell |
| Location: | Broxburn, Scotland, UK |
Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. is an independent, family-owned, Scottish concern which produces Scotch whisky and other spirits. Ian MacLeod is based in Broxburn, Scotland. It was founded by Leonard Russell, Snr. in 1933.[1] They own three single malt whisky distilleries: Glengoyne, Tamdhu, and Rosebank. They also produce a number of other distilled spirits including Edinburgh Gin and Smokehead Islay Whisky.
The company is a member of the Scotch Whisky Association.[2]
Ian Macleod traces its roots to the whisky brokerage founded in October 1933 by Leonard Russell, Snr.[3] The Russell Brokers firm acquired Ian MacLeod & Co., Ltd. in March 1963 followed in May 1963 by the purchase of Isle of Skye Blended Whisky.[4] In March 1968 the King Robert II line of spirits was acquired.[5]
In May 1981 Ian Macleod, in conjunction with J & G Grant, opened Broxburn Bottlers, Ltd.[6]
In September 1990, Ian Macleod acquired London Hill Gin, a brand that dates back to 1785. In May 1996 Watson's Rums were brought on board and in September 1998 Hedges & Butler Blended Scotch and Wincarnis Tonic Wines were added to the portfolio.[7] [5]
The company officially became Ian MacLeod Distillers with the acquisition of the Glengoyne Distillery in April 2003.[8] Glengoyne along with Langs Blended Whisky were purchased from Highland Distillers.[9] In January 2006 Smokehead Islay Whisky was introduced by the company.[4]
In June 2011, Ian Macleod added another mothballed distillery from Highland Distillers Tamdhu Distillery.[10] The brand was re-launched in May 2013 at the Speyside Whisky Festival.[11] In September 2016 Spencerfield Spirits was acquired, bringing Edinburgh Gin, Pig's Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery Scotch Whiskies into the fold.[12]
In October 2017 Ian MacLeod bought the trademark for Rosebank Distillery from Diageo and the distillery site from Scottish Canals with the intention of reopening the distillery.[13] In July 2023 production restarted at Rosebank Distillery.[14]