Nicol (left) and Russell shake on a deal with gives Ian Macleod wider gin exposure.

Family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers has taken full ownership of fast-growing Spencerfield Spirit Company, including its flagship brand, Edinburgh Gin, with immediate effect. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Spencerfield, owned by Alex and Jane Nicol, had a long-standing arrangement with IMD as the exclusive distributor of Edinburgh Gin in the UK, as well as the company’s whisky range: Pig’s Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery.

Production of the gin, first launched in 2010, will continue at the distillery and visitor centre in Rutland Place, Edinburgh and at its second distillery at The Biscuit Factory, Leith. The Nicols will also continue to work with the brands during a transition period and the deal secures all 22 jobs at Spencerfield according to Ian Macleod which says it plans to make further investment in the portfolio.

Leonard Russell, Managing Director at IMD, comments: “Spencerfield Spirit Company and Ian Macleod Distillers are both family-run businesses, with firm commitments to quality spirit production. Edinburgh Gin will be a great addition to our existing brand portfolio which includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead and Isle of Skye whiskies, and Atlantico Rum.”

SMALL-BATCH PRODUCTION

Edinburgh Gin has a small-batch production and is claimed to be at the forefront of the gin renaissance in the UK. “We are eager to build upon this foundation,” says Russell. The core range has been consistently awarded International Wine & Spirits (IWSC) medals including, Gold in 2015 for Cannonball Edinburgh Gin and Silver Outstanding for Edinburgh Gin in 2016.

According to Nielsen Scantrack in 2015, the brand is Scotland’s fastest-growing gin with expansion into a second distillery and production quadrupled. It now produces enough spirit to make over 2.5m gin and tonics each year.

Edinburgh Gin Founder, Alex Nicol, says: “The acquisition came along at the right time for Spencerfield Spirit. We have built a solid partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers over the past three years and feel they are in an excellent position to take forward Edinburgh Gin and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio.”