For centuries, Leith stood as a beating heart of Scottish trade and distillation. Yet, whisky production completely vanished from its streets for over a hundred years. Enter Bonnington Distillery, the pioneering modern project that has brought the spirit back to this historic corner of Edinburgh. Its arrival has finally bridged the gap between the area’s vibrant maritime past and Scotland’s thriving modern whisky culture. Read more on edinburgh1.one.
The History and Rise of Bonnington Distillery
Back in the 19th century, Leith was the crucible for the blending culture that would eventually propel Scotch whisky onto the global stage. A towering figure in this era was John Crabbie—a visionary entrepreneur, blender, and bottler whose work profoundly shaped the industry. Working alongside other local merchants, he honed the art of marrying spirits, laying the foundations for a trade that would conquer the world.
Following Crabbie’s death, the brand passed through several hands before being breathed new life in 2007 by Halewood Artisanal Spirits. Capitalising on Crabbie’s ginger heritage, they launched Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, which swiftly became an international sensation.
The symbolic return of the Crabbie name to its spiritual home in Leith truly began with the Bonnington Distillery project. Planning kicked off in 2017 on Graham Street, just a stone’s throw from John Crabbie’s original premises. However, preparations took an unexpected turn when archaeologists unearthed the foundations of Bonnington House, a historic building once used as a military headquarters during the siege of Edinburgh Castle. The dig also revealed a bronze forge, the remains of an abandoned manor, and fragments of a forgotten distillery—a poignant reminder of Leith’s distilling heyday. While the main build was paused to allow for these excavations, a pilot facility known as Chain Pier stepped in to bridge the gap, operating between 2018 and 2019.
Bonnington Distillery officially opened its doors in 2019, and the very first cask was filled in March 2020. The facility launched with an initial capacity of roughly 2,200 casks a year, equating to around 1.1 million litres of pure alcohol. The core production process—from mashing the malted barley (sourced from Pencaitland and Alloa) to filling the casks—takes place entirely on-site. Once filled, the casks are transported to warehouses in Kirkcaldy for maturation, before making their final journey back to Edinburgh for bottling.
Early 2024 marked a milestone for the distillery with the launch of its debut whisky, the Bonnington Inaugural Release Single Malt. Showcasing a classic Lowland style, this exquisite dram was matured exclusively in Ruby Port casks. Strictly limited to just 500 bottles, each one was personally signed by distillery manager Jamie Lockhart. Bottled at a robust cask strength of 52.3% ABV, the whisky offered a rich yet elegant flavour profile, boasting notes of dried pear, zesty citrus, and deep, well-integrated oak.
Fast forward to August 2025, and Bonnington unveiled a new range of spirits that pushed the boundaries of their flavour profile. This line-up featured two distinct expressions: an unpeated single malt at 47% ABV and a peated version sitting at 51% ABV. Both were matured in Muscat wine casks, imparting vibrant, fruity, and wine-led nuances to the liquid. These releases proved that the distillery isn’t afraid to step outside the traditional bounds of Lowland whisky, actively carving out a unique identity that champions both tradition and innovation.
Industry Recognition and Lasting Impact
The significance of Bonnington Distillery stretches far beyond mere commercial success. It stands as a powerful symbol of heritage reclaimed—honouring both the John Crabbie legacy and Leith’s historic status as a whisky-making powerhouse. With their small-batch early releases instantly achieving collectible status, the distillery is increasingly cited as one of Scotland’s most exciting new producers. Ultimately, Bonnington is proving that even a youthful spirit can deliver remarkable complexity, balance, and distinctive character.
