REALISE A VISION WHEN JACKTON, SCOTLAND-BASED RAER BUILT THEIR IMPRESSIVE DISTILLERY AND BREWHOUSE, THEY INVESTED IN EQUIPMENT ACROSS THE BOARD TO MEET THEIR AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PLANS.
R
aer Scotch Whisky Limited
sophisticated solutions for their business
is an independent family-
needs.
owned distillery and
This incorporates bulk malt handling, a
brewhouse in the small
fully functional brewhouse, two (5000L
village of Jackton, near
& 2000L) stills along with a 10L R&D
Glasgow.
While the family dream was always to
still, CIP tank system, chiller, spent grain removal system and all the required finishing and holding tanks.
set up a distillery and produce whisky, support for the community and its
Ryebeck’s in-depth knowledge and
resources remains central to their vision.
experience of brewing and distilling have
They are committed to using local
provided Raer with a unique operation.
ingredients where possible, including
The malt handling system delivers the
having their own water source at the
benefits of higher extract and enhanced
distillery and growing their own grain.
control achieved from milling their own malt.
Also, during the pandemic, Raer has worked with local businesses and
The brewery has brought together some
charities to distribute free hand sanitiser
of the highest levels of automation
to some of the most vulnerable people
installed in the UK. Similarly, the distillery
within their community.
set-up enables a near continuous operation of the wash and spirit stills.
Operations Director Max McAneny explains: “Using the highest quality raw
Commenting on Ryebeck’s involvement,
ingredients and having sustainable
McAneny adds: “After meeting Tim Prime
production is key to success.
[managing director], we felt that his
“We currently use Scottish barley which
attitude and responses to our questions
is malted locally. We also grow barley
were excellent and that we could de-
ourselves in the neighbouring field and
velop a good relationship.
the traceability that this will afford us is
“Their lead-in times for equipment
fantastic.”
were much better than others and communication between us has been
A maltings facility is currently being built
great. Even when we have technical
and they are now bringing production
questions, they are able to supply the
of neutral grain spirit in-house too. Once
answers within a reasonable response
complete, Raer will have a true grain-to-
time.”
glass operation with full traceability. The company launched Raer Blended Additionally, Raer’s spent barley is used
Scotch Whisky at the end of 2020. This
to feed the cows on the neighbouring
expert blend of malt and grain whiskies
farm. They have recyclable packaging
offers new and experienced whisky fans
for their products and an application has
a smoother, naturally sweeter, entry-level
been made for wind turbines on the farm
whisky for sipping over ice or in a whisky
where the distillery is located. This will
cocktail.
add to their already impressive green credentials.
Additionally, last year on 12th February, Raer Whisky filled its first cask and has
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SUMMER 2021
Ryebeck has been Raer’s equipment
since laid down a stunning selection of
supplier of choice, providing
what will become their malt whiskies.
DISTILLERS JOURNAL
