RAER Scotch Whisky Limited is an independent family-owned distillery and brewhouse in the small village of Jackton near Glasgow.  With ambitious plans to produce a range of high quality drinks, the local community and its resources remain at the heart of the company’s vision.

RAER’s grain-to-glass operation

They are committed to using local ingredients where possible.  This includes having their own water source at the distillery and growing their own barley in a neighbouring field.  They are currently building a maltings facility and are also bringing production of neutral grain spirit in-house too.  Once complete, RAER will have a true grain-to-glass operation with full traceability.

Green credentials

Their spent barley is used to feed the cows on the neighbouring farm.  They have recyclable packaging for their products and an application has been made for wind turbines on the farm where the distillery is located.  This will add to RAER’s already impressive green credentials.

Stills at Jackton Distillery

RAER chooses Ryebeck

RAER chose Ryebeck to supply and fit their range of top quality, sophisticated machinery.  This incorporates bulk malt handling, a fully functional brewhouse, two (5000L & 2000L) stills along with a 10L R&D still, CIP tank system, chiller, spent grain removal system and all the required finishing and holding tanks.

Operations Director Max McAneny praises Ryebeck’s professionalism, communication and support throughout the project.  “After meeting Tim Prime [Ryebeck Managing Director], we felt that his attitude and responses to our questions were excellent and that we could develop a good relationship.  Ryebeck’s lead-in times for equipment were much better than others, along with the technology that we required when purchasing our equipment.  The communication between us has been great.  Even when we have technical questions, they are able to supply the answers within a reasonable response time.”

You can read more information on Ryebeck’s involvement in an earlier article on these pages.

RAER Blended Scotch Whisky

Whisky

On 12^th February last year, RAER filled its first whisky cask and has since laid down a selection of further malt whiskies in various cask finishes. These include port, sherry, rum, Madeira, Sauternes, Rioja, Bourbon and more.  They plan to begin releasing these from Valentine’s Day 2023.

At the end of 2020, they launched RAER Blended Scotch Whisky, made from a blend of malt and grain whiskies.  Sales and Marketing Director, Katie O’Brien comments further: “It offers new and experienced whisky fans a smoother, naturally sweeter, entry-level whisky for sipping over ice or in a whisky cocktail.”

Jackton Gin

Gin

RAER has also just released Jackton Gin, working with Craig Law, Ryebeck’s Master Distiller.  Craig helped perfect the recipe, before upscaling production from a small test still to a much larger 2000L spirit still.

Future plans

RAER has exciting plans to grow the business further with new spirits and future beer production.  The distillery also intends to open an on-site shop and extend its branded merchandise.

The success of RAER’s ambitious projects has been possible through an innovative business model.  This incorporates high quality, bespoke, technologically advanced machinery.  Ryebeck’s expertise has been essential in scoping the project, sourcing, supplying and fitting the equipment and providing technical advice.

If you’re looking to purchase high quality new or second-hand distillation or brewery equipment, then Ryebeck can help.   You can contact them on +44 (0) 800 689 3216 or via their online form.

Author: Robin Goldsmith of The Write Taste