Cameronbridge

Introduction:

Cameronbridge Distillery, owned entirely by Diageo, is known for producing alcohol for various blends. It also has its own brands, including the Single Grain Whisky Cameron Brig and the partnership-produced Haig Club Single Grain Whisky, created with David Beckham. Additionally, the distillery is involved in the production of Tanqueray Gins.

Gin Production:

Tanqueray London Dry Gin, named after its creator Charles Tanqueray, originated in the 1830s. The recipe, developed after testing over 300 variations, features the classic botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice. While the original London distillery was mostly destroyed in 1941, the majority of Tanqueray production now takes place at Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland. The Gin retains the label “London Dry” due to its adherence to the recipe and production process rather than its geographical origin.

Tanqueray No. 10 Gin continues the traditional recipe but adds grapefruit, orange, lime, and chamomile blossom for an extra burst of freshness. The name “No. Ten” refers to the still used for distillation.

The Tanqueray portfolio includes other Gins such as Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin, which blends Seville oranges, orange blossom, and the classic botanicals. The inspiration for this Gin came from Charles Tanqueray’s travels to Andalusia in the 1860s.

Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale Distilled Gin combines blackcurrants, vanilla, and a touch of black orchid, paying homage to its inventor’s French heritage and experiences abroad.

Production:

Cameronbridge Distillery was an early adopter of the Patent Still, installing it in 1829, thanks to John Haig, a cousin of its inventor Robert Stein. The distillery later added a Coffey Still to keep up with technological advancements. By the 1880s, Cameronbridge operated two Stein Patent Stills, two Coffey Stills, and a Pot Still. Eventually, the distillery shifted its focus exclusively to the production of Grain Whisky.

To meet the demand, Cameronbridge has custom-built stills with a capacity of 136 million liters, operating continuously, 24/7. The distillery sources its water from Loch Leven.

History:

John Haig founded Cameronbridge Distillery in 1824, coming from a family with a long history in distilling. An ancestor of John’s is believed to have started distilling as early as 1627.

In 1865, John Haig joined forces with eight other grain distillers, including the owners of Port Dundas, Cambus, Glenochil, Carsebridge, and Kirkliston. This alliance formed the Distillers Company Limited (DCL) in 1877, which later evolved into today’s Diageo through several mergers.

During World War II, the distillery was temporarily closed. In 1989, a significant renovation project commenced, accompanied by capacity expansion, which lasted until 1991.

From 1998 onward, Cameronbridge not only produced alcohol for Whisky but also accommodated the production of Gordon’s and Tanqueray Gin, as well as Smirnoff Vodka. In 2007, the distillery underwent further expansion as part of a £40 million investment. With the closure of Port Dundas in 2010, Cameronbridge became Diageo’s sole grain distillery.

Visitor information:

Cameronbridge Distillery
Windygates
Leven
Fife
KY8 5RL