Alex Nicol has sold his Spencerfield Spirit Company to Ian Macleod Distillers. The company whose brands include Edinburgh Gin, Pig’s Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feather, has had a long-standing arrangement with Ian Macleod who have been the exclusive distributors of Edinburgh Gin and Spencerfield Spirit’s whisky range for the last three years. Ian Macleod will now take full ownership of the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio with all brands being transferred with immediate effect.
Leonard Russell, Managing Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said, “This announcement is great news for both companies and further strengthens our portfolio of premium spirit brands.
“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.
“Edinburgh Gin is a multi-award winning, small-batch gin at the forefront of the gin renaissance in the UK. We are eager to build upon this foundation and the success of the Nicol family.”
Edinburgh Gin founder, Alex Nicol said, “The acquisition came along at the right time for Spencerfield Spirit. We have built a solid partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers over the last three years and feel they are in an excellent position to take forward Edinburgh Gin and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio. We look forward to working with them over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the momentum in growth.
He continued, “Ian Macleod Distillers is the perfect home for Edinburgh Gin’s future. The company shares our family values and artisanal approach to production and we look forward to working with them to maximise its potential”.
Production of Edinburgh Gin will continue at the distillery and visitor centre on Rutland Place in Edinburgh and at their second distillery at The Biscuit Factory in Leith. While Spencerfield founders Alex and Jane Nicol will continue to work with the brands during the transition period.
The acquisition secures all jobs and Ian Macleod Distillers plan to make further investment in the Spencerfield portfolio.
Edinburgh Gin – under the parent company Spencerfield Spirit – was established in 2010 by Alex and Jane Nicol.