Arbikie Distillery, founded in 2014 on the east coast of Angus, Scotland, has emerged as a pioneering force in sustainable spirits production. Explore the distillery’s unique field-to-bottle approach, its deep agricultural roots, and the innovative practices that position it at the forefront of environmentally conscious distilling. By integrating traditional farming with modern sustainability practices, Arbikie offers a replicable model for the future of craft distillation.
The modern spirits industry faces mounting pressure to adapt to environmental challenges while meeting consumer demand for authenticity and quality. Arbikie Distillery exemplifies a successful convergence of these aims. Situated on a 2,000-acre working farm at Lunan Bay, Arbikie is a family-owned and operated business committed to producing premium spirits with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. This article examines Arbikie’s development, philosophy, and potential as a case study in sustainable agribusiness.
Founding Vision and Agricultural Heritage
Arbikie was founded by brothers David, Iain, and John Stirling - scions of a multi-generational farming family rooted in Angus. Like many from rural agricultural backgrounds, the Stirling brothers developed a deep respect for the land through years of hands-on labor. Although their early careers took them beyond the farm, they maintained a strong connection to their heritage.
The founding of Arbikie Distillery marked a return to their agricultural origins, combining traditional farming values with a forward-thinking commitment to innovation. Their mission: to establish a "field-to-bottle" operation where every element of production, from crop cultivation to bottling, occurs on-site.
Sustainability in Practice
Arbikie’s approach to distillation is grounded in sustainability. By growing all key ingredients on their estate, the distillery drastically reduces supply chain emissions and maintains full traceability. Crops such as barley, wheat, rye, and even potatoes are cultivated with environmentally conscious methods, ensuring a closed-loop system that emphasises soil health, biodiversity, and minimal waste.
Some key segments of their sustainability practices include:
Renewable Energy Integration: In 2023, Arbikie installed a 1 MW wind turbine on their farm, generating renewable electricity. This energy powers an electrolyser that produces green hydrogen, which is then used in a hydrogen-compatible boiler to generate steam for distillation. This initiative positions Arbikie as the world's first green hydrogen-powered distillery.
Sustainable Ingredients: The distillery grows its own juniper and produces honey from on-site bees, further reducing its environmental footprint.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: By-products from the distillation process are repurposed as cattle feed or natural fertilisers, promoting a circular economy within the estate
Moreover, the distillery continually invests in eco-friendly packaging and redefining what it means to be a sustainable distillery in the 21st century.
Innovation and Product Development
Beyond sustainability, Arbikie has also become known for its experimental and innovative spirit lines. These include unique expressions of gin, vodka, and whisky, each crafted to reflect the local terroir. Notably, Arbikie released one of the world’s first climate-positive gins, further solidifying its leadership in eco-conscious product development. The Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery also offers a visitor experience, allowing guests to explore the distillery and farm, understand the production process, and engage with the sustainability ethos firsthand. This has helped build a loyal customer base and reinforce Arbikie’s role in promoting agricultural tourism in Scotland.
Arbikie Distillery stands as a model for integrating sustainability into the heart of spirits production. By merging agricultural heritage with innovative practices, the Stirling brothers have created more than a distillery - they have cultivated a new standard for responsible, high-quality distilling. As the industry continues to evolve, Arbikie’s field-to-bottle philosophy may well become a blueprint for others seeking to align environmental stewardship with artisanal excellence.
You can now reserve our upcoming Caskshare releases, including a 5 year old Highland Rye Tokaji Aszú finish and an 7 year old Highland Rye Armagnac Finish, offering a direct connection to the distillery’s evolving story and sustainable mission.
Reserve your bottles down below!