Galloway

The Single Malt from the Galloway Distillery has now reached the required maturation period of three years and is about to be bottled for the first time. According to Sam Heughan, the distillery will initially launch a Blend before its own Single Malt becomes widely available. Whisky enthusiasts can therefore look forward to exciting new releases from Galloway.

The Galloway Distillery produces the internationally renowned Hills & Harbour Gin, as well as the newly added Sassenach Gin, which was created in collaboration with Scottish actor Sam Heughan.

The name ‘Hills & Harbour’ reflects the location of the distillery: it is nestled between the Galloway Hills and the coastal landscape around the River Cree. This environment provides some of the natural ingredients that characterise the Gin’s distinctive flavour.

Regional botanicals include noble pine needles and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), a type of brown algae traditionally used as a medicinal plant. The base alcohol is produced entirely at the distillery from locally grown wheat, which is milled on site and fermented for seven days. This complex process ensures depth and richness of flavour.

The aromatic complexity comes from botanicals such as mango, orange peel, Szechuan pepper, bay leaves and juniper. The result is a fresh, maritime Gin with fruity and spicy nuances.

The Galloway Distillery was taken over in 2025 by actor Sam Heughan and entrepreneur Alex Norouzi and reopened under a new name. With his return to his home region of Galloway, Sam Heughan, known from the series ‘Outlander’, continues to pursue his passion for high-quality spirits.

The distillery was originally founded in 2017 by Graham Taylor and his father William Taylor under the name ‘Crafty’. William clad the building inside and out with larch wood from the region – a symbol of the close connection to nature and home. Under Graham Taylor's leadership, the first spirits were created, including Hills & Harbour Gin.

With the takeover and renaming to Galloway Distillery, the team is continuing this vision: handcrafted premium spirits with regional character and a sustainable approach.

The Galloway Distillery visitor centre offers magnificent views of the Galloway Hills and invites Whisky and Gin enthusiasts to enjoy an authentic experience. In addition to a shop, there is the cosy Tree Bar, whose counter is made from the trunk of a local Douglas fir tree.

Visitors can take part in the Galloway Distillery Tour, a guided tour followed by a tasting session. The distillery provides special samples to take away for drivers.