Spotlight on Tayport Distillery

Tayport Distillery, located in the picturesque region of Fife, Scotland, is a family-run operation that combines tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to local produce. Founded by Kecia McDougall, the distillery has made its mark by crafting premium spirits that reflect the natural bounty of Scotland’s larder while paying homage to her American roots. This small-batch distillery focuses on sustainability, local ingredients, and a commitment to quality, resulting in a range of spirits that capture the essence of the region and the passion of the family behind the business.

Surrounded by the lush landscapes of the River Tay and Tentsmuir Forest, Tayport Distillery benefits from the unique microclimate of Fife, which is ideal for growing a wide variety of fruits and botanicals. From their distinctive liqueurs to their locally foraged gin, the distillery is a celebration of the area’s agricultural richness, combined with a spirit of innovation that has helped them stand out in Scotland’s ever-growing distilling industry.

The Origins: Kecia McDougall and Family

Tayport Distillery was founded in 2017 by Kecia McDougall, an Ohio native who moved to Scotland after meeting her Scottish husband. Kecia brought with her not only a passion for spirits but also a deep respect for local produce, an ethos that drives the distillery today. Her vision for Tayport was to create something that would combine the best of Scottish agriculture with the traditional distilling traditions of the region.

Kecia’s upbringing in Ohio, where she was surrounded by apple orchards and fruit farms, laid the foundation for her approach to spirits. The concept of Eau de Vie, or fruit brandy, was a natural extension of her childhood, and she wanted to bring that craft to Scotland by using local fruit. The distillery remains a family affair, with Kecia’s husband and children often lending a hand. This family-driven operation has maintained its small-batch focus, ensuring that each product reflects the care and attention that goes into every bottle.

Malt Barley Vodka: A Tribute to Scottish Agriculture

Tayport Distillery also produces a premium Malt Barley Vodka, which highlights the versatility of Scottish barley—a crop more commonly associated with whisky production. This vodka is crafted using traditional distilling techniques, and its smooth, rich flavour profile is a testament to the quality of the grain and the expertise behind the process. Unlike many vodkas, which are distilled to be as neutral as possible, Tayport’s Malt Barley Vodka retains the character of the barley, resulting in a spirit that’s slightly malty with a creamy finish, winning them the highest accolades at various spirits awards.

This vodka stands out in cocktails, but it’s also smooth enough to be enjoyed neat, which speaks to the quality of both the ingredients and the distilling process. By using malt barley, Tayport highlights a key aspect of Scotland’s agricultural heritage, ensuring that even their vodka has a distinct sense of place.

Wild Rose and Scots Pine Gins: Locally Foraged Botanicals

In keeping with their dedication to local produce, Tayport Distillery offers two gin varieties: Wild Rose Gin and Scots Pine Gin, both of which are crafted using botanicals foraged from the local area. The Wild Rose Gin is made with delicate rose petals handpicked from the gardens of Fife, creating a floral, aromatic spirit that pairs beautifully with tonic or in a variety of cocktails.

Their Scots Pine Gin is perhaps the most unique offering, using Scots pine needles harvested from the nearby Tentsmuir Forest. The pine adds a crisp, resinous quality to the gin, balanced by other locally sourced botanicals such as juniper and citrus. The result is a gin that is distinctly Scottish in flavour, combining the freshness of the forest with the traditional botanicals that make gin such a versatile spirit. Both gins showcase Tayport’s commitment to sustainability, with all botanicals being ethically foraged and used at their peak.

Liqueurs: Celebrating Scottish Fruit

In addition to their gin and vodka, Tayport Distillery is known for its range of liqueurs, which are made using fresh, locally sourced fruit. The Raspberry Liqueur, for example, uses raspberries from nearby farms, resulting in a rich, vibrant spirit that captures the essence of Scottish summer. Similarly, their Coffee Liqueur offers a different take, using roasted coffee beans from local producers to create a smooth, indulgent treat.

These liqueurs are perfect for sipping neat, adding to cocktails, or drizzling over desserts, and they reflect Tayport’s focus on using natural, high-quality ingredients to create spirits that are as versatile as they are flavourful. Each liqueur is crafted in small batches, allowing for seasonal variations and ensuring that every bottle is as fresh as possible.

Sustainability: A Distillery with a Conscience

From the beginning, Tayport Distillery has been committed to sustainability. This is evident not only in their sourcing of local ingredients but also in their production methods. By using surplus fruit that might otherwise go to waste, the distillery reduces food waste while creating a product that celebrates the natural flavours of the region.

Tayport also employs energy-efficient practices in their distillation process. For example, their cooling systems use less water than traditional methods, reducing their overall environmental impact. The distillery’s small-batch focus further ensures that nothing goes to waste, and every step of the production process is designed to minimise their carbon footprint.

In addition to their eco-friendly practices, Tayport Distillery places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Every bottle is distilled, bottled, and labeled by hand, ensuring that the quality of the product is never compromised. This dedication to the craft of distilling is what sets Tayport apart in an increasingly crowded marketplace. By focusing on quality over quantity, the distillery has carved out a niche for itself as a producer of premium, artisanal spirits that reflect the beauty and bounty of Scotland’s natural landscape.

The Tayport Experience: Tours and Workshops

For those looking to learn more about the distilling process, Tayport Distillery offers a range of tours and workshops, providing visitors with an inside look at how their spirits are made. These experiences allow guests to meet Kecia and her family, hear about their journey, and see the distillery in action.

A Distillery Rooted in Family, Sustainability, and Place

Tayport Distillery is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, craftsmanship, and sustainability come together. Kecia McDougall and her family have built a distillery that not only produces exceptional spirits but also celebrates the beauty and abundance of Fife’s natural landscape. By using local produce, embracing traditional methods, and maintaining a focus on sustainability, Tayport Distillery has created a range of spirits that truly stand out in the world of craft distilling.

Whether it’s their groundbreaking Never.25 Eau de Vie, their foraged gins, or their luxurious fruit liqueurs, every product from Tayport Distillery tells a story—of the land, the fruit, and the family behind it all. For those looking to explore the rich world of Scottish spirits, Tayport offers a taste of Fife like no other.