Case Study
Innovation in whisky production with Port of Leith Distillery
Port of Leith Distillery partnered with Heriot-Watt's International Centre for Brewing & Distilling (ICBD) to revolutionise its approach to Scotch whisky production. The collaboration explored how yeast and fermentation could create new flavour profiles and improve production processes, enabling the distillery to develop a sustainable, differentiated business model in the highly competitive Scotch whisky sector.
Through ICBDs expertise they recruited research associate Victoria Muir-Taylor to investigate the potential of yeast strains in whisky production. Over three years, Victoria led extensive trials with 24 yeast strains, none of which had previously been used in whisky-making. This meticulous work resulted in the selection of three yeast strains, two of which were adopted for commercial use in the distillery’s inaugural releases.
“The KTP delivered the research we needed to create a sustainable and differentiated business model. It was incredibly useful for us in terms of our learning, our research, and adapting our approach to whisky production.” – Ian Stirling, Founder and Co-CEO of Muckle Brig, the company behind Port of Leith Distillery.
Beyond research and innovation, Heriot-Watt has also supplied talent to support the distillery’s growth. Vaibhav Sood, a Heriot-Watt alum and now Head of Whisky Operations at Port of Leith, leads the team producing the distillery’s world-class single malt.
“Joining the Scotch whisky industry was always a dream of mine,” Vaibhav says. “It’s a privilege to lead the team working to bring our iconic single malt to life in such a distinctive setting. – Ian Stirling, Founder and Co-CEO of Muckle Brig, the company behind Port of Leith Distillery.
This collaboration exemplifies Heriot-Watt’s role in transforming traditional industries through cutting-edge research, talent development, and knowledge exchange. By combining innovation and expertise, the partnership has positioned Port of Leith Distillery to stand out in the Scotch whisky market, attaining a multi-million pound investment and widespread acclaim for its vertical distillery design, while reinforcing Heriot-Watt’s reputation as a trusted partner in the brewing and distilling sector.
