Awakening the Uile Bheist: A New Era for Whisky & Beer in Inverness
Awakening the Uile Bheist: A New Era for Whisky & Beer in Inverness is a story of revival, sustainability, and craft brewing.
If you’re heading to Inverness and enjoy whisky or craft beer, Uile Bheist Distillery & Brewery is a stop seriously worth considering. This brewstillery brings together modern sustainability, Highland mythology, and traditional brewing—but before you book, there are a few things you’ll want to know to make the most of your visit.
Where to Find Uile Bheist & How to Get There
Uile Bheist is located on the banks of the River Ness, tucked behind Glen Mhor Hotel. It is a short walk from Inverness Castle and the city centre. If you are driving, there is parking available, but it is best to check in advance.
Address: 5 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SF
Parking: Limited on-site parking (check confirmation email for details)
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Inverness Train Station
The Last Distilleries in Inverness & The Return of Whisky
Uile Bheist is the first new distillery in Inverness for over 130 years. The last distilleries, Glen Mhor, Glen Albyn, and Millburn, closed in the 1980s, and their buildings were either demolished or repurposed. With the industry gone, whisky distilling disappeared from Inverness—until now.
Uile Bheist was founded by Jon and Victoria Erasmus, a husband-and-wife team with a strong connection to both Scotland and South Africa. While Jon is originally from South Africa, Victoria is a Highland lass, born in the surrounding glens. Their journey into whisky and brewing began with Glen Mhor Hotel, which they established before expanding into craft beer and distilling.
Their goal was to bring whisky back to Inverness, a city that had lost its last distilleries in the 1980s. With a strong focus on sustainability and local heritage, Uile Bheist is their way of combining tradition with innovation, ensuring that the spirit of Highland whisky-making thrives in the heart of Inverness once again.
Why Did Inverness’ Distilleries Close in the 1980s?
The closure of Glen Mhor, Glen Albyn, and Millburn distilleries in the 1980s was primarily due to a global whisky downturn, economic shifts, and industry consolidation.
- The Whisky Overproduction Crisis – During the 1970s, whisky production expanded significantly, with distilleries increasing output to meet expected future demand. However, this boom was followed by a slump in the late 1970s and early 1980s, leading to an oversupply of whisky and falling sales.
- Declining Global Demand – Traditional Scotch whisky markets, particularly in the UK and US, saw a decline in demand, as vodka and other spirits became more popular. Younger drinkers moved away from whisky, impacting sales.
- Industry Consolidation – Many small and medium-sized distilleries were owned by larger corporations, which made strategic decisions to shut down underperforming sites.
- Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn were both owned by DCL (Distillers Company Limited, now Diageo), which decided to close them in 1983.
- Millburn, the last working distillery in Inverness, was also closed by DCL in 1985.
- Shifts in Production Efficiency – Older distilleries with less efficient equipment and outdated facilities were often the first to be closed. Many of Inverness’ distilleries were smaller, older, and less productive than others in the Highlands or Speyside.
Types of Tours & Costs
Uile Bheist offers several tour options:
- Discovery Tour (£35): Includes a guided experience, two whisky samples (new-make spirit and a blended malt), and a beer tasting.
- Head Distiller Tour (£210): A more detailed tour in the expert hands of the Head Distiller.
- Private Tours: Available by arrangement for those wanting a customised experience.
If you need a designated driver’s pack, it is best to request this when booking.
What to Expect from the Tour
The distillery is modern and stylish, but it does not have the traditional stone warehouses or cask storage on-site. The tour starts upstairs, where the stills are located, before heading downstairs to the storage section.
- Production does not take place at weekends or holidays, so visitors on those days will not see brewing or distilling in action.
- The site is not yet accessible (2025) due to the lack of a lift to the upper level.
- The floor has metal grating, so no high heels, skirts, or anything that could get caught should be avoided.
Visitors who prefer beer over whisky should request a beer tasting instead of whisky when booking.
The Beers & Their Mythical Names
One of the most striking elements of Uile Bheist is the artwork, designed by Melbourne-based artist Ken Taylor.
Did you know that each beer is named after Scottish folklore and mythology?
wee wild adventures
- Uilebheist Lager – Named after the legendary Loch Ness monster of the River Ness.
- Dark Horse Stout – Inspired by Highland legends of Kelpies.
- Highland Storm Session Ale – Each-Uisge (Water Horse) – More dangerous than kelpies, the Each-Uisge is a saltwater monster.
- White Witch Unfiltered – A tribute to the power of the Cailleach.
- Forest Dweller Pale Ale – Based on The Ghillie Dubh of Melvaig a kind creature of the woods of Wester Ross.
The water used in brewing comes directly from the River Ness, where legends of monsters have been told for centuries.
The Kelpies & The Ghillie Dubh – Mythology Behind the Artwork
The branding at Uile Bheist draws on Scottish folklore. Two key creatures stand out:
- The Kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits, often appearing as wild horses that lure people into deep water. These beings are deeply rooted in Scottish mythology.
- The Ghillie Dubh is a guardian of the woods, a solitary and mysterious figure known for protecting nature. Having lived in Melvaig, near Gairloch, for 14 years, where the Ghillie Dubh is said to roam, this legend much loved by us. The idea of a guardian spirit watching over the land aligns well with Uile Bheist’s focus on sustainability.
The Ghillie Dubh: The Kind Black Fairy & A Highland Connection
The Ghillie Dubh is one of Scotland’s most intriguing folklore figures—a solitary, kind-hearted fairy who lives deep in the forests of the Highlands. Unlike many mischievous or dangerous fae in Scottish legend, the Ghillie Dubh is known for his kindness, especially towards children. He is described as a small, dark-haired figure, dressed in woven leaves and moss, blending seamlessly into the woodland he protects.
This legend holds special significance for me, having lived in Melvaig, near Gairloch, for 14 years, an area where the Ghillie Dubh roams among the trees near Loch a Druing. His story ties beautifully into Uile Bheist’s environmental ethos—a distillery committed to sustainability, using water from the River Ness and renewable energy to create its whisky and beer.
With their Forest Dweller Pale Ale by Uile Bheist, based on the spirit of the Ghillie Dubh, a guardian of nature.
Whether you believe in folklore or not, there’s something special about sipping a pint of Highland ale, knowing that the land it came from is rich with stories of kind black fairies and hidden protectors.
Sustainability at Uile Bheist
Uile Bheist stands out for its sustainability efforts, using:
- Uile Bheist sources its water from on-site wells located beneath the car park, which is left unpaved to protect this vital resource. This water is used for heating, drinking, and distilling, ensuring a sustainable, locally sourced supply that supports both whisky and beer production while minimising environmental impact.
- Water from the River Ness for cooling and processing.
- On-site energy generation (Solar PV and Water) to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Recycling and local sourcing to ensure a minimal environmental impact. e.g. Uile Bheist operates with a strong circular economy approach, ensuring minimal waste from its production processes. One key example is the spent grain from brewing, which is collected and sent to local farmers for livestock feed. This not only reduces waste but also supports the local agricultural community.
This focus makes Uile Bheist one of Scotland’s most environmentally conscious distilleries.
Why Isn’t There Any Uile Bheist Whisky Yet?
By Scottish law, whisky must mature for a minimum of three years before it can legally be called Scotch whisky. Uile Bheist began distilling in 2023, meaning its own whisky will not be available before 2026 at the earliest.
What qualifies as Scotch Whisky?
- Must be distilled in Scotland from malted barley, yeast, and water.
- Must be aged in oak casks for at least three years.
- Must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.
For now, Uile Bheist offers a blended malt whisky and new-make spirit for tastings, but its own single malt is still years away.
How to Get the Best Experience at Uile Bheist
- If you need a tour in French, German, or another language, mention it when booking, as foreign language tours are dependent on staff availability and foreign language pamphlets are not always provided automatically.
- If you are driving, request a designated driver’s pack in advance to ensure you can take samples home.
- If you prefer beer over whisky, request a beer tasting instead of whisky samples when booking.
- Remember don’t wear high heels!
Final Thoughts: Is Uile Bheist Worth a Visit?
Awakening the Uile Bheist: A New Era for Whisky & Beer in Inverness
Uile Bheist offers something unique: a modern, sustainable take on Highland whisky and beer. The artwork and branding are visually striking, and the sustainability efforts set it apart from many other producers.
However, visitors should be aware that:
- There is no whisky available yet, as it is still maturing.
- There is no production on weekends or holidays.
- The site is not fully accessible at this stage (2025).
For those interested in craft beer, sustainability, and whisky production, Uile Bheist is a worthwhile stop. However, visitors looking for a traditional distillery experience with aged whisky on-site may want to consider their options before booking.
To learn more or book a tour, visit: https://www.uilebheist.com.