The Origins of BrewDog Distilling
BrewDog, founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007, built its reputation on challenging the status quo of the brewing industry. Their philosophy of 'punk brewing'—bold flavors, unconventional tactics, and a fierce independent spirit—found immense success. In 2016, they decided to apply this same rebellious attitude to the world of spirits by establishing their own distillery. Initially branded as LoneWolf, this distilling arm was later renamed BrewDog Distilling Co. in 2019 to better align with the main company.
Unlike many craft distillers who source their base spirit from third parties, BrewDog Distilling Co. takes a 'grain to glass' approach. This means they oversee the entire process, from mashing and fermenting the grains to distilling the final spirit. Their Aberdeenshire distillery features unique equipment, including a bespoke triple-bubble copper pot still and a towering 19-meter rectification column, to ensure maximum flavor extraction and purity.
The BrewDog Spirits Range
BrewDog's spirits portfolio is designed to be as bold and characterful as their beers. The lineup is constantly evolving but features several core products and limited-edition releases. The initial spirits range, launched under the LoneWolf brand, included gin and vodka, with rum and whisky following later.
Gins The LoneWolf gin line is a cornerstone of the spirits division. Their flagship gin is a juniper-forward London Dry style, known for its fierce character. Botanicals include Tuscan juniper, fresh lemon and grapefruit peel, and lavender, creating a citrusy, floral, and spicy profile. The range also features flavored expressions, such as Mexican Lime & Cactus and Peach & Passionfruit, for those seeking more experimental flavors.
Vodkas BrewDog's vodka, initially launched under the Abstrakt name, is crafted for supreme smoothness and purity. Distilled five times, it offers a clean, crisp character, making it a versatile base for cocktails or smooth enough to be sipped neat.
Rums The distillery also produces rum, including spiced varieties. Their approach to rum-making incorporates both Caribbean traditions and a unique Scottish twist, leading to innovative and flavorful spirits. For example, the Duo line has featured offerings like a caramelized pineapple spiced rum.
Whiskies While spirits like gin and vodka provide a quicker turnaround, whisky production is a long-term investment. BrewDog Distilling Co. produces both single malt and rye-forward single grain whiskies, laying down casks for maturation. They even ran an exclusive cask sale, allowing fans to invest in the inaugural single malt and single grain whiskies. This commitment to grain-to-glass whisky production highlights their dedication to the entire spirits category, not just a quick cash-in.
Comparison: BrewDog's Original Spirits vs. Current Lineup
| Feature | Original LoneWolf Launch (c. 2017) | Current BrewDog Distilling Co. (2024+) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | LoneWolf (for gin and vodka) | BrewDog Distilling Co. (all spirits) |
| Spirits Range | Primarily gin and vodka | Gin, vodka, rum, whisky, and canned cocktails |
| Base Spirit Source | Grain-to-glass, made in-house | Grain-to-glass, made in-house |
| Botanical Focus | Juniper-forward gin, clean vodka | Broader, including experimental flavors and whisky development |
| Key Innovation | The bespoke triple-bubble still | The launch of whisky and ready-to-drink cocktails |
The Future of BrewDog's Liquor Offering
BrewDog continues to innovate and expand its presence in the spirits market. Their move into the ready-to-drink cocktail market, with brands like Wonderland Cocktails, further diversifies their liquor offerings and makes their spirits more accessible. The eventual release of their matured whisky will mark another major milestone, showcasing their long-term vision beyond just craft beer.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Brewery
The answer to "Does BrewDog have liquor?" is not only yes but a testament to their ambition and commitment to crafting high-quality spirits. Far from being a side project, BrewDog Distilling Co. is a serious endeavor, producing a full-throttle range of spirits from gin and vodka to rum and soon-to-be-released whiskies. This expansion solidifies BrewDog's position as a major player in the wider drinks industry, offering much more than just beer to its audience of flavor-seeking consumers. Whether you're a fan of their original beers or new to their spirits, the distillery's output is an exciting expression of the company's trademark bold and independent attitude.
