Dearle & Henderson have a taste of the Uisge Beatha

THE LAST POINT OF the distillery tour is arguably the most important for the prospective customer. Being semi professional whisky connaisseurs, Dearle & Henderson understood how vital it was to get this right based on the brief from Morrison Bowmore Distillers in 2008 to redesign their existing distillery bar and lounge area as it was the final stop of the tour.

This project was part of a rebranding exercise by MBD and they were looking for a contemporary design using high quality materials and a more open layout. The solution required extensive remodelling of the internal 18th century structure to allow its transformation into a modern, stylish and “on- brand” design, whilst taking into account fire regulations and the latest DDA regulations to allow unlimited access for wheelchairs.

In addition to this, as part of the long running association with MBD, Dearle & Henderson undertook the refurbishment of the Auchentoshan Vistor Centre, which would be the starting point of the tour complete with a waiting area, shop and an interactive display showcasing the history.

A redesign of the Distillery’s entrance and significant internal structural work took place that aimed to compliment its new bar and lounge area. The new centre has been a huge success story, attracting visitor numbers well in excess of predictions and proposals are already underway for a future extension. Together with these two large projects, D&H has also undertaken the refurbishment of the Auchentoshan’s Blenders Room and their Warehouse.