Uile-bheist Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Uile-bheist is a new riverside distillery and brewery in Inverness, which combines Highland single malt production and craft beer under one roof. Its copper stills began operating in 2023. Visitors can taste whisky such as Colpach while its own whisky continues to mature.
In this guide
Distillery at a glance
History, owners and key people
How the whisky is made
Bottle range and releases
Awards, visiting and tours
Reader poll and frequently asked questions
Sources and image credits
Summarise this guide with AI
Uile-bheist Distillery at a glance
History of Uile-bheist Distillery
Opened in 2023 beside the Glen Mhor Hotel on the River Ness, Uile-bheist is described as Inverness's first newly built whisky distillery in about 130 years. Owners Jon and Victoria Erasmus developed a combined brewing and distilling visitor destination.
The name is Gaelic for a mythical monster and is linked to local Highland folklore. Contemporary artists contributed to the venue's labels and design, while the brewery provides drinks for the taproom during the years its own single malt remains in oak casks.
Ownership and key people
Jon and Victoria Erasmus. This is based on the producer information available in October 2026; roles and shareholders can change.
How the whisky is made
Uile-bheist uses copper still equipment by Kaspar Schulz. It distils malt spirit and matures that spirit in oak for future Highland single malt. The brewery makes a separate range of beers.
Colpach, the blended malt served or sold in the visitor programme, is not whisky matured from Uile-bheist's 2023 new make for an extended age statement. Its own production and independently sourced whisky offerings should be distinguished.
Uile-bheist Distillery whisky range
These are verified whisky expressions or historically significant releases. Where relevant the text distinguishes whisky distilled at the site from independent or sourced bottlings. Producer flavour notes do not replace an independent Whisky Clan tasting.
Colpach Smoke & Sea
Blended malt whisky associated with Uile-bheist's visitor experience, shown in the bottle photo.
Uile-bheist new make
Spirit made at the Inverness stills but not yet mature Scotch whisky.
Future Highland single malt
Site-distilled spirit currently maturing. Launch year and exact bottling specifications should be verified rather than assumed.
Pictured: Uile-bheist Colpach Smoke & Sea. The photograph is of an actual bottle associated with the producer or independently bottled range, rather than a generic whisky glass.
Awards and milestones
The most significant verified milestone is the return of whisky distillation to central Inverness in 2023. Awards for a future site-distilled whisky cannot be reported before a named bottle has been released.
Visiting Uile-bheist Distillery
The brewery and distillery offers tours and a taproom along the River Ness. The official site advertises a list of hundreds of whiskies from different distilleries and its own beers. Bookings, product availability and hours may change.
As of 23 October 2026, prices, visitor hours, tours and stock can change. Always confirm arrangements with the producer.
Keep exploring Whisky Clan
Explore related whisky regions, production methods and bottle ranges through our other detailed guides.
Share your Uile-bheist Distillery experience
Take our four-question poll and compare your experience with other Whisky Clan readers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Uile-bheist Distillery?
Ness Bank, Inverness
When did production begin?
Opened 2023
Who is behind the distillery?
Jon and Victoria Erasmus
Which whiskies are associated with it?
Colpach Smoke & Sea, Uile-bheist new make, Future Highland single malt. Check each release’s provenance and date.
Can you visit?
The brewery and distillery offers tours and a taproom along the River Ness. The official site advertises a list of hundreds of whiskies from different distilleries and its own beers. Bookings, product availability and hours may change.
Help us improve this distillery guide
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Sources and image credits
Research and visitor details checked on 23 October 2026. External links and image credits are intentionally grouped at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches distilleries, production and bottles, and welcomes corrections supported by reliable sources.
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