Dornoch Distillery
Dornoch Distillery is a tiny, passionate Highland craft distillery in Station Square, Dornoch, run by brothers Phil and Simon Thompson. Founded in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign backed by 200 whisky enthusiasts worldwide, the distillery is built on a philosophy of traditional methods, organic ingredients, and small-batch production. The Thompson brothers previously ran the celebrated whisky bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel and developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of Scotch whisky before picking up their own stills. Now operating under the Thompson Bros Distillers brand from their new Station Square premises — the distillery relocated in 2022 — they are widely regarded as one of Scotland's most exciting small producers, with expansion plans including a carbon-neutral "Dornoch South" facility.
Tours
Not available
On-site Shop
No shop
Online Shop
Available
History
Phil and Simon Thompson grew up in Dornoch and spent years building reputations as whisky obsessives through their role running the whisky bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel — a bar that became a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. In 2017, drawing on the support of 200 whisky lovers who backed their crowdfunding campaign, the brothers launched Dornoch's first whisky distillery. The first batch of new make spirit was distilled and laid to cask that year.
In 2022 the Thompson brothers moved to their new Station Square headquarters in Dornoch, establishing a permanent home for the distillery in the heart of the town. That year also saw the introduction of SRV5 and TB/BSW blended malt expressions, broadening the range. In September 2023, planning permission was granted for "Dornoch South" — a planned expansion distillery designed to be carbon-neutral. In 2025 the brothers announced a further new project, Struie Distillery, demonstrating the pace of their ambition. The distillery employs seven full-time staff.
The original dornochdistillery.com website now redirects to thompsonbrosdistillers.com, reflecting the rebrand to Thompson Bros Distillers.
Production
Dornoch operates on a micro-scale, producing spirit in small batches with a strong emphasis on traditional methods and organic ingredients. Maturation is primarily in octave casks — small, fast-maturing vessels that concentrate flavour. The Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin is produced alongside the whisky programme and has been exported to over 12 countries. The team also produces occasional independent bottlings of rum and whisky from external sources that align with their quality philosophy.
Tasting Character
[!question] Gap — specific tasting notes for Thompson Bros Dornoch Single Malt are not available from official sources. The distillery's emphasis on organic ingredients, octave cask maturation, and traditional methods suggests a flavour-forward, concentrated style. Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin is an award-winning expression with botanical complexity, exported to 12+ countries.
What They Produce
Notable Bottlings
- Thompson Bros Dornoch Single Malt£34.50 — Small batch, Highland single malt, traditional methods
- Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin£34.50 — Award-winning, 12+ country export reach
- SRV5 Blended Scotch Malt Whisky — Blended malt expression introduced 2022
- TB/BSW Blended Malt Whisky — Blended malt expression introduced 2022
- Independent bottlings of rum and whisky — Occasional releases from aligned producers
Buy their whiskey
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Visiting
Dornoch Distillery is not open to the public for regular tours, tastings, or drop-in visits. The brothers host whisky tasting events for groups; contact the Dornoch Castle Hotel for arrangements at dornochcastlehotel.com or 01862 810216. A physical shop at the Station Square premises sells bottles. An online shop is available at thompsonbrosdistillers.com.
Official Website
