Eight-year maturation culminates in a significant release, as industry veteran David King joins newly appointed MD Giancarlo Bianchi to spearhead international growth.
Hawick, Scotland – The Borders Distillery (TBD) is set to mark a defining moment in Scottish whisky history this September 2026 with the launch of its inaugural single malt Scotch whisky. This release arrives after eight years of patient maturation, representing the first single malt from the Scottish Borders region since 1837.
The highly anticipated launch signals a new chapter for the distillery, which commenced spirit production in March 2018. To navigate this crucial phase and drive ambitious growth plans, The Borders Distillery has strengthened its leadership team. Earlier this year, Giancarlo Bianchi assumed the role of Managing Director, bringing over 15 years of commercial and strategic leadership experience in premium spirits to the Hawick-based producer.
Bianchi’s appointment, effective from 1 April 2026, followed significant tenures as executive director of sales and marketing at Penderyn Distillery in Wales and as sales director for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery. Harvinder Hungin, Chairman at The Borders Distillery, highlighted Bianchi’s suitability, stating: “Giancarlo’s combination of operational and commercial understanding together with international distribution makes him ideally placed to lead the next phase of our development. His proven ability to transform production-led operations and grow branded sales aligns perfectly with our ambitions.”
Further bolstering the team as the launch date approaches is the addition of David King as a Senior Strategic Advisor. King brings an unparalleled track record from a career spanning over 30 years in the global premium whisky industry. His distinguished background includes senior leadership roles at industry giants such as Edrington, known for brands like The Macallan, and the venerable London-based wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd, where he worked from 1998 to 2016. King also held prominent positions at Anchor Brewers & Distillers and Gordon & MacPhail, an independent bottler and distiller with a rich history. He will now lend his extensive expertise to support the launch, rollout, and subsequent growth of TBD’s single malt Scotch whisky portfolio across both international and domestic markets.
The re-establishment of whisky distillation in the Scottish Borders by TBD in 2018 marked the end of a 181-year hiatus, as the last known distillery in the region, located in Kelso, closed its doors in 1837. The Borders Distillery is housed within a beautifully restored Victorian electrical works, a project that has garnered awards for its architectural preservation. The distillery emphasises its regional identity by sourcing barley from local farms within a 35-mile radius and drawing water from a natural aquifer beneath the building.
The release of TBD’s single malt coincides with a robust global whisky market, which is projected to grow significantly, with some forecasts indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of up to 6.80% between 2026 and 2034. A key driver of this expansion is the increasing demand for premiumisation, particularly in single malt Scotch whiskies, as consumers worldwide demonstrate a willingness to invest in quality, authenticity, and exclusivity. Major markets like Asia-Pacific and the USA continue to drive demand, with notable growth in countries such as China, Singapore, and Taiwan for single malts.
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Giancarlo Bianchi commented on the upcoming launch and the significance of the new appointment: “We are about to embark on the launch of our first single malt Scotch whisky, a first from the Scottish Borders since 1837. This uniqueness of origin, combined with the high quality and approachable style of the spirit and an all important accessible price position make it appealing to both new and seasoned consumers. The company is fortunate to be able to tap into David’s extensive experience in the premium whisky industry which spans over 30 years in global markets.”
Scotch whisky regulations stipulate a minimum of three years maturation in oak casks within Scotland for a spirit to legally be called Scotch. The Borders Distillery’s decision to mature its whisky for eight years far exceeds this requirement, indicating a commitment to quality and character development.
David King expressed his enthusiasm for joining the project: “The Borders Distillery is a rare beast among the new distilleries that have sprung up over the last 20 years or so. It has the setup and ambition of a global brand even before a bottle of its single malt whisky has been sold and that is what interested me most about the project. It is exciting and a privilege to join a single malt Scotch whisky brand from its inception and I am confident we can achieve our bold ambitions.”
