BrewDog announces closure of distilling brands, sparking job fears

Job are feared to be at risk at drinks firm BrewDog, which is to close all of its distilling brands.

BrewDog will no longer produce any of its spirits, including Duo Rum, Abstrakt Vodka and Lonewolf Gin, at its distillery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

The company, which was founded in 2007, said it made the decision to focus on its beer brands, including the highly-popular Punk IPA.

It also said its Wonderland cocktail range will remain in place.

In the meantime, the company’s distilling arm will cease operations over the next few months, selling off remaining stock and honouring its supply commitments.

The future of the distillery building itself will be reviewed at a later date.

A spokesperson for BrewDog said: “After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to cease production of our distilling brands, with the exception of Wonderland cocktails.

“This will allow us to sharpen our focus and concentrate our efforts on our beer and the continued growth of Wonderland.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the distillery team has built and want to thank everyone who has worked on, contributed to, and supported the distilling business over the years.”

Gordon and Buchan Conservative MP Harriet Cross voiced concern at the move, but she acknowledged the hardship facing the drinks industry.

She said: “The announcement of the closure of BrewDog’s distilling business is deeply concerning.

“The staff at BrewDog whose jobs are now at risk will understandably be very worried by this.

“This decision highlights the growing issues facing the drinks industry and hospitality sector, with challenging market conditions causing financial difficulties.

“Residents in and around Ellon rely on employment from BrewDog, and an important local business making cutbacks like this is very unsettling for the area.

“I will now be writing to BrewDog asking what implications this closure will have on jobs, and if this decision will affect any other parts of its business.”