LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 13, 2026) — The University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) today announced that Ballindalloch Distillery, a distillery producing single malt Scotch whisky, has joined the organization as its newest member. The addition marks a milestone for the EWA, as Ballindalloch Distillery becomes its first member located outside of North America.

Founded at the University of Kentucky in 2023, the EWA brings together producers, farmers, suppliers and other organizations committed to producing whiskey made from grains grown on land they own or control and that are produced entirely at the estate distillery on-site. By establishing clear standards for estate-produced whiskey, the alliance works to highlight the role of agriculture, transparency and provenance in shaping a spirit’s character.

Ballindalloch’s membership expands the EWA’s reach into Scotland, one of the world’s most historically influential whiskey-producing regions and reflects growing international interest in estate whiskey production.

“Welcoming Ballindalloch Distillery as our first Scottish member is a significant milestone for the EWA,” said Landon Borders, director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance. “Scotland’s rich and enduring whiskey heritage highlights the global nature of estate whiskey and our shared commitment to origin, authenticity and responsible production. This moment underscores the opportunity to build a truly international community of estate producers, and we could not be more fortunate to have them join our members.”

Located on Speyside, Scotland, Ballindalloch Distillery is at the center of the historic Ballindalloch Estate and produces single malt Scotch whisky using only spring barley grown on the property. Established in 2014 by the Macpherson-Grant family, the single-estate distillery focuses on provenance, craftsmanship, agriculture and local identity at a time when many Scotch whisky producers were shifting toward larger-scale models.

The Macpherson-Grant family has been the custodian of the Ballindalloch estate since the 15th century and has been involved in the Scotch whisky industry for 200 years. Today, Ballindalloch remains one of the very few truly single-estate distilleries in Scotland. The family oversees every stage of the whiskey production on the estate — from growing the spring barley and milling to fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling.

“When we first heard a few short months ago about the EWA initiative from a visiting Canadian distiller, there was immediate understanding — both of the approach being taken by the alliance and of the obvious fit that the distillery has with the membership criteria,” said Guy Macpherson-Grant, partner at Ballindalloch Distillery. “I could not be more excited and happy that we have had the chance to join EWA at this moment and collaborate with EWA in its mission to recognize the provenance of single-estate whiskey production. The focus that we have had on craftsmanship and quality over generations can be celebrated in our membership now with the EWA.”

By participating in the EWA, Ballindalloch joins a network of like-minded producers working to elevate estate-grown whiskey and educate consumers about the role of farming, land and local identity in shaping a spirit’s character. As the EWA continues to grow, leaders from both organizations said they hope the partnership will strengthen international collaboration around estate whiskey and encourage additional producers across Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe to explore estate production and participation in the EWA through its various membership pathways.

“As the EWA expands, so does the strength of the community behind it,” said Alexa Narel, associate director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance. “Adding a distillery with Ballindalloch’s legacy and commitment to the land raises the bar for all of us — we couldn’t be prouder to welcome them. Every distillery that joins the EWA adds to the collective voice of estate whiskey worldwide. With Ballindalloch, that voice just became more powerful and carries an even stronger global presence.”

For more information about the Estate Whiskey Alliance visit estatewhiskey.org.

For more information about Ballindalloch Distillery visit ballindallochdistillery.com.