BrewDog to close Aberdeenshire distillery and axe all spirit brands

BrewDog has announced that it is closing down its Aberdeenshire distillery and ceasing production on all spirits.

The craft beer company said it had decided to abandon its state-of-the-art distillery, which opened in 2016, and axe the brands after “careful consideration”.

The move comes after the company posted losses of £37m in 2024 and announced job cuts across the business, including at its head office and brewery in Ellon.

The self-styled “punk” beer brand was founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007.

BrewDog founders Martin Dickie and James Watt. Getty Images

Watt stepped down as chief executive in 2024 after a series of controversies, including allegations of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by former employees.

Dickie announced his departure from the company and the alcohol industry for “personal reasons” in April last year.

Months later, the company said it would be closing ten of its bars, including its flagship bar on Aberdeen’s Gallowgate, the first bar opened by the company in 2010, and one in Dundee.

Under the latest move, distilling brands including Lonewolf Gin, Abstrakt Vodka, Duo Rum, Casa Rayos Tequila, and Ron Bodega will be discontinued.

It is not known how many jobs will be affected by the closure and whether there are future plans for the Aberdeenshire site.

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 MP Harriet Cross 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.”