A few lucky whisky lovers will be the first to try out the inaugural single malt before it is released later in the year.
An independent whisky distiller is set to debut its long-awaited single malt at a VIP Burns Night event this week, which is said to “bring generations together”. The Jackton Distillery has invited whisky lovers from near and far to be the first to try its RAER Single Malt.
Already known for its RAER Scotch Whisky, the Jackton Distillery is marking a major milestone by holding a Burns Night preview to tease out the mature spirit before it is launched later in 2026. Held between January 23 and 25, this event will celebrate a dream that was started over a decade ago.
The female-led distillery, which is rooted on a family farm in South Lanarkshire , filled its first cask back in February 2020. This preview will mark six years of patience, craft and family ambition as whisky lovers get a first glimpse of what the rest of Scotland will get to enjoy.
Jaynie Kean, managing director of Jackton Distillery, said: “This release marks the realisation of a dream that started almost 10 years ago. When we laid down that first cask in 2020, we promised ourselves we’d pour our heart and soul into every drop.
She added: “Now to draw from our casks and share our Single Malt for the first time, with the people who’ve believed in us from the early days, is incredibly moving.” Jackton Distillery was founded in 2020, and its RAER single malt will continue a family promise of creating an easy-drinking experience that will bring generations together.
The distillery’s first blended scotch is said to have fully captured what RAER whisky stands for: “connection, inclusivity, and celebrating Scotland’s national drink in good company.” The family says that the distillery allowed them to have space to shape the whisky-making process and welcome people from around the world.
Along with being able to raise a glass of the first single malt in the very place it was matured, Burns Night guests will also have the chance to meet the family and help select the standout casks that will make up the first release.
Jacob Kean, director and head of farm operations, said: “From the barley harvest to the drams we pour, nothing is wasted and everything comes full circle.
“The draff feeds our own cattle, our water is reused, and even the heat from distillation warms our facilities – it’s all connected. Embracing the circular economy isn’t just eco-friendly, it makes our whisky more authentic.”
With the general release of the RAER Single Malt to take place later in the year, each bottle in the first batch will be hand numbered by the Jackton Distillery team to make the occasion even more special for whisky lovers.
While the exact dates for the launch will be revealed closer to the time, the team has confirmed they are on track for an autumn launch.
Jaynie added: “We’re taking our time, because that’s what our whisky deserves. Every extra month in the cask deepens its character. We want each sip to tell the story of who we are – a small distillery with a big heart, a family that refused to rush a good thing.”
The Jackton Distillery has already won several accolades over the past few years for its acclaimed RAER Blended Whisky, making the newest release sure to be another big hit. The team has also been given a Green Tourism award for its sustainable practices.
Company director Claragh Kean added: “It was all very uncertain when we started the distillery. It’s a massive risk to operate independently. But there was one thing that has always remained true and has helped push us forward every single day since we started out; we wanted our own single malt.
“We wanted to show the world what we could do and create something truly RAER. We have been patient – and now our time is just within reach.”
