Distell Group Profile

Distell Group has its headquarters in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and produces and retails a wide range of spirits, notably brandies, along with holding a substantial portfolio of wine brands. In terms of Scotch whisky, Distell owns Burn Stewart Distillers. Overall the Group employs nearly 5,000 people and has an annual turnover of R15.9 billion (£821.9m).

Some of the wines in the Distell portfolio – such as Stellenzicht and Neethlingshof – have their origins in the late 17th century, when many French Huguenots settled at the Cape, fleeing religious persecution in their native France. Others were established later by French, Dutch and Italian immigrants. Similarly, many of the firm’s brandies have their roots in the British occupation of the Cape during the late 18th century. 

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Distell Group History

Distell was created in 2000 by the merger of Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery (SFW) and Distillers Corporation. SFW was established in 1925 by US doctor William Charles Winshaw, who remained managing director of the company until his retirement in 1962, aged 92! As well as having major wine interests, as the name implies, SFW was also instrumental in developing the production and sale of cider in South Africa.

Distillers Corporation was founded 20 years after SFW by leading South African businessman Dr Anton Rupert. He was responsible for instigating the ‘Bergkelder concept,’ whereby independent wine estates utilised the Corporation’s bottling, sales and marketing operations, and also for focusing on the production of spirits, particularly brandy.

Distillers Corporation can claim credit for raising South African brandy from relative obscurity to a high-profile drink. However, in recent years, brandy sales have fallen as more South Africans have discovered Scotch whisky. This probably explains why Distell was eager to purchase the Scotch whisky business of Burn Stewart Distillers in 2013.

In addition to its Scotch whisky business, Distell is also the largest producer of South African whisky from its James Sedgwick distillery in Wellington. Its leading brands include Bain’s Cape Mountain single grain whisky, and Three Ships single malt.

Distilleries & Brands

  • Angus McKay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Black Cock Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Glen Blair Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Highland Rose Blended Scotch Whisky
  • King's Whisky Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Old Argyll Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Vittoria Clan Blended Scotch Whisky

Associated companies

Contact

Address
Distell Group Limited
Aan-de-Wagenweg
Stellenbosch
Western Cape
7600
South Africa
Phone
+27 21 809 7000
Map

See also

  • Stornoway Stornoway Stornoway Distillery

    Stornoway

    One of the few legal distilleries on the Isle of Lewis, which was also known as Ness.

  • Hepburn & Ross Hepburn & Ross Hepburn & Ross Blender

    Hepburn & Ross

    Blending company formed by two First Wold War veterans, best known for its Red Hackle blend.

  • Matthew Gloag & Son Matthew Gloag & Son Matthew Gloag & Son Blender

    Matthew Gloag & Son

    Perth-based whisky blender best known for its Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky brand.

  • The Glenfyne Distillery Company The Glenfyne Distillery Company The Glenfyne Distillery Company Distiller & blender

    Glenfyne Distillery Company

    A subsidiary of Robertson & Baxter Ltd. that operated the Glenfyne distillery in Ardrisaig, Argyll.

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