Overview
The Scotch whisky industry and steam are close family members, bound together by a lifelong connection that dates back to the late 1700s, when the first distillations produced Aqua Vitae – the ‘water of life’. Today, steam remains at the heart of whisky production, driving critical processes from mashing and fermentation through to distillation.
We’ve been part of that tradition since 1920. For more than 50 years, we’ve supported the whisky industry, installing, maintaining and servicing steam plant and distribution systems in distilleries across Scotland, including Annandale, Arbikie, Ardnahoe, Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Glencadam, Glenfarclas, Glengoyne, Kilchoman, Springbank, Tobermory and Tomintoul.
Our recent project at Tatlock & Thomson marked an important milestone for both client and contractor – evolving from a steam boiler installation into the complete mechanical fit-out of a new working distillery.
The Challenge
Tatlock & Thomson, founded in 1891 and long established as specialists in food and drink analysis, embarked on a new and ambitious venture: the creation of a small-scale operational trial and training malt distillery at its existing site in Fife.
Led by Managing Director, Dr. Harry Riffkin, whose background lies in chemistry and product analysis rather than mechanical engineering, the project required the design and installation of a fully functioning distillery from the ground up. What began as a straightforward steam boiler installation quickly developed into a complex, multi-disciplinary engineering project.
The challenge for James Ramsay was twofold. First, to deliver safe, reliable and compliant steam systems at the heart of the process. Second, to rapidly develop a detailed understanding of the whisky manufacturing process and integrate a wide range of specialist equipment, pipework and controls into a cohesive and efficient production facility, fully compliant with ATEX and industry standards.
Our Solution
Working closely with Dr. Riffkin and his daughter Jennifer, our team became fully embedded in the project from its early stages. Through extensive discussions, design reviews and detailed study of the distilling process, we built a clear understanding of the operational, safety and quality requirements of a modern distillery.
Our scope of work expanded to include the complete mechanical and process fit-out, covering:
- Steam boiler installation and steam distribution systems
- Grist mills, mash tuns and wort production systems
- Fermentation vessels and still installations
- Interconnecting stainless steel, carbon steel and copper pipework
- Pumps, tanks, controls and safety systems
- Full ATEX compliance and commissioning support
The project was delivered by our experienced team of coded welders, fitters, mechanical engineers and service engineers, supported by in-house project management, estimating and commercial staff. All pipework systems were installed, tested and commissioned to ensure safe, efficient operation and long-term reliability.
This project demonstrated our ability to move beyond traditional steam plant installation and deliver fully integrated distillery engineering solutions to the highest standards of health, safety and quality.
Impact
The Tatlock & Thomson distillery is now fully operational, expanding a long-established analytical laboratory to include working whisky production facility. The project has created a robust and future-proof installation that will support distilling operations for many years to come.
For James Ramsay, the project represents a significant step forward in our whisky sector capability, confirming our competence to deliver complete mechanical and process engineering packages alongside our long-established steam expertise. Today, we provide these services not only to the whisky industry, but across food and drink, petrochemical, healthcare and wider process manufacturing sectors.
We’re grateful to Dr. Harry Riffkin and Dr Jennifer Riffkin for their trust, collaboration and commitment to excellence throughout the project – underpinned by our continuing focus on health, safety and quality as the foundation of everything we do.
Dr. Harry Riffkin, Managing Director at Tatlock & Thomson, said: “James Ramsay’s team quickly proved themselves to be more than just steam specialists. Their willingness to learn, attention to detail, and commitment to quality were outstanding throughout the project. Together with my daughter Jennifer, I greatly appreciated the professionalism and high standards they brought to every stage of the installation. The distillery we have today is a testament to their expertise and dedication.”
