Whisky Names Explained: Kingsbarns Doocot

Monday, 24 March 2025 at 15:00

In 2023, a delightful whiskey from the Lowlands was released: Kingsbarns Doocot. This whisky was the successor to Dream to Dram. But what does Doocot mean? We explain it in detail in this edition of Whisky Names Explained.

FAQ

What does Doocot mean?
It means dovecote.
What is the link between Kingsbarns Distillery and a dovecote?
It is a tribute to one of the architectural features of the distillery.
Where does the name Kingsbarns come from?
From a nearby village.

What does Doocot mean?

Doocot comes from Scottish dialect and means ‘dovecote’. It is a regional form of dovecot and refers to a place where pigeons are kept, often in a stone or wooden structure.

In Scotland and some parts of Northern England, doocots were traditionally used for breeding pigeons, which served as a food source.

The link between Doocot and Kingsbarns Distillery

But what does Doocot specifically have to do with the Kingsbarns Distillery? This is a tribute to one of the architectural features of the Kingsbarns Distillery. The dovecote is located in the heart of the distillery. It once served as a home for pigeons, but today it has become a home for the Kingsbarns story.

Although the distillery was renovated in 2013, part of the historic building was preserved. The team wanted to retain the oldest part of the site: The Doocot.

Where does the name Kingsbarns come from?

The name of the distillery itself, Kingsbarns, comes from the nearby village of the same name. The word dates back to the Middle Ages and literally means “royal barns.” The explanation can also be found on the official Kingsbarns Distillery website:

'The name is derived from the barns in the village where grain used to be stored before being transported to the royal castle in Crail and the palace in Falkland hence KINGSbarns.'