Meet John Kerr, Founder of 45 Hound Black Distillery – A Story of Craft, Community & Coming Home
“My name’s John Kerr, and I’m the founder of 45 Hound Black spirits Distillery.”
That might sound like the beginning of just another business intro—but John’s story is anything but ordinary.
With a 36-year career in engineering, John rose through the ranks to become Chief Technology Officer at a major oil and gas firm. But after decades in a high-pressure industry, he longed to return to something hands-on. Something creative. Something local.
“I guess it started with the cliché—play to your strengths. We’d been drinking it for 40 years, so we thought… why not try making it?”
What began as a small idea has matured into a bold and vibrant spirits business rooted right here in Broughty Ferry. 45 Hound Black now produces a growing line of premium rums, vodkas, and gins under the Shenanigan brand —with plans to expand into whisky and tequila. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just what’s in the bottle.
“It’s not easy to stand out in this space,” John says. “But we’ve found a way—by connecting personally. Our product is local, our customers are local, and we’re proud to be part of this community.”
At first, John imagined the business might focus on growing nationally. But something shifted. The support from the people of Broughty Ferry was immediate and heartfelt. That sense of belonging turned their focus sharply to the local market.
“The feedback’s been incredible. We realised very quickly—we’re building something for here, for Broughty Ferry and us.”
That connection isn’t just good business—it’s personal. John didn’t grow up in Broughty Ferry, but as a lad in Montrose, it was the destination of choice. Family days out. First trips into the city. A place that always felt like more than just another town.
Now, John and his family have made Broughty Ferry their home—and he’s not just building a business. He’s helping shape the town’s future.
Recently appointed Chairman of the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, John’s passion for community shines through. “We were welcomed in straight away. No pushing, no pressure. Just this sense that people cared about their town and neighbours. It made me want to give something back.”
As Dundee’s only manufacturing distillery, 45 Hound Black has lit up the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. But John is quick to point out that it’s not about being flashy—it’s about being authentic.
“We’ve been called a ‘soft sell’ business, and honestly, I take that as a compliment. We build relationships, not transactions. We invest time in our products and our customers, and that’s what makes this work.”
And what of the future?
“We’re settled here now. We bought a house. We love the people, the place—it just ticks all the boxes. Broughty Ferry is where we’re meant to be.”
Cheers to that, John.
