FIRST EVER SHETLAND ISLANDS DISTILLERY

Published: 23 July, 2008

The Shetland Islands, the UK's most northerly region, is to have its first ever distillery by next spring. A 5 million venture by Blackwood Distillers, it plans to make 40,000 cases of premium single malt in peated and unpeated versions, in a range of wood finishes. It will also produce a range of other drinks using natural Shetland ingredients. The first distillations will be for 2,500 bond-holders, 500 of whom will be Shetlanders, who will receive a case of three-year-old and a case of five-year-old single malt on maturity, specially commissioned miniatures, plus a commemorative plaque in the visitor centre. Behind the venture are Dr Arthur Davies, who in 1999 started the first commercial distillery in Wales for one hundred years; master distiller John McDougal; Dr Jim Swan and Bill Rankin, both of whom have 30 years experience in the distilling industry; and chief executive officer Caroline Whitfield, who is a member of the Department of Trade and Industry Innovation Board and a trustee of the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Whitfield said: The more we looked into how wonderful whisky was made, the more we realised that Shetland has the perfect combination of ingredients. It has fantastic water, the climate is not too hot or cold (perfect for maturation), and the peat, which is an important ingredient, is the slowest-growing we have ever seen, and is likely to lead to a particularly nice and aromatic whisky.' Anyone interested in investing 560 to become a Shetland Angel' should contact 020 7820 1769, e-mail: bond@shetland whisky.com

Printer friendly version