Scotch Whisky Distilleries Take Drinkers Back To The 1920s With The Project 1927 Collection

Project 1927 has resulted in a seven-dram collection that takes drinkers back almost 100 years and presents a unique opportunity to sample early 20th-century style spirits.

Six whisky distilleries from across Scotland have partnered with blender and botler, James Eadie Ltd, to create a new make whisky collection that showcases long-lost 1920s distillation techniques. Project 1927 has resulted in a seven-dram collection that takes drinkers back almost 100 years and presents a unique opportunity to sample early 20th-century style spirits. 

The new make spirits will be available exclusively at royalmilewhiskies.com from September 24th, 2024, for an RRP of £115. 

The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931

The whisky-making process used to create this collection was inspired by The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931, one of the foremost first-hand resources on early 20th-century scotch whisky distillation. The book was republished by James Eadie Ltd in 2023 in collaboration with the British Library. The book serves as an invaluable resource for scotch whisky historians and drinkers alike, detailing the techniques used during the interwar period. 

The Distilleries & Project 1927 

Ardnamurchan, Dornoch, Holyrood, InchDairnie, Lochlea, and ‘An Unnamed Farm Distillery in the Heart of the Kingdom of Fife’ participated in the project, distilling the spirit with the help of whisky expert, Dave Broom, and former Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester. 

The project involved each distillery implementing its take on the distillation methods presented in the book. Each whisky was distilled with either locally grown barley, or a barley strain that was available in the 1920s. Brewer’s yeast was also used in fermentation, a practice that was once standard, but is now a lost art. 

Project 1927 Collection 

The Project 1927 Collection, as mentioned above, contains seven drams: one from each distillery, and another ‘blended at birth’ bottling, containing a blend of the new make spirits from each distillery. Each spirit has been bottled at 63.4% ABV. 

As the spirit has not matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years, the drams are labeled ‘Spirit Drink’ rather than ‘Scotch Whisky’. 

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James Eadie Ltd has also announced plans to continue the series, eventually releasing matured whisky in the coming years. 

Pre-Sale 

Royal Mile Whiskies, one of Scotland’s most exclusive whisky retailers located in Edinburgh is hosting a special presale. On September 17th, 2024, those who purchase a copy of The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931, will receive exclusive presale access to the Project 1927 Collection. 

Leon Kuebler, Brand Director at James Eadie Ltd: 

“James Eadie is a business rooted in Scotch whisky’s rich tradition. Our dream was always to recreate the whisky of 100 years ago, even if the huge challenges involved meant that we doubted it could ever be done. To have the opportunity to develop this project on an industrywide level with six of the best distilleries in Scotland today, in conjunction with Alan Winchester and Dave Broom, two of the most knowledgeable authorities on Scotch whisky, has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.

“Project 1927 is not just about reviving the past; it is about celebrating the enduring legacy of Scotch whisky and the innovative spirit of today’s distillers. We believe whisky enthusiasts will find these spirits as fascinating as they are unique, and we look forward to experiencing the journey together as the spirit matures.”

Dave Broom, Whiskey Expert and Author: 

The project allowed scotch whisky distilleries to practically apply the methods found in The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931. Credit: James Eadie Ltd.

“This was an inspired idea from Leon, to not only discover the truths of how whisky was made in the 1920s – exploding a few myths along the way – but then turning the information contained in this must-have book into something tangible. It is one thing to read the theory, but whisky is about flavour. Here was a way to learn.

“The Scotch industry is at a fascinating stage in its evolution with any number of forward-thinking distillers using ‘old’ techniques to maximise flavour and increase complexity. Here was a toolkit for them to continue those explorations. The new makes they have produced are remarkable and fascinating. Congratulations to all involved.’”

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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