Independent bottler Cask 88 is set to release a collector’s edition set of 19-year-old, single-malt, Ben Nevis whisky. The commemorative bottling celebrates the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott and aims to observe Visit Scotland‘s “Year of Stories” in which Scottish inspired, created or written stories are being celebrated and showcased.
The four bottle set is available now and includes a bespoke whisky board which appears as a leatherbound book.
Each of the whiskies have been finished in different casks and are adorned with famous phrases which Scott popularized through his writing, such as “Savoir Faire,” “Apple of my Eye,” “Lock, Stock and Barrel” and “Tongue in Cheek.”
Cask 88’s Whisky Manager, James Zorab, selected an ex-bourbon hogshead of Ben Nevis distilled in December of 2001 and split the contents into four smaller casks; Oloroso Octave (Lock, Stock and Barrel 51.6% ABV), Red Wine Firkin (Savoir Faire 55% ABV), Pedro Ximénez Octave (Tongue in Cheek 52.7% ABV), and Virgin Oak Firkin (The Apple of my Eye 53.6% ABV).
The collection of whisky and bespoke whisky board retails for 995GBP. The bottles are sold together as a set, with 50 sets created.
In a statement from the bottler, Cask 88 Managing Director Martin Daraz said, “With this unique collection, our Head of Whisky James Zorab has outdone himself. The four bottles offer a rare opportunity to really savor the effect different cask finishes have on the flavor and texture of one single malt. It is a true honor for our company to celebrate the legacy of Sir Walter Scott and I can think of no more fitting tribute than releasing not one but four excellent whiskies that he would no doubt have enjoyed himself.”
As partners of Sir Walter Scott 250 and in the spirit of the year of stories, Cask 88 looks to honor the writer by highlighting his love for whisky and the impact he had on its industry. In 1822, Scott presented King George IV with a dram of Scotch whisky, which by all accounts, the monarch quite enjoyed.
The following year, an act of parliament overturned the repressive taxes which had driven Highland whisky distilling underground.
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“Sir Walter wrote so convincingly about the joys of the Highlands because he genuinely felt that himself,” said Sam Laing, Cask 88 head of content. “When he entertained at his home, his parties included pipers, Scottish foods and quaichs brimming with malt whisky. Even in private seclusion, he’d take a whisky toddy before bed. Here was a man who loved whisky and everything it represented.”
Cask 88 incorporated a range of Scottish craftspeople for the accessories which compliment the liquid of this bottling.
The bespoke oak stand was handcrafted and engraved by Freddie Main of the Pencaitland business Oak and Black.
To bring to life the vision of the stand appearing as a leather bound book, Cask 88 worked with artisan Edinburgh bookbinder, The Gently Mad. The family business is led by Rab Mullins who created the 50 leather spines on the stand by hand.
The calligraphy was penned by Edinburgh-based artist Martin Hensey and incorporates the elaborate writing style of the 19th century.
The Sir Walter Scott Collection is available to purchase through Cask 88’s website for international shipping via an online waiting list.
Check out the website at www.cask88.com/moreinfo.
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