GlenWyvis dram makes history as first whisky produced in town in almost a century in trailblazing community-owned distillery
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THE world's first 100 per cent community-owned distillery has toasted an historic landmark with the launch of its first-ever whisky in Dingwall.
Thousands of people across Ross-shire and well beyond have reason to toast the special moment with many of them shareholders whose investment helped build the state of the art GlenWyvis distillery overlooking the county town.
Some 3600 bottles of the three-year-old GlenWyvis Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky have been allocated to shareholders as a reward for that initial leap of faith in the project.
The dram is the first whisky to be produced in Dingwall in almost 100 years, with the last whisky distillery, Ben Wyvis, closing its doors in 1926.
“Present and past directors will join me in expressing real pride and admiration for the dedicated GlenWyvis team on reaching this significant milestone and producing Dingwall’s first whisky in almost 100 years." – David Graham
Matthew Farmer, distillery manager, said: “100 years on from the last whisky being made in Dingwall, we are so excited to be launching GlenWyvis Distillery’s first whisky. Our journey over the past few years and the creation of GlenWyvis Distillery is thanks to our many shareholders so it is only fitting that they will be among the first to try our first whisky.
“The 2018 distillation of 18 casks has produced a delicious whisky and I can’t wait for our shareholders and customers to try it. If you missed out on a bottle, don’t worry as it will be available to try at selected bars, restaurants and retailers in the Highlands and wider Scotland.We think GlenWyvis Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been worth the wait and we hope you love it as much as we do.”
Board chairman, David Graham said: “Present and past directors will join me in expressing real pride and admiration for the dedicated GlenWyvis team on reaching this significant milestone and producing Dingwall’s first whisky in almost 100 years.Our small team has worked with passion to produce a fantastic product for all our shareholders and customers, and I look forward to raising a dram to each and every one of them and to the future of GlenWyvis Distillery.”
A further 2000 bottles were available to pre-order in October 2020 and sold out almost immediately.
As with all of GlenWyvis Distillery’s online sales, five per cent of the purchase price went to the GlenWyvis Community Benefit Fund. Some 200 bottles will also be available at selected retailers and on-trade premises throughout Scotland.
The team at GlenWyvis is described as "small but extremely passionate". Josh Fraser, office manager, is local to the area and joined the distillery team straight from school. Craig MacRitchie, distillery operator, has been at GlenWyvis since the beginning.
For Matthew farmer, joining the team was something of a homecoming. He grew up in the Highlands but moved to the USA when he was a teenager. Having worked at Bourbon distilleries and supported the GlenWyvis Distillery from the very start, he jumped at the chance to become distiller in Dingwall when the post became available and is now raising his family in the area.
Delivery of GlenWyvis Whisky to shareholders and those who pre-ordered is expected by Christmas 2021, subject to delivery times.
The design of the GlenWyvis Whisky bottles is inspired by the local area. On each bottle you will see contour lines - this is a map of Ben Wyvis, the mountain that is the backdrop to the distillery. You will also see birds on the bottle - these are Red Kites, a majestic bird of prey with a forked tail that you will often see around the distillery and the surrounding area.
In addition, the bottle is finished with a natural cork stopper and all of its packaging is recyclable.
The tasting notes state: Nose: Light and floral, with a hint of malty sweetness.
Palate A burst of rich stone-fruit, giving way to brown sugar.
Finish: A long, lingering vanilla balanced with ripe orchard fruit.
To find out more, please visit: www.glenwyvis.com
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