Be a part of a new Island Whisky Legacy
The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillers are bringing distillation back to the south end of their island
The Isle of Arran is often known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ due to its picturesque landscape which beautifully combines some of the most remarkable characteristics of both the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Placed between the Ayrshire Coast and the Kintyre Peninsula, the island provides panoramic views and, on a clear day, even the coast of Northern Ireland can be seen from the south end of the Island.
Historically, the south end of Arran was also home to many Scotch Whisky distilleries both legal and illicit. Local tenant farmers would distil excess supplies of barley and sell whisky as a means of paying rent and surviving a harsh economic environment. After heavy rainfall, casks of whisky would be floated down the river at Lagg to the shore from where it was smuggled to the mainland in small boats. Upon hearing these tales, the Isle of Arran Distillers decided that Lagg would be the ideal place to open their brand-new distillery; taking advantage of the inspiring setting, placing themselves beside their existing fields of barley.
Now, Master Distiller, James MacTaggart, is releasing for purchase 700 of the first fill casks from the new distillery. These casks, each costing £6,000, are all personally handpicked American Oak ex-bourbon casks from Kentucky, which are to be filled with the new peated expression (50PPM) that the Lagg Distillery will be producing. The spirit is expected to be rich and earthy yet retain the elegance and finesse that typifies the existing Arran whisky range. The casks concerned will be the only casks made available for public purchase within the first ten years of production, making this a truly rare and unique opportunity. All casks purchased will remain at the distillery, under the watchful eye of the distillery team, for these first ten years.
Each cask owner will also become a member of the exclusive Lagg Cask Society. Membership includes a bottle from the very first cask to ever be filled at the Lagg Distillery, as well as an invitation to the Lagg Cask Society Members Day where all cask owners will receive a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery and visitor centre before the grand opening. In addition, all member’s names or titles will be inscribed in the ‘Wall of Fame’ displayed within the visitor centre. Additional benefits include a yearlong Arran Golf Pass, entitling the holder to a round of golf at each of the seven Arran golf courses, a complimentary overnight stay at the historic Lagg Hotel and complimentary tours as well as 10% discount in the visitor centre for a ten-year period.
James MacTaggart states: “The Lagg Cask Society offers people the chance to be a part of the journey from the very beginning. To own one of the first casks from a Distillery is a rare opportunity indeed and with over 40 years of experience in the industry, I firmly believe the Lagg Single Malt will mature into something truly magical”.
In recent months, the distillery has been progressing at an impressive rate: groundwork is now complete and steel works have begun to go up meaning that the building is really starting to take shape. The first spirit is expected to run through the stills in early 2019 with the visitor centre opening to the public in time for Easter 2019.
Further information of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as well as all details on how to purchase a cask, can be found on the Lagg Distillery webpage at www.laggwhisky.com or by contacting info@ laggwhisky.com directly.
“To own one of the first whisky casks from a Distillery is a rare opportunity indeed