Distiller sought to take the helm on Raasay
A WHISKY innovator, who says a decision to immerse himself in the industry was either brave or mad, is building the first legal distillery on Raasay.
Alasdair Day got into whisky after he inherited a ‘cellar’ from his great grandfather, a blender from the border town of Coldstream.
His other grandfather hailed from Hebrides, so when Mr Day and his family decided to depend on the ‘ water of life’ for a living, they came up with the name R&B Distillers, standing for Raasay and Borders.
Mr Day told The Oban Times: ‘My grandfather’s cellar book had blends from 1899 to 1960. It was amazing. But we knew if we wanted to scale up we would have to make our own blends.’
Alongside business partner Bill Dobby, the Days are in the process of building their distillery on Raasay which will boast a members’ club and ‘one of the best distillery views’, according to Mr Day.
R&B hopes to open this summer but in the meantime is on the hunt for a distiller.
Mr Day, 51, said: ‘My qualification is in botany so I want to put the distillery in the hands of someone whose passion for whisky is as extensive as their knowledge.
‘ We’ve had interest from all around the globe, even from people who have come to Scotland from Asia and are now qualified distillers. It is so impressive that the tradition and the art of whisky and Scotland is as appealing as ever.
He added: ‘I am a fan of all whisky. My choice will depend on the mood and the surroundings. We hope Raasay will provide whisky lovers with one of the most enjoyable and inspiring environments.’