The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Water of life funded by whisky
Every bottle of a whisky sold for a charity foundation will mean lifelong clean water provided to at least one person. The Ardnamurchan six-year-old Highland malt is the first release by the Maclean Foundation, founded by author Charles Maclean and his three sons, Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan.
The 243 bottles, priced at £115 each, are limited to one per buyer due to expected interest.
All profits raised will fund clean water projects in Madagascar, which is one of the world’s most impoverished countries.
Foundation members visited the island nation in 2023 and saw first-hand how clean water is a “luxury” for some communities.
Lachlan, the youngest of the three brothers, all of whom are world record-breaking rowers, said: “It costs £6,000 to build and maintain a clean water borehole that can serve 200 people for up to 100 years.
“Since 2009, our partner Feedback Madagascar has drilled and installed over 300 boreholes in the region.
“With each bottle sold, we’ll give people clean water for life by funding the drilling and construction of boreholes, creating long-term positive change for communities.
“Among many other things, this will transform quality of life, reducing the incidence of diarrhoeal disease.”
The whisky marks the Maclean Foundation’s third fundraising initiative since it launched under a year ago, with Charles having raised just under £68,000 through auctioning a number of rare and collectable spirits.
He said: “We believe in our mission wholeheartedly. Big or small, every act of compassion, every act of adventure, can make a change.”
Alex Bruce, managing director of Ardnamurchan Distillery, said: “This is a quality limited edition produced in an ex-bourbon cask, so we expect there to be high demand. The boys’ adventurous spirit and Charlie’s considered craft is a winning combination.
“We’re proud to be able to support them on their journey.”
The whisky is available at royalmilewhiskies.com.