Provides water of life
“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 Maclean Foundation’s first release is adorned by a unique wrap-around label created by Edinburgh-based branding agency, Contagious.
The label allows Charlie the space to passionately articulate the story of the whisky which the drinker can explore while enjoying a dram.
A unique holographic QR code on each bottle can be scanned for further information, allowing buyers to learn about the clean water project funded by their purchase.
Edinburgh-based youngest brother Lachlan said: “Access to clean water is a basic human need, yet for many communities in rural Madagascar, it remains a luxury.
“During our visit last year, we saw first-hand the impact boreholes have on people’s lives.
“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.
“Through our work, we’ll continue to add to that total.
“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.”
This is the third major fundraising initiative since the charity launched less than a year ago.
The Maclean brothers – who in 2020 became the first three brothers to row across any ocean, and the fastest and youngest trio to row across the Atlantic – completed a cycle and row to every distillery currently selling whisky in Scotland in August.
Starting in Arran and finishing on the Isle of Skye, they stopped at 16 whisky distilleries, ‘pillaging’ donated bottles as they rowed.
The bottles were blended by Charlie to produce a blended Scotch and a blended malt which alone raised £55,000 for clean water projects, resulting in the construction of eleven boreholes in Madagascar which serve approximately 2,750 people.
During their 35 days at sea, as their charity fundraising efforts ramped up to more than £205,000, the brothers began to talk about their aspiration to build a family foundation.
Meanwhile, Charlie has raised nearly £68,000 for the new family charity through the auction of “very rare and highly collectable” spirits — including a unique Port Ellen from 1979 and a 36-yearold Glengoyne from the Russell family cask.
This marks the beginning of a long-term campaign, with many more Maclean Foundation whisky releases on the horizon – all to raise money for clean water projects in developing countries and all available from royalmilewhiskies.com
Visit themacleanfoundation. org or follow @ themacleanfoundation on Instagram to find out more.
With each bottle sold, we’ll give people clean water for life by funding the drilling and construction of bore holes...
Lachlan Maclean
Grand Indian Hotel,
8pm