Brian Stormont rounds up the latest news, releases and events for food and drink fans INAUGURAL RELEASE OF SPIRITS

MacMillan Spirits has launched its inaugural trio of spirits inspired by its home in the Outer Hebrides. The new independent bottler, owned by Uist locals and father and son, Angus A MacMillan and Angus E MacMillan, celebrates the Scottish islands, its community and heritage.

The duo are also behind Benbecula Distillery, which is currently under construction on the island and looks to pay homage to the island’s rich maritime heritage.

The liquids include Wheelhouse Whisky, an eight-year-old single cask, single malt produced on Islay; Machair Gin, a herbaceous, aromatic gin which contains heather and wild angelica botanicals that are harvested on Angus’ Uist croft; and Molucca Rum, an eight-year-old golden rum. Each liquid was carefully selected by Angus and his team for their flavourful characteristics representing aspects of Uist.

Angus A MacMillan, managing director, said: “As a proud islander, I wanted to bring together flavours and stories inspired by the Outer Hebrides to MacMillan Spirits. Wheelhouse Whisky, Machair Gin and Molucca Rum each have their own story but Molucca Rum is my personal favourite.

“It’s inspired by Martin Martin’s 1703 book A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, which talks about finding Molucca Beans, sometimes known as sea hearts, on the Western Isles. Molucca beans are smooth seeds from the warri tree, which wash up on our Hebridean beaches, having been carried on the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean. This initial collection is just the beginning of our plans for creating a family of spirits that embodies our small island home and celebrates our slow, natural craft.”

The inaugural releases from MacMillan Spirits.