Dunnet Bay unveils first whisky

The UK’s most northerly mainland distillery, Dunnet Bay Distillers, has revealed its new debut whisky brand Stannergill, with 250-litre casks available to pre-order for £4,750 (US$5,305).

Only 200 barrels of Stannergill have been released for pre-order today (7 November) at 12pm GMT. These will be sold by the Whisky Hammer.

In future years, there will be a limited number of 200-litre casks sold at a higher price.

Pre-ordered casks will be left to rest for up to 10 years in the cool, dunnage warehouse where the fresh sea air blowing from Dunnet Bay will contribute to the creation of a smooth, mellow spirit.

Stannergill is Dunnet Bay’s first whisky brand, and will be produced at the brand’s new distillery.

Plans for the development were unveiled in June this year, which will see a 200-year-old mill refurbished at Castletown in Scotland.

The distillery previously produced its Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka exclusively.

Martin Murray, co-founder and co-director of Dunnet Bay Distillers, said: “We have long-travelled past the beautiful but dilapidated mill with thoughts to one day being able to restore it.

“Our dream became reality when we took ownership of this iconic building and then attained planning permission to refurbish it as a destination distillery and visitor centre.

“The project will see a wonderful new-style Scottish whisky being launched after the distillery is commissioned in summer 2024. The project will bring more jobs to the area.”

Stannergill Whisky will be matured in Bourbon casks from the US, and Sherry casks from Spain. The style will be ‘light and fruitier’ than many ‘traditional’ Scotch whiskies, and the price of the bottling is yet to be revealed.

The brand has revealed further ‘early bird investment opportunities’ in the £4 million (US$4.5m) development project.

Firstly, Stannergill Whisky is launching a virtual club called The 1818 Society.

Membership costs £750 (US$838) per person to join the society, which is ‘for whisky and history lovers’. The ‘1818’ in the name is inspired by the year the original mill was constructed, which will serve as a home to the distillery.

The first release of Stannergill Whisky will be exclusively sent to 1818 Society members, bearing their personal membership number. Members will also receive a choice of a handmade brooch or pin.

Claire Murray, co-founder and co-director, said: “We are excited to launch these early opportunities for people not only locally but across the world to get involved by buying a stake in the new whisky – whether that be sponsorship of a tile; joining our new 1818 club; or investing in a cask.”

Additionally, investors can ‘sponsor a roof tile’, which involves contributing £40 (US$44) to the distillery.

Those who donate towards this will receive a certificate and a commemorative Caithness flagstone designed with local firm Norse Stone.

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