Wolfcraig Distillers in Scotland, whose leadership team includes industry veterans Richard Paterson and Ian MacMillan, has announced the bottling of its maiden release.
The 30-year-old premium blended Scotch whisky is composed from rare casks hand selected by Paterson and MacMillan, including first-fill bourbon casks and ex-sherry butts. The former described the whisky as "impeccably groomed and polished".
Paterson, who has served as master blender at Whyte & Mackay (owner of Dalmore, Jura, and Fettercairn) since 1975, and MacMillan, an award-winning distiller who has worked with the likes of Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, and Deanston, joined forces in 2020 to support liquid development at Wolfcraig Distillers. The company was co-founded by Jamie Lunn and John Moore in 2017, with support from the late Michael Lunn, former CEO of Whyte & Mackay.
Paterson said: "The first bottling of our rare 30-year-old Wolfcraig premium blended Scotch whisky marks a true milestone. This pursuit of excellence has taken many years of dedication, commitment and a relentless passion – it has been a memorable journey. It has taken 30 long years to craft this noble icon but it will only take a matter of seconds to recognise the blend’s outstanding credentials.
"First-filled American white oak ex-bourbon barrels have played a major part in creating this outstanding blend along with the final marrying in special selected PX and oloroso sherry butts from Bodega San Andres in Jerez de la Frontera, it takes this one-of-a-kind whisky to a higher level of true luxury."
MacMillan said working alongside Paterson to develop the blend had been one of the most enjoyable experiences of his 40-year career, adding: “Between Richard and I, we have almost 100 years of experience. I don’t think there’s ever been another project like it.”
Wolfcraig director Jamie Lunn said: “It is very rare that two master blenders collaborate on one project, and we’re very proud to have both Richard and Ian working under the Wolfcraig banner. This partnership is what makes our offering to the world whisky market so unique and special.
"They’ve each been pouring through their exclusive and extensive contacts books over the past three years to source the very best casks and parcels of whisky to form a curated production plan that will produce rare and aged releases for the next four years.
"After three years of hard work behind the scenes, it is an incredible milestone for Wolfcraig to have our first release bottled and ready to be shipped to our valued customers. We are really proud as a team of the product we have put together and are excited for the feedback from whisky lovers around the world."
Wolfcraig 30 Years Old Premium Blend is now available at wolfcraig.com. The company will be releasing more whiskies in this collection later in 2023.
Wolfcraig had planned to build a £15 million brand home in Stirling, including a distillery, visitor centre, and events space. Stirling Council refused planning permission for the development in March 2022, but it was later reported that the council's review panel was reconsidering the plans.
The 30-year-old premium blended Scotch whisky is composed from rare casks hand selected by Paterson and MacMillan, including first-fill bourbon casks and ex-sherry butts. The former described the whisky as "impeccably groomed and polished".
Paterson, who has served as master blender at Whyte & Mackay (owner of Dalmore, Jura, and Fettercairn) since 1975, and MacMillan, an award-winning distiller who has worked with the likes of Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, and Deanston, joined forces in 2020 to support liquid development at Wolfcraig Distillers. The company was co-founded by Jamie Lunn and John Moore in 2017, with support from the late Michael Lunn, former CEO of Whyte & Mackay.
Wolfcraig 30 Years Old Premium Blended Scotch Whisky
Paterson said: "The first bottling of our rare 30-year-old Wolfcraig premium blended Scotch whisky marks a true milestone. This pursuit of excellence has taken many years of dedication, commitment and a relentless passion – it has been a memorable journey. It has taken 30 long years to craft this noble icon but it will only take a matter of seconds to recognise the blend’s outstanding credentials.
"First-filled American white oak ex-bourbon barrels have played a major part in creating this outstanding blend along with the final marrying in special selected PX and oloroso sherry butts from Bodega San Andres in Jerez de la Frontera, it takes this one-of-a-kind whisky to a higher level of true luxury."
MacMillan said working alongside Paterson to develop the blend had been one of the most enjoyable experiences of his 40-year career, adding: “Between Richard and I, we have almost 100 years of experience. I don’t think there’s ever been another project like it.”
Glassware from Wolfcraig Distillers
Wolfcraig director Jamie Lunn said: “It is very rare that two master blenders collaborate on one project, and we’re very proud to have both Richard and Ian working under the Wolfcraig banner. This partnership is what makes our offering to the world whisky market so unique and special.
"They’ve each been pouring through their exclusive and extensive contacts books over the past three years to source the very best casks and parcels of whisky to form a curated production plan that will produce rare and aged releases for the next four years.
"After three years of hard work behind the scenes, it is an incredible milestone for Wolfcraig to have our first release bottled and ready to be shipped to our valued customers. We are really proud as a team of the product we have put together and are excited for the feedback from whisky lovers around the world."
Wolfcraig 30 Years Old Premium Blend is now available at wolfcraig.com. The company will be releasing more whiskies in this collection later in 2023.
Wolfcraig had planned to build a £15 million brand home in Stirling, including a distillery, visitor centre, and events space. Stirling Council refused planning permission for the development in March 2022, but it was later reported that the council's review panel was reconsidering the plans.
