[MM-MALTS-L] Highland Park

[john marrinan]

Hmmmm. When is their distillery on the moon to be completed?

On Wed, Apr 1, 2009 at 5:32 AM, Markvardsen, Martin <
martin.markvardsen at maxxium.com> wrote:

> Great News
> ________________________________________
>
>
> HIGHLAND PARK TO UNVEIL ANTARCTIC DISTILLERY
>
> Orkney-based Highland Park, Scotland’s northernmost distillery, has
> announced plans to open a distillery in the South Orkney Islands,
> Antarctica, creating the southernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world.
>
> The South Orkney Islands have been part of the British Antarctic Territory
> since 1962 and because of its British ownership the Scotch Whisky
> Association has agreed to allow the whisky to be labelled ‘Scotch Whisky’.
>
> Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The
> team at Highland Park are so passionate about creating a distillery on the
> British Antarctic islands, we simply couldn’t resist giving them the seal of
> approval. The Orcadians seem to thrive in extreme weather conditions and I’m
> sure they will have many adventures in the Antarctic. In the meantime, we’ll
> continue to enjoy whisky from northern latitudes.”
>
> Gerry Tosh, Highland Park Head of Brand Education, has travelled the world
> but this is by far the most remote location he has visited. Gerry comments:
> “I am just back from my second trip to the South Orkney Islands and still
> amazed by the rough elements and extreme weather conditions with gales
> reaching 120 miles per hour – just like Orkney!
>
> “The islands are ice-locked from April to November so you can only travel
> there three months of the year. During my first visit in early December 2008
> I spent weeks searching for the perfect spot to set up the distillery.
>
> “In high summer there is no shortage of water in the area and we are
> currently analysing its suitability. Some treatment may be required to
> remove fish detritus. However, barley will be shipped in from our sister
> distillery Tamdhu and Distillery Manager Russell Anderson will bring a
> quantity of yeast with him as hand luggage. I’m hoping Still Maker Richard
> Forsyth can join me on my next trip to plan the plant.”
>
> The South Orkney Islands are located at almost the same latitude south as
> the Scottish based Orkney Islands are north (60°S vs 59°N), although it is
> not known if this was a factor behind the naming of the islands.
>
> With a similar climate to Orkney, the Antarctic islands are generally wet
> and windy, however much colder than the Scottish islands. Summers are short
> and cold (December to March) with average temperatures reaching 2°C which
> can fall to -39°C in winter months.
>
> The distillery will be based on Coronation Island, the largest of the four
> islands that make up the South Orkneys, and named after the coronation of
> King George IV in 1821. Initial forecasts propose that the new distillery
> will produce 200,000 litres of alcohol per year.
>
> Highland Park is currently working out relocation packages for key workers.
> Workers will also undertake emergency survival training, including sourcing
> local foods from marine life as well as being provided with thermal clothing
> specially made for extreme weather conditions.
>
> After growing up on the Orkney Islands and hardened by its strong elements,
> Distillery Manager, Russell Anderson, is not fazed by temporarily moving to
> South Orkney Islands to impart the 210 year long Orcadian whisky-making
> tradition. Once up and running, Russell will pass on the Distillery Manager
> role to the Deputy Manager, as part of a career development programme at the
> new distillery on the Antarctic islands.
>
> Gerry Tosh, Highland Park Head of Brand Education, comments: “At Highland
> Park we are extremely excited about this project. It allows us to take
> Scotch whisky to a new level, adopting our skills to colder conditions, and
> developing a true taste of Antarctica. Some whisky enthusiasts enjoy
> Highland Park with ice and this will be the ultimate expression to be
> enjoyed on the rocks."
>
> Due for completion next year, the southernmost Scotch whisky distillery can
> legally enjoy its first dram in 2013, when the spirit will reach the age of
> three years maturation in oak casks. The cold climate on South Orkney
> Islands will mean a longer maturation period is needed so the spirit will be
> filled into small 30 litre casks to increase the interaction of spirit and
> wood. Following sampling at three years, the spirit will be left to sleep
> and shiver for another 12 years to achieve peak perfection.
>
> Highland Park’s Distillery Manager, Russell Anderson, comments: “At our
> distillery on Orkney we have a lot of geese and use them as 'guard dogs' due
> to the fact that they are very noisy at signs of intruders. To maintain
> security at our distillery on Coronation Island, I suppose we could use
> either penguins or elephant seals to provide the early warning system as
> apparently they too are very noisy when disturbed.”
>
> To continue Highland Park’s trademark balance of aromatic peat and heather
> honey sweetness, malted barley will be shipped from the Highland Park
> distillery on Orkney. This will be combined with the South Orkney Islands
> extreme elements, creating a mild salty aftertaste – the result of aging in
> a cold sea sprayed climate.
>
> There are currently no plans to offer guided tours for visitors at the
> distillery.
>
>
> -Ends-
>
> Gerry Tosh, Highland Park Head of Brand Education, is available for
> interviews.
>
> www.highlandpark.co.uk
>
> Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Highland Park
>
> For further information or photography, please contact:
> Linda Edstrand / Pamela Wils, The BIG Partnership
> Tel: 0131 555 5522
> Email: linda.edstrand at bigpartnership.co.uk;
> pamela.wils at bigpartnership.co.uk
>
>
> Notes to editor
> Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is currently the most
> northerly Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. At the heart of this
> single malt lies its remote island location and exposure to the elements.
> For over 210 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the
> very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection and produce a single malt
> range that is consistently lauded by experts.
>
> Five keystones contribute to making Highland Park:
> •       Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers
> of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
> •       Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral
> sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
> •       Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park
> single malt Scotch whisky.
> •       Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and
> multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
> •       Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park
> single malt Scotch whisky.
>
> Highland Park was named Distiller of the Year at the San Francisco World
> Spirit Awards 2007 and Highland Park 12 year old single malt was named Best
> in Show at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards 2008.
>
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