Speyside Distillery unveils biker whiskies

Speyside Distillery is set to launch two limited editions of its Beinn Dubh Ruby Black Single Malt Scotch Whisky to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Europe’s biggest Harley-Davidson rally.

The new expressions have been launched in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Thunder in the Glens

Beinn Dubh – which has established itself as “the local whisky of the Cairngorms” mountain range – was first launched at last year’s Thunder in the Glens event, and has since entered a number of international markets.

This year Speyside Distillery has specially selected two limited editions of the whisky to release in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Thunder in the Glens, which will attract more than 3,000 bikers to Aviemore from August 25-28.

The first of the limited edition releases is a 20-year-old single malt taken from Speyside Distillery’s “rare” stock of vintage single malt. Just 200 bottles of the expression, Beinn Dubh Thunder In The Glens 2016, will be made available.

The second is the 20th Anniversary single malt, which is adorned with a commemorative label.

Speyside Distillery’s chief executive officer, John Harvey McDonough, said: “The feedback we received on Beinn Dubh from people gathered at Thunder in the Glens last year was that it was an excellent dram.

“They clearly enjoyed it – many bottles were sold over the weekend – and we wanted to build on the partnership by doing something very special for the 20th anniversary year.

“We have a limited stock of vintage malts, but we felt that there would be no better reason to make some available than to mark a milestone for an event that has had such a huge impact on the local area over the years.”

Beinn Dubh translates from Gaelic as black mountain –  the name often used to refer to Ben Macdui, the highest peak in the Cairngorm mountain range.

Beinn Dubh’s tasting notes are described as “deep and dark”, with rich fruit, currant and chocolate flavours that give way to “both bitterness and sweetness”.

Thunder in the Glens rally co-ordinator George McGuire said: “As this is a landmark year for us the rally will be the biggest yet, with around 3,000 people due to attend. Many of our members have been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to advance purchase this commemorative special edition.

“We were among the first people anywhere in the world to sample Beinn Dubh when it launched last year and we thought then it would be the start of a long-lasting relationship. We are beyond delighted that the distillery has sought to recognise this friendship by releasing some of its rarest whisky.”

In addition to the releases, Speyside Distillery is sponsoring the volunteer recognition awards, which honours the people who give up their time to make the event a success.

Beinn Dubh Thunder In The Glens 2016 is priced at £150 while the 20th Anniversary single malt is £56. Bottles can be ordered directly from karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk.