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Arbikie launches Scotland’s first rye whisky in 100 years

Single-estate distillery Arbikie has released the first rye whisky distilled in Scotland for more than 100 years – Arbikie Highland Rye.

Arbikie Highland Rye single grain is Scotland’s first rye whisky in more than a century

Three-year-old Arbikie Highland Rye, labelled as a ‘single grain’ Scotch whisky, was created from a mix of unmalted Arantes rye (52%), Odyssey malted barley (33%) and Viscount wheat (15%).

The whisky was initially put into first-fill charred American oak casks in 2015 before being finished in Pedro Ximénez casks. It is said to have notes of orange marmalade, cloves and maple syrup.

Bottled at 46% abv without caramel colouring or chill filtration, only 998 bottles have been released globally as part of the first batch, priced at RRP £250 (US$317). The whisky is available directly from Arbikie and selected retailers.

John Stirling, director of Arbikie Highland Estate, said: “Records show a distillery at Arbikie in 1794, a time when they would have only used crops grown on the family farm.

“We’re bringing this tradition back to Scotch whisky with provenance, terroir and traceability of ingredients at the heart of everything we do.

“Growing rye requires long periods of dry weather, which can be challenging, however our farm team has done an excellent job.

“Whatever we’ve produced over the years, from potatoes to vodka, our values of sustainability, innovation and quality have been the foundation, and our Highland Rye whisky embodies everything our family has been doing since we started farming 400 years ago.”

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