Milroy’s bottles whisky to support trans+ charity
Whisky writer Kristiane Westray has partnered with independent bottler Milroy’s of Soho to raise funds for trans+ charity Not A Phase.
Named For the Dolls – after a term of endearment used within the queer community, usually for a trans woman – the release is a Dailuaine 13-year-old single malt Scotch that was distilled in July 2012.
As well as raising funds for the charity, the bottling aims to increase awareness of the challenges faced by the trans+ community in the UK.
In April, the UK Supreme Court ruled that “sex”, “man” and “woman” in the Equality Act mean “biological sex as noted at birth”. Following this, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) set out a controversial interpretation of the judgment, which excludes trans+ people from gendered services, facilities and groups.
For the Dolls is described as ‘vibrant and fruity’, with the nose offering ‘green apple, fresh melon and earthy hessian’ notes. The palate features ‘pear, blackberry, black tea and rhubarb and custard’, which is followed by a medium finish with ‘drying baking spices’.
Westray, who recently published her first book, Savour, said: “For the Dolls is a powerful, purpose-driven whisky bottling that doesn’t just raise vital funds for Not A Phase, but also raises awareness of the increased hostility faced by the trans+ community in the UK following the UK Supreme Court’s cruel ‘biological sex’ ruling in April.
“Like many at that time, I looked at what I could do to practically support the trans+ community around me. I approached Milroy’s of Soho about arranging a bottling and I’m delighted that they’ve offered so much support. I’m also thrilled that every cisgender creative involved with the For the Dolls project generously donated their time and skills free of charge.
“The Scotch industry has a reputation for being quite traditional, and there are lingering misconceptions that whisky is only for a few – most notably, wealthy, cisgender men. I’m here to say that whisky is for everyone, of all genders, and that very much includes trans+ people.
“I hope that For the Dolls bottling inspires greater inclusion, allyship and proactive action within the whisky industry and beyond.”
Designer Li Simmons created the bottle’s typographic label, which was inspired by protest signs from past and present Pride events.
Senior copywriter Rosie Mussen is behind the name and label copy, which states the whisky is “best served alongside writing to your MP, donating to fundraisers and protecting the dolls at all costs. Because a world without trans people has never existed and never, ever will.”
All profits from the bottling will be donated to Not A Phase, which is a London-based charity.
A spokesperson for Not A Phase added: “For the Dolls is more than a whisky. It’s a statement that trans+ lives matter. We are grateful to Kristiane and Milroy’s of Soho for using their platform to support the trans+ community at a time when human rights are under threat.
“Every bottle sold directly funds vital services and initiatives that uplift trans+ adults across the UK, and it sends a clear message: trans+ lives matter, and allies in all spaces, including whisky, are standing with us.”
For the Dolls officially launched on 19 November and is available for £55 (US$72) from Milroy’s of Soho’s website, as well as London bars 3 Greek Street and Dram.
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