Spirit Safe, New Use

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:32:15 +0000

This week has been the long awaited period of calm weather after the incessant winter gales that culminated last week in severe storms. The distillery has been clearing up the damage to several warehouses, where several roofing sheets were whipped off. Budgie and Wee Duncan have been repairing the balcony roof damage - the roof having migrated from one side of the distillery to the other; I never liked that roof. 70 knot Winds resulted in spectacular seas lashing the coastline, seaweed everywhere,
salt-encrusted windows. Where are those clowns that continue to insist there is no maritime influence on maturing whisky? They obviously never lived here.

Photo: M.Melchninger

Community Newspaper of the Year

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:30:50 +0000

The Ileach, the Islay fortnightly newspaper, has been voted the best community paper in Scotland – a prize that is richly deserved. More than a community notice board, editor Carl Reavey raises awareness on Islay issues, campaigning for local causes and questioning the ‘powers that be’.

His dynamic approach has certainly ruffled Establishment feathers by asking questions of the local authorities, challenging the status quo, and highlighting bureaucratic ineptitude. If you want to keep up with Islay news check out http://www.ileach.co.uk/

Oliver Humbrecht MW - Wine Maker of the Year 2006

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:14:54 +0000

Olivier has been voted wine maker of the year by the Wine Enthusiast. He kindly provided casks that Jim used to ACE the 1970 vintage, producing the ethereal 125 bottling. Congratulations Olivier.

Olivier Humbrecht MW – Wine Maker of the Year 2006

Oil Delivery Debacle

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:13:02 +0000

We think we have got to the bottom of the problem. Or rather we think the bottom is the problem. Argyll & Bute continue to insist that there is nothing wrong with their new oil delivery pier. Sure the exposure of the site to the full wrath of the prevailing Atlantic does not lend itself to regular deliveries, but with only nine a year that has never been an issue. Yet for some reason during the first winter since the pier was ‘improved’ to take larger tankers, deliveries have been a bit like buses: you wait for ages - and then four come within one month. Evidently, each delivery has only been partial. It would appear that the Keewhit, built in 2003 as a double-skinned chemical tanker with a 1241 gross tonnage, owing to it’s draught is unable to deliver oil except in both a flat calm – and a high tide. Nice one A & B.

Spot the McEwan

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:11:55 +0000

We have a winner!
Dirk Borgmann - A wee something will be leaving Islay shortly heading your way.