Today we see the reinstallation of our 129 year old wash still.

It has been away on a little holiday of convalescence to Speyside, care of Forsyths, and  is now as good as new and ready to rock and roll.

The wash still was originally designed by the Harveys to be heated by direct contact with the intensity of a coal fire underneath, rather than internally by steam.  Consequently, it has an extremely thick bottom to ensure a long life - but I bet the Harveys had no idea it would still be in use well in to its second century. Most stills are replaced after only a few decades, making this probably the oldest still in regular use.

In those days the coppersmiths relied on rivets rather than the welding of today. The remedial work was to strengthen the rivets holding the bottom of the still on to the body, and also the seams.  Having been thoroughly tested and passed with flying colours, the still will continue to make Bruichladdich single malt whisky for some time to come.

Three cheers for good, solid, Victorian engineering