ABERLOUR LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST OUTDOOR WHISKY ART GALLERY – Scotch Whisky News
ABERLOUR LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST OUTDOOR WHISKY ART GALLERY
Stunning outdoor photography exhibition by former European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, David Maitland, reveals the enigma behind the whisky journey.
Premium single malt Scotch whisky brand Aberlour has today announced the opening of the world’s first outdoor whisky art gallery; a unique photography exhibition set in the heart of the Scottish countryside, which brilliantly captures the individual elements that together result in one of Scotland’s most famous exports.
Coinciding with the opening of Scotland’s ‘Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’ today (1st – 5th May), this new, permanent exhibition – which is free-of-charge to all visitors – features the world-first series of stunning super-macro images, unveiled earlier this year by Aberlour. The photos reveal the hidden beauty of Aberlour’s whisky journey, from the pink granite that creates the softness of the water used in the distillation process, to the special oak cask in which the spirit is transformed.
These images, which have never before been put on display, were captured by David Maitland, one of the world’s foremost specialist super-macro photographers. Super-macro photography allows the subject to be captured closer than ever before and, in this unique outdoor gallery, results in an eye-catching portfolio of unusually intricate images. Among these striking visuals are those which delve inside a grain of barley, bring to life the hidden pattern of the oak sherry cask and showcase the kaleidoscopic patterns of the crystalline structure of the spirit itself.
Dr. David Maitland, winner of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2008, said: “I am so pleased that the public can enjoy these images in the natural surrounding from which they were inspired, right in the heart of Scotland’s single malt region. The whisky journey is one that relies on nature and none more so than Aberlour, from the spring water used in the distillation process, to the sherry casks in which the whisky is aged. These images bring all of these elements to life in a way that I have not seen done before and I hope will be enjoyed by all who see them.”
Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for Aberlour, said: “David’s photos have brilliantly captured the coming together of the natural elements and the expert craftsmanship of our distillers, while also maintaining the enigma behind the award-winning taste of Aberlour.
“To show the photography in the stunning setting of the distillery and its surroundings is a real treat for visitors to the area and, to see the elements of whisky in super-macro detail provides an insight into the intricacy and craft which go towards developing a premium single malt Scotch whisky.”
The outdoor whisky gallery can be found at the Aberlour Distillery in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, halfway between Inverness and Aberdeen. The gallery is situated along a stunning countryside walk which takes in some of Scotland’s magnificent landmarks, including the Linn Falls and the Burn’s Path. It is open now and is free-of-charge to all visitors to the area. Additional whisky tours of the Aberlour Distillery can be booked via the website.
For more information about the Aberlour Distillery and how to get there, please visit: www.aberlour.com.
Notes
About the photographs
Pink Granite – Award winning photographer, David Maitland started his journey of discovery at Ben Rinnes, which sits behind the distillery and provides a sure supply of soft spring water draining over the pink granite. This picture shows the pink granite from Ben Rinnes at 200x magnification.
Water – David captured the crystal-clear spring water from the Birkenbush Spring. Soft and pure, it is perfect for the development of a wide range of flavours which is why it is used to create Aberlour’s range of fine single malts. The water was captured at 400x magnification.
Barley – In this image, David shows barley at 400x magnification, showing the amyoplasts (starch grains), which deliver the sweetness of Aberlour, a whisky of exceptional quality – clean, crisp and fruity with striking depth.
Sherry Cask – This picture focuses on the prized ex-Oloroso sherry cask which lends the velvety, clean and crisp flavour to the Aberlour range of single malts. This image was captured at 400x magnification.
Aberlour 12 Year Old – In this image Aberlour’s rich and velvety 12-year-old incarnation reveals a smooth string of crystals which is reflected in its velvety finish. The image was captured at 400x magnification.
Aberlour A’bunadh – At 200x magnification this photograph of Aberlour’s hand-crafted A’bunadh shows crystals bursting with sweet flavour originating from the specially selected ex-sherry casks. Like each batch of A’bunadh, this image is unique, as this was captured just as the crystal began to grow.
About Aberlour
The multi award-winning Aberlour was founded in 1879 in Speyside, Scotland. From its magical location alongside the River Spey, the small and intimate distillery holds a special place in the hearts of malt Scotch whisky lovers. Since its quest to create the best single malt began, Aberlour has won an outstanding list of trophies and gold medals. Its range of single malt whisky including 12 year old, 16 year old, an 18 year olds and the hand crafted A’bunadh, are renowned with experts the world over for their exceptional quality.
About David Maitland
David Maitland is an award winning photographer specialising in macro, super macro and microscopy photography. David was awarded European Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2008.
