Speyside Distillers launches Speyside’s Artist Trio of SPEY single malts for spring 2022

A trio of limited edition single malts has been launched by a multi-award-winning Speyside distillery to celebrate the arrival of spring, each featuring specifically commissioned artwork.

Speyside Distillery, operated by Speyside Distillers, has announced the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio in conjunction with artist-in-residence, Joanna McDonough. The packaging and bottles will feature artwork that reflects the character of each expression, taking inspiration from the worlds of whisky, art and music.

The new range was launched last night with a tasting and art exhibition at the distillery’s visitor centre in Aviemore, The Snug.

Artist Joanna McDonough said: “I was delighted to be asked to develop paintings for Speyside’s Artist Trio to complement the Tenne, Trutina and Fumare SPEY single malt whiskies.

“While preparing to start work, I realised that artists, musicians and distillers are all working towards a very similar – if not identical – goal in their art and craft.

“My goal in my work is to express myself, my feelings and my emotions – and create art which, in turn, then causes an emotional reaction. Musicians, too, create an emotional reaction with their work.

“Similarly, distillers are masters at crafting whisky that creates an emotional reaction in the taster – taking the drinker on a journey of sight, smell and taste. We are all artists in our own way.”

The Speyside’s Artist Trio is limited to 1,500 numbered 70cl bottles of each expression, with some 20cl bottles also available.

The launch is the latest in a series of exciting announcements and achievements by the artisan distillery, including plans for a new distillery in the Speyside region; the creation of three new distiller positions; and SPEY being named the world’s best single cask single malt at the 2021 World Whisky Awards.

Speyside Distillers chief executive John Harvey McDonough said: “I am very proud to introduce the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio to our SPEY Collection. My wife Joanna has previously created stunning labels for our SPEY single malts and Byron’s Gin, but these new artworks truly encapsulate the joy of whisky.

“Our distillers have lovingly crafted these whiskies, and we are delighted to have collaborated with Joanna on artwork that has had equal love poured into it.”

Managing director Patricia Dillon added: “Joanna’s art has inspired me for many years and to see her representing the aromas, colours and flavours of our award winning single malts with this stunning new art collection makes me proud to be part of the SPEY family, and what we can achieve together.”

Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin. Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, in Aviemore.

For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk and www.thesnugspeysidedistillery.co.uk or follow the distillery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For trade enquiries, please contact karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk.

Notes

Trutina Melody
Joanna McDonough: “My Trutina melody painting is like its accompanying whisky. The melody is the true tune of this spirit: it is honest and, like the tune, is a linear succession of notes which the listener perceives as the ‘music’ – the whisky is also a succession of tastes resulting in a ‘whole’ taste experience. The painting is honest and clear.”

Tasting notes: Pale gold / white wine appearance. A light nose, with an initial savoury top-note on a fruity base (white grapes, apple blossom, lychees in syrup), developing floral notes, with a hint of boiled sweets. Light texture, with a sweet start leading to crisp acidity and notes of scented sweets, with a finish of white chocolate.

Tenne Rhapsody
Joanna McDonough: “Tenne is more flamboyant in style, so it most naturally became my ‘rhapsody’. A rhapsody features intense variations of mood, colour and tonality. It is free flowing but with some structure. I aimed to reflect this nature in my painting, which is slightly freer in form – and like Tenne has my own touch of sweetness with its ruby hues and vibrancy.”

Tasting notes: Copper / rose wine appearance, with notes of faint raspberry jam and rose wine, pot-pourri and pale fruits on the nose. Light in texture, sweet & faintly fruity, before drying slightly, leaving a trace of almonds in the finish

Fumare Overture
Joanna McDonough: ”As Fumare was Speyside Distillery’s first peated whisky, naturally it was an overture, i.e. ‘an introduction to what is to come.’ The palette of this painting is taken from the tasting notes – in particular barley, caramel, orange and honey whisky – showing a gentle warmth which is given in the end notes of its special taste.”

Tasting notes: Light gold appearance, with a subtle nose. The smoke slowly builds in intensity, but with minimal medicinal notes, and increased sweetness. The addition of a few drops of water increase the complexity, and enhance the sweetness & vanilla notes that combine so well with the long, smoky finish