Slainte! Speyside distillery's artful new venture opens
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A Speyside distillery has announced the opening of the world’s first “outdoor whisky art gallery”.
Aberlour is promoting “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, which runs until May 5, the permanent attraction – entry free-of-charge – features a world-first series of super-macro images which 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.
The 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, resulting in an eye-catching portfolio of unusually intricate images.
Among the 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.
