The Wolf of Badenoch

We were approached recently by Ricky Christie, the well known whisky industry “veteran” (sorry Ricky!) and asked if we’d like to be one of the very first to sell his new delightful single malt whisky: “The Wolf of Badenoch“. We immediately said “yes – but tell us more”. Ricky, as you may be aware has spent some 40 years in and around the spirits business starting initially with Auchentoshan in the late 1970’s then progressing to join his father George’s distillery company; The Speyside Distillery. He has a wealth of knowledge of the business that has been honed via world wide travels selling all measures of expressions and vintages.

Some ten years ago, Ricky created from scratch and launched his own vodka called Valt. This is a single malt, small batch vodka. Valt was joined a few years ago by Gilt; a Scottish gin using the finest botanicals and malt barley.

But back to “The Wolf’…”

Ricky put a unique twist on the maturation process of this 12 year old single malt whisky; for the last 6 months this fine dram was matured in Prunelle oak casks. This gives it a wonderfully fruity bouquet with a sweet and luscious palate with hints of vanilla and prunes.

It embodies the spirit of the lone wolf hunter; seeking out its prey with dedicated patience – the ultimate reward being fulfilment. It has the underlying strength of character that is typified in the most famous of Speyside single malts. The result of this marinade of fruity flavours is that “The Wolf” crosses the boundaries of current expressions and enters a new realm of evolution, whilst surprising and pleasing the most discerning palates.

And why the name “The Wolf of Badenoch”? It is named after Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan (1343 – 1405);  a “spoilt brat and merciless cad” by many accounts.

To read more about “The Wolf“, have a look here.