Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill has announced the latest release in its ‘Art of St Andrews’ whisky series.
The annual release celebrates the spirit, landscape and flavours of Eden Mill’s coastal hometown, and the artists inspired by its scenery.
The 2024 release is a collaboration with artist Babs Pease. Her work is influenced by flora, fauna, landscapes, seascapes and fishing villages along the Fife coast. These are carved into blocks of lino which are covered in ink then hand-printed at her home studio.
The artwork for the whisky carton and bottle depicts University of St Andrews students doing a customary ‘Pier Walk’ in their red gowns. The cathedral sits on the skyline above the harbour village and there are a couple of other hidden surprises like a golfer and some local sea life.
The spirit was matured in a combination of Amarone red wine casks from Italy’s Veneto region, along with Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Jerez in Spain. The single malt is finished in a first-fill Amarone cask for a deep copper colour and heady wine notes.
The resulting flavour profile is cinnamon spice and juicy red fruits on the nose, with a transition to dark fruits like cherry and blackberry on the palate because of the Amarone casks. A rich finish gives notes of raisins, figs and a lingering oak spice.
Commenting on the partnership, Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “With The Art of St Andrews release this year we wanted to showcase familiar sights and scenes from our hometown that will be instantly recognisable for locals and tourists alike.
“From St Andrews cathedral and the iconic red gowns of the University students to the lone golfer chipping out of a bunker – there’s something for everyone. This stunning artwork is matched by a whisky with rich, red wine notes from the Amarone casks which are balanced with sherry sweetness.”
The Art of St Andrews 2024 is bottled at 46.5% ABV and retails for £150. A total of 2,250 bottles have been produced and the first 100 sold online come with a free 5cl sample.
