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EXPERIENCES & CURATION
A Master of the Quaich, and awarded the MBE in 2021 for services to scotch whisky, Charles MacLean is unarguably one of the leading global authorities on the subject. The author of18 whisky books, including his 1997 magnum opus on the subject Malt Whisky, he has been described by the BBC as “the doyen of whisky writers”. He starred in the 2012 movie “The Angel’s Share”.
Charlie loves to assist our guests, whether novice or aficionado, on a whisky experience which suits their desires, whether simply to have fun or to evaluate in depth the variety and complexity of Scotland’s national drink. His grasp of the history and heritage of the industry and its characters is without equal, and he is great company.
The proper drinking of Scotch whisky is more than indulgence:
it is a toast to civilization, a tribute to the continuity of culture, a manifesto of man’s determination to use the resources of nature to refresh mind and body and enjoy to the full the senses with which he has been endowed.” - David Daiches
Scotland is home to over 130 malt and grain distilleries, a number which is growing year on year as the industry continues to expand globally as one of the UK’s leading exports. These range from household names owned by the global behemoths to the ‘new wave’ of exciting new distilleries which include Ardnamurchan, Scotland’s most westerly mainland distillery, which is run by the Hon. Alex Bruce as MD.
Scotland’s distilleries are divided into five main whisky regions: Highland, Speyside, Islay, Lowland and Campbeltown, all with their own distinctive style and flavour. Every distillery and its whisky has its own unique character. At MacLean and Bruce, guided by Charles MacLean and our deep connections throughout the country, we have access to them all, and create private and unforgettable experiences for our guests who join us in Scotland.
Given our depth of connections, at MacLean & Bruce we can assist our clients with the selection and curation of casks from distilleries from all whisky regions. Directors David Moore and Victoria Bruce have both spent more than 20 years in the industry. David was with Diageo plc in Asia Pacific for 12 years and developed the Fusion Whisky series with Alex Bruce. Vikki has spent her career at the front line, as the Adelphi Distillery developed its own distillery at Ardnamurchan, with storage and bottling facilities in the Kingdom of Fife on the family estate.
Having recently launched our MacLean & Bruce independent bottling series, we can provide a bespoke service where, with Charlie’s assistance, we select, nose, taste, note, purchase bottle and export whisky to our clients’ specification. This can be in personalised bottles of their choice, whether for personal enjoyment, gifting or to celebrate special occasions, friendships or societies, formal and informal. We are also on hand to assist with purchase of old and rare bottles, or sought-after releases from the global giants or the ‘new wave’. Our model is entirely flexible and bespoke to our clients’ requirements.
We bring all key elements together for an unforgettable experience with whisky: unparalleled access, knowledge and experience, cask and bottle selection capability, with the logistics and connections to make it all happen.
This can be interwoven with a journey to Scotland to engage with, appreciate and have fun with whisky in its home and natural milieu. Naturally, this can be paired with the finest culinary experiences and destinations which Scotland has to offer.
Given global challenges on travel, we also offer virtual whisky experiences, with Charlie MacLean, for those keen to explore more, and those who have purchased casks and bottles and wish to share this with their friends and family at home. You are most welcome to join us.
Slainte!
