Cask 88 Starts New Series With 1972 Vintage Ben Nevis
Intended to bond the stories of Scotland’s unique history with the very finest expressions of its spirit, the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore series has started with a bottling inspired by the Cù-Sìth, a terrifying large hound, with a murderous bark, said to stalk the Highlands of Scotland. The whisky typifying this formidable beast is a 45 Year Old Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt (70cl; 43.2% ABV; £650 RRP) aged in a sherry hogshead, of which only 228 bottles are available. This first bottling will be available from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from 31 May 2018.
The Cù-Sìth is a terrifyingly large hound, said to roam the Highlands of Scotland and prey upon weary travellers. Legend tells that anyone with the misfortune of hearing the beast bark three times will be transported to the underworld. European Sales Director Jonny Fowle, also whisky tastings and event organizer Wandering Whisky, said “The bold spirit of the Ben Nevis, which has matured for four and a half decades in the Scottish Highlands, is matched only by the equally indomitable spirit of the legendary Cù-Sìth. Both have drawn upon the region to develop in character and repute throughout the ages, making for a fine match.”
Cask 88 have worked closely with art historian and Celtic Revival specialist Dr Frances Fowle (co-curator of the Celts: Art and Identity exhibition, British Museum, 2015-16) to understand the history of the Cù-Sìth legend and its place in Scottish folklore. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Cask 88 team to bring Celtic myths to a wider audience. Local legends, rather like Scottish whisky, are part of our cultural identity,” said Dr Frances Fowle. “Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, sometimes in poetry and song, and often accompanied by a drop of fine whisky. In the Hebrides the more superstitious members of the community lived in fear of the Cù-Sìth, a large black ‘fairy dog’ who roamed silently across the landscape on winter nights.”
The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series will consist of six unique, single cask expressions, with each expression dictating the myth or legend it embodies. Each release in the Cask 88 Folklore series will feature a mythical beast who has roamed the highlands, stalked the lowlands or inhibited the islands. “We intend to create a fantastic collection of some of the finest Scottish whiskies, selected to represent the breadth and depth of Scotland’s world renowned culture and heritage, while playing our part in ensuring these enchanting myths and folktales endure for generations to come,” said Jonny.
The first bottling in The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series: Cù-Sìth is available for purchase from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from Thursday 31 May 2018, and in person from Cask 88 Sales Representatives globally.
