A bothy is a simple rural shelter in Scotland, historically used by farm or estate workers for basic accommodation during their fieldwork. In the 1800s, Speyside became a hub for illicit whisky production due to strict regulations and heavy taxes on legal distilleries. Bothies served as ideal, discreet locations for illegal distillers to set up makeshift stills, operating away from authorities. These secret distilleries, often small-scale, faced constant risks of discovery, making bothies crucial refuges for carrying out the craft under the radar.

The stories of hidden bothies and secret stills add a layer of intrigue to the region’s whisky heritage, showcasing the resourcefulness and determination of those who defied the established norms to produce the “water of life” in the face of adversity.

To celebrate our ‘Drams under the Stars’ evenings held during Speyside’s world-famous whisky festival, Spirit of Speyside, we have bottled this superb, limited edition Sherried single malt – a memento of an enchanting fireside gathering of friends at our ancient stone bothy in the historic whisky hills of Glenrinnes.