Two Scottish rye whiskies arrive from Aribikie

James Robertson is Scottish Field’s whisky blogger.

In the last few weeks there has been speculation that the first Scottish rye whisky was about to be launched by various different distillers.

Arbikie, the ‘Field to Bottle’ distillery that over looks the stunning Lunan Bay near Arbroath, have now come to the party by producing two versions of rye whisky.

Arbikie have produced two versions of rye whisky.

Since 2014 the Stirling Family have been growing a variety of ryes on their farms, meanwhile in the distillery the team have been experimenting with the varieties and different production techniques.

The two versions that have been produced are a Scottish rye whisky that follows the 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations, consisting of over 51% rye and Odyssey malted barley.

The second whisky is an American version closely following techniques used in North America.

Arbikie is the ‘Field to Bottle’ distillery

John Stirling said: ‘As both farmers and distillers, Arbikie is in an almost unique position to be able to distil its family of spirits using the crops grown in the fields around our distillery.

‘Producing our own whisky with full provenance and traceability has been a dream for us that we are now fulfilling. This is a key day in the Arbikie Distillery’s history.’

A total of 355 bottles are being released with all proceeds going to the Euan Macdonald Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease.

• James Robertson has spent 22 years in the drinks industry including working with Taittinger, Louis Jadot, and latterly for the past eight years, was the face of Tullibardine around the world until 2016. He is now running his own business providing expertise to companies looking for assistance with international brand building, sales and marketing and distributor management. Prior to that, he was an officer with the Argylls and an Inspector with the Royal Hong Kong Police. Follow James on Twitter @whiskyrobbo