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December 2, 2016
SeaWolf: ahead of the pack.
SeaWolf: ahead of the pack.

Unless you have been under a rock for the last couple of years, you will know that Scottish gin has been booming.

Is there room for any other drinks categories? These people think so:

Just launched, SeaWolf is the first white rum to be distilled on Scottish soil.

It has been created by Mike Aikman and Jason Scott, the brains behind Bramble cocktail bar–one of the World’s 50 Best Bars according to Drinks International – and Vino Wines’ co-founder, Gavin Ferguson, the man behind the  Boilermaker Drinks Co.

Taking its name from the Native American term for killer whales, the name makes a subtle nod to both Scotland’s naval links with rum importation but also the pods of sea wolves that are found dotted around the Scottish coastline today.

‘Rum is a massive player in the cocktail world. However, when we started looking around for a British brand, we realised that no other white rum is distilled in Scotland and so SeaWolf was born,’ explains Aikman. ‘We feel that Scottish rum is about to have its time in the spotlight and we aim to be at the forefront of this.’

Champagne yeast

Made in Angus at Ogilvy Spirits, the initial fermentation of the cane molasses – the spirit’s base ingredient – is done at low temperature for four weeks.

Apparently both Champagne yeast and rum yeast are used and they give the drink an unusual flavour profile.

Once poured, notes of unripe banana and sugar cane on the nose give way to tropical fruits on the palate with a faint citrus and spice finish.

‘We decided that if we were going to make the first white rum distilled in Scotland, it would be one that would be proudly Scottish… good enough to work well straight and as a base for cocktails,’ says Aikman.

‘It had to have character, flavour, mouth feel and body, all of which can be difficult with an unaged spirit. We think we’ve delivered on all aspects… we have aspirations to produce a stable of Scottish spirit products and eventually produce in our own distillery.’

SeaWolf has a limited first run, with only 300 bottles being made available before the end of the year.

It is on sale priced at £29.99 (ABV 41%, 500ml). It will be available online and in Edinburgh Vino stores as well as at Edinburgh bars Bramble, The Last Word and Lucky Liquor Co.

Aelder Elixir

Winter warmer:Aelder Elixir.
Winter warmer:Aelder Elixir.

With Christmas fast approaching, the Buck and Birch pop-up team have picked a good time to launch Aelder Elixir.

The 17% liqueur is made with foraged elder berries, wild Scottish botanicals, spices and Scotch whisky.

It is dark, deep and rich. As you might expect, it is very fruity but also has a complex depth which lingers.

We would quite happily sip it neat in front of the fire. Apparently, it also lends itself to mixing with a glass of fizz for a summer refresher.

We are told that elderberries are rich in antioxidants and that a nip of Aelder before bedtime will keep colds at bay.

Obviously, we are not doctors but we’re happy to give it a shot.

You can find out more, including a list of stockists, here.

WEST goes to the dark side

In Glasgow, WEST brewery is celebrating the festive season with the launch of Dunkelweizen, an unfiltered, dark wheat beer.

In addition to the typical wheat beers notes of banana, clove, and fruit, the 5.2% Dunkelweizen is full of sweet tastes such as candied citrus peel and fruit syrup; aromas of toast, roasted nuts and even a faint hint of the spices used in mulled wine.

Much maltier than the WEST Hefeweizen, Dunkelweizen is left unfiltered and is cloudy brown in colour.

The WEST Dunkelweizen will be sold at WEST On The Green, the stylish beer hall and restaurant on Glasgow Green which this year was crowned Scotland’s Pub of the Year, as well as WEST on the Corner, a bar and restaurant on Glasgow’s Woodlands Road in the West End.

It will also be available to direct customers.

WEST's Dunkelweizen: Christmas in a pint glass.
WEST’s Dunkelweizen: Christmas in a pint glass.