A hidden history

The illicit whisky trade of the 18th and 19th centuries is the inspiration behind the Smugglers’ Series from Isle of Arran Distillery.
Each new release features packaging which recalls the hiding places used by smugglers, starting with a book which has a cut-out space to hold the bottle.
Inside the bottle, the whisky itself has a heavier peat influence, which the distiller said is similar to the whisky produced on the island in the past.
Euan Mitchell, managing direct of Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We’re proud of the whisky-making heritage of the island.

Visitors have long been fascinated in the illicit industry that ran between Arran and Glasgow.
“With the distillery turning 21, it felt like the perfect time to commemorate that exciting time in Scotch whisky’s heritage with a series that pays homage to its ancestors.”
The first release in the series is The Illicit Stills, which is bottled at 56.4% ABV and limited to 8700 bottles.