Hirundine 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, created by Scottish rugby legends Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, is now available to purchase from Stòr, the online shop of Historic Environment Scotland, and the Edinburgh Castle Whisky and Finest Food Shop.
Aged for a minimum of 12 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks, this whisky has developed rich notes of vanilla, honey, and soft spice, resulting in a smooth, full-bodied Speyside character.
Duhan van der Merwe, co-founder of Against the Grain, said:
I become emotional when I see our Hirundine being sold at Edinburgh Castle, symbolising our city and nation, Scotland, with all its rich history, traditions, and culture.
Pierre Schoeman, co-founder of Against the Grain, said: “Sharing a bottle of Hirundine, filled with memories and happiness as unique and precious as Edinburgh Castle, is a truly grateful and fulfilling moment. It reminds us that with hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any challenge and enjoy the view from the top of what we've built. Slàinte!”
Natasha Troitino, Head of Retail at HES, said:
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Hirundine whisky to the shelves of an iconic Scottish site such as Edinburgh Castle. This is the start of an exciting partnership with Against the Grain - Duhan and Pierre have created something special, and I can’t wait for our customers to try a taste of Hirundine.”
The Hirundine whisky can be purchased at £80 for 70cl, ABV 46% from Stòr or the Edinburgh Castle Whisky and Finest Food Shop. Alcohol can only be purchased by a person aged 18 or over.
About Against The Grain Scotland
Against The Grain Scotland was established in 2010 by Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, who both have a love of whisky and have ventured down a whisky trail together, from friends exploring distillery tours and tastings leading to their own great success in selling whisky in a bar situated in a lovely coastal Fife town.
About Stòr
Stòr is the online shop for Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the lead public body and charity protecting, understanding and sharing the historic environment for today and for the future. The historic environment is Scotland’s story and that is why the shop has been named ‘Stòr’.
When you make a purchase from the online shop at stor.scot, or in shops at HES properties, you are playing a key role in conserving and protecting Scotland’s national treasures. Money raised helps fund projects such as building restoration, research and skill development.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email.
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot