Scotland at its purest
I spent the week alone in a basic, beautiful and remote bothy in the Cairngorm Mountains in the north of Scotland, lovingly restored by its owner, my friend Hugo.
I was making paint from the rocks I found in the surrounding hills, which I ground and mixed with a water from the nearby stream and a binding medium. I grew up in Cape Town but in many ways this part of the planet has become a spiritual home. The weather is extreme, unrelenting, brutal at times. Yet there is also a softness, an overwhelming silence and a feeling of being held in a kind of inner sanctum.
I was there for a project with Cask88, to paint individual labels for around 200 bottles of rare whisky. My idea was to paint the labels using some of the same materials that are brought together to create the whisky - making paint from the local ‘terroir’.
Grinding the ancient, local rocks with the water from the same area that feeds many of the great distilleries of Scotland to make paint felt right somehow. I see the process of making art and making whisky as essentially the same; a kind of alchemical process of taking ordinary substances and transforming them into something beautiful and lasting. Each label has its own unique mix of rock, water, plant matter. Each brushstroke is unique.
Nan Shepherd wrote these memorable words in her brilliant philosophical meditation on the Cairngorms,‘The Living Mountain’; ‘It is, as with all creation, matter impregnated with mind: but the resultant issue is a living spirit, a glow in the consciousness, that perishes when the glow is dead. It is something snatched from non-being, that shadow which creeps in on us continuously and can be held off by continuous creative act. So, simply to look on anything, such as a mountain, with the love that penetrates to its essence, is to widen the domain of being in the vastness of non-being. Man has no other reason for his existence.’
Being alone for a stretch of time I found myself noticing everything with an acute attentiveness, my senses sharpened by the silence. Each day passes gently with these basic activities:Fetching wood, fetching water from the spring, collecting rocks, grinding the rocks to make paint, stoking the fire, making lunch, a hike up the hill, reading, painting, making dinner. One afternoon I spot a golden eagle soaring high above and it feels like a sign. Everything takes on extra meaning somehow, takes on a numinous glow. The glow extends inwards as the days pass.
Then night falls. Nocturne.Being without electrical light for a week was wonderful. Gradually as daylight recedes the eyes adjust naturally to the dusk and the candlelight. I found the gentle gradation of changing colour though the window particularly beautiful, like a slowly morphing Rothko painting. There’s something completely luminous about the twilight blue against the darkness. Knowing that the small light coming from the fire and lanterns inside the bothy is the only light for miles is magical. A refuge and a beacon against the vastness beyond.
Nature is central to my artwork. Placing my body in nature always brings me back to the source of why I do what I do. Certain places have more significance to me, mostly because they are places where the connection with nature is strongest. Being alone in wild, remote places like this leaves a trace in everything I do in the studio and I’m always plotting the next escape.I’ll be back in these mountains soon and am planning to spend a week on the top of a 3,000m mountain in the Swiss Alps in the months to come, making paint from the ground rocks I find again. Again, painting the mountain with the mountain.
1. The Bothy: A Whisky as Rare as True Love
If you want to give a truly unique and singular gift, consider The Bothy, an exquisite single cask expression from the lost Imperial Distillery. Distilled in 1998, just before the distillery closed its doors forever, this whisky captures a special moment in time — much like the cherished memories of a lasting relationship. Whether your loved one is an experienced whisky connoisseur or simply enjoys a good dram, this rare bottle will truly impress.
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2. Whisky Date Night: A Toast to Love
Why not take your beloved on a whisky-filled date night to celebrate Valentine’s? There’s nothing quite like sipping on fine drams in the intimate atmosphere of a world-class whisky bar. Scotland is home to some of the finest whisky bars in the world, where you can enjoy an unforgettable evening with a dram of something special.
Consider visiting these award-winning whisky bars for an evening to remember:
- The Bow Bar (Edinburgh) – A cosy, welcoming space with an extensive whisky selection.
- The Pot Still (Glasgow) – Known for its rare and unique expressions from around the world.
- The Highlander Inn (Speyside) – Nestled in the heart of whisky country, offering rare drams and local charm.
- The Quaich Bar at The Craigellachie Hotel (Speyside) – A whisky lover's dream spot for relaxation and indulgence.
Each of these locations offers a chance to sip, savor, and enjoy the finest whiskies together in a setting that exudes romance and charm.
3. Single Malt Gift Set: An Introduction to Rare Whisky
For those new to the world of whisky, a Single Malt Whisky Gift Set is the perfect introduction to the finer side of whisky. This set features aged, unique expressions from Scotland’s finest distilleries, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Inspired by the quirky artwork of Ralph Steadman’s 1950s art correspondence course, this curated set even includes 'course materials' for the first semester of Whisky Engineering! It’s the perfect way to kickstart a whisky lover's journey and give them something to cherish.
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4. Whisky Cocktail Making Classes: A Fun and Interactive Experience
Looking for a fun, interactive gift that goes beyond the bottle? Sign your loved one up for a Whisky Cocktail Making Class! These classes offer a unique experience where participants learn the art of crafting classic and creative whisky cocktails. It’s an excellent way to bond while experimenting with different flavours, learning new techniques, and, of course, enjoying a delicious whisky-based cocktail or two.
Book a Cocktail Masterclass in Edinburgh at The Raging Bull or enjoy a Cocktail Masterclass in Glasgow at Mackintosh at the Willow. Whether you’re mixing up a classic Old Fashioned or trying something new, this experience promises both fun and learning for whisky lovers at all levels.
5. The Poet's Pour: Where Whisky and Words Meet
For those who appreciate both whisky and poetry, The Poet's Pour is perfect for the true romantic. This limited-edition Islay Single Malt is crafted in collaboration with Edinburgh-based poet Janette Ayachi, combining the fine whisky with the beauty of hand-written prose. Ayachi’s poem, inspired by the whisky’s smoky warmth and rich palate, makes this bottle a treasured keepsake for lovers of both literature and whisky.
Get yours now and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.
6. Distillery Tours: A Romantic Whisky Adventure
Looking for an experience that combines adventure, beauty, and whisky? A distillery tour might be just the thing. Embark on a whisky-filled journey to some of the most iconic distilleries in Scotland, such as:
- Glenfiddich (Speyside) – A picturesque distillery known for its rich heritage and world-class whisky.
- Lagavulin (Islay) – A distillery that produces some of the peatiest and most distinct whiskies in the world.
- Ardbeg (Islay) – Located on the rugged Isle of Islay, Ardbeg offers breathtaking coastal views and an unforgettable whisky experience.
These distillery tours offer an immersive experience where you can walk through the stunning landscapes, learn about the whisky-making process, and, of course, enjoy some of the finest single malts in the world. Perfect for whisky lovers who appreciate both adventure and romance!
Conclusion: Give the Gift of Whisky This Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond and surprise your loved one with a gift they’ll truly appreciate. Whether it’s a rare bottle of whisky, a fun experience like cocktail making, or an unforgettable distillery tour, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate your love for each other with something special.
At Cask88, we’ve handpicked the best gifts for whisky lovers, so you can find the perfect way to show how much you care. Cheers to love, whisky, and unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day!
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