Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition opens
28 Nov 2012
28 NOVEMBER 2012
Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass
-Major exhibition launches in Edinburgh-
Visitors to the Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition
will have the chance to see an array of images and artefacts
collected from Scotch Whisky producers and enthusiasts, many on
public display for the first time.
The Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition in the Main
Hall of The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh marks the Centenary of
the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry trade body.
Every aspect of the Scotch Whisky industry unfolds through words
and images. The exhibition, which is free to visit, takes people on
a journey through the distilling, coopering, maturing, bottling,
labelling, enjoying, marketing and exporting of Scotch Whisky.
It explains how the "What is Whisky?" debate of the early 20th
century helped establish the modern day Scotch Whisky industry.
Illustrated through a series of rare postcards, visitors will learn
how the 1909 Royal Commission on Whiskey and other Potable Spirits
decided that only grain and malt whisky produced in Scotland, or a
blend of both, could be called Scotch Whisky. This beat off the
threat of distillers in Ireland who refused to blend grain and malt
whiskies.
Artefacts and images on display include a mini pot still, mash
tun and spirit safe, a reproduction of the Illicit Highland Whisky
Still painting by Sir Edwin Landseer, 19th century maps of railways
which served distilleries, coopers' tools, classic advertising and
promotional campaigns, old films, bottles from different decades,
recipes for Blended Scotch Whisky from 1912 and much more.
A striking artefact standing proudly in the marketing area of
the exhibition is a full size fibre glass white horse. It
illustrates the White Horse brand of Scotch Whisky which is popular
in many global markets. The brand has a long history, stretching
back to the late 19th century, and is named after the White Horse
Cellar Inn which still stands in Edinburgh's Canongate.
Also featured in the exhibition are the people who make Scotch
Whisky. Visitors can hear maltsters, coopers, master blenders,
marketing professionals and many other employees talking about
their skills and passions in recordings made especially for the
exhibition.
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association,
said:
"Everyone, from Scotch Whisky aficionados to novices will learn
something new from the Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass
exhibition. Scotch Whisky's rich past is showcased, highlighting
its position as an iconic Scottish product and demonstrating how
vital Scotch Whisky is to the country's economy and society
throughout history and now.
"Last year, Scotch Whisky exports reached a record £4.23 billion
and the industry directly employs more than 10,000 across
Scotland."
"For the last 100 years, the SWA have been committed to
promoting and protecting Scotch Whisky. We plan to do so for the
next 100 years and beyond."
Scottish Parliament Deputy Presiding Officer, John Scott MSP,
said:
"We welcome this major exhibition to The Scottish Parliament
which celebrates the rich heritage of one of Scotland's most famous
industries. From the science of distillation to the traditional art
of cooperage and the whisky-inspired film screenings and poetry of
Liz Lochhead, we look forward to hosting an informative, lively and
entertaining exhibition here at Holyrood."
Ends
Notes to editors
The Wine & Spirit Brand Association was formed in London on
3 October 1912. In 1917 it became the Whisky Association,
representing Scottish and Irish producers. In 1942, following a
meeting at Edinburgh's Caledonian Hotel, it became the Scotch
Whisky Association (SWA).
The Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition was put
together by Rosemary Gallagher, Siobhan Paterson and Lauren
McArthur of the SWA. Design is by Edinburgh-based Bright 3D.
With any media enquiries and to request images please contact
Rosemary Gallagher, SWA communications manager, 0131 222 9230/0743
260 5385 or email rgallagher@swa.org.uk
For exhibition opening hours:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/55417.aspx
email sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk
call 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600 (Textphone users:
0800 092 7100)
For more on the SWA:
Visit www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
twitter @SWACentenary