Whisky Focus - Caledonian Sleeper Marks 150 Years With Annandale Whisky

Here is one for the whisky loving train spotters amongst you, the 'Caledonian Sleeper' is celebrating 150 years of Scotland to London sleeper services and are marking the occasion with the launch of a limited edition Caledonian Sleeper Single Cask Single Malt whisky from Annandale Distillery.

The whisky is launched in partnership with Annandale Distillery (est. 1836 and reborn 2014), which is technically one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery as you cross the border from England so quite an appropriate choice to mark 150 years of the border crossing train service.

The whisky is described as having creamy sweet toffee notes and added crispness from Granny Smith apples and Conference pears, the unique eight-year-old unpeated malt has been bottled at what should be a very flavoursome 50% ABV, it was matured in an American oak ex-bourbon cask and hand-selected at the Annandale distillery by the Caledonian Sleeper team.

With only 200 numbered 70cl bottles in existence, the self-named whisky – Caledonian Sleeper – offers enthusiasts the chance to add a truly one-of-a-kind bottle to their collection and can be exclusively purchased (£179.99) online at www.annandaledistillery.com/caledoniansleeper. For those looking to sample the new whisky, 5cl miniatures are also available to purchase onboard Caledonian Sleeper services for a limited time only.

Profits from the sale of the 70cl whisky bottles will be donated to Railway Children, the international charity working with street children in India, East Africa and the UK. One of the 200 bottles will also be donated to Give a Dog a Bone, the Scottish loneliness and animal charity, to be auctioned later in the year as part of fundraising efforts. Both Railway Children and Give a Dog a Bone are official charity partners of Caledonian Sleeper.

Kathryn Darbandi, Serco’s Managing Director for Caledonian Sleeper, said: "When the North British Railway introduced the first regular sleeper service from Glasgow to London 150 years ago, they set the wheels in motion for a truly unique travel experience. Today, we’re proud to carry the torch. Whether you’re commuting, going home or exploring a new destination, our service lets you travel in comfort overnight and wake up ready to hit the ground running.

"As an iconic Scottish brand, it’s only right that we celebrate this landmark anniversary with the launch of our very own limited-edition whisky."

As a homage to the first-ever sleeper service, which ran from Glasgow to London King’s Cross via Edinburgh on 2 April 1873, guests who boarded the Caledonian Sleeper service in Glasgow and Edinburgh last night were greeted by a traditional Scottish piper. Guests on these services were also treated to complimentary 5cl whisky miniatures.

David Hyde, Commercial Director at Annandale Distillery, said: "It has been a pleasure to offer our white labelling service and take this journey with the team at Caledonian Sleeper to launch this exclusive limited-edition Single Cask Single Malt. The smooth tasting spirit is a truly indulgent experience, befitting of the 150-year anniversary of Scotland to London sleeper services."

Jack Miller, Group Director of Fundraising at Railway Children, added: "We are thrilled and honoured that Caledonian Sleeper has chosen to donate the profits from the sale of its exclusive new whisky to our cause – all the money raised will go directly towards reaching and supporting children who have no one else to turn to, including right here in Glasgow. Their support will change the futures of children across the UK, India and Tanzania."

To find out more about the service and Caledonian Sleeper’s anniversary celebrations, please visit: www.sleeper.scot.

You will also find the current Annandale domestic whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt and Hard To Find Whisky
 

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