Press Mentions
The Illicit Still
We are excited to bring you a new collection. It celebrates the rebellious Scots who made illegal whisky in the hills and glens of 18th and 19th century Scotland in glorious defiance of the English authorities. Each candle tells part of our unsung heroes tale and reveals how their exploits were inextricably linked to Scotland's beautiful, diverse landscape. We hope that by enjoying the 'The Illicit Still' collection, a flicker of rebellion will burn bright in you too.
The method of whisky making using a pot still has changed very little down the centuries. It involved malting barley by soaking it in water and heating it to create mash. The mash was put in the copper pot and heated until it would release alcohol vapour. The vapour would enter the 'worm', submerged in water, where it would cool and turn into liquid.
And so we have our 'First Batch'. Revel in the distinct peat smokiness that only a single malt can bring. Lighter notes of sweet vanilla temper the intense smokiness and malt adds a mouth watering base.
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Candle Fragrance Notes:
Whisky, malt, vanilla.
The First Dram
The Bothy
Whisky distilling bothies were small, hidden and often temporary stone shelters. Walls were constructed of dry stone rubble or turf, with wood and bracken used to form roofs. It was not unknown for bothies to have sleeping quarters and a larder. Reducing the need for men to come and go from the site during distillation would reduce the liklihood of detection.
Some stills were housed in barns and byres. Tubing would be used to divert the smoke from the still fire to the chimney of the nearby dwelling. Scents of leather, smoke, old wood and damp turf combine to let you experience ‘The Bothy’.
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Candle Fragrance Notes:
Black Pepper, Tonka Bean, Amber.
A Guid Spot
Water and fuel were two crucial ingredients for a pot still. They had to be located near a burn or loch and a ready supply of fuel. Juniper trees were sought after as the wood burnt with little smoke, easing the fear of detection.
'A Guid Spot' promises both in abundance. This fresh fragrance promotes relaxation and stillness, opening with marine notes reminiscent of being by a loch which flow and swirl into the fresh cleansing tang of juniper wood.
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Candle Fragrance Notes:
Juniper, Marine, Rosemary, Cedarwood.
The Gaugers Approach
Ahh the Excise or 'Gaugers', referring to the requirement to 'gauge' how much malt a distiller used. Each still owner lived in fear of discovery. Not fear of violence- most Gaugers were outnumbered and poorly armed- but confiscation of their valuable still. Lookouts were posted to forewarn and give time for dismantling and escape.
'The Gaugers Approach' tells of one such escape. Our heroes have spirited away into the glen hidden by the mists of a new day, The dawn raid is thwarted. The Gaugers Approach promotes a feeling of hope and mindfulness in its botanical scent. Clean, fresh notes of vetiver reflect promise while moss and cedar provide a grounding base. The wistful fruitiness of fig alight a feeling of hope.
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Candle Fragrance Notes:
Green Leaf, Cedar, Oak Moss.
