15/09/2026
Jackton Distillery reminds me a bit of my own story: a small, independent business focused on craft, with a hands-on approach and a passion for making the most of our limited but valuable resources, driven by love for what we do and how we do it.
Last Sunday, I had the privilege of attending the official launch of RAER single malt Scotch wh**ky, the inaugural release, the first to be distilled in South Lanarkshire since 1840.
That’s quite an achievement, one I was not aware of. I warmly welcome this first release, and I feel honoured to witness your RAER moment after years of challenges, determination, and hard work.
This first release is a marriage of Bourbon, Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado and Oloroso sherry casks. After a meticulous sample analysis at the Scotch Wh**ky Experience in Edinburgh, I must say this is a very tasty dram that should be enjoyed immediately!
As a curiosity, once the wh**ky is enjoyed, the front label window lets you look through the glass and see the “RAER view,” which displays an evocative scene (or view) that is expected to differ in future releases. Swap to the last photos to discover the inaugural RAER view. Very cool!
Finally, I want to thank Jaynie, Max, Katie, Greg, Colin, Carolyn, Jethro, and the rest of the Jackton Distillery team for this fantastic invitation to witness your very first single malt release; it was an honour, a pleasure, and a truly enjoyable evening indeed!
