TWO Scottish distillery workers have been penned by Scottish illustrator, Jill Calder, to feature at the heart of a new design concept set to showcase the secret of Benromach, recognised as Speyside’s smallest distillery, to the UK and internationally.
Benromach is handmade by just two stillmen – Keith Cruickshank and Mike Ross – who make in one year what other distillers make in a week, making it one of Scotland’s best-kept whisky secrets.
Keith and Mike have now been immortalised in Fife-based artist Jill Calder’s illustrations, reflecting the personal qualities the two men bring to Benromach and its expressions.
The design concept will be used in the distillery’s advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns.
David Urquhart, joint managing director of Gordon & MacPhail, the family-run Elgin company which owns Benromach commented: “Benromach is a handmade, boutique whisky which is lovingly crafted by Keith and Mike. They are the essence of Benromach and so we thought it appropriate that they were placed front and centre of our new concept.
“Jill’s illustrations are a perfect fit for Benromach – home and handmade and with loving attention to detail.”
Douglas Alexander of Stuff Creative was briefed to give the Benromach brand a new creative personality.
Doug, who founded Stuff Creative in November 2011, commented: “We wanted to find a creative personality for the brand that would let it talk and express itself. Anyone who visits Benromach can meet Keith and Mike, but now those who can’t make the trip to Forres personally can ‘meet’ both of them in Benromach displays across the country.
“I’ve worked with the Urquhart family, which owns Benromach, for 25 years, in each agency I’ve been a part of. They have a lot of vision and guts, and it really has been exciting working with the family and Jill Calder to bring the brand to life and celebrate the two men who make it all happen at the distillery.”
Jill Calder commented: “Illustrating Benromach distillery and its two stillmen, Keith and Mike, was a lovely process. I’ve never been a whisky drinker but they’ve done their best to try and convert me!”
Images available on request.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
About Benromach
Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.
Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.
For more information on Benromach, visit www.benromach.com
About Jill Calder
Jill Calder is an award-winning illustrator based in Cellardyke, Fife. Trained at Glasgow School of Art, her clients include the New Yorker, Elle magazine, the British Museum, Sainsburys and Harvard Business review.
For more information on Jill Calder, visit www.jillcalder.com
About Stuff Creative
Stuff Creative was founded by Douglas Alexander in November 2011. Prior to founding Stuff, Douglas was managing director of Navy Blue in Edinburgh.
For more information on Stuff Creative, contact Douglas Alexander on doug@stuffcreative.com.
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