anCnoc Scotch whisky enters design partnership

Fashion designer Patrick Grant is designing the label and packaging for a limited edition expression of anCnoc whisky.

anCnoc Highland single malt Scotch whisky, part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio and produced at Knockdhu Distillery, has today announced a partnership with fashion designer Patrick Grant.

The partnership will see Patrick and anCnoc collaborate to launch a limited edition expression, with Patrick designing the label and packaging. The design will include a bespoke print inspired by the brand, the flavour notes of the liquid, and the time-honoured production methods used at the Knockdhu distillery. 

The Edinburgh-born designer is the creative director of bespoke tailors Norton and Sons of Savile Row and founder of ready-to-wear label E.Tautz & Sons. He has also appeared as a judge of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee since 2013, and was named Menswear Designer of the Year in 2010.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to contribute to Patrick’s work by suggesting what they think embodies anCnoc on social media using the hashtag #ModernTradition. Patrick will use the crowd-sourced ideas and inspiration to inform his final print designs.

Patrick Grant comments: “Growing up in Scotland, and as big fan of anCnoc whiskies, it’s a stroke of fate that led me to partner with them on this exciting project. I saw lots of parallels with my work and the masterful production methods used at the distillery - from provenance and heritage to craftsmanship and tradition but with a contemporary edge.”

Photographed at the Knockdhu distillery by fashion and portrait photographer Tom Bunning, Patrick has been involved in the tasting and profiling of the special edition liquid which will be available for sale in February 2016.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison says: “The partnership with Patrick is a meeting of two Scottish greats and marks a really exciting time for the brand. We wanted to build on the success of the Peter Arkle Collection, and were looking for someone who truly reflects the brand values of a ‘modern tradition’. Born in Scotland, wedded to his craft and appreciating a fine whisky as much as the cut of a great suit, Patrick was the obvious choice and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

3 September 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor