Glenrinnes Distillery launches barrel-aged vodka

The maker of Eight Lands Gin and Vodka, Glenrinnes Distillery, has announced the release of a barrel-aged vodka.

The Muscat barrel-aged spirit was developed by the Scottish distillery's head of distilling and operations, Meeghan Murdoch.

It is the second release in the company's Producers' Series, which allows anyone on the team to put forward an idea for consideration as a limited-edition product (the first was the Eight Lands Sloe Gin).

The new release was created by filling Eight Lands Organic Vodka (at 59% ABV) into casks that were previously used to age brandy and Muscat wine.

On the new limited edition, Murdoch said: "I have long been interested in the impact that different barrels can have on spirits, all the way back to my time as a winemaker, and it's fascinating to see what whisky makers are using now to finish their products.

"Our vodka is such a fantastic spirit; I know it would make the perfect starting point for something new and exciting. I hadn't even see a vodka aged in a Muscat barrel and quickly knew we were onto a winner once the vodka had spent a short time in the barrel."

Alex Christou, co-founder of Glenrinnes Distillery, said: "We are really excited about this release; whether or not it is the world's first Muscat barrel-aged vodka, it really is something special. It's delicious, and feedback from both trade and consumers has been fantastic so far."

Glenrinnes Distillery, located in Speyside, started producing spirit in early 2019 and launched its Eight Lands brand later that year. 

The Eight Lands Muscat barrel-aged vodka (41.6% ABV) will be available from eight-lands.com, Harvey Nichols and The Whisky Exchange as well as select independent retailers with a recommended price of £37 per 50cl bottle.

18 May 2022 - Bethany Whymark