The team behind the most northerly distillery in the world has re-visited Islay for a trip down memory lane.
Colin Houston, originally from Oban, was on the island with his fellow Aurora Spirit co-founders Tor Petter Christensen and Hans Olav Eriksen to mark ten years since a successful fact-finding mission to Islay and its distilleries inspired them to set up their own venture two-and-a-half hours away from Tromso, Norway, above the Arctic Circle.
Key meetings were held with Allan Logan, distillery manager at Bruichladdich Distillery, who was instrumental in their decision to go for it 10 years ago.
“We caught up and discussed the challenges within the industry, the drive for sustainability, supply chains, brand ambassadors and logistics. We also met with Ron Goudie, senior tour guide at Ardbeg Distillery, to discuss the change in the visitor experience, consumer trends and the guiding experience,” said Colin.
Visits were also organised to Caol Ila and Lagavullin by Charlotte Smith, regional co-ordinator for Diageo, Scotland Brand Homes.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to revisit the distilleries and people who inspired us to set up our distillery. It was great to be back in Argyll with the blustery weather creating dramatic seascapes,” added Colin.
A decade on, Aurora Spirit is winning awards across the globe for its spirits that are on sale across ten countries, including Japan and most of Europe.
Colin, who divides his time between the distillery and home in Inverness where he also runs his own travel consultancy, still keeps up his links with Oban.
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Caption: Colin Houston and his Norweigan business partners pose with the striding man statue at Caol Ila distillery near Port Askaig.
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