WHISKY HERO

Wild water Smuggling whisky and swimming whirlpools is all in a day’s work for Nick and Alex Ravenhall

Written by Morag Bootland Clockwise from top left: Nick and Alex his adventure is really about telling a story. A story that hopefully reminds whisky drinkers that if you love your drams then you’ve got to care about water health T ‘ ‘Looking down the Corryvreckan and seeing the standing wave at the entrance inspires a bit of awe and gets the heart going, as does seeing the currents swirl in the strait,’ says Nick. ‘The key to swimming in these spaces is Ravenhall (aka The and ultimately that means looking after the sea.’ controlling that fear.’ Whisky Smugglers); the brothers at Bimber So says Nick Ravenhall, MD of Holyrood Following the swim, the whisky that they Distillery ahead of their channel swim; swimming Distillery in Edinburgh who, along with his smuggled was returned to the casks which were the Corryvreckan; adding smuggled brother Alex, swam the Corryvreckan whirlpool then vatted together and released as Whisky whisky at Bowmore on to raise money for their Whisky and Waves and Waves Storm Kelpie, which sold over Islay; coming ashore at Bowmore; swim campaign. 6,000 bottles to raise funds for Sea Shepherd, team after the channel crossing. The intrepid Kiwi an international brothers each smuggled a dram in their wetsuits the key to swimming marine conservation organisation that as they took on the in these spaces campaigns to conserve treacherous mile long is controlling the world’s oceans crossing from Jura that fear and protect marine to Scarba. The strait wildlife. of Corryvreckan is The brothers renowned for strong tidal currents that create are not new to swimming. Growing up in the world’s third largest whirlpool. New Zealand they were never far from the ‘The currents are so unpredictable that you water and went swimming with their father can’t aim for a point,’ says Nick. ‘The guides regularly. They still train year round, in the pointed us at Scarba and said, “aim for the island”. pool in winter and in the ocean in summer to We caught a current that went with us so the build up endurance. They’ve tackled the waves crossing was quick, just 25 minutes.’ around Islay, swimming from Bruichladdich But it wasn’t all plain swimming for Nick, Distillery to Bowmore, as well as swimming a Alex and their team who found themselves in the relay across the Channel. Next on the agenda midst of a school of huge lion’s mane jellyfish and the duo plan to swim some of the big Highland used up vital energy dodging around their long lochs that feed Scotland’s iconic single malt stinging tentacles. distilleries.

prestige whisky auction

The sophisticated way to buy and sell whisky

restige Whisky Auction is a family business set up and owned by Andrew and Nicola Loan. Founded on their expertise gained as successful investors in the ever-popular Scotch Whisky market, Prestige Whisky Auction P benefi ts from their extensive industry knowledge and contacts gained from trading prestigious whiskies from all over the world. Each monthly online auction brings a large variety of rare and exclusive whiskies to their global customer base. Prestige Whisky Auction are very particular about the service they provide, believing that offering a personal service at an outstanding level is paramount. Alongside their customer service, their transparent, competitive fees and low commission rates set them apart from the competition. Prestige Whisky Auction offer a free valuation service regardless of whether you have one bottle, a large collection or even have a cask to sell.

Unlike many auction houses, Prestige Whisky Auction do not charge a sellers’ commission at all.

The only fee is a listing fee of £3 + VAT per lot. They can also offer free UK collections subject to bottle value. Likewise, if you are looking to start a collection or add to an existing investment portfolio, buying from them couldn’t be easier with their low buyer’s commission, easy-to-use website and quick bidding facility. The whisky industry is a small yet amazingly interesting world and the possibilities are endless, let Prestige Whisky Auction be part of your whisky journey.

Find out more at

Prestigewhiskyauction.com

Buy & Sell Whisky e Prestigious Way

Prestige Whisky Auction Limited is a family business started and owned by Andrew & Nicola. Founded on their expertise gained as successful investors in the ever-popular Scotch Whisky market. • Monthly Online Auctions • Large Selection of Whiskies • Quick & Easy Bidding • Low Buyer’s Fees