Our latest project took us on a journey into the world of blended Scotch Whisky. Commissioned by Whisky Magazine and Ardray, this feature-length documentary explores the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of blends and their place in today’s whisky culture.
Our task was to produce an insightful and engaging documentary that would not only educate but also captivate whisky enthusiasts around the globe. This project required us to capture the nuanced story of blended Scotch, tracing its evolution from the early 1800s to the present day, while highlighting the people and places that make this spirit so special.
We filmed the documentary over one week at three distinct locations:
We began our journey with a historic tour of our hometown, tracing the roots of the whisky trade and its evolution. Speaking with whisky history expert Justine Hazlehurst, she provided expert commentary on the rise, fall and renewal of blended whisky in Leith and beyond which enriched our narrative with detailed historical context.
Our next step was to visit this historic, working distillery where we delved into the traditional methods of whisky production. We conducted interviews with Richard Bates, development director at Ardray and master blender Calum Fraser, who provided deep insights into the intricacies of blending and a detailed tasting overview of each of the four components that make up Ardray.
Finally, our journey ended in a contemporary setting to explore the current conversation surrounding blends and their place in modern whisky culture. We had conversations with bar manager Rachel Reid, and Ardray’s brand ambassador Stephanie Peck, which added a contemporary angle to our story.
Our collaboration with Whisky Magazine and Ardray was instrumental in ensuring the documentary’s authenticity and depth. Their insights and guidance helped shape the final product, making it not just a film, but a celebration of blended Scotch whisky.
The result is "A Fresh Perspective: Blended Scotch From 1823 To Ardray," a documentary that we believe will stand the test of time. It’s available to watch for free on YouTube, inviting whisky lovers everywhere to join us on this journey through the history and future of blended Scotch.