Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith gave a presentation on their recently completed project Lindores Abbey Distillery. The intention has been to create the whisky brand associated with the oldest recorded production of whisky then called Aqua Vita.

Drew, from the Howison family who own Lindores Farm, calls himself the custodian of the lands and so places his feelings squarely in the public eye. Lindores Abbey, founded in 1191, has an entry in the Scottish Exchequer Rolls understood to be the first ever mention of whisky.

Lindores Distillery has taken 16 months to build following extensive planning and was opened by the author Ian Rankin and the famous whisky ‘nose’ Richard Paterson. It is hoped that the first single malt will be ready by December 2021. Their current spirit available has been named Aqua Vita and uses local plants, dates and raisins to produce a distinct bouquet, much appreciated by the Club members on the evening

Drew also explained how the area is to be brought back to early cultivation methods as a homage to the Abbey. A large acreage of orchard trees has been planted and the distillery is also setting up bee keeping. Such a glance to the past has given the whole process a complete identity in the town of Newburgh and the Club wishes Drew and Helen the very best for their future success.