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Oakbank celebrates a decade of success

Oakbank Products Ltd is celebrating ten years in the drinks industry, and is looking to the worldwide range of whisky, gin, and rum brands to consider their services as they look toward the next ten years.

Oakbank specialises in bottle sealing wax, providing services for brands looking to dip their bottles or apply a brand enhancing seal to their packaging. Our wax is found on some of the rarest whisky bottles in existence, including Glenfiddich 50-year-old, The Macallan in Lalique and The Ardbeg.

In 2009, Thomas Corbett and Ian Cuthbertson began to work on the development of a new sealing wax that would be more durable and not crack or crumble after application. In 2012, as the business was beginning to grow and new clients were appearing, Pauline Corbett came on board to handle finances, and Oakbank Products Limited was established in 2013,

Following Ian’s death in 2014, his son Roddy became a partner in the business.

The company continued to flourish, building valuable and strong relationships with clients, including Glenmorangie, Edrington and Chivas Brothers to name just a few.

A decade of success has not been without its challenges. Like many businesses, the pandemic was particularly hard, with the terrible loss of Pauline Corbett early on during the lockdowns.

While younger members of the family have now chosen to follow their own paths, the family tradition of the business is still being honoured. Tam Corbett has brought in his brother Bill to oversee the company’s office and administrative work, while his son Ian is managing the production process.

The personability of everyone involved at Oakbank is why they have thrived across the last ten years. There has always been a large emphasis based on keeping the family feel of the company even as it grows, to ensure that traditions are kept in place and honoured as times goes on.

The wax itself is supplied around the world, with Oakbank’s extensive list of clients reaching out across Europe, South America, The Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

While the brand’s speciality is in the drinks industry, they have also supplied perfumeries and artisan food producers.

Oakbank works with some of the most prestigious brands in the drinks industry including the following list of esteemed clients:

• Edrington
• Chivas Brothers
• Dewar’s
• The Macallan
• Tomatin
• ShortCross
• Glenfiddich
• William Grant & Sons
• Whyte and Mackay

Despite such as an expansive range of whisky partners, Oakbank are looking to venture further into the rum and gin markets. While some of Oakbank’s client list includes some of the most premium names in the drinks industry, they still supply many craft distillers, too, helping them to develop their products.

For the future Oakbank intends to build on the elements that have already provided them success in the last decade. The brand wants to continue to branch out across the drinks industry, while maintaining a presence within the whisky market, nurturing its family traditions and familiarity.

Spontaneous, self-sufficient, and with a little spirit thrown in

for good measure, that’s Stuart and Adelle Brown, founders of

Deerness Distillery – Orkney’s first traditional distillery for over 130 years.

It is here that they produce their multi-award winning ‘Sea Glass

Gin’, ‘Scuttled Gin’ new VÁra pink gin, and Orcadian Moon coffee liqueur, as well as the UK’s most Northerly distilled vodka,

Gin and Into the Wild Vodka – launched back in May 2017, after a year of construction and product development.

2020 has seen the Orcadian Moon win five golds at the World Liqueur awards and win the best other spirits category at the Great British Food Awards, whilst Into the Wild Vodka won the UK’s best vodka.

The distillery boasts a beautiful shop as well as tastings of their spirits for visitors. Plans are afoot to extending their award winning spirits with a small batch whisky in 2021. The whisky is going to be something unique and special with grains grown in Deerness, malted on site, distilled and casks stored at the distillery until released for bottling.

Deerness Distillery spirits are a must try if you’re looking for an exclusive premium gin, vodka or liqueur!

House of Elrick gin

Nestled in the rich, rural tapestry within the lowlands of Aberdeenshire, the House of Elrick is the source of a delicious range of premium quality spirits.

House of Elrick’s signature gin is crisp and fragrant. The botanicals, hand-picked by their Master of Gin are a complement of juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel, built around a core of heather, pink peppercorns, sweet fennel and rose petals. 

Refreshing and aromatic, House of Elrick Gin is a spirit made with the essence of Scotland, using local ingredients. It is a fresh and vibrant infusion. The versatility of the gin means that it can be enjoyed on the rocks, or as the foundation of your favourite gin-based cocktail. 

Owner Stuart explains, “for the House of Elrick brand, quality over quantity is key. All of our spirits are distilled and bottled by hand in batches of 600 bottles per run, so we can maintain absolute control over every bottle that leaves the distillery.”

Members of the Elrick Estate note that a perfect serve for their signature gin would be served on the rocks or with a fine, quality tonic from a deep wine glass to retain the aromas. When it comes to garnishing, they recommend you opt for aromatic orange zest. The orange will accent the fragrance and intensify the rose and peppercorns notes. 

For many Lockdown has presented many challenges. However, House of Elrick have taken this opportunity to develop and craft some delightful premium new flavoured spirits across their Rum and Gin ranges, particularly their Estate Coconut Gin and Estate Plum & Peach Gin. These two Estate gins are based on their award-winning signature gin profile.

The Coconut Gin is a delicious tropical spirit blended with a natural coconut flavouring, perfect for creating those summer tropical cocktails. Whilst the Plum & Peach Gin is refreshing and well balanced with the sweetness of the plum and peach, yet compliments the juniper, coriander, and citrus notes.

To purchase these new ranges, and other House of Elrick spirits visit the website today and sign up to their newsletter, to make sure you are kept up to date and follow House of Elrick on their journey.  Won’t you join us for a drink!

www.houseofelrick.co.uk