Velier's Foundations Collection

This October, Velier's Foundations Collection offers collectors a rare exploration of rum and whisky. More than just a set of bottles, this collection celebrates the architectural and cultural heritage behind the world's finest spirits, with a catalogue that brings to life the rich history of each distillery.

The Inspiration: From Rothes Glen to Global Traditions

The collection’s inspiration traces back to Rothes Glen Castle in Scotland's Speyside region, designed by Charles Doig, an architect whose distinctive pagoda roof design has left a lasting legacy across many Scottish distilleries. The pagoda roofs, initially functional for improving malt-drying processes, became a symbol of Scottish whisky. This architectural nod extends through the collection, connecting distilleries in Scotland, Japan, and even as far as Taiwan.

Key Distilleries and Bottles in the Foundations Collection

The Foundations Collection presents a curated selection of rums and whiskies, each representing unique characteristics of its origin and craft:

• Hampden Estate (Jamaica): Known for high-ester, full-bodied rums, Hampden Estate brings forward the rich, intense flavors that define Jamaican rum.
• West Indies Rum Distillery (Barbados): Founded in 1893, this distillery has preserved its heritage equipment and methods, continuing to produce Barbados-style rum.
• Caroni Distillery (Trinidad): This now-defunct distillery was a key player in Trinidad’s rum industry. Its inclusion in the Foundations Collection is a tribute to Caroni's distinctive heavy, rich style.
• Neisson (Martinique): Specializing in Rhum Agricole, Neisson highlights the terroir of Martinique with a focus on traditional methods. Recognized as a “Living Heritage Company,” it holds a deep connection to its cultural roots.
• Renegade Distillery (Grenada): A modern addition to the Caribbean rum scene, Renegade stands out with its innovative approach, including a bold traceability concept and striking cyan-painted facade.
• Benromach (Scotland): Originally designed by Charles Doig, Benromach honors its architect with its Rothes Glen series in the collection, showcasing single malts from this historic Speyside distillery.
• Bunnahabhain (Scotland): A classic Islay distillery, Bunnahabhain offers a rich, unpeated 20-year-old single malt bottled at cask strength, symbolizing the refined side of Islay’s production.
• Chichibu (Japan): Known for its Paris Edition, Chichibu’s annual release pairs Japanese craftsmanship with French influence, making it a standout in the collection.
• Nine Leaves (Japan): This recently closed Japanese distillery crafted unique rums using local sugarcane, adding an unexpected Eastern influence to the rum selections.

Architectural and Cultural Insights

Each bottle in the Foundations Collection reflects its distillery’s legacy. Some, like the Highland Park and Laphroaig distilleries, show the impact of Doig’s architectural vision with their preserved pagoda-style roofs. Meanwhile, modern distilleries such as The Cairn in Scotland, designed with environmental harmony in mind, bring a contemporary contrast.

The collection also highlights other cultural milestones. For example, a rare Cuban rum from 1956 features the art of Cuban artist Aconcha, bridging the cultural heritage of Cuba’s golden era of rum production with contemporary spirits artistry.

Track and Explore These Unique Bottles

For those interested in adding these distinctive bottles to their collection, the Foundations Collection is a treasure trove of stories and craftsmanship. Adding desired bottles to your Watch List on SpiritRadar ensures you’ll receive notifications as soon as they’re available, giving you an opportunity to secure them at initial prices.

The Foundations Collection by Velier offers a rare chance to explore spirits that transcend generations, regions, and traditions. This curated selection of rums and whiskies bridges old-world heritage with modern innovation, inviting collectors to delve into the heart of each distillery’s history and craftsmanship. Keep an eye on SpiritRadar for further updates and availability, and uncover the stories behind these exceptional bottles.