This week we started planting the apple trees that will eventually produce the fruit for Kintyre’s very first apple brandy.
It was most hands on deck (our Kiwi neice Molly gallantly kept things going in the distillery) and the team managed to plant 300 trees in two days. Altogether, we’re planting around 700 in a few locations on the estate.
The bulk of the trees are located on a hillside behind the distillery with some in a haugh area near the walled garden and a few beside our new bothies. (Bothy guests will be able to help themselves to a healthy apple snack!)
We have planted a selection of different varieties, including some scottish heritage strains such as Egremont Russet and Howgate Wonder. We have also included some cider varieties such as Angela’s Cider and Knotted Kernal Cider. (The names are wonderful! Others include Bloody Ploughman’s, King of Piggins and Belle de Boskoop).
Head Torrisdale groundsman, Kenny Ralston has meticulously planned out the orchards so we know exactly what is growing where. They have been carefully fenced off agains deer too so hopefully they will all thrive and start to bear fruit as soon as possible. We may even see some this autumn – especially from the heritage varieties.
We couldn’t have done any of this without the generous contributions from our crowdfunders and we are so excited about our new venture into brandy.
Season 2022 is currenlty being distilled whilst we have a full cask of season 2021 maturing nicely!
