Black Pine Whisky

Black Pine Whisky is a collaboration with the Oxford Botanic Garden to celebrate their 400th anniversary. This limited edition rye whisky, inspired by ‘Tolkien’s Pine’, is housed in a beautiful white presentation box and comes with a coaster created from wood of the legendary Black Pine.

The iconic Black Pine (Pinus nigra), likely planted in the early 1830s, met a tragic end in 2014 when it shed two massive branches and needed to be felled.The pine was the favourite tree of JRR Tolkien, and was often referred to as ‘Tolkien’s Pine’. The Black Pine is also unmistakably present at the end of Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy, when its heroine, Lyra, sits underneath this famous tree.

This rye whisky and is an ode to the essence of a pine forest. Fruity and woody, the complexity of the wood character shines through with hints of mint, pepper and cedar smoke.

Renowned Oxford illustrator, Stanley Donwood, has created the illustration of the original Black Pine for the label. Since 1994, he has created all the artwork for the rock band Radiohead with singer Thom Yorke. Oxford-based letterpress printer Richard Lawrence, known for his collaborations with artists and designers to create highly distinctive work, has printed the label and accompanying booklet.

The revered wood of the Black Pine was expertly crafted into coasters by Sylva Foundation’s Wood School. Sylva Foundation’s Wood School was created to support a revival of Britain’s wood culture through excellence in creativity and craftsmanship using home-grown timber, stimulating innovation in design and supporting the next generation of designers and makers.

Outside the UK? If you're interested in purchasing Black Pine Whisky, please get in touch with us directly to discuss shipping options and we'll do our best to help.