Whisky launch aiming to put quiet corner firmly on the map

11:04am Friday 21st September 2007

NEWCASTLE has its brown ale, Alnwick its dark rum - now a remote area of Northumberland is to have its own brand of whisky.

The first bottles of Black Rory Whisky, named after a mysterious 19th Century character who operated illicit stills in the hills of Upper Coquetdale, will be launched at this weekend's Alnwick Food Festival.

Rothbury businesswoman Roz Tinlin has set up Coquet Whisky to market the Black Rory brand, which is a blended Scotch whisky, made to her specifications on the Isle of Islay.

It has a high malt content and hint of peat and will be followed next year by a selective malt, whisky fudge and shortbread.

Northumberland National Park is backing the whisky, which local businesses hope will attract tourists to the area.

Mrs Tinlin said: "Alnwick has its fabulous castle and garden and everyone knows about Hadrian's Wall, but Rothbury and Coquetdale always seem to be ignored.

"This is a beautiful part of Northumberland, with exquisite scenery, and history and culture in abundance. Introducing our own brand of whisky will hopefully put us on the map."