Dark Art Distillery based in Kirkcudbright launched Scotland’s first 100% Blue Weber Agave spirit (first Scottish produced Tequila in all but name) – Véspero for the start of International Dark Sky Week 2-8 April.
Véspero translates to ‘Venus’ in astrological circles, and it was born and bottled under one of only 6 Dark Sky communities in Scotland, the Galloway Forrest. The Forrest which covers approximately 20 percent of the park has been set aside as a central core for preservation of dark skies and wildlife, with a policy of no permanent illumination. The park is one of the very best places in Scotland to enjoy International Dark Sky Week.
Brand founder Andrew Clark Hutchison was born in Mexico and the emotions linked to his birthplace of ‘Born in Mexico. Made in Scotland’ are central to him launching the first Scottish Blue Weber Agave spirit.
Andrew said ‘On International Dark Sky week, what better time to launch Scotland’s first ever Blue Weber Agave spirit -Véspero which links closely to the sky’s above Kirkcudbrightshire where it is created.
As the spirit was not distilled in Mexico we cannot call it Tequila as Mexico own all the rights of provenance, however, we use only organic 100% Blue Weber Agave, yeast and water to make Véspero. It tastes like you would imagine with our Master Distiller Gerard MacLuskey using his skill and judgement to create a Caledonian homage to tequila with a very smooth finish, it is vibrant with sweet grassy and toffee notes with a cosmically smooth and warming peppery finish.
Gone are the days of shots, salt and lemon. Our brand is premium and can be sipped over ice or as a mixed drink. We have also created the ‘Scottish Margarita’ which will be rolled out across bars this month.
The Tequila & Mezcal category is booming in the UK and Europe and we are keen to promote Scotland’s first Agave and put the Scottish Margarita cocktail on the cultural awareness list!’
According to Euromonitor International data, the combined Tequila and mezcal category is set to grow from 47.2 million cases in 2022 to 50.8m in 2023. This is expected to increase further to 53.4m by the end of 2024.*data from The Spirits Business.
Véspero is available directly from our website: https://www.darkartdistillery.com
Dark Art Distillery launch first Scottish Blue Weber Agave Spirit on International Dark Sky Week
