Willie Cochran; Mechanic, ‘Diurach’, Legend!
Jura Single Malt Whisky has unveiled a limited edition expression to mark the retirement of celebrated Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane – fittingly named ‘One For The Road’.
This specially bottled 22 year old single malt, complete with exceptional ‘Pinot Noir’ finish, celebrates Willie’s 39 year career with Jura, and the story of one of whisky’s best loved characters. A must-have collectable for whisky fans, only 5,000 bottles (47% ABV) are available globally with an RSP of £120.
Only 5,000 bottles are available globally with an RSP of £120
Willie’s captivating story begins in 1977, when he first arrived on Jura with the intention of staying for only one year (he was there to sell a car and was approached by the Distillery Manager with the offer of a job, thanks to his mechanical skills). Though he initially had little knowledge of whisky, he worked his way up through the years developing his talent for crafting extraordinary single malts. He has become a true ‘Diurach’ – the Gaelic term for the community of Jura!
Over the next 39 years, Willie became a celebrated part of the very fabric of Jura, renowned in the industry for his friendliness and expertise and earning prestigious titles for the whisky. A true ambassador for the brand, Willie has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the globe to the distillery, guiding them through the quality craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing each cask of Jura.
The Distillery was reopened in the 1960s with the aim of saving the island community and now produces one of the most globally renowned malts in the world. It begins its next chapter with newly promoted Graham Logan at its helm. Graham, a former Jura Mash/ Stillman, has worked at Willie’s side for over two decades and hopes to put his own stamp on the distillery, while building its reputation for producing award-winning spirits.
As he bids farewell, Willie will embark on a tour, inviting a Europe wide community of honorary Diurachs (the Gaelic term for Jura’s community) to enjoy a final dram with him, embarking upon a whistle-stop tour around the continent to introduce the final Jura expression bottled in his care.
From 17th Sept – 1st October 2016, Willie will visit Brussels, Lyon, Hamburg, Paris, Cologne and Stockholm to meet whisky fans and conduct tastings of the limited edition, One For The Road expression.
One of the perks of my job is meeting people who have travelled to the island from far and wide to share their appreciation for whisky with me and the team at the distillery.
Now that I have the opportunity, I can think of no better way to repay the favour than releasing one final expression – one for the road – to share with them.
– Willie Cochrane
Nobody embodies Jura’s spirit quite like Willie, so it’s a fitting tribute to a man who has contributed so much to our small, but passionate island. I’ll be raising a glass alongside the rest of the community as we wave Willie off on his next adventure.
– Graham Logan
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