Michael Palin to support Islay Pillaged Malt Charity Bottling

Michael Palin - Monty Python and globe trotter - is supporting the 2005 Islay Pillaged Malt Charity Bottling.The bottling, a world first, is a mix of whisky from all eight Islay & Jura distilleries plus the Northern Irish distillery of Bushmills.

Each distillery was ‘raided’ by crew of modern-day Vikings each being relieved of 40 litres of 12 year old cask strength whisky. The crew rowed and sailed with their precious cargo to Ireland’s Antrim Coast, 20 miles away, in a force 8 gale across the treacherous North Channel. Michael Palin commented: “This is the drink that gives pillaging a good name. there are few things I’d row though Force Eight gales for, but a malt whisky from Islay, Jura and Ireland are three of them”.

The proceeds of all 500 numbered bottles go to the Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland and of Northern Ireland. Palin, tasting bottle number 1, added: “This Pillage Malt is terrific stuff. Forget Ambrosia, this is what the Gods should be drinking. Never has more trouble been taken to provide a fine whisky. Do whatever you can to pillage the 2005 Pillaged Celtic malt. And make a lot of children very happy too”.