Renowned Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has teamed up with Lochranza Distillery, located on the Isle of Arran, to auction 150 bottles of rare whisky from his personal cask. The auction aims to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), a charity dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The initiative is a heartfelt effort from McGregor, who has been a long-time supporter of CHAS, and it offers whisky enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of history while contributing to a noble cause.
The Story Behind McGregor’s Rare Whisky
The journey of McGregor’s whisky began back in 1998 when he was gifted a cask of Arran Single Malt during a visit to Lochranza Distillery. This was no ordinary cask—it marked the first legal whisky cask to be laid down on the Isle of Arran in over 150 years. The cask, an ex-Sherry Hogshead, has since been maturing in the distillery’s warehouse for 26 years, making the whisky one of the oldest ever produced by the distillery. The whisky has now been bottled under the name "Ewan's Cut" and will be sold in a limited edition of just 150 bottles.
A Unique Auction for a Worthy Cause
The auction, run by Whisky Auctioneer, will take place from September 27 to October 7, 2024, and is open to bidders worldwide. Whisky Auctioneer, the world-leading platform for whisky auctions, has generously waived both its seller’s commission and 12.5% buyer’s commission to ensure that all proceeds from the sale go directly to CHAS. The charity provides invaluable support to children suffering from incurable conditions, as well as their families.
Ewan’s Cut, a 26-year-old Arran Single Malt, is bottled at 46% ABV and comes with a uniquely designed label. Each label is inspired by McGregor’s illustrious film career, with references to iconic roles from Trainspotting to Star Wars. The first 24 bottles in the auction have been personally signed by McGregor, making them even more special for collectors and fans alike.
Ewan McGregor’s Longstanding Support for CHAS
McGregor’s commitment to CHAS is not new; the actor has been involved with the charity for years, visiting its hospices and witnessing firsthand the care and compassion provided to families during some of their most challenging times. Speaking about the auction, McGregor said, “I have been involved with CHAS and visited their hospices many times over the years, so I know the unwavering care that both Rachel House and Robin House provide children and their families during their hardest moments. My hope is that this auction can raise a significant amount to ensure that these wonderful places are able to continue providing the service they do.”
Rami Okasha, CEO of CHAS, expressed his gratitude for McGregor’s continued support, saying, “We are delighted that Ewan, who is a long-standing supporter and friend of CHAS, has kindly chosen to donate all proceeds from this exciting auction to our charity. The funds raised through the Ewan’s Cut auction will make a real difference to the families we support.”
Okasha further highlighted the importance of CHAS’s work, noting that three children a week die in Scotland from incurable conditions, and demand for their services is growing. Over the past year, CHAS has directly supported 419 babies, children, and young people, while also extending care to hundreds more through hospital palliative care teams. CHAS’s mission is to ensure that no family has to face the death of their child alone, providing support not just for the sick children but also for parents and siblings.
Lochranza Distillery: A Symbol of Revival
Lochranza Distillery, owned by Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd., has been producing whisky since the mid-1990s and is known for reviving the tradition of legal whisky production on the Isle of Arran after a hiatus of over 150 years. In 1998, when Ewan McGregor was presented with his cask, it was a landmark moment for the distillery, symbolizing both its growth and its strong ties to the Scottish community.
Stewart Bowman, the distillery manager, expressed his excitement about reuniting with McGregor for this charitable auction, saying, “We are thrilled to invite Ewan back to the distillery, where our story began almost 30 years ago, to present him with the finished bottles of Ewan’s Cut. Like Ewan, we remain close to our roots and are passionate about giving back to the community.”
Lochranza has grown into a globally recognized brand while maintaining its independent status. The partnership with McGregor for this charity auction is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to both its heritage and its role in giving back to the wider community.
Whisky Auctioneer and Its Role
Whisky Auctioneer, a premier online platform for whisky auctions, has played a significant role in bringing this project to life. Joe Wilson, head curator and spirits specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, expressed his pride in supporting such a meaningful cause. “At Whisky Auctioneer, we take great pride in supporting charitable causes, and we were honored to be approached to bring Ewan’s Cut to auction. The launch of Isle of Arran Distillers nearly three decades ago was a landmark moment in the whisky industry, ushering in a new era of independent Scottish distilleries.”
Wilson noted that the auction of Ewan’s Cut is not just an opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to acquire a rare bottle but also a way for them to contribute to a cause that makes a tangible difference in the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
For both whisky lovers and fans of Ewan McGregor, this auction represents a unique opportunity. The combination of a rare 26-year-old whisky, a personal connection to one of Scotland’s most famous actors, and the chance to support a vital charity makes Ewan’s Cut a truly special offering.
With only 150 bottles available and each label designed to reflect different aspects of McGregor’s career, the auction is expected to draw significant interest from around the world. Collectors, whisky enthusiasts, and McGregor fans alike will be eager to place their bids and take home a bottle of this historic whisky.
For more information about the auction and to register to participate, interested individuals can visit the Whisky Auctioneer website. Additionally, to learn more about the incredible work being done by CHAS and how they support families across Scotland, people can visit the CHAS website.
This auction is not just about acquiring a rare bottle of whisky; it’s about making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. With McGregor’s unwavering support and the dedication of everyone involved, Ewan’s Cut is set to leave a lasting impact—both in the whisky world and in the hearts of the families CHAS helps every day.
