The Lowdown: Storywood is a tequila with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland. 100% agave liquid is expertly aged in single malt whisky casks from Speyside, creating the world’s first sipping tequilas. Produced in one of the world’s most environmentally friendly distilleries, Tequila Enemigo (meaning ‘enemy’) is designed to be sipped, not shot – ideally from long-stemmed Champagne flutes. Pure, complex and unmistakably smooth, the 00 Extra Añejo expression is aged in custom new American Oak barrels, distilled using a clean, environmentally-conscious method, fuelled using reused agave rather than fossil fuels. Vanilla and charred oak notes join green apple, honey and nuts. An extremely easy-drinking super-premium tequila. Born in Mexico and aged for at least 14 months in Speyside single malt whisky casks our adventurous multi award winning Anejo is a must try. Hiding in every deep amber dram are notes of toasted oak, roasted nuts and treacle toffee making this the must taste sipping tequila Taste This was Ballantyne’s lightbulb moment. “I thought, ‘if I can change somebody’s perception of Tequila by changing the glass, what can I do if I put it in a single malt whisky barrel?’.” This interaction occurred in April 2015, and by September, Ballantyne had handed in his notice to go “all in” on the project. “In October, I found out we were having our first baby,” he laughs. “All this crazy stuff was happening. That’s why our tagline is ‘live free, sip slow’. You have to enjoy what you do, that’s the living free aspect of the brand. And ‘sip slow’ is to communicate that Tequila should be treated with respect, just like any premium spirit.”

He started spending a lot more time over in Mexico, visiting his mum who lives in San Miguel de Allende. Disenchanted with working in the oil and gas industry, Ballantyne resolved to open a whisky bar in San Miguel, and set about planning the venue. His research led him to La Cofradia distillery in Jalisco, which has been producing and bottling Tequila for more than 50 years. There, he met master distiller Luis Trejo. Designed to “change the perceptions of tequila”, VIVIR is produced at an award-winning, family-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, selected for its sustainable practices and traditional processes. Using agave cooked for three-to-four days in a clay oven, the VIVIR Tequila Añejo has some subtle smokiness alongside deep flavour imparted from the barrel in which it’s aged for 18 months. Toasted agave flavours are complete with marzipan, honey, habanero chilli, coffee, vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon, while the finish is smooth with a creamy mouthfeel. That Storywood’s journey is ultimately a team effort is reflected in the name, says Ballantyne. “Every barrel has a story to tell, and it has this crazy journey before they even get to us,” he says. “The barrels are American oak, so they’re crafted in America and filled with bourbon. Then those barrels are sent to Scotland, where they’re used for whisky. By the time we get them, they’re second fill barrels – then we fly them to tequila. It’s almost like you’re getting a slice of three different spirits in one bottle: bourbon, single malt and Tequila.” The Storywood Tequila Range James Pattison has recently been appointed Brand Director for Storywood having previously worked at Hi-Spirits with Jeremy Hill. Garnish with the orange peel twist and a couple of cherries. If you like drizzle in some of the cherry syrup for a dramatic effectIn honour of ‘Old Fashioned’ week, the first week in November, Storywood challenged me to make a Tequila Old Fashioned. AND, they offered me a bottle for London-Unattached readers. So, one of you will get the chance to try your own Tequila Old Fashioned with Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo. Jeremy Hill, Managing Director of Proof Drinks and part-owner of the brand says: “I thoroughly enjoy working with people and brands to transform the fortunes of drinks businesses and love working with visionaries. I thought Michael’s concept of ageing Storywood Tequila in Speyside oak casks was innovative and I wanted to become involved with its journey.”

The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a handcrafted artisanal spirit made from 100% agave, cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca in Mexico. It is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise, whilst protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage and biodiversity of Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled expressions, Espadín, Tobalá and Salmiana, seek to inspire people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the wonder and diversity of the sacred agave plant. Storywood tequilas are aged in oak barrels that have previously held Scotch whisky, allowing the spirit to absorb the residual flavours and aromas from the wood. This process imparts distinctive notes of caramel, oak, vanilla, and a whisper of smoke into the tequila, creating a beautifully balanced spirit that offers the best of both worlds.

Founder Michael Ballantyne, inspired by his adventures in both Scotland and Mexico, envisioned a spirit that married the rich, smoky notes typically found in whisky with the vibrant, sunny character of tequila. This inspiration led to the creation of Storywood, which tells a tale of two countries, two cultures, and two beloved spirits intertwined. Best Tequilas to drink in 2023 - For whiskey drinkers 'For those partial to a single malt, the Storywood range is matured in ex-Scotch whisky barrels for 14 months — in this case one from the Speyside region. The oak influence is elegant, with just a light smokiness, bags of pepper and a honeyed sweetness from hints of pineapple and coconut.' A limited-edition expression aged for seven months in oloroso sherry casks, it’s bold and full-flavoured with sweet cherry and jammy dark fruits. Can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in an Old Fashioned. Introduced as the world’s first range of tequilas fully matured in whisky or sherry casks, Storywood was founded by Michael Ballantyne – born in Scotland and raised in Texas. Recently launched in the UK, the project was inspired by visits to San Miguel De Ellende in Mexico (Ballantyne’s mother’s hometown), where he met Master Distiller Luis Trejo at La Cofraida. Discussing their national spirits and differences between grain, the pair concluded that whilst different, both must rest in oak to enhance the flavours. The continuous use of exclusively bourbon casks with agave spirits stood out, however, while whisky is aged in a variety of oaks to create unique flavours. This inspired the pair to combine their experience, working together on Storywood Tequila. Last Updated on October 11, 2020 Speyside Tequila from Storywood for an Old Fashioned with a twist.

Method: Shake all ingredients vigorously with plenty of ice. Strain into coupe glass and garnish with a pineapple leaf. Storywood Tequila does not only stand out for its remarkable flavours but also for its commitment to sustainability and tradition. The agave is harvested by Jimadores, skilled agricultural labourers who have mastered the art of identifying and harvesting ripe agave plants. The spirit is then created using a combination of traditional and modern methods, ensuring a tequila that respects its roots while boldly stepping into the future. Caramel, subtly oaky with hints of vanila and honey on an earthly, lowland agave base, its the best of both worlds. Taste The Lowdown: Newly launched, artisanal small batch Tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, made with 100% agave and the best possible materials embracing traditional methods resulting in a complex tequila with a silky long finish. This unique, super premium spirit, distilled by Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero, is carefully crafted with a commitment to environmental sustainability and support for the local community.

For spirit drinkers, the Storywood range is a true masterclass in combining expertise across continents to create something that feels new and familiar at the same time. And most importantly, it tastes delicious. London-Unattached - London Lifestyle » Tequila Old Fashioned – A Twist on a Classic with Storywood Tequila Old Fashioned – A Twist on a Classic with Storywood Storywood also has two limited editions – the Storywood Sherry Reposado, aged for seven or more months in Olorosso sherry barrels to produce a dark tequila full of sweet cherry and jammy flavours. And a Storywood Double Oak Anejo, aged for 14 months or more in Speywide whisky and Olorosso sherry barrels for a honeyed, cherry, earth agave finish.