In an innovative partnership, Glen Scotia distillery and The Maclean Foundation (TMF) have launched a special whisky release with a remarkable mission: to provide clean water for communities in Madagascar. The limited-edition whisky, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless novel Alice in Wonderland, brings together the world of whisky and charity to address a critical need in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Image credit: The Maclean Foundation/Glen Scotia
A Collaboration for Clean Water
Glen Scotia, a historic Campbeltown distillery, has donated a first-fill Bourbon cask for the project, resulting in 210 bottles of an 8-year-old single malt. Priced at £115 (roughly $152 USD) per bottle, each sale has the potential to provide one person with clean water for life. This initiative, powered by The Maclean Foundation, focuses on drilling and maintaining boreholes in rural Madagascar, where access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge.
According to Lachlan Maclean, one of the charity’s co-founders, "Access to clean water is a basic human need, yet for many communities in rural Madagascar, it remains a luxury." The foundation, founded by renowned Scotch whisky expert Charles Maclean MBE and his three sons—Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan—has already made a tangible impact. To date, their efforts have delivered a lifetime supply of clean water to 2,000 people in Madagascar. The goal is to expand their reach even further, with more water boreholes to be built in remote areas of the country.
The Whisky: A Taste of Wonderland
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the whisky aims to transport drinkers into a world of wonder, much like the novel did for its readers. Scottish creative agency Contagious designed the bottle with this whimsical theme in mind, while Charles Maclean himself narrated the story behind the liquid. He likens the whisky’s appeal to Alice’s curiosity to drink the potion that opened the door to a magical world, capturing the imagination of whisky lovers.
Maclean describes the whisky as “a triumph,” highlighting its golden hue and mature flavor. The whisky has been aged in first-fill Bourbon casks, giving it a distinct profile. Maclean noted fruity top notes and a subtle mineralic aroma, reminiscent of aromatherapy oils. On the palate, it begins sweet before transitioning to a salty, peppery mid-palate with a touch of vanilla and toffee—a result of the American oak influence. This complexity is characteristic of Glen Scotia’s signature distillery>The Maclean Foundation: A Legacy of Giving
The Maclean Foundation was created not only as a charitable outlet but also as a family project, deeply rooted in the Maclean family's shared values of adventure and giving back. Charles Maclean, a well-known whisky expert, established the foundation with his three sons in order to leverage their expertise and adventurous spirit for a good cause. In fact, the Maclean brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan, have made headlines not just for their whisky-related ventures but also for their daring feats of endurance.
In 2020, the three brothers became the youngest and fastest trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Their oceanic achievements are far from over; in April 2025, they will undertake the Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row, a non-stop, unsupported voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Their goal with this challenge is to raise £1 million, which will fund more clean water boreholes in Madagascar. These boreholes, each costing around £6,000 to build and maintain, have the potential to serve 200 people for up to 100 years, providing a sustainable solution to the region’s water crisis.
Charles Maclean has described the foundation as his "legacy," a sentiment shared by Glen Scotia’s master distiller Iain McAlister. McAlister expressed admiration for the Maclean family, saying, “Charles has become a wonderful friend to us over the years... Family is important to us both, and I’m in awe of all the adventures his boys have been on and the impact of the project— incredible stuff.”
A Tradition of Giving
This isn’t the first time The Maclean Foundation has used whisky to fuel its charitable efforts. The foundation’s inaugural charity bottling, an Ardnamurchan 2017 aged in American oak first-fill barrels, sold out within weeks. The proceeds from that release helped fund clean water projects for 700 people in Madagascar.
Glen Scotia’s latest contribution takes this partnership to the next level. McAlister and his team are proud to be part of such a meaningful project. “Having an opportunity to repay Charles’ support by donating this cask to The Maclean Foundation is a complete pleasure, especially knowing the impact it will have for so many in Madagascar,” McAlister said. The distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouse in Campbeltown, where the whisky was matured, contributed to the complexity and depth of the spirit, making it a fitting choice for such an important cause.
Making a Difference in Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with more than 90% of the population living on less than $2 a day. Access to clean water is scarce, particularly in rural areas, where the lack of infrastructure and resources make it difficult to drill and maintain wells. The Maclean Foundation’s mission is to address this issue head-on by providing sustainable, long-term solutions through the construction of clean water boreholes.
The charity’s focus on water is rooted in the understanding that clean water is essential for health, education, and overall quality of life. Without access to clean water, communities are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases, which can lead to malnutrition, illness, and even death. By funding boreholes that can serve entire communities for generations, The Maclean Foundation is making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Conclusion
The Alice in Wonderland-inspired whisky from Glen Scotia and The Maclean Foundation is more than just a collectible bottle. It represents a chance to make a tangible difference in the world, providing life-saving clean water to those who need it most. Through this collaboration, whisky lovers can indulge in a premium spirit while knowing that their purchase is contributing to a greater cause. The Maclean family’s dedication to adventure and philanthropy, combined with Glen Scotia’s craftsmanship, has created a unique opportunity to support vital clean water projects in Madagascar.
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