Wizards of Whisky: Alexander Edward (right) – Craigellachie

The young tyro, who would eventually become a respected elder, was born on 5 December 1865 in Wester Gauldwell, Boharm, Moray. His father, David Edward, was already an experienced distiller, who would acquire the licence for Benrinnes and own land on the outskirts of the village of Craigellachie.

It was there, in 1890, that Alexander’s active whisky life started at 25, when he joined a consortium with Peter Mackie to purchase his father’s land and build the Craigellachie distillery. He stepped back from Craigellachie sometime later and switched allegiance from Mackie’s blends to those made by his close friend Tommy Dewar, with whom he shared a passion for motoring.

Edward had a plan – and it went beyond whisky. He was aiming specifically at the well-to-do traveller, the sportsman; and that was the reason for the birth of the Creaigellachie hotel. Guests at the hotel had the use of its beat on the Spey. Scotland was now on the tourist trail. And while the hotel was being built, he purchased land to build the Aultmore distillery (the above photo).

He is said to have been forgotten by the whisky world. It is time that he was recognised for his insight. Many remarkable men built distilleries. He was the only one who connected Scotland, whisky and tourism. Alexander Edward: the pioneer of whisky tourism. A man not just of his time, but of ours as well.