Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is set to auction 150 exclusive bottles from his private 26-year-old single malt whisky cask, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). The whisky, distilled at the Lochranza Distillery in 1998, was a special gift to McGregor and has matured for over two decades in an ex-Sherry hogshead cask.
In collaboration with the distillery, McGregor will auction the limited-edition bottles to raise funds for CHAS, a charity that supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. McGregor, a long-time supporter of the charity, shared his hope for the auction’s success:
“I’ve seen the incredible care provided at Rachel House and Robin House hospices, and I hope this auction will raise enough to help these vital services continue.”
The auction, hosted by Whisky Auctioneer from 27 September to 7 October, offers whisky lovers and fans of McGregor a chance to own a piece of whisky history while contributing to a worthy cause. The first 24 bottles will feature McGregor’s signature, further enhancing the release’s exclusivity.
Whisky Auctioneer has generously waived its seller’s commission and will donate its 12.5% buyer’s commission, ensuring that all funds raised benefit CHAS. Joe Wilson, head curator and spirits specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, expressed their excitement about the collaboration:
“We are honoured to support this charitable cause and proud to share Ewan’s Cut with whisky enthusiasts globally. This rare whisky represents a special moment in the whisky world, and we are thrilled to play a part in it.”
A Rare Whisky with a Heartfelt Purpose
The 26-year-old single malt, bottled at 46% ABV, is one of the oldest whiskies ever produced by Lochranza Distillery. In 1998, McGregor visited the distillery to celebrate the laying down of the first legal cask on Arran in over 150 years. As part of the occasion, he was presented with his own ex-Sherry hogshead cask, which has been stored in the distillery’s warehouse ever since.
Stewart Bowman, distillery manager at Isle of Arran Distillers, reflected on the significance of McGregor’s involvement:
“Ewan’s visit in 1998 was a pivotal moment for us, and both he and the distillery have gone from strength to strength since. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to where our journey began nearly three decades ago and present him with the finished bottles of Ewan’s Cut.”
Bowman also highlighted the distillery’s shared commitment to community support, noting their enthusiasm for the collaboration with McGregor, Whisky Auctioneer, and creative agency The Leith to raise funds for CHAS.
Creative Collaboration with a Personal Touch
Creative agency The Leith partnered with McGregor and his brother, Colin, to create the bottle design for “Ewan’s Cut.” Each of the 150 bottles is unique, with labels designed to look like mini film scripts, featuring nods to McGregor’s iconic roles in Trainspotting, Star Wars, and his Long Way Round series.
Rami Okasha, CEO of CHAS, expressed the charity’s deep appreciation for McGregor’s continued support:
“We are incredibly grateful that Ewan, a long-time friend of CHAS, has chosen to donate all proceeds from this auction to our charity. The funds raised will make a real difference to the families we support, helping us continue our vital work for children with life-limiting conditions.”
CHAS provides essential care to families across Scotland, offering both at-home support and hospital-based services. In the past year, CHAS has supported over 2,000 family members, including 419 children and young people, ensuring that no family has to face the loss of a child alone.
This unique auction offers whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of whisky history while supporting a noble cause that makes a significant difference in the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges.
