Issue 167 | Whisky Magazine 57
documentation of a stunning collection
of whisky. The story begins in 1843
β
collection and Hans and Becky have set
the scene of the time of this bottling
β
β
of that particular year. Each volume
opens with an interesting essay relating
to whisky bottles. Annabel Meikle,
director of the Keepers of the Quaich
added, “The detailed information in this
reference work is invaluable. The books
are illustrated with crisp images which
showcase the myriad of colours within
the spirit and the variety of bottle
shapes over time. It is fascinating to see
the developing styles with each brand,
some familiar and some long forgotten.
ǡβ
this collection is evident. This is truly a
labour of love for all of those involved, a
celebration of whisky past and present.”
Working closely together as The
Whisky Couple anyway, Hans and Becky
lifted their professional relationship to
a new level during the Zagatti project.
“One of my personal highlights was
working with my spouse on the biggest
project we’ve ever done,” says Hans.
Together they spent many days in the
archives of Gordon & MacPhail, Diageo
and Edrington, among others. “Becky
and I have visited many archives for
work, but I’ve seldom seen something
like Gordon & MacPhail, who have
kept an incredible library of labels.
We could investigate many decades to
β
on Zagatti’s whiskies. It is a family
company, just like Glenfarclas. We sent
John Grant photographs of bottles
and he himself went into his archives.
The same goes for Diageo and the
impressive archives in Menstrie, built by
Nick Morgan. We never could’ve written
this book without the cooperation of
the distilleries.”
βThe Unseens
Valentino Zagatti Collection consists
of 500 copies. Hans and Becky made
a very conscious choice for print in
favour of a digital version. Hans: “We
see a transition from digital reading
back to the reading of actual physical
books. Stores are actually selling more
books. We’ve made something you can
touch and feel. While I’m a fan of using
and combining different types of media,
this just had to be a book in print and
not something digital.” The Unseen
Valentino Zagatti Collection is available
at: whiskyboeken.nl.
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