Whisky - UK (2020-05)

Issue 167 | Whisky Magazine 57

documentation of a stunning collection

of whisky. The story begins in 1843

™‹–Š–Š‡β‹”•–ƒ†‘Ž†‡•–„‘––Ž‡‹–Š‡

collection and Hans and Becky have set

the scene of the time of this bottling

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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.

    ‘”–Š‹•”‡ƒ•‘ǡ–Š‡‹β‹‹–‡˜ƒŽ—‡‘ˆ

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

⋐†ƒ•—…Š‹ˆ‘”ƒ–‹‘ƒ•’‘••‹„Ž‡

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.”

Š‡β‹”•–’”‹–”—‘ˆThe 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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