The Titanic, the “Plucky Little Countess” and a very special Single Malt

With some 310 years of illustrious history to its name it’s hardly surprising that Berry Bros. & Rudd has a connection to RMS Titanic, whose fateful end a century ago is remembered on the 15th April. It’s a relationship which dates back to the event itself and is also now being commemorated with the release of a limited edition Single Cask Malt Whisky to recognise the heroic efforts of the “Plucky Little Countess”.

That early relationship can be seen first-hand at the famous Berry Bros. & Rudd shop at No 3 St James’s Street in London. There on the walls is a copy of the letter received from the White Star Line two days after the tragic event, detailing the loss of 69 cases of wines and whiskies which had been on board. But it is the heroic efforts of the Countess of Rothes, who was on board the night the liner struck the iceberg that are being commemorated with a very special Malt Whisky distilled in the Speyside town from where her title originated.

The 33 year-old earned the additional title “Plucky Little Countess” due to her heroism. As a contemporary account at the time by one Dr Leader relates: “The countess is an expert oarswoman. She practically took command of our boat when it was found that the seamen who had been placed at the oars could not row skillfully. Several of the women took their place with the countess at the oars and rowed in turns while the weak and unskilled stewards sat quietly in one end of the boat”.

The 13 year-old single cask has been chosen by Douglas McIvor, Berrys’ Spirits Manager, for its distinctive vanilla, deep citrus, dried fruits, figs, coffee and spice nose, together with the characteristic deep fruity notes and honeyed texture of The Glenrothes on the palate.