After much work behind the scenes the River Dee Trust are delighted to announce the Dee Dram will launch officially on Monday 1st February at the River Dee Opening ceremony for the 2010 salmon fishing season. The ceremonial cast will be performed by a well known Scottish celebrity and invitation to the ceremony itself is by invitation only. There will be a facility provided at the event for orders to be taken for the Dee Dram.

What is it ?
The Dalmore Dee Dram is a 12 year old expression of the world famous Dalmore single malt whisky and is a limited edition of 600 cases. The Dee Dram has been aged in 50% Oloroso sherry wood and 50% American white oak casks.

Why is it being produced ?
The River Dee is a world renowned river and designated special area for conservation for the iconic salmon, secretive otter and mysterious freshwater mussel. Over the years the combined impacts of changing land management practices, industry and development have taken their toll on the Dee and the wildlife associated with it. This concept was born out of a willingness from people to use an innovative collaborative approach to help restore this globally iconic river back to its former glories.

How much money goes to helping the river ?
There will be a generous donation made from every bottle sold to the River Dee Trust which will help substantially with restoration and conservation work.
 
What’s the plan for spending the money ?
The River Dee Trust will use the money to improve the habitat along the tributaries, ease man-made obstructions to fish migration allowing fish access to hundreds of miles of spawning and nursery areas, as well as planting native trees on the riverbanks in the upper sections of the Dee to protect the rare and threatened spring salmon. The work will not only improve the conditions for fish but also the broad spectrum of wildlife along the River.

I don’t fish the Dee- So what ?
Our hope is that the Dalmore Dee dram can become a practical example of what can be achieved. We sincerely believe that we can improve the River Dee, but only if all parties pull together. The Dalmore Dee Dram has provided a great focus and a way for lots of people to contribute. We would urge people to think about the message that this project can send and the wider implications for conservation projects in other areas.

How long will it be before we see some results ?
Fish passes are very expensive but the results are quick. We hope to have funds in place to begin work in 2010. Landscape change and habitat restoration are a longer process but work is ongoing and more can be done as soon as funds are in place. So basically as soon as we can sell the whisky, the sooner we can get cracking!

I think this is a great idea- what can I do to help as I’d like to get involved.
Obviously buying a bottle is great, but there are other things that you can do.  You can become an advocate of the project:
Convince your local pub and bar to stock a bottle!
Influence your company to use the Dalmore Dee dram as a corporate gift
Tell all of your friends about the project
If you are visiting Deeside then please make sure your hotel or B&B has a bottle

Further information about the Dee Dram can be found at www.deedram.com where it is available to purchase or can be bought from George Strachan Ltd, Station Square , Aboyne  Tel: 013398 86121  Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm. George Strachan Ltd are the wholesale distributors for the Dee Dram and welcome trade and retail enquires.