Glen Albyn Distillery Logbook 21st November 1924

 

Our latest logbook entry appears to be written in a rush, or at least that's the impression I'm getting. For example, it lacks the standard format we've observed for all the Excisemen in these reports, such as confirmation of their station address and a standard opening letter format. This is quite peculiar, especially considering it's the work of Gilbert W. Peterkin, who tends to be focused on detail and consistency. 

Perhaps all will be revealed, let's dive right into the entry itself:

'Sir,

I beg to report the receipt of the following notice from Messrs Mackinlay & Birnie Ltd. Distillers, Glen Albyn.

Nov 17 at 9, unlock the safe to renew the spirit sample pipe.

The removal of the pipe was desired in view of the fact that spirit was oozing through a small crack at the point where the pipe entered the safe.

The pipe was also flattened. This flattening had been caused by previous stillmen striking it with a hammer to clean it when choked. On many occasions this flattening was the cause of the pipe choked, and as a consequence the safe had to be opened for the purpose of clearing the pipe.

The removal of the pipe was allowed to proceed as one of necessity and urgency, and is now completed, the old pipe having been unsoldered and replaced by a new one which is in every way, an exact copy of the old pipe. Thus there has been practically no change in construction connection, position or security. 

I am, your obedient servant

G.W. Peterkin, officer

Glen Albyn

Additional entry:

Approved

JWA Gill 25/11/24' 

This intriguing entry draws us back into the still room, this time focusing on the Spirit Safe, highlighting a minor frustration that, due to temporary repairs over the years, has now reached an irreversible state. With the traditional brewing season just beginning the month prior, it must have been urgent to resolve this issue; without the pipe, one could assume that any distillation process would have been adversely affected.

The quick fix, likely passed down through generations of stillmen, finally reached its limit. What’s particularly fascinating is the speed at which this problem was addressed. Did the distillery have spare pipes or tools readily available for immediate use, or was there a call made to Glen Mhor across the street?

In previous entries, we’ve noted that distilleries often assist each other with their challenges, and this is usually documented. Therefore, it seems plausible that whatever new solution was implemented likely came from Glen Albyn and its skilled team. The urgency here perhaps explains my initial thoughts?

As is customary, we are incredibly lucky to entrust this matter to the expert guidance of Alan Winchester, who can provide even deeper insights and clarify whether this has been a persistent problem:

'As always, we're very fortunate to put this situation into the knowledgeable hands of Alan Winchester, for even greater context and if this was an enduring issue:

'The safes could indeed last a long time, Aberlour’s safe after the fire in late 19th century, was replaced when the still house was doubled, it was used a while at Edradour, the 1973 safe was replaced a few years ago, so they do not last as long though, more liquid runs through the now.

The liquids in distillery can contain greases verdigris you used to see copper sieves fitted to the glass bowls to catch the lumps, the low wines used to be prone to grease etc, the safe pipe is a draw off the main pipe and a gentle tap often cleared them, of styled liquid. After the removal of HMRC the safe control being handed over any blockages could be done by the distillery staff, as to clear a choke required a notification to C & E. Glen Albyn stillman had been a bit exuberant with the hammer.

On repair front, this may have been carried out by a plumber if a copper smith not handy, indeed engineers maybe handy.'

And there you have it, both the historical and contemporary context. The insights we are uncovering in these books will undoubtedly be mirrored across numerous distilleries from that era, just not seen before. This is part of the joy of reviving these stories and employing modern tools and technology.

For instance, the main image featured in this article was initially a rather faded and grubby, black and white photograph of the distillery from the 1960s. Thanks to A.I. restoration tools, we have infused it with 'artistic refinement and vintage colour effects', which I hope will add a vibrant splash of colour to the narrative, if there are some obvious issues such as the quayside - it does hint at what a lovely spot for a distillery or two this part of the world was. 

The Glen Albyn logs are held at the Highland Archives Centre in Inverness (HCA/D31/4/1/23 and HCA/D31/4/1/24) and I'm thankful to the Archive and HMRC for access to these incredible resources and bringing them to life.