Hirundine Whisky 'Legacy Edition' 15-Year-Old Single Malt Nears Sell-Out

Edinburgh-based Hirundine Whisky today announces the final availability of its 'Legacy Edition', a 15-year-old Speyside single malt. This highly limited release of 370 hand-signed bottles, co-founded by international rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, is nearing a complete sell-out, underscoring a growing demand for rare, transparently sourced spirits that offer both enjoyment and intrinsic value.

The 'Legacy Edition' is a 15-year-old Speyside single malt, American oak ex-bourbon matured and finished in Rejuvenated Red Wine casks. Launched on 28th June 2025, each of the 370 bottles is hand-signed by co-founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, creating a collectible item for enthusiasts and fans. This limited production run and strong demand validate Hirundine's approach to the Scotch whisky market, which leverages the founders' profile and focuses on transparent, limited-run independent bottlings to challenge traditional industry norms. "This release isn't just about a premium whisky; it's about connecting with a story and owning a piece of something truly limited," says Duhan van der Merwe. "We've seen incredible interest from collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and the unique provenance." The whisky offers a nose of sweet strawberry laces and fresh fruit salad, a soft, fruity palate with oakiness and spice, and a delicate finish of strawberry bonbons and raisins. Priced at £150 per bottle with an ABV of 45%, the remaining bottles are available directly from hirundinewhisky.com/legacy-edition.

Trend context

In a climate of economic uncertainty in May 2026, the imminent sell-out of Hirundine Whisky's 'Legacy Edition' reflects a broader trend where discerning individuals are acquiring tangible 'passion assets'. This limited-edition, hand-signed whisky exemplifies the shift towards rare spirits valued for their provenance, scarcity, and potential as a resilient alternative asset, offering both personal enjoyment and a hedge against market volatility, as highlighted by recent market analysis on collectible assets.

About Hirundine Whisky

Why we exist

We saw a Scotch whisky industry often inaccessible and defined by rigid, unapproachable traditions. Our conviction is that exceptional whisky should be for everyone, fostering genuine connection and telling authentic stories beyond the bottle. We exist to open up this world, making heritage relevant for a new generation.

How we do it

We meticulously source and independently bottle rare, character-driven Speyside single malts, focusing on unique cask finishes and transparent provenance. Our process prioritizes quality over volume, building a community around shared experiences and honest narratives, rather than relying on traditional marketing. This hands-on approach ensures each release is a distinct journey.

What we do

Hirundine Whisky independently bottles characterful Scotch under the 'Against the Grain' collective. Our flagship is a 12-year-old Speyside single malt, American oak ex-bourbon matured, offering vanilla, honey, and citrus notes. We also cultivate a community that blends whisky appreciation with lifestyle and sport, making each release a shared experience.

Why it matters

Hirundine represents a new wave challenging Scotch whisky's traditional gatekeepers. Founded by international rugby stars, we're leveraging a unique blend of sport, community, and independent bottling to democratize access and appeal. This isn't just about whisky; it's about a cultural shift making a heritage industry relevant and inclusive for a global, modern audience.

Who it's for

Hirundine targets a new generation of whisky drinkers: those aged 25-45 who value authentic experiences, quality without pretension, and community. This includes sports enthusiasts, lifestyle consumers, and individuals seeking a modern, inclusive entry point into Scotch, moving beyond traditional, exclusive narratives.

Proof points

• Retail Presence: Hirundine is officially stocked at iconic Scottish heritage sites, including the Edinburgh Castle Whisky and Finest Food Shop and the official Stòr online shop for Historic Environment Scotland. • Exclusive Limited Editions: The "Hirundine Legacy Edition" (a 15-year-old Speyside single malt) successfully launched with a highly limited run of only 370 bottles, each hand-signed by founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman. • Industry Partnership: The brand secured a high-profile two-year partnership with Edinburgh Rugby, establishing Hirundine as a central feature of the club's commercial and community engagement strategy.

Traction & credibility

Founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, international rugby stars, have established Hirundine as a respected independent bottler under the 'Against the Grain' collective. Their story was featured on Scran podcast. Early releases leveraged the 'Bevvy' whisky discovery app's image recognition for direct-to-consumer engagement and market data.

Spokespeople

Duhan van der Merwe

Founder

Duhan van der Merwe is one of Scotland’s most dynamic and recognisable rugby players, renowned for his powerful running, pace, and instinctive finishing. Born in George, South Africa, he has established himself as a standout force on the international stage, becoming Scotland’s record try scorer and a constant threat to any defence. At 6’4” (1.93 m) and 106 kg, Duhan’s imposing frame is matched by agility and sharp rugby intelligence. His club career has taken him through elite teams like Montpellier, Worcester Warriors, and now Edinburgh Rugby. Duhan brings a relentless drive and global perspective to Hirundine. His approach off the pitch is no different to his on field one —focused, ambitious, and uncompromising on quality. His passion for whisky and his instinct for building authentic connections have been instrumental in shaping Hirundine’s identity, helping to introduce the brand to a new generation of whisky drinkers around the world.

Pierre Schoeman

Founder

Pierre Schoeman is a powerhouse in Scottish rugby—known for his passion, energy, and fan-favourite status. Born in Nelspruit, South Africa, he brings strength, agility, and an infectious spirit to every match, earning respect on the field and a deep connection with supporters off it. That same authenticity defines Pierre’s role within Hirundine. He has a rare ability to connect with people on a genuinely personal level, whether he’s speaking with CEOs, industry partners, or young fans discovering the game for the first time. This openness sits at the heart of the brand. Pierre makes people feel part of the story, helping shape Hirundine into something approachable, considered, and real. Combined with his curiosity and respect for craftsmanship, he ensures every release stays true to its roots while building meaningful, lasting relationships around the world.

Talking points

The asset

Hirundine Whisky Announces Final Availability of 'Legacy Edition' 15-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt

www.hirundinewhisky.com/products/hirundine-legacy-edition

The story

Hirundine Whisky announces the final availability of its 'Legacy Edition', a 15-year-old Speyside single malt. Originally launched on 28th June 2025 with a highly limited run of 370 hand-signed bottles, this American oak ex-bourbon matured whisky, finished in Rejuvenated Red Wine casks, represents the brand's most premium offering to date. Only a few bottles remain, each signed by founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, international rugby stars.

Why it matters

The imminent sell-out of the 'Legacy Edition' validates Hirundine's unique approach to the Scotch whisky market. By leveraging the founders' profile as international rugby stars and focusing on transparent, limited-run independent bottlings, Hirundine has successfully built demand and connected with a new generation of whisky drinkers, challenging traditional industry norms without relying on mass marketing.

Who does it impact

This release is for whisky collectors and enthusiasts who follow independent bottlers, as well as fans of rugby and the founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman. It also targets consumers aged 25-45 seeking premium, transparently sourced spirits and an inclusive entry point into Scotch whisky culture.

Proof points

Each of the 370 bottles is hand-signed by co-founders Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, creating a collectible item for enthusiasts and fans. The limited production run and strong demand underscore Hirundine's focus on quality and exclusivity. "This new edition is a 15-year-old Speyside single malt, matured in red wine casks – a subtle nod to the sea of red shirts that will follow the Lions down under. The result is a whisky that boasts a vivid red hue and a flavour profile as bold and playful as the men behind it." – Laurie Black, Bevvy.

CTA

Purchase the limited-edition Hirundine Legacy Edition directly from the official store at hirundinewhisky.com/legacy-edition. Only a limited number of bottles remain.

Key facts

Product Name: Hirundine Legacy Edition
Whisky Type: 15-year-old Speyside Single Malt Scotch
Number of Bottles: 370
Where to Buy: hirundinewhisky.com/legacy-edition
Founders: Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, David Whiteford
Cask Finish Details: Rejuvenated Red Wine casks
Current Availability: Limited stock remaining
Launch Date: 2025-06-28
Tasting Notes: Nose: Sweet and inviting, with aromas of strawberry laces and fresh fruit salad. Palate: Soft and fruity, with a pleasant oakiness and a gentle touch of spice. Finish: Delicate and playful, with strawberry bonbons and raisins.
Price per Bottle: 150
ABV: 45%
Price per Bottle (Currency): £

Images

Hirundine Logo

Hirundine Legacy Edition: 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Outdoor

Hirundine Legacy Edition: 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

Hirundine Legacy Edition: 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Box

Get in touch

David Whiteford

Founder

Drop me a note and I'll reply by email.