21/02/2025

Chapter 39

A chat with...George Keeble (Fragrant Drops) - #35

After taking a break from this series of interviews, I figured it’s time to get back to it and tell you about one of the independent bottlers that’s really blown me away over the past year and a half.

I am talking about Fragrant Drops; an independent bottling range curated by Keeble Cask Company Ltd., an Edinburgh-based cask broker and independent bottler founded in January 2020 by George Keeble (Whisky Director) and partner Rachel Dixon-Keeble (Operations Director). The company specialises in sourcing and bottling single cask Scotch whiskies and other spirits, offering a diverse selection that appeals to whisky enthusiasts.

George has a rich background in the whisky industry. His career began in 2011 as a whisky barman in London, and he has since hosted numerous tastings, judged for the World Whisky Awards, written for Whisky Magazine, studied distillation at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, and spent two years as a whisky distiller in Australia.

After trying a few drams from his bottlings, I decided to reach out and ask him a few questions.

Let’s see what he told us…

Hi George and Rachel, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Please introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about your whisky journey so far.

I met Rachel several years ago through Soho Whisky Club in London (see mention), which I used to manage, and Rachel used to frequent as a member.

During my meandering career in whisky, I have worked as a barman, tasting host, club manager, writer, student (of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling), warehouseman, production distiller, cask broker and, most recently, independent bottler.

Fragrant Drops was conceived back in 2019. The concept is simple. We own a bunch of casks through our business, Keeble Cask Company. We sample our casks periodically and bottle them when we deem them good enough for the brand. This might include a finish. It might not. It’s all about getting delicious whisky out there for people to enjoy in their own way. Life is too short for shite whisky.

“The certain prospect of death could sweeten every life with a precious and fragrant drop of levity…”

– Nietzsche

When and how did you join this growing industry?

I started out in whisky back in 2011, working behind the bar at the newly opened Soho Whisky Club, in London. In the years that followed, I began running corporate whisky tastings around the city, I took a course with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, dabbled in a bit of writing for Whisky Magazine and started brokering the occasional cask of whisky. Soho Whisky Club is also where I met my now fiancée and colleague, Rachel.

In 2018, I had the idea of learning to distil whisky in Australia, so off we went. Alas, we returned just in time for the outbreak of COVID-19, which is when I set up Keeble Cask Company, through which we buy and sell whisky by the barrel…and now bottle.

Now tell us a bit more about Fragrant Drops, what is it that makes them stand out in the whisky industry?

From an aesthetic perspective, I think most people would agree that our unusual design, reminiscent of apothecary bottles, stands out from the crowd.

We launched Fragrant Drops over a year ago now. It’s great to see how well the releases have been received and we are forever grateful to the retailers who stock us.

Can you tell us what your target audience is?

I think most people in the industry agree that whisky should be for anyone and everyone to enjoy – whisky is inclusive.

Our target audience is anyone who wants to enjoy a tasty dram.

Can you tell us how you select your casks, and anticipate anything about what we can expect to see next?

We receive cask samples from our warehouse partners almost daily. It rarely takes longer than a few minutes before I’m tucking in – I just can’t help myself.

After tasting a sample, I’ll write some brief notes and summarise with something along the lines of, ‘Resample in June 2026‘ or ‘Delicious – ready for bottling!’.

What advice would you give to a beginner that is approaching this world and perhaps starting his/her own collection?

I can’t speak too much for collecting unopened bottles because, quite frankly, I’m crap at it. I have a few hundred bottles at home but, surprise surprise, they’re practically all open. I have a few rarities that I’m saving for a special occasion though.

I used to have a collection of unopened bottles but sold them all off years ago.

Lastly, what is, generally speaking, your favourite whisky style (cask type, ageing, peated/unpeated etc.)? What’s your dram of choice at the moment and/or your go to drams on a Friday evening?

These days, I tend to steer clear of whiskies that have a massive Sherry influence. Perhaps I overdid them a few years ago.

Nowadays, I love whisky that’s been aged in first-fill bourbon barrels or second-fill Sherry casks (for a longer period of time). Oh, and wine maturations/finishes too!

We released a delicious Caol Ila Sauternes Finish last year. That is up there as one of the tastiest whiskies I’ve tried in the last year. We must’ve sold out in two weeks. So if you can find a bottle – grab it!

Official website: https://www.fragrantdrops.com/

Drams

and more...

Today's drams

Dalmunach 2017 5yo (199 bottles) – 61.9%
Teaninich 2008 14yo (287 bottles) – 53.8%
Croftengea 2006 16yo (479 bottles) – 50%
Secret Orkney 2014 10yo (187 bottles) – 64.1%
North British 1993 29yo (200 bottles) – 50.9%

Soho Whisky Club

The London Soho Whisky Club is a unique whisky bar and club located in the heart of Soho, offering a cozy yet sophisticated space for whisky lovers to explore and enjoy premium whiskies.

The club is known for its expertly curated collection of rare and fine whiskies from around the world, including exclusive bottles and limited editions.

They often host tasting events, masterclasses, and whisky pairing dinners, where members and guests can expand their knowledge of whisky, learn from industry experts, and sample some of the finest expressions.

Website: sohowhisky.club