The Patent
The Skene name has been synonymous with whisky for centuries. The village of Skene was once a stop along the drovers’ routes that carried illicit whisky from the Highlands to the south.
Research conducted in 2012 at the UK’s The National Archives uncovered another remarkable connection: the Skene name had also been used as a whisky brand at the turn of the twentieth century. Named after the black knife (Skene Dhu) of which the legend of the family and the land of Skene come.
A trademark dated 23 November 1905 revealed that “Skene Dhu” had been registered by Alex Ferguson & Co., a major force in the Scotch whisky industry whose products were exported throughout the world. The registration was signed by Sir James Calder, one of the most influential figures in the Victorian whisky trade.
The Stockist
The Skene Dhu name can be traced even further back though.
The historic The Cock Tavern on North End Road, Fulham, first received its licence in 1713 and became renowned throughout London as a respected hostelry.
In a Christmas advertisement published in The West London Observer in December 1893, Mr Charles Agar, the proprietor of the tavern promoted a selection of fine Champagnes, ales and spirits. Among the offerings was a case of whisky priced at 42 shillings. That whisky was none other than Skene Dhu.
The Brand
Although Skene Dhu appears to have enjoyed considerable success during the early 1900s, the name gradually disappeared from use and, in time, the trademark lapsed.
As proud custodians of our heritage, we believed this historic brand deserved a second life. We therefore re-registered the name and began the process of restoring it for a modern audience.
The original sgian-dubh emblem and boar’s head seal were meticulously redrawn, preserving their character while adapting them to contemporary printing standards and legal requirements.
The Spirit
The original Skene Dhu was almost certainly a blended Scotch whisky.
Today, we bottle our uniquely finished single malts under the revived Skene Dhu name, while also finalising our aged “Old Highland” blend inspired by the original expression.
When that journey is complete, we will be able to make a simple but proud claim:
Skene Dhu is truly a brand reborn.
