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The art of Domhayn, a symphony of exquisite nature, spirit and innovation
ORIGIN
Derived from the Gaelic word for deep, Domhayn are pioneers of hydrostatic diffusion, a proprietary process for evolving the compositional complexity of a single cask of any distilled spirit.
From April 2025, the first ever bottles will be presented for sale consecutively via monthly auctions.
We begin with select new make or cask-aged distilled spirit, to then submerge in a virgin or seasoned cask to the depths of a Scottish Loch.
A technique which untaps hidden potential by stimulating an unparalleled dynamic interaction between cask and spirit, evolving colour, aroma and taste differently to traditional maturation.
Every cask is a custom expression, and every bottle carries the following extraordinary story...
DISTINCTION
To fully appreciate the incredible compositional morphology, our tasting is complimented by the equally exceptional step of independent analysis of every casks spirit by mass spectrometry at Oxford University.
Doing so permits continual authentication and exploration of the "DNA" intricacies of hydrostatic diffusion and creates opportunity to present a spirit drink always crafted with the most reassuringly molecular attention to detail.
CASKS
Wood species, size, toast and char level and ex-fill contents provide an array of variables for presenting numerous potential expressions of a selected spirit.
Although, every cask offers only one opportunity to deliver its finest performance, since the forces at play permanently transform its organic structure. Domhayn's casks are therefore only ever used once.
Each cask's provenance may be viewed here.
LEGACY
Beyond the senses, your Domhayn experience will also go down in history, literally.
In the abyss, directly where a cask makes contact, it leaves behind nothing but a slight impression of its own on the Loch's sediment bed.
A priceless mark of having reached places others haven’t, forever fossilised into natures evolving chronology of time like a geological signature.
This moment for each cask is captured on video, with coordinates on each bottle label denoting the unique location of its contact.
Complete cask provenance is available here.
LOCATION
Breathtaking, enchanting and wild. Scotland's lochs are Ice Age remnants of a landscape forged from giant 400-million-year-old intercontinental collisions.
Among the finest freshwater locations on Earth with the necessary depth for this purpose, their rich heritage, storied history, and enigmatic allure stir cherished memories and beckon future journeys.
Such deep emotional connections enrich the Domhayn experience, beautifully setting the stage for what comes next...submersion.
STYLE
"Spirit in a paper bag"
by Domhayn, 2025.
Unpretentious. A wee doff-of-the-hat to boundary pushers, and an artistic contrast to the complex masterpiece inside.
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Domhayn is currently presented in a limited edition, handmade, leather-lined, wax-cotton bottle bag.
Made in special collaboration with Canadian fashion designer Charlotte McKeough whose brave creative work has graced MoMA, Paul Smith and Vogue.
SUBMERSION
Freshly filled with choice spirit, the cask is then submerged, on an adventurous descent into the darkness, to the very depths of a loch.
At a depth of around 10 meters (32 feet), suspended peat particles usually block out the last of the daylight.
Below 100 meters (328 feet), it's pitch black and the pressure is really starting to build. Continuing to 200 meters (656 feet), it's approaching 20 bar / 283 psi, nearly 5 times the pressure in a Champagne bottle.
Sandwiched between virtually incompressible liquid, the cask's softer wood becomes gradually compressed by this natural force (hydrostatic pressure).
EXCLUSIVITY
Select "cut-of-the-cut" spirit, customised by the cask, Domhayn begins life already intrinsically rare.
Privileged to have then voyaged to a particular spot, at the depths of one of only a handful of eligible locations earth, to be transformed by pressure, in a single-use cask less than an octave in size.
Every Domhayn release is deeply distinctive, always unique to the order of less than 72 bottles (70cl).
DIFFUSION
Within a particular depth range, a cycle or more of compression and decompression successfully promotes unique diffusion and absorption functions between cask and contents.
Toast, char and ex-fill flavours actively fracture and diffuse flavour from the cask, and otherwise wood-trapped compounds are more actively encouraged to award their own distinctive character. Then, the physical and chemical dynamics of resurfacing promote further graceful compositional change as temperature and pressure gradients reverse.
Time too introduces further creative dimension.
TASTE
Since inception, nearly two decades ago, the sole vision has been to create a different level of excellence, a complete first class experience. Today, the art of Domhayn centres on fusing traditional craft with innovation to deliver that reality with the utmost care and precision.
Savouring these memorable, individual expressions while indulging in the story of their journey is the adventure that awaits.
As for the taste...
"There is no better high than discovery".
E. O. Wilson
​Copyright of Domhayn Ltd., 2025. All rights reserved.
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