My father Tom was a migrant Englishman, and a chippy by trade. Post World War 2, he set sail for the promised land of Australia to seek a life of freedom, of opportunity, of sunshine, and of love. This great country became his home, like so many others before him and since.
His working life relied on a cluster of tradesmen. His work opportunity came from a cluster of farms. His work vehicle held a cluster of tools. And his little town in Western Victoria was a cluster of diverse people. In my world, true productivity and authentic quality has always emanated from a cluster of some sort. It is what inspired a cluster of footballers who forever changed the game of Australian Rules football in 2008.
At the heart of each cluster are genuine people who chase a dream, work hard, and live with humility and goodness in their heart. And it is why I became friendly with the 36 Short family who share a similar story to that of my father, but starting in the backblocks of ancient Europe.
My bond with the 36 Short crew was forged over 25 years ago. They too exuded the values of hard work and humility. They too have honoured their father Pando's Macedonian heritage, and chased his dream of sharing his distilling products with the world."
"
— Alastair Clarkson
Tom, Alastair & Matt Clarkson (three generations)
Alastair Clarkson — Pontesford, Shropshire
Tom's Hometown
Pontesbury, Shropshire — Near the Welsh Border
"Dad would walk from the Nag's Head to Pontesford Brook, which ran into Habberley Brook. The cluster of houses to the right of Habberley Brook — that was his family's farm. The Radlith."
— Alastair Clarkson
The $2 Coin
And then there's the $2 coin — a story both families hold close to their hearts. One New Year's Day, Clarko joined our family celebrations. Our mother Nika had baked a muznik — a traditional Macedonian pita with a $2 coin hidden inside. In our culture, whoever finds the coin receives great luck for the year ahead.
Clarko found it. Pando looked at him and said —
"This will bring you good luck. You will win premierships."
— Pando Lioulios
Twelve months later, he won the first of four.
The Whisky
We are proud to introduce The Radlith — a single malt whisky inspired by the humble origin of Tom's boyhood farm near the Welsh border. A man of courage and strength. Tom always said to drink with goodness in your heart. To us, that means raising your glass with gratitude, with kindness, and with the people who matter most beside you. It is how Tom lived. It is how he raised his son. And it is the spirit in which this whisky was made.
Aged 5 years in American Oak, it pours a deep gold with aromas of barley, spiced oak and heather honey. On the palate, dark chocolate and vanilla unfold into a long, warm, fruity finish.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep gold
Nose
Barley, spiced oak and heather honey
Palate
Dark chocolate and vanilla, unfolding into a long, warm, fruity finish
Finish
Long, warm and lingering
Aged
5 years in American Oak
Clarko's Cluster
Look closely at the bottle. The cup is filled once. Four releases. Four premierships. One legacy.
Different to many other whiskeys but brilliant
Purchased bottle of earlier whiskeys which I also loved, just had to try the Radlith, very happy I did, looking forward to further releases which no doubt will be worth the wait
Love the small distilleries that do not charge hundreds of dollars for small batch productions
Keep up yhe great work!!!!
P
Peter Anthony
Radlith Single Malt
I didn’t know what to expect when I ordered a bottle of the Radlith single malt. I wanted to try it as I loved the story behind this business. Any way I was delighted- extremely smooth- perfect after taste. Really enjoyable scotch.
w
wayne saunders
Radliff whisky.
Im actually having one right now and absolutely love it. A couple of friends from a company i have shares in Itinerent Spirits tried it and liked it to .So thanks very much. Cant wait to do a road trip over to SA and catch up with you guys cheers.
