International rugby stars Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, renowned for their roles with the Scotland national team and the British & Irish Lions, have stepped beyond the pitch to unveil a remarkable 38-year-old whisky masterpiece through their premium spirits venture, Against the Grain Spirits. This exclusive release marks a significant milestone in their journey from athletes to entrepreneurs in the luxury beverage industry.
Against the Grain: A Philosophy of Excellence
Launched two years ago, Against the Grain Spirits champions brands built on purpose and meticulous craftsmanship. The company's guiding principle is straightforward: do things the right way, not the easy way. This ethos is deeply embedded in every aspect of their operations, from product development to community engagement.
The Hirundine Legacy
The brand's flagship line, Hirundine, draws inspiration from the swallow and swift bird families, known for their semi-migration between South Africa and the UK. These birds symbolize intelligence, adaptability, and craftsmanship—qualities that mirror the founders' own journeys and the brand's pursuit of excellence across borders.
Last year, Hirundine introduced a 12-Year-Old Single Malt from Speyside, followed by a limited 'Legacy' edition 15-year-old expression, restricted to just 370 bottles. Each release has been crafted to reflect a tapestry of continents, cultures, and time, establishing Hirundine as a serious contender in the premium whisky market.
Rugby Heritage Fuels Brand Identity
The founders' rugby backgrounds are integral to Hirundine's identity. Duhan van der Merwe, a 6'4", 106 kg winger born in George, South Africa, embodies a relentless drive for excellence. His career path—from South Africa to clubs in Montpellier, Worcester, and Edinburgh Rugby—parallels the migratory patterns of the Hirundine bird. As Scotland's record try-scorer and the top try-scorer on the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, van der Merwe's achievements underscore the brand's commitment to peak performance.
Pierre Schoeman, hailing from Nelspruit, South Africa, contributes a distinct energy with his iconic mullet and charismatic presence. Since joining Edinburgh in 2018, his dominant scrummaging and unwavering work ethic have made him a fan favorite and earned him a spot on the 2025 Lions tour. Together, they are supported by Nika van der Merwe and Charissa Schoeman, who provide strategic and creative direction, ensuring the company's vision is executed with precision.
A Commitment to Shared Success
For Schoeman and van der Merwe, success is meaningful only when it is shared. The brand operates on the belief that the best business is where everyone wins. This philosophy is demonstrated through their partnership with the Wooden Spoon Charity, where a portion of proceeds from bottle sales supports opportunities for children. This generosity is a core element of the Against the Grain spirit, ensuring that every pour contributes to a greater impact.
The 38-Year-Old Masterpiece: An Exclusive Offering
The latest release, the Hirundine 38-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt, represents the brand's most elevated expression to date. Limited to just 15 individually numbered bottles, this whisky is presented as Hirundine's inaugural "1st XV," a nod to the founders' rugby heritage and an exclusive invitation for collectors to join the brand's inner circle.
The whisky has undergone a meticulous double maturation process in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, followed by a finish in a First Fill PX Octave. It is housed in a heavy, high-clarity polished crystal decanter, adorned with a heavyweight brass stopper featuring a high-shine finish and intricate engravings on both the top and sides.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The unveiling of the 38-Year-Old is just the beginning of what promises to be a landmark year for Hirundine. Following the sell-out success of their earlier releases, Hirundine 01 and 02, the brand plans to launch core 18-year-old and 21-year-old Speyside Single Malts later in 2026. These additions will further solidify Hirundine's presence in premium venues such as The Kitchin, Tattu, and Edinburgh Castle, expanding its footprint in the luxury spirits market.
As Against the Grain Spirits continues to grow, the fusion of rugby heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and philanthropic efforts positions Hirundine as a unique and compelling brand in the world of premium whisky.
