Avre Friday Briefing #41
VAT #01
If you're still hunting for Christmas gifts (for loved ones, or maybe yourself), our inaugural whisky could be just what you're looking for. This is our Operation Chariot whisky - limited to 265, bottles honouring the raid on St Nazaire.
Tasting Notes
It's a 15 Year Old Blended Malt, aged in sweet Sherry, Oloroso barrels. On the nose you get apple crumble and heather honey. The palate brings vanilla cream and soaked sultana with a touch of milk chocolate. The finish is warm, long, with oak spice and returning sweet toffee.
Signed and Numbered
Each bottle is hand-signed and numbered out of the edition of /265 by James and Al, and shipping will be in time for Christmas.
Operation Chariot
The story behind it is remarkable. On the night of March 28th, 1942, 265 Commandos and Royal Navy personnel loaded onto the aging destroyer HMS Campbeltown - its bow packed with explosives - and steamed straight into the Joubert Lock at St Nazaire. Demolition parties hit the shore under intense fire while motor launches fought their way in. By dawn, the dry dock was in ruins, and with it, Germany's Atlantic repair haven. Many never returned.
Top left: British Commandos, 1942
Bottom left: HMS Campbeltown being converted for the raid
Top right: Close up of HMS Campbeltown after the raid
Bottom right: HMS Campbeltown wedged in the dock gates
Vat #02?
And on the subject of whisky, we're already planning our next bottle. It'll have a different flavour profile, different story and a different finish. We're excited to reveal all in the next couple of weeks.
Batch #2 Production
Production is continuing apace. This week we've been continuing the process of cutting fabric. At 16 pieces per garment - and a 1km roll of fabric - that's a lot of pieces to keep track of.
2026 Roadmap
Most of this week has been spent on product development for 2026. We're currently doing the historical research, specialist fabric sourcing and trim selection for several new pieces coming next year. Pattern work, toiling, storytelling - this is all the groundwork that happens long before we announce anything.
We're working on some interesting garments for 2026. And on that subject, it's always interesting to hear what garments you'd like us to make. If you have suggestions, let us know. hello@avreind.com
