The essence of artistry and craftsmanship converges in a unique spirit: Tenth Muse, a remarkable vodka brand that intertwines traditional Scottish distilling techniques with a deep appreciation for the arts. At first glance, I misread the name while admiring the sleek glass bottle with the vertical text “X MUSE,” framed by elegant ridges that create a mesmerizing effect. The “X” symbolizes the Greek numeral for ten, and the significance of “Muse” would become clearer as my exploration of this innovative brand unfolded.
The First Blended Barley Vodka
As the first blended barley vodka, X MUSE embodies the spirit of Scotland, fusing traditional distilling methods with influences from art and homeopathic practices. This fusion facilitates its expansion into the world’s top bars, from Edinburgh to destinations like Paris and Vienna.
The synergy of co-founders Robert Wilson, of Jupiter Artland, and Vadim Grigoryan exemplifies this ethos. Recently, I ventured to the site where their journey began—Jupiter Artland, a renowned contemporary sculpture garden that celebrates both nature and creativity.
Jupiter Artland – A Playground for All
Jupiter Artland is an extensive landscape, offering both physical movement and intellectual engagement for visitors of all ages. Small installations of art blend seamlessly with iconic projects from celebrated artists such as Tracey Emin and Anish Kapoor. Robert Wilson, alongside his wife Nicky, has established a curation style that is both adaptable and meticulous, ensuring that the ambitions of the artists are realized while remaining true to their visions. A prime example is the Gateway artwork by Joana Vasconcelos, a vibrant pool crafted from hand-painted Portuguese tiles. Ensuring the installation met specific conditions, Robert happily committed to maintaining the water temperature at a constant 28°C—a testament to his dedication.
The artworks at Jupiter Artland often explore themes of energy and flow. A notable piece is Anya Gallaccio’s amethyst grotto, “Light Pours Out of Me” (2012), which resonates with the essence of X MUSE vodka. The imagery of amethyst not only adorns the installation but also serves as a symbolic link to the vodka itself, reminding consumers of its creative origins.
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- Jupiter Artland, Ian Hamilton Finlay ‘Xth Muse’
Despite the illustrious history and artistic significance that fills the park, Jupiter Artland exudes a vibrant energy. Robert Wilson’s commitment to community engagement shines through, offering free visits for schools and outreach projects that share art with underserved regions of Scotland. This lively environment is a nurturing ground for X MUSE, its inspiration flourishing amid the imaginative landscape.
A striking bust by the Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay, known as the “X Muse” (2008), rests quietly atop a Portland stone column. This representation of Sappho, the legendary Greek poet from Lesbos, perfectly embodies the essence of their vodka. The Tenth Muse symbolizes a creation so beautifully crafted that it resonates with the divine, echoing the inspiration from the Greek deities. Robert highlights:
“The Tenth Muse is Sappho, as well as Pallas Athena, the goddess of Arts & Science. It’s a multi-dimensional sculpture that epitomizes the X MUSE vodka brand.”
X MUSE – A Sipping Vodka Like No Other
In terms of flavor, X MUSE is best described as a sipping vodka. The harmonious blend of the two types of barley—Plumage Archer and Maris Otter—creates a nuanced flavor profile: bright yet silky on the palate, followed by a warm, lingering finish that evokes the characteristics of an aged spirit, despite its youthful freshness.
This richness can be attributed to several factors, including a unique distillation process for each type of barley and the pristine water source. The water is sourced from an ancient aquifer located on the Jupiter Artland estate and undergoes a vortex system to further oxygenate and purify it. To add to its uniqueness, the water is rested on amethyst—nods to Gallaccio’s installation—to enhance its natural energy before blending with the various barleys.
Beyond their own grounds, X MUSE celebrates art in broader contexts. This year, they are collaborating with the Edinburgh Art Festival to commemorate its 20th Anniversary by offering two signature cocktails, available at the prestigious Balmoral hotel until August 25th:
- The ‘Arma’ Martini, crafted as an invitation to pause and reflect on our collective experiences.
- The ‘Save’ cocktail, paying tribute to Mele Broomes, a celebrated performance artist and co-founder of Project X in Scotland.
Symbols of Time
Vadim Grigoryan, co-founder and Director of Creativity & Luxury for Pernod Ricard, has curated an exhibition called “Symbols of Time.” This showcases ten pieces from the Edinburgh Art Fair that reflect the intricate value systems of the X MUSE brand. Notably, “The Caged Bird’s Song” by Chris Ofili, a tapestry created over two-and-a-half years at Dovecot Tapestry Studio, captures a significant aspect emblematic of X MUSE: the concept of ‘ambromoments,’ or moments of immortality, derived from the Greek word ambrotos. Vadim emphasizes this connection:
“In the center of his piece lies a crucial element that embodies X MUSE—creating moments where time stands still.”
Time indeed feels suspended when indulging in an X MUSE Martini, adorned with a hint of olive oil for an extraordinary twist. It’s a bold choice, considering vodka is a challenging canvas—its purity leaves no room for error. As Vadim aptly puts it:
“Vodka is like abstract art – if it’s bad, it’s really bad.”
Fortunately for X MUSE, their meticulously crafted spirit and the thoughtfully selected artistry create a seamless synergy. I can easily picture them on stage resonating with the audience, a performance that any Arts Festival would be proud to showcase.
X MUSE Helicon Workshop offers tasting tours at the X MUSE Temple, available for booking until Jupiter Artland closes for winter on September 29, 2024. To purchase X MUSE (RRP £55), visit the X MUSE website or find it at Harvey Nichols.
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In partnership with X MUSE – words and opinions are Ape’s own.
