A Night at The Water of Life — the Grosvenor Cinema

A Note from Today – June 24, 2025

It’s been almost six years since the screening of The Water of Life – A Whisky Film at the Grosvenor Cinema in Glasgow. I’m sharing this post now not just as a recollection of that unforgettable evening, but as a way to mark something new — the official relaunch of the Angels’ Share® kilts.

Back then, I wore the original 13oz version. Today, the kilts return in a beautiful heavyweight 16oz Lochcarron of Scotland Strome wool, offered for the very first time in two distinct pleating styles: pleat to sett and pleat to stripe.

The memories from that night — the people, the tartan, the spirit (in every sense) — helped shape what these kilts have become. So it felt right to look back as we step forward.

 

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On Friday, 8th November 2019, I travelled from Arbroath to Glasgow with my good friend Mike, wearing my Angels’ Share kilt ...Prince Charlie jacket, and my Angels' Share scarf — certainly not full regalia, but more than enough to feel part of something meaningful.

The destination? The Grosvenor Cinema in the city’s West End, for a special advanced screening of The Water of Life – A Whisky Film.

I’d been invited by Tim Sexton, the film’s co-producer. Months earlier, he had reached out about creating a special edition of Angels’ Share tartan scarves, to be embroidered and gifted to key guests connected with the film — including some familiar faces from the whisky world, as well as others whose contributions or support made the event special. It was a lovely connection, and one that felt like a natural blend of tradition, story, and spirit. On the night, I wore my scarf with pride.

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Getting There

That morning began with a selfie at Arbroath Station, kilt pleats sharp, flashes aligned, brogues polished. There’s something about travelling in Highland dress that carries its own sense of occasion. I boarded the train feeling quietly proud — not of myself, but of the opportunity to be part of this whisky story in some small way.

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Arriving on Ashton Lane

As we made our way from the train station to the Grosvenor, the atmosphere on Ashton Lane was quietly magical. The evening light was fading, and the street began to glow under strings of lights and the hum of excited voices. I saw familiar faces, met a few others on their way to the screening, and exchanged smiles and laughter with people who were clearly there for the same special night. There was something electric in the air — a shared anticipation that made even the moments before the film feel like part of the experience.

One of my favourite photos was taken right there, outside the cinema, kilted and beaming, just before heading in.

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Gathering & Drams ~ 🥃

Inside the Grosvenor, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Tim Sexton greeted me warmly. Greg Swartz, the film’s director, was also there — thoughtful and quietly observant. We posed for a few photos together, and I had the chance to chat with other guests who shared a love of whisky and Scotland’s heritage.

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Before and during the film, drams were enjoyed. Four, as well during the screening. One after the other. I toasted the water of Scotland during the screening, the people who shaped the film, and the quiet presence of history in every drop.

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I was also invited to say a few words myself, on stage ...as the Tartan Artisan. I’d had just enough whisky to summon some liquid courage — but maybe a bit too much to stay entirely eloquent. I do remember making the audience laugh, though.

Whatever I said, I meant it — even if it came out a wee bit sideways. lol ...🥃🥃🥃🥃 🥴 😂

 

 

 

The Film ~ 🎥

The Water of Life is a real love letter to Scotch whisky’s revival—and to the craftsmen, chemists, and all-round characters who steered it from its darker days back to something truly special.

Seeing Jim McEwan both on the big screen and then, suddenly, in real life just a few rows away, was a bit surreal. Later on, I managed to catch up with him for a chat and a few photos—me proudly sporting the Angels’ Share scarf (...though it wisnae cauld, mind ye! 😂). It was a cracking moment. There was a definite sparkle in his eyes (and probably in mine too, though the whisky might have helped with that!).

Jim’s involvement in the film is something else. He’s not just a whisky legend—he’s a storyteller, a mentor, and the kind of guy who can light up a room with a single laugh. His passion for the craft, and the way he’s inspired a new generation of distillers, really comes through both on screen and in person. Sharing a dram and a few words with him that night is a memory I’ll always savour.

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The Moments Captured

I took a fair few photos that night—some candid, some group shots, and lots of images of the marquee glowing outside in the Glasgow air. The atmosphere was electric! There’s a video of Jim’s toast, which I’ll hope to upload to YouTube ...for anyone who fancies watching that.

If you want to see how to give the most awesome ...and authentic toast, check it out!—pending upload!

The Angels’ Share tartan makes its appearance, but it was never just about the tartan. What really stands out, looking back, is the people—the laughter, the energy in the cinema, and that deep, shared respect for the craft of whisky. It was about being part of something much bigger: a love for a culture and tradition that’s been around far longer than any of us, and hopefully will be long after. That’s what I’ll remember most.

 

 

Remembering Tim

Tim sadly passed away in 2023. He was the gent who reached out to me in the first place. He saw something in the Angels’ Share tartan that connected with the story he was trying to tell through film.

He brought a sense of calm and purpose to his communications — no fuss, just a desire to do something meaningful. This blog post doesn’t tell his whole story, but I’ve written another one that speaks more about these very special scarves, the collaboration, and his legacy. You’ll find it linked below.

I didn’t know Tim long. But the night we met, he made me feel welcome and part of the project. That matters.

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A Tribute to Tim Sexton

 

Looking Back

As I relaunch the Angels’ Share® kilts — now in a beautifully robust 16oz Strome tartan from Lochcarron of Scotland — I look back on this event not as a product tie-in, but as a touchstone.

That night at the Grosvenor wasn’t about sales or branding — it was about connection, heritage, and the shared love of story, whisky, and what we choose to wear when something matters.

Tartan is memory you can wear. It’s a quiet symbol of belonging — of who you are, where you’ve been, and what you carry forward. That evening in Glasgow, among film-makers, whisky enthusiasts, and friends, it felt exactly right to wear mine.

If you're discovering this tartan for the first time — welcome. If you're one of the many who shared a dram that night — I raise my glass to you, and my respect. For those good folks who joined us that night, or anyone from the film team, a kilt may still be calling your name.

 

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To learn more about my collaboration with Tim, the Angels' Share tartan ...and the newly released 16oz kilt run, check out the links below.

 

Links of interest:

Read:
A Tribute to Tim Sexton & the Angels’ Share Scarves

Visit:
The Water of Life Official Film Website

Learn more about:
The Rationale Behind the Angels’ Share® Tartan

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View the Angels’ Share® Kilt – Pleat to Sett

View the Angels’ Share® Kilt – Pleat to Stripe

 

 

Slàinte mhath, And to all who share the spirit of Scotland — may your stories always be worth the telling.

— Steven Patrick Sim, The Tartan Artisan®

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