The ambitious team behind The Water of Life – A Whisky Film has done it again! In March of 2025, Independent Spirits – A Whiskey Series (see also: IMBD) was released to the joy of eager fans around the world. While initially planned as a companion piece to the original film, this lovingly crafted monument to independent bottlers blossomed into an engaging four-part series. At the helm of this project are Greg Swartz and Guy Satchwell as co-directors, with Blacksmith & Jones (the production company owned by Greg Swartz and Trevor Jones) producing the film.
“Part of the fun of making this film was just explaining, in something approaching a concise form, just what indie bottlers are and what they do. Whisky lovers know the big brands—but the most exciting and rarest whiskies come from the independent bottlers, who seek out hidden gems, experiment fearlessly, and shape the future of whisky.”
Greg Swartz, Co-Director
Following the clarion call of this creative team, the world of whisky responded lock, stock, and (whisky) barrel. The series features crucial touch points with more than 50 luminaries from the whisky industry. Viewers can anticipate insightful input from Gordon & MacPhail, Cadenheads, Elixir, Thompson Brothers, and Single Cask Nation. Large or small, the contributions of these trailblazers in cask selection, experimental aging techniques, and pushing the boundaries of what whisky can be are showcased within. The series features four in-depth episodes.
The Water of Life presents
Independent Spirits – A Whisky Series
Episode 1 – The Best Tasting Bits
Episode 2 – Feeding Geekery
Episode 3 – Not a Proper Job
Episode 4 – Promiscuous Customers
“At last count, we’ve now spoken with nearly 50 of them, from industry giants like Gordon & MacPhail, Cadenhead’s, and Elixir, to smaller bottlers who are often at the creative cutting edge of whisky… like the Thompson Brothers and Turntable.”
Guy Satchwell, Co-Director
For those who have seen The Water of Life – A Whisky Film, there is an understanding of the loving nature in which the soul of whisky is portrayed. No other offering in the visual arts has come close to capturing the intangible mystique that surrounds whisky like this film. Blacksmith and Jones continue to draw a line in the proverbial peat bog as they document this latest expedition into this enigmatic liquid that we all adore.
If you haven’t seen the first film… then what are you waiting for? Go here and make that happen!
“We want to go beyond the traditionally passive viewing experience and into something completely new. We want interactivity with the audience. We want the series to be experienced, not just watched.”
Trevor Jones, Producer
As always, there is more to the story. With the series taking shape, creating a celebration for the full release was being planned. An early contender was a slot in the prestigious Glasgow Whisky Festival, but it seemed that fate had something else in store for this project. A portentous conversation with whisky YouTube veteran AqvaVitae (Roy Duff) led to a collective moment of enlightenment…there was no dedicated celebration in Scotland for independent bottlers. Enter lauded whisky writer David Stirk, and things began to take shape.
The first-ever Independent Spirits Festival became a reality and the launch pad for the new film. The one-day festival took place on March 15, 2025, with the docuseries being screened first at the Leith Theatre, and the Whisky Festival following in the adjoining Thomas Morton Hall. On premise, 40 exhibitors helped launch this unique foray into independent spirits and recognizing this flourishing segment of the industry.
“A festival dedicated to independent bottlers is the perfect way to bring together the companies and fans of this unique sector of the whisky industry. The combined premiere and gathering of the best-known independent bottlers will allow a spotlight on the most passionate fans, aficionados and advocates for whisky in all its guises. I am thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this together in Leith, a city with a long and important history, especially for Scotch whisky and independent bottling.”
David Stirk, Whisky Writer
“Anyone in love with whisky only needs to glance at their shelf to realise how much we’ve come to rely upon the independent bottlers and distillers that exist today. As festivals struggle to accommodate the sheer numbers of brands in the space, it made sense to put together a festival that could cater not only for the launch of the film series, but also the like-minded bottlers that are its focus and their curious fans. It’s an exciting project indeed; roll on March 2025!”
Roy Duff, AqvaVitae
By all accounts, the event was a rousing success! Most importantly, Independent Spirits – A Whisky Series has been fully released and is available now for viewing. In addition, the Independent Spirits Festival proved to be a smashing success. Here are a some select photos that capture the event, but don’t do the actual grandeur of the moment full justice. For those who were able to make the journey, they know the gravity of this moment.
Photo Credit: Gordon Burniston
Photo Credit: Gordon Burniston
A crucial part of the success of this film is due to the powerhouse team involved. Aside from Greg Swartz, Guy Stachwell, and Trevor Jones, there is a long list of heroes involved in making this amazing project. Go here for a full list and information, but it’s important to recognize the following people for their efforts:
Roopa Krishnaiah-Felten – Executive Producer
Richard Palaima – Executive Producer
Robert Chatlin – Producer/Lead Editor
Alfonse “The Fonz” Palaima – Producer
Keith Duncan – Co-Producer
Udo Sontag – Co-Producer
Linda Bickett – Co-Producer
Last, but certainly not least, it is crucial to recognize Whiskey Network’s very own Nate Barlow (Producer) as a critical factor for success. He has been instrumental in providing insightful stories about independent bottling to our readers. Leading into watching the film, these are required reading for anyone who celebrates whisky and independent bottlers. You can read Nate’s contributions below:
Independent Bottling: A Primer
Independent Bottling: A Brief History
Independent Bottling: Lost Lantern
“As a writer for Whiskey Network, a series of articles on independent bottling was a natural extension of my work on the Independent Spirits series. I have loved independent bottlers for as long as I can remember on my whisky journey; the series only furthered that passion. Independent bottlers truly are the heart and soul of the industry.”
Nate Barlow, Producer/Story Editor and Whiskey Network Staff Writer
Whiskey Network would like to thank the entire team for their partnership with this project. Special thanks to Greg Swartz and Nate Barlow for their contributions and friendship. We have eagerly awaited the arrival of this new project and want to celebrate not only the release of the film, but the successful creation of a festival dedicated to independent bottling. There is no other group of people in the whisky industry that have come together to recognize and celebrate the industry, spirit, and fans alike.
At the time of writing, there is a full review of the series in process.
