The Netherfield: The Art of Bottling Time, from Siberia to Scotland

Originally published in SommelierS International (N°190) Words by Aurélien Foucault | Photos courtesy of The Netherfield

In the heart of the Lowlands, just outside Strathaven, a long tree-lined drive leads to the Netherfield estate, an elegant Georgian property surrounded by former stables, a lake and rolling pastureland. It is in this quintessentially Scottish setting that I meet Roman Sayapin and his wife, Radmila Istomina, as they prepare for a private visit.

From Siberia to the Scottish Lowlands

Originally from eastern Siberia, Roman greets me with a smile before leading me into the warehouse housed in the old stables. Casks of all ages, full vats and a bottling station now make up their treasure room. Valinch in hand, Roman draws a measure straight from a barrel and pours me a dram.

"You've come at just the right time. Taste this."

The Netherfield journey was born of this very passion: anticipation, meticulous care for each cask and the pleasure of sharing. Long-time nomads, Roman and Radmila lived between China and Europe before a trip to Scotland captivated them so completely—its landscapes, bracing climate and warmth of spirit—that they chose to settle here.

A Passion Sparked in Beijing

Roman recalls his first whisky in Beijing, a simple Johnnie Walker Black that convinced him he had found his drink of choice. He began building a collection, soon favouring the purchase of casks over bottles, deemed too small to share with friends. Meeting seasoned broker Donald MacLellan proved pivotal.

United by a shared vision, they joined forces to develop the project. When Roman and Radmila discovered Netherfield, they fell in love with the estate and decided to make it both their home and the resting place of their collection.

Renovating a house dating from 1776 in the depths of a Scottish winter was no small undertaking, and priority was given to the warehouse, which now holds nearly 200 carefully monitored casks. Some whiskies are matured in several different casks before being bottled at their optimal moment. As independent bottlers, they are able to source whiskies from across Scotland, adding their own signature touch and sharing it with visitors during tastings.

Yin & Yang: Crafting Spirit and Purity

Radmila also speaks of launching Black Lake vodka, cold-filtered for purity and silkiness. The idea emerged from conversations with Scottish friends curious about what a true vodka should be.

The contrast with whisky appealed to them:

• Where whisky shines through its incredible complexity,

• Vodka distinguishes itself through utter purity and neutrality.

Producing both evokes a form of yin and yang, a nod to their years in China and their Siberian roots.

Celebrating Milestones & Future Chapters

As the day draws to a close and visitors, warmed by the tasting, depart the estate, Roman tidies the warehouse before inviting me to sit. Though visibly tired, he cannot resist opening yet another bottle. His eyes light up as he recounts the story behind a limited edition created to mark the 25th anniversary of the Strathaven Balloon Festival. A superb 14-year-old of deep hue, first matured in American oak casks and then finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry puncheons, it moves effortlessly from dark chocolate to baked apple and blackcurrant.

Sitting there, I reflect on how far they have come in such a short time. And yet, this is only the beginning. The next chapter is already taking shape with plans to build a distillery on the estate. Roman and Radmila are in no hurry; they know that good things take time. Judging by the quality of their first releases, their patience and dedication will soon be rewarded.