- The limited-edition single malt whisky, For the Dolls, has been created to raise funds for trans+ charity Not A Phase
- The release was produced in direct response to the UK Supreme Court’s damaging and transphobic ruling earlier this year, with 100% of profits going to Not A Phase
- For the Dolls is now available for £55.00 RRP at Milroysofsoho.com and selected London bars, including 3 Greek Street and DRAM
In an industry-first for Scotch whisky, writer Kristiane Westray has collaborated with independent bottler and ecommerce specialist Milroy’s of Soho to launch For the Dolls, a Dailuaine 2012 13-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky in support of the trans+ charity Not A Phase.
Beyond raising essential funds, the project aims to increase public understanding of the challenges facing the trans+ community in the UK in 2025. It encourages whisky enthusiasts to support trans+ people not only by purchasing the bottling, but also by taking part in active advocacy and “protecting the dolls at all costs”.
On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that “sex”, “man” and “woman” within the Equality Act should be interpreted as “biological sex as noted at birth”. In the wake of the ruling, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued an ‘interim update’ offering a controversial interpretation that effectively excludes trans+ people from gendered spaces, facilities and groups. The ruling and subsequent guidance have had severe repercussions for people across the UK — not only trans+ individuals, but also those who are non-binary, intersex, gender non-conforming and disabled.
In response to this regressive shift, Kristiane Westray collaborated with Milroy’s of Soho to produce the limited-edition For the Dolls whisky, aiming to raise funds while standing alongside the trans+ community.
The whisky itself is a lively, fruit-forward Speyside single malt drawn from a single hogshead filled in June 2012. Aromas include green apple, melon and earthy hessian, followed by flavours of pear, blackberry, black tea and rhubarb and custard. The finish is medium length, marked by gently drying baking spices.
All profits from the sale of For the Dolls are being donated to Not A Phase, a nationwide, trans-led charity working to uplift the lives of trans+ adults across the UK through awareness campaigns, social initiatives and funding for trans-led projects.
The bottle label, designed by award-winning Worcester-based typographer Li Simmons, takes inspiration from protest signs found throughout Pride history. Their artwork captures both the resilience and the joy of trans+ activism.
Senior copywriter Rosie Mussen developed the name and the rousing label text, intended as a call to action for cisgender whisky drinkers. The bottle notes that the whisky is “Best served alongside writing to your MP, donating to fundraisers and protecting the dolls at all costs. Because a world without trans people has never existed and never, ever will,” reinforcing the message of solidarity.
The For the Dolls team also includes photographer Josh Campbell, Milroy’s of Soho Head of Marketing Laura Carl, and Wonderland PR — all of whom contributed their time pro bono to bring the project to life.
Kristiane Westray, freelance whisky writer, said: “For the Dolls is a powerful, purpose-driven whisky bottling that doesn’t just raise vital funds for Not a Phase, but also raises awareness of the increased hostility faced by the trans+ community in the UK following the UK Supreme Court’s cruel ‘biological sex’ ruling in April.
“Like many at that time, I looked at what I could do to practically support the trans+ community around me. I approached Milroy’s of Soho about arranging a bottling and I’m delighted that they’ve offered so much support. I’m also thrilled that every cisgender creative involved with the For the Dolls project generously donated their time and skills free of charge.
“The Scotch industry has a reputation for being quite traditional, and there are lingering misconceptions that whisky is only for a few – most notably, wealthy, cisgender men. I’m here to say that whisky is for everyone, of all genders, and that very much includes trans+ people. I hope that For the Dolls bottling inspires greater inclusion, allyship and proactive action within the whisky industry and beyond.”
A spokesperson for Not A Phase added: “For the Dolls is more than a whisky. It’s a statement that trans+ lives matter. We are grateful to Kristiane and Milroy’s of Soho for using their platform to support the trans+ community at a time when human rights are under threat. Every bottle sold directly funds vital services and initiatives that uplift trans+ adults across the UK, and it sends a clear message: trans+ lives matter, and allies in all spaces, including whisky, are standing with us.”