In early 2014, the Tasmanian whisky industry was picking up momentum on the world stage and Alex realised that no independent bottler was bottling Tasmanian whisky in the same way as Scottish and other world whiskies. There were people bottling large private investment casks or experimenting with vatted malts. This was probably because the industry was still processing the demand and until that time the distilleries had not increased production enough to supply to independent bottlers while continuing to release original bottlings. Since the beginning of the idea, and through ongoing mentorship from the industry, the Dark Valle project has grown to meet the original dream of an independent bottler showcasing premium Tasmanian whisky. Alex has been supported by many people to ensure that bottles of the finest product possible end up in glasses across the country. The name is both a homage to the Scottish Gaelic roots of uisge beatha as the drink and to the Tasmanian natural resources that allow Tasmania to produce such world-class whisky.