Latest news with #TheFamousGrouse
The National
15 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Scotch whisky wins protected status in Argentina in 'global first'
In the South American nation, GI status is a legal label and a mark of quality or reputation which is closely tied to a geographic area. It means that Scotch whisky products in Argentina must meet strict production standards. The Scotch Whisky Association explains that, for a product to qualify as Scotch, it must be made from just three natural ingredients – cereals, water, and yeast – be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years, and bottled at a minimum alcoholic strength of 40% ABV. READ MORE: Scotch whisky giant announces acquisition of The Famous Grouse Single malt Scotch whiskies must be bottled in Scotland, and distilled at a single distillery from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals, and by batch distillation in copper pot stills. The UK Government said the GI status in Argentina would help 'tackle counterfeit products, giving shoppers confidence they are buying an authentic product and distillers reassurance to expand their presence in a market without risk of imitation products undermining their reputation'. It said that GI products represent around 25% of the UK's food and drink exports and 'an estimated annual value exceeding £6 billion'. Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: 'Scotch Whisky is the first foreign product to receive special protection in Argentina which is testament to not only the strength of our trade ties with Argentina, but the prestige and reach of Scotland's world-renowned product. READ MORE: We can still raise a glass to future of our whisky 'This is another win for an industry already bolstered by our deal with India which slashes whisky tariffs by half immediately and then down even further in the years to come, demonstrating our action to boost Scotland's businesses and delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray added: 'There is no substitute for authentic Scotch Whisky and it's fantastic news that collaborative work between the UK Government and Scotch Whisky Association has convinced the Argentine authorities to give our national drink – and one of our biggest exports – the protection it deserves.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
The Macallan Scotch whisky owner flags 'hostile' environment
And Edrington highlighted the fact its 'core contribution' measure of profits in the year to March 31 was, in spite of a 28% fall during the period, still 38% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. Edrington, which this week completed the sale of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to William Grant & Sons, reported a 26% fall in pre-tax profits before exceptional items to £274.4m for the year to March 31. Core revenue fell by 10% to £912m, with the group flagging a 'challenging economic environment' and reduced consumer demand in international markets. Edrington said: 'After a period of industry-leading growth, during which the business has grown significantly, this has been a period in which Edrington experienced the full-year impact of reduced consumer demand.' Read more The Scotch Whisky Association reported in February that the overall value of Scotch exports fell by 3.7% to £5.4 billion in 2024. And it observed then that global trading conditions remained 'turbulent' at the beginning of 2025. Edrington said today: 'The decline in sales was broadly consistent across international markets, with exceptions including a resilient performance by Brugal rum in the Dominican Republic and The Macallan in South Korea and Japan. The Macallan 12, 15 and 18-year-old expressions continued to grow in China and the company saw high consumer demand for products launched to celebrate The Macallan's 200th anniversary.' Edrington flagged increased production and employment costs in the context of the 28% fall in core contribution to £291.4m in the year to March 31. Core contribution is defined by Edrington as profits from its branded sales and distribution after the deduction of overheads on a constant-currency basis. Edrington, which also owns The Glenrothes single malt, observed: 'Core contribution was 38% ahead of pre-pandemic levels.' Scott McCroskie, chief executive of Edrington, said: 'After several years of unprecedented growth for premium spirits and industry-leading results posted by Edrington, the business felt the full effect of the global economic downturn during the year. 'Our focus on ultra-premium spirits has driven Edrington's growth in recent years and we have continued to execute our strategy despite the hostile trading environment. This includes further strategic investments in our sherry cask supply chain and in reducing our carbon footprint.' Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £396m to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Noting Edrington's completion of its sale of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to William Grant & Sons on July 1, Mr McCroskie declared: 'This reflects our choice to focus on the premium end of the market, where we are best placed to compete.' He added: 'Looking ahead, the political and economic backdrop remains volatile, which we expect will continue to weigh on consumer sentiment in the coming year. We believe top-line growth will be difficult to come by in this environment, although adjustments to overheads and brand investment are expected to align net sales and core contribution more closely next year. 'Edrington's strategic focus on ultra-premium spirits remains effective. We will continue to execute it to strengthen our brands and our business for the long-term benefit of our investors, our employees, and those who benefit from our own and our principal shareholder's charitable activities.' Edrington employs more than 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. It distributes its brands to more than 100 countries.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Billionaire drinks family acquires historic whisky brand
William Grant & Sons has hailed the double acquisition of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands from The 1887 Company, part of Glasgow-based Edrington. The North Lanarkshire-based buyer said: 'This historic moment for WG&S demonstrates the company's commitment to the global Scotch whisky category and confidence in the future of the wider spirits industry.' The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt join WG&S' portfolio alongside Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin and Monkey Shoulder. The firm added: 'The Famous Grouse is Scotland's best-selling whisky and one of the top-selling Scotch whisky brands worldwide, renowned for its quality and heritage, while Naked Malt has garnered a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts and has significant growth potential within the blended malt segment.' READ MORE: Blockbuster sale of famous Scotch whisky brand gets green light Famous 'much-loved' Scotch whisky brand being sold Søren Hagh, WG&S chief executive, said: 'I am delighted to complete this acquisition and welcome The Famous Grouse into our portfolio. It is a remarkable Scottish brand with rich history and a strong market position in a number of countries. 'Over the coming years, we will build on this strong foundation and work to evolve the brand into a true global icon. We also see a lot of potential in Naked Malt, which will be a great addition to our portfolio. Together, these brands perfectly complement our vision for growth, and we look forward to investing in their future and sharing their stories with whisky lovers around the world.' The firm also said: 'A dedicated team is in place to ensure a smooth transition from The 1887 Company, and continuity for customers and consumers of these much-loved brands.' William Grant & Sons is a sixth-generation distiller founded by William Grant in 1887. The Famous Grouse was founded by Matthew Gloag, who started blending whisky in the 1890s, and was launched officially in 1897 'as a reward to be enjoyed after a day in the Scottish countryside among friends'. The value of the sale was not disclosed. US oil giant Chevron set to close office in Scotland US oil giant Chevron is to close its office in Aberdeen, as it leaves the North Sea after more than 50 years.
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scotch whisky giant announces acquisition of The Famous Grouse
William Grant & Sons, who produce Glenfiddich as well as the best-selling blended whisky which bears the family name, said on Tuesday that they had added The Famous Grouse blended whisky to their portfolio. William Grant & Sons also purchased the Naked Malt brand from The 1887 Company. It comes after the UK Competition and Markets Authority cleared the sale in March. Announcing the acquisition, William Grant & Sons said it demonstrates 'the company's commitment to the global Scotch whisky category and confidence in the future of the wider spirits industry'. READ MORE: 200-year-old Highland distillery's whisky available first time in US William Grant & Sons also produce The Balvenie single malt whisky, Monkey Shoulder blended whisky, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, and Hendrick's Gin. The firm said that The Famous Grouse is Scotland's best-selling whisky and one of the top-selling Scotch whisky brands worldwide, while Naked Malt has 'garnered a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts and has significant growth potential within the blended malt segment'. Soren Hagh, the chief executive officer of William Grant & Sons, said: 'I am delighted to complete this acquisition and welcome The Famous Grouse into our portfolio. 'It is a remarkable Scottish brand with rich history and a strong market position in a number of countries. 'Over the coming years, we will build on this strong foundation and work to evolve the brand into a true global icon. 'We also see a lot of potential in Naked Malt, which will be a great addition to our portfolio. 'Together, these brands perfectly complement our vision for growth, and we look forward to investing in their future and sharing their stories with whisky lovers around the world.'
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Amazon's £18 blended whisky reviewed – is it any good?
At £18 for a litre bottle we didn't expect miracles from Amazon's new Scotch - but we were more than a little surprised | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. At the equivalent of £12.60 per bottle, this is probably the cheapest whisky money can buy - but is it any good? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It might be considered a general rule of thumb that the more you spend on a whisky, the better it tastes. I'm not sure I'd really agree with that. I've tasted £300 single malts I've not been keen on, and some of my favourite drams can cost as little as £30 per bottle. But I think we might be stretching the concept a little to expect much of an £18 blended whisky made, or at least commissioned, by Amazon. And, to clarify, that's £18 for a litre. And, yes, I find that as alarming as you do. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To put that into perspective, one of my favourite mainstream single malts is Penderyn Portwood Edition - it's currently £54.95 on Amazon, which equates to £78.50 per litre. More than £60 more expensive than the own-brand whisky. And even a half-decent supermarket blended whisky, like Johnnie Walker Black Label, costs £49.29 per litre. Even comparing it to the sort of thing friends of mine in my whisky club refer to as "dishwater", The Famous Grouse, it's nearly £4 cheaper per litre. Bottled at 40%, Amazon says it has been matured for three years | Amazon It's fair to say, then, I wasn't expecting miracles when I poured myself a dram from Amazon's 'Special Reserve' that has apparently been "matured in American oak casks for three years". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Firstly, though, a little lesson in blended whisky. Although it's usually cheaper than a single malt whisky, it's not necessarily inferior. That's something of a common myth. A single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley by one distillery, and it goes through a more time-consuming production process, being aged for at least three years. Blended whisky is more commonly mass-produced and will usually combine malt and grain whiskies to design a unique flavour profile. There will be less influence from a distillery's location in a blended whisky, far less influence from the production methods, and although there is arguably more room for variation and experimentation, cheaper mainstream blends are not considered to be craft whiskies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Amazon's own-brand whisky is clearly something mass-produced, and one would assume every corner has been cut to get the price down to the frankly worrying £18 per litre mark. It looks like a whisky, and smells like a whisky, but can it really impress anyone for just £18 per litre? But, here's the funny thing, you wouldn't know it to taste it. From my very first sip, I can't say I was seduced, but I didn't recoil in horror, either. There's no creamy mouthfeel, and you couldn't call it as smooth as a single malt, but served neat, it's really not terrible. In fact, it's really not all that bad. It's sweeter than I expected, with the merest hint of caramel, and maybe a subtle reminder of vanilla. Dried fruits are in the official tasting notes, but I didn't pick that up. The finish is much smoother than you'd expect, with just the slightest rough edge, but not enough to warrant watering it down. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Two drops of water soften it slightly, waking up more of a fruity flavour, but it's far from complex. This is a whisky you can while away an evening with, not having to think too much about what you're drinking, just enjoying it. Yes, I did just say that, I quite enjoyed it. Obviously, it's not a patch on a decent single malt, but it's certainly no worse than some of the better blends out there. And that's a remarkable achievement. This is genuinely a whisky you can sip away at and not find harsh or controversial in flavour. It's not remarkable, but it's not unpalatable either. Of course, it won't suit everyone. If you've never found a mainstream blended whisky to your taste, you probably won't want to punt £18 on this bottle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But if you're not fussy, if you just like to nurse a dram of an evening and you want to find something that's as drinkable as it is affordable, this is going to be ideal. Even if you buy one and don't like it, it's the sort of whisky you can keep in the back of a cupboard for when that friend comes to stay who always has a bit too much of an evening, and then asks: 'Ooh, shall we have a nightcap'? They won't know it's an £18 bottle, and you won't care. And, of course, you could always mix it. It makes a great base for a cocktail, for example, or if you were to drown it in Coke, you needn't feel bad about adulterating a decent drink. In this day and age everything seems expensive, especially a decent whisky. So to find one that would equate to £12.60 if it came in a 70cl bottle is, just like the drink itself when poured over ice, quite refreshing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Energy bills just went up – but this free tool could save you £388 a year With energy costs rising, Switcheroo helps you find cheaper deals in minutes. It's free, easy to use, and only shows tariffs that beat your current rate from suppliers like British Gas and Octopus. No calls, no pressure – just potential savings, with average users cutting £388 off their annual bill. To read our full article click here, or try out the Switcheroo tool straight away by clicking here.
