SCARABUS ISLAY SINGLE MALT

LAUNCHES TWO BRAND-NEW EXPRESSIONS 

Hunter Laing & Co. reveals the latest additions to their newest brand from the famed whisky island,

Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength, will join Scarabus Specially Selected

The family owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. introduces two brand-new bottlings to the Scarabus Islay Single Malt Whisky range. Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength will be available to buy worldwide from 26^th November 2020. 

Scarabus 10 Year Old is priced at £45 for 70cl, bottled at 46% ABV and Scarabus Batch Strength is £49 for 70cl, bottled at 57% ABV. Both expressions will join Scarabus Specially Selected, available to buy at Ardnahoe Distillery and online at https://ardnahoedistilleryshop.com/.

The Scarabus 10 Year Old has the distinguished Scarabus profile of sweet Islay peat smoke but with extra complexity; every drop of Scarabus 10 Year Old is aged for a minimum of ten years in refill, ex-bourbon and virgin American oak casks.

To create the Scarabus Batch Strength edition, a small selection of Scarabus Islay single malt casks are chosen to be bottled at a higher strength of 57% ABV. The result is the signature sweet, peaty profile found in Scarabus, but with extra intensity, mouth feel and an even more lingering finish.

Scarabus, meaning ‘rocky place’ in Nordic, is named after a mystical area of Islay and is a whisky range for those with a curious mind and an eye for detail. The brand is bold and honest about its origins, and just a little mysterious about everything else.

Commenting on the release of the new expressions, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said: “Following the success of the brand’s launch at Feis Ile 2019, it’s very exciting to add two brand-new expressions to the range. Scarabus is a brand which we are incredibly proud of, and to see Scarabus grow and develop like this is really wonderful.”

Adding to his father’s comments, Scott Laing, Business Development Director, said: “It’s always exciting when a new Islay expression launches and we are particularly proud of our Scarabus brand.

The flavour is unmistakable, the Islay peat, smoke and sea salt on the nose, followed by warming leather notes and a delightful vanilla sweetness in the mouth, leads to a rich, lingering finish, culminating all the elements which Islay whisky enthusiasts adore.

We’re very excited to see our ever-loyal Islay whisky fans react to both Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength.”

The Scarabus range will be available to purchase online at https://ardnahoedistilleryshop.com/ from Ardnahoe Distillery, which is currently open to the public and hosting socially distanced tours.

Facebook: @Hunterlaingwhisky / @scarabuswhisky

Notes :

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• The Laing family are the owners of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay, which began distilling in 2018.
• Ardnahoe Distillery has welcomed over 34,000 visitors to the distillery since 2018.

YOSHINO SPIRITS CO. has been awarded with “Most Unique Premium Alcoholic Beverages – Supplier in Japan” from Global Excellence Awards by LUXlife.

Osaka, JAPAN, 23th November 2020, Global Excellence Awards is subject to LUX Life’s rigorous internal vetting procedure and given after an extensive judging process which is driven by merit and centered around an in-depth evaluation of skills and services on offer.

Yoshino Spirits Co is so proud to share that it has been received “Most Unique Premium Alcoholic Beverages – Supplier in Japan” award from Global Excellence Awards, as a result of Yoshino Spirit’s unique range of premium alcoholic beverages brands from Japan offered in its portfolio.

About Yoshino Spirits:

Yoshino Spirits (headquarters located in Osaka) is a private company exporting finest Japanese whisky, wine and spirits to the world placing the highest priority on building relationships of trust between domestic manufacturers and customers all over the world.

For further information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

About Global Excellence Awards 2020:

Global Excellence Awards, is hosted by LUX Life Magazine , whereby LUXlife is part of the AI Global Media publishing group, a UK based company which was established in 2010 and dedicated in ensuring quality & maximum value for every reader, subscriber

Glenfiddich Whisky breaks the mould with brand new campaign

featuring Michelle Dockery

LONDON, 23rd November 2020 – Today, Glenfiddich reveals an exciting new campaign with award-winning actress Michelle Dockery. The Essex-born talent features as a woman confident in her stride, full of power and poise, captured in striking still images by VOGUE photographer and activist Misan Harriman at Lyaness in London.

A gifted actress, singer and champion of female empowerment, Michelle’s diverse body of work and life experiences embody Glenfiddich’s maverick spirit. Having forged her own path, Michelle personifies Glenfiddich’s history of challenging itself to break new ground, by continuing to ask where next? This is the ethos that continues to drives its reputation as the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Famed for her diverse roles, from the headstrong Lady Mary in Downton Abbey, to the no holds barred female lead Rosalind Pearson in The Gentlemen, Glenfiddich, together with Harriman, has reimagined whisky imagery through a contemporary lens, with Michelle at the forefront.

Captured in a bright and natural environment, the vision was to progress the perception of whisky to new audiences, breaking the mould to encourage greater gender inclusivity in the industry. Each facet of the creative was chosen to reflect a modern woman making her own choices, with femininity reflected in styling of soft fabrics and relaxed tailoring.

Talking of her involvement in Glenfiddich’s campaign, Michelle commented: “I am thrilled to be a part of Glenfiddich’s new campaign which celebrates mavericks. That’s what drove me to be a part of this latest campaign. The shoot is authentic, it reflects a modern woman making her own choices: being both feminine and strong, while enjoying whisky.”

Maria Ropero-Ortiz, Senior Brand Manager, Glenfiddich, said: “Michelle Dockery is a change maker in her own right. She perfectly embodies the distinctive, inclusive and confident nature of Glenfiddich. With her resilience and enduring spirit, Michelle shows that self-assurance and quiet confidence speak volumes. She is a powerful representation of our brand, inspiring greater conversations and considerations of women in whisky.”

The campaign features Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23-Year-Old, a rich and indulgent single-malt whisky which enjoys long maturation in American and European oak casks before finishing in rare French cuvée wine casks that used to house the world’s most extraordinary wines.

This project is part of Glenfiddich’s Where Next, a global campaign communicating the uncertain and challenging journey of growth. A bold new direction for Glenfiddich, the Where Next platform unifies the proposition of the brand across the world as it steps forward with strength, serving a reminder to its audience: the shape shifters, game changers and mavericks of the world, that we need to shed our armour in order to grow.

Glenfiddich Grand Cru is available for purchase online for £220 (70cl). Select retailers include Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky World, Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.

@glenfiddichwhisky    #glenfiddich    glenfiddich.com

Notes 

Credits

Credit Line: Michelle Dockery fronts new Glenfiddich Grand Cru campaign reimagining a contemporary future for whisky.

Photographer: Misan Harriman (http://misanharriman.com/, @misanharriman)

Location: Lyaness at Sea Containers, (www.lyaness.com, @lyanessbar)

About Michelle Dockery (@michelledockery)

Michelle Dockery trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and since graduating in 2004, has appeared in a variety of leading roles on stage and screen.

Dockery has received much critical acclaim for her work in television. Dockery first became globally recognizable as Lady Mary Crawley in the multi-award winning hit show Downton Abbey, which won her two nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in A Drama Series Award at the Primetime Emmys, (2012, 2014); Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series (Drama) Award, Golden Globe Awards, 2013; Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Drama Series Award, Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2013; and Best Actress Award, TV Choice Awards, 2013. In film, Dockery has starred in both studio and independent features, most recently alongside Matthew McConaughey, Henry Golding and Hugh Grant in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming Miramax feature film ‘The Gentleman’. Dockery also recently reprised her role as Lady Mary Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey: The Movie’ (Focus Features). Other notable film roles include Ritesh Batra’s ’The Sense of an Ending’, ‘Self/Less’, ‘Non-Stop’ and ‘Anna Karenina’.

About Glenfiddich

Founded in Dufftown, Scotland by innovator William Grant, Glenfiddich first ran from the stills on Christmas Day, 1887. Adopting revolutionary methods and practices Grant’s maverick attitude to whisky production saw Glenfiddich excel for over a hundred and thirty years, becoming the first single malt whisky to be promoted outside of Scotland, and ultimately, the best-selling and most awarded single malt whisky in the world*. While Glenfiddich is now sold in over 180 countries across the world, the brand is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and is still produced in the same distillery which William Grant and his children hand-built. 

About Lyaness

Created by multi award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana AKA Mr Lyan (“The World’s Most Awarded Bartender”, The Telegraph; International Bartender of the Year 2015, Most Influential Britons 2017, Personality of the Decade 2017) and the team behind iconic venues White Lyan, Super Lyan, Cub, Dandelyan and more. Lyanness has been voted one of the top 50 World’s Best Bars and is an iconic space overlooking the Thames within Sea Containers house.

Glen Scotia unveils rare 30 Year Old Single Malt 

Only 500 limited edition bottles available worldwide  

Award-winning independent distiller, Glen Scotia, has introduced a new rare 30 Year Old Single Malt scotch whisky to its range.

Presented in a luxurious hand-made case, created from sustainably sourced solid oak, the Glen Scotia 30 Year Old is extremely limited, with only 500 bottles available to purchase worldwide.

This exceptional liquid has been created by using a single distillation from 1989, which has been matured in European Oak hogshead sherry casks, giving it the distinct, sweet flavour that Glen Scotia is renowned for.

The Glen Scotia 30 Year Old Single Malt offers exquisite floral notes of violet and lavender on the nose, that develop into hints of green apple and spice. On the palate, the liquid is wonderfully soft and silky, with initial flavours of honeyed pear and candied lemon coming to the fore.

In the mouth, the flavours intensify, with warm notes of cinnamon and ground ginger, leading into dark chocolate and coffee. The finish is long, and ends with sugary sweetness and waves of warming spice.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “The Glen Scotia 30 Year Old Single Malt is an exceptional new addition to Glen Scotia’s portfolio. The flavour profile is deep and distinguished, showcasing the complex flavours and maritime influence that Glen Scotia has become known for.

“Like our distillery, the Glen Scotia 30 Year Old is steeped in history and after three decades of maturation, I am proud to finally be able to unveil this new expression to the world.”

Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 30 Year Old is bottled at 50.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created using sustainably sourced British oak, keeping each individually numbered bottle in place. Inside, the case boasts elegant black lining.

Priced at £850, Glen Scotia 30 Year Old is available to purchase now from specialist retailers, including Master of Malt.

Glen Scotia is a whisky made by history, reflecting the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with the fifth and smallest malt producing region.

Cambeltown is Scotland’s smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era, it was known as the whisky capital of the world and was home to more than 30 distilleries.

To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky history, Glen Scotia campaigned for Campbeltown to be recognised as the “whiskiest place in the world”. A parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.

For more information, please visit www.glenscotia.com

Tasting notes: 

Nose: Notes of violet and lavender mix with seaspray. Green apple and a gentle spice of nutmeg and allspice.

Taste: Honeyed pear and candied lemon before notes of cinnamon, ground ginger, dark chocolate and espresso.

Finish: Long, with a roasted sugar sweetness and warming cinnamon.

About Glen Scotia: 

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded a Double Gold medal at the prestigious 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the second year running. Almost 30,000 spirits were judged by the competition, the largest number of entries in its 19-year history. A Double Gold Medal is awarded when every judge on the panel gives a Gold medal to the expression.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Kamiki Original Whisky is awarded with 2 medals at the L.A Spirits Awards 2020

Osaka, JAPAN, 23th November 2020, Kamiki Whisky is awarded with the “PLATINIUM” medal in Best Blended Malt Whisky Category and ‘’BEST IN SHOW’’ medal at the L.A Spirits Award 2020 competition which stands on the side of equality, inclusivity, and justice for all.

About.Kamiki Whisky:

“THE FIRST WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH”

Kamiki is a new expression super premium Japanese Whisky with a unique second maturation technique, blend is rested for a second time in Yoshino Sugi –Japanese Cedar- casks to capture a perfectly smooth taste, a scent of sandalwood on the nose and a zest of green tea in the finish. For further information please visit www.kamikiwhisky.com

About L.A Spirits Award 2020:

L.A. Spirits Awards is a juried competition for commercially produced distilled spirits products. Judges evaluate entries in more than 100 spirits categories and award medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), based on quality. In addition to its impressive roster of spirits industry professionals who evaluate the entries, L.A. Spirits Awards distinguishes itself from other spirits competitions by the comprehensive marketing support it provides its winners long after the judging event is complete. For further information please visit www.laspiritsawards.com

REDBREAST LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION BIRD FEEDER IN TIME

FOR WINTER

RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL* 

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is today launching a limited-edition copper whiskey casing that neatly transforms into a beautiful bird feeder. Following the launch of a partnership with BirdLife International earlier this year, €15 for every limited-edition Redbreast 12 Year Old purchased will be donated to support Redbreast’s and BirdLife International’s joint mission to keep common birds common.

Available from the Redbreast website for €60 (£50), the intricately designed shell sits around a bottle of Redbreast 12-Year-Old, the world’s bestselling and most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey. Once removed from the bottle, the casing can be filled with bird feed and hung in the garden to keep our feathery friends fed as the weather gets colder, protecting common species from becoming endangered. The bird feeder enables whiskey fans to sit back and enjoy a warming drink in the comfort of their own home while watching nature fly by.

“After much anticipation, we are extremely excited to launch the beautifully crafted whiskey casing that has been specially designed to double up as a bird feeder. We worked closely with BirdLife International to ensure the bird feeder honours our mission of helping to protect not only Robins, but all common birds, as we move into the colder months and food begins to become scarce. We are thrilled to provide this at no additional cost to Redbreast fans across the globe and simultaneously further support the work of BirdLife International by donating €15 for each limited edition bottle sold”, explains Laura Hanratty, Head of Prestige and Speciality Brands at Irish Distillers.

With winter fast approaching and at least 40% of all bird species in decline, Redbreast and BirdLife International’s partnership aims to give whiskey lovers the tools they need to help take care of their local birds. The partnership will also raise vital funds to conserve and restore bird habitats and help encourage whiskey-lovers to monitor bird populations so that deeper environmental problems (and successes) can be rapidly identified.

Patricia Zurita, CEO, BirdLife International, shared her thoughts on the new product, “Not only is the whiskey casing beautiful, it will also help support our feathered friends throughout the cold winter by providing them with a valuable source of food. Whether they’re garden birds or migratory birds passing through, all species will benefit from this, not just Robin Redbreasts. This bird feeder will also spread awareness of the simple, yet important, things we can all do to help protect birds whilst also raising vital funds.”

BirdLife International is widely recognised as the world leader in bird conservation, with the charity and its 10 million members and supporters doing all they can to reverse the trend and protect birds. The charity has 100 BirdLife Partners worldwide that strive to conserve birds, habitats and global diversity, as well as working with people and organisations to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

To find out more about the bird feeder and the partnership between Redbreast Irish Whiskey and BirdLife International, please visit www.redbreastwhiskey.com or www.birdlife.org.

The limited edition Redbreast 12 Year Old with copper bird feeder casing is available to pre-order now from https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/en-EN/project-wingman at the price of €60 (£50) and will ship in December.

#RobinRedbreast

#RedbreastIrishWhiskey 

Follow us on social:

Instagram @RedbreastIrishWhiskey

Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill

Notes: 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, its brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 68m cases in 2019. Irish Distillers brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988, Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, Irish Distillers has invested over €250m in Midleton Distillery to double production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for its products.

Irish Distillers employs over 600 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Belfast.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s no.2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €9,010 million in FY17. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

About BirdLife International

BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation Partnership. Together we are 116 BirdLife Partners worldwide and growing, with almost 11 million supporters, 7,000 local conservation groups and 7,400 staff. BirdLife is widely recognised as the world leader in bird conservation, a United Nations-recognised civil society observer, and our unique local-to-global approach delivers high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people. Find out more at www.birdlife.org

Gordon & MacPhail release film serialisation to mark 125^th Anniversary

A series of five short films showcasing behind-the-scenes insights into whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been released to mark the company’s 125^th birthday.

The five ‘Chapters’, each around five minutes long, include reflections from influential figures who have played an important role in shaping Gordon & MacPhail’s approach and philosophy, along with appearances from those within the company – past and present.

Each film shares anecdotes from some of Gordon & MacPhail’s partners, collaborators and friends, including Simon Cotton of Johnstons of Elgin, whisky writer Charlie Maclean, Helen Brocklebank of Walpole and Ryder Cup golfer Stephen Gallacher, among many others.

The Chapters also tap into Gordon & MacPhail’s unique knowledge and experience of the industry by exploring what drives desire for rare whiskies and whether the idea of leaving a legacy is still important in modern times.

Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige said: “In our anniversary year, the ‘Chapters’ series gives the viewer behind the scenes access to our 125 years in the industry, as told by those who know us best.”

The Chapters films are available to view at www.gordonandmacphail.com/chapters, in the following order:

• Chapter 1 – The Value of Values
• Chapter 2 – The Benefits of the Path Less Travelled
• Chapter 3 – The Science of Desire
• Chapter 4 – Whisky Whisperers
• Chapter 5 – Creating Future Legacies

The short films add to Gordon & MacPhail’s wider 125^th year celebrations, including the launch of four ultra-rare commemorative whiskies from lost or closed distilleries – the final of which will be revealed in early December.

#GordonandMacPhail

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.

Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks.

It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery’–This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’–A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ –The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’–Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family
• ‘Generations’–A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces

KAMIKI INTENSE WOOD has been awarded “A GOLD Medal ” from Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2021

Osaka, JAPAN, 23th November 2020, Kamiki Intense Wood Whisky has been awarded with Gold Medal, from the World’s most important wine & spirit competition judged by women buyers – Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2021.

About.Kamiki Intense Wood Whisky

Kamiki INTENSE is an exclusive version of Kamiki ORIGINAL whisky has a smooth taste, complex flavor and driven by pure malted barley. There is no age statement on the product. It has been aged in oak barrels minimum of three years and second aged in non-charred local cedar casks longer than Kamiki ORIGINAL for bolder taste lovers For further information please visit www.kamikiwhisky.com

About Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards:

100 of the World’s most influential Female Buyers and Hoteliers Judge the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – the Most Important Wine & Spirits Awards Judged by Women Buyers. For further information please visit www.wineawards.org

KAMIKI INTENSE WOOD has been awarded “BEST IN SHOW” from Sunset International Spirits Competition.

Osaka, JAPAN, 23th November 2020, Kamiki Intense Wood whisky is awarded Best in Show in Luxury Japanese Whisky category, from one of the important international competitions which is sponsored by Sunset Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle – Sunset International Spirits Competition 2020!

About.Kamiki Intense Wood Whisky

Kamiki INTENSE is an exclusive version of Kamiki ORIGINAL whisky has a smooth taste, complex flavor and driven by pure malted barley. There is no age statement on the product. It has been aged in oak barrels minimum of three years and second aged in non-charred local cedar casks longer than Kamiki ORIGINAL for bolder taste lovers.

For further information please visit www.kamikiwhisky.com

About Sunset International Spirits Competition 2020:

SUNSET Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle, is the proud sponsor of the Sunset International Wine Competition and Sunset International Spirits Competition. For further information please visit: https://www.winecompetitions.com/

Whyte & Mackay goes the extra mile (or 50,000 miles!) to raise

£114,841 for mental health charities

Employees at Glasgow based Whyte & Mackay have completed a mammoth virtual adventure taking them around the world twice in aid of mental health charities.

A team of 200 employees walked, ran, rowed or cycled, totting up enough miles to go around the world twice. The challenge started in July with the initial goal to travel around the world only once. This week (6 October) the epic challenge drew to a close after the team clocked up 50,000 miles.

The challenge – Whyte & Mackay Cares – was inspired by the feats of Sir Captain Tom Moore, and has raised £114,841 for mental health charities around the world nominated by the team.

Employees based in Canada, USA, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, UAE, South Africa, Germany, France, Spain and Russia took part in the challenge alongside their UK-based colleagues to raise money for charity and support their colleagues through a challenging and uncertain time for everyone.

Nick Garland, for Whyte & Mackay said: “We’re incredibly proud of the team and pleased with the total fundraising figure from Whyte & Mackay Cares.

“The challenge came about as a way to bring the team together virtually and encourage people to stay physically and mentally healthy during a very uncertain time.

“Charities like SAMH have been providing vital support to people who have been struggling and we are delighted to go some way in helping this continue.”

Jo Anderson, Director of External Affairs at SAMH, said: “Lockdown and beyond has been such a difficult time for most, and for many people it has exacerbated challenges that they were already facing.

“We’d like to thank the whole team at Whyte & Mackay for their incredible fundraising efforts: they will really help us to continue to provide support to those in our communities who need it.” 

To mark the end of the challenge and on the week of World Mental Health Day, the team at Whyte & Mackay had a virtual event to bring everyone together and hand the cheque of £93,632 over to Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH.

SAMH has a dedicated Coronavirus mental health information hub for anyone looking for help or support during the pandemic, which can be found on its website – https://www.samh.org.uk/coronavirus

Find out more and look back on the team’s challenge by following them on Instagram @WhyteandMackayCares / #WhyteandMackayCares.

About Whyte & Mackay Group Ltd.

Whyte & Mackay was founded in Glasgow in 1844, and today celebrates its 175^th anniversary with a multi-award-winning portfolio of brands which includes The Dalmore, Jura, Tamnavulin and Fettercairn whiskies alongside its namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky.

The award-winning whisky makers are proud partners of Flor de Caña, Camus and RumChata distributing their distinctive brands in the UK, while in recent years their focus on pioneering innovation has seen them reveal a plethora of brand extensions and new to world brands. From an exclusive 50 Year-Old Highland Single Malt from The Dalmore celebrating the career of Master Distiller Richard Paterson to a full range revamp on Jura. In the last twelve months, more than five new brands have been revealed, to name a few – Shackleton, Woodsman, and Wildcat, as well an independent boutique bottling arm The Whisky Works, fronted by whisky maker, Gregg Glass.

The global spirits business is headquartered in the heart of Glasgow, and employs over 500 people around the globe, across five international offices, five distilleries and a state-of-the-art bottling plant in Scotland.

Today, with the support of its owners Emperador Inc,. Whyte & Mackay is building a progressive, passionate and ambitious company for the future. Emperador is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc (an international conglomerate listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange). 

About SAMH

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity.   Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.  These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

Visit www.samh.org.uk or follow @SAMHTweets, SAMHmentalhealth on Facebook and samhscotland on Instagram for more information.