Edrington, the owner of single malt distilleries The Macallan and The Glenrothes, has announced plans to sell blended whisky brands, The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt.
The announcement was made through Edrington’s subsidiary, The 1887 Company Limited, which also revealed William Grant & Sons as the buyer. The sale is subject to customary regulatory approvals from the Competition and Markets Authority, amongst others.
Edrington’s Ultra-Premium Plans
The move comes as Edrington continues to push the envelope in the ultra-premium spirits category. The Macallan, arguably the pinnacle of luxury single malt scotch whisky, continues to enjoy incredible success under Edrington. Additionally, Edrington has been making active efforts to premiumize The Glenrothes brand.
“This decision is driven by our strategy to focus on our core strengths and the growth opportunities in the ultra-premium spirits category,” said Edrington CEO, Scott McCroskie. “We consider this the right moment for Edrington to exit the blended Scotch category and focus on our core portfolio of ultra-premium spirit brands.
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“The Famous Grouse is a well-loved brand that has consistently performed in its category during the time it has been part of Edrington, and Naked Malt has grown its reputation. I am confident that these brands are well-positioned to continue to succeed as part of the William Grant & Sons portfolio.”
The Famous Grouse & Naked Malt
The Famous Grouse is one of Scotland’s most iconic blended whiskies, first crafted in 1896 by Matthew Gloag & Son. Known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor, it is a blend of grain whiskies and carefully selected malt whiskies. Its approachable character and consistent quality have made it a popular choice both in Scotland and internationally.
The whisky boasts a medium-bodied profile with hints of dried fruit, malt, and a touch of spice, underpinned by a subtle smokiness. Aged in oak casks, it delivers a clean, mellow finish that appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Over the years, The Famous Grouse has expanded its range to include expressions like The Black Grouse and The Naked Grouse.
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The Naked Malt, formerly known as Naked Grouse, is a blended malt whisky introduced by The Famous Grouse brand in 2011. Originally launched as part of the Grouse family, it was rebranded in 2021 to focus on its unique profile as a blend of single malts, distinct from the more common grain-based blends.
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