Douglas Laing & Co. has announced that its third-generation managing director, Cara Laing, is marking 20 years in the Scotch whisky industry in 2026. The milestone recognizes both a personal career spanning two decades and the continued growth of the family-owned independent bottler, which has operated since 1948.
The anniversary highlights Laing’s journey from early memories of her grandfather’s world of casks and samples to her current role leading the company’s global operations.
Her career began outside the family business, where she gained experience in brand building, trade dynamics and the competitive landscape of the wider spirits industry.
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READ THE STORYWhen the opportunity to join Douglas Laing arose, it marked a turning point. Whisky shifted from being the family business to becoming her long-term professional commitment.
“I am incredibly proud and genuinely grateful to be celebrating 20 years in the Scotch Whisky industry,” Laing said. “Over these years, I have had the privilege of meeting and often working alongside some talented, knowledgeable and unforgettable people.”
“This journey has taken me to new places, introduced me to real characters and given me the opportunity to help build and grow wonderful brands,” she added. “I feel very lucky. I love what I do and I never take that for granted, even on the toughest days.”
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Across her tenure, the whisky category has evolved significantly. Consumer interest in regional character, single cask bottlings and small batch malts has grown. Douglas Laing has maintained its core philosophy throughout: bottling whisky at high strength, without chill-filtration or added coloring.
Key developments during Laing’s 20 years include the growth of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the international expansion of Old Particular and XOP, and the company’s ongoing role as a custodian of characterful casks.
To mark the anniversary, Laing has selected three Old Particular bottlings of personal significance and introduced a fourth new addition to the range.
Douglas Laing remains a fiercely independent operation with an expanding global footprint. The company has said it will continue to champion malt whisky with authenticity, celebrate regional diversity and invest in the long-term future of its brands.
Founded in 1948, Douglas Laing & Co. is based in Glasgow, Scotland. The independent bottler is known for sourcing and bottling single cask and small batch Scotch whiskies from distilleries across Scotland’s whisky-producing regions.
