Falkland-based independent whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt is rapidly expanding its global footprint, adding new international markets and key industry veterans to its team just one year after launching its first bottles.
The company has secured distribution in Belgium and Uruguay, adding to existing markets in the UK, Japan, Latin America, and the Netherlands. This growth comes as Saltire prepares to celebrate its first anniversary with a special release in May.
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“Saltire Rare Malt was born out of friendship, vision and a passion for the very best Single Malt Scotch Whisky. To see our company be so well-received across the globe really is a dream come true,” said Keith Rennie, Founder & Director of Saltire Rare Malt.
Anniversary Release and New Team Members
The company’s anniversary will be celebrated with the release of a 14 Year Old Linkwood from Speyside, with only 74 bottles available from a refill American oak ex-bourbon cask. The limited release will be bottled at 54.1% ABV and priced at £160.
To support its international growth, Saltire has appointed Jan Damen as European Sales Director. Damen brings 25 years of industry experience, including roles as Operations Director for Europe at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and Group Commercial & Operations Director at The Artisanal Spirits Company.
The company has also hired Paul Bryant as USA Brand Ambassador to lead the company’s expansion across the Atlantic. They join UK & Europe Brand Ambassador David McCallum and Business Development Director Andre de Almeida.
Saltire’s Expert Curation
All Saltire bottlings are curated by Hans and Becky Offringa, internationally known as “The Whisky Couple.” Hans is a Whisky Hall of Fame inductee and Keeper of the Quaich with over 35 years of experience, while Becky is also a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books.
Together they have over 50 years of industry experience and maintain strict quality control. According to the company, if the Offringas disapprove of a sample, the cask will not be bottled.
“Being successful is all about the team you build around you. The sheer quality, knowledge & experience we have across our team at Saltire makes the future very exciting,” Rennie said. “We’re raising a glass to 2025, and we can’t wait to announce what’s next!”
Saltire Rare Malt was founded by longtime friends and business partners Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, who worked together for three decades before entering the whisky business. The company is based in Falkland, Fife, a historic town with deep connections to whisky history.
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In 1494, King James IV issued an order for “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life'” while staying at Falkland Palace – considered by many to be the first recorded reference to scotch whisky production.
The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available for purchase on the company’s website.
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