Edinburgh-based bespoke Scotch whisky business Tailored Spirits Co. has won third place at the Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards 2026, securing a £50,000 prize. Co-founders Adam Harding and Carl Johnstone received the award in London from Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet.
The annual awards program distributed £300,000 in total and recognizes the UK’s most promising young entrepreneurs aged 34 and under. Winners are selected based on their potential to scale and create jobs within the UK economy, with a minimum revenue threshold of £500,000.
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Tailored Spirits stood out among 61 applicants for its rapid growth, international reach, and positioning within the luxury whisky market. Founded in 2024 and based in Leith, the company sources, designs, and bottles bespoke single cask Scotch whiskies for private clients, premium brands, and hospitality groups globally.
The business reported £2.35m turnover in 2025 and has doubled its team since launch. Projects now span the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Adam Harding, co-founder and head of spirits, sales and strategy, said: “To be recognized by one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs at such an early stage in our journey is an incredibly proud moment. This endorsement strengthens our position globally and supports our ambition to grow the business further.”
“We’re seeing a shift in how people engage with whisky — it’s no longer just about buying a bottle, but about creating something truly personal,” Harding added. “This award will help us accelerate our plans, including key hires and further expansion.”
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Carl Johnstone, co-founder (commercial and operations), said: “This recognition is a hugely proud moment for us as founders and reflects the progress we’ve made in a short space of time. The support from the Stelios Foundation will allow us to continue building the business, invest in our team, and expand our reach with clients globally.”
Rather than operating as a traditional independent bottler, the company positions itself as an experience-led whisky partner. It guides clients through the full journey from cask selection and liquid style to brand design and final bottling.
Tailored Spirits has announced plans for continued expansion in 2026. These include team growth, a move to a new brand home in Edinburgh, and upcoming high-profile private client projects.
The bespoke whisky segment has seen growing global interest in recent years, driven by consumer demand for personalized, experience-led luxury products. The trend has opened opportunities for agile startups operating outside traditional distillery or independent bottler models.
