The passing of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday at the age of 96 has sent ripples of grief and mourning throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, including its whisky industry.
Queen Elizabeth II, over the course of her long life, was known more for her love of gin. Scotch is also said to have had a place in her drinking enjoyments, however, and the distilleries and brands of the United Kingdom loved and honored her as well. You only need take a look at various bottlings released over the course of her long reign to realize this – some of these included:
- Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen’s Visit
- The Royal Salute Platinum Jubilee Edition
- Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 1952 from Glen Grant Distillery
- Royal Lochnagar Balmoral Platinum Edition
A large number of condolences have been issued by the whisky industry since she passed away. As an example, the Scotch Whisky Association had this to say from its Chief Executive Mark Kent: “On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, I want to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Our deepest sympathies are with members of The Royal Family.
“Her Majesty lived an extraordinary life. She lifted the nation during 70 years of steadfast service, anchoring our lives during a period of remarkable change. We mourn her passing and give thanks for the decades of inspiration and joy she gave to generations in communities across the country and across the Commonwealth.
“The depth of the national grief is a reflection of standing and affection in which Her Majesty will be remembered.”
A range of further expressions have been expressed on social media, as you can see below:
We join with everyone in the UK in paying our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time. #RIPQueenElizabethII pic.twitter.com/IkDJgXWPEj
— A D Rattray Whisky (@ADRattrayWhisky) September 9, 2022
We would like to send His Majesty King Charles and the Royal family our heartfelt sympathies.
As a proud British company, we share in the world’s grief at Her Majesty The Queen’s passing and are extremely saddened by the news. pic.twitter.com/Ep7ERqqEcL
— The Lakes Single Malt (@LakesWhisky) September 9, 2022
We are truly saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/cr3XvjEAAg
— Penderyn Distillery (@PenderynWhisky) September 9, 2022
The team at Ardgowan Distillery Company Limited are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our deepest condolences to The Royal Family.
Martin McAdam, CEO pic.twitter.com/3RTDFz5SkM
— Ardgowan Distillery (@ArdgowanWhisky) September 8, 2022
We are deeply saddened by news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Today our skies may be darker, but the legacy left behind by Her Royal Highness leaves our world that little bit brighter.
Tonight, we will be raising a dram in your honour, Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/hYZMaySgOT
— Laphroaig Whisky (@Laphroaig) September 8, 2022
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen but remain grateful for her lifelong dedication to service. She was an example to us all,”
– Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director pic.twitter.com/kV77hbLxo1
— Kilchoman Distillery (@Kilchomanwhisky) September 9, 2022
We are saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A remarkable woman who will be remembered for her strength, dedication and service. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time. pic.twitter.com/UxKhErLxs2
— BRUICHLADDICH DISTILLERY (@Bruichladdich) September 9, 2022