Three winning distilleries c-store retailers should look at
THE Scottish Grocer team highlight winning and premium-end whiskies from three different distillers – Raer, Jura and Glenmorangie – that convenience store owners should consider stocking ahead of Burns Night.
Whisky wins far from Raer
INDEPENDENT and family-owned distiller RAER found triumph in the Scottish Whisky Awards this year with its RAER Pedro Ximenez Expression crowned the best blended Scotch in the world.
This marks the second year running where the distillery, at Jackton, East Kilbride, has picked up this prestigious award, after RAER previously won with its RAER Olorosso Expression.
Further to its win this year, the RAER Pedro Ximenez also picked up a gold gong on the evening.
Noted for its “unique profile”, according to the firm, RAER Pedro Ximenez combines flavours of oak with candied sherry to help deliver a blended and sophisticated drinking experience.
Launched in summer 2023, the blended whisky was matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks from the Jerez de la Frontera region of Spain, known for its sherries and a popular tourist attraction, ‘The Sherry Triangle’, for sherry distilleries.
Jaynie Kean, director at RAER, said: “The Scottish Whisky Awards is a benchmark of excellence, and winning the Gold Medal, again, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality.
“The RAER Pedro Ximenez Expression is a harmonious blend that combines the richness of first fill Pedro Ximenez casks with the distinctive character of RAER’s Original Blend. This award is a recognition of our team’s passion and dedication.”
Stock a winner with Jura
WHEN it comes to Burns celebrations, stocking a tried and tested range of whiskies will be the solution for plenty of consumers this year.
Whyte & Mackay reckons its Jura label can provide this in spades for retailers as the brand gears up for Burns Night celebrations across the country.
Offering a range that covers all whisky drinkers, from entry-level options to more unique drams, Whyte & Mackay said its Jura range will help retailers to drive up sales in time for the special occasion.
Matt Sinclair, commercial director UK & Ireland at Whyte & Mackay, said: “For malt whisky, stocking a range from a well-known and recognisable brand should be considered, to capitalise on the occasion and the consumer desire to increase spend.
“Jura, the UK’s number one single malt whisky offers a range of products suitable for wherever the consumer may be on their whisky journey.
“From the entry-level Bourbon Cask, to the newly launched Pale Ale Cask, to aged expressions including 10-Year-Old and 18-Year-Old, there is a single malt – and a serve, to suit this season and beyond.”
Premium offering from Glenmorangie
CONSUMERS looking to push out the boat this year for the whisky cabinet will turn to the premium end of the price spectrum in stores.
For those consumers, bringing in special or limited editions could appeal but, with whisky, it can be a matter of age.
And that’s the hope with Glenmorangie’s new release – Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old.
Coming with an RRP of £130 and a 43% ABV, this could make a fine addition to any whisky collector’s shelf to help celebrate this coming Burns Night.
Dr Bill Lumsden, director of whisky creation at Glenmorangie, said: “For me, Glenmorangie Infinita encapsulates every element of our house style in perfect harmony and is our most deliciously complex creation.
“A favourite with whisky lovers old and new, it seamlessly unites subtle sherry-cask hints and woody notes from its great age with our distillery’s signature soft and fruity character.
“The result is a beautifully balanced single malt so multi-layered it’s as if you are drinking from a different whisky every time.”
