Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) will unveil three single malt Scotch whiskies at the upcoming TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes – Tamdhu Cuatro Reserva, Tamdhu 46 Year Old and Rosebank Remarkable Casks Collection Release One.
Another highlight at the IMD stand (Red Village K22) will be Edinburgh Gin with a new look to be launched in travel retail early next year. The revamped packaging and branding includes a new bottle, marking the first change since IMD took ownership of Edinburgh Gin in 2016.
IMD Global Travel Retail Director William Ovens said, “We have been enjoying positive momentum for our single malts Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Rosebank – so much so that demand now exceeds supply for the existing expressions.
“We have particularly seen success in Asia Pacific and undertaken several projects and activations with leading operators. The new releases from Rosebank and Tamdhu allow us to maintain this momentum and build the luxury franchise in global travel retail.”
IMD is launching the Remarkable Casks Collection – the first in a limited-edition series from Rosebank Lowland Single Malt Distillery. Release One is 31 Years Old (ABV 46.8%) and it has been crafted from a vatting of five hand-selected casks. The 700 bottles of the expression are exclusive to travel retail and the recommended retail price for its 70cl bottle is £2,500 (US$3,067.56).
Tamdhu 46 Years Old (ABV 46%) is also exclusive to the channel and it is a single cask bottling from the New Dedication Collection which will officially be launched in early 2024. It comes from Tamdhu’s rarest sherry casks and only 100 bottles of the expression will be available worldwide.
The spirit is bottled in a hand-blown, cut crystal decanter which is placed inside a wood and brushed metal octagonal box and leather case. The 70cl bottle will be available for £16,000 (US$19632.40).
Another expression from the Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Distillery that will be launched next year is Cuatro Reserva. It celebrates the distillery’s commitment to maturing exclusively in rare oloroso sherry oak casks.
Tamdhu Cuatro Reserva (ABV 41.2%) aims to create an accessible entry point for the Tamdhu luxury portfolio. Distillery Manager Sandy McIntyre selected four oloroso sherry cask types from Tamdhu’s traditional dunnage warehouses.
First-fill sherry casks were matched with refill sherry casks, and the fruity profile of American oak casks complements the spiciness of European oak casks. The expression’s 70cl bottle has a recommended retail price of £76.99 (US$94.35).
The central product focus for Edinburgh Gin will be its new Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn flavour; which will be available from December following a period of customer exclusivity. Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn (ABV 40%) has been handcrafted with traditional gin botanicals mixed with notes of strawberry and balanced with sweet and spicy pink peppercorns.
The expression won the Best Berry Flavoured Gin at the Scottish Gin Awards 2022 and a Gold at The Spirits Business Travel Retail Masters 2023.
Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn, priced at £33.50 (US$41.05), complements the existing full-strength gins including Rhubarb & Ginger, Orange & Basil, Classic and Seaside. The flavour range also features three Edinburgh Gin liqueurs – Rhubarb & Ginger, Raspberry and Elderflower.
Ovens added: “Edinburgh Gin is the number one super premium gin in UK travel retail and our star performer this year. We are extremely excited about rolling out the stunning new packaging, which will take the brand to the next level; within this we are sure the new Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn will be a huge hit with both existing and new partners.
“We are really looking forward to TFWA World Exhibition, and discussions with customers and business partners. We are particularly excited about our launch into Americas travel retail, in partnership with Distribution Spirits Company (DISC).
“We identified the Americas as a significant opportunity a few years ago and now, with DISC, we are in a good place to move forward in this important region. We are hoping our brands will gather similar momentum there to that which we now enjoy in Asia Pacific.” ✈
