Global premium drinks specialist SipWell Brands has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Scotland’s most westerly distillery, Isle of Barra Distillers.
The agreement takes immediate effect, making the distiller’s premium spirits available in global travel retail, with a significant presence at key airports across the USA, Thailand and China.
Founded in 2017, the family distillery is renowned for its signature rippled glass bottles inspired by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the coast of the Outer Hebridean island.
The spirits company’s key expressions include the Atlantic Gin, Island Dark Rum and Hebridean Vodka.
Isle of Barra Distillers has established a presence in North America, various Asian markets and across mainland Europe with its product range.
The distiller joins SipWell Brand’s strong premium spirits brand portfolio, including HINE Cognac, Lind & Lime Gin, Nc’nean, Stauning, Fable, Two Stacks and Kilchoman whiskies.
Crafted by the sea, Isle of Barra products feature a blend of 17 botanicals sourced from the remote, windswept island. Among these is the distillery’s signature hand-foraged carrageen seaweed, which imparts a distinctive balance of savoury and sweet flavours, complemented by a hint of salty air.
The distillery is co-owned by husband and wife team Michael and Katie Morrison, who met at school at the age of 15. After leaving the island in their teens to further their studies, they eventually returned, driven by a love for spirits and a dream of building their business on Barra.
Isle of Barra Distillers Co-Founder & Managing Director Michael Morrison said: “We are already in the likes of Australia, Singapore, Japan, India, parts of Canada and Taiwan – and getting some rave reviews we are ready to drive the international distribution.
“The team at Sipwell not only have the perfect experience in managing high-end spirits in global travel retail, but they totally get the pretty unique island life to the West of Scotland’s mainland. They know how important our authenticity, attention to detail and belief in the future of this island home are to us all.”
Sipwell Brands Co-owner Andrew Torrance added: “The incredible growth that Michael and Katie have generated for their spirits in less than a decade is nothing short of miraculous. These are extremely interesting spirits with distinct flavour profiles and beautifully presented.
“We know their love for single malt and how excited the entire Hebridean islands are for the new distillery centre. Like everything they do as a business, it will be of the highest quality and we know how much it will give back to the island and people of Barra – from jobs and community pride to investment back into the community.” ✈
