Ian Macleod Distillers is introducing three new blended whiskies within its King Robert II portfolio this month. This includes its first age-statement whiskies, one of which is a travel retail exclusive.
The new expressions are King Robert II 8 Year Old (a travel retail exclusive), King Robert II 12 Year Old and King Robert II Sherry Cask Finish.
The Sherry Cask expression is launching exclusively in travel retail with the distiller’s long-term partner, Duty Free Trading Latvija, a leading border store and airport operator in Eastern Europe, a key region for King Robert II sales. The existing King Robert II Treble Cask Matured blended whisky completes the four-strong line-up of whiskies.
King Robert II 8 Year Old (RRP €19.90 for one litre), along with being aged for eight years, has a higher malt content than most blends “and is designed for value shoppers looking for something special,” said the brand owner.
The flagship expression, King Robert II 12 Year Old (RRP €27.90 for one litre), is “an aspirational blend for existing King Robert II drinkers and offers a new proposition at a very attractive price point within a highly popular segment”.
King Robert II Sherry Cask (RRP €19.90 for one litre) has been finished for six months in sherry casks, offering “a rich flavour at a value price point”.
King Robert II is the best-selling value blended Scotch in travel retail, noted the distiller, with strongholds in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The launches coincide with the introduction of a brand refresh across the King Robert II range, which also includes vodka, gin, white rum and dark rum.
Ian Macleod Distillers Global Travel Retail Director William Ovens said: “King Robert II is Ian Macleod Distillers’ top selling brand within global travel retail and we are absolutely thrilled to have launched the new look packaging and three stunning new expressions, which we are confident will add variety and value to the blended Scotch whisky category.”
