Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) has expanded its Speciality Malt Collection with the launch of The White Cask Speyside and Shieldaig Highland single malts in UK travel retail. Both are available at all World Duty Free (Dufry) stores, while The White Cask is also offered at Lagardère Travel Retail’s UK stores.
The launches were supported by month-long activations at the London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 Digital Bar and London Luton Airport Discovery Bar. Travellers could sample the spirits and learn more about the brands by interacting with digital screens.
Exclusively available in travel retail for two years, The White Cask brand takes its name from the North American white oak (quercus alba) used to make bourbon barrels. The expression is accessibly-priced and positioned as a stepping-stone for the single malt category.
The White Cask First Fill Edition is an ongoing travel retail-exclusive expression, matured in First Fill Bourbon Barrels, featuring notes of sweet fruits and buttery toast. It has a recommended retail price of £39 and is bottled at 41.1% ABV.
Shieldaig American Oak Reserve is a triple cask matured expression exclusive to travel retail. It takes its name from the village of Shieldaig (‘Loch of Herring’), which is regarded as one of Scotland’s most picturesque locales.
Smooth and refined, the expression is matured in American oak casks resulting in vanilla, honeyed and citrus-led flavours. The Shieldaig American Oak Reserve 1L has a recommended retail price of £36 and is bottled at 40% ABV.
Ian Macleod Distillers Global Travel Retail Director William Ovens said, “There has been a very positive reaction to Shieldaig and The White Cask since the launch last month. These are modern interpretations of classic single malts at affordable price points which fill a gap in the category; we are excited about the opportunity they present.” ✈
