Loch Lomond Group showcased its whiskies, including two new travel retail expressions, alongside The Open Claret Jug golf trophy at the Viking Line Whisky Fair held from 14 to 16 February.
Viking Line describes the event as the world’s largest floating whisky fair. The ferry operator offers three identical departures where over 550 whisk(e)y brands are presented, as well as exclusive chocolate, cigars and Champagne lines.
The Claret Jug is presented to the winner of The Open Championship. It was spotlighted as the Loch Lomond brand enters its second year as the official Spirit of the Open and Women’s British Open golf tournaments.
The Scotch whisky producer also showcased two new travel retail exclusives for its Glen Scotia and Littlemill brands. The Glen Scotia Vintage 1991 and Littlemill Vintage 1992 were featured as part of a sampling master class, delivered by Brand Ambassador Ibon Mendiguren.
The Viking Line event took place onboard the M/S Cinderella, featuring on three 24-hour return sailings from Stockholm to Mariehamn, capital of the Åland Islands (under Finnish sovereignty).
Travellers could sample Loch Lomond expressions including the 19yo Loch Lomond Open Course Royal Portrush, which was created in partnership with the 2011 Open Champion and Loch Lomond Whiskies Brand Ambassador Darren Clarke.
A Loch Lomond vintage 1999, which was created in honour of golf ambassador Paul Lawrie (who won the Open in that year), was also featured.
Loch Lomond Group Managing Director Global Travel Retail André de Almeida said: “As we returned to the Viking Line Whisky Fair for the third consecutive year, we did so as the official Spirit of The Open; a unique position which allowed us to bring more than just our range of premium Scotch whiskies.
“To have the iconic Claret Jug showcased at our stand was an incredible sight for those onboard the ship.”
De Almeida said the Viking Line fair represented a good opportunity to showcase the group’s whisky brands to an expanding Nordic market. The fair also marked the beginning of Loch Lomond’s 2019 golf activations, which include the 148th Open at Portrush in Northern Ireland, from 14 to 21 July.
