Small is bountiful

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillery
Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillery

CRAFT manufacturing is becoming important in many parts of the drinks business including whisky.
At Isle of Arran Distillery managing director Euan Mitchell said the firm was looking forward to Christmas and had been working hard on marketing and PR efforts since summer.
“Whisky is enjoying a renaissance and small, independent distilleries in particular are being recognised by consumers seeking a brand with a provenance out of reach of the bigger brands,” he said.
“It’s important to consider a range of price points in order to cater to a variety of budgets. Limited editions or more unusual bottlings will attract consumers seeking a gift option or a festive party drink. Our Arran Malt Port Cask Finish, with its warm festive tones offers an interesting alternative to the core range of single malts.
“Fractional sizes should be a key part of any Christmas marketing strategy.
“Launched in time for last Christmas, the stunning Arran Single Malt gift packs contain three 5cl samples of our 10, 12 and 14 year old single malts. Presented in a beautiful gift tin and priced at £18.99 RRP, it has proved to be a very popular gift option.”

The Arran Malt gift pack
The Arran Malt gift pack

AnCnoc 12 year old , entry point to a full range of anCnoc expressions.
AnCnoc 12 year old , entry point to a full range of anCnoc expressions.
• International Beverage reckons it has a range of AnCnoc malt whiskies of different ages, characters and prices that will meet almost any whisky lover’s gift needs.
From AnCnoc 12 year old, which it describes as an ideal bourbon and sherry cask influenced entry malt at an RRP of £34, the range goes through peaty AnCnoc Rascan at £52, spicy AnCnoc 22 year old at £90, to the limited-edition 1975 Vintage anCnoc at £300.

• R&B Distillers Distillery on Raasay is currently under development. Meanwhile the firm has launched a single malt whisky with what it expects to be a similar taste profile – called While We Wait.