The Scotch whisky industry is a diverse and complex beast, consisting of companies large and small. Amongst the whisky enthusiasts’ community, attention can often focus on the big players (e.g. Diageo, Pernod Ricard / Chivas, etc), or there are some smaller players that attract a healthy slice of the spotlight (e.g. J. A. Mitchell & Co of Springbank fame, or J. & G. Grant of Glenfarclas renown, etc). Meanwhile, there are some medium-sized operations that quietly yet effectively keep ticking over and grow their space. Ian Macleod Distillers is one such company. Ian Macleod Distillers’ portfolio of distilleries and brands – which includes Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank, and Smokehead – are not whiskies that punch above their weight. Rather, they are whiskies whose impressive weight is perhaps still to be fully appreciated.
The process of better understanding and appreciating three of those brands, at least in Australia, began this month with a visit to these shores by Gordon Dundas, Global Ambassador for Ian Macleod Distillers. With a renewed focus on showcasing Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead through established drinks distributor, Swift and Moore, Dundas was in town to give insight into the character and nuances of these single malt whiskies. But first, some background…
Continue reading “Ian Macleod Distillers – The malts of Tamdhu, Glengoyne, and Smokehead”