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Duncan Taylor unveils whisky for MND research
Independent bottler Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has partnered with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
The blended Scotch whisky, called Number 868, is named in honour of the late Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir OBE. He was diagnosed with MND in 2016 at the age of 46, six years before his passing in 2022.
Weir was the 868th player to be chosen for the national Scottish rugby team, in which he went on to play 61 matches. The release features Weir’s distinctive tartan on the label, created by Genoa Black.
The whisky’s barley colour is matched on the palate by notes of fruits and a ‘fresh, crisp and sweet balance of flavours.’
Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “It’s well documented that Doddie loved a dram, and it’s a very special moment for the Foundation to release its first core whisky product in partnership with Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky.
“Every bottle of Number 868 whisky bought will move us closer to finding effective treatments and one day a cure for motor neuron disease. We hope everyone who purchases a bottle will raise a dram in Doddie’s memory, knowing they’ve played a part in helping move us closer to achieving his vision, a world free of MND.”
The charity and Duncan Taylor started a partnership last year, with the whisky bottler sponsoring various fundraising events, including Kenny Logan’s epic challenge to raise £555,555 (US$705,260).
Logan, along with a host of celebrities, undertook a 700-mile walk and cycle from Murrayfield Stadium to the Stade De France in Paris to deliver the match ball for the Scotland versus Ireland game.
Kevin Alston, marketing manager for Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, commented: “We’re proud to have supported the charity donating over £30,000 (US$38,100) so far to help fund research to find a cure for MND. We felt there was an opportunity to get more involved this year by creating a dram that we think Doddie would have approved, where every purchase supports the Foundation.
“This is a phenomenal blend to kick things off. We look forward to continuing to work with the foundation into 2025, where the plan is to launch more whiskies next year so that we can continue highlighting Doddie’s legacy while at the same time raising vital funds.”
Offered at 40% ABV, Number 868 is available online at £47 (US$60) for a 700ml bottle, exclusively through The Spirits Embassy.
In September, Scottish actor Ewan McGregor auctioned 150 bottles of 26-year-old Lochranza single malt to support Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Last month, glassmaker Glencairn launched a collection of crime fiction short stories by up-and-coming authors with proceeds – leading up to Christmas – being donated to Maggie’s, a UK-based cancer care charity.
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