Glenfarclas re-enters GTR with Ian Macleod
J & G Grant-owned Glenfarclas Distillery has partnered with Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) to re-enter global travel retail (GTR).
Glenfarclas stopped distributing its single malts to the channel in the early 2020s.
The distillery’s whiskies have re-entered the duty-free space in partnership with IMD, which will represent Glenfarclas alongside its own brand portfolio.
The new partnership is viewed as a natural extension of the existing strategic relationship between J & G Grant and IMD, since both companies are long-term co-owners of ‘Scotland’s largest independent bottler’, Broxburn Bottlers, located just outside Edinburgh.
William Ovens, head of GTR at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Glenfarclas is hugely respected and highly rated by discerning single malt drinkers and a fantastic addition to our portfolio.
“This joint venture creates an even stronger portfolio of multi-award-winning super premium single malts, now comprising Glengoyne Highland single malt, Tamdhu Speyside single malt, Rosebank Lowland single malt, Smokehead Islay single malt and, of course, Glenfarclas Highland single malt.
Ovens continued: “Through our extensive distribution network, we supply all international regions and just about all multi-national travel retail operators and many regional operators. We are confident that, given the scale of Glenfarclas and its loyal following, the brand will prove to be a real hit with our extensive customer base.”
IMD’s travel retail team has collaborated with J & G Grant to create a special range for the travel retail sector.
The collection features two new expressions exclusively designed for the GTR market: the Glenfarclas 11-year-old, priced at £49.99 (US$68) for a one-litre bottle, and the Glenfarclas 16-year-old, which has a recommended selling price of £79.99 (US$109) for a 700ml bottle.
The new expressions are available at a slightly higher ABV of 46%, compared to domestic bottlings, at natural colour and without chill filtration.
The new releases are joined in GTR by the distillery’s Glenfarclas 105, offered in a one-litre bottle priced at £69.99 (US$96), and the Glenfarclas 35-year-old for £765 (US$1,045).
Additionally, a selection of single casks will be released in the channel to complete the lineup.
J & G Grant’s head of sales, Duncan Grant, commented: “Glenfarclas is more than whisky, it’s a celebration of Scottish craftsmanship. We are excited to embark on this venture with Ian Macleod Distillers.
“As family-owned whisky businesses, we share many similar values and look forward to the extension of our very positive relationship to the GTR channel and the opportunities the agreement will present to our valued customers.”
Last month, SB visited the Glenfarclas Distillery and attended the unveiling of its 70-year-old single malt.
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