Beam Suntory is preparing the worldwide release of a new blended Scotch whisky brand, positioned as a “digital-first” concept.
Ardray, which was registered as a trademark with the US Patent & Trademark Office in August 2021, comprises malt and grain whiskies sourced from distilleries in three of Scotland’s Scotch-producing regions, Highlands, Islands and Lowlands. Sitting in the “ultra-premium” price bracket, the 48%-ABV brand is now on sale online through its branded website, with around 2,000 nine-litre cases split between on- and off-premise outlets – as well as via e-commerce – in London, Los Angeles, New York and Shanghai.
A 70cl bottle carries an SRP of GBP60 [US$75] with a 2x5cl “Experience Pack” costing GBP20 in the four cities. Wider global availability is set for the coming weeks.
“Drawing from just a handful of the finest Scotch distilleries from Beam Suntory, … producer of renowned whiskies including Bowmore, Laphroaig, Yamazaki and Hibiki, and our partners at Edrington (owners of The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park), this blended Scotch whisky celebrates the role of terroir and the production traditions of Scotland’s distilleries that define each of their unique spirit character,” Beam said.
Earlier this year, the company extended the reach of multi-nation whisky brand Ao beyond its launch markets of Japan and Global Travel Retail.
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