Scotland’s Lochlea Distillery has appointed SipWell Brands as the global travel retail distribution affiliate for its range of single malt whiskies.
The arrangement is set to take effect immediately and will see Lochlea launch a channel-exclusive release, named ‘Roaming Barley’. The company said the deal will “support the distillery’s growth and awareness in international markets”.
The new iteration is a single malt matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and -oloroso sherry casks, with an ABV of 46%. It joins the pre-existing portfolio of ‘Our Barley’ as well as a seasonal release of four expressions called the ‘Sowing Edition’.
Founded in 2019, SipWell is a sales, marketing and distribution drinks agency which represents brands including Hine Cognac, Lind & Lime Gin, Mirabeau Wines and The Lost Explorer’s mezcal and tequilas as well as Nc’nean, Stauning, Fable, Isle of Harris, Two Stacks and Kilchoman scotch whiskies.
Lochlea MD Neil McGeoch said this is “the right time for us to work with the team at SipWell to build our profile and availability in the travel channel globally”.
According to new figures this week from The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), total scotch exports saw a near-4% rise in volumes but also a similar dip in value in the twelve months of 2024.
