Australian-owned Scotch whisky Pure Scot has released a new edition to its growing range of premium blended whiskies.

A smoky and contemporary expression has been designed with Australian bartenders in mind – Pure Scot says peated Scotch whisky as the unsung hero of the cocktail world and Midnight Peat was created to elevate classic and modern whisky-based drinks.

Like all of the Pure Scot range, including the multiple award-winning Pure Scot Signature and Pure Scot Virgin Oak, Midnight Peat’s warm smoky, sweet notes won’t overwhelm the palate.

The whisky was crafted at the 204-year-old Bladnoch Distillery in the Scottish Lowlands, which was purchased in 2015 by Australian entrepreneur David Prior (above).

Acclaimed Master Distiller Nick Savage, who joined Bladnoch from The Macallan in 2019, is at the helm of Bladnoch and was the driving force behind the creation of Midnight Peat, which takes Pure Scot’s signature blend and finishes it off in flavourful ex-peated Bladnoch barrels for six to nine months.

According to Savage, this kiss of peat is enough for the smokiness to shine through in cocktails and satiate the peat lovers, but not overpower the refreshing notes of honey, ginger and citrus.

“Pure Scot’s approach is to innovate around drinking occasions in life,” he said. “By introducing a peated finish, Midnight Peat was developed and designed to add a further aspect to those occasions.

“The peated finish was carefully monitored to allow for character to be a subtle build on the style of Pure Scot signature yet allow for a completely different dimension.”

Pure Scot Midnight Peat, RRP $79.99, is available to order now through Iconic Beverages and The Beverage Company and is available to purchase from independent retailers, on premise only and direct from www.purescot.com

Bladnoch looks to international growth

Bladnoch is targeting international growth after securing a £10 million loan earlier this month from HSBC.

Australia, Israel, China, United States and parts of Europe are all on the list for further expansion. The loan will also be used to improve the distillery’s energy efficiency through technology upgrades, as well as maintenance and improvement works on Bladnoch’s grounds and warehouses.

“While trading conditions have been challenging in the face of Brexit and COVID-19, we’ve managed to grow through this period and the business is now in a place where it can explore new opportunities to increase our international sales and reputation,” Savage said.

“HSBC UK understands the real value of whisky stocks and products, not just the financial value. It means they are well placed to understand our vision and plans for future growth.”

Allan Jackson, corporate banking director in Scotland at HSBC, added: “It is no secret that the whisky sector is hugely important to the Scottish economy, with worldwide appeal for its products. We’re delighted to support Bladnoch as it continues to improve and grow its business operations, tapping into new markets where demand is increasing.”

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