Scotch whiskies linked with celebrities
From actors and athletes to iconic musicians – there are many who share our love for Scotch whisky. Read below as we explore multiple celebrities who have established their own companies, formed collaborations or have even bagged a spot as a brand ambassador.
The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky: Sam Heughan
The Sassenach was launched in 2020 by Sam Heughan, recognised for his portrayal of Jamie Fraser in the popular Scottish series, Outlander. The whisky pays homage to the picturesque landscapes of the Highlands and gives a nod to his character (Jamie Fraser) on the show. ‘Sassenach’, which can be a derogatory name for an outsider/English person in Scottish Gaelic, was alternatively used as a term of endearment for Jamie Fraser’s wife: “I think, you know, aren’t we all ‘the Sassenach’? And anyone that’s not from Scotland should feel welcome here.” (Sam Heughan via The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Sam Heughan sought to create ‘something uniquely Scottish’. In doing so, he embarked on a road trip to meet with distillers and producers across the country before joining forces with Master Blender, Michael Henry of Loch Lomond Distillery. Since this journey, The Sassenach has gone on to receive glowing recognition, including winning the ‘Master’ title at The Luxury Masters awards for the Blended Ultra-premium 2022.
The Sassenach blends a 9 and 12-year-old single malt with a 19-year-old organic grain whisky and is finished in Madeira wine barrels. Expect a fusion of butterscotch, fresh citrus and warming spices.
Available in our Whisky Bar and Whisky Shop.
Haig Club Single Grain Whisky: David Beckham
Haig Whisky is one of the oldest Scotch whiskies in the world, dating as far back as 1824. Exactly 190 years later, Haig Club was introduced by drinks company, Diageo, in collaboration with British footballer, David Beckham, and former manager of The Spice Girls, Simon Fuller in 2014.
Haig Club aims to convert ‘a new generation of younger drinker’, encouraging newcomers to experiment with mixing and cocktails.
Described as a ‘versatile’ and ‘easy-drinking’ single grain Scotch whisky, it is distilled at Diageo’s Cameronbridge Distillery where it matures in ex-American bourbon casks.
Smooth and sweet with hints of gingerbread, vanilla and burnt wood.
Glenmorangie: Harrison Ford
Acclaimed actor, Harrison Ford has become the new face of Glenmorangie. Praised for his roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, the 82-year-old experiments with an off-script, unconventional style for Glenmorangie’s latest project.
Filmed across the Scottish Highlands, the campaign captures the stunning landscapes of Loch Glass, Ardross Castle and Glenmorangie’s distillery in Tain. Each episode is directed by filmmaker and actor, Joel Edgerton with the goal to showcase the craftmanship that goes into producing Glenmorangie’s single malt whisky.
The historic distillery was established in 1842, when William Matheson and his wife, Anne, embarked on building a distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Glenmorangie was named after the serene land Matheson cherished, translating to ‘Valley of Tranquillity’ in Scottish Gaelic. Together, they helped to lay the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the most famous Scotch whisky distilleries around the world.
You can watch the episodes alongside behind the scenes footage on Glenmorangie’s website.
Multiple editions of Glenmorangie can be found in our Whisky Bar and Whisky Shop.
Jack and Victor Whisky: Ford Kierman and Greg Hemphill
This blended Scotch whisky pays homage to Scotland’s favourite onscreen duo, Jack Jarvis Esq and Victor McDade of Still Game. As best pals, they venture through their twilight years together in the fictional town of Craiglang, Glasgow.
Launched by actors, Ford Kierman and Greg Hemphill, this blended Scotch whisky is bottled at Loch Lomond Distillery, featuring honeyed orchard fruits and sweet, malted barley, with a delicate, peat smokiness.
Commenting on the 2021 release, Jack Jarvis Esq, announced: “For too many years we’d been drinking that muck they sell in The Clansman, so we decided it’s about time we make our own dram.” (The Scotsman)
Lagavulin: Nick Offerman
Lagavulin first teamed up with actor, Nick Offerman in 2019 to launch a series of Scotch whiskies. Offerman who is best known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, shares his characters’ love for the Islay distillery. Next time you tune in, you’ll catch Ron frequently drinking a Lagavulin 16!
Speaking on the initial release, Offerman dedicated countless hours with Distillery Manager, Colin Gordon, “parsing the alchemy for a new, limited-edition whisky.” As a result, ‘Lagavulin Offerman Editon 11 year old Single Malt Whisky’ was born. This limited-edition bottling aimed to capture the signature peatiness of Lagavulin, whilst showcasing flavours of sweet berries and orchard fruits.
Other releases over the years have included: Lagavulin Offerman Edition Charred Oak Cask 11 year old and more recently, Lagavulin Offerman Edition Caribbean Rum Cask Finish 11 year old.
Currently, these single malts are only available to purchase oversees however, a range of Lagavulin bottlings are available to buy in our Whisky Shop and Whisky Bar, including this Lagavulin 8 year old – just ask one of our staff members!
Wolfie’s Blended Scotch Whisky – Rod Stewart
Established by Sir Rod Stewart, Wolfie’s is a blended Scotch whisky that is crafted to reflect his rock ‘n’ roll legacy whilst embracing subtle elements of Americana. In doing so, it draws inspiration from the musician’s early days with the Faces.
Additionally, Wolfie’s pays homage to Sir Rod’s Scottish Heritage, and in relation to his roots, the 1991 track, ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ was transformed to embody the traditional folk tune, Loch Lomond. This very lyric can be found on the bottle’s base!
Distilled at Loch Lomond Distillery, Wolfie’s combines a single malt whisky and a wheat grain whisky, before maturing in charred bourbon casks. Anticipate flavours of cinnamon, vanilla and baked apple alongside delicate notes of sweet peat and pears in syrup. The taste is finished off with citrus peel and oak spice.