Beam Suntory has launched a new blended Scotch combining malt whiskies from the Highlands, Lowlands and Islands regions of Scotland - named the Ardray.

The new blend is described as a "new interpretation" of blended Scotch, and was created in partnership between Beam Suntory's chief blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, and the Suntory's blending team.

This was the result of having tested nearly 200 different whisky combinations before finalising on the blend recipe that includes both malt and grain whiskies.

The blend draws on the Scotch distilleries belonging to the Beam Suntory portfolio, as well as from its partner Edrington, all of which spans across distilleries such as Bowmore, Laphroaig, Macallan, Glenrothes and Highland Park.

“In creating Ardray, we have combined an exceptional selection of the very best Scotch whisky has to offer with the inspiring talent of Suntory’s blending team to create something new, refreshing and exciting.

The time, care and attention to detail taken to source both malt and grain whiskies from some of Scotland’s most noted distilleries has allowed us to explore hundreds of blends of Scotch malt and grain whiskies to achieve Ardray’s optimum balance of multi-layered flavours.

Ardray promises a rich and complex taste, with a distinctive harmony of flavours: a mild, gently floral, and citrusy fruitiness, with a vanilla custard creaminess and a rich, silky mouthfeel and lengthy aftertaste that is unmatched.”

- Calum Fraser, Chief Blender for Scotch, Beam Suntory

The first batch, bottled at 48% ABV, will see 2,000 nine-litre casese distributed across London, Shanghai, Los Angeles and New York, before a wider global rollout. It is priced at an RRP of 60 GBP or US$80.

Images courtesy of Beam Suntory.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team