Douglas Laing split their independent bottling company in two.
“The Scotch whisky industry is in great shape at the moment and this presents each of us with the perfect opportunity to diversify and explore different projects with the next generation of our families.” – Thus the brothers Laing in a joint statement regarding the Douglas Laing split. The independent bottling company started by their father in 1949 is now two separate companies.
Stewart Laing has taken an equal portion of the assets to form Hunter Laing & Co., with his sons, Scott and Andrew. The new company opened for trading May 2 at their headquarters in Park Circus, Glasgow. There they will continue to offer the Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Sovereign, John Player Special and Douglas Blend.
“With the industry fast developing, it’s important for small players to be flexible, innovate and use their relationships to maximum effect. The structure of Hunter Laing & Co will allow us to do exactly that as we build momentum with our portfolio of much-loved brands.” sources quoted the senior Lang as saying.
Brother Fred has realized his career ambitions by taking full control of Douglas Laing, which retains production of many labels such as Big Peat, Double Barrel, their King of Scots, and Epicurean Blend, as well as the upscale Director’s Cut and Premier Barrel ranges.
As part of the reorganization, Lang’s daughter Cara has been brought in as Head of Brands Marketing where she will focus on innovation and brand strategy. She brings considerable experience after serving at Morrison Bowmore as Marketing Manager during the successful makeovers of Bowmore and Glen Garioch. Previously, she gained experience at Whyte and Mackay, where she was Global Brand Manager of Jura.
“Douglas Laing has a long and interesting history; one that I’m delighted to officially be part of now. The company’s reputation has been built on being individual, never following the crowd and always insisting upon the best quality. Dad has been a massive inspiration to me as the driving force behind Douglas Laing, so I’m looking forward to working with him, strengthening the characteristics and brands that he introduced and emphasising our progressive, original spirit through clever marketing and strategic development.”
Her proud papa will continue to personally select the casks for Douglas Laing bottlings. Other key team members remain in place, including Head of Logistics Archie Hamilton, Head of Production Stephen Gardiner, and Finance Director Alick Bisset. Future appointments should follow in the coming months.
Congratulations and good luck on a successful expansion, as the Brothers Laing now forge separate companies that will offer their respective families a growing part of their shared legacy!
In the words of Fred and Stewart Laing, “As drinkers around the world expand their whisky repertoire and seek out new flavours, the opportunities for niche players will flourish. Our commitment is to creating a solid business for the next generation of our families and the business structures now in place allow us to capitalise on the opportunities the market place provides for their long-term benefit.”
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