Distributor Swift + Moore Beverages has added Ian Macleod Distillers to itsgrowing range of spirits brands.
Swift + Moore will distribute Ian Macleod’s flagship spirits: Glengoyne single malt, Tamdhu single malt, Edinburgh Gin and the Smokehead range of Islay single malts. Smokehead, Glengoyne and Tamdhu are currently the only Scotch single malts in the Swift + Moore stable.
Michael McShane, CEO of Swift + Moore Beverages, said: “We could not be prouder to distribute Ian Macleod Distillers’ whiskies and gins in Australia.”
“The four spirits, each with its own personality and striking appeal, make an impactful addition to the range that we offer. We have no doubt that they will draw a crowd of Australian whisky and gin drinkers – some curious, some knowledgeable, and all rewarded when they purchase.”
This expansion to Swift + Moore’s portfolio comes as its 125th anniversary approaches. The brand was founded in 1897 as an importing business. It has since diversified, becoming one of Australia’s foremost wine and spirits traders, and entering the sales, marketing and “brand incubation” space.
Ian Macleod remains an independent, family-owned firm, now in its third generation. The company has risen to become the world’s 10th largest Scotch whisky company, selling over 15 million spirits bottles each year.
Ian Macleod is particularly well known in the whisky business for its Glengoyne distillery. Found just inside the Highland region of Scotch whisky, Glengoyne is said to be the “slowest distilled whisky in Scotland”.
The distillery’s senior brand manager, Katy Muggeridge, said that “for every minute other whiskies spend in the still, ours spends three.” Bottled free from artificial colouration, Glengoyne whisky is often matured in sherry casks for a rich, fruity flavour.
Despite dating back to 1833, Glengoyne is still capable of innovation, as shown by its move to using recycled and locally sourced packaging in 2020, with Muggeridge saying: “As one of Scotland’s greenest distilleries, it was extremely important to us that our commitment to sustainability was reflected in the new packaging”.
Ian Macleod is also well-established in the premium gin market, with their small batch Edinburgh Gin brand dating back to 2010. Distilled in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Gin now has a wide range of expressions, including several flavoured options.
Ian Macleod Distillers’ spirits will be distributed to the on-premise and to specialist whisky retailers.
