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In 2026,
Douglas Laing & Co.’s third-generation
Managing Director Cara Laing celebrates
twenty years in the Scotch whisky
industry. The milestone reflects both
her personal journey and the continued
evolution of the Glasgow based,
family-owned independent bottler, whose
commitment to quality, authenticity and
traditional whisky-making has remained
steadfast since 1948.
Douglas Laing &
Co. reaches an important milestone in
2026 as third-generation Managing
Director Cara Laing celebrates twenty
years in the whisky industry. The
anniversary marks not only two decades
of her professional journey but also the
continued evolution of a family-owned
independent bottler that has remained
firmly dedicated to whisky integrity
since 1948.
For Cara, the company’s story began with
childhood memories shaped by her
grandfather’s world. Casks, samples and
stories were part of everyday life and
formed the backdrop of Douglas Laing’s
culture. Over time, those early
impressions developed into a career that
broadened her outlook and strengthened
her understanding of brand building, the
broader trade and the responsibility
that comes with safeguarding quality.
Reflecting on those formative years, she
notes how gaining experience outside the
family business offered valuable
perspective on industry pace,
competition and the importance of
earning trust, all while maintaining the
principles that define Douglas Laing.
The chance to officially join the family
company became a pivotal moment. What
had once been the family business became
her chosen industry, one she would
dedicate herself to over the long term.
From that point forward, her role has
centred on balancing heritage with
ambition and honouring legacy while
embracing innovation.
Over the past twenty years, the whisky
category has undergone significant
change. It has become increasingly
informed, more premium-driven and truly
global in scope. Interest in regional
identity, Single Cask releases and Small
Batch Malts has grown considerably. Yet
despite that evolution, several
fundamentals have remained constant: the
craft of maturation, the pursuit of
distinctive character and the
expectation of integrity. For Douglas
Laing, those principles have always
guided its philosophy—bottling whisky as
the distiller intended, at high strength
and without chill-filtration or added
colouring. At the heart of the company
lies a relentless focus on quality, a
standard that informs every cask
selected, every malt bottled and every
decision made.
Quality has also been a defining theme
throughout Cara’s leadership. Years
spent selecting casks, introducing new
malts and shaping brand identities have
allowed the portfolio to expand while
preserving the company’s commitment to
authenticity. Equally important has been
the cultivation of trust. Relationships
with distributors, retailers and whisky
enthusiasts are built gradually in this
industry, and Douglas Laing’s reputation
as a family-run independent rests on
consistency, openness and a clearly
defined perspective.
Looking back, several milestones stand
out—from the expansion of the Remarkable
Regional Malts collection to the growing
international presence of Old Particular
and XOP, as well as the company’s
ongoing role as a curator of
distinctive, characterful casks. Even
so, Cara remains firmly focused on the
future. Douglas Laing continues to look
outward with ambition, supported by an
expanding global reach and a steadfast
commitment to maintaining its fiercely
independent identity.
"I am incredibly proud and genuinely
grateful to be celebrating 20 years in
the Scotch Whisky industry. Over these
years, I have had the privilege of
meeting and often working alongside some
talented, knowledgeable and
unforgettable people. This journey has
taken me to new places, introduced me to
real characters and given me the
opportunity to help build and grow
wonderful brands. I feel very lucky. I
love what I do and I never take that for
granted, even on the toughest days."
To commemorate her twenty-year
milestone, Cara has chosen three Old
Particular bottlings that carry personal
meaning and introduced a fourth new
addition to the Old Particular range.
Together, these selections reflect the
character of the company—rooted in
heritage, respectful of tradition and
confident enough to take a different
path when it matters.
Looking ahead, Douglas Laing’s direction
remains clear. The company will continue
championing malt whisky with
authenticity, highlighting regional
diversity and investing in the long-term
strength of its brands—all while staying
true to the values established by its
founder in 1948.
You will find the current
Douglas Laing whisky range available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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