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Introducing
HIP a newly launched Spirit Brand offering small
batch 20cl releases of fine whisky and
rum.
New
independent spirits brand 'HIP'
officially launched today, the Stirling-based bottler
aims to make fine
whisky and rum more approachable with explorable small-batch 20cl releases
giving drinkers a
fresh way to discover whisky
and rum without the cost or commitment
of buying full-size bottles.
Conceived in 2026 by Connor McCartney
and supported by the team at Kilninian
Drinks Company, the Stirling-based
independent bottler was created for
drinkers who prioritise quality over
quantity. Every HIP release is packaged
in distinctive 20cl hip flask-style bottles,
making premium spirits more approachable
while maintaining the standards
enthusiasts expect from independent
bottlings.
Each release is drawn from a handful of
carefully selected casks and bottled at
natural colour without chill filtration,
delivering small-batch
whisky and rum at a more accessible
price point while encouraging
exploration and discovery.
The inaugural range line-up 'outturn 1' features four
releases spanning single malt whisky,
single grain whisky, and rum:
- HIP 12 Year
Old Tomintoul aged in a refill
sherry butt, 46% ABV
Tasting Note: strawberry laces,
cocoa, walnut
- HIP 13 Year
Old Bowmore aged in refill bourbon
barrels, 46% ABV
Tasting Note: vanilla, smoked salt,
lemon
- HIP 28 Year
Old Invergordon aged in a first-fill
bourbon barrel, 46% ABV
Tasting Note: tropical fruit,
coconut, melon
- HIP 14 Year
Old Foursquare Barbados Rum aged in
bourbon barrels, 53% ABV
Tasting Note: trail mix, banana,
honeycomb
Each debut
bottling will retail for £19.50.
"HIP is about drinking better, not
bigger," Connor explains. "We wanted to
remove the barriers that stop people
from actually satisfying their curiosity
and exploring great spirits, so we
created a brand that lets you take the
plunge without breaking the bank."
Launching with two single malts, a
mature single grain and a Barbados rum,
HIP showcases the breadth of its
approach from day one, pairing carefully
selected casks with branding that is
short, sharp and intentional.
"Everything at HIP is stripped back to
what matters," says Connor. "Although
our releases are pocket-sized, each
small bottle is a door to discovery. We
source and bottle with the same care and
attention as traditional independents,
the only difference is the format."
Based in Stirling, HIP takes its name
from both its distinctive hip
flask-style bottles and its
against-the-grain attitude. By removing
the financial commitment of full-size
bottles without compromising on quality,
the brand aims to make premium
spirits—particularly whisky—more
explorable, fun and approachable for a
new generation of curious drinkers.
HIP is initially available via the brand
website
www.drinkhip.com and it will also
soon be available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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