Whisky Focus - New Look for Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky

Independent bottlers and distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers, has revealed a new design for the core expressions of its award-winning Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range.

Reconnecting the brand with its historic home, the new packaging for Isle of Skye 8 Years Old and 12 Years Old takes direct inspiration from the majestic scenery and romance of Scotland’s famous ‘Misty Isle’.

With a new standout colour palette on the label and bottle top that reflects the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains, the new label design introduces a striking watercolour sunset over the Isle of Skye, perfectly showcased by a new premium distinctive bespoke bottle.

Based on a family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts, Isle of Skye was created by the company’s founder Ian Macleod, whose signature appears on the label and bottle top.

The new age-roundel on both the red and cream label of the 8 Years Old and black and gold design of the 12 Years Old adds greater prominence to the age statement, emphasising the premium quality of Isle of Skye. While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 or 12 years.

This commitment to excellence has led to Isle of Skye being favoured by whisky expert Jim Murray in the 2012 Whisky Bible, rating Isle of Skye 8 Years Old as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.*

Iain Weir, Director of Marketing for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: "We wanted the new brand design to create an authentic representation of Isle of Skye’s core values – the values that are embedded in its age statement and island heritage. The new packaging will also ensure better shelf-standout and reinforce its position as a premium quality, award-winning Blended Scotch Whisky.

"Famed for its breathtaking scenery and historical legend, Skye has an infinite romantic appeal that we wanted to capture in the Isle of Skye re-packaging. The imagery of the sunset over the Cuillin Mountains suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment. Whether you are toasting your success conquering a Munro or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward."

The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes (1.5 litre, 70cl, 35cl and 5cl). UK stockists include Scottish Tesco and Asda stores and all good specialist drinks outlets. Isle of Skye 8 Years Old can also be purchased at online whisky specialist shops.

Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky is currently only available in international markets including the USA. Other expressions in the range include limited editions 21 and 50 Years Old available in the UK and internationally. The repackaged Isle of Skye range will launch in the USA later this year.
 

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