The Lauders Scottish blend has been produced continuously for more than a century and a half – since 1836, from the very time when the distillation of whiskey in Scotland was finally legalized. This allows us to call Lauder’s one of the oldest brands still in service.
Historical reference. The original blend was created by Archibald Lauder, not a professional blender, but a successful owner of a small liquor store in Glasgow. He opened the establishment in 1834 and experimented for two years, mixing different types of whiskey, until he achieved the desired result. At the store, according to the tradition characteristic of those times, there was a bar where you could taste drinks. And Lauder used the opportunity to get feedback on blends from the comfort of the counter. Thus, he created one of the first enterprises for the study of consumer tastes: he invited friends and those whom he considered alcohol connoisseurs to taste a new blend, treated them, then carefully listened to reviews, comments and wishes. And so on until all those who tasted the blend approved the bouquet of taste and aroma.
Lauder received a license for his blend in 1836, produced in small batches and was content with the success of the drink directly in Glasgow. Outside of one city, and then Scotland, whiskey became known a little later, when Lauder’s son Alexander became the owner of the brand and the store. Thanks to his entrepreneurial abilities, the brand was first recognized in Britain and then in Europe. The success of the drink can be judged by the gold awards of that time.
- In 1886, Lauder’s received a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art (International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art in Edinburgh).
- In 1887 he was awarded a gold medal at the Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition (anniversary royal exhibition in Manchester).
- In 1888, gold again, but already at the Glasgow International Exhibition (at the International Exhibition in Glasgow).
- In 1889 he was awarded the gold award of the Paris Exhibition (Paris Exhibition).
- In 1903 he received gold at the Chicago World Columbian Exhibition (World Exhibition in Chicago, Columbia).
Until the beginning of the last century, the production of adhesive tape remained family-owned, the brand and stocks were sold by the grandchildren of Archibald Lauder, among whom there were no people willing to continue the work of their grandfather. The business changed hands until 2002, when it was acquired by the current owner, MacDuff International Ltd., an international company headquartered in Glasgow.
Types of Whiskey Launders
- Lauder’s Sherry Edition (40%). Blend of deep honey-amber color, which is due to the maturation of spirits in oak barrels charred from the inside. After creating the blend, the mixture was aged for six months in a container of Oloroso sherry. At this stage, the taste and aroma of the drink were enriched with shades of Spanish wine and dried fruits. In 2014, the adhesive tape was awarded a silver award at the IWSC competition. Recommended by experts as a digestif – to drink clean.
- Lauder’s Queen Mary (40%). The limited edition whiskey was created in 2012 as a tribute to the times when Glasgow was considered the engineering capital of the world. Named after the ocean liner Queen Mary launched in Glasgow on September 26, 1934. The ship set a speed record in 1936 (30,63 knots per hour) and received the Blue Ribbon of the Atlantic award. The record was broken only in 1952. This is an amber-colored tape with a golden sheen. The aroma is light, with notes of citrus and dried fruits. On the palate, hints of citrus, chocolate and caramel are felt. Warm long aftertaste with a pleasant aftertaste of caramelized pear. Scotch can be drunk both neat and with ice or tonic.
- Lauder’s Finest Whiskey (40%). Blend of golden color with a pleasant floral-fruity aroma, which clearly audible notes of green apple, ripe pear, caramel and vanilla. The taste is soft, with hints of dried cherries and vanilla. It is recommended to use pure, but you can add ice or tonic to taste.
