Until now, disputes about the birthplace of whiskey have not subsided – the Irish and Scots are finding more and more new arguments, but the Scottish leadership in the production of the drink is beyond doubt, as is the adventure-rich history. Scotch Old Smuggler became a kind of call to remember this story. Specifically, about the XNUMXth century, which in the history of Scotland is called the century of smugglers.
Old Smuggler is a blended scotch based on cereals (cereals – barley, wheat, corn) and malt spirits. The peculiarity of production is aging for at least three years in sherry casks. This was an innovation – the company James & George Stodart Limited began to use Spanish wine barrels in the production of whiskey for the first time on the market.
Historical reference. “Old Smuggler”, which is the translation of the name of the beloved Old Smuggler scotch by many, is a reminder of those difficult times when the English crown imposed an unbearable tribute on all unlicensed Scottish alcohol. Illegal whiskey production has become a way for the Scots to protest and fight for the right to produce a national product.
The delivery of illegal scotch to devoted lovers of strong alcohol – what is called “under the cover of night”, with all the precautions and methods of conspiracy, was fraught with a risk to life and freedom. But under the motto Uisge Beatha gu brath! “Whiskey forever!” they survived, preserved traditions and ancient recipes.
A round bottle with a golden drink and a “medal” depicting an old smuggler was released in 1835. The brand was created by the Stodart brothers, James and George, the founders of James & George Stodart Limited. The rights to the Old Smuggler brand in 1887 were transferred by the heirs of the Stodart brothers to The Stirling Bonding, which successfully produced the Old Smuggler for a century and a half.
The company managed to survive in the difficult times of intra-British strife, the First World War, the Prohibition period in the States, when the legal supply of whiskey to the United States was stopped, and those smuggling skills had to be remembered. By the way, it was at this time – the 20s of the last century, that the peak of the popularity of “Old Smuggler” fell. After World War II, the company brought Old Smuggler to North America, continuing to conquer Europe.
Now Old Smuggler is experiencing another surge in popularity. But now, thanks to the coordinated actions to support interest in the famous brand of the new owner – the group of subsidiaries Davide Campari-Milano SpA, the Italian corporation acquired the rights to the Old Smuggler brand in December 2005, together with the brand and the Scottish distillery Glen Grant, located in Speyside, now Old Smuggler is made there.
This is already the fifth distillery owned by Gruppo Campari, one of the world market leaders and, according to statistics, the sixth largest player in the premium alcohol market. There are more than fifty brands in the Gruppo Campari product line, including the world-famous Campari, Cinzano, Appleton and now Old Smuggler.
The company’s products are sold in 190 countries, while the “Old Smuggler” is sold in only twenty. The most popular brand in Argentina is 2nd most popular spirits, in Belgium it is 3rd, and in the United States of America it is 8th.
Types of whiskey Old Smuggler
- Old Smuggler. Blended scotch of golden amber color with a light aroma, which contains notes of caramel, spring flowers and charcoal. The taste is balanced, smooth and soft, with hints of creamy caramel. Fortress traditional – 40%. Exposure – 3 years. Recommended for use chilled – in its pure form and with the addition of 3-4 pieces of ice. Can be used as an ingredient in cocktails.
- Old Smuggler, 12 Years Old. Amber Scotch whiskey with golden highlights has a light floral aroma with notes of caramel and smoldering charcoal. The taste is balanced, smooth and soft, with hints of creamy caramel and a pleasant but short aftertaste. Fortress traditional – 40%. It is recommended for use very chilled – in its pure form and with the addition of 3-4 pieces of ice.
