ANNANDALE DISTILLERY has collaborated with Scotland’s oldest wine merchant, Cockburns of Leith, to launch Founder’s Reserve, an artisan blended Scotch whisky capturing the very essence of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

Blended to a unique recipe created by Annandale’s Master Blender, Cockburns of Leith Founder’s Reserve features an unusually high proportion of Annandale’s award-winning single malts, variously matured in ex-Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine barrels first, then second-fill ex-bourbon casks and traditional oloroso sherry butts.

Non-chill filtered, lightly peated and bottled at 46% ABV, Cockburns of Leith Founder’s Reserve has a nose that’s reminiscent of an old-fashioned sweet shop, with hints of caramel, dolly mixtures and pink wafer biscuits. The palate is subtle yet bold with toffee, hazelnut and chocolate notes, and a complex finish of pipe tobacco that emerges slowly to displace prior hints of embers and dried fruit.

This complex and beautifully balanced Scotch whisky is testimony to the art of Master Blender Keith Law.

Rooted in history, Founder’s Reserve encapsulates the true spirit of Cockburns of Leith, which was founded in 1796 in Edinburgh by Scottish merchant Robert Cockburn, brother of the famous literary figure Lord Cochrane.

From his warehouse in Leith – Scotland’s gateway to the world for cargo and transportation – Robert, the ever-intrepid spirit, traded whisky globally and the name quickly became synonymous with quality.

Designed to maximise on-shelf presence, the bottle design of Cockburns of Leith Founder’s Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky is classic, stylish and showcases the brand’s story.

Keith Murray, director of Cockburns of Leith, said: “We are delighted to introduce our new Cockburns of Leith Founder’s Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky as a first expression launch in partnership with the Annandale Distillery.

“When you taste a dram, you truly experience the malt craftsmanship behind the blend with the influence of the Châteauneuf-du-Pap wine barrels and oloroso sherry butts delivering a depth and complexity that we believe is exceptional.”

David Ashton-Hyde, commercial director and general manager of Annandale Distillery, added: “Since opening our new on-site bottling and blending hall we’ve had the privilege of working with some inspiring people and exciting companies.

“Working with Cockburns of Leith to bring their Founder’s Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky to life has been a joyous experience.

The rich histories of both Annandale Distillery and Cockburns of Leith, coupled with the passion of our teams, has yielded a stunning blend and fabulous brand.

We’re very excited to see this new whisky on-shelf at Cockburns of Leith.”

With an RRP of £34.99, Founder’s Reserve is available to buy through www.cockburnsofleith.co.uk and via a network of specialist and independent retailers.