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The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin: these premium Scotch single malts and more are the fastest growing brands under the homegrown Filipino conglomerate
In Tagalog, emperador means emperor—or, ruler of an empire. It is a fitting name for Emperador Inc, the Philippines’ biggest liquor company which continues to conquer the world of premium spirits with its range of expressions spanning brandies and whiskies.
Emperor has already been making the world’s number one brandy since 2010. In 2021, the sales of the premium Fundador Brandy de Jerez grew double digits in the UK, Canada and the USA. It has always been well-loved by imbibers for its delicious taste and versatility—in fact, you can drink it neat, with ice or mixed with cocktails.
While it is easy to rest on one’s laurels, the company made its mark in the whisky scene, too, by acquiring Glasgow distiller Whyte and Mackay in 2014. The legendary Scottish company, which was founded in 1844, produces its own eponymous blended whisky, while also championing four prestigious single malts: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.
Don’t miss: The Best of The Dalmore Whiskies to Savour
Without breaking stride, Emperador has given Whyte and Mackay the runway needed to spread its wings further. This paid off handsomely last year, when Whyte and Mackay was named the Distiller of the Year (Scotland) at the 2021 Icons of Whisky at the International Spirits Challenge 2021. The win followed the group’s sweep of 31 Double Gold and Gold Awards, with new expressions from Tamnavulin and Jura Cask Finishes leading the way and The Dalmore’s Highland Single Malt Ensemble Collection claiming its own Gold.
Liquid Gold
The Dalmore is no stranger to excellence, as a highly collectable, record-breaking Scottish single malt. Founded in 1839, the historic whisky claimed the 12-pointed Royal Stag as its emblem when it was owned by the descendants of the Clan Mackenzie. Its status for innovation was cemented during the long tenure of master distiller Richard Paterson OBE, who joined the brand in 1970.
Among The Dalmore’s many pioneering techniques is the use of wine and sherry cask ageing. It is the only distillery that uses 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass, with other partners including Graham’s Port in the Duoro Valley, Portugal, Chateau Mont Redon from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Henri Giraud from Aÿ-Champagne, France. Is it any surprise that from 2018 to 2020, The Dalmore was the single malt brand that saw the largest global growth in terms of absolute value, and drove 12.4 per cent of category value growth?
In case you missed it: Why You Need to Try Fettercairn’s Exquisite Whiskies
