Diageo Announces Worldwide Launch of David Beckham-Backed Haig Club Whisky

06 Oct 2014 --- Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, announced the worldwide launch of its new Single Grain Scotch Whisky, HAIG CLUB.

The distinctive and sophisticated new whisky, developed in partnership with global icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller will now be available in bars, restaurants and retail stores in the United Kingdom and rolling out in the next few weeks in China,South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States, expanding to additional markets in the near future. The brand will also now be available in duty free shops globally following its exclusive release period in the UK and a limited number of duty free stores earlier this year.

“HAIG CLUBx is designed to be different,” said Kathy Parker, Senior Vice President, HAIG CLUB. “Historically, Single Grain Whisky has been in the shadow of Single Malts and Blended Scotch, but HAIG CLUB represents a new direction in Scotch Whisky, which brings Single Grain Scotch to the forefront.

This is a whisky that welcomes in a new era for Scotch. The rise of Single Grain Whisky has been both predicted and eagerly anticipated by whisky experts in recent years and with HAIG CLUB we are thrilled to give this ‘hidden gem’ the attention and appreciation it deserves.”

Crafted at Scotland’s oldest grain whisky distillery – Cameronbridge in Fife – HAIG CLUB is built on heritage but designed for the modern world. The House of Haig can trace its whisky producing roots back to the seventeenth century, making the Haig familyScotland’s oldest grain whisky dynasty.

Parker continued, “Working with partners like David Beckham and Simon Fuller has brought a new perspective to what we do, helping us to break new ground. Both David and Simon are renowned for shaking up every sector in which they work and this has been no exception. We believe that people around the world are going to love what we’ve created together – we can’t wait for them to try it.”

The contemporary appearance of the square HAIG CLUB bottle draws on a history of innovative bottles produced by the House of Haig.  The blue glass bottle was inspired by the tradition of blenders using blue tasting glasses so the spirit can be reviewed on aroma and taste alone.

The unique flavours of the whisky itself are created by master blender Chris Clark carefully selecting mature whisky from Refill, American Oak and Rejuvenated casks producing a stunning Single Grain Scotch Whisky with a fresh, clean style showcasing butterscotch-smooth tropical fruit and unexpected, spicy backing harmonies.  HAIG CLUB is a whisky crafted to appeal to people who are new to whisky and whisky connoisseurs alike.

“I am incredibly proud to have been part of the creation of HAIG CLUB,” said David Beckham. “I think we have made something really special. For me it has meant understanding how whisky is made and enjoyed and then working with some incredible people to write a new chapter for Haig.”

Responsible drinking is at the core of HAIG CLUB, with David Beckham supporting the brand’s philosophy of quality over quantity. David said, “I appreciate a well-made drink and I like to take my time and enjoy it – I try to drink better, not more.”

To celebrate the global launch of HAIG CLUB David Beckham and business partner Simon Fuller hosted an exclusive HAIG CLUB weekend in the heart of Scotland on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Attended by Victoria Beckham and other guests, the weekend gave Beckham and Fuller the opportunity to personally introduce friends both old and new to the whisky and the brand that they have helped create.

Simon Fuller commented, “This is a great partnership between one of the world’s most iconic stars and a company that is a true leader in the global sprits industry. Now we can all celebrate together as HAIG CLUB is launched worldwide and can be enjoyed by everyone!”