SIA Scotch Whisky Debuts After Successful Kickstarter Campaign

12 Nov 2014 --- SIA Scotch Whisky, is a new refreshing, superior blended whisky, distilled in Scotland and matured, blended and bottled by Douglas Laing & Co., Ltd.

The recipient of a 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal, SIA is a blend of Speyside, Highlands and Islay malts, created by Scotch Enthusiast and licensed bartender Carin Luna-Ostaseski, to appeal to a contemporary palate.

“With SIA, I’m looking to challenge the Scotch stereotype,” says Luna-Ostaseski. “SIA is approachable, refined and refreshingly modern. This is the brand for consumers who don’t even know they like Scotch yet.”

Distributed by Legacy-Spirits, the product is available in fine wine and spirits stores and area restaurants throughout Chicago, after launching in California earlier this year.

“We see a lot of brands looking for placements in Chicago, but SIA’s quality and story set it apart,” said Michael Klauer, Spirits Division Manager, Legacy-Spirits. “We’re excited to have SIA as the first Scotch in the Legacy-Spirits portfolio. This is not your typical Scotch. With its sleek packaging and modern palate, SIA is crafted for the new Scotch drinker, and with its versatility and refreshing taste, it will be ideal for summer sipping – whether on the rocks or in cocktails.”

When conceptualizing the blend, Luna-Ostaseski conducted blind tastings of hundreds of different single malts, researched distillery methods and shared early blends with Scotch virgins and enthusiasts alike. “What I found is so many consumers think of Scotch as heavy, smoky… something their father or grandfather would drink,” she added. “SIA’s versatility – whether it is enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed in cocktails – has tremendous appeal.”

SIA is imported by Spirit Imports, Inc. of Sunrise, Florida. “When Carin came to us, she had a very clear vision for SIA, how it would stand apart from other blends and who her customer would be,” said Lauren Shayne Mayer, head of sales and marketing for Spirit Imports who also served as a brand consultant. “Every component of SIA – from the bottle to the packaging to the liquid itself – is sexy, cool and modern. We’re looking forward to helping her to bring this contemporary Scotch blend to new consumers.”

The color of clover honey, SIA awakens the nose with citrus and spice and opens the palate with the smoky vanilla crunch of a crème brulee. The finish is long, smooth and refreshing with hints of hazelnut and toffee.

SIA (43% ABV) has a suggested retail price of $49.99 (750ml).