World Spirits Conference 2018

Alasdair Day, co-founder and director of R&B Distillers Limited, will be speaking at the World Spirits Conference, 22 March 2018

Alasdair Day R&B Distillers

Alasdair Day will be discussing the topic: Distilling and Blending

The heritage of R&B Distillers dates back to J&A Davidson established in 1820 in Coldstream in the Scottish Borders. They were Licensed Grocers, Whisky Blenders and Brewers. My great-grandfather joined the business in 1895 as an office boy when he left school and took over the business in 1923. In 2009 I re-created one of his whiskies, The Tweeddale. By 2012, with the shortage of aged whisky, I realised that to grow the business we would require our own spirit and set out to raise the investment required to build our own distillery. In September last year we started distilling at our Isle of Raasay distillery and hope to have our first Raasay single malt in 2020.

Did you participate in last year’s World Spirits Conference?

Yes.

How long have you worked in the drinks industry?

Since 2009 (eight years).

Please let us know a bit more about your company/brand?

At R&B Distillers we currently have three brands; Raasay while we wait a lightly peated Highland Single Malt (while we wait for our own Raasay single malt); Borders single grain, made from 50% wheat & 50% malted barley finished in Olorosso Sherry casks (WWA  2018 Bronze); The Tweeddale my Great Grandfather’s blend (the Tweeddale Silent Character WWA 2018 category winner).

How would you describe your position in the market?

R&B Distillers are an independently Scottish owned distiller and bottler. Our brands are premium and niche, we currently have three very different styles of Scotch Whisky appealing to those looking for something a wee bit different but with lots of complexity.

How has the drinks industry changed in the last 20 years?

The increase in new distilleries and brands in the last 10 years has really driven the interest and demand in all spirits. Now even the big major brands would like to be seen as “craft” products, provenance has become as important as heritage.

What trends do you think we will be seeing in the drinks industry in the next coming months?

The interest from consumers in how and where their drinks are made continues. As consumers continue to become more knowledgeable about their preferred drinks, the more critical they will become of them. More questions will be asked and more marketing messages rigorously tested.

Listen to Alasdair and other industry experts at the World Spirits Conference 2018 by booking your tickets here – https://wsc2018.eventbrite.co.uk

14 March 2018