Scotland's Arbikie Distillery launches 2020 Highland Rye Whisky

Scottish distiller Arbikie has announced the launch of its 2020 Highland Rye whisky.

Following the launch of limited Highland Rye editions in 2018 and 2019, the 1794 Signature Whisky celebrates Arbikie's history on the east coast of Scotland, dating back two centuries. 

The new release combines the use of rye with charred American oak, matured in lively virgin oak casks to create a whisky that Arbikie says has notes of fresh cloves, nutmeg, butterscotch, cinnamon and honey. 

With its first release in 2018, Highland Rye was the first rye whisky to be produced in Scotland for nearly 200 years. Other Scotch distilleries including Bruichladdich and InchDairnie are following in Arbikie's footsteps, with their own rye whiskies set to launch soon.

Arbikie Distillery co-founder and export director Iain Stirling said: "We are delighted with the progress we have made with our Highland Rye Whisky. In a few years, from our limited-edition launch, to expanding into major whisky markets such as Canada and the US, to now launching our signature 1794 edition, it's a very exciting time at Arbikie as we look forward to further expansion in the Middle East and Asia."

Highland Rye recently agreed a distribution deal in Canada with Southern Glazer and is now stocked in the province of British Columbia at BC Liquor Stores.

The Stirling family has been farming in Scotland for more than 400 years and brothers Iain, John, Sandy and David have attempted to continue the family's role as custodians of the land in their field-to-bottle distilling operation. Sustainability is an important focus for Arbikie, which announced the release of the world's first carbon-positive gin and vodka earlier in 2020. 

4 December 2020 - Bethany Whymark