Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Isle of Jura Launches Ambassador program for U.S. Single malt Market

Bardstown, (Ky.) – Willie Tait of northeast Scotland has been named United States Ambassador, and Master Distiller for Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch. Mr. Tait, a veteran of over 30 years in the whisky business, will tour key markets promoting Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch domestically.

“The growth of Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch has been tremendous,” said Susan Wahl, brand manager for Isle of Jura Single Malt at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “The ambassador program will enable the brand to leverage that growth with prominent exposure at retail and on-premise tastings, as well as through sales and wait staff education.”

Willie Tait’s involvement with the Isle of Jura brand began in 1975 when he was first hired as a “Tunroom Man” at the remote Hebridean distillery. Mr. Tait was involved in 1975 with the introduction of the distillery’s first Single Malt an 8-year-old expression. In 1985, Mr. Tait was named Distillery Manager for the operation off the western coast of Scotland. He stayed in that role until 1999 when he was appointed Distillery Manager at Highland malt distillery Fettercairn. His experience is widely regarded throughout the Scotch Whisky industry.

“As U.S. Ambassador for the Isle of Jura, I will have the opportunity to tell the exceptional story of this unique Single Malt and its island home” said Mr. Tait. “The brand’s personality and flavor profile is one that fits the American palete for Single Malt Scotches. I look forward to continued involvement with the brand and hope that I can give a bit back to the island where I lived and raised a family for over 20 years.”

Isle of Jura has had 10-year-old and 16-year-old expressions in the U.S. market for some time and introduced a new expression called Superstition in the fall of 2003. Mr. Tait will be responsible for promoting the brands with the help of U.S. importer Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

“Willie’s knowledge of the island and its unique distillery heritage is unsurpassed,” said Wahl. “Our commitment to the Ambassador program will ensure that Isle of Jura Single Malt growth will continue.”

Isle of Jura is produced by Whyte and Mackay Limited, a global spirits company with significant core brands, namely Whyte and Mackay Scotch Whisky, The Dalmore Single Highland Malt, Isle of Jura Single Malt Whisky, Glayva Liqueur and Vladivar Vodka. The company is also the world’s leading supplier of own label, private label and branded Scotch Whisky.

Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler's Rum; Burnett's Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.