CARA Laing, granddaughter of founder Fred Douglas Laing, has been appointed managing director of the family-owned Scotch whisky business Douglas Laing & Co.
Fred, described as a gentleman with ‘a genuine love and serious passion for whisky’, established the firm in 1948, and it has remained an independent, family-run business ever since.
Three generations on, the mantle of leadership has now been assumed by Cara, who brings with her a ‘wealth of heritage, history, and expertise’ in the Douglas Laing process.
To celebrate her appointment – and the past 75 years of Douglas Laing – Cara and her team have delved into the family vaults to release six of the firm’s most scarce and precious single casks under the auspices of ‘The Diamond Collection’.
This legacy release, described as Laing’s ‘diamond in the crown’, features quantities of Speyside’s Finest 55-years-old, Port Dundas 45-years-old, Macallan 35-years-old, Blair Athol 30-years-old, Cameronbridge 45-years-old and an elusive Port Ellen 40-years-old.
Cara Laing said: “For the continued support we have had over the years, we wanted to celebrate our family legacy and give whisky lovers the chance to experience the drams we deem to be the most exceptional in their offering.
“This is something I think we truly captured with ‘The Diamond Collection’ – single cask whiskies selected from deep within the Douglas Laing family vaults. These latest editions reflect very much our focus and philosophy to release excellent Scotch whisky at the peak of perfection, honouring everything this company and my family has always stood for. This collection really is the diamond in the crown that is Douglas Laing & Co.”
The bottlings have been sampled by whisky expert and author, Charles MacLean, who commented: “This is an exceptional Diamond Collection of six rare old malt and grain Scotch whiskies – all single casks so extremely rare – selected by Fred Laing and his daughter, Cara, to mark the legacy of their family business, Douglas Laing & Co.
“I was delighted to have been invited to assess and profile the whiskies, with Fred and Cara, in their new tasting room, and can happily report their excellence!”
For the collection’s packaging and accessories, Laing’s has partnered with British designer, Richard Brendon, whose mouth-blown, hand-cut and intricate crystalware features within the sets.
