Whisky bosses launch 'more welcoming' single malt after partnering with like-mined brands

Three ex-Edrington directors with more than 70 years’ combined experience have embarked on a mission “to make whisky more welcoming” after launching a new single malt.

With its distinctively tactile glass bottles, which are made from coloured glass that normally goes to waste, and a sweeter, smooth taste, River Rock is designed to give people a new more accessible choice when it comes to single malt whisky. Picture: Kirsten Geary

River Rock whisky is the brainchild of Mark Geary, Laura Anderson and Bill Farrar, who have worked on top single malt brands including The Macallan, Highland Park and The Glenrothes.

Packaged in a tactile glass bottle, made from coloured glass that normally goes to waste, the new tipple is said to have a sweeter, smooth taste. River Rock is launching in a first limited edition batch of 100 bottles.

The venture is partnering with a group of “like-minded” small Scottish brands for its launch – ethical adventure company Ocean Vertical, sustainable clothing firm Meander, small-batch coffee roastery Common Coffee and bike-fitting studio and cafe space Bramblers.

Geary said: “We all love single malt whisky, but we’ve seen how its idiosyncrasies and traditions can put a lot of people off. Too often, single malt can be hard work for someone new to it – it can taste too harsh and the image can be too elitist.

“River Rock is the antithesis of all that. We want single malt whisky to be enjoyed and not endured. The bottle we’ve created is designed to be eye-catching and feel good to hold, while the single malt is effortless to enjoy.

“At the same time, we want to use our experience and energy to make a positive contribution to the world. Laura, Bill and I all share an appreciation for the great outdoors and understand how fortunate we are to live in such a great place.”

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