Scots do well in survey of world's top 100 drinks brands

SCOTLAND may represent a tiny proportion of the world's population, but when it comes to alcohol, the country has been officially named as a superpower.

A list of the world's top 100 drinks brands to be published this week shows Scotland has 16 of the total.

Only the US has more brands in the league table.

The Power 100 is an annual survey of the world's leading drinks brands published by international company strategists Intangible Business.

The Scottish presence includes five brands in the Top 20. These are Johnnie Walker at number two, Chivas Regal and Ballantine's at eight and ten respectively, Dewar's at 16 and J&B at 19.

Three Scottish brands – Clan Campbell, William Lawson's and Clan MacGregor – were new entries into this year's Power 100, while Famous Grouse was the only Scottish brand to actually improve its ranking within the table, climbing one place from 40 to 39.

Glenfiddich was the top single malt whisky on the list, with a ranking at number 60.

Stuart Whitwell, joint managing director of Intangible Business, said Scotland came in ahead of other famous drink producers such as France, England, Russia and Germany.

He said: "Scotland has successfully developed world class brands for a world class product. Scotch whisky is in great shape for the future."

Whisky experts said Scotland's strong showing was no surprise.

Whisky expert Ian Buxton said: "Whisky is booming around the world and has been for the last few years.

"We have had this amazing renaissance in whisky's fortunes and that is represented in this league table."