Multi Award-winning independent distillers, Loch Lomond Group, has extended its prestigious partnership with The R&A for The Open, golf’s original championship, and AIG Women’s Open.
Its flagship single malt whisky brand, Loch Lomond Whiskies, will continue as the “Official Spirit of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open” for the next five years – a covetable position that keeps Loch Lomond Whiskies front and centre in the sport’s original major championship and one of the world’s most recognised sports events.
The deal, signed today (6 June) by Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, and Loch Lomond Group CEO Colin Matthews, also includes a strong new platform for Ben Lomond Gin, which becomes the “Official Gin of The Open and AIG Women’s Open”. Inspired by the “adventurous spirit” and the striking natural surroundings of The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs area, Ben Lomond Gin has established itself in the UK and across the world a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting gins.
Bringing together two of Scotland’s most famous creations, golf and whisky, Loch Lomond Whiskies first partnered with The R&A for The Open in 2018, leading to a significant growth in its presence amongst golf fans and whisky aficionados across the world. During these last five years, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has become one of the fastest-growing top 25 single malt brands in the world.* It has built up a strong and loyal following worldwide through its exceptional range of golf-inspired whiskies and complementing partnerships with top golfers and industry personalities such as Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and Iona Stephen.
Founded in 1814, Loch Lomond Whiskies can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries on the banks of Loch Lomond, were built in the 1960s and use some of the most innovative technology in the industry to create a collection of spectacular whiskies, characterised by its unique flavours.
Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Golf and whisky are two crafts bound by history and driven by a constant desire to innovate and better what has come before. Both require skill, patience, determination and passion and a level of persistence to perfect these crafts.
“Our strong relationship with The R&A over the past five years has helped to establish our brands within the world of golf, opening many new opportunities for us to engage whisky lovers across the globe.
“To officially bring Ben Lomond Gin into the fold, opens further exciting possibilities for fast growing our premium gin brand which already has great appeal across many markets. We look forward to seeing what the future will bring.”
Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A said: “We are delighted to continue our valued relationship with Loch Lomond Group across our two major championships – The Open and the AIG Women’s Open for a further five years. Aligning with partners who share our vision for the championships and for golf to be thriving in 50 years’ time is integral to our success.”
A London Dry style gin, which features hand-picked, locally foraged botanicals, Ben Lomond Gin is known for its diverse and versatile flavour profile. To mark the occasion, it has released its first Open Special Edition Gin, inspired by the course that will host The Open.
A homage to Royal Liverpool, the first Ben Lomond Open Special Edition includes wild botanicals such as Sea Buckthorn, Yarrow and Rosehip creating a gin that is as enthralling as the course itself. It has also released ready-to-go cans of gin and tonic which will be served, for the first time, at The Open.
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled limited edition single malts in tribute to The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool. Loch Lomond Special Edition (£45) and Loch Lomond Open Course Collection (£240) are both crafted using the distiller’s unique Straight Neck Pot Stills, which create a distinctive fruity flavour style. Exceptional single malts, both editions were recently awarded the top Double Gold Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.
* IWSR, Drinks Market Analysis 2022
For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.
