Brand
Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark is a Blended Scotch Whisky brand, founded in 1923 and known for its light, cocktail-friendly profile. Today it belongs to the La Martiniquaise group and offers expressions such as Original, 12 Years and Prohibition.
- Scotland · United Kingdom
- Since 1923
- 3 products
The story
Cutty Sark was created in 1923 by Berry Bros. & Rudd as a light blended whisky conceived also for the American market of the time. During the 20th century the brand became an international presence in the blended scotch segment. In more recent years the association with Edrington lasted many decades until the brand was sold to La Martiniquaise (announced 28 November 2018); La Martiniquaise integrated Cutty Sark into its whisky portfolio and coordinates its blending, production and distribution.
Production philosophy
Positioned with a focus on mixability: a blended with a clear, smooth and versatile style, designed to be enjoyed neat but also to create cocktails. The brand emphasizes maritime heritage and a spirit of adventure in its communications.
Territory
Scotland (production and blending), brand with international presence
Awards and recognition
NYISC 2020; SFWSC 2023 (Gold); SIP/Spirits Selection recognitions noted on product pages (vary by expression).
Production method
Cutty Sark is a blended whisky composed of a selection of malt whiskies (with a Speyside backbone) and grain whiskies. The official process includes cask selection, the blending of components, a 21-day marrying period to harmonize the blend and cold filtration before bottling; blending and bottling are carried out at the owner group's facilities.
Distillation
Not a single distillery: the product is a blend obtained by combining malt and grain whiskies from supplying distilleries; the brand then applies a 21-day marrying period and cold filtration (chill filtration) prior to bottling.
Ageing
Selection and maturation in oak casks; for specific expressions bourbon casks and sherry casks are used (e.g. Cutty Sark 12) and selected American casks are used for some releases such as Prohibition.
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- Categories
- whisky
- blended scotch whisky
- whisky for mixing
- aged whiskies (12 years, 17 years, 33 years)
- Raw materials
- malted barley (single malts)
- cereal grains for grain whisky
- Casks and ageing vessels
- Bourbon casks
- ex-Sherry casks
- American oak casks
- first-fill ex-sherry (noted for some expressions)
- selected American casks (mentioned for Prohibition)
- Representative products
- Cutty Sark Original 70cl
- Cutty Sark 12 Years 70cl
- Cutty Sark Prohibition 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Brand created by Berry Bros. & Rudd in 1923
- Blended Scotch Whisky with a light style, conceived for drinking and mixing
- In 2018 the brand was sold by Edrington to La Martiniquaise
- Range includes Original, 12 Years and Prohibition; official product pages detail maturation specifics
- Blending, marrying (21 days) and bottling coordinated at the owner group's facilities (e.g. Starlaw/First Blending sites)