A famous name in Scotch whisky makes a return to the shelves

A Scottish distiller is returning to the whisky market after a gap of around 40 years.

John Crabbie and Co is launching two new expressions, the Crabbie 30 Year Old and Crabbie 8 Year Old, which are the first to have been releasted under its name since the 1970s.

In recent years, Crabbie’s has become known for its alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer, with a series of distinctive amusing 1950s-style Famous Five radio commercials.

Crabbie and Co was bought by Liverpool-based Halewood International in 2002, from Glenmorangie.
The first say the move back to Edinburgh represents: ‘the first steps towards the return of continuous single malt distilling in the capital after almost 100 years’ absence.’

John Crabbie & Co is returning to the whisky market after a 40 year gap

A single cask release of only 336 bottles, Crabbie 30 Year Old is bottled at 48.6% abv and made using Speyside malt matured in Sherry butts.

Bottled at 46% abv, Crabbie 8 Year Old is based on John Crabbie’s original 8 Year Old, but ‘brought up to date’ as a single malt.

The brand hails from 1801 at Leith Docks, from where John Crabbie travelled the country to source the quality single malts, but also experimented with blending whisky from different distilleries.

John Crabbie & CoMD David Brown raises a glass to the firm’s founder

David Brown, the newly-appointed managing director of John Crabbie & Co, said: ‘From the middle of the 19th century, John Crabbie procured stocks of the best single malt whisky from Scotland’s finest distilleries and, working with the likes of Andrew Usher, became known as a true whisky pioneer.

‘With the launch of the new John Crabbie whisky collection we are honouring his legacy and ensuring his impact on single malts will be felt, and tasted, for years to come.

‘For many years John Crabbie led the industry with his 8 year old blend. We thought it fitting that the first release of this new era should be a limited edition 8 year old, brought up to date as a single malt.’

The Crabbie 8 Year Old is expected to retail for £30 while the Crabbie 30 Year Old, of which there are only 336 bottles, will cost around £500 each.