Hollywood stars will be toasting Scotch whisky firm at awards

It’s three cheers for Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky as they launch their 80th anniversary at Critics’ Choice Awards in Hollywood.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky will be raising a dram to celebrate their birthday this year by kicking off in style as the spirits sponsors of the 23rd Critics’ Choice Awards in Hollywood on 11 January.

This is the third year that the Aberdeenshire based company will have co-sponsored the highly prized event.

A flock of celebrities are expected to attend the awards ceremony in Santa Monica. Last year, the company took to the red carpet with stars such as Justin Timberlake, Ryan Reynolds, Amy Adams and Nicole Kidman.

CEO of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Moji Shand (second from right) with Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel at last year’s awards, with Moji’s friend Zamani Tauvaa

The big winner on the night was La La Land. This year, before the first award is given out, guests will be toasting the occasion with a selection of whisky, gin and rum cocktails made from Duncan Taylor’s portfolio of spirits.

CEO Moji Shand said: ‘To be the official spirits sponsor for these prestigious awards give us the chance to showcase our award-winning brands to a global audience.

‘It’s an amazing night in Hollywood and also the perfect way to launch our 80th anniversary.’

The Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honour the finest in cinematic and television achievement. It has grown to be one of the most important and star-studded events in Hollywood. Actors who are up for nominations this year include Meryl Streep, Jake Gyllenhaal and Mary J Blige.

Moji Shand with Hugh Grant

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has a year of events lined up, as well as launching some extra special whiskies, to celebrate their milestone.

Founded in Glasgow in 1938 as a whisky merchant and broker, over decades the company built up a remarkable portfolio of rare and unusual aged casks of whisky.

Chairman Euan Shand bought the company in 2001 along with the rights for Black Bull blended Scotch which is the company’s core, award-winning brand.

The company has developed significantly in recent years, exporting to over 50 countries globally. Its headquarters are in Huntly, Aberdeenshire where a state-of-the-art bottling plant was opened in 2014.

They also have offices in Pasadena, LA where growth in the US has doubled in the last two years.