Doddie Weir-inspired whisky launched by Huntly’s Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky
A new whisky has been launched by a Huntly company, to bolster the fight against MND in honour of inspirational late rugby player Doddie Weir OBE.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, in collaboration with Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, has launched a special bottle of whisky to add to its product line-up ahead of Christmas.
The whisky is named Number 868 in honour of the player being the 868th Scotland cap, going on to earn 61 caps for the national team.
The specially-blended bottling also features Doddie’s distinct tartan on the label, created by Genoa Black.
Cash from the new bottles will support efforts to find a cure for MND.
Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “It’s well documented that Doddie loved a dram, and it’s a very special moment for the Foundation to release its first core whisky product in partnership with Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky.
“Every bottle of Number 868 whisky bought will move us closer to finding effective treatments and one day a cure for motor neuron disease.
“We hope everyone who purchases a bottle will raise a dram in Doddie’s memory, knowing they’ve played a part in helping move us closer to achieving his vision, a world free of MND.”
Last year, the whisky firm were sponsors of various fundraising events for the charity including Kenny Logan’s epic challenge to raise £555,555.
Logan, along with a host of celebrities, undertook a 700-mile gruelling walk and cycle from Murrayfield Stadium to the Stade De France in Paris to deliver the match ball for the Scotland versus Ireland game.
Marketing manager for Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Kevin Alston said: “We’re proud to have supported the charity donating over £30,000 so far to help fund research into finding a cure for MND.
“We felt there was an opportunity to get more involved this year by creating a dram that we think Doddie would have approved of, where every purchase supports the Foundation.”
A spokesperson for the company said Number 868 has a “beautiful ripe barley colour”, while tasting notes “herald fruitiness with a fresh, crisp and sweet balance of flavours”.
With its headquarters in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Duncan Taylor are famed for producing award-winning whiskies that sell globally.
“This is a phenomenal blend to kick things off,” Mr Alst We look forward to continuing to work with the Foundation into 2025, where the plan is to launch more whiskies next year, so that we can continue highlighting Doddie’s legacy, whist at the same time raising vital funds.”
Number 868 is available online at £47 for a 70cl bottle with a 40% ABV, exclusively through The Spirits Embassy.
