Cutty Sark Whisky was the first-ever scotch whisky in the history of US beverages to sell over a million cases, and that too within 30 years of launch (1961). This crisp yet light golden liquid drink became an instant hit even during its prohibition period in the US and is competing with many worldwide famous brands, even today.
So, what makes Cutty Sark whisky stand out from other whiskies? To answer this, we have to get back to where it all started.
Cutty Sark Whisky - History
Cutty Sark Whisky- quite a unique and eye-catching name, right? But where does this name come from?
This never-aging whisky is named after a tea clipper. On 23 March 1923, British wine and spirit merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd developed a new whisky, especially for American drinkers. They named it after the clipper ship which had just docked in London and had hit the headlines all over the world - the Cutty Sark. Cutty Sark tea clipper was known for being the fastest ship of its time. “Cutty Sark” is an archaic Scottish term for short shirts or nightdresses.
The 1920s was the period of prohibition of alcohol in the US, but Cutty Sark still became a popular drink because of its unforgettable taste. The demand was so high that it was even smuggled when not available legally.
And once the prohibition was repealed, Cutty Sark was already loved and established a scotch whisky brand in the US.
In 1927, Cutty Sark’s first bottle appeared on the Export list at $56 per 12-bottle case.
The iconic Cutty Sark ship was towed into its last resting place in Greenwich in 1954. This was the same ship that has been drawn onto the Cutty Sark scotch whisky bottle since 1955 and hadn’t changed to date.
During the late 1960s, Cutty Sark became so popular that it was even smuggled aboard the Mercury 9 space mission by Gordon Cooper. This incident happened in 1963 with a 50ml Cutty Sark whisky.
Cutty Sark scotch whisky has been featured in many Hollywood films as well.
How is Cutty Sark Whisky made?
Cutty Sark whisky is formed by blending over 40 single malt whiskies together in which a majority of the whiskies are grain whisky. These include Highland Park, Macallan Bunnahabhain, and Glenrothes, a Speyside distillery, along with many whiskies from different Scottish distilleries.
How does Cutty Sark Whisky taste?
Launched in the era of emerging cocktail culture, Cutty Sark whisky’s delicate flavour makes it a unique drink in the market.
Americans started shifting to Cutty Sark whisky from cocktail drinks because of its gentle and floral-herb-type nose. Its palate had subtle hints of caramel, mixed peels, vanilla ice cream, and a lot of barley. Cutty Sark’s lip-smacking taste combined with a good length finish and malty warm aftertaste make it stand out from another scotch whisky.
How does a Cutty Sark Whisky bottle look like?
Cutty Sark scotch whisky comes in a transparent sleek green bottle with a yellow label along with its branding and iconic “Cutty Sark’’ ship drawing. Cutty Sark whisky looks like a light-colored pale yellow liquid.
Alcohol Percentage and Prices
Alcohol Percentage in Cutty Sark whisky: 40% Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
Cutty Sark whisky price in India: Around Rs 2000
Awards won by Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky Masters won Silver Medal in The Spirits Business in 2020
Cutty Sark Scotch No Age Statement won Silver Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2019.
Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky won International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) during two consecutive years - 2013 and 2014.
Cutty Sark Ownership
Till 2010, Cutty Sark was created and owned by two friends - Berry Bros and Rudd after which, Edrington took charge of Cutty Sark and ran it till 2018.
In 2018, the Glen Turner Company Limited purchased Cutty Sark and is still running it successfully to date.
So, if you are looking for an inexpensive scotch whisky that doesn’t taste too strong, you can go for Cutty Sark any day.
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