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The Glasgow Distillery Company has introduced Malt Riot – a blended malt Scotch whisky - to its range.
The new release is a selected blend of handpicked single malts from across Scotland, with the distillery’s Glasgow 1770 Single Malt at the heart of the spirit.
The whisky is inspired by the malt tax protests that took place in 1725. These started in Glasgow, then spread across the nation, where protesters came together to demand the tax on malted barley be overturned.
In Glasgow, malt stores were barricaded and the excise men chased from the city. The home of the local member of parliament and former Collector of Taxes for the Port of Glasgow, who originally supported the introduction of the malt tax, Daniel Campbell, was destroyed.
Compensated for the damage by the city of Glasgow, he used the money to purchase the island of Islay and part of Jura.
Ironically, he encouraged farmers to seed surplus barley and ignited the legal production of single malt Scotch whisky, and the rest of Scotland followed.
Malt Riot celebrates this story of unity by bringing together a range of single malts from across the Scottish whisky regions and blending them together as one.
Liam Hughes, CEO and co-founder of The Glasgow Distillery Company, said: “The story of the malt riots is a really powerful one for us to tell.
"Not only does it heavily involve the people of Glasgow taking a stand for what they believe in, but it was a catalyst that helped forge the Scotch Whisky industry as we know it today.
“This story has been largely forgotten and is a wonderful example of the fiery passion and determination that continues to live on in our city.
"Glasgow is a city full of passionate people, who constantly stand up for what they believe in, igniting positive change at home and across the world; I guess it’s true what they say, people really do make Glasgow.
“This year has been an extremely challenging time for all in light of Covid-19, and for Glasgow Distillery the launch of Malt Riot, following the recent release of Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Whisky – Triple Distilled Release No.1, is hopefully the start of some return to normality.”
Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is available from the Glasgow Distillery website and independent retailers at an RRP of £25.
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