Our History
HISTORY
Our story
Edrington’s success stems from a heritage of exceptional people dedicated to craftsmanship.
The origins of the company stretch back to the mid-nineteenth century, when William Robertson founded the Robertson & Baxter company in Glasgow. The Robertson family also founded Highland Distillers in 1887 and, ultimately, in 1999, Edrington acquired Highland along with its iconic brands The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park. Today, these renowned premium spirit brands are distributed across international markets by a network of Edrington’s own distribution companies and selected partnerships.
Edrington is focused on its future as an independent, international company offering distinctive, premium spirit brands.
We know where we’re going. Take a closer look at how far we've come.
The origins of the company stretch back to the mid-nineteenth century, when William Robertson founded the Robertson & Baxter company in Glasgow. The Robertson family also founded Highland Distillers in 1887 and, ultimately, in 1999, Edrington acquired Highland along with its iconic brands The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park. Today, these renowned premium spirit brands are distributed across international markets by a network of Edrington’s own distribution companies and selected partnerships.
Edrington is focused on its future as an independent, international company offering distinctive, premium spirit brands.
We know where we’re going. Take a closer look at how far we've come.
1861- 1887
New ventures
William Robertson arrives in Glasgow in the mid 19th century. In 1861 he founds Robertson & Baxter, which is soon established as a respected broker of Scotch whiskies.
In 1887, William becomes Chairman of the newly-founded Highland Distilleries Company, although it remains a separate business.
1961
The Robertsons' gift
William Robertson's granddaughters, Agnes, Ethel and Elspeth, combine their business interests under a holding company, Edrington. At the same time they create a charitable trust - The Robertson Trust - to be Edrington's principal owner and distribute its dividends to charities across Scotland.
1999
Reunited with Highland
Edrington acquires Highland Distillers, and with it, the acclaimed single malts The Macallan and Highland Park and Scotland's favourite blended Scotch, The Famous Grouse. The company becomes known for its expertise in building premium spirit brands.
2003 - 2017
International expansion
As the popularity of Edrington's brands grows around the world, the company opens its first international office in Shanghai, in 2003. It continues to work with a range of distributors in international markets until 2014 when it creates wholly-owned companies and regional hubs to market and distribute its brands. Edrington Americas opens to serve the world's largest premium spirits market. Edrington Asia Pacific is established in Singapore and Edrington Middle East opens its doors in Dubai. Edrington Global Travel Retail is created to focus on the international tax-free market.
2008
Beyond Scotch Whisky
Edrington acquires a majority stake in Brugal, a premium Caribbean rum born in the Dominican Republic in 1888.
This expands its portfolio beyond Scotch Whisky for the first time in its history.
2016-2018
New spirits
In 2017 the company purchases The Glenrothes brand from Berry Bros & Rudd, reuniting the brand with the distillery.
Over the next few years, Edrington forms strategic partnerships with Wyoming Whiskey and Berry Bros. & Rudd on No.3 London Dry Gin.
2017
Homecoming
Edrington establishes a new global headquarters at 100 Queen Street in Glasgow. The site is near to West Nile Street, where the business was based for 110 years.
2018
The world's most beautiful distillery
Edrington's new distillery and brand home for The Macallan opens. Designed by renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the building is acclaimed "a game-changer" for premium spirits and goes on to win several architecture prizes including the Doolan Prize for Best Building in Scotland. Most importantly, the spirit it produces is a perfect match for The Macallan's famous quality.
2020
A deeper collaboration
Suntory Holdings acquires 10 per cent of Edrington shares in an agreement that builds on a partnership that dates back to the early 1990s, when Suntory became a shareholder in The Macallan. The agreement funds Edrington's principal shareholder, The Robertson Trust, allowing it to give more to good causes across Scotland.