The realm of automotive-whisky collaborations may defy expectations, considering the inherent danger associated with combining drinking and driving. However, luxury car brands are irresistibly drawn to luxury whiskies. The most recent example of this allure is the partnership between Coachbuilt Blended Scotch Whisky, which boasts Formula 1 driver Jenson Button as its brand ambassador, and Rolls-Royce London.
Founded in 2022 by whisky writer George Koutsakis, Coachbuilt sought to establish a distinguished brand that would emphasize the art of blending. Upon meeting Button, the two visionaries decided to join forces and showcase the realms of luxury whisky and automobiles, finding parallels between the two domains. In a statement on the Coachbuilt website, Koutsakis remarked, "Both coachbuilding and whisky blending require an assemblage of various components from different producers. Both demand immense skill and expertise to create a harmonious whole, and both necessitate continuous refinement to achieve true beauty."
The flagship offering, Coachbuilt Whisky Build No. 001, is a blend that comprises malt and grain whisky sourced from all five whisky regions of Scotland. This exquisite concoction is then matured in sherry casks imported from Spain. In contrast, the Coachbuilt x Rolls-Royce London 30 Years Old represents a far more premium expression—a blend of malt and grain whisky aged for at least 30 years, with some barrels reaching the impressive age of 35 years. The majority of this distinguished blend has been matured in sherry casks. Each bottle of this exclusive edition comes nestled within a special box adorned with embossed leather. Only 300 bottles have been made available, retailing at £1,500 (approximately $1,800). Half of these bottles will be accessible to Rolls-Royce customers, while the remaining half will be allocated through a ballot system via the Coachbuilt website.
Speaking to The Spirits Business, Katsoukis revealed that the collaboration with Rolls-Royce drew inspiration from the partnership between Macallan and Bentley. He stated, "Rolls-Royce boasts a rich history in coachbuilding and stands as an elegant, modern brand. The challenge lay in finding a whisky worthy enough to bear their prestigious name, and fortunately, we achieved that."
Button chimed in, expressing his amazement at the progress Coachbuilt has made within its first year of existence. He remarked, "It's truly incredible to think that we are only just celebrating Coachbuilt's first anniversary and witnessing the realization of our dream to partner with esteemed brands such as Rolls-Royce London. To have accomplished this in just 12 months is truly remarkable."
At present, the availability of bottles seems to be limited to customers within the United Kingdom. However, those interested in acquiring one can visit the Coachbuilt website for further information.
About Coachbuilt
Coachbuilt is a renowned brand in the world of whisky, recognized for its expertise in blending premium Scotch whiskies. The company was founded in 2022 by George Koutsakis, a whisky writer with a passion for the craft of blending. Koutsakis envisioned creating a high-end whisky brand that would focus on the artistry and meticulous process of blending different whiskies to create exceptional expressions.
The driving force behind Coachbuilt is the belief that whisky blending is akin to the art of coachbuilding, which involves assembling various components from different producers to create something truly remarkable. Just as coachbuilders require skill, expertise, and continuous refinement to produce elegant and luxurious automobiles, Coachbuilt applies these principles to the realm of whisky blending.
Coachbuilt has garnered attention and acclaim for its dedication to sourcing whiskies from all five regions of Scotland: Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, Speyside, and Campbeltown. By combining malt and grain whiskies from these distinct regions, Coachbuilt crafts unique and harmonious blends that showcase the diverse flavors and characteristics of each region.
One of Coachbuilt's notable collaborations is with Jenson Button, a renowned Formula 1 driver who serves as the brand ambassador. Button's association with Coachbuilt further emphasizes the brand's commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for luxury and precision.
Among Coachbuilt's offerings is their flagship expression, Coachbuilt Whisky Build No. 001. This blend combines carefully selected malt and grain whiskies, culminating in a rich and complex flavor profile. The whiskies are matured in sherry casks sourced from Spain, adding an extra layer of depth and refinement to the final product.
Coachbuilt's commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence has positioned it as a respected and admired name in the world of whisky. With their focus on blending techniques, exploration of different whisky regions, and collaborations with esteemed partners, Coachbuilt continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
