North-east distilleries are battling for a multimillion-pound contract to produce Donald Trump’s first single malt whisky.
The US billionaire has started talks with “several” drinks producers as he looks to expand his luxury merchandise brand to Scotland.
Following the success of Trump Vodka, the Manhattan-based businessman is keen to launch a range of whiskies as his £750million Aberdeenshire golf resort plans take shape.
Last night Sarah Malone, who is overseeing his plans to create the “world’s greatest golf course” at the Menie Estate near Balmedie, said that bottles would be sold around the world, and that other merchandise could follow.
“We will definitely have a few single malts in the years to come, and perhaps a couple of special blends too once the clubhouse is up and running,” she said.
“We are meeting with companies regionally and nationally to identify the very best products for Trump International Golf Links, Scotland and we look forward to commissioning and manufacturing a wide range of products over the coming years.
“There are tremendous opportunities for Scottish suppliers and the Trump Scotland brand will be synonymous with Scotland’s finest.
“We are talking with a number of different distilleries and we hope to have a whisky ready for 2012.”
Trump Vodka launched in 2006. The spirit, which is produced by renowned Dutch master distiller Jacques de Lat, sold about 20,000 cases in its first year and is priced at about £60 for a litre bottle.
Miss Malone also revealed that the businessman has applied to the Court of the Lord Lyon so that a Trump coat of arms can be created.
The organisation famously fell victim to Scotland’s ancient heraldic laws in 2008 and had to stop using its previous insignia.
Work has now started on the championship course at Menie, which lies be- tween Balmedie and Aberdeen.
Mr Trump believes the course, which he hopes will host the Open Championship in the future, will become a “national jewel”.
However, some of the people living around the estate remain opposed to the plans, including local quarryman Michael Forbes.
Yesterday it emerged that Mr Forbes has been questioned by police about thefts from the estate.
The 57-year-old was quizzed after officers received reports of marker flags – used to map out the course – being taken from the site.
Mr Forbes, of Mill of Menie, refused to comment.
A spokesman for Grampian Police said: “We can confirm a 57-year-old man was spoken to in connection with the theft of identification flags at Menie Estate.
“He received an adult formal warning letter.”
No further legal proceedings will be taken against Mr Forbes and he will not be required to attend court.
