What is being hailed as Scotland’s first “craft tequila” company has produced its first spirit.
UWA Tequila, based in Dyce, Aberdeen, said yesterday it had just released its first batch of solely Speyside whisky cask-aged spirit, a world first.
The company works in collaboration with a leading Mexican distiller in the town of Tequila to put a Scottish twist on the drink.
Set up in September 2016 by Michael Ballantyne and Ross Davidson, the firm has initially launched two products – Platinum Blanco, the spirit in its purest form, and seven-month cask-aged Reposado. A 14-month cask-aged “anejo” will be released in spring.
The “triple-distilled” 100% tequila is aged and rested in premium pre-filled Speyside whisky casks which are exported from Scotland to Tequila, Mexico.
Chief executive Mr Ballantyne and chief operating officer Mr Davidson previously held manager and director roles in the oil and gas industry but made the decision to leave just as the industry went into its latest downturn.
“UWA Tequila is like nothing else on the drinks market at the moment,” Mr Ballantyne said, adding: “It’s been a long time developing.”
Mr Davidson added: “The fact we started out with an industry-first, using single malt Scotch whisky casks, really does make our tequila stand out.”