After six years of introducing consumers around the world to Wee Smoky, a smoky Scotch whisky created specifically for mixing, Rory noticed something interesting.
Many people who claimed not to like whisky thoroughly enjoyed it when it was served in a well-balanced cocktail.
That discovery has inspired Wee Smoky’s new range of premium ready-to-drink cocktails, presented in convenient 100ml cans.
Working with liquid development partner Jack Sotti, a former World Class Bartender of the Year, the company has added its distinctive hint of smoke to six familiar cocktails.
Four have been created particularly with non-whisky drinkers in mind: Margarita, Salted Caramel, Espresso Martini and the wonderfully named Grape-fruit-arita, Wee Smoky’s interpretation of a Paloma. Whisky enthusiasts are catered for with an Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
According to the company, early consumer testing has produced encouraging results, with many participants who believed whisky was not for them saying that they would happily order the cocktails in a bar.
“Smoke has traditionally been seen as intense. Whisky has traditionally been seen as intimidating. We believe both deserve a wider audience,” Rory told That's Food and Drink.
The range aims to provide a bar-quality drinking experience without requiring customers to buy numerous bottles, master complicated recipes or develop professional cocktail-making skills.
Founded in 2020, Wee Smoky began with a single-grain Scotch whisky made for mixing. Its original bottled whisky secured international attention and listings in markets including Australia, France, China, the United States, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The new canned cocktails represent the next stage of that journey. Their compact format makes them suitable for drinking at home, as well as for hotels, airlines, travel retail, hospitality, gifting and premium convenience outlets.
Specialist spirits wholesaler Select Drams has already agreed to distribute the range, while discussions are taking place with potential partners in North America and Australia. Wee Smoky has also registered trademarks in over 40 countries.
The ready-to-drink cocktail market continues to grow as consumers look for greater convenience and more adventurous flavour combinations. Smoky flavours are also gaining attention beyond Scotch, particularly through the popularity of tequila and mezcal.
All six Wee Smoky cocktails are available to UK customers through www.weesmoky.com.
For trade nquiries, contact hey@weesmoky.com.