Clan Campbell "Highlander" 12 year Scotch whisky miniature.

Clan Campbell "Highlander" 12 year Scotch whisky miniature. Limited edition.

Condition: New. Collector.
Fill level: New. In the neck.

Whisky still produced: No.
Category: Blend. 
Distillery: Still producing.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: Miniature.
Bottling Year:
Stated Age: 12 years old.
Cask type: Not stated.
Strength: 43.0 % Vol.
Size: 50 ml.
Colouring: Unknown.
Chill-filtered: Unknown.
Bottle code: L64252 138 11:46
Country Origin: Scotland.
Market: France.

Of all the Scottish clans that have been co-opted by Scotch whisky brands, there is no doubt Clan Campbell has been the most successful, perhaps partly because the clan claims to have 14 million descendants worldwide.  
Owned by the French spirits giant Pernod Ricard, it was the ‘number one premium whisky’ in France in 2015 (IWSR). With Aberlour and Glenallachie in the blend it has a Speyside heart, and recent aged expressions have included Clan Campbell ‘Highlander’ 12-year-old, the ‘Legendary’ 18-year-old, and an 8-year-old.

Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Antique Bronze.
Nose; Sherry, raisins, nuts, tobacco.
Palate; Sweet, sherry, caramel, honey.
Finish: Medium lang

Distillery History: 

Clan Campbell – Brand History

Clan Campbell is one of the most recognisable blended Scotch whiskies ever produced for the European market, particularly in France where it achieved remarkable popularity. Despite its name, Clan Campbell is not a distillery but a blended Scotch whisky inspired by the heritage and traditions of Scotland's powerful Clan Campbell. The brand draws inspiration from the real Clan Campbell, which dates back to the 13th century. Based in Argyll, western Scotland, the clan became powerful during the reign of Robert the Bruce and played key roles in Scottish history. The whisky brand leverages this connection to evoke images of nobility, strength, and tradition. The convoluted story of Clan Campbell whisky starts with a wine merchant, originally called Samuel Rosenbloom, who moved into whisky as Forbes McGregor & Co. in Glasgow in 1933. Rosenbloom was soon calling himself Ross, and then Campbell, possibly because his new firm was based in the city’s Campbell House. A year later he bought the Glasgow blender Muir Mackenzie & Co and it was that name on the Clan Campbell blend when it first appeared in around 1948. 

The brand was introduced in 1948 by Glasgow whisky company Muir Mackenzie & Co. and later became part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio following its acquisition in 1974. Under Pernod Ricard's ownership, Clan Campbell expanded rapidly across Europe, establishing itself as one of the continent's best-selling Scotch whisky brands.

The blend combines carefully selected malt and grain whiskies, traditionally drawing much of its character from Speyside malts. Known for its approachable style, Clan Campbell developed a reputation for delivering classic Scotch flavours at an accessible price point, helping introduce generations of consumers to Scotch whisky.

For collectors, older bottlings provide an interesting insight into the evolution of the brand. Early examples bearing the Muir Mackenzie & Co. name, vintage miniature bottles, and age-statement releases such as the 5 Year Old and 12 Year Old expressions are particularly sought after. Label design, bottle shape, tax markings and closure types can often help identify specific production eras.

Today, Clan Campbell remains an important name in the history of blended Scotch whisky, reflecting both Scotland's whisky-making tradition and the growth of the European Scotch market during the second half of the twentieth century.

© copyright, Tasting World Ltd. England.