Coachbuilt and Williams Racing debut 18YO whisky
Scotch brand Coachbuilt, co-founded by Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, has revealed its inaugural co-branded whisky with Williams Racing.
The first expression in the series has been aged for 18 years in a combination of ex-Sherry and Bourbon casks and bottled at 48% ABV. Co-created by Coachbuilt and Williams Racing, the limited edition blended Scotch whisky series pays homage to the racing team's heritage. It also celebrates the long relationship between Williams and Jenson, which began in 2000 when the team gave him his breakthrough opportunity in Formula One. “The launch of our inaugural release is the culmination of my dream to blend my two big passions: racing and Scotch whisky,” said Button. “With that said, racing fans and Scotch collectors have a lot to be excited about as we bring forward some truly unique whiskies – all beautifully blended to create a smooth and well-balanced sipping experience.” The new expression combines liquid from all five Scotch whisky regions and was blended at Claxton’s by Coachbuilt co-founder George Koutsakis. Coachbuilt 18-year-old offers notes of 'orchard fruit and winter spice on the nose with hints of vanilla, dark chocolate and cinnamon on the palate' and can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The packaging design is based on the FW-18, one of Williams Racing's most successful and iconic cars; hence, the 18-year age statement. Limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide, Coachbuilt 18-year-old retails for £230 (US$295) for a 700ml bottle. The release will be available in the UK at selected spirits retailers starting in August. Pre-orders can be made at the company's website and Master of Malt. In addition to the 18-year-old release, the alliance is set to produce several limited edition whiskies that will 'commemorate some of the most remarkable moments in Williams Racing’s history'. The licensing partnership will also see the core Coachbuilt edition poured for Williams guests in the paddock. In April 2023, the brand teamed up with Rolls-Royce London to produce a 30-year-old blend limited to 300 bottles.
