Douglas Laing names Cara Laing managing director

Family-owned Douglas Laing & Co has promoted Cara Laing to the position of managing director.

Fred Douglas Laing, Cara Laing’s grandfather, established Douglas Laing & Co in 1948. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. Her appointment coincides with the unveiling of The Diamond Collection, which comprises six bottlings – including a 40-year-old Port Ellen. The Diamond Collection also includes Speyside’s Finest 55 Years Old, Port Dundas 45 Years Old, The Macallan 35 Years Old, Blair Athol 30 Years Old and Cameronbridge 45 Years Old. New managing director Laing said: "For the continued support we have had over the years, we wanted to celebrate our family legacy and give whisky lovers the chance to experience the drams we deem to be the most exceptional in their offering. “This is something I think we truly captured with The Diamond Collection – single cask whiskies selected from deep within the Douglas Laing family vaults. “These latest editions reflect very much our focus and philosophy to release excellent Scotch whisky at the peak of perfection, honouring everything this company and my family has always stood for. This collection really is the diamond in the crown that is Douglas Laing & Co.” The Diamond Collection The oldest whisky in the range, Speyside’s Finest 55 Years Old (52.5% ABV), is described as a ‘bomb of a sherry’. Limited to 310 bottles, the whisky has an RRP of £5,000 (US$6,378). The 45-year-old Port Dundas (49.9% ABV) has notes of fudge, cereal and mild tobacco on the palate. Only 106 bottles have been made, priced at RRP £1,800 (US$2,295) each. The 35-year-old Macallan (44.4% ABV) will cost RRP £5,500 (US$7,016). Tasting notes include malt, crème brûlée and gentle spice. A total of 334 bottles have been created. Blair Athol 30 Years Old (54.4% ABV) has notes of autumnal fruit, cinnamon, and a minty backdrop with mocha. The Highland whisky is limited to 399 bottles, each priced at RRP £1,800 (US$2,295). Just 98 bottles of Cameronbridge 45 Years Old (54.6% ABV) have been created, said to offer flavours of drizzled lemon juice, barley, sugar and honey. It is priced at RRP £1,800 (US$2,295). Last in the collection, Port Ellen 40 Years Old (59.1% ABV) is sweet and citrusy with smoking peat and bonfire ash, leading to a finish of chewed leather and chimney soot. With 290 bottles available, the whisky has an RRP of £5,500 (US$7,016). Each XOP Diamond Anniversary Set includes a 700ml bottle, plus a large decanter and crystal whisky tumbler (both mouth-blown and hand cut). Furthermore, a pewter-coloured metal coaster with a black velvet-coated back and a certificate signed by Fred and Cara Laing are also included in the diamond-shaped gift box.