Jenson Button partners on Coachbuilt blended Scotch

Formula One racing driver Jenson Button and whisky expert George Koutsakis have collaborated on a blended Scotch: Coachbuilt.

By Melita Kiely Launched yesterday (23 March), the whisky comprises liquid sourced from all five whisky-producing regions of Scotland, Islay, Speyside, Campbeltown, the Highlands and Lowlands. The whiskies were married in Sherry casks to give notes of summer fruits, subtle spice, toffee, chocolate and a hint of citrus. The finish is said to be long and soft, with fruit, toffee and a touch of smoke. Button commented: “The timing was brilliant – I was in the middle of launching our coachbuilding company Radford when I got introduced to George as he was on a mission to create the ultimate blended whisky. “I’ve always loved my whisky but didn’t know a huge amount about the blending world, however the more we talked the parallels between blending and coachbuilding became pretty apparent. “He then sent me an early sample of what he was working on and that was that, I asked how I could get involved and two years later here we are.” Bottled at 46% ABV, Coachbuilt Whisky is available to purchase online at coachbuiltwhisky.com for RRP £42 (US$55). Coachbuilt is the brand’s flagship expression, and will be followed by rare, aged and limited edition releases. Koutsakis, who is experienced in whisky importing and consulting, added: “Coachbuilt began from a realisation that blended Scotch whisky does not receive the praise it deserves worldwide. “With our whisky we cast the spotlight on the immense skill required to takes components from dozens of distilleries across the country, and piece them together, to create a liquid defined by balance and complexity. “From sourcing liquid from each region of Scotch whisky, to the final touch added by the Sherry cask finish, craftsmanship is the core of our blend.” British champion Button has previously worked as an ambassador for the world’s biggest selling blended Scotch whisky, Johnnie Walker. He first teamed up with the brand to front its anti-drink-driving campaign.