Whisky named after the county of Angus is being shipped to China to fulfil growing demand for the Scots tipple in the Far East.
The unique intiative will also further strengthen long-standing links built up over many years between Angus and China in what is a billion pound market.
The Angus shipment that will see the county promoted widely in China has been accomplished after a long-awaited period of distillation in Brechin.
Scotch whisky from the owners of Glencadam Distillery labelled The Angus will now head eastwards as a result of collaboration between Yuet Yu, Angus Dundee Distillers and Angus Council.
Yuet Yu, a well-known Angus businessman with family roots in Hong Kong and Southern China, has fulfilled a long-held ambition to ship Scotland’s “water of life” to China.
Often mixed with green tea in China, Scotch whisky is becoming more popular and fashionable for a new generation of aspiring and upwardly-mobile consumers.
Mr Yu said: “As well as capitalising on the clear market opportunity, the name on the label will help to promote Angus as a destination.
“My initiative began more than a year ago when David Valentine, Angus Council’s then head of economic development suggested I should consider naming my Scotch whisky The Angus.
“The modern form of the original Gaelic name Aonghas is composed of two elements meaning “one” and “choice”. As someone raised in Angus I couldn’t think of a better name for a Scotch whisky.
“Of course the name grew in significance and as there is only one distillery in Angus, there could only be one choice of producer and this had to be Glencadam at Brechin.”
Following meetings with Angus Dundee Distillers, The Angus label was produced to the satisfaction of everyone concerned.
Angus Dundee has previously applauded the efforts of the council’s “Angus in China” initiative having been first introduced to China in 2004.
Brian Megson, a director with Angus Dundee, said: “Yuet has worked very hard to make this happen and we are delighted that The Angus Blended Scotch Whisky will soon be available for sale to consumers in China.”
David Valentine, of Valentine International, added: “It’s terrific to know that the deal is finally signed and sealed thanks to the hard work of Yuet Yu and Glencadam.”