Edinburgh whisky specialist wins £50,000 prize at UK entrepreneur awards
- By editor
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Private-label, Scotch-whisky business Tailored Spirits Co. has been named a winner at the Stelios Foundation UK Young Entrepreneur Awards 2026.
Co-founders Adam Harding and Carl Johnstone jointly secured a £50,000 prize in recognition of their shared leadership in building the growing whisky businesses.
Founded in 2024 and based in Leith, Tailored Spirits Co. was awarded third prize by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet, as part of the annual awards recognising the UK’s most promising young entrepreneurs.
The awards, which distributed £300,000 in total, celebrate founders driving growth, innovation and job creation across the UK economy. Tailored Spirits was one of 61 applicants.
The firm works with private clients, premium brands, and hospitality groups globally.
Rather than operating as a traditional independent bottler, Tailored Spirits positions itself as an 'experience-led' whisky partner, guiding clients through the full journey – from cask selection and liquid style to brand design and final bottling.
Since launch, the company has seen significant momentum, achieving £2.35m turnover in 2025 and doubling its team to support growing global demand.
Adam, who is also head of spirits, sales and strategy, said: “To be recognised by one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs at such an early stage in our journey is an incredibly proud moment. This endorsement strengthens our position globally and supports our ambition to grow the business further.
“We’re seeing a shift in how people engage with whisky – it’s no longer just about buying a bottle, but about creating something truly personal. This award will help us accelerate our plans, including key hires and further expansion.”
The Stelios Foundation awards recognise entrepreneurs aged 34 and under who are building high-growth UK businesses, with a minimum revenue threshold of £500,000. Winners are selected based on their potential to scale and create jobs within the UK economy.
Photography: Jacek Hubner, of Adam Harding
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