Whisky entrepreneurs launch Scottish spirits group

A group of veteran whisky entrepreneurs have combined forces to launch MBH Holding, an independent Scottish spirits group operating across Scotch whisky, independent bottling, branded products, travel, cask ownership and rare spirits.

The founders reported that they anticipate a combined turnover of £16m and an estimated £5m market value in casks and bottles. They also said that the group has been established with a long-term, sustainable growth strategy, combining established revenue-generating Scottish businesses with physical assets, new premium brands and a disciplined acquisition plan.

The group plans to maintain its Scottish headquarters and identity while targeting international markets with a range of premium whisky, rare spirits and whisky tourism, The founders cited the long-term strength of the Scotch-whisky ecosystem and the opportunity to consolidate a fragmented market.

The Edinburgh based group has been formed to combine the wide-ranging expertise of founders Charlie MacLean MBE, Vikki Bruce, Jamie Burke, Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward, who collectively over the last 20 years have founded and operated Maclean & Bruce (M&B), Strathearn Distillery and The Glasgow Distillery Company amongst other businesses.

Alongside developing its existing operations and brands, the group intends to pursue selective acquisitions of complementary whisky and spirits businesses; independent bottlers; mature and rare-cask portfolios; established brands; and consumer and travel businesses.

Co-founder Liam Hughes said: “Our intention is to build a substantial independent Scottish spirits group of scale – headquartered in Scotland, creating jobs in Scotland and exporting premium Scottish products globally.

“We have the operational team, the assets and the infrastructure – we will now deploy that selectively.”

Co-founder Vikki Bruce added: “This is a Scottish growth story. We have combined established businesses with real heritage, and through M&B Whisky and M&B Travel, we have a direct link between Scotland’s whisky story and consumers from around the world.”

MBH controls a substantial portfolio of casks, including stock that has been maturing for over 40 years, and is in active discussions regarding the acquisition of substantially more whisky assets.

The founders said they are already in early-stage discussions with several target assets and a select number of potential investors. Future capital investment is to be deployed selectively to support acquisitions, expand the cask asset base, develop a branded premium product range and accelerate international expansion.

Pictured left-right: MBH co-founders, Jamie Burke, Vikki Bruce, Liam Hughes and Mike Hayward