Emma SLANJ Whisky, a new blended malt crafted for drinkers who value quality, but aren’t weighed down by tradition.
Derived from the Scottish toast “slàinte,” meaning “health,” SLANJ whisky carries is the brainchild of three long-time friends – Brian and Craig Halley, founders of SLANJ Kilts and Stuart Montgomerie – who have dreamed of launching a Scotch for over a decade. The trio secured the SLANJ Whisky brand name nearly ten years ago and have waited patiently for the right moment and the right blend.
One of the brand’s most recognisable investors is actor Rory McCann, best known for his role as The Hound in Game of Thrones.
A long-time whisky lover, McCann was closely involved in the final blend and development process, ensuring the result felt true to the brand’s relaxed but quality-focused ethos.
He said, “I’ve always loved whisky, but SLANJ hits different. It’s smooth, no smoke, no fuss – just a bold, easy-going dram anyone can enjoy. I’m proud to back a whisky that’s pure Scottish spirit, without the rules. It’s the ultimate Scottish toast to the world.”
This first-edition blend is made from 70% Speyside single malt matured in sherry casks and 30% Highland single malt matured in bourbon casks. Bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it delivers a smooth and rounded profile with fruit, subtle sweetness and gentle spice – while deliberately holding back on any smoke.
“Scotch doesn’t need to be sacred to be exceptional,” said Brian Halley, founder of SLANJ Spirits. “We’ve always loved the craft, but we wanted to create something that felt less like a ritual and more like a moment. Something people could enjoy instinctively, without second- guessing how to drink it. We’ve held onto the SLANJ name for nearly a decade, waiting for the right time and the right whisky.” He added, “After years in the making, SLANJ feels like the whisky Scotland’s been waiting for.”
To bring their vision to life, the founders enlisted the expertise of Douglas Laing & Co., Scotland’s leading independent blender and bottler specialising the creation of artisan, small batch and single cask Scotch.
With Laing’s support, the team secured a sustainable and consistent supply of quality malt for future bottlings, ensuring the brand’s longevity. With an RRP of £47 (UK), SLANJ is positioned competitively, while standing proudly on the strength of its liquid and its approach.
Bottles of SLANJ Whisky can be purchased via online retailer, Master of Malt, priced at £48 (70cl) : www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/slanj/slanj-whisky
