Cameron Brig
Cameron bridge distillery's lesser-known single grain whisky.
Haig
Brand
The flagship blend of John Haig & Co. was not just Britain’s most popular whisky, it was the first spirit to smash the million case barrier.
Haig Profile
Blended Scotch Whisky
Haig Gold Label was the mother brand of John Haig & Co. alongside its deluxe Dimple expression, and was a top-selling blend for much of the 20th century. It was especially popular in Britain where it became the first spirits brand to sell a million cases. By the millennium its UK sales, together with Dimple Haig, had crashed to just 750 cases. The recipe has included Lowland malts like Glenkinchie and a heavy reliance on Cameronbridge grain.
Haig History
Haig Gold Label dates back to the twilight years of the 19th century, and before long the packaging had settled on a dumpy, dark brown bottle with a plain white label and a string of medals at the bottom.
‘D’ye ken John Haig?’ asked the early adverts, and the slogan was emblazoned on the mainsail of a yacht that would sail up and down the south coast of England to stoke up demand. This gave way to the long-running ‘Don’t be vague, ask for Haig’ slogan.
By 1939 Haig was Britain’s best-selling Scotch. In 1971 it broke the million-case barrier and was poised to embrace modern retail. ‘While other Scotch whisky distillers hesitate on the supermarket sidelines,’ declared the DCL Gazette of that year, ‘UK brand leader Haig is about to take the plunge in no uncertain manner.’
Haig Gold Label is still sold in markets around the world, although owner Diageo has taken to shining its spotlight on other blends, including Johnnie Walker, Buchanan’s and Windsor.
Owners
Parent company
- Diageo 1997 - present
Current owner
Previous owners
- United Distillers 1986 - 1997
- Distillers Company Limited 1890s - 1986