Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd. (The Edrington Group Ltd.), West Kinfauns, Perth, Scotland, UK.

The original company was founded in 1850 in Glasgow by William Robertson. In 1860/1 the business expanded with a merger to became Robertson & Baxter. They took a shareholding in the North British Distillery Company in 1885, which today is a joint venture owned by The Edrington Group and Diageo. These two companies entered into another joint venture in 1993, Lothian Distillers, which also continues today. In 1887 Robertson formed another business, Highland Distillers Ltd. which is a joint venture with William Grant & Sons and is also part of The Edrington Group.

William Robertson passed on the business to his son, who in turn pased it onto his daughters Elspeth, Agnes and Ethel. In 1961 the sisters formed of The Robertson Trust as a way to prevent take-overs whilst providing an avenue for their philanthropic actions. This trust owns The Edrington Group (Edrington being named after a farm near the family home) and is responsible for supporting numerous charitable endeavors, providing donations of $10’s of millions each year.

Across the years the Robertson businesses have grown by building new production and warehousing facilities, acquiring existing companies (in whole and in part with shareholdings) and creating marketing and distribution companies and alliances across the globe. Their brands of particular note include: The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Cutty Sark and Highland Park Whiskies plus Brugal Rum and Snow Leopard Vodka.

In 1970 one purchase made by Highland Distillers was that of Matthew Gloag & Son, bringing with it the Famous Grouse brand.

The Edrington Group.

Gloag’s