Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark

Est. 1923United Kingdom
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Cutty Sark is a historic blended Scotch whisky brand created in London in 1923 by the esteemed wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd. Named after the legendary 19th-century tea clipper ship—one of the fastest sailing vessels in maritime history—the brand was specifically engineered to appeal to the American market during the Prohibition era. As a pioneering 'light' Scotch whisky, it revolutionized the category with its pale straw color (achieved by eschewing heavy caramel coloring), smooth character, and subtle Speyside malt influence, making it exceptionally mixable for cocktails. The whisky delivers fresh, fruity notes with a clean, crisp finish. Its innovative marketing strategy and accessible flavor profile propelled it to become one of the best-selling Scotch whiskies in the United States following Repeal, and it remains globally recognized today for its iconic emerald green bottle and distinctive yellow label design.

Timeline

1923

BBR decided to create a blended Scotch whisky for the US market, establishing the Cutty Sark brand.

1933

During US Prohibition, the brand still managed to be smuggled into the United States.

1961

The brand became the first Scotch whisky brand to sell over one million cases in the United States.

2010

The Edrington Group acquired the brand from BBR.