Cutty Sark is a well-known brand of blended Scotch whisky, produced by La Martiniquaise in Scotland. The whisky is notable for its light, smooth taste and its distinctive packaging, featuring the famous clipper ship after which it is named.

History

Cutty Sark was created on March 23, 1923, by the London wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd. The blend was initially produced with the Glenrothes distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland serving as its primary source. Cutty Sark was developed during a period when lighter, more approachable Scotch whiskies were becoming popular, particularly in international markets such as the United States.

Name and Label

The whisky is named after the Cutty Sark, a famous River Clyde-built clipper ship launched in 1869. The name "Cutty Sark" itself originates from the Scots term for a short shirt or skirt, famously referenced in Robert Burns's poem "Tam o' Shanter." The label features a drawing of the clipper ship, created by Swedish artist Carl Georg August Wallin. Wallin, a noted marine painter, crafted what is perhaps his most iconic piece for the whisky's branding, which has adorned the bottles since 1955. The Tall Ships' Races, an annual event for large sailing ships, were once sponsored by the Cutty Sark whisky brand and bore its name.

Bottlings

The most popular expression of the brand is Cutty Sark Original Scots Whisky, recognized by its green bottle and yellow label. The range also includes several other blends and premium offerings, distinguished by the age of the youngest whisky in the blend. These include Cutty Sark 12 Year Old, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition, and Cutty Sark Storm, each offering a unique variation on the brand’s signature light and approachable style.

Reviews

Cutty Sark has received modest reviews from international spirits ratings organizations. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it earned bronze and silver medals in 2008, 2009, and 2011. The Beverage Testing Institute gave the whisky scores of 85 and 87 in 2008 and 2011, respectively, reflecting its consistent quality and appeal.

Distillery Information

While Cutty Sark was initially associated with The Glenrothes distillery, today it is produced by La Martiniquaise, one of the largest spirits groups in France. The distillery operates in line with traditional Scottish whisky-making methods, ensuring that Cutty Sark maintains its characteristic lightness and smoothness.