Whyte and Mackay recently launched John Barr Reserve Blend Scotch whisky onto the US market, in a glass packaging range developed by Owens Illinois, from a design by Cue. John Barr Reserve Blend was awarded the title of ‘Extraordinary Ultimate Recommendation’, achieving the highest score in its category and price tier at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016. The launch is the result of a distribution deal with E & J Gallo, who will act as distributor and who had an input into the design. The range comprises 75cl, 1 litre and 1.75 litre bottles, all of which had to launch together. O-I’s production expertise at its specialist spirits facility in Alloa overcame the significant timescale and technical challenges, particularly to achieve panel control on the complex 1.75 litre container. Scott Gibb, commercial lead for O-I in the UK, said “We all knew it was vital the pack carried a premium look to cut through the competitive offerings at John Barr’s price point. Once the design was approved, Alloa’s expertise in producing the bottles ensured the customer is delighted with the result.”
