Douglas Laing Unveils its Diamond Collection in Malaysia

I was honoured to have been invited to an exclusive Douglas Laing masterclass at Blue at EQ Kuala Lumpur which was led by Cara Laing, the dynamic Managing Director of Douglas Laing & Co. followed by a whisky pairing dinner at Sabayon. The event marked a significant milestone for the independent Scotch whisky bottler in Malaysia as it introduced its inaugural Strathearn Single Malt and showcased its prestigious Diamond Collection.

Established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, a gentleman with a genuine love and serious passion for whisky, Douglas Laing & Co. has remained an independent, family-run business. Transitioning through three generations, the mantle has now been assumed by Cara, the granddaughter of the founder.

Cara Laing, a third-generation family member, embodies the rich heritage and passion that defines Douglas Laing & Co. Her appointment as Managing Director in January 2024 solidified her role as the torchbearer of a legacy that began in 1948 with her grandfather, Fred Douglas Laing. With a deep-rooted connection to the industry, Cara’s expertise and enthusiasm are evident in every aspect of the company.

Before taking the helm at Douglas Laing & Co., Cara honed her skills in the whisky industry, working for renowned brands such as Jura, Bowmore, and Glen Garioch. Her journey culminated in joining the family business in 2013, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become Marketing Director. Her dedication and contributions to the Scotch whisky world were recognized in 2014 when she was appointed a Keeper of the Quaich, a prestigious honour bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

“East Asia has always been an extremely important region for our family. With trading and business relationships dating back to the founding years of Douglas Laing & Co. I’m delighted to be visiting the region to showcase our Whiskies and introduce Strathearn Single Malt that marks a new era for the business as a Blender, Bottler and now Distiller.”
Cara Laing, Managing Director of Douglas Laing & Co.

The masterclass provided a platform for us to delve into the world of Douglas Laing & Co. and experience the exceptional quality of their offerings. During the tasting of the core range, Cara Laing shared the story and passion behind Douglas Laing & Co., which showcased her deep knowledge of whisky.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the introduction of Strathearn Single Malt, a groundbreaking release that signifies the company’s foray into distilling. This meticulously crafted whisky showcases the unique character of the Highland region and marks a new chapter in Douglas Laing & Co.’s history.

In addition to Strathearn, we were privileged to sample the exquisite whiskies from the Diamond Collection. Created to commemorate the company’s 75th anniversary, this collection comprises rare and exceptional single-cask releases that exemplify Douglas Laing & Co.’s expertise and represent the pinnacle of the company’s rich heritage and unwavering commitment to quality.

Crafted from some of Scotland’s most revered distilleries, the Diamond Collection showcases the extraordinary depth and complexity of flavours that define Douglas Laing’s whiskies. Each bottle is a testament to the company’s meticulous cask selection and unparalleled expertise.

“This is an exceptional Diamond Collection of six rare old Malt and Grain Scotch Whiskies – all Single Casks so extremely rare – selected by Fred Laing and his daughter, Cara, to mark the legacy of their family business, Douglas Laing & Co. I was delighted to have been invited to assess and profile the whiskies, with Fred and Cara, in their new tasting room, and can happily report their excellence!”
Charles MacLean, renowned whisky expert & author,

“For the continued support we have had over the years, we wanted to celebrate our family legacy and give Whisky lovers the chance to experience the drams we deem to be the most exceptional in their offering. This is something I think we truly captured with “The Diamond Collection” – Single Cask Whiskies selected from deep within the Douglas Laing family vaults. These latest editions reflect very much our focus and philosophy to release excellent Scotch Whisky at the peak of perfection, honouring everything this company and my family has always stood for. This collection really is the diamond in the crown that is Douglas Laing & Co.”
Cara Laing, Managing Director of Douglas Laing & Co.

To complement the exceptional whiskies, Douglas Laing has partnered with British designer Richard Brendon to create exquisite crystalware. The mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal pieces perfectly complement the elegance and sophistication of the Diamond Collection, elevating the overall drinking experience.

The six whiskies in the Diamond Collection are as follows:

Speyside’s Finest 55 Years Old: This sherry-bomb boasts a complex profile of rich cocoa, cinnamon, plums, and spiced oak, culminating in a finish of autumnal fruits and Seville orange. Limited to 310 bottles, it is priced at £5,000.
Port Dundas 45 Years Old: Hailing from the now-closed Port Dundas distillery, this sweet and supple whisky offers notes of candyfloss, sticky date pudding, and custard. With a limited edition of 106 bottles, it is priced at £1,800.
Macallan 35 Years Old: This iconic whisky delivers a captivating combination of red fruits, cereal, and spice, leading to a finish of dried fruit, barley, chocolate, and coffee. Priced at £5,500, only 334 bottles are available.
Blair Athol 30 Years Old: This Highland gem showcases a balance of coffee, autumnal fruits, cinnamon, and sherry-infused sweetness. With a limited edition of 399 bottles, it is priced at £1,800.
Cameronbridge 45 Years Old: An extremely rare release, this whisky offers a complex profile of dark demerara sugar, corn, molasses, and spices, leading to a finish of vanilla, maple syrup, and bourbon. Priced at £1,800, only 98 bottles are available.
Port Ellen 40 Years Old: This iconic Islay malt delivers a powerful combination of smoky peat, bonfire ash, and coal dust, culminating in a finish of leather, chimney soot, and phenolic creosote. Priced at £5,500, only 290 bottles are available.

The Diamond Collection is a testament to Douglas Laing & Co.’s enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to producing exceptional whiskies. With its limited availability and extraordinary quality, this collection is sure to become a coveted treasure for whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Douglas Laing is imported and distributed in Malaysia by HRZ Beverages.