Single malt whisky-lovers across the world will soon know the name Saltire Rare Malt as the Falkland-based independent whisky bottler enters further global markets, hiring new senior team members to take the company to the next level. 

Since launching its first bottles in 2024, Saltire Rare Malt can now be found across the UK, as far as Japan, Latin America and the Netherlands as it welcomes new stockists in Belgium and Uruguay. Success has been quick for the Falkland bottler and it doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon as it announces special 1-year anniversary releases coming in May – a highly anticipated 14-year-old Linkwood from the Speyside region, one of only 74 bottled from a Refill American Oak Ex Bourbon Cask at 54.1% ABV.

Saltire Rare Malt’s meteoric rise caught the eye of Jan Damen, who takes on the role of European Sales Director. He brings with him 25 years of rich single malt whisky experience – heading up the roles of Operations Director for Europe at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Group Commercial & Operations Director at The Artisanal Spirits Company, and General Manager at The Single Cask. 

Saltire Rare Malt has also appointed a USA Brand Ambassador, Paul Bryant to lead Saltire’s journey across the Atlantic. The new hires join the UK & Europe Brand Ambassador, David McCallum and Business Development Director, Andre de Almeida. All in good company as curating the Saltire Rare Malt Collection is Hans & Becky Offringa — known internationally as ‘The Whisky Couple’. 

Hans Offringa is an international whisky expert and author with over 35 years experience - an inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame and A Keeper of the Quaich. Becky Lovett Offringa is also a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Both Hans & Becky are well-respected judges at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards, with over 50 years experience between them.  

‘The Whisky Couple’, are a trusted part of the Saltire family and with incomparable guidance and advice. If curators Hans & Becky disapprove of a sample, the cask will not be bottled.

Commenting on Saltire Rare Malt’s worldwide success, founder & director Keith Rennie said: “Saltire Rare Malt was born out of friendship, vision and a passion for the very best Single Malt Scotch Whisky. To see our company be so well-received across the globe really is a dream come true. 

“Being successful is all about the team you build around you. The sheer quality, knowledge & experience we have across our team at Saltire makes the future very exciting. We are honoured to have Hans & Becky curating the Saltire Rare Malt Collection - their incredible whisky know-how and the trust we have in them is a beautiful thing. 

“Bringing our new hires Jan & Paul into the Saltire family again demonstrates that with the best team around you anything is possible. We’re raising a glass to 2025, and we can’t wait to announce what’s next!”