Independent Scotch whisky distiller William Grant & Sons yesterday said it had struck a multi-million-pound deal with SPI Group, the Russian drinks giant, to distribute Stolichnaya vodka in the US.

Independent Scotch whisky distiller William Grant & Sons yesterday said it had struck a multi-million-pound deal with SPI Group, the Russian drinks giant, to distribute Stolichnaya vodka in the US.

Lanarkshire-based William Grant, whose brands include Grant's blended whisky, Glenfiddich and Balvenie single malts, blended malt Monkey Shoulder, Hendrick's gin and Reyka vodka, has one of the fastest-growing spirits portfolios in North America.

Neither business disclosed the value of the deal, although a spokesman for William Grant described it has a "significant step" for the company, and added that some 2.3 million cases of Stolichnaya will be distributed throughout the US each year, under the terms of the contract, via its New York-based subsidiary William Grant & Sons USA.

Andrey Skurikhin, of SPI, said: "William Grant & Sons has a wonderful portfolio and a proven track record with super premium spirits. While there were many suitors for the Stolichnaya brand, William Grant & Sons is the best partner for us. We are excited to work with their executive team, many of whom have experience working with our brand. Their expertise and passion will continue to propel Stolichnaya and deliver great success."

Stolichnaya, known affectionately as Stoli, is the world's best-selling Russian exported vodka.

Simon Hunt, managing director of William Grant & Sons USA, said: "We are extremely proud to enter this agreement with SPI Group for Stolichnaya, a truly iconic brand which fits perfectly into the William Grant & Sons portfolio."