ARBIKIE, the family-owned whisky, gin and vodka distiller, has secured a “landmark” distribution deal with a major US importer.

The field to bottle producer, based on a 2,000-acre estate on the east coast of Angus, forecasts the deal with distributor Southern Glazer will generate sales worth "six figures" in the first year.

It will see Scottish rye whisky sold in the US for  the first time in 100 years. Southern Glazer will distribute Arbikie's Highland Rye Whisky, Kirsty’s Gin, AK’s Gin, Tattie Bogle Vodka, Haar Vodka, Chilli Vodka and Strawberry Vodka to outlets in New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

READ MORE: Arbikie unveils first rye for more than a century

Arbikie said the deal underlines the export opportunities available to Scottish firms despite the continuing Brexit uncertainty. The distiller, owned by the Stirling family who have farmed on the Angus land since 1660, now exports to 15 countries.

US-based director David Stirling said: “We are delighted to have agreed this landmark export distribution deal as we celebrate 2020 and our fifth birthday.

READ MORE: Craft distiller finds European opportunities despite Brexit

“Our aim has always been to disrupt the luxury spirits market by stressing the traceability of our base ingredients and how these impact on flavour. 

“Our philosophy has always been about sustainability, innovation and quality, and our global consumers are very much buying into the opportunity to trace the ingredients in their spirits. It’s extremely important to us that consumers know where the produce comes from, and we can literally show them the field the ingredients are grown in.”