By Scott Wright

ARBIKIE Distillery is poised to break into Asia after securing a key listing for its Highland Rye whisky.

The field-to-bottle distiller, based at Lunan Bay in Angus, has agreed a deal in Singapore with Spun Spirits, a luxury drinks distributor owned by Matthew Fergusson-Stewart and Chris Chambers. Singapore is one of the most lucrative overseas markets for Scotch whisky, accounting for £300 million of the industry’s exports in 2019.

Arbikie, owned by brothers Iain, John Sandy and David Stirling, will sell its 1794 Highland Rye into the market as it rolls out the brand around the world.

READ MORE: Arbikie secures North America deal

The Spun Spirits agreement builds on a new distribution deal with Canadian distributor Southern Glazer in North America, announced last month.

A special online event will be hosted on Burns Night to mark the official launch of the brand, which is now available in more than 15 countries.

Arbikie director Iain Stirling said: “We have been working very hard to expand globally and this new deal is a good start for us in the booming Asian whisky market.

“In a few years, from our launch limited-edition to expanding into major whisky markets, such as Canada and the US, to launching our signature 1794 Edition, it’s a very exciting time at Arbikie as we look for further expansion elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East.”