Inside the Cask: A Conversation with Douglas Laing

Richard Brendon partnered with Douglas Laing to celebrate their 75th anniversary of crafting exceptional whisky. Much like us, they believe every drink should be an experience, savoured at its finest - making this collaboration a natural fit. The exclusive gift set includes our Diamond Decanter, a Tumbler, a single cask Whisky, and a matching coaster to create the ultimate Whisky moment. We also sat down with Cara Laing to hear more about their process and how they continue to deliver some of the finest Whisky in the world.

Q - Can you tell us a little about your journey and how it has led you to become a key part of one of Scotland's most iconic independent Whisky brands?

A - Whisky has always been in my blood - literally! As the third generation in our family business, I grew up surrounded by Scotch Whisky, hearing stories from my grandfather, Fred Douglas Laing, and later working alongside my father, Fred. After starting my career in the industry with Whyte & Mackay and Morrison Bowmore, I returned to Douglas Laing to help drive our business forward while staying true to our independent, family-owned roots. Now, as Managing Director, I’m passionate about crafting exceptional Whisky and sharing our story with the world.

Q - What's something you wish more people understood about Douglas Laing and what sets you apart in the world of Whisky? 

A - That we are truly independent and family-owned, which allows us to do things our way - no shortcuts, no compromises. Every Whisky we bottle is natural cask strength or high strength, non-chill filtered, and free from added colour. We focus on single casks and small batches, meaning every bottle tells its own unique story.

Q - For those who are new to Whisky what advice would you give them and which Whisky of yours should they taste first?

A - Don’t be intimidated! There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy Whisky - experiment with how you drink it and what you pair it with. For a great introduction, I’d suggest trying our Scallywag for those who like something rich and sherried or Rock Island for a taste of maritime, smoky charm.

Q - What does Finer Dining, Every Day mean to you?

A: To me, ‘Finer Dining, Every Day’ is about challenging the idea that quality should only be reserved for special occasions. At Douglas Laing, we believe exceptional whisky - like great food - should be enjoyed whenever you choose, not just on rare occasions. It’s about making quality a part of everyday life, not something reserved for luxury.

Q - What are your top three go-to bars or restaurants in your neighbourhood in Scotland, the places you keep coming back to?  

A - The Crabshakk – If you love seafood, this place is an absolute must. The freshness of the ingredients speaks for itself, and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for any occasion. Plus, their picklebacks (Whisky with a pickle juice chaser) are so good – a total game-changer! Ka Pao – The flavours here are just incredible – bold, vibrant, and full of spice. It’s always a go-to when I’m craving something exciting and different. The Loveable Rogue – Comfort food at its absolute best. It’s the kind of place you keep going back to!

Q - What's your most memorable bar, restaurant, or meal you've had anywhere in the world and what made it so special?  

A - On my most memorable meal, it would have to be in the South of France in a small family owned and run restaurant in the hills (in Mougins) - I can’t remember the restaurant name - but I was with my mum and James Bond! I love to retell the story as “I dined with Bond”… sitting next to us at the next table was Roger Moore - as a Bond fan from an early age, that was pretty fun and memorable. 

Q - Why is the Richard Brendon Diamond Double Old Fashioned glass so perfect for tasting your Whisky from?

A - The weight of the glass feels luxurious in hand, while the cut crystal design helps capture the light beautifully - enhancing both the visual and sensory experience of the Whisky. The shape is also perfect for nosing, allowing the aromas to develop wonderfully.

Q - Which Richard Brendon piece do you love most, and what makes it your favourite?  

A: The Diamond Decanter - it’s stunning, timeless, and the perfect way to serve a truly special dram. It comes as part of the Diamond Collection Collaboration Gift Set, which makes it an incredible gift for any Whisky lover. The craftsmanship and attention to detail mirror what we strive for in our Whisky, making this collaboration a perfect match.

Q - What is your favourite and maybe slightly unexpected food and Whisky pairing?

A - Timorous Beastie with lemon drizzle cake is an interesting pairing but there’s nothing quite like it. The whisky’s smooth, malty sweetness balances the tangy, citrusy flavours of the cake, making for a surprisingly good match.

Q - Finally, tell us your favourite song or artist to listen to while cooking or making a drink?

 A: Simply the Best by Tina Turner – a classic!

Discover the Diamond Collection, for pairing with your Whisky.