The VAT 69 blend was created by William Sanderson of Leith. At the age of thirteen, Sanderson began an apprenticeship for a wine and spirits producer. By 1863, he had his own business. William’s son son, William Mark, joined the business in 1880 and he persuaded his... father to bottle his own blended whiskies. Two years later, the VAT 69 blend was created. Sanderson produced a number of differing blends and offered them to a panel of judges. The panel selected no. 69 as the best. The company merged with Booth’s Distilleries in 1933. Two years later the newly formed company merged with Distillers Company Limited. In 1980, VAT 69 Reserve was released.