Highland Queen is best known for its core expression, Highland Queen Blended Scotch Whisky, as well age statement editions such as Highland Queen 8 Year Old and Highland Queen 12 Year Old.
The brand itself dates back to 1893, when Roderick Macdonald set up his company Macdonald & Muir Ltd. Within 10 years of starting this business, the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain was acquired to supply the whisky for the base of what became the Highland Queen blend. The brand name was inspired by Mary,Queen of Scots, as the original production site by the harbour of Macdonald & Muir in 1893 in Port of Leith was the same place she made her triumphal arrival in 1561.
Highland Queen was a success and became the flag carrier of Macdonald & Muir Ltd for most of the 20th century. By the late 1970s, it was one of the most recognisable blends around the globe. However, the company’s focus soon shifted onto single malts which led to a decline in sales of the brand. At its peak, Highland Queen was shifting more than 900,000 cases annually and was represented in 95% of the world. By 2008 the blend was selling less than 20,000 cases.
In 2004 Moët Hennessy purchased all of Macdonald & Muir’s assets, which included Highland Queen, but the brand was quickly moved on again. In 2008 the Bordeaux-based family firm of Picard Vins & Spiritueux took charge and has since backed the historical brand and expanded its range of expressions dramatically.