Just over two years since its launch, independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt has announced its most significant investment in people to date, appointing five experienced whisky professionals across North America and Asia Pacific as it accelerates its international growth.
The Falkland-based company has welcomed Gary Clark as National Sales Manager for the USA, alongside Jared Card and George B. Summer, who join as Brand Ambassadors for the Mid-Atlantic and New York respectively. Laura Sol takes on the role of Business Development Manager, while Kotaro Kurihara has been appointed Product Marketing Specialist for the Asia Pacific region.
Since launching in 2024, Saltire Rare Malt has rapidly built a presence among collectors and trade partners across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa. Its carefully curated bottlings have helped position the company as one of Scotland’s most promising independent Scotch whisky brands.
Founded in Falkland, Fife – widely regarded as the birthplace of Scotch whisky more than 530 years ago – the business was established by Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair set out to bring exceptional Scotch whisky from the heart of Scotland to a global audience, working in collaboration with internationally acclaimed whisky experts Hans and Becky Offringa, known as The Whisky Couple.
Together, they have developed a reputation for high-quality single cask and limited-edition releases that celebrate rarity, heritage and craftsmanship.
Leading the US expansion, Gary Clark brings nearly four decades of experience across hospitality, wholesale distribution and premium spirits. Born in Edinburgh and raised in Texas, Clark is an internationally recognised whisky educator, holds multiple WSET qualifications and is the author of respected publications on Japanese whisky and American whiskey.
Jared Card and George B. Summer collectively contribute more than 45 years of industry experience across supplier, distributor, retail and hospitality sectors. Card is known for his engaging whisky education and trade tastings throughout the Mid-Atlantic, while Summer, founder of Guided by the Spirits, has built premium brands through a combination of trade education, distributor partnerships and luxury consumer experiences.
Further strengthening the team, Laura Sol brings expertise in brand strategy, commercial partnerships and business development. Kotaro Kurihara, fluent in both English and Japanese, will support sales and marketing efforts across Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea – key markets for the company’s continued international expansion.
Commenting on the appointments, Keith Rennie, Co-Founder of Saltire Rare Malt, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to build an international Scotch whisky company while staying true to Scotland’s whisky heritage. Just over two years on, we’re proud to see our bottlings enjoyed by collectors around the world, but we believe the best is still to come.
“Gary, Jared, George, Laura and Kotaro each bring exceptional knowledge, experience and relationships to Saltire Rare Malt. This investment gives us the platform to accelerate our global ambitions, strengthen partnerships and take our whiskies to even more whisky lovers, collectors and trade partners around the world.”
You Might Also Like:
From its base in Falkland, Saltire Rare Malt continues to blend Scotland’s rich whisky heritage with a clear global outlook, positioning itself as one of the country’s most exciting independent Scotch whisky businesses.
The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available online at: www.saltireraremalt.com
