Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi also travels to France to mark Larsen Cognac’s centenary
International Beverage welcomed the Group CEO of parent company Thai Beverage PLC to Scotland last Thursday (22nd October) for the start of a week of celebration marking two milestones in its portfolio: the 200th anniversary of Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky and the 100th anniversary of Larsen Cognac. Khun Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi is joining colleagues in both Scotland and France to recognise the people, craftsmanship and dedication behind the two spirits, the company said.
The celebrations began in Edinburgh on Thursday 22nd October, marking two centuries of Old Pulteney and the work of its makers at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. International Beverage Marketing Director Fiona Kennie presented Mr Thapana with bottle #1 of Old Pulteney’s recently released 50 Years Old expression. Just 200 bottles of the whisky, described by the company as the distillery’s oldest ever release, were bottled for global markets this summer and are held in a hand-blown crystal decanter with a sculptural gold base and oak outer casing.
In the evening, Mr Thapana joined a dinner at Edinburgh Castle with guests from Pulteney Distillery and Scotland’s whisky industry, where Old Pulteney 30 Years Old, a limited edition released for the 200th anniversary, was served.
Mr Thapana is also travelling to Maison Larsen in the Cognac region of France for an evening of celebration on 27th October marking Larsen Cognac’s centenary. According to the release, 100 guests will take a guided tasting and tour of Larsen’s cellars before an evening event including cocktails, an interactive walk through the brand’s history, and a dining experience created by a Michelin-starred chef from the region. The evening will conclude with the unveiling of Aurora, described as the oldest blend and first release from Larsen’s Paradise Cellar.
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Floriane Eznack, Maison Larsen’s Acting Cellar Master, is to present Mr Thapana with a Drakkar-shaped crystal decanter of Aurora. The release states this reinforces ThaiBev’s commitment to Larsen’s legacy as it enters its second century.
The visit forms part of a year-long programme marking the anniversaries. Old Pulteney’s activities in 2026 have included two new limited edition whiskies, a summer gathering for global customers in the Highlands, a distillery open day and ball for the Wick community, travel retail activations in European airports, and a programme of marketing and tasting events. Larsen Cognac’s programme has included the launch of its new ‘Smooth Sailing’ campaign and a redesign of its bottle and label, which the company said aims to reflect its heritage and enhance its appeal to current drinkers.
Mr Thapana said: “Old Pulteney is a prized spirit within the International Beverage portfolio, respected for its long history of maritime resilience, fascinating history in the far north of Scotland, and unique coastal character that is recognised and appreciated in every corner of the globe. Larsen’s heritage is just as unique, built around a wonderful spirit and the journey of its founder to Cognac, where 100 years on we are celebrating his creation. Both share the common thread of all our brands around the world: pride, passion and the craft of the maker, whose daily dedication to excellence lies behind our success. I am thrilled to be sharing these special moments with the International Beverage team in person, and to offer my deepest thanks to every person involved in creating these wonderful spirits and year of celebration in 2026. I am filled with pride for all that has been achieved, and optimism for all that is to come for our beloved Maritime Malt and Maison Larsen.”
