Our Story
The Great Pioneer
In the long and rich history of the Scotch Whisky industry, few have played a more pivotal role than the legendary James Catto. One of the first to master the art of blending, this most enterprising of individuals launched Catto's Rare Old Scottish Highland Scotch in 1861.
Setting up shop in his home city of Aberdeen, James Catto was quick to harness the potential of what was then a thriving international port and he soon established a first-rate reputation with a widespread and influential clientele. This was, of course, the golden age of ocean travel, and James Catto's connections with the founders of the P&O and White Star shipping lines helped to ensure Catto's became the blend of choice aboard the glamorous cruise liners of the time.
To this day, Catto's Rare Old Scottish remains true to its original recipe of the finest malt and grain whiskies. The result is a smooth and timeless dram that continues to be celebrated around the world.
- 19th Century
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1829
James Catto born in Aberdeen.
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1861
James Catto opens a tea and spirit merchant in Aberdeen and sells his blend.
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1873
James Catto's son, Robert is born.
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1876
The warehouse moves to 21 Adelphi, just off Union Street. Headed paper from this address shows the company logo.
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1878
The growing reputation of Catto's Rare Old Highland Scotch, saw it entered into the wine & spirit competition at the 1878 World's Fair in Paris, where a prestigious gold medal was awarded.
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1884
Further success followed at the London International Exhibition in 1884, where Catto's Scotch received a further gold medal.
- 20th Century
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1900
James Catto becomes a Limited Company.
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1908
James Catto dies, aged 79.
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1916
Robert Catto is killed in France, during WW1.
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1918
James Catto & Company Ltd. was incorporated with a share capital of £10,000. Other shareholders were Corney & Barrow and W&A Gilbey.
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1930's
An antique bottle from the 1930's of Catto's Extra Special Liqueur Blended Scotch Whisky.
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1945
After WW2 Gibley's bought out Corney & Barrow and the company became a wholly owned subsidiary.
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1962
W&A Gibley and United Wine Traders merge to form International Distillers and Vinters Ltd.
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1966
Catto's Gold Label and 12 Year Old blends launch in the US with distributor, Victor Finshel & Co.
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1970's
Antique bottle of Catto's Rare Old Scottish Highland.
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1980's
Vintage pack shot
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1990
Inver House Distillers Ltd. purchase James Catto and Co from IDV Ltd.
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1990's
Vintage pack shot
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2015
Catto's new brand identity starts to take shape.
- The Journey Continues...
The Art of Blending
The proximity of the Speyside and Highland regions to Aberdeen has historically had a huge influence on the taste profile of Catto's blended Scotch whisky. Highland malts are characteristically smooth, aromatic and floral, while Speyside malts are more delicate, fruity and sweet. As there is a very high malt content in Catto's Rare Old Scottish it is no surprise these smooth fruity characteristics exude from the final blend.
Malting & Milling
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Mashing & Fermentation
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Distillation
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Maturation & Selection
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Mixology
WHISKY SOUR
by Eduardo Val Naval
Based on the traditional cocktail recipe
Ingredients:
· Catto's Rare Old Scottish (55ml)
· Fresh Lemon juice (25ml)
· Sugar syrup (20ml)
Garnish: Orange twist, pansy flower and a black olive
Preparation: Shake with ice & strain.
Good Luck Ship
by Eduardo Val Naval
Inspired by a ship named the same way that was sold in the XIX century by the Royal Navy to the Japanese.
Ingredients:
· Catto's Rare Old Scottish (55ml)
· Honey syrup (15ml)
· Sake (15ml)
· Yuzu (10 ml)
· 1 egg white
Garnish: Pansy flower
Preparation: Shake with ice & strain.
Sonora
by Eduardo Val Naval
Inspired by a ship named the same way that was relevant during the Golden Age in the transport of spices and tropical fruits from Central America to Europe.
Ingredients:
· Catto's 12 y.o. (60ml)
· Sugar syrup (10ml)
· Chili-Mango Bitter (3 drops)
· Lemon & Orange twist (to flavour the glass)
Garnish: Burned Cinnamon stick
Preparation: Old Fashion Method.
Pioneering entrepreneurMr James Catto
launches his business in
Aberdeen, Scotland, crafting
one of the first and finest
Scottish whisky blends.
With connections to thefounders of P&O and
White Star Shipping Lines,
the Catto's blend is taken
around the world for
global success
Over 150 years later, our blendis renowned throughout the
world and is as meticulously
refined and blended as ever.
From our glorious journey
to yours... Kind Regards
Will you join us on the journey?
