Geraldo’s Private Arran Cask Whisky

Geraldo’s of Largs launches Private Arran Cask Whisky

Press Release

November 2020

To celebrate 20 years of trading, Geraldo’s of Largs, Ayrshire’s first and only 5-star tourist shop, is releasing a private cask whisky in collaboration with Arran Distillers.

Shortly after the UK went into lockdown in March, Geraldo’s should have been celebrating their 20^th birthday. What followed for many people was a period of isolation and reflection, including Geraldo’s business owner, Toni Dawson.

When her parents’ business ceased trading at the end of 1999, a lifeline was thrown to Toni by way of an empty shop in Largs. Her father encouraged her to ‘go for it’ and Sugar & Spice was initially established as a traditional seaside sweet shop with ice cream, candy floss and sweets.

Toni said: “It’s incredible to think how the business has developed over the years, especially since I rebranded the business to Geraldo’s in 2016, in memory of my dad who passed away in 2005. I would never have believed I would be here 20 years later.”

The business is unrecognisable from its humble beginnings, now specialising in luxury hampers, handmade chocolates, specialist confectionery, ice cream and premium drinks including a discerning range of whiskies.

It was always their intention to release a private whisky cask from Arran Distillery this year, as they have a strong connection and co-hosted a sell-out whisky masterclass for the distillery’s 25^th Anniversary in February.

The private cask bottling was carefully chosen from just 3 cask samples. Geraldo’s new Whisky Ambassador, James Gillies, assisted rating the whiskies to help decide on something special to mark Geraldo’s 20^th year. “When we both compared notes the choice was clear,” said Toni. “It’s later than planned but given everything that’s gone on in the world this year, the timing seems right to ‘seize the day’ as who knows what’s round the corner.”

Geraldo’s Private Arran Cask Whisky is available in their shop in Largs or online at www.geraldos.co.uk.