International Beverage Holdings has entered into a partnership with San Francisco-based artisanal spirits importer and distiller Hotaling & Co.

The partnership is part of the International Beverage’s growth strategy in the US market.

Under the partnership, Hotaling & Co will distribute International Beverage’s Scotch whisky and spirit brands across the US.

Brands that will be distributed by Hotaling include Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt Scotch whiskies, as well as Hankey Bannister, blended Scotch whisky, Scottish Gin Caorunn, Phraya Rum and The Spirit of Thailand Mekhong.

International Beverage Holdings Americas regional vice-president Alex Steppacher said: “The US has benefited from increasing premiumization in recent years across all categories and remains the top export market for Scotch.

“With record-breaking case numbers in 2019, specifically for super-premium and above Scotch, and double-digit growth in recent years, the outlook for a distinguished malt portfolio is excellent. This makes the timing right to partner with Hotaling & Co.

“Their focus on craft distilling and importing a collection of super-premium artisanal spirits from around the world makes them the wise choice for our US import strategy.”

Initially, Hotaling will focus on the distribution of single malt Scotch whisky, Old Pulteney as well as will concentrate on building the super-premium single malt Scotch Balblair, produced in one of the oldest working distilleries in the ancient heart of the Highlands.

Hotaling & Co president and CEO Dan Leese said: “Hotaling & Co. has been seeking the right single malt producer from Scotland to round out our highly acclaimed portfolio.

“With the addition of International Beverage’s portfolio of award-winning Scottish single malts and spirits, we are proud to offer one of the most impressive and extensive selections of world whiskies available.”