Whyte & Mackay has moved into the low-alcohol spirit segment with the launch of Whyte & Mackay Light.

Made using malt and grain, the spirit contains 21.5% alcohol-by-volume (ABV). The offering is designed to appeal to young consumers and meet the increasing demand for low-ABV drinks.

Whyte & Mackay brand head Ruairi Perry said: “The success we enjoy across the Whyte & Mackay portfolio has been built on the brand that carries our name. We’re continually looking at trends in drinks and listening to our consumers across the UK, which is why we’re delighted to announce the launch of Whyte & Mackay Light.

“We’ve doubled the size of our brand portfolio in the last three years.”

“It’s a different product, built with the same younger, lighter consumer in mind. We see a different type of drinking occasion emerging, and Whyte & Mackay Light has been developed to satisfy that occasion.”

Whyte & Mackay’s new low-alcohol spirit will be available in Tesco stores across the UK from early June for a recommended retail price (RRP) of £12 per 700ml bottle.

Whyte & Mackay is planning a series of investments to re-position its single malt Scotch whisky brand Jura and launch whisky brand Shackleton, Woodsman Blended Scotch Whisky and Wildcat Gin.

Whyte & Mackay innovation head Rod Gillies said: “We’ve doubled the size of our brand portfolio in the last three years, with new whiskies developed to bring new consumers into the category.

“Now, with Whyte & Mackay Light, we’re using the strength of one of our existing brands to deliver an attractive option for the growing number of consumers who may be looking to keep an eye on their alcohol intake.”