SWA say 'Farewell' to Karen Betts with Exclusive Bottling

As the Scotch Whisky Association said ‘farewell’ to Karen Betts, former Scotch Whisky Association Chief Executive, at the end of 2021, the industry came together to create a very special Scotch whisky.

This special edition blended malt Scotch whisky was created to thank Karen Betts as she moved on from the SWA. Produced by members of the Scotch Whisky Association and bottled by Douglas Laing & Co, the whisky was commissioned in recognition of and to honour Karen, who was the first female Chief Executive in the SWA’s 110 year history, and her tireless work on behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry.

Before moving to become CEO at the Food and Drink Federation, the industry presented Karen with bottle No.1 of this limited run of ten bottles. In her time at the SWA, Karen helped to navigate many challenges, including tariffs imposed on Single Malt Scotch whisky by the United States and the industry’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She also helped to lay the foundation for the future, including a focus on increasing diversity in the industry’s workforce, achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and growing trade in key global markets including India.

The blend is a special marriage of malts from Scotch Whisky Association members and a unique collaboration of whisky makers from all five Scotch Whisky producing regions. Only 10 bottles were created, five of which will be available exclusively through Whisky Auctioneer. We are delighted to have partnered with the Scotch Whisky Association in aid of two charities specially chosen by Karen: the MSF Afhganistan Appeal and the Outward Bound Trust UK.

Karen explained why she wants their sale to support these charities:

“I was incredibly touched that distillers came together to create this unique blend to mark my time leading the Scotch Whisky Association. And it is truly a wonderful dram, a unique blend that could now be yours.

“The charities I have chosen to support are making an incredible difference to the lives of many people.  Médecins Sans Frontieres Afghan Crisis Appeal is delivering emergency medical care across Afghanistan to those suffering in the humanitarian crisis that is now gripping the country.  Having worked on, and visited, Afghanistan I know how tough life has been there over many years. But the crisis has now become acute and the need for overseas aid is urgent.

“Closer to home, The Outward Bound Trust has worked with young people for many years, to help them to thrive in education, employment and their communities.  They focus on building self-belief, resilience and positive relationships through learning and adventures in the wild in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Given the strains placed on young people by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the widening attainment gap to rising anxiety, it’s never been more important to support them where we can.”

All of the funds raised by the sale of these bottles, including Whisky Auctioneer's associated fees, will be divided evenly between the charities. The bottles are exclusive to our February 2022 Auction, which runs from Friday 25th February until Monday 7th March. If you are interested in taking part, please register an account with Whisky Auctioneer.