A small independent brand with Big aspirations.
The Big Yin offers a broad range of single cask. single malt and blended whiskies. Offering whisky that are exceptional with sticking with our philosophy for bottling from the cask without spirit caramel colouring and chill filtration, no age statement (NAS) whiskies, unique cask finishes, small-batches, as well as small batch whisky label series with limited .unique numbering
We source and select casks for bottling under our own brand The Big Yin at cask strength.
As a boy from a working class family in Glasgow, I grew up next to the River Clyde and was always fascinated by the shipbuilding history. Living in a tenement in Anderston during the 1970’s and 80’s, I witnessed the tail end of a once thriving industry, which left behind relics of its successful past.
The shift from innovation and heavy industry to the regeneration of the Broomielaw led to many of the old dock buildings being pulled down, to be replaced by conference and events venues, hospitality business along with commercial offices in the banking and insurance sector. It was a time of huge change but some of the old landmarks remain, such as the Stobcross Crane No7 better known as the "Finnieston Crane" still dominant on the Brromielaw.
The original site of the Anderston Brewery on Warroch Street was a favourite hangout for exploring, den building and escaping. As an enterprising kid, much time was also spent collecting discarded empty ginger bottles to sell back to the famous Glasgow soft drinks manufacturers and was always preferable to going to school.
I remember hearing stories of times gone by, about the hard physical life of those working in the shipyards, but they were told with great humour, illustrating the camaraderie and lifelong bonds of the people that worked there. Whisky was always something central to every get together, either in celebration or sadness. As I got older, I began to really appreciate the craft and science behind whisky, as well as its fascinating history and the role the Clyde had in its distribution throughout the world.
Over the years my taste developed and with an appreciation of both peated and non-peated whisky, I reached the conclusion that there was space in the market for a new brand that embraced both, whilst also playing homage the place I grew up and how this played such an integral part in Scottish whisky becoming word renowned.
With an uncle known as “The Big Yin” this was always a term of endearment used by my family when making reference to him and those around me to fondly describe family, friends or local landmarks and is synonymous with something or someone held in high regard, that others aspire to.
Our Whisky
Coming Soon
The Big Yin's first release will be peated and non- peated limited edition options. Both celebrating shipbuilding and heavy industry on the River Clyde, Glasgow.
First filled bourbon and Oloroso casks specially selected for The Big Yin.
If you would like to pre-order please send your enquiry to: