Teacher’s has launched a trio of single malt whiskies, marking a step-change from the company’s reputation for well-established, blended Scotch whiskies.

The new range, which comprise 12-, 15- and 18-year old expressions, are distilled and matured at the Highlands-based Ardmore Distillery.

According to the company the new range, each at 40% ABV, invites whisky drinkers to experience “Teacher’s in its purest form”.

Dr Calum Fraser, the master blender of Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, added: “Teacher’s has always been defined by its unusually high proportion of malt, which gives our whiskies their rich, full-flavoured character.

“We have long experimented with varying malt levels and different cask types to mature the spirit, imparting depth and intensity.

“This single malt range allows drinkers to experience that character on its own, drawn directly from Ardmore, which has been at the heart of our blends for almost 130 years.”

Kirsteen Beeston, senior marketing director of Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said the decision ·may seem an unexpected move from a well-established blended whisky maker”, but, in the true spirit of its founder, Teacher’s has always done things its own way”.

Beeston added: “We know whisky fans are looking to expand their repertoire from blends to malts, and Teacher’s now offers both. Whisky enthusiasts in India show particularly strong loyalty to the brand, and it is also extremely popular among travellers in global travel retail.

“What better way to reward these fans than to offer them the new range first?”