Beneagles Whisky Haggis Decanter Miniature, Whisky by Beswick of Royal Doulton 1972 Decanter (5cl, 40%)

Bottled in 1970s Beneagles Whisky Haggis Decanter Miniature modelled in 1972 for John Beswick Studio of Royal Doulton.

Best known for this Beneagles brand of ceramic decanters, Peter Thomson was established on Perth High Street in 1908. Peter was a skilled blender, and in addition to the company’s wine and spirits wholesale business, created a number of bespoke blends using in particular his knowledge of the Speyside malts.

In the late 1970s Beneagles was one of the top 12 whisky brands in Scotland, they were sold to British Caledonian’s first class passengers.

Peter Thomson remained family-run until 1983 when it was acquired by Reo Stakis. Two years later the company was sold on again to Leith-based Charles Mackinlay & Co, the sister company of Waverley Vintners Limited that was owned by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries plc. Later that year Mackinlay was acquired by Invergordon Distillers. In 1993 Invergordon became part of Whyte & Mackay where the Beneagles brand name now lies dormant.

Since it was first established in 1894 Beswick has become a famous English name associated with fine ceramic models and gifts. The Gold Street works in Longton Stoke-on-Trent produced a wealth of lifelike animal pieces including cats, dogs, farm animals and wildlife that were widely sold and collected by many. In 1969 the Beswick business was sold to Royal Doulton and production was continued until 2002 when manufacturing ceased and the Gold Street works was demolished in 2003. Beswick’s wildlife decanters modeled for Beneagles Scotch Whisky are still highly sought-after by collectors from all over the world. In 2004 the Beswick name and product design rights were purchased and is now part of the Dartington Crystal group of brands.