Balmoral Online, a digital-first beer, wine and spirits distributor based in Edinburgh, has launched with two partnerships: the Speyside whisky maker GlenAllachie has appointed it as digital distributor for Amazon UK, and Canada’s Dandurand Group has signed it as sole UK importer and distributor. The company announced its launch on 30 September 2026.
Balmoral says it combines the work of a traditional distributor, including handling trading and sharing commercial risk, with specialist digital expertise. It treats online platforms as primary growth channels rather than an extension of retail or marketing, and manages digital sales strategy, content, in-channel advertising, product promotion and long-term brand development. It takes physical stock and invests in building the brands it sells.
GlenAllachie on Amazon UK
The partnership with The GlenAllachie Distillers Company centres on building the whisky maker’s flagship Amazon UK presence, with a focus on premium brand presentation, sustainable pricing and online expansion. GlenAllachie is an independent, Scottish-owned Speyside distiller based in Aberlour.
Blair Sterrick, UK sales manager at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, said: “The Balmoral team brings real energy, expertise, and a clear understanding of what it takes to build a premium brand online. Our work together on Amazon UK is already proving hugely valuable, and we are delighted to have them as a partner as we grow our digital footprint.”
Sortilège comes to the UK
Balmoral also offers overseas drinks brands a route into the UK. As sole UK importer and distributor for The Dandurand Group, a family-run Canadian wine and spirits company, it is handling the UK debut of Sortilège Original, a Canadian whisky and maple syrup liqueur from Quebec. At the 30 September announcement, the launch was described as weeks away. Balmoral says selling online first lets the brand test a range of UK channels without opening many on-trade and off-trade accounts at once, and build data as it grows.
Wendy Laberge, director of export at Dandurand Group, said: “Balmoral felt like a natural fit for our organization. With renewed focus on strengthening commercial ties between Canada and the UK, this is an exciting time for Sortilège to enter the market with a forward-thinking partner.”
Built on Volpe & Castello
Balmoral draws on the infrastructure, trade relationships and expertise of its sister company, Volpe & Castello.
Diarmaid McCann, co-founder of Balmoral Online, said: “Digital has become an incredibly important route to market and it requires a very different skill set to more traditional retail. I’ve spent much of my career building spirits brands online and I’ve seen first-hand how much can be achieved when strong digital expertise is combined with a close understanding of the brand and its wider commercial objectives.”
Aaron Gibbs, group CFO of Volpe & Castello and Balmoral Drinks Group, said: “Balmoral Online represents a natural extension of our work in the drinks industry, bringing together existing infrastructure, industry relationships and spirits expertise with a whole new route to market for brands in the UK and internationally.”
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