Rory McCann, whom Game of Thrones fans will remember as Sandor "the Hound" Clegane, has joined forces with SLANJ kilts, a kilt-making company based out of Glasgow, to launch a new company called SLANJ Spirits. Its first release is the blended malt SLANJ whisky, which came out just yesterday.
“I’ve always loved whisky, but SLANJ hits different," McCann said in a statement, per Glawgow World. "It’s smooth, no smoke, no fuss - just a bold, easy-going dram anyone can enjoy. I’m proud to back a whisky that’s pure Scottish spirit, without the rules. It’s the ultimate Scottish toast to the world.”
McCann, in case you hadn't picked up on all the hints by now, is Scottish himself. I can't think of a more Scottish thing than a Scottish actor investing in a scotch company that was spun off from a kilt company. We've reached peak Scotland. “After years in the making, SLANJ feels like the whisky Scotland’s been waiting for,” said SLANJ Spirits founder Brian Halley.
Celebrities getting involved with liquor brands has been extremely common over the past several years. Beyoncé has SirDavis Whisky, Margot Robbie has Papa Salt Coastal Gin, Brad Pitt has The Gardener Gin, Matthew McConaughey has McPantalones Organic Tequila, McCann's fellow Game of Thrones alum Jason Momoa has Meili Vodka, and on and on. I don't know exactly who started this trend but it is full effect. At least Rory McCann has the added benefit of being Scottish, which adds some authenticity to his particular scotch whisky.
I am not an expert on scotch myself, so I'll just quote Glawgow World for the details on the new drink: "This first-edition blend is made from 70% Speyside single malt matured in sherry casks and 30% Highland single malt matured in bourbon casks." I hope that meant something to you.
I do know what Rory McCann's is up to is his acting career, though. After Game of Thrones ended in 2019, he continued to work in movies and TV, but not in roles that really pulled much focus. After the death of actor Ray Stevenson, McCann will take over his role as fallen Jedi Baylan Skoll in the second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka, which is due out on Disney+ sometime next year.
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