Vodka sales will benefit Snow Leopard Trust

Snow Leopard raises glass to Whyte & Mackay fundraising

By SHAUN MILNE

ONE of Scotland’s largest whisky makers has unveiled a partnership with what’s claimed to be the world’s first ethically distilled VODKA.

Glasgow-based Whyte & Mackay say it is donating 15% from profits of Snow Leopard to support the Snow Leopard Trust.

The vodka itself has been a rare sight, selling just 1000 cases a year, after being founded by owner Stephen Sparrow.

He’s already helped raise £15,000 for the charity supporting the big cat he named the drink after.

But after entering an agreement with Whyte & Mackay they’ve been able to raise their target to 100,000-bottles a year to provide the financial security the Trust needs.

Stephen said: “Although you rarely see these magnificent cats the world would be a far poorer place without them.

“Over time I’ve realised that I need to think bigger if I’m going to meet this objective, so it was time to get help.”

He added: “It’s a cause I love.”

Marketing, Nick Garland, wanted to add a new vodka product to the portfolio already.

But the lure of helping a respected charity helped seal the deal.

He said: “I have long admired what Stephen has done by creating a fantastic quality product with a responsible aim behind it.

“I also immediately recognised there was a gap for a luxury vodka in our portfolio and Snow Leopard fits the bill perfectly.”

There are thought to be fewer than 3500 surviving Snow Leopards in the world.

The money raised for the charity will be used to help conservation project and encourage farmers in Asia not to kill the cats for fur.

Snow Leopard raises glass to Whyte & Mackay fundraising

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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://bigcatrescue.org