A new tipple alongside its Glenfiddich and Balvenie Scotch whiskies will soon be offered by William Grant & Sons. It would have to pay £261 million for the spirits division of C&C Group, the Magners Irish cider maker, to enter the Irish whiskey market.

As per the deal, the family-owned distiller Tullamore Dew will be given an international whiskey, which is sold in 80 markets including Germany, America, Eastern Europe and Spain. Three liqueurs, Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist are also included as per the conditions of the deal.

Earnings of €16.1 million were generated by Scotch whisky maker in the year to February 2009 from revenues of €85.9 million. Figure may fell to €15.3 million in the recently completed 12-month period. William Grant has promised to expand the business and retain the 57 employees and management in Ireland.

Stella David, a former head of global marketing at Bacardi, who became Chief Executive almost a year ago said, “We have been looking to further develop our non-Scotch portfolio and Irish whiskey is a natural fit”.

Tullamore Dew had noteworthy potential and would become one of the company’s core global brands, according to Ms David.