Founded in 1893 in Leith by Roderick Macdonald and Alexander Muir, of Macdonald and Muir Ltd, Nicol Jarvie whisky is one of the few remaining independent family-owned and family-controlled companies left in the Scotch whisky trade.

'The Bailie' or 'BNJ' as it is also known, is named after the fictional magistrate in Walter Scott's Rob Roy. Although a popular brand in the early years of this century (particularly in military circles), in the 70’s -80’s production diminished severely.

However, the brand was relaunched in October 1994 with a change in its blend composition. This is a very fine blend thanks to its high malt content of over 60% (in excess of the legal minimum of 40%). The constituent malts all have a minimum of 6 years ageing in casks. Only 8 malts go into the blend, with Glenmorangie and Glen Moray at its heart. This is a full-flavoured, smooth whisky with just a whiff of smoke, and never heavy or spirity.