Rich, full-bodied and an acquired taste… Donald Trump tees up a tipple for the 19th hole

Donald Trump, the American billionaire who is building the "world's greatest golf course" in Aberdeenshire, is turning his attention to another Scottish icon and creating his own brand of single malt whisky.

The flamboyant businessman is in talks with "several" whisky producers as he looks to develop his luxury merchandise brand in Scotland.

However if the new venture becomes a success, the tycoon will not celebrate with a dram as he doesn't drink.

Following the success of Trump Vodka in the US, he is now looking to expand his drinks portfolio and is keen to launch a range of whiskies as work on his £750 million golf resort gets under way on the Menie Estate.

Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International Golf Links, Scotland (TIGLS), said: "We will definitely have a few single malts in the years to come and perhaps a couple of special blends, too, once the clubhouse is up and running.

"We are meeting with companies regionally and nationally to identify the very best products for TIGLS and we look forward to commissioning and manufacturing a wide range of products over the coming years.

"There are tremendous opportunities for Scottish suppliers and the Trump Scotland brand will be synonymous with Scotland's finest."

She added: "Mr Trump doesn't drink at all, but we're in the land of whisky so we think it would be really appropriate.

"We haven't done a deal yet, but as soon as we do we will be revealing who will produce it. We will be working with a leading distillery.

"I'm pretty sure we can have ourselves a single malt by 2012. We have a great opportunity to produce something very unique and distinctive."

A spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association last night welcomed the move.

"Mr Trump is trying to create a location that will attract people from all over the world and nothing shows the quality of Scotland more than Scotch. So the two things would naturally come together.

"I am sure it will be top-of-the-range malt whisky."

Full Story: The Scotsman