Game of Thrones Star Rory McCann Launches Whisky with a Kilted Twist

By Nathalie Baylaucq 9.08.2025

Rory McCann, best known as the grizzled and growling Sandor “The Hound” Clegane in Game of Thrones, has just taken the most gloriously Scottish career turn imaginable: he’s launched his own whisky.

But not just any whisky. This one was born from kilts. Yes, kilts.

Partnering with SLANJ Kilts — a Glasgow-based kilt-making company — McCann has helped birth SLANJ Spirits, a brand-new Scotch label whose first offering, simply dubbed SLANJ, hit shelves in July. It’s not smoky. It’s not fussy. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just… whisky. And it’s as bold and straightforward as the man backing it.

“I’ve always loved whisky, but SLANJ hits different,” McCann said in a statement. “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.”

Let that sink in: a no-rules Scotch born from a kilt company, co-led by one of the most iconic, sword-wielding Scots to ever grace your screen. You can practically hear the bagpipes swelling.

And in case you were wondering whether this is all some clever marketing gimmick — no. McCann is the real deal. He’s Scottish through and through. And this? It might just be the whisky Scotland didn’t know it was waiting for.

“After years in the making, SLANJ feels like the whisky Scotland’s been waiting for,” said founder Brian Halley.

The celebrity–liquor brand boom is in full swing

Beyoncé has SirDavis Whisky, Margot Robbie co-created Papa Salt Gin, Brad Pitt is pouring The Gardener, and Jason Momoa (another GoT alum) has Meili Vodka. But none of them can match this level of cultural alignment. Rory McCann isn’t just a celebrity cashing in — he’s bringing whisky home!

As for what’s in a bottle of SLANJ

The first-edition blend is 70% Speyside single malt aged in sherry casks, and 30% Highland single malt matured in bourbon barrels. Translation: smooth, rich, and ready to toast with.

And McCann? He’s not done dominating screens either. After a quiet post-Thrones run, he’s stepping back into the spotlight, taking over the role of Jedi Baylan Skoll in the second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka.

So, to recap: he’s a Jedi, a Hound, and now, a whisky lord. Discover more about SLANJ Scotch whisky by Rory McCann at SLANJ Spirits.

SLANJ, indeed. 🥃

A Game of Thrones-inspired whisky cocktail

Mother of Dragons

Ingredients

50 ml Islay Scotch whisky SLANJ
20 ml Cherry liqueur (like Heering – for a deep, blood-red sweetness)
15 ml Fresh lemon juice
10 ml Honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: Luxardo cherry + a flamed orange peel

Glassware: Coupe or Old Fashioned glass
Ice: Large rock or none, depending on the style

Preparation

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe or over a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
Garnish with a cherry and flame an orange peel over the top for dramatic flair (to evoke the dragon’s fire)
Tasting Notes

Smoky like dragon’s breath, sweet as betrayal, and tart like a twist of fate. This cocktail blends fire and fruit with the noble intensity of whisky. Ideal for dramatic toasts or brooding monologues.

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.