Some whisky collaborations feel inevitable.
Formula One and Scotch whisky share an obsession with precision, craftsmanship, engineering and the pursuit of marginal gains. Both worlds are built on countless small decisions that ultimately determine the final result.
The Coachbuilt FW18 Williams Racing Edition Blended Scotch Whisky brings those two disciplines together in a limited-edition release created by 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and whisky specialist George Koutsakis. Bottled at 48% ABV and matured for more than 18 years, it pays tribute to one of the most successful Formula One cars ever built: the legendary Williams FW18.
For Formula One fans, it's an important piece of motorsport history. For whisky enthusiasts, it's an ambitious blended Scotch that draws liquid from all five of Scotland's whisky-producing regions.
What Is Coachbuilt Whisky?
Coachbuilt was launched in 2022 by Jenson Button and George Koutsakis.
The philosophy behind the brand is simple: approach whisky blending with the same attention to detail found in automotive design.
The term coachbuilding originally referred to the bespoke construction of luxury automobiles, where skilled craftsmen designed and built unique vehicles by hand. Coachbuilt Whisky applies that same principle to Scotch, selecting and combining different whiskies to create a carefully engineered final blend.
Unlike many blended whiskies that rely heavily on one particular style, Coachbuilt sources whiskies from all five of Scotland's major whisky regions:
- Speyside
- Highlands
- Islay
- Campbeltown
- Lowlands
After blending, the whisky is married in sherry casks, allowing the different regional characteristics to integrate before bottling.
The Williams FW18: One of Formula One's Greatest Cars
The inspiration behind this release is the Williams FW18, the car that dominated the 1996 Formula One World Championship.
Designed by Adrian Newey and driven by Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve, the FW18 won 12 Grands Prix, secured 12 pole positions and delivered Williams the Constructors' Championship. It remains one of the most successful Formula One cars ever built.
The number 18 appears throughout this whisky for a reason.
The spirit has been matured for 18 years, while the bottle and presentation case take their visual inspiration directly from the FW18's famous blue-and-white racing livery.
This is also the inaugural release in a planned series celebrating significant moments from Williams Racing's history.
A Limited-Edition Whisky Created by Jenson Button
Jenson Button's relationship with Williams extends far beyond his involvement with the whisky brand.
Williams gave Button his first Formula One opportunity in 2000, beginning a long association with one of the sport's most historic teams. The FW18 release celebrates both Williams Racing's legacy and Button's personal connection to the team.
According to Button, the project allowed him to combine his two greatest passions: motor racing and Scotch whisky.
That personal involvement gives the release greater authenticity than many celebrity-backed spirits.
Ex-Sherry and Ex-Bourbon Cask Maturation
The whisky itself deserves just as much attention as the story behind it.
The FW18 edition combines whiskies matured in both:
- Ex-bourbon casks
- Ex-sherry casks
This dual maturation helps explain the whisky's flavour profile.
Ex-bourbon casks contribute vanilla, orchard fruit and gentle sweetness, while ex-sherry casks add richer notes of dark fruit, chocolate and spice. The combination creates a balanced whisky that moves comfortably between brighter fruit notes and deeper, richer flavours.
The whisky is bottled at 48% ABV, giving it more structure and intensity than many traditional premium blends.
Coachbuilt FW18 Williams Racing Edition Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh orchard fruit leads the way, with crisp apple and pear supported by warming winter spice and cinnamon.
Palate
Silky vanilla develops into richer notes of dark chocolate and cocoa, while cinnamon and oak provide structure and depth.
Finish
Long, rich and nutty, with lingering spice and a smooth, warming character.
The higher bottling strength means the whisky stands up well when enjoyed neat, although a few drops of water can reveal additional layers of fruit and spice.
Why This Blend Is Different
Blended Scotch has occasionally been overlooked by collectors, who often focus exclusively on single malts.
Jenson Button himself has spoken openly about that perception, arguing that exceptional blending requires just as much skill as distilling a great single malt.
Coachbuilt approaches blending differently.
Rather than creating a whisky dominated by one region, the brand deliberately incorporates components from every major whisky-producing area in Scotland.
That creates an opportunity to combine:
- Speyside fruit
- Highland richness
- Islay complexity
- Campbeltown character
- Lowland elegance
The result is a whisky that offers far more complexity than many drinkers expect from a blended Scotch.
A Whisky for Formula One Collectors
Only a limited number of bottles were produced globally, making this a genuinely collectable release. Williams Racing originally announced a release of 3,000 bottles worldwide, while the HTFW allocation lists 2,000 bottles for this edition.
The distinctive presentation adds another layer of appeal.
The bottle's blue accents and the commemorative tube immediately connect it with the Williams Racing brand, while the age statement and higher ABV ensure the whisky remains interesting beyond its packaging.
Collectors of Formula One memorabilia, Williams Racing enthusiasts and Jenson Button fans will all find plenty to appreciate.
Explore More from Coachbuilt
The FW18 release sits alongside the original Coachbuilt Blended Scotch Whisky, allowing enthusiasts to compare the core expression with this limited-edition release.
You can also explore the complete Coachbuilt collection at HTFW to discover other expressions from the brand.
Final Thoughts
The Coachbuilt FW18 Williams Racing Edition Blended Scotch Whisky succeeds because it avoids becoming a simple piece of motorsport merchandise.
The Williams connection is meaningful.
Jenson Button's involvement is genuine.
And the whisky itself has been carefully constructed, combining mature Scotch from across Scotland's five whisky regions before finishing the blend in both sherry and bourbon casks.
Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, a Formula One collector or someone who appreciates limited-edition releases that tell an interesting story, the FW18 represents a fascinating meeting point between two worlds built on craftsmanship, precision and performance.