This was once a quite prominent component in the DCL stable, dating back to 1830. It enjoyed almost 100 years of independence before being finally absorbed by DCL in January 1927 for the consideration of half a million pounds. BL had gone into voluntary liquidation in 1920 when it was taken over by a mixed group of distillers and blenders led by DCL. Along with the various BL brands, the purchase included nearly 1½ million gallons of maturing whiskies and the assets of BL’s associated company, Wright & Greig Ltd. BL was also a distiller and, inter alia, owned Caol Ila distillery on Islay from 1880 to 1920. It subsequently became the licensee of the distillery under DCL ownership.

 The company and its brands – BL Gold Label, Glen Ila, King Arthur and Old Rarity – gradually fell out of favour, despite holding a Royal Warrant, initially from King George VI and then Queen Elizabeth II, until being finally wound up in 2007.