Oh my. A vial of whisky which has spent three years maturing on the International Space Station is ready to come home to one hell of a homecoming.

Whiskey distiller Glenmorangie today hailed the success of a marketing drive as half-year profits lifted 19% despite a “challenging” takeover period.

One of Scotland’s most famous whisky brands has been sold to a French company for £300m, it was announced tonight.

C&C is unlikely to make a play for Scottish whisky maker Glenmorangie which has come on the market with a stg£220m plus (€330m) price tag.

Whiskey distiller Glenmorangie said today it was in talks with a number of potential suitors about a takeover.