By Scott Wright THE boss of The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has declared yesterday’s move to float on the stock market had come at a natural “inflection point” in the bid to expand the prestigious club’s global footprint. Edinburgh-based ASC floated on the junior AIM (Alternative Investment Market) listing with a market capitalisation of nearly £78 million, based on an over-subscribed offer of £1.12 per ordinary share. The float raised a total of £26m from retail and institutional investors. Further investment in stock and cask wood is now planned after gross proceeds of £15m were raised for the company from the float, which generated £11m for certain shareholders who have sold down part of their holdings.