“ClassicDram-2014”  Whisky Festival in Moscow, Russia. 

In February 2014 there were 2 major spectacular events in Russia. One of them was the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. But the first (and by far the most important for every whisky lover!) was The 3rd  Independent whisky festival “ClassicDram-2014”– that took place on Saturday, February 15th 2014 in central Moscow.  

Oh, aye – with more than 420 bottles of malts offered to festival guests by 16 various whisky stands. Most important – the ClassicDram- 2014 festival has proved once again (for the third time in a row!) – that a non-commercial whisky event may be a very successful, most interesting and undeniably impressive celebration of a true passion of dedicated people to their favourite liquid nectar. The festival remains truly independent – for the simple fact – it is organized and carried out without any influence or command by any whisky (or spirits) distributor, wholesale or retail whisky sales agent. It is independent from any specific whisky producing company, from marketing budgets, from distribution bias, and from any sales targets. The main aim was to gather the true whisky lovers across Russia and let them meet each other in a warm and friendly atmosphere with sophisticated and collectable whiskies accompanying their communication. ClassicDram-2014 was organized for every person passionate with malt whiskies, for all newbies and experienced connoisseurs, for our friends and everyone interested in culture and traditions of Scotland – the land closely associated with whisky. 

The organizers of the festival wanted to let the guests feel and understand the history of making, drinking and appreciating the malts – which are an essential part of the Scotland’s history, that over the centuries was enveloped with various true stories and fables, legends and anecdotes. Whisky is an integral part of the Scottish image, that was formed by the best examples of the prowess and courage of Scottish soldiers, the silent beauty of the Scottish virgin nature, herds of sheep and the sounds of bagpipes, highlanders kilts and Burns’ poetry. Whisky flows in the veins of Scotland, warming one’s body and soul. It was really nice and reassuring to know that in Russia there are many true connoisseurs of whisky – specifically the malt whisky – which is that very traditional product, the vast variety and the highest quality of which allows connoisseurs to express the admiration for the subtleties of the bouquet. There was no need to repeat once again the axiom of a ‘wee dram’, according to which even the smallest bit of malt can get you a great deal of incredible pleasure, savoring and finding more and more nuances of aroma and taste in it. 

The festival allowed a live communication and exchange of ideas with peers and experts, unique master classes by leading experts of the whisky world (3 internationally renowned whisky gurus were giving their master-classes), cheerful live Scottish music and traditional costumes, an intriguing raffle and a charity auction. The whisky festival had charged it’s guests with the most positive emotions (for the entire year?!) and given them a great opportunity to stock up on the best examples of “water of life” to maintain their good mood until the next year’s Moscow  festival –  ClassicDram-2015 !

_____________________ 

The author of this report; Tim Prokopov, Angels Whisky Club Ambassador Russia, and one of the Founders of “ClassicDram”  Whisky Festival (appears in pic 56 – top picture far left) – The Whisky Man!

BOWMORE AND MACALLAN STAR IN BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE 

Three exceptional bottles of Bowmore, presented in one lot and estimated at £12,000-15,000, made £16,500 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh yesterday, 26 February. 

The bottles were: Black Bowmore-42 year old-1964, number 557 out of an edition of 827 bottles; White Bowmore-43 year, number 183 of 732 and Gold Bowmore, number 83 from an edition of 701.

A bottle of The Macallan-55 year old in a Lalique Crystal Decanter sold for £12,500 against an estimate of £12,000-15,000.  The Macallan 55 year old is regularly included in the world’s top 10 most desirable whiskies and this bottle was numbered 220 out of 420.

A bottle of the Macallan Select Reserve-52 year old from 1946 estimated at £5,000-6,000 sold for £6,250 and two bottles of The Macallan 1938 estimated at £4,000-5,000 both made £5,625. 

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, said, “The Bowmores were a special and unusual combination of very desirable bottles so it is no surprise to see them doing well. The Macallan is highly sought after and seven of the top 10 bottles came from this famous Highland Distillery including, of course, the celebrated Macalllan-55 year old.” 

In total 87% of the lots were sold with the sale making 90% by value. 

NOTES  

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The

present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com

Okay, I know, it is the end of February and you’ve heard nothing from us. I’m sorry, but you’ve been busy, we’ve been busy and time marches on. You know how it is.

However, like an old friend that you never lose complete touch with, here we are to spread some whisky love to the people once again! We haven’t been sitting on our hands and we have a packed calendar of new and established events for you to get your teeth into. This is probably to most event packed Lounger we have ever sent out so it is well worth reading to the end! You never know there my be the chance of a prize for you…

You take the High Road…

We are extremely proud to announce our festival’s second year in Edinburgh also coincides with, and is very much part of, Scotland’s ‘Homecoming’ celebrations for 2014. Once again we are at the beautiful Hub, within a stones throw of Edinburgh Castle and right in the centre of the ‘old town’.

We are partnering with the SMWS (Scotch Malt Whisky Society) with retailers RMW (Royal Mile Whiskies) this year with all sorts of food, beer, whisky and Clan shenanigans to truly elevate this event to new heights.

If you’re in the area on that weekend, we challenge you to find something better to do for the day for £30!

We’ll take the Low Road…

In May we head down to London for our spring London ‘Whisky Weekend’. Never ones to do things quite the same every year, we have partnered with funky music and arts venue, Oval Space in Hackney. Of course there will be the usual Whisky Festival shenanigans, but we are planning a whole host of things to keep you there all weekend.

‘Booze in the Blitz’ tastings overlooking the last remaining Blitz site in London, an ‘East is East’ themed Friday night with Indian whisky (among others), a Speakeasy with pre-war themed activities and whisky library courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, live music and blending sessions in the evenings.

Much more is planned and being worked on as we speak so keep checking the website for further details…

We still have a few ‘Early-Bird’ 2 for £50 tickets on all sessions, but be quick as these must end this weekend!

This is going to be the most exciting London whisky event of the year!

Bluffer’s Guide To…

In an effort to reach even more interested and spirits-curious folks across the UK, we have decided to launch our Bluffer’s Guide tastings nationwide. Each session starts at 7.30pm, is an hour ½ to 2 hours and includes all samples and ‘course material’. Only £20 per person.

Our first dates in London are confirmed and we will be announcing the rest of the UK soon.

London Dates:

Thursday 20th March Bluffer’s Guide to Whisky The Red Lion, Crown Passage, SW1

Whisky? or Whiskey? UK-Wide

Never mind independence, this is the real question on everyone’s lips! Both countries have a rich tradition of distilling and both can lay legitimate claim to being the originators of ‘modern’ whisky styles. Sure, Scotland have run away with it as far as sales and sheer breadth of distilleries and styles. Surely the ‘Whisky War’ is now over?

Well… investment in whiskey from the Green Isle by new and established distilling companies (including quite a few Scottish…) is at an all time high.
This series of tastings takes a tongue in cheek look at this rivalry and its aims are simple as always – taste some damned fine drams from both countries.

Does it matter who wins? You decide…
£20 per head, please see individual listings for timings.

Ireland Vs Scotland Dates

Tuesday 25th March London The Red Lion, Crown Passage SW1
Wednesday 26th March London, The Red Lion, Crown Passage SW1
Thursday 27th March Brighton The Hilton Metropole, Kings Street
Wednesday 2nd April Liverpool Jenny’s Bar, Fenwick St., Corn Market
Thursday 3rd April Leeds The Crosskeys, Water Lane
Friday 4th April Manchester The Britons Protection, Gt. Bridgwater St.
Friday 4th April Newcastle Blackfriars, Friars Street
Saturday 5th April York The Brigantes, Micklegate

India Vs Scotland

Our latest bruising encounter is full steam ahead as we speak! Newcastle and Manchester are sold out but there are still places available in Leeds, York, Liverpool and Sheffield.

As a reminder, we have teamed up with John Distillers for this most tumultuous of blind tastings. It can’t be emphasised enough the quality of whiskies chosen from both sides…

Not only do you get to taste 6 incredible whiskies, but you also get to be among the first to taste a brand-new bottling from Paul John – all for just £15. We can’t tell you which one obviously, but get your skates on and you can still be in on it!

India Vs Scotland Dates

Tuesday 4th March Sheffield The Blake Hotel, Blake St.
Wednesday 5th March Leeds The Crosskeys, Water Lane
Wednesday 4th March Liverpool Jenny’s Bar, Fenwick St., Corn Market
Friday 7th March York The Brigantes, Micklegate

We’re Going to Islay…

You may or may not be aware of the Islay Festival of Whisky (and Music), and if you’re not, check out this video for a taste. We have a handful of spaces left on the second half (27th-31st May) of this amazing trip.

It is an incredible place at an incredible time and getting accommodation is very difficult, so let us take that particular burden off your shoulders. Click here for more.

COMPETITION TIME!

Topical as always, we have three samples of one of John Distillers newest whiskies to give away for the person/s who can answer the following in the shortest space of time…

1. Amrut produced the first single malt whisky commercially available from India.
On what date and year?
2. In what year did John Distillers first commercial bottling of single malt appear?
3. In which UK city does Amrut currently have its H.O?
4. From where does John Distillers get the peat for smoking their barley?
5. How many years maturation in Scotland does one years maturation in Bangalore equal, according to Amrut?

Once you have your answers, click here and fill them in on the email to us, along with your name and postal address. Good luck!

Congrats to Aaron Lee and Jonathon Webb who were first out of the blocks with the right answers to the Xmas comp. 20cl Oloroso Bomb and T-Shirt on its way to you soon!

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

Phew, that’s it for now, plenty to work at there and we’ll see you at an event soon – happy dramming!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter – @thewhiskylounge – and like and share our Facebook page to keep bang up to date with the latest news about our events and more.

We look forward to seeing you over a dram or two soon.

Sláinte!

Eddie, Amanda & Joe
Team Whisky Lounge

UK vlogger Joe Ellis from Whisky Wednesday reviews Bailie Nicol Jarvie!

http://youtu.be/BR8Bqq2f-oU

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

Speyburn Distillery Unveils £4 Million Expansion Programme as Global Demand Grows

One of Scotland’s most picturesque and time-honoured distilleries has announced a major expansion plan to double its production capacity, in a bid to satisfy demand for Scotch whisky which continues to grow around the world.

Speyburn Distillery, which is nestled in a beautiful glen near Rothes in Speyside – the heart of single malt whisky distilling in Scotland, will undergo the £4 million programme which is set to be completed by the end of 2014.

Speyburn is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, which is owned by International Beverage Holdings.  The distillery investment will increase Speyburn’s production capacity from 1.8 million litres to over 4 million litres each year, allowing the business to lay down stock for predicted future growth in both established and emerging markets – with the brand’s volume growth forecast at 15 per cent for the 2013 / 2014 period. 

The expansion design will significantly reduce the distillery’s energy consumption per litre of alcohol and improve its carbon footprint, with predicted energy savings of more than 20 percent once the extended distillery is up and running. This will be achieved by using the most up-to-date and energy efficient distillation equipment – whilst maintaining the distillery’s traditional methods of production. The expansion will also provide a boost for local businesses, with Rothes-based whisky specialists Forsyths contracted to manufacture all new production equipment and Elgin-based construction company Robertson also undertaking elements of the project. 

Often described as one of the nation’s most photographed distilleries, Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897 and produces Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is already a top 10 malt brand in the USA – the biggest Scotch single malt market in the world.

Nestled in a valley in the northern edge of Rothes, very little has changed at Speyburn Distillery in the last 100 years, including its time-honoured distillation methods and most of its original features – a pagoda roof, wooden wash backs, unique stills and traditional dunnage warehouses, helping maintain its unique character. 

The award-winning Speyburn 10 Year Old, 25 Year Old and ‘Bradan Orach’ expressions are distilled using water from the nearby Granty Burn, a tributary of the River Spey, which is famed for its purity and world-class salmon fishing. The result is a classic, perfectly-balanced single malt with a distinctive character and unique flavour. 

Inver House Distillers’ Managing Director Graham Stevenson commented: ‘As we continue to be very optimistic about the long term potential for Scotch whisky, particularly in the emerging BRIC, African and South East Asian economies, investment in our production capabilities is crucial. Having the infrastructure in place to produce our high quality whiskies in greater quantities will be key to the future success of our brands, so we are delighted to see the first phase of this major programme of work get underway at Speyburn Distillery.’ 

Bobby Anderson, Speyburn Distillery Manager added: ‘This is an exciting time for everyone here at the distillery and we are working with a great team of local companies to deliver the expansion programme, whilst retaining the great traditions and time-honoured techniques involved with crafting our whisky. It’s exciting for us to know that even more people around the world will be able to enjoy a taste of Speyburn as the project progresses this year.’ 

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

 “This is excellent news not only for the whisky industry, but to the local economy in Speyside.  

“We know there is great demand for Scotland’s national drink with whisky exports from the UK increasing by 87 per cent over the last ten years from £2.3 billion in 2002 to £4.3 billion in 2012, and the expansion of this distillery will play an important role in meeting that global appetite for our premium product. I also welcome the fact the distillery is showing leadership by reducing its carbon footprint through the installation of energy efficient distillation equipment, and playing its part in the move towards making Scotland a low carbon economy.”  

Notes 

Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first distilled on December 15, 1897, the diamond jubilee year of Queen Victoria. Today, Speyburn continues to use the time-honoured traditional distillation methods that created the single barrel of the 1897 vintage. Speyburn is matured in American and Spanish oak casks in traditional stone-built warehouses. The result is a classic Speyside single malt; golden amber in colour with a floral and citrus nose. It is medium-bodied and easy to drink, with a delicate, fruity character and a dry, complex finish. The portfolio includes Speyburn 10 year old, Speyburn 25 year old and Speyburn Bradan Orach expressions. 

International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world, such as the USA. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies. International Beverage is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney and Speyburn in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character. 

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team. In 2011 the International Beverage portfolio outperformed the market with outstanding sales across all categories.

When we tasted this as a group, we said of the nose: This is delightful! There are aromas of soft rye spice and a touch of apple brandy. The palate shows the power this bottle packs. The palate is helped with the addition of water and displays a focused soft rye spice and dry caramel. Yummy!

Get your bottle today for just – $49.99

NEWSFLASH – THE CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL!

Good afternoon Society Members,

Just sending you all a quick newsflash with some exciting information about THE CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL!

For those of you who aren’t aware, we have been running the Springbank Open Day since 2009 and the event continues to attract more and more visitors to Campbeltown each year. On the day, activities usually include free distillery tours, masterclasses, local craft stalls, live music, special bottlings and much much more!

Inspired by the Explore Campbeltown initiative, this year we are extending the celebrations and from Wednesday 21st May to Friday 23rd May 2014, Campbeltown’s three distilleries will be working together to create The Campbeltown Malts Festival where the whiskies from Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia are all celebrated.

During the day on Wednesday 21st of May we will be mainly focusing on Glen Scotia. There will be free tours of Glen Scotia Distillery running at 12 noon and 2.30pm. At 4pm, a representative from Glen Scotia will be holding a masterclass where you will get to taste some of the range. The masterclass will be held in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop and will cost £25 per person which includes a branded Glen Scotia Glencairn glass.

On the Wednesday we will also be doing something extra special for you lovely Society Members. Some of you may already be aware but in April this year it will be the 10th birthday of the Springbank Society which is the perfect excuse to treat you to a tasting! We will hold this at 1.30pm in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop. The focus of the tasting will be “The best of 10 years” where we will carefully select some of our favourite bottlings from over the years. This tasting will be exclusive to Society Members and numbers will be limited to 40. If you would like to come along then please let me know as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out.

Details on the Wednesday evening events are still being finalised at the moment but I have a sneak preview of what we are planning: We will be holding a special dinner at Glengyle Distillery to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the re-opening. This will be a similar idea to the Kiln Dinner at Springbank last year but will take place in the Still House at Glengyle. After the dinner we will hold a ceilidh at Glengyle so remember to bring your dancing shoes with you! More information on both these events will be sent to you in the coming weeks. Customers who have pre-purchased the 10 year old Kilkerran sets and single bottles will be able to collect them from the Wednesday onwards.

On the Thursday it will be the Springbank Open Day – much the same idea as in previous years. The following masterclasses and tastings will be available:

11.30am / Cadenhead Masterclass with Mark Watt & Grant Macpherson

12 noon / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

1.30pm / Glengyle Masterclass with Jenny Karlsson

2pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

2.30pm / Springbank Masterclass with Ranald Watson

4pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

Masterclasses cost £25.00 each and include a ‘Springbank Open Day’ Glencairn Glass / Manager’s Warehouse Tastings cost £15.00 each.
If you would like to book onto any of the masterclasses/tastings on the Wednesday or Thursday then please email my personal email address mairi@springbankwhisky.com which will make it easier to keep all festival emails together!

On the Friday we will be holding our annual Golf Competition which this year will be re-named The Campbeltown Malts Open Golf Competition to be inclusive of all the distilleries in the Campbeltown region. We are still in the planning process for this but again, as soon as this is finalised I will let you know.

Our whisky celebrations will kick off a busy weekend of events within the town when it will play host to both the Kintyre Songwriters Festival and the Mull of Kintyre 10k and Half Marathon. Each of the different events will be a great opportunity to attract visitors to the town and there is sure to be a great buzz and excitement around the place that week – I can’t wait!

To finish, this is just a summary of the events announced so far….

Wednesday 21st May

12 noon / Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery

1.30pm / ‘The best of 10 years’ Society Tasting – exclusive to Springbank Society Members

2.30pm / Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery

4.00pm / Glen Scotia Masterclass – £25 per person & includes Glencairn glass

Thursday 22nd May

11.30am / Cadenhead Masterclass with Mark Watt & Grant Macpherson

12 noon / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

1.30pm / Glengyle Masterclass with Jenny Karlsson

2pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

2.30pm / Springbank Masterclass with Ranald Watson

4pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

Masterclasses cost £25.00 each and include a ‘Springbank Open Day’ Glencairn Glass / Manager’s Warehouse Tastings cost £15.00 each

Hopefully that is enough information to keep you going for the time being and as soon as I have more to share with you I will be in touch!

Have a great weekend when it comes!

Best regards,

Mairi

Mairi Paterson

For the Springbank Society

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbankwhisky.com

The Brand New Woodford Reserve Classic Malt selection has just landed! Stock is very limited and will be treated on a first come first served basis.

The Whisky Shop are proud to announce another exclusive launch in the shape of the deliciuos Woodford Reserve Classic Malt edition.

One of the only single malt whiskies to be produced in KY and certainly the oldest (aged for 9 yrs)

The Classic Malt is the only 100% Malted Barley US Whiskey distilled in 3 copper pot stills, the time honoured method in whiskey production.

Made from 100% malted barley, the Classic Malt differs from any other US Whiskey by being matured in used Woodford Reserve barrels as opposed to brand new casks.

Golden colour, similar to an oaked Chardonnay with an aroma of subtle malt, citrus fruits and green wood. There is pronounced honey and vanilla flavor, and a delicateness which offers balance combined with a creamy mouth feel.

Simply Click here to buy

Auchentoshan 1992 “Rodney Graham” by McLean’s Artist Malts

Auchentoshan 1992, 21yo by McLean’s Artist Malts. Second maturation in a sherry infused octave and bottled at 45.8% bottled in 2013. Artist Rodney Graham, title: Old Softy. Box with inscription The art is digital photographic print on Hahnemuehle 2 08 … Continue reading →

ANNOUNCING “MAKING THE CUT”:  THE SEARCH FOR THE NEW FACE OF HUDSON WHISKEY

NEW YORK, MARCH 3^RD, 2014 – Whiskey distillation is a science of circles. Circular barrels. Circular bottles. Circular stills. The circle of Gable Erenzo, co-master distiller and soon-to-be-former brand ambassador of Hudson Whiskey, is almost complete, as he will once again focus his efforts back at the distillery full-time. But as is the nature of circles, with the end of Gable’s journey begins a new one. Enter “Making the Cut”:  the search to replace the irreplaceable Gable with a new face for the Hudson Whiskey brand, and one qualified individual’s shot at a full-time job as Hudson Whiskey’s brand ambassador. 

“Making the Cut” is not a hunt for the world’s greatest mixologist, or the foremost scientific mind in distillation. It is to find the human embodiment of Hudson Whiskey’s ideals and identity. Ten years ago, the Hudson folks set out to open a climber’s ranch, but the neighbors balked. They had to either go home or try something new: whiskey. As New York’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition grew, Gable rose to Everest-level heights as the brand’s global ambassador. However, he has now decided to forego his time on the road and return to his precious distillery, nurturing and improving upon our country’s craftiest of craft whiskies. 

With “Making the Cut”, the Hudson Whiskey team, brand founders Ralph Erenzo and Gable Erenzo, and the highly decorated distiller William Grant & Sons,  which acquired the brand in 2010, is looking for someone who gets that make-it-happen, can-do spirit, and who gets the importance of shaking hands, meeting face-to-face and telling great stories. They want someone who understands how experiences circle back into the product, and how the product is comprised not just of distilled grain and rich barrel-aged flavor, but engrained with the personalities of each and every member of the distillery staff (there are only a handful!). Ralph and Gable chose whiskey over defeat, and they want someone who will make that same choice. 

The newest member of the Hudson Whiskey family will circle the country, speaking with bartenders, restaurant owners, whiskey enthusiasts and press, hosting tastings, connecting with fans via social media and representing our brand in the national press. 

Think you’re the one for the job? Ralph and Gable think so too. But they need proof, so send them a short video or a collection of photos, proving your readiness to begin your own circle of whiskey. Make a cocktail. Get crafty with some bottles. Recite your declaration of whiskey dependence. Then log on to HudsonWhiskey.com/MakingTheCut to submit your application. The chosen contenders will join us at the distillery to drink some good whiskey, meet some friendly people, and engage in a month-long course in craft distillation by Ralph, Gable and the rest of the distillery team. All will learn the wonders of craft whiskey from the leaders of craft distilling, but only one will make the cut to become the new Hudson Whiskey Ambassador. 

Enter at HudsonWhiskey.com/MakingTheCut or find out more at Facebook.com/HudsonWhiskey

NOTES

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s^® along with iconic premium spirits brands Hendrick’s^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and Milagro^® Tequila. 

William Grant & Sons has been honored as “Distiller of the Year” by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge ten times over the past 15 years. 

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Lillet, Art In The Age, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.