IRISH DISTILLERS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO THE IRISH WHISKEY ACADEMY 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is opening the doors to its acclaimed Irish Whiskey Academy to the general public for the first time, with in-depth courses available to spirits enthusiasts from December this year.

The Irish Whiskey Academy, which was unveiled to the trade in September 2013, aims to improve understanding about the quality and provenance of Irish whiskey by teaching visitors about all aspects of the production process, the flavour profile of the different styles available and the category’s rich and colourful history.

A range of courses are available depending on the individual’s level of knowledge, with the first ‘Enthusiasts’ course taking place between 1^st – 2^nd December 2014. Led by David McCabe, Irish Distillers’ International Whiskey Ambassador and first Academy Tutor, participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the distillery team, learn about brewing, fermentation, distillation and blending, watch a live cooperage demonstration and enjoy a tutored whiskey tasting with one of the production Masters.  As part of the package, participants will stay in five star accommodation, visit one of the area’s finest restaurants and at the end of the course, they will receive a personalised bottle of Irish whiskey. The two-day course can be booked online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com and costs €1,199.

One-day ‘Discoverer’ courses, for those who have minimal knowledge about Irish whiskeys but want to learn more, are available from February 2015 while four-hour afternoon courses are available from November this year. Bookings for all courses can be made online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com now.

Courses will be tailored to focus on specific brands within Irish Distillers’ family of whiskeys, which includes Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection, including the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton such as Green Spot and Redbreast, and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

The Irish Whiskey Academy is the latest initiative from Irish Distillers as it continues its commitment to sustain growth of the Irish whiskey category worldwide.

David Byrne, Head of Brand Education & Visitor Centres at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “After years of planning, we’re delighted to finally be welcoming whiskey fans from around the world to the Irish Whiskey Academy in Midleton, the home of Irish Distillers. As the first of its kind, the Academy heralds a new era of knowledge and understanding of Irish whiskey and we look forward to welcoming people to Midleton and helping them to discover the heritage and unique flavour profile that Irish whiskeys have to offer.”

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard since July 2014, added: “The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy represents a proud moment for the Irish Whiskey category, and for Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard in particular. The company has been largely responsible for the resurgence and dynamic global growth of the Irish whiskey category in the last two decades and we’re fully committed to continuing this growth. The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy is a clear demonstration of both our confidence in the future of Irish whiskey and our commitment to driving sustainable category growth through investment and innovation, and we’re hopeful that it will prove to be popular with spirits fans and trade professionals alike the world over.”

NOTES

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy which celebrated its centenary in 2013; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

www.irishdistillers.ie 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Teeling Whiskey Single Minded Approach to Expanding Irish Whiskey

Unique bottling of Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey is released

The Teeling Whiskey Company, Ireland’s leading Independent Irish whiskey company, has released a new bottling of Single Malt Irish whiskey, one of only a handful of such expressions in the world.

Teeling Single Malt is the third release in the Premium range of Teeling expressions completing their full range of non-aged statement Irish whiskeys. To add a unique depth of character and flavour, Teeling Single Malt consists of aged Malt whiskey up to 23 years old that has been matured in five different wine casks including Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination of cask maturation techniques has never been done before in Irish whiskey and creates a truly innovative Irish whiskey bursting with personality.

This special combination of casks creates a very distinctive, rich colour while imparting a vibrant and balanced flavour of dry fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves. The proprietary maturation and vatting technique produces a very special Irish whiskey of distinctive character while still being remarkably easy to drink. Like all the Teeling whiskeys, it is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration allowing for all the natural flavours of the whiskey to be retained.

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “We are delighted to be able to release another expression of Teeling whiskey that helps expand consumer choice and challenge existing perceptions of Irish whiskey. Our new Teeling Single Malt proves Irish whiskey can have big bold flavours that appeal to Single Malt drinkers without losing its distinctive Irish identity.”

The Teeling family whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 and Walter Teeling, who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties. Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, are just the latest Generation of Teelings involved in the Irish whiskey industry and have broken ground on their new Dublin distillery in Newmarket, Dublin 8 which is scheduled to come on stream in early 2015.

About the Teeling Whiskey Company

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded by Jack Teeling in 2012 to bring back an independent voice to the Irish whiskey category. The Teeling Whiskey Company aims to be Ireland’s leading independent Irish whiskey producer driving category choice and innovation through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys.

The Teeling family established the Cooley Distillery in 1987 – the first Irish whiskey distillery set up in Ireland in over 100 years. However the family’s whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 with Walter Teeling who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties.

Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, continue the Teeling entrepreneurial spirit and, while initially starting out as an Independent bottler, they are in the process of building the first new Dublin distillery in over 125 years to guarantee the future supply of whiskey and ensure they control the distilling process from grain to bottle.

Teeling Whiskey reviving the Spirit of Dublin.

www.teelingwhiskey.com

www.facebook.com/TeelingWhiskeyCompany

www.twitter.com/teelingwhiskey

Bulleit 10 is Tom Bulleit’s selected reserve. Aged in charred American white oak, select Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for 10 years. The result is a special expression of Bulleit that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience.

$49.99 – $37.99

FLAVOUR HUNT: GOING OUT WITH A BANG

We’ve tracked down some elusive flavours and had fun matching Society drams with wild game but it’s nearly time to turn back towards the lodge as Whisky and Game Season draws to a close. Snare yourself one of the last few catches of the season before they disappear back into the undergrowth…

Young & spritely loves woodcock
64.56

A husky hairy lumberjack

£47.10

Sweet, fruity & mellow loves mallard
117.3

Hubba-bubba, mango and Monstera

£335.00

Spicy & sweet loves hare
48.51

Grapefruit, monkfish, manzanilla!

£44.70

Spicy & dry loves grouse
9.83

Tiger Balm, Limoncello and scented candles

£100.00

Deep, rich & dried fruits loves roe deer
39.100

Exotic contradictions

£87.20

Old & dignified: LAST WEEK 10% OFF

Light & delicate loves red deer
50.58

A seesaw of spring cleaning and scones!

£99.60

Juicy, oak & vanilla loves partridge
36.79

Welcoming and comforting

£53.00

Oily & coastal loves rabbit
3.232

An Outdoor Life for Me

£73.80

Lightly peated loves guinea fowl
31.27

Bold sailor’s dram

£95.00

Heavily peated loves wild boar
53.200

A day at the beach

£71.70

Browse New Outturn
Browse All Bottlings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center is celebrating its 10^th anniversary Oct. 15 with the release of a commerative Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon and a number of special events.

The center, at Heaven Hill headquarters in Bardstown, Ky., opened ten years ago to critical acclaim and fanfare for its captivating telling of the bourbon story through educational and historical displays, one-of-a-kind tastings and distinctive architecture. More than 60,000 people visit the center a year, enjoying daily tours that give behind-the-scenes access and insight to the bourbon making process.

To mark this historic anniversary, a special 2004 Vintage Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be purchased exclusively at the center. There are only 215 bottles available selling for $100 each. The bourbon was barreled on Oct. 15, 2004 — the first day the center opened. It is 110 proof, as opposed to the standard 86.6 proof in other Evan Williams Single Barrel bottles. The bottles are dipped in silver wax and feature an attractive “Bourbon Heritage Center 10th Anniversary” label.

Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira will sign bottles at the center 10:15 a.m.-noon, Sat., Oct. 18. Refreshments that incorporate Evan Williams and Elijah Craig sauces and spices will be served at the center throughout the day from Oct. 15-18. Visitors will enjoy 10 percent off all products in the Retail Shop, except bourbon, on those days as well.

The center is one of nine stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which drew a record 571,701 visitors last year.

“We’re extremely proud of the experiences we’ve created for visitors throughout the years at the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown and now at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville,” said Max L. Shapira, Heaven Hill President. “Through these facilities, people from all over the world have come to know and love the tradition of bourbon. That’s a benefit for the state of Kentucky and the whole bourbon industry.”

The Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center is at 1311 Gilkey Run Road in Bardstown. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 502-337-1000 or visit www.bourbonheritagecenter.com.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection awarded Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. today with the 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award, a top honor in the department’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

The award is meant to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their exemplary efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources and set an example of environmental stewardship for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and operated producer of distilled spirits, was nominated for strides the company has made in recycling and conservation of water and electricity since becoming a member of the DEP’s KY Excel program in 2011.

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees who have worked diligently to adopt sustainable practices and help Heaven Hill become an environmental leader in the state and the spirits industry,” said Allan Latts, Heaven Hill Chief Operating Officer.

More than 600 employees work at Heaven Hill and the company has six different facilities in Louisville and Bardstown, including corporate offices, a distillery and the largest distilled spirits warehouse in the U.S.

Since introducing an innovative recycling program at all its locations, Heaven Hill has recycled more than 1,859 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The program began with a careful assessment of materials that could be recycled at the Bardstown plant, which bottles more than 12 million cases of spirits a year. Employees were educated about the importance of recycling and offered inducements to participate. The program was so enthusiastically received, employees began bringing items from home to recycle, as many live in communities where residential pickup isn’t available. Heaven Hill built a facility for employees to store and sort those items.

In 2010, Heaven Hill cut its electricity usage for lighting in half at its warehouse by installing energy efficient light fixtures. This year, the company recouped an additional 12 percent savings in electricity usage by installing LED lights in offices and occupancy sensors around Bardstown facilities. The company also built a retention basin to store and recycle water at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, cutting water usage for the cooling tower there by 60 percent.

“The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth’s environment. Through this awards program, we have an opportunity to recognize some of the environmental leaders in Kentucky and use their achievements as examples to others,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “These awards highlight and honor the strong commitment to environmental stewardship.”

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Garden House Midleton

The Gateway to Distilleries – Illustrated Distillery-Guide upgraded – 

The Gateway to Distilleries

Illustrated Encyclopedic Distillery-Guide upgraded 

The ultimate photographic professional free guide to distilling whisky. More than 140 distilleries are illustrated and described in full detail by thousands of pictures.

“Join in a comprehensive journey to the distilleries of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Mainland Europe and Asia. Meet the people behind the labels and learn more about the making of whisk(e)y,” says the editor Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner.

„…we are talking lots of great images,“ Ingvar Ronde wrote in his Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015. The Gateway to Distilleries refers to historic aspects of whisky distilling and explains details of production methods. The quality of information may give whisky enthusiasts a detailed understanding of distilling whisky. People of the industry may study and virtually visit neighbouring distilleries. The presentation is accompanied with a host of information on historic and cultural highlights.

A full list of independent bottlers, whisky festivals and whisky literature is also offered to the reader. Portraits of people in the whisky industry make for a complete personal presentation.

It is an excellent teaching website about the whisk(e)y industry.

“The definitive virtual distillery tour – of a stunning number of distilleries. An unbelievable resource…” The Coopered Tot

“Your website is very impressive!” www.liquidirish.com

See: The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net

Contact: info@whisky-distilleries.net

From the nice people at the Dundee Literary Festival;

“We’d love to let people know about an event we’ve got coming up next week with Ian Buxton. He’s appearing at the Dundee Literary Festival to talk about the rarest whiskies in the world and to give people a taste of some of them! The event is at 7pm, 23rd October and tickets are £5 and £3 – go to www.literarydundee.co.uk to book!”

BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES

BOWMORE® SMALL BATCH 

The Taste of Islay encapsulated in Bowmore® Scotch Whisky’s latest addition to its core range 

Islay, Scotland  (October 9, 2014) – Bowmore, the first distillery on Islay established in 1779, is proud to introduce its latest expression – Bowmore® Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky – a perfect and accessible embodiment of the Taste of Islay. The distillery has used its centuries-long experience to create a perfect combination of flavors that encapsulate Scotch from Islay, known as the Queen of the Hebrides.

Exclusively matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, Small Batch evokes the Islay house character of gentle peat smoke, salt, citrus and vanilla. Considered by many to be among the most well-balanced whiskies, Bowmore Small Batch makes for a wonderful dram for those wanting to experience an Islay single malt.

Rachel Barrie, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Master Blender, says, “If I could select only one dram to transport an enthusiast to Islay, it would be Small Batch. No one liquid better showcases the tranquility and elegance of the Island.”

Crafted from two different types of bourbon cask which are married together, Small Batch exhibits the best qualities of both: First-fill ex-bourbon casks imparts a delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and a bourbon-style oak smoke, created by charring of the barrel in the bourbon production process. The second-fill ex-bourbon casks impart fruit and salty flavors which enhance Bowmore Scotch Whisky’s fresh fruity complexity and its trademark honey and creamy malt character. The result is a single malt that is exceptionally balanced between salt and sweetness. Visit here to watch a short animation about the making of Bowmore Small Batch.

Bowmore Small Batch is available nationwide in the US now and will be released globally as well. It will be a permanent addition to the Bowmore core range of Scotch whiskies and will retail for a suggested $39.99/750ml.

Tasting Notes – Bowmore Small Batch Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV

On the eye: warm gold

Breathe in: vanilla fudge, sea air and peat smoke, balanced beautifully by honeycomb and cinnamon spice

Sip: mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness and vanilla with flakes of coconut

Savor: the wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla and lime finish

THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt.  Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.

ABOUT BOWMORE

The award-winning Bowmore portfolio includes Bowmore Small Batch, 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old Darkest, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old in addition to special limited-edition bottlings such as Bowmore Black, White, Gold, Bowmore 40 Year Old and more. Bowmore is available nationwide in the U.S. and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Bowmore portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Beam Suntory Inc. For more information about Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky, please visit: www.bowmore.com, www.facebook.com/bowmore, @Bowmore1779 on Twitter.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Glentauchers 2008 5 Year Old Dimensions Cask 900535 55.2% ABV | 70cl

The Dimension Collection from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited is an outstanding range of single malt and single grain whiskies from across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Released in small batches, these unique expressions from renowned and lesser known distilleries offer a comprehensive overview of Duncan Taylor’s award winning portfolio. Neither chill filtered nor coloured, only the finest whiskies are selected for inclusion in the Dimensions Collection, ensuring that each release represents the true multi-dimensional character of the distillery and delivers the company ethos: Whisky Without Compromise.

Established in 1938, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited are specialist independent whisky merchants who hold one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage single malt and single grain Scotch whiskies. Using only the finest oak casks, Duncan Taylor lays down whiskies that are only bottled upon meeting rigorous standards of quality, ensuring optimum dimensions of character and flavour for the whisky enthusiast.

The balance of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is central to Duncan Taylor’s award winning reputation is evident in complexity and depth of each release in the Dimensions Collection.

Price: £40.83 ex VAT  £49.00 inc VAT