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

Win a bottle of Kilchoman 

AW Exclusive – Single Cask Whisky!

We recently launched our very own cask of Kilchoman! The response and feedback by customers, whisky writers and blogs worldwide has been incredible! Obviously we agree wholeheartedly with everything that has been said, it’s a fantastic dram…

Anyway… We thought it was only fair to share the love so we’ve decided to give away a bottle of this stunning Islay whisky to one lucky winner!

It couldn’t be easier to enter… all you have to do is head across to Facebook and ‘like’ the Abbey Whisky page – ‘Like and share’ the competition post and answer the following question…

Which distillery on Islay has the following slogan on the front of their whisky bottles? –

“Islay’s Farm Distillery”

Competition closes 23.59 (GMT) on Tuesday 21st October 2014. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and revealed on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.

After reading just a few of the wonderful reviews below and you just can’t hold off any longer – don’t fear! – head across to our online whisky shop and pick yourself up a bottle or two… Be quick though, only 270 bottles were filled from single cask 285/09…

A little bit about Kilchoman Distillery and also our exclusive single cask release… (Kilchoman cask 285/09)

Established in 2005, Kilchoman distillery holds true to tradition, it’s one of only a handful of distilleries to still practice floor maltings; they even grow their own barley! We’ve always greatly admired Islay’s farm distillery and what it stands for, so to team up and release this wonderful dram makes us incredibly proud indeed!

Kilchoman Cask #285/09 has been matured for over four and a half years in a fresh bourbon barrel before being transferred to a Pedro Ximénez cask for a further four months maturation. The PX finish on this release works a treat, softening things down a little but still allowing the dram to hold the traditional taste & characteristics you would expect from a Kilchoman whisky of this age. A perfect combination.

Bottled at cask strength, 58.3% vol with 270 bottles filled…

For full T&C’s head across to our whisky blog here

Good luck – Sláinte

Introducing The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

The Glenlivet has collaborated with designer Gareth Neal to create The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair, an outstanding piece of contemporary craft. Gareth Neal is an award-winning designer and furniture maker who creates remarkable pieces using natural materials. His style is rooted in exploring and redefining traditions which makes him our perfect choice to craft The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair.

The Dram Chair is designed to highlight the artisanal methods used to produce Nàdurra. Taking his influences from the 19th century processes, Gareth has crafted the chair entirely by hand using premium oak, copper and leather which echo the natural materials found in our distillery and Nàdurra casks.

The much anticipated full reveal of The Dram Chair takes place on 22nd October. In the meantime, enjoy our introductory film for a privileged peek at this exceptional collaboration inspired by the most natural expression.

Watch Gareth introduce The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

Discover more about Gareth Neal

BEAM SUNTORY NAMES DAVID WILSON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Madrid, Spain, October 9, 2014 – Beam Suntory Inc., one of the world’s leading spirits companies, has appointed David Wilson as Managing Director of Global Travel Retail. Wilson took up his new position Oct. 1, reporting to Albert Baladi, president of Beam Suntory’s Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region.

The announcement follows a strategic review of the global travel retail market segment by Beam Suntory leadership, which has resulted in a sharpened focus on developing and growing this dynamic and strategically important channel.

“Beam Suntory is now the No. 3 spirits company in the world, with an advantaged portfolio in key categories and an unmatched global premium whiskeys portfolio,” Baladi said. “We are committed to investing and growing our brands in the strategic travel retail channel. David brings proven leadership skills and expertise in premium brand building on a global stage, which will add real value to developing our vision.”

Wilson has held a number of senior marketing and commercial roles within the spirits industry during his career, most recently as Sales and Marketing Director of Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), now part of the Beam Suntory family. David served in that position for the last five years, leading the strategic repositioning and strong growth of MBD’s single malt portfolio.

“I am delighted to be joining the Beam Suntory team at this time, to lead the next chapter for our GTR business,” Wilson added. “I have spent a significant part of my career building and growing premium brands and I very much look forward to working with our retail partners to develop our mutual businesses.”

BEAM SUNTORY PRESENTS PEATED MALTS OF DISTINCTION THE FULL SCALE OF PEAT

Beam Suntory is pleased to announce a newly named collection of high-quality whiskies from its award-winning distilleries across Scotland and Ireland. Peated Malts of Distinction features four peated malts including new expression The Ardmore Legacy as the entry point to the range, accompanied by Ireland’s Connemara Original, Islay’s Laphroaig Select and Bowmore Small Batch. 

The new portfolio capitalises on the company’s leading position in the category and will allow both the trade and consumers to explore an extensive variety of peat flavours and taste profiles. The portfolio launches at a buoyant time for the peated malts category which is experiencing 8%* growth rate in the EMEA region (CAGR 2011-2013).

Peated malts currently represent 17%* of total malt volume sales in EMEA, with Sweden (29%), Germany (25%) and The Netherlands (21%) accounting for over three quarters of peated malt sales in the region. 

The Ardmore Legacy is a new expression, aimed at challenging mainstream single malt brands, offering a lightly peated liquid that is sweet and uplifting. The launch coincides with a new identity and positioning for the brand. Appealing to whisky drinkers’ experimental nature, this malt offers an enticing new flavour made from unreleased unpeated Ardmore balanced with the traditional peated malt, which is markedly different from gentle Highland peat whiskies. The bottle boasts a new label and pack design that reflects the spirit of The Ardmore with a symbolic eagle and contour map of Kennethmont, the whisky’s home. The creative design was inspired by the instinctively fearless native golden eagle, soaring the highest heights and protecting the land. 

Lee Walker, EMEA Regional Brand Manager for Premium Malts, Beam Suntory, comments: “The peated malt category is a dynamic segment demonstrating strong growth. Beam Suntory has ambitious plans to utilise its expertise and product range to further innovate and expand the category. We’re in a unique position where we can offer drinkers a variety of taste experiences from gentle to rich peat, and we hope that this unique story will appeal to both novice and whisky enthusiasts the world over.”

Peated Malts of Distinction are available across the on and off-trade in global markets and will be supported by global marketing communication activities from October and continue for the run up to Christmas 2014. 

The Ardmore Legacy is available in the UK at RRP £29.99.

GIFT THE PERFECT DRAM THIS FESTIVE SEASON 

Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Whether your loved one is a whisky connoisseur or a newcomer, we have a portfolio of single malts to suit every taste.

Highland Park Dark Origins

Highland Park’s new core expression, Dark Origins, is the ideal gift for those long winter nights. Dark Origins offers a naturally dark, rich flavour with sherried spice, a chocolate twist and the signature sweet smoke that fans of the Orcadian elixir have come to know and love. Highland Park Dark Origins is available in select whisky retailers including Harrods (RRP £65). www.highlandpark.co.uk 

Laphroaig Select

Fans of Laphroaig’s trademark ‘peat reek’ will love the latest addition to the portfolio, Laphroaig Select. The new expression offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Laphroaig Select is available in retailers including Morrisons, www.thewhiskyexchange.com and www.masterofmalt.com (RRP £34.99). www.laphroaig.com

The Macallan Gold

The first expression in The 1824 Series, The Macallan Gold, is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. Showcasing the single malt’s natural colour, The Macallan Gold has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons (RRP £37.63). www.themacallan.com

 Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal dram for fans of flavour and the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas pudding this festive season. This single malt boasts a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £34.04). www.highlandpark.co.uk 

The Ardmore Legacy

The latest release from The Ardmore distillery, The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction to peated single malt whisky. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices, it is the perfect winter warming dram. The Ardmore Legacy is available in retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). www.ardmorewhisky.com