Enhanced Single Barrel Prairie

There are times when the specs alone can be enough to sway a purchase. For example, if Buffalo Trace offered me a single cask of 12 year old Weller, I would probably agree to buy it without tasting it (in fact, I know I would). That being said, there are times when flavor alone means everything and that was certainly the case while choosing this single barrel of High West “American Prairie,” a blend of straight Bourbons from MGP in Indiana and what’s long been rumored to be Four Roses (whether that’s still the case in the new Constellation era, I don’t know). There’s no info as to what’s in this bottle other than what I previously knew about the whiskey upon its initial release. What I do know, however, is that about two years ago an empty barrel of the High West “Rendezvous” rye was filled with a finished batch of “American Prairie” and it was allowed to sit for an additional year and a half, marrying the flavors further and pulling from the rye residue in the wood. I tasted a sample from that very cask earlier this year and did a serious double take. At 51.3% ABV, the flavors were bold, but balanced and the spices (both peppery and sweet) were intensified well beyond what I’m used to tasting from the general release. Tasting it again now, I’m taken aback by how straightforward and delicious it is. Beyond the vanilla and the oak are hints of orange zest, polish, fresh pencil shavings, and dried herbs. If you’re generally a fan of the High West whiskies, consider this a huge step up from the norm. I’d buy five more casks just like this if I could.

High West “American Prairie” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) – $49.99

Benromach 1977 – 39 Year Old | Cask 1268

Distilled in 1977, this stunning single malt Scotch whisky from Benromach distillery has been aged in cask for an incredible 39 years. Bottled in 2017 at cask strength 56% vol, only 225 bottles have been filled from cask 1268.

As with previous vintage releases from Benromach, this 1977 bottling has been beautifully presented in a unique bottle decanter, wooden presentation box and comes complete with history book outlining the distilleries past.

Limited Stock Available

BUY NOW

Gaja Capital Backed John Distilleries Announces Strategic Investment by the Sazerac Company 

LOUISVILLE, KY  (Oct. 19, 2017) John Distilleries Private Limited (“JDPL” or “Company,”) a leading Indian spirits company, today announced that The Sazerac Company (“Sazerac,”) the largest family-owned spirits company in the United States and owners of Fireball, Southern Comfort, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and E.H. Taylor Bourbon, has acquired an equity stake in JDPL from Gaja Capital, who will continue to remain partially invested in the Company.

JDPL is a leading spirits company in India with gross revenues of over INR 28 billion in FY17. With sales of more than 13 million cases, JDPL’s portfolio includes Original Choice Whisky, the seventh largest selling whisky in the world, Bangalore Malt, the fastest growing millionaire brand in the world, Paul John Single Malt (PJSM), an award winning super premium whisky, and Big Banyan wines, one of India’s leading premium wine brands.

Sazerac is one of the largest spirits companies in the United States and the world with a product portfolio of more than 350 brands spanning all spirit categories. Sazerac’s E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was just named “World Whisky of the Year” for 2018 by the much revered Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. In the past 15 years, whiskeys from its iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery have won “World Whisky of the Year” no less than six times. This strategic partnership marks Sazerac’s entry into the Indian market, one of the largest and fastest growing markets for spirits in the world.

Paul John, JDPL’s Chairman and Managing Director, said, “Sazerac’s technological expertise coupled with a global portfolio of brands spread across all spirit categories, will be an added advantage for JDPL both in domestic and in global markets. We look forward to this partnership with Sazerac and in continuing to make our brands even stronger. We have enjoyed an excellent partnership with Gaja Capital who will continue as shareholders. They have made important contributions to our success through their deep understanding of the Indian consumer, substantial operating value-add and an entrepreneurial mindset.”

Sazerac and JDPL are both family-owned companies and both have taken similar strategic paths, initially developing leading regional brands, followed by launching global premium brands. “We are extraordinarily excited to be able to establish this partnership in India, and look forward to working with Paul John and his team in supporting JDPL’s iconic brands,” said Mark Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Sazerac Company.

Ranjit Shah, Managing Partner at Gaja Capital, said, “Guided by Paul’s strategic vision, the Company has seen its scale and profitability grow rapidly in India and abroad on the strength of an increasing brand portfolio backed by a robust manufacturing back-end.  We welcome Sazerac to India and are excited about the significant value that this partnership can create in what is one the most attractive spirits markets in the world.”

Jefferies India acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Gaja Capital and Sazerac was advised by Rabobank.

About JDPL

Founded in 1996 by Paul John, JDPL has operations in 13 states/UTs in India and its brands are available through more than 15,000 outlets across the country and its super premium brand PJSM sells in over 30 countries around the world. For more information on John Distilleries Private Limited, please visit www.jdl.in & www.pauljohnwhisky.com 

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/. 

About Gaja Capital

Gaja Capital is one of India’s leading independent private equity firms providing growth capital to mid-market companies. Founded in 2004, Gaja Capital’s team of sector and functional specialists combine investing, entrepreneurial and operating experience to deliver tangible value beyond capital. For more information on Gaja Capital, please visit www.gajacapital.com

ROSEBANK REBORN

IAN MACLEOD DISTILLERS TO REVIVE ‘THE KING OF THE LOWLANDS’

Ian Macleod Distillers has today revealed plans to resurrect one of Scotland’s most cherished distilleries. “Rosebank is one of the most respected and sought after single malts in the world,” declared MD Leonard Russell. “As such, this is an extraordinarily exciting project for us. To bring back to life an iconic distillery and quintessential Lowland single malt is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

In its home town of Falkirk, on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, Rosebank has been dubbed ‘the King of the Lowlands’ and the late whisky writer, Michael Jackson had no doubt that it was one of the ‘greats’. He described its demise as “a grievous loss”, while fellow critic, Gavin D Smith, wrote of the region’s whiskies having: “subtle charm, and none is more charming than the elegant, floral, aromatic Rosebank produced by a triple distillation process in the traditional Lowland manner.”

All this will be preserved, as Leonard Russell explained: “The distillery has a very special place in Scotland’s whisky heritage and we are committed to ensuring this is the case. We will produce Rosebank Lowland single malt in exactly the same way as it is known, using the famous triple distillation and worm tub condensers. This way we ensure the revival of its classic style and taste.”

“Our investment goes way beyond production,” he continued. “We are looking to develop a Rosebank Visitor Centre to help tell the story of this remarkable whisky – as well as safeguard the atmospheric Canal side Bond and its important heritage.”

Ian Macleod Distillers has entered into a binding agreement with Scottish Canals to purchase the site and has separately acquired the Rosebank trademark. The company is proud to be investing in Falkirk by adding to the town’s flourishing economy and tourism scene.

But perhaps most exciting for whisky lovers as they wait for the reborn Rosebank to mature, is the acquisition of some precious existing casks. “Over the coming months we will carefully review Rosebank’s rare stocks with a view to releasing some truly scarce and extraordinary whiskies,” said Leonard Russell. “We have no doubt that demand for these releases will be exceptionally high so we already have plans in place to make sure collectors and Rosebank lovers can keep up to date.”

With this in mind, all the latest developments will be revealed on a new, dedicated website where those who sign up will be the first to hear about the release of the rare and collectable bottlings of Rosebank Lowland Single Malt.

For more information, please visit www.rosebankwhisky.co.uk

In conclusion, Leonard Russell said: “We would like to express our gratitude to Diageo for their support in transferring the Trademark and to Scottish Canals for their assistance in our endeavours to revitalise the home of Rosebank.” 

Please drink responsibly.

www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes:

About Rosebank Distillery

Rosebank Distillery is located beside the Forth & Clyde Canal at Camelon, on the outskirts of the town of Falkirk, between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Its history on the present site begins in 1840, when James Rankine acquired the maltings of the Camelon Distillery, which were on the opposite side of the canal to the main distillery.

By 1886 Rosebank was operating on both sides of the canal with the Camelon building producing malt which was then transferred over a swing bridge to the distillery building. In the 20^th century it was considered one of, if not the, premier Lowland malts. In 1993, owners, United Distillers, mothballed the building. Rosebank’s single malts are now some of the most sought-after in the connoisseur’s and collectors’ market.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers. The company currently produces and sell over 15 million bottles of spirits per year. Ian Macleod Distillers became a fully integrated distiller, blender and bottler in 2003 when it purchased Glengoyne Distillery. This was followed by the acquisition of its second distillery, Tamdhu, in 2011 and most recently, Edinburgh Gin in September 2016.

In Their Own Words – Stewart Buchanan, Glendronach

Glendronach brand ambassador Stewart Buchanan led a great masterclass at this year’s Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in which he delved into the distillery’s past and showed various drams from yesteryear as well as more modern bottlings. This is what he had to say:

Stewart Buchanan, brand ambassador for Glendronach, Benriach and Glenglassaugh

‘Anyone who knows Glendronach will say it’s “sherry, sherry, sherry, sherry, sherry, sherry”, but it wasn’t always that way – we used to use bourbon barrels, too’

‘We were the last coal-fired distillery in Scotland – we removed the coal fires in 2005’

‘Glendronach means “valley of the brambles”’

‘Glendronach has a lovely oily nature to the spirit, and there’s also a delicious stewed-barley element, too. ‘In Alfred Barnard’s The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom which was published in the 1880s, he described Glendronach 8 Year Old as “like a brandy liqueur”, and people do tell me that Glendronach has a Cognac-like feel to it’

‘You can fill 100 oloroso sherry casks and leave them to age, and in one of them the whisky will be as light as tea, while the whisky in another will be as dark as Coca-Cola! Some of the oloroso casks we buy are more than 80 years old and they give great complexity’

Glendronach is known for its big, rich style, accentuated by maturation in ex-sherry casks

‘We don’t have much of the 33 Year Old left. We’ve only got about three bottles. [Former head honcho] Billy Walker wasn’t happy with us because we drank one of them one day!’

‘A grapefruit note is a great sign of an old, vintage whisky’

‘I’m very conscious that what we’re making now, people will be drinking in 40 years’ time’

‘You know life is good when you’re sitting in an armchair with a glass of Glendronach 18 Year Old in your hand’

New Release

Peated Drummond… Distillery Exclusive

We are delighted to announce the hugely-anticipated release of The Glenturret Cask 100 Peated Drummond Edition.

This highly collectable expression, which is available only from the distillery shop, is the first new bottling to be hand signed by the new Distillery Manager Ian Renwick.

The Peated Drummond is a cask strength single malt whisky with hints of dry almonds and fired oak. Priced at £145, and presented in a tweed gift bag, there are only 315 bottles available.

Find out more HERE

THE VAULTS COLLECTION

CASK No. 24.129
Meeting an old master
27 Years
£980

The palate was dark yet sweet with chocolate-covered brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, figs, prunes and old leather. Then muscovado sugar, all spice and a finish of rye whisky with dark, strong coffee.

DISCOVER MORE

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

Ralfy double-takes on a double-cask with Ralfy Review 691 – Macallan 12yo Double Cask @40%vol:

A NEW ERA FOR LUXURY IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Distillers has signalled a new era for luxury Irish whiskey with the launch of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle, a private members club offering individuals the opportunity to obtain their own personal Irish Whiskey. The launch of the Midleton Cask Circle coincides with the release of Midleton Very Rare Vintage 2017, the 34th edition of the renowned and highly collectable range of Irish whiskeys, first unveiled in 1984.

The Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club invites whisk(e)y enthusiasts and collectors to obtain their own cask of Midleton Very Rare Irish whiskey from a variety of exceptional casks hand selected by Master Distiller, Brian Nation for their quality and rarity. Selecting a cask of Midleton Very Rare whiskey is a truly unique experience. Once members have chosen a cask that suits their personal taste, they can bottle it immediately or instead request bottles of their unique whiskey as and when required.

The programme boasts an array of different whiskey styles and ages – from 12 to 30 years old – that have been matured in a range of cask types including Bourbon, Sherry, Malaga, Port, Irish Oak and Rum. Thirty casks have been made available at launch, with prices available on request.

By becoming a member of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle, guests will have access to the Distillery Concierge, a unique service that will assist members in every detail of their personal experience. From choosing their whiskey to planning an extended itinerary, the Concierge allows guests to discover the best Ireland has to offer, from world class golfing at illustrious courses to exploring some of the most picturesque scenery in the world.

Jean Christophe-Coutures, Chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers, commented: “Irish Distillers introduced the world to luxury Irish whiskey back in 1984 and Midleton Very Rare has since become the embodiment of exceptional quality, craftsmanship and collectability. The unveiling of the Midleton Very Rare Cask Circle Club and the new Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release heralds a new era for luxury Irish whiskey and is testament to the growing demand for our finest, prestige Irish whiskeys around the world.  We are proud of our position as long-standing guardians of our sector and we look forward to welcoming new additions to the Midleton Very Rare range in the years to come. Today’s launch allows Midleton Very Rare to further build upon its position as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.”

Just two Master Distillers have had the privilege of preserving the legacy of Midleton Very Rare with only a select number of casks deemed of sufficient excellence and rarity to bear the Midleton Very Rare name. Midleton Very Rare 2017 has been specially blended from a hand selected batch of ex-Bourbon Barrels ranging in age from 12 years to 32 years. The 2017 edition also marks a redesign for the brand, featuring a unique bottle design and presentation box that further completes the overall Midleton Rare experience and better reflects the quality and rarity of the whiskey inside. The elegant bottle takes inspiration from a writer’s ink well and a soft dip in the shoulder echoes the nib of a pen, creating a subtle link to Ireland’s literary legacy.

Speaking about Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2017, Master Distiller, Brian Nation commented: “It has been a privilege for me to continue the legacy of Midleton Very Rare that Barry Crockett started in 1984. Midleton Very Rare is rightfully regarded as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey with each vintage cherished by collectors and whisk(e)y enthusiasts all over the world. Due to the handcrafted nature of this whiskey, there are slight variances in taste from year to year which add to the special nature of this whiskey. The 2017 cask selection includes some 32-year-old Midleton Grain Whiskey which will contribute the lighter floral perfume notes along with some citrus fruit. A 26-year-old Single Pot Still whiskey has also been selected, which delivers a wide spectrum of typical spice character, such as sweet cinnamon and clove”.

Bottled at 40% ABV and without chill-filtration, the new-look Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2017 is available from this month at the RRP of €180 and is available in the USA, Canada, Ireland and Ireland Travel Retail.

NOTES

About Irish Distillers Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. 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&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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. www.pernod-ricard.com

WHISKY MAGIC AT GLENWYVIS DISTILLERY AS VERY FIRST DISTILLERY MANAGER HIRED

AND £250,000 TARGET REACHED

Excitement surrounding GlenWyvis Distillery in Dingwall has reached a whole new level, this week, as the appointment of the very first distillery manager is confirmed and the first target of £250,000 is achieved on the second share offer campaign.

Announcing the new distillery manager appointment, David O’Connor, chairman of GlenWyvis Distillery said: “This is a particularly special appointment as it is the lynch-pin to the next stage of our development, as we move from construction to distilling and production. We had a lot of good interest in this post – but there was one outstanding candidate.

“So we are delighted to bring Duncan Tait on board as our very first distillery manager. Currently distillery manager at Mortlach Distillery, Duncan brings with him a wealth of distilling experience and in-depth knowledge of the whisky and tourism industry.

“He has many years of experience in distillery growth and team development and this is vital to us, as we prepare to open our doors, start our distilling operation and look to develop the GlenWyvis visitor experience. He also has a great knowledge of the local area and local whisky history, and along with his great character and personality, he will most definitely help to make the GlenWyvis brand a success in the global whisky arena.”

Commenting on his new role, Duncan Tait, GlenWyvis Distillery’s very first distillery manager, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to be part of a distilling journey at the very start, and amazing to become the very first distillery manager here at GlenWyvis.

Duncan added: “I have a strong affiliation with the Easter Ross area, having started my career at Teaninich Distillery in Alness, and I’m delighted to be coming back. There is such a wealth of Highland heritage linked to the distillery and I am particularly interested in how that interlinks with our community development aspirations as we welcome our first tours to GlenWyvis in due course.

“I have enjoyed many years whisky distilling in Speyside and see this as a fantastic career move to join the GlenWyvis team in the creation of the first 100% community owned distillery.”

The now five strong team at GlenWyvis has been working round the clock to make their second share offer a success with gin tastings, promotions, attendance at local and national events and numerous media and TV appearances.

David O’Connor added: “Coincidentally, as we appoint Duncan, we are also seeing a continued surge of active share offer investors and this has pushed our target over the quarter million pound mark this week, showing we still have a popular ongoing investor proposition.”

Hitting the first ‘whisky magic’ rung of £250,000 is the first step towards the distillery’s overall aim of raising an additional £750,000 on its second share offer. The funds raised will be used to accelerate the GlenWyvis brand development, to bring gin distilling to Dingwall and to reduce commercial lending costs.

 James Proctor, Programme Manager at Community Shares Scotland said: “We are delighted to see this ambitious project hit its initial investment target so quickly and also congratulate them on this important appointment of the first distillery manager.

“The growing numbers of GlenWyvis members is testament to the power of the idea of a community-owned distillery. It’s a great example of how a Community Shares offer can involve people and has expanded the idea of what a community business is. We look forward to the opening of the distillery and seeing more people take the opportunity to invest in this pioneering enterprise.”

The GlenWyvis Distillery, which will be entirely powered by green energy, is nearing completion at the Heights of Dochcarty by Dingwall and is on-schedule to open next month.

Notes

Duncan Tait Distillery Manager Biography – newly appointed to GlenWyvis

Duncan has worked for Diageo across all aspects of distillery and distilling management with an impressive track-record with over 26 years in the industry. Working mainly in Speyside – but also with Lothians and West Coast distillery experience.

He brings with him an impressive knowledge of all aspects of distillery, production development and retail management including overseeing the upgrade and expansion work of numerous distilleries. In addition, he has a wealth of Scottish tourism, event management and heritage experience and has worked with many international visitors and markets.

Second Share offer investment

GlenWyvis already had some 2,600 members who invested £2.6 million in the original share offer in 2016 and this new open share offer has already added a further 400 members in just two months. The share issue was launched to capitalise on continued interest from locals and visitors alike. The minimum investment is £250 for all investors, and supporters are also able pay extra to have their name added to the distillery wall or the “path to the stills”.