THE REBRANDING OF LUXCO

When I first started learning about American whiskey back around 2007, one of the first things I noticed when talking and emailing with drinkers across the country was how much good, value-oriented, drinkable Bourbon was available outside of California. That’s not to say we didn’t have quality, inexpensive options here in the Golden State, but rather there didn’t seem to be a real appreciation of them. Everyone was dead set on drinking “the best” rather than something dependable on the daily. I remember Chuck Cowdery at one point telling me to try Very Old Barton on my first trip to Kentucky, a whiskey not distributed out west that symbolized to him a great example of Bourbon’s true value. To this day I buy a 1.75 liter bottle of Barton each time I visit. At the CVS in downtown Louisville you can get the giant Weller-shaped jug for about $22, which comes out to about $9.50 per 750ml. Whiskey at that price is suspicious to us snooty San Franciscans who think great Bourbon has to cost at least $50 to even be considerable.

The joke is on us, however.

Bourbon wasn’t expensive when the boom hit back around 2009 and-with the exception of the oft-discussed, impossible-to-find trophy bottles-it still isn’t priced like a luxury liquid in most places. Not only can you still get a top-notch bottle of Bourbon for less than $30, in many states you can get a decent bottle for less than $20. Two such brands that come to mind are Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, labels owned by Luxco-a St. Louis-based company that contracts much of its whiskey from Heaven Hill and MGP, but recently has begun production on a new distillery along the Kentucky Bourbon trail. While I often hear serious Bourbon drinkers and industry professionals discuss Luxco’s labels with a smirk or a snicker, I’m not sure what’s so ridiculous about quality Heaven Hill and MGP-distilled products between $10 and $20 a bottle. Am I supposed to be embarrassed? I don’t get it.

The only thing that would have embarrassed me about drinking Rebel Yell Bourbon a few years ago might have been the label, but that’s all changed now. Luxco has finally brought their new and improved packaging out to the West Coast so that we can finally get a taste of what $13 wheated Bourbon tastes like out of a more respectable bottle. The other kicker is the $24 bottle of 101 proof 7 year old Kentucky Bourbon from Ezra Brooks. It’s the same price as Elijah Craig, likely comes from the same formula, and it’s higher in proof. Again, what am I supposed to be snickering about? It’s delicious, inexpensive, and easy to drink with a supple graininess that really hits the spot. If you’re a whiskey purist, you can always take shots at MGP rye products that have the name of a different distillery on the front (like the Minor Case), but at the same time there aren’t a lot of sherry-aged ryes out there to choose from. At least Luxco is offering you something different here, in a nice little flask no less.

Luxco’s Bardstown distillery is still in the construction phase, but in the meantime enjoy the closest thing we have out here in CA to a Very Old Barton-like value. Ezra Brooks rye for $15? Wheated Bourbon for $13? They’re all yours starting today…

Rebel Yell Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($12.99)

Rebel Yell “Reserve” Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($21.99)

Rebel Yell Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($21.99)

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml) ($14.99)

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($15.99)

Ezra Brooks 7 Year Old Bourbon (750ml) ($24.99)

Minor Case Sherry Cask Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)

Treat your Dad to a special dram this Father’s Day

Whether your dad enjoys the classic peaty malt or prefers the gingery, vanilla notes of a fruity and spicy dram, Benromach has something to offer everyone this Father’s Day.

Based in the market town of Forres in Speyside, Benromach has a range of expressions that will suit all tastes, from sweet and fruity to heavily peated. It’s available across price points to suit every budget. At Benromach, we handcraft our single malt Scotch whisky and make it slowly, the time-honoured way. Using the finest natural ingredients, our distillers orchestrate every second of the distillation process; there are no short cuts to perfection. Every cask is hand-filled, hand-weighed and hand-stamped before maturing for many years in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

A bottle of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is sure to put a smile on your dad’s face this Father’s Day.

For the traditional whisky fan   

Matured in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and first fill sherry casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is an impeccable dram. It exemplifies the classic pre-1960s Speyside single malt character, with notes of rich sherry, delicate spice, green apples and a touch of light peat smoke. It is the perfect malt for those dads who appreciate the sweet notes of a traditional Speyside whisky. RRP £34.25.

For the whisky connoisseur 

A full bodied and complex dram, Benromach 100° Proof will be a welcome Father’s Day surprise for whisky loving dads across the globe. Intense sherry notes lead on the nose, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla aromas that give way to delicious toasted malt with an underlying menthol edge. Flavours of cracked black pepper and juicy fresh strawberries and raspberries lead on the palate, before creamy notes of milk chocolate emerge. With a long, rich finish of lingering, subtle smokiness and bonfire embers, it is a sumptuous dram. RRP £48.25.

For spice lovers  

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue. RRP £50.25.

For the father with a sweet tooth

The world’s first wholly certified organic single malt Scotch whisky, Benromach Organic is a beautifully balanced malt matured in virgin American oak casks. A delightfully sweet and malty dram with vanilla, toffee and banana influences on the nose. Savour the taste of creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours followed by a dark chocolate edge with a smooth long finish. Organic from start to finish, this rich, fruity and spicy whisky is the finest choice to serve your father after dinner this Father’s Day. RRP £36.99. 

For the Dad who loves seriously smoky whiskies 

The seriously smoky taste of Benromach Peat Smoke is a unique gift for fans of peated whisky. Sweet vanilla, honey and cured meat aromas combine with hints of apricot and lemon and a subtle tobacco note, followed by the rich flavours of cracked pepper and the lingering edge of bonfire embers. RRP £36.99

For the extra special treat this Father’s Day

If your dad really appreciates a special dram, or maybe he is celebrating a big milestone this year, he will be sure to appreciate Benromach 35 Years Old, a satisfying, complex malt with beautiful golden amber hues. The nose offers rich sherry influences with orange marmalade, kiwi and grapefruit aromas, complemented by gorgeous cinnamon spice. The flavour opens up with water to a fabulous combination of white pepper followed by dried tobacco, dewy stewed pair, raisin and zesty orange peel flavours, all heightened by a delicate edge of charred oak. A mature, contemporary whisky. RRP £425.

For further information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available alongside stockist information, please visit www.benromach.com.  

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

See you in 2018 on Saturday May 5!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember!

Once again masterclasses were fully subscribed and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our esteemed presenters who shared their samples and knowledge with our guests. This year’s line-up featured an embarassment of single malt riches courtesy of The Balvenie, Benromach, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, and The Dalmore, as well as Forty Creek, Jameson’s and the Jim Beam family of bourbon. It was a further pleasure to welcome master blenders Don Livermore and Drew Mayville who poured some of the finest whiskies to be found both North and South of our border.

Those of you who kept to the show floor were equally spoiled for choice, and without a doubt the highlight of this year’s show was our Canada150 showcase, a tribute to the best of Canadian whisky from past to present hosted by Johanne McInnis and Graham Mackenney. A picture is worth a thousand words so take a moment to relive the good times by browsing through our Photo Gallery.

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2018 on Saturday May 5 with another edition of Canada’s premiere tasting event. Until then you can keep in touch by subscribing to our bi-annual print magazine, Distilled.

DISTILLATION EXPLORATION  WITH LOCH LOMOND MASTER BLENDER  MICHAEL HENRY

TUESDAY 27 JUNE
7.30pm-9pm

Tickets on sale now

BOOK »

Loch Lomond is renowned for its innovative ways of distilling and its wide range of styles of whisky. We will be joined by master blender Michael Henry and brand ambassador Ibon Mendiguren to examine their award-winning range. With four types of still at the distillery, they can make a huge range of whiskies. We’ll have the rare chance to try different types of new-make spirit as well as a range of great drams:

Loch Lomond Single Grain

New make from a straight-neck pot still

New make from a swan-neck pot still

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 1992 Vintage, 25 Year Old

Loch Lomond Group master blender Michael Henry first became interested in the drinks industry while studying for his A-levels, when he would brew his own beer at home. He is now responsible for the Loch Lomond range, working with the distillery managers at every step of production to create the spirit he needs to craft the finished whiskies.

TUESDAY 27 JUNE

7.30pm-9pm

£35 per ticket

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK »

VENUE

SMITH & WOLLENSKY
THE ADELPHI,
1-11 JOHN ADAM ST
LONDON WC2N 6HT

Limited Edition from Jura

Every year at the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, there is a day when the pilgrims jump on the ferry and make the short trip to neighbouring island Jura for the distillery open day. In celebration of the open day, the eponymous distillery releases a limited edition and this year is no different. Jura Tastival 2017 is now available to pre-order at Loch Fyne so you can get your hands on one of these highly limited drams even if you can’t make the trip to Jura!

The Whisky Barrel 10TH ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVE #2: Dumbarton 30 year old, 1987, The Sovereign

Hot on the heel of our first exclusive Irish Cooley 13 year old the 10th Anniversary of The Whisky Barrel. We are now delighted to announce our second exclusive scotch whiskey release for this special year. We’re still maintaining the theme of variety of whiskey with this one as well. This time we have a superb single grain scotch whiskey. So why grain this time, and why not a single malt…again? Well, many reasons. The first being that simply, this is a fantastic whiskey. This is a single cask selected by the experts and our chums at the wonderful Hunter Laing & Co. It is also a whiskey from one of Scotland’s lost distilleries, so it has an element or rarity and dare we say, collectability. So we introduce to you…

Dumbarton 30 Year old, 1987, The Sovereign, 56.7%, Cask #13436

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

Royal Salute Creates Ultimate Destination in South Korea for Whisky Connoisseurs with its First Store Launch Globally

22nd May, 2017: Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has launched its first store in newly developed Paradise City, one of the biggest leisure and entertainment destinations in South Korea. The store offers visitors an opportunity to embrace the brand in a luxurious new setting while providing exclusive access to Royal Salute’s most sought after limited edition releases.

The Royal Salute store has been created to offer affluent consumers shopping in South Korea the ultimate prestige whisky experience. It allows Royal Salute, known as the whisky which starts where all others end – aged for 21 years, to provide not only the best products in its portfolio but also an exclusive environment in which to enjoy them.

Designed to take people on an all-encompassing journey through Royal Salute’s Scottish heritage and world-renowned craftsmanship, the store will feature a maturation and olfactory bar to create a multi-sensory experience and allow guests to indulge in the product’s unique flavours and aromas in a way like never before.

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “The opening of our first brand store in Paradise City is a strategic move that will give consumers the opportunity to enjoy our exceptional Royal Salute whisky while being educated and inspired by the brand’s unique heritage and values.

“By creating a direct and immersive experience, we will be able to build an even more personal relationship with our customers and remind them what makes Royal Salute such an exclusive brand,” adds Moore.

The Royal Salute store in Paradise City is open to the public and is located beside Pernod Ricard’s Perrier Jouet lounge in the leisure complex.

Notes

About Royal Salute 

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.com/

About Chivas Brothers 

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com/

About Pernod Ricard 

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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 and Malibu, Mumm and PerrierJouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “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 Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Graduate Distiller

Dornoch Distillery is looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to join our team as a graduate distiller. Based in the North Highlands of Scotland, Dornoch Distillery is a small crowdfunded start-up distillery who began production of organic gin and whisky last year.

Dornoch Distillery is a compact, manual and versatile operation which has released 10 experimental batches of gin made entirely in house and is laying down casks of Single Malt Whisky.

Working Week: 40+ hours per week

Location: Dornoch, Sutherland

Duration: Permanent

Job Duties

➔ Learn to distill exact recipes to specification

➔ Learn efficient cleaning, management and usage of distilling and bottling equipment and facilities

➔ Conduct all tasks in a punctual and time efficient manner

➔ Check and sign for relevant deliveries

➔ Take responsibility and maintain the highest quality of product output

➔ Follow Health and Safety regulations in accordance with HACAP folder

➔ Be a good team player and treat all work colleague with respect and professionalism

➔ Be flexible to the needs of the business

➔ Carry out any additional duties as required to the needs of the business

Skills Required

➔ Must be physically fit and able to carry out labour demanding tasks

➔ Have ability to manage own workload and work unsupervised productively

➔ Take first hand responsibility for own development and learning within the role

➔ Work well as part of a team and individually

➔ Follow given instructions correctly

➔ Have a problem solving attitude

Personal Qualities

➔ Genuine interest in making craft spirits

➔ Enthusiasm to learn new skills

➔ Willingness to go the extra mile to get the job done and progress own development within the company.

Qualifications Required

➔ MSC Brewing & Distilling or related degree

This vacancy is to start immediately therefore you must be available to start before applying. The closing date, interview date and start date are subject to change. Applicants must be willing to relocate to the remote highlands. For more information visit our website

www.dornochdistillery.com

June Outturn goes on sale this First Friday at 9am.  Don’t miss out on your favourite bottlings, click over to our website now and read the full listing ahead of the release.  This month we’re releasing a hearty 22 new single casks, full of foodie characters to taste and explore.

June Outturn Alert

Read Online Now

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

The San Jose and San Francisco events were a huge success! Both sold out shows brought over 300 different expressions from which our attendees were able to choose! They sipped and savored, learned about terroir and Speyside, enjoyed fine food and even had a cigar or two! Check out the San Jose and San Francisco Photo Albums on Facebook! Thought tickets are not yet on sale for next year, we are pleased to announce the dates so you can mark your calendars and start making plans! San Jose is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2018 and San Francisco is Saturday, March 24, 2018!

San Jose Whisky Dinner

You have been asking for it, so we have brought back the Whiskies of the World Whisky Pairing Dinners! We are partnering with Hayes Mansion, 200 Edenvale Rd, San Jose, on June 15th, to offer you a fine selection of whiskies and food. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased here.  The event is from 6-8pm.

The menu for the evening includes: A chef’s selection of international and domestic cheese; Grilled fois gras on toast with caramelized and smoked pearl onions; A salad of heirloom tomatoes, baby frisee and mache, pistachio, goat cheese crumble with a mango and white balsamic vinaigrette; Charbroiled Mediterranean rubbed lamb chops, accompanied with grilled duo-diver scallops served with fennel and mashed sweet peas, and port wine porcini mushroom sauce and pancetta béarnaise; Chocolate marquise with a sauce made of wild berries. If this were not enough, there will even be an after dinner cigar social! Oh My!

We have these fabulous whiskies to pair with this incredible menu: Do  Good Distillery Cherrywood Smoked Malt Whisky Glengoyne 18 Single Malt Spirit Works Straight Wheat Whiskey Lost Spirits Abomination – Sayers of the Law Malt Redemption Rye Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon Mosswood Sherry Barrel Aged Irish Whiskey