Hello, this is John, Compass Box Founder. I’d like to pass on a simple yet vital message of solidarity to our supporters, their families and our industry colleagues around the world. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through this together.

As you know, we work closely with bartenders and the hospitality industry, a huge and international group of people now trying to adjust to a world without customers to serve. We are hearing their stories and it’s heartbreaking.

As more governments announce lock-downs, we’re working out how best to play our part in the incredible efforts everyone is already making to look after each other. We’ll keep you updated on our plans, and in the meantime, we’re keen to hear what your local bars, restaurants and retailers are doing to raise spirits and support their communities.

Email us at hello@compassboxwhisky.com or share on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and we’ll repost where we can to get the word out.

Take care of each other,

John

We’ve taken the difficult decision to close our offices and postpone our auctions with immediate effect. We’ve been closely monitoring the unfolding Covid-19 situation and we don’t feel it’s right or appropriate to continue  with the auction at this time. Taking orders that may not be delivered or cannot be collected would be ethically wrong.

As a business we have always put people before profits and the health and safety of our team, customers and suppliers must be a priority. We would not feel right continuing with the auction where there was the possibility we would be unable to fulfil orders, letting down both sellers and buyers.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and operations will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. We will be back.

Please be assured if you have bottles here with us in our warehouse they are safe and insured in our dedicated facility.

Wishing everyone the very best in these challenging times.

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THIRD FIFE WHISKY FESTIVAL PROVES A SELL-OUT SUCCESS

The third Fife Whisky Festival proved a sell-out success with more people enjoying the event than ever.

Around 650 whisky-lovers attended the Festival which organisers, Karen Somerville and Justine Hazlehurst, have announced will return for a fourth outing in 2021.

Wendy Chamberlain, Lib-Dem MP for North East Fife, described the event as “impressive” and welcomed the economic boost it brings to the Kingdom.

She said: “The Festival was very busy once again and is an important event for Fife.

“What is really impressive is the representation of distilleries – not only do all the local distillers attend but the big players from all over Scotland come along plus the smaller, bespoke companies.

“The Festival is very important in terms of tourism for North East Fife and it’s great that it brings people into Cupar and to visit Lindores Abbey which is a fantastic setting for the Friday dinner.

“It’s wonderful to see how the Festival is growing in numbers and in the variety of events which are included and I would like to congratulate Karen, Justine and their team of volunteers.”

Fife Whisky Festival once again included a whisky-themed dinner at Lindores Abbey Distillery in Newburgh with author Ian Rankin as this year’s guest of honour.

Co-founder Karen Somerville said: “It was just a fantastic weekend which went really smoothly, and we’re delighted it was a huge success once again.

“We had 80 people for the banquet dinner this time which was double the number we seated last year and Ian Rankin was a great speaker.

“Everyone enjoyed his after-dinner talk about his love for whisky and the way he weaves that into his stories by making his main character, Inspector Rebus, a whisky fan too.

“He also talked about growing up in Fife and his memories of childhood walks near the Kingdom’s Cameronbridge Distillery which this year provided our exclusive Festival bottling.

“We’re now looking forward to returning to Fife for our fourth Festival in March next year.”

The Festival including two tasting sessions at the Corn Exchange in Cupar with an increased number of attendees – 325 at each gathering – compared to last year.

Whisky connoisseurs enjoyed drams from more than 35 distilleries and independent bottlers including Springbank, Tullibardine, Blair Athol, Glen Scotia, Glenfiddich and Eden Mill.

And on the Sunday, there was the chance to attend a special screening of whisky film The Amber Light at Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre near St Andrews followed by a tour and tasting.

The Festival also raised £650 for Age Concern in Cupar with a raffle.

Fife Whisky Festival was launched in 2017 by Ms Hazlehurst, founder of Kask Whisky, and Mrs Somerville, managing director of Angels’ Share Glass, with the first event held in March 2018.

The Festival, sponsored by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, legal firm MacRoberts LLP and global construction company ISG, aims to showcase the renaissance of whisky-making in Fife by bringing together the best whisky producers from the region and beyond.

Ms Hazlehurst said: “The Festival really has gone from strength to strength since we started out – getting bigger and better every year.

“We’ve had some great feedback from the distillers and festival-goers about how much they enjoyed the event and how well run it was.

“And we’ve also heard from local business owners who were pleased with just how busy the town was over the weekend and how that boosted their business.

“A lot of people came from outside Fife and stayed over on the Friday and Saturday nights which meant the local B&Bs and restaurants took lots of bookings.”

Dates will be confirmed for the 2021 event shortly with plans including the introduction of a merchandising stall where fans can buy Fife Whisky Festival glasses, aprons and whisky water droppers.

The organisers also intend to launch a new website for 2021.

For more details about the Festival, visit www.fifewhiskyfestival.com

Notes:

Fife Whisky Festival was launched in 2017 by Justine Hazlehurst and Karen Soerville and the first event, opened by endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont, was held at the Corn Exchange in Cupar on Saturday March 10, 2018. For more details, go to www.fifewhiskyfestival.com

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for nearly 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Justine Hazlehurst is the founder of Kask Whisky, a whisky events company based in Edinburgh. She has established the Fife Whisky Trail and the Leith Whisky Trail and works alongside Holyrood Distillery developing and leading the distillery’s Whisky Walking Tour. For more details about Kask Whisky, go to www.kaskwhisky.com

<ENDS>

A Bourbon Distillery on a Tear Rolls Out Three More Stunners
“Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and free delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

For a few years now, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success with the line-up of highly unique, expertly crafted whiskeys from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Eponymously named for the town at the epicenter of the Kentucky bourbon tradition, this distiller maintains a healthy respect for its roots while also pushing the innovative envelope in its blending practices and collaborative ventures. The second releases of the Discovery and Fusion Series represent some of the most distinctive profiles in their respective classes. The Discovery #1 thrilled us and anyone we turned on to it, and the #2 has seemingly set a new bar for that already impressive collectible bottling. The Fusion Series #2 is just about the greatest sequel you could wish for to follow the Fusion Series #1, which was Whiskey Advocate’s #11 whiskey of 2019. If these two weren’t enough, Bardstown also carries out a truly inspired collaborative program, sourcing barrels from top-notch breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries across the U.S. This newest edition features barrels that once aged the world-famous Prisoner red wine, and the result is nothing short of pure hedonism. Those who’ve partaken of the previous Bardstown releases will know what’s on offer here, and those who haven’t should pay serious attention to these stupendous new editions. The quality curve is exponential here, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is a name to follow.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Fusion Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

The new release of Bardstown’s Fusion delivers the goods. While series #1 won big accolades as Whiskey Advocate’s #11 best whiskey of the year in 2019, we expect big things for Series #2. We here we have the same 60% Bardstown whiskey to 40% 12 year old sourced juice (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley). Bardstown delivers 18% of their wheated bourbon and 42% of their high rye recipe to the blend, but in this series, the BBC whiskies have grown a little older. The rye component is more assertive, yet so is the wheat. It’s a spicy and creamy combination that drinks easy. The edges of series #1 have been rounded off and the whisky feels more complete.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

The Bardstown collaborative approach extends well beyond their unique finished barrels. They involve the entire Bardstown team in the blending process, bringing together their distilling, culinary (they operate an exceptional restaurant) and beverage (and a top notch bar program) teams to make sure they have a blend that truly reflects what they’re trying to accomplish. They’ve succeeded in a big way. The first release of Fusion won major accolades, both from us here at K&L, and folks like the Whisky Advocate – who named it #11 on their top 20 whiskies for 2019. I daresay, that Fusion #2 is a better whiskey. It makes use of 40% 12 year old KY Bourbon and the 60% remainder is a combo of Bardstown’s wheat and high rye distillate. The whisky is very similar to series #1, but the hard edges have been sanded down. It’s more round and supple. The rye component stands out a little more in flavor, but it really maintains the supple creamy wheat texture. It is an impeccable blend of different ages and mashbills in one of the best new bourbons to hit the market in 2020.

Andrew Tobin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 10, 2020

Bardstown’s Fusion Series 1 was one of my favorite bottles of bourbon we carried while it lasted. I went through 2 or 3 of them easily and the rest of the staff in SF was equally fond. When the series 2 came in I eagerly bought a bottle as I wanted to see what their evolution as distillers and blenders was going to be like. A little tight when I first opened it. I let the bottle sit for a few days (yes, whiskey too can benefit from breathing). Upon second approach the bottle was much more aromatic with notes of baking spice, cherry and apricot, roasted almond and hazelnut. This has to be one of the softest palates of any bourbon at nearly 100 proof. The mouth explodes up front with fruit and spice and sits soft and round on the mid palate with the roasted nut, and toffee. The finish is full of burnt caramel, Baker’s chocolate, and tons of wood spice. Very different from the original offering, you can really see what an extra year of maturation does to their own distillate and makes me excited for what they have to come!

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Collaboration Series – The Prisoner” Red Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon (750ml) ($129.99)

The next in line from Bardstown’s epic collaborations is “The Prisoner.” This world-famous Napa Valley red blend meshes perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee distillate over 18 months of finishing. Bottled at an even 100 proof, it’s everything you love about The Prisoner delivered into whiskey form. It’s rich and complex – a hedonistic combination of blackberries, cherries, honey, vanilla, oak, baking spice, and a touch of grape sweetness.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release. The Prisoner Collaboration is sure to be no different. The world famous Prisoner Red Blend is a wine that smacks of sweet red fruits and barrel spice. These things play perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee mashbill. The whisky shows gobs of black cherries, honey glazed corn, peanut butter nuttiness, tons of vanilla and complex wood. It’s a big, sweet, luxurious bourbon.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

It’s hard to imagine an improvement over Discovery Series #1, but Bardstown has done it. Number two is a blend of whiskies all over 10 years old. The make up is 44% 10 year (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley), 39% 12 year (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% barley) and 17% 14 year old whiskey (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley). The blend here shows more wood and intense rye spice than Series #1. It’s a big whiskey in a big bottle that delivers a big value for the most discerning bourbon drinkers.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Discovery Series #1 was a huge hit with staff and customers alike. I think batch #2 will shake the bourbon industry. It’s exceptional. Everything in the blend is over 10 years old. The rye in the mashbills really stands out. It’s a large-and-in-charge whiskey that carries a ton of spice. Yet it doesn’t lack for sweetness. It’s full of caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla notes. The oak is very pretty and well integrated. A sweet cherry cola profile fills the middle of the palate. It’s balanced and very sippable at 122.2 proof. A supremely high quality whisky that is worth buying in multiples. You’ll definitely want one or two to drink now and a couple to stash in the collection for later.

Hello friends, family, & whisky lovers,

It’s been a hectic past week for all of us, but we wanted to share some updates you’ve been asking about regarding the anticipated release of Courage & Conviction.

First, our Visitors Center has been closed since March 15th due to guidance regarding COVID-19. As such, the Courage & Conviction Release Party set for April 4th will be postponed to a date to be determined.

You’re such a huge part of Courage & Conviction’s release and we’re eager to celebrate with you, but in the interest of safety and health for our guests and our team, we feel postponement is in the best interests of everyone. We’ll be in touch when things settle down and can officially set a date.

Courage & Conviction – Now on Shelves in Virginia

On a positive note, we’re extremely proud to continue with the release of Courage & Conviction and happy to announce bottles are on shelves of select Virginia ABC Stores. If you’re interested in purchasing from your local Virginia ABC Store, visit our website to find out where you can get a bottle.

Buy Two Or More Bottles, Get $1 Shipping

Get your whisky delivered to you! Our 3rd party distributor has begun taking pre-orders of Courage & Conviction and is offering a buy two or more bottles and get $1 shipping.

In 2015, we began distilling our world-class American Single Malt whisky in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, but the dream started much earlier. After many years of planning, building and preparing for this inaugural release, we’re proud to see our founder George’s vision come to life.

Despite things looking a bit different in the world than we originally expected, we’re rolling with the punches and raising a glass with Courage & Conviction.

Be healthy. Be strong. We’ll get through this together! 🥃

Cheers,

– The Team at Virginia Distillery Company

Hello Dear Customers,

We wanted to reach out and let you know what we here at D&M are doing during the California shelter in place. We do have a license that would allow us to open for pickups. At this point in time in an abundance of caution, and to follow the spirit of the shelter in place, we are going to remain closed. Our online store at dandm.com remains open, and one of us will be going in once or twice a week to pack and ship any online orders that are placed. We love seeing you all, but to break the chain of potential transmission, we want to do our small part. People before profits in this time of need. We are in a good place to immediately reopen and resume normal operations once the shelter in place is lifted, and look forward to seeing you all on the other side of the CoVid-19 shelter in place.

Stay Safe and be well,

Mike and Karen Politz and the Staff at D&M

Covid-19 Service Update

As the Coronavirus / Covid 19 situation continues to develop, we will be following government guidelines and are taking appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our staff, families, customers, and suppliers whose welfare is of the utmost importance to us.

Where possible, our staff are working remotely to ensure that our customer support remains unaffected.

Our Birmingham store remains open for business and we can offer a contactless purchase option if you require. We have parking right outside our store and can bring any product to your vehicle to minimise your contact with us.

We continue to ship parcels domestically and to international destinations. Please be patient with our couriers as they are currently shipping very high volumes of parcels.

Our distribution warehouse is located on a different site, and our retail and distribution teams have been isolated from one another. We have taken additional steps to ensure that all parcels leaving our warehouse have been handled under World Health Organisation guidelines.

Hard To Find Whisky thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes and good health,

Hard To Find Whisky

BEAM SUNTORY AND SOUTHERN GLAZER’S WINE & SPIRITS DONATE $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT IMPACTED BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES

Donation will provide resources and financial aid to workers affected by mandated closures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic 

March 20, 2020 (CHICAGO, IL) – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, will donate a total of $1 million to the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) Foundation Emergency Assistance Program and the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation.

These organizations support the bar and restaurant community and are providing financial aid and other resources for workers who are most impacted by COVID-19 as a result of restaurant and bar closures across the country.

Beam Suntory is equally grateful to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits that the company shares its people-first approach – a powerful example of what these businesses and their relationship can do, especially in times of crisis.

“The people of Beam Suntory and our colleagues at SGWS are passionate about helping support the bartenders, restaurant workers and their families whose lives have been turned upside down by the global pandemic,” said Albert Baladi, President and CEO, Beam Suntory. “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary actions. We are proud to support the trade community and their livelihoods, as they are part of our extended Beam Suntory family, and we are fortunate to be part of an industry where so many companies are uniting to assist our communities in this unprecedented battle.”

“We are pleased to partner with Beam Suntory to support the trade community,” said Wayne Chaplin, CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “In a time of great need, it is important to unite efforts to provide the trade with extra resources to ensure everyone ultimately emerges in a position of strength, together.”

Additionally, Beam Suntory is working with its other distributors across various states, including Major Brands, Badger Liquor, Fedway Associates, Inc., Allied Beverage Group, LLC, Empire Distributors, Inc., Best Brands, Inc., and Horizon Beverage Group, to provide donations to local organizations that will further help support the trade in their respective communities during this challenging time. 

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

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 vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, 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.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, and employs nearly 22,000 team members. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.

About the United States Bartenders’ Guild

Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders’ Guild®️ is a non-profit professional society of bartenders and other hospitality professionals uniting the hospitality community to advance professional bartending. The USBG believes that every US bartender achieves greater personal and professional success by connecting to diverse local and national hospitality communities. Through our network of over 40 communities nationwide, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, community service projects, and skills-based competition. Learn more at usbg.org.

About Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF) is an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers. While RWCF was founded in 2018 to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, fair wages, and healthy work environments in the restaurant industry, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RWCF Crisis Relief Fund’s full focus is now on supporting workers, small business owners, and an industry in crisis. The fund is structured to address three needs: 50% will go to Southern Smoke Foundation to support the individuals in the restaurant industry who are in immediate financial crisis, 25% to support the organizations working to provide crisis relief such as mental health support, childcare, and food pantries, and 25% to establish a no-interest, no-collateral loan program for small businesses that need help getting back up and running after this crisis has passed. For more information, please visit www.RestaurantWorkersCF.org.