WORLD’S LARGEST WHISKY FESTIVAL UNVEILS DRAM-PACKED VIRTUAL PROGRAMME
Tickets for what’s set to be one of the world’s biggest online celebrations of whisky are going on sale today (Thursday 18th March) at 10am (GMT). The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which is enjoyed by whisky novices, budding master blenders and everyone in between is back this April with an extra special online programme of over 60 events using a world-leading, interactive platform.
Now in its 21st year, the festival provides the ultimate opportunity for people around the world to taste and learn about whiskies from the world-famous Speyside region. This year, for the first time, people are invited to take part from the comfort of their own homes. Festival goers will be able to speed network with other whisky lovers, get up close and personal with their favourite brands in the exhibition centre and catch up with friends old and new in the social lounge on the virtual platform.
Whether it’s having exclusive behind the scenes access to distilleries not usually open to the public, taking part in tastings with some of the best known whisky brands in the region, or getting the opportunity to chat all things Scotch with some of the biggest names in the industry, attendees will have plenty of online events to choose from during the four-day virtual festival (29 April – 2 May 2021).
Programme highlights include:
James Campbell, Chairman at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said:
“We were determined to capture the spirit of the world’s largest whisky festival and I think we have done just that. With over 60 events in conjunction with distilleries across the Speyside region, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s virtual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
“Although we can’t get together to celebrate in person this April, we’ve come up with as many opportunities as possible for people to get together to celebrate the fine spirits of Speyside using a new interactive online platform. There will be speed networking, an exhibition centre, social lounge and much more as we host the world’s largest online whisky festival.”
More information, including the full programme of events, can be viewed on the Spirit of Speyside website.
Tickets are on sale from 10am (GMT) on 18th March 2021 on the Spirit of Speyside website.
Notes:
About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. The Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Over the past 20 years, festival events have taken place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. This year is the first year that the festival has adopted an online format.
Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.
The company is limited by guarantee, it runs the festival with a voluntary board of directors drawn from key areas of the whisky industry along with other local businesses and tourism organisations.
About the Virtual Festival
This event will be hosted on the Airmeet, an interactive virtual events platform that will bring the festival to life whilst everyone is at home.
The festival will have live events, recorded tours, a social lounge for meeting new friends and whisky lovers, speed networking, an exhibition centre and much more – making it the most interactive virtual whisky festival ever.
For further information please visit:
Website: www.spiritofspeyside.com
Facebook: WhiskyFestival
Instagram: spirit_speyside
Twitter: spirit_speyside
Ben to Distil the Spirit of Glendale
Northumbrian distillery Ad Gefrin reveals Head Distiller
Ad Gefrin, the multi-million-pound visionary visitor experience and distillery in Glendale, today announces the appointment of Ben Murphy as Head Distiller. The news comes hard on the heels of last week’s commencement of work on the site in Wooler, which will provide opportunity, employment and a new unique taste of the Cheviots and the Borders.
Ben has been appointed to guide Ad Gefrin towards producing the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky. In announcing this appointment, Eileen Ferguson, of Ad Gefrin said: “Ben has the perfect blend of youth, passion, spirit of exploration and dedication to his craft. What is more he has an obsession for indigenous whiskies, and certainly knows his way around a range of spirits!”
Ben Murphy, Ad Gefrin Head Distiiler
A graduate of Heriot-Watt University’s Brewing and Distilling School in Edinburgh, he gained an MSc with distinction in Brewing and Distilling. Aged 35 and originally from the Wirral, Ben’s whisky journey to Northumberland has taken him to volunteering at Rock Town Distillery in Arkansas, USA, where he cemented his want and drive to make whisky, and to Berentsens Brygghus in Egersund, Norway, where he was Head Distiller. His experience also includes stints as Head Distiller and Senior Brewer at Liverpool Craft Beer Company Ltd and The Ginsmiths of Liverpool.
Most recently, Ben was Head Distiller at Poetic License Distillery in Sunderland, where he was brought in specifically to develop new products and improve and refine operations. This culminated last year in the winning of a 3-star ‘Great Taste’ award – the highest accolade available in these awards – for their Poetic License Northern Dry Gin. This was one of only two gins in the UK to receive this award.
With construction work now under way, Ad Gefrin aims to be able to begin distilling their first spirit in late spring 2022. The very first single malt Ad Gefrin whisky will be ready exactly three years and a day after the distilling has commenced.
In joining Ad Gefrin, Ben said: “North Northumberland and Glendale in particular were already very special to my wife and I, and we love to visit. The people have a great warmth and the landscape is stunning. Ad Gefrin’s sense of community, mixed with an absolute commitment to provenance – with barley literally on our doorstep, Cheviot water drawn from under our feet – makes this an incredible opportunity for any distiller.”
He added: “In taking up this role, I am especially excited and keen to explore the use of modern yeasts and heritage barleys, such as those that might have been around in the Anglo-Saxon times that inspired the vision for the Ad Gefrin; but, I am totally respectful of the traditional craft of creating great whisky, which is exactly what I aim to do. The ‘terroir’ couldn’t be better, and at the end of the day, it is all about the place.”
In their vision for this new high quality visitor experience and distillery in Wooler, Ad Gefrin are committed to the local community and celebrating all that the area has to offer. This appointment is one of the first of many new jobs which are to be created. Commenting further on this unique appointment Eileen Ferguson said:
“We couldn’t be more delighted that Ben has agreed to join our team, as he has literally all the ingredients and sense of adventure that we were looking for. He is very humble but his knowledge and understanding of process, passion for quality, attention to detail and obsession for whisky fill us with enormous confidence that he will give us the world class single malt we aspire to. Importantly, Ben totally understands our values, that is, everything we create, everything we do, is about bringing people together.”
Located in Wooler on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, this exciting and innovative multi-million-pound regeneration project plans to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. The recent successful funding bids are indicative of the support that the project has both locally and nationally, with the promise of a resurgence to Northumberland tourism, an exporter trade boost, and excellent environmental credentials integrating the site into the surrounding landscape.
NOTES:
LinkedIn: @ad-gefrin-distillery
Facebook: @AdGefrin
Instagram: @adgefrin
Kentucky Distillers’ Association Scratches Kentucky
Bourbon Affair In 2021
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that it has canceled its annual Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ fantasy camp in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we are encouraged with vaccinations and declining cases, it would be difficult to hold such intimate, elegant events that attract people from all over the world,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “It would not be fair to all involved – from our loyal KBA fans to our distillery employees.”
Gregory said several factors weighed in the difficult decision, including travel issues, limits on attendance, CDC and social distancing guidelines, uncertainty about variants and conditions in the fall and caution around distillery workers and resources that are currently off-limits.
“This is the second year we have had to cancel this event, but it is the right and responsible decision to make,” Gregory said. “We are getting closer every day to beating the pandemic. This simply isn’t the time to let our guard down or take any chances with people’s health and safety.
“It takes time to craft our great Kentucky Bourbon. We can afford to wait one more year.”
The Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ each year welcomes thousands of Bourbon aficionados, enthusiasts and visitors to the Commonwealth for an exclusive week of behind-the-scenes experiences, rare tastings and unique culinary events at the world’s most famous distilleries.
The Kentucky Bourbon Affair was scheduled to coincide with DWP’s Bourbon & Beyond music festival in September, which has been canceled for 2021, as well.
Gregory said the KDA consulted with officials in Louisville – which has been the KBA official host city since its inception in 2014. “No one was surprised at the decision, but we are all disappointed,” he said.
Karen Williams, President and CEO of Louisville Tourism, said the KDA has been a great partner in helping put Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Experience on the map by hosting its most prestigious event in Bourbon City since 2014.
“We support this difficult decision for this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair and commit to working with the distilleries to host an even larger event in 2022, including some exciting additions that we hope to share in the near future,” Williams said.
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com
The Irish Whiskey App
Available from March 17th
Dublin, Ireland
Launching on St. Patrick’s Day for iPhone, this is the first ever mobile app dedicated entirely to the world of Irish Whiskey. In the coming weeks the app will also be available for Android phones.
Once the most popular spirit in the world, Irish whiskey is experiencing a revival fueled by innovation, expertise and heritage. A new breed of distillers, bonders and blenders is emerging. Fabled and once thought to be lost brands and recipes are reappearing. The Irish Whiskey App was created to spread the incredible experiences and stories of Irish whiskey, old and new with audiences all around the world.
The Discover feature of the app is reminiscent of the App Store itself, with trending whiskeys, brand of the week and more. With curated content that is refreshed daily, even the most passionate Irish whiskey fans are sure to find interesting bottlings, brands and distilleries.
The app launches with a catalog numbering hundreds of whiskeys with more being added each day. The level of information available is unparalleled for Irish whiskey, with everything from the types of wooden casks used in the whiskey’s production, the flavours you can expect and educational content about how whiskey is made. Users can rate whiskeys, add their own tasting notes and even keep track of their own collections and wishlists through the app. One of the slickest features is the bottle scanner which gives users the ability to point their phone at a bottle and get immediate information and ratings about it.
With a level of depth that seems endless, the Irish Whiskey App delivers digital experiences for some of what makes Irish whiskey the greatest spirit in the world!
Having shared the journey of the app’s development openly on social media for the last number of months, the developers Barrel Proof Limited, have been thrilled with the response and excitement from the Irish whiskey community. Over 300 people signed up to participate in a limited beta trial of the app in January and February, with the feedback overwhelmingly positive.
Developed by a small group of whiskey enthusiasts from Dublin, amongst them the founders of Redwind Software, one of Ireland’s original mobile app success stories, everything about this app feels high end and premium. From the Vivino-esque bottle scanner, to the in depth tasting notes, the Irish Whiskey App will appeal to Irish whiskey aficionados as well as newcomers to the category or those with just a passing curiosity.
“We felt that Irish whiskey deserved it’s own dedicated app. There is so much to learn and love about the category, it’s history and it’s future. We are excited and honoured to get to work with so many amazing distillers and brands and be a part of sharing their stories with the world. ” said Conor Winders from Barrel Proof Limited.
Co-founder David McMahon added, “with Irish whiskey going through a renaissance at the moment, we wanted to bring the joy of whiskey tasting and appreciation to an even wider audience, making it more accessible for beginners while also catering to the experts.”
For more information or material, including advance access to the Irish Whiskey app, contact us at contact@irishwhiskeyapp.com or through our website http://irishwhiskeyapp.com
Download the Irish Whiskey App for free from the Apple App Store from March 17th: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/irish-whiskey-app/id1543626955
AVAILABLE NOW
Tasting on 31 March 2021
The Macallan has been making great whisky for nearly 200 years and the distillery’s limited Edition series emphasises their commitment to – and borderline obsession with – exploring and pushing the boundaries of their craft.
Join The Macallan brand ambassador David Sinclair and The Whisky Exchange ambassador Billy Abbott for an exclusive virtual tasting of releases 1-6 in The Macallan Edition series. They’ll be taking a deep dive into the driving ideas and principles behind these great whiskies as well as, of course, how they taste.
The tasting will take place on 31 March 2021 at 19:00 BST, on Zoom, and invites to join the Zoom call will be issued to all Macallan Editions Virtual Tasting Set purchasers in advance of the event. The tasting will also be livestreamed on Facebook for free, should you wish to watch along without a tasting pack, and will remain available to watch on Facebook once the event has finished.
Created in 1923 by Berry Bros and Rudd, its spiritual home is regarded as The Glenrothes distillery, but times have changed and it is now owned by La Martiniquaise, owners of Glen Moray.
Now i first saw this whisky in Goodfellas – “Cutty and water!” Or it being wheeled straight in and out of the club when they’re flogging all the stock. More recently it features in Green Book, too. A favourite of the Doctor.
Obviously named after the famous ship which got its name from The Tam O’Shanter poem by Robert Burns, this thing literally drips history. It is designed to be mixed, but i do enjoy it neat. Head to their website and you’ll see a host of cocktail and recipes for your at home fun!
KEEP YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER WITH NEW ENGRAVED WHISKY STONES IN SCOTTISH WHISKY TUMBLERS
Make your dram a little cooler this summer with Just Slate’s new whisky stones, complete with a stunning Scottish stag engraved on them. When combined with the company’s range of sturdy whisky tumblers these make a perfect gift for any whisky drinker.
The whisky stones are the prefect addition to the company’s bar range and come in a velvet bag as well as being gift boxed, making them a great Father’s Day gift or small present for anyone who loves a cool dram.
Just Slate’s whisky tumblers are sophisticated and designed for those who love the finer things in life. Each one is engraved with a different country or Scottish animal and come either as a single glass and slate coaster set or as a set of four in a gift box. Each heavy based glass is engraved and appeals in particular to the male market.
From Fife, Scotland, the Just Slate range also includes slate tableware and serveware as well as some other great barware items – which are all perfect gifts for those who love a tipple. The Just Slate webstore is run by Selbrae House, a Fife based business that was formed by the Carstairs family in some 14 years ago.
The set of 4 tumblers has a RRP of £40
The single tumbler and slate coaster set is priced from £20
Engraved Glass Tumbler and Square Slate Coaster Gift Set at Just Slate
The whisky stones are priced from £12.
https://justslate.co.uk/the-just-slate-company
Scottish Made
Selbrae
Muirhead, Midfield Road Mitchelston Ind Est Kirkcaldy, Fife Scotland, KY1 3PS
Tel: 01592 654222
1792 Single Barrel Bourbon Brings Home Silver At 2021 American World Whiskies Awards
BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (Mar. 2021) – Three of Barton 1792 Distillery’s bourbon whiskies were awarded medals at the 2021 American World Whiskies Awards presented by Whisky Magazine.
1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a Silver Medal and both 1792 Bottled in Bond and 1792 Full Proof received Bronze Medals in the Bourbon taste category of the competition, defined by style and process of whisky production.
“We are incredibly honored to be the recipient of these notable awards,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “This recognition is a direct reflection of our team’s hard work and dedication to our mission towards top-quality whiskey.”
Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to select, reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. The winners from the American World Whiskies Awards 2021 will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, with global winners to be announced in March. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com
About Barton 1792 Distillery
Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands. Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring. Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.
New from The Macallan: An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery
Whisky and art lovers rejoice: introducing The Macallan’s latest collaboration with pop art icon Sir Peter Blake.
This incredible bottling is Blake’s third collaboration with The Macallan, with the release celebrating both The Macallan’s rich legacy and Sir Peter Blake’s remarkable contribution to the art world.
Named An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery, the bottle is displayed in a custom box inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s art, alongside a certificate outlining the history and heritage on which the art was based, and Sir Peter Blake’s artwork printed on a scroll.
The whisky is the colour of cinnamon, with notes of dried fruits, cracked black pepper, treacle, vanilla and a rich cacao finish. Gorgeous.
Highly limited; we doubt this will be around for long!
SOLD OUT!
Painter of badges and targets, hearts and stars, Sir Peter Blake is the great pioneer of British pop art, best known for his wrestlers and circus performers, brightly coloured collages, and iconic album covers for The Beatles and The Who.
Describing himself as part of The Macallan family, Sir Peter Blake’s relationship with The Macallan spans nearly four decades. The artist worked closely with The Macallan’s Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess on this latest collaboration, with whom he shares a love of art, experimentation and a fondness for collecting miniature chairs!
Add a piece of art and whisky history to your spirits shelf; grab a bottle today.
