KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES SADDLESTONE DISTILLERY AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Saddlestone Distillery in Woodford County is the newest and 46^th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Cynthia Bohn, Saddlestone Distillery is the latest venture for Equus Run Vineyards which opened in 1998 and is nestled on 38 acres amid picturesque horse farms, historic stone fences and the quaint charm of Midway, Kentucky’s first town built by a railroad.

The property at 1280 Moores Mill Road includes the winery and distillery, tasting room, offices, event barn/hall, vineyards and a beautiful amphitheater with live concerts. There are guided and self-guided tours and ample opportunities for picnics, fishing and relaxing.

Saddlestone Distillery will produce brandy and agave spirits. It received its Class B distiller’s license from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in July.

“We look forward to opening our new distillery to the public in the very near future and joining the membership of many wonderful spirits brands,” Bohn said. “The camaraderie and support of the KDA is to be commended.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Cynthia has done an exceptional job establishing Equus Run as a first-class winery and popular destination for visitors. Her distilling venture is an excellent addition to the KDA, and we look forward to working with the Saddlestone team to champion Kentucky spirits.”

Learn more at https://www.equusrunvineyards.com/.

Saddlestone is the KDA’s 26^th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Woodford County, including Woodford Reserve, Castle & Key, White Dog Trading & Storage and Bluegrass Distillers which is relocating to Midway from Lexington.

Saddlestone also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

“On behalf of the KDA and its distinguished members, we are happy to welcome Saddlestone Distillery to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” Gregory said. “We look forward to supporting their efforts and celebrating their success.”

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES RD1 SPIRITS AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that RD1 Spirits in Lexington is the newest and 47^th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Originally founded in 1865 as the Ashland Distillery by three prominent merchants in Fayette County, the company was the first to obtain a federally registered distillery license in Lexington and was assigned RD #1.

In 1871, prominent Bourbon County land speculator William Tarr and partner Thomas Megibben of Harrison County acquired the distillery and restarted whiskey production. But like many others, the distillery closed as a victim of Prohibition in 1933.

The Ashland Distillery was revived as RD1 Spirits in 2020 in Lexington’s historic Distillery District at 1170 Manchester Street, just down the road from the original distilling location. The company received its Class B distiller’s license in December 2020.

A temporary location is under renovation with plans to open to the public later this year. It will include a tasting area, full cocktail bar and retail space. RD1 Spirits plans to be under construction with its new facility by the end of first quarter 2022.

UK Coach Mark Stoops and family are major investors in the brand.

The inaugural RD1 Spirits releases are from the Tribute Line, paying homage to William Tarr, one of the original owners. These expressions include multiple gold award-winning Wm Tarr Manchester Reserve, an eight-year-old Kentucky straight whiskey blended with a 7-year-old Kentucky Bourbon.

Wm Tarr Inheritance, a 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey, is also part of that line.

CEO Mike Tetterton said RD1 Spirits is honored to be part of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

“I have never seen a group of people work as hard as the KDA. They get more accomplished with a small staff and are the most socially responsible, hardworking group of people we have ever been associated with. Eric Gregory has put together an amazing team.”

Learn more at https://rd1spirits.com

KDA President Eric Gregory said RD1 Spirits will play an important role in preserving Bourbon’s heritage in the Commonwealth and Central Kentucky where the distillery first started. In fact, Gregory said Thomas Megibben was the first Chairman of the KDA’s Board of Directors when the KDA was founded in 1880.

“Mike and his terrific team at RD1 have worked diligently to meticulously revive and celebrate the heritage of this historic company and its founders,” Gregory said. “We commend their efforts in honoring Kentucky’s unrivaled distilling legacy. The proof is here.”

RD1 is the KDA’s 27^th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year. Other Lexington-area KDA members include Bluegrass Distillers, Town Branch Distillery, James E. Pepper Distilling Co. and Barrel House Distilling Co.

RD1 also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

“On behalf of the KDA and its esteemed members, we are honored to welcome Mike and his team at RD1 to our Kentucky Bourbon family as our newest Craft member,” said Gregory. “We look forward to working with them as we secure Kentucky’s place as the one true and authentic home for Bourbon.”

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

Our October auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids  until Sunday 24^th October.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 38 Year Old & 34 Year Old (Ruby Geisha)

Glenfarclas – 48 Year Old (1967) Pagoda Reserve

Chichibu – 2015 (Single Cask #4316) Intergalactic Edition 5

Glen Grant – 67 Year Old (1953) First Edition

Aberlour – 21 Year Old (1958) Centenary Decanter   

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.co.uk.

Pittyvaich – the latest in the Ghost & Rare series

Johnnie Walker have unveiled their latest Blue Label offering – a ghostly dram with Pittyvaich spirit at its heart, blended with seven other rare whiskies. Known as one of the shortest-lived distilleries in Scotland, Pittyvaich gained a lasting legacy since its closure in the early 90s.

Butterscotch, apples, pears, and cinnamon on the nose leads to a tantalising palate with hints of orchard fruits, dark fruit, and sweet berries. The finish is beautifully balanced, with supple notes of honeycomb and oak warmth.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare: Pittyvaich Description

Discover more here →

Benrinnes 15 Year Old

This tasty single malt from the Benrinnes distillery in Speyside is partially triple distilled, a technique used in Irish whiskey and some Lowland or Campbeltown distilleries. But it retains such a rich, full-bodied character! Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series of malts really showcase some whisky gems at affordable prices.

£52.00 £49.99
Buy Now

BENRINNES 15 YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION

2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$89.99 View

Aged 14 years, matured in hogshead. Distilled on 5/1/2007. Bottled 5/21/2021 53.2%ABV. Cask No 800253.

~~~ *** ~~~

2010 Linkwood 11 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Charred Wine Hogshead Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$89.99 View

Aged 11 Years, this extraordinary Linkwood is a beautiful dark amber due to the charred wine hogshead it was aged in. Distilled on 5/18/2010. Bottled 5/24/2021. 59.2%ABV.

ralfy review 899 Extras – The challenge of re-branding a whisky

The Perfect Fifth Expands Distribution to Europe with Multee 

MIAMI, Florida — October 2021 – US-based independent bottler The Perfect Fifth, forms a spirited partnership with Munich-based Multee GmbH to bring their range of premium, Scottish single cask whiskies to multiple European markets. 

Ahead of the release of their second range of single malt and single grain Scottish whiskies, The Perfect Fifth have signed a distribution deal with German distributors Multee GmbH, who will also provide e-commerce support for the independent bottler in Europe. The Perfect Fifth’s expansion to Europe arrives after the brand’s successful launch in US markets, and particularly strong growth in California and New York. The Perfect Fifth has also signed deals with importers Topalcohzol (Czech Republic), Cava Anthidis (Greece) and Whisky Shop Ukraine to target key markets.

Europe is a fertile market for new premium Scotch whisky brands, such as The Perfect Fifth, as the European Union accounted for £1,256bn (33%) of global exports of Scotch Whisky in 2020, according to data from the Scotch Whisky Association. Individual countries appeared prominently: France topped the table of export markets for Scotch whisky by volume in 2020, and was beaten only by the US by value of exports; Germany was the sixth largest export market for Scotch whisky by value and volume; and Latvia was fifth largest export market by value.

In contrast with larger producers who release their spirits in batches of thousands of bottles, The Perfect Fifth is an independent bottler of single casks of well-matured Scotch whisky, founded by a team of two brothers. The deal with Multee instigates the distribution of two new single malt releases: The Perfect Fifth Aberlour 30 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (RRP €2,000) and The Perfect Fifth Bunnahabhain 28 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (RRP €700), which will initially be available in retailers across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Greece and Ukraine. These single malts will also be available for shipping across Europe.

“As we planned our expansion into global markets, including key regions in Asia (Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand), we knew our European venture would be key to our future success. We look forward to introducing our spirits to a region that has such a developed palate for premium single malts, and such a rich history of distilling its own diverse range of high quality spirits,” said The Perfect Fifth CEO, Karl Schoen. “Multee is our perfect partner in Europe thanks to their strong reach in our key markets, deep understanding of the brand, and their clear love and appreciation of Scottish whisky.”

Founded in 2017 by IT specialist and entrepreneur Anders Pettersson, Multee is a family-run consultancy providing e-commerce solutions and services for small to medium sized businesses. The launch of The Perfect Fifth EU is a milestone for Multee, as it marks the company’s largest distribution challenge to date, and has given Anders the opportunity to combine a professional passion – problem solving – and a hobby – collecting and tasting whisky.

“We are excited to be joining forces with The Perfect Fifth to launch their latest release into the European market, especially since – like Multee – they are a family founded and operated company,” said Multee Director, Anders Pettersson. We believe that, in combining their proven track record of curating the finest whiskies, with our technical know-how and regional distribution network, we have orchestrated the perfect match.”

The Perfect Fifth were named Scotch Campbeltown Independent Bottler of the Year in the 2019 Independent Bottlers Challenge, and awarded with a gold medal at the Spirits Business Design and Packaging Masters 2020. The Perfect Fifth’s range of Scottish whiskies has also collected numerous accolades from The Whisky Bible since release, including the Aberlour 30 Year Old, which was named Scotch 28 – 34 Years Single Cask of the Year in the 2021 Whisky Bible. Each whisky in this second release is packaged within a miniature wooden cask.

About The Perfect Fifth

A family-run independent bottler born in Miami, The Perfect Fifth is dedicated to supplying malt enthusiasts in the USA with unparalleled fine Scotch from outstanding Scottish distilleries. Each of our whiskies is bottled from a single cask, hand-selected for quality to be bottled under The Perfect Fifth brand. We believe that whisky bottling is an art form that combines both quality spirit and arresting design.

theperfectfifth.eu
@perfectfifthspirits

About Multee

Multee was founded in Summer 2017 by Munich-based IT specialist and entrepreneur, Anders Pettersson, who embarked on his solo venture after spending the previous 12 years responsible for the delivery of critical IT systems at a global telecommunications company. Since then, Multee has developed various e-commerce and IT solutions, including consultancy work for Europe’s largest consumer electronics retailer. The next chapter for Multee will see the company focusing on importing, exporting and distributing across Europe, while continuing to produce innovative e-commerce solutions for their expanding client base.

multee.de

The Glencairn Glass launches its first ever crime short story competition with the theme:

“A Crystal Clear Crime”

For the past two years, the world’s favourite whisky glass – The Glencairn Glass – has featured as headline sponsor of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing prizes, celebrating the finest in Scottish crime writing talent. This week The Glencairn Glass is building on this creative collaboration by launching its very own crime short story competition, in partnership with Scottish Field Magazine.

The Glencairn Glass is looking to celebrate up-and-coming literary talent through this exclusive competition from October to December .

The competition opens for entries on 20^th October and runs until 31^st December, inviting all budding crime writers to build their stories around the theme: ‘A Crystal-Clear Crime’ in no more than 2000 words.

The judging panel for the inaugural competition will comprise Deborah Masson, 2020 winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year with her book ‘Hold Your Tongue’, Peter Ranscombe, Scottish Field’s drinks columnist and author of the historical thriller ‘Hare’, as well as Glencairn’s marketing director Gordon Brown, who has written eight crime novels with his latest, ‘Thirty-One Bones’, written under the pseudonym Morgan Cry.  Gordon is also one of the founding directors of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

Gordon Brown commented: “We’re very excited to be launching the Glencairn Glass crime short story competition, supported by the team at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival along with the Culture and Business Fund Scotland, working with Scottish Field. We are delighted to invite both experienced and novice authors, alike, to take a stab at entering (excuse the pun!) and wish all entrants the best of luck.”

Three prizes will be available for the winning trio of authors: the first prize winner will receive £1000, whilst the two runners up will each receive £250. All three winners will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses to enjoy their favourite dram with. The overall winning entry will be published by Scottish Field in spring 2022 as well as on The Glencairn Glass website.

All short story entries must be uploaded at www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition with the competition closing at midnight on the Friday 31st December 2021. Details can also be found at www.scottishfield.co.uk. The winners will be announced in March 2022.

Notes

For further details about competition rules and regulations please visit: www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition 

About Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass, created in 2000 is the world’s favourite whisky glass.  Glencairn Crystal now make over 4 million Glencairn Glasses per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 140 countries worldwide.

Glencairn Crystal’s clients include leading drinks companies such as Brown-Forman, Diageo and Pernod Ricard as well as sporting organisations including the world famous premier clubs; Liverpool, Celtic and Rangers. Also organisations including Muller, Cunard, Facebook and Google, plus corporate clients including the Houses of Parliament and Scottish Parliament.

AN ICON RE-BORN: CHIVAS 12 UNVEILS BOLD, CONTEMPORARY NEW LOOK

Blended Scotch whisky, Chivas, has unveiled a fresh new look for its flagship blend – the biggest redesign in Chivas’ 112-year history. Chivas 12 – one of the world’s biggest-selling Scotch whiskies – has undergone an extensive redesign of its bottle, label, and pack to usher in a striking new look that blends boldness, modernity, and status while still flexing the luxury and distinguished heritage long associated with Chivas.

Dropping globally from October 2021, the redesign sees the iconic Chivas 12 bottle reshaped and elongated to stand taller and prouder while still retaining its recognisable rounded shoulders. A redesigned crest shines a light on the beating heart of Chivas – the ‘luckenbooth’, a symbol embodying the Chivas values of ambition, generosity and unapologetic success.

The outer box has undergone a complete renewal with a vibrant burgundy replacing the familiar silver and gold tones as the principal colour scheme. The package retains the intricate detailing and textured finish loved by Chivas fans worldwide.

The entire redesign project was conceived with sustainability at its heart as part of parent company Chivas Brothers’ 2025 target of 100% recyclable, reusable, compostable or bio-based packaging. The new bottle is lighter, saving over 1000 tonnes of glass annually, while the outer packaging is now made from fully recyclable materials. The whisky in each bottle remains the same renowned smooth, rich and generous Chivas 12 blend.

The redesign is inspired by the aesthetics of a new, style-conscious generation of Scotch Whisky drinkers who are reforming and re-evaluating what luxury looks like. The sleek, luxe, and sophisticated new Chivas 12 is the first in a series of updates due to take place across the Chivas portfolio over the coming year.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director at Chivas, commented:

“We’re proud to deliver a redesign that speaks the language of a fresh new generation of Chivas drinkers while bringing established enthusiasts and connoisseurs along for the journey. Social media has introduced a new, broader audience to the wonder of whisky – ‘flex’ consumers with a hustle-first ethos that seek out upmarket brands to align themselves with.

“We have taken a bold, yet meticulous approach with all aspects of this redesign, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing our taller bottle take pride of place behind thousands of bars and clubs around the world. I’m particularly proud of the central role sustainability has played in reconceptualising Chivas 12 for a new generation. With this redesign, we have once again reinforced our belief that sustainable luxury is not an oxymoron.”

The new Chivas 12 will be dropping globally from October 2021, supported by a campaign launching in January 2022 that summons consumers to elevate themselves to new levels of status and hype. For more information, visit www.Chivas.com or follow us on Instagram @ChivasRegal.