WHISKY REVELLERS CELEBRATE AS SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL RETURNS

Over 2,000 ticket holders celebrated the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition when it made a welcome return last week after the pandemic.

The world-famous Speyside region – the global epicentre of Scotland’s national drink – drew in both local and international crowds, paving the way for a stellar line up of events in 2022. The local economy also received a welcome boost after such a long period of lockdown in 2021.

The festival featured new and existing events. One which proved to be popular was the Scottish Aperitivo Hour, hosted at Craigellachie Bridge by the John Dewar’s & Sons brand ambassadors, Matthew Cordiner, Gary Ross and Mike McGinty. New and old friends shared a dram of Aultmore or Craigellachie while embracing the beautiful views of Speyside.

Now in its 22nd year, the six-day festival followed a virtual event lineup back in April due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year marks the final chapter of James Campbell’s 10-year reign as chair of the festival. George McNeil will now officially take over the position and is working with the team to plan an action packed calendar of events for next year which will see the festival return to its usual format from 27 April to 2 May 2022.

Speaking of the festival’s success, George McNeil, chairman, commented: 

“With over 260 successful events it has been fantastic to bring the best of our iconic whisky region to the public.  It’s been a challenging time for everybody and to see people celebrating all things Scotch in person rather than just via a screen has  been incredible.

“We are now even more excited for the 2022 festival which will take place next spring.  We have plans in place to make that the biggest and best programme of events yet, so watch this space.

“I’m also very proud to officially take the reins from James Campbell who has achieved so much, getting the festival to where it is today.  I wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours and will look forward to catching up with him over a dram at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022.”

James Campbell added:

“Spirit of Speyside is always about whisky, music, food and fun and brings together so many of our local companies to create an amazing selection of events.  This, combined with the renowned Speyside hospitality has proven a winning formula over the years.”

There were a multitude of events across the Limited Edition programme. Chivas showcased cocktail skills providing five freshly made cocktails at its Strathisla Distillery Cocktail evening and distillery manager Keith Cruickshank held a tasting at Gordon and McPhail to showcase the new Benromach 40 Year Old which ticket holders described as a remarkable dram.

The Dowans Hotel chefs constructed an afternoon tea on the flavour profile of a Glenallachie 12 Year Old, this consisted of strapatsada, butternut squash and chilli soup with a herb cracker, along with scones, rhubarb and ginger cupcake, coca cola pie and a burnt butter caramelised and chocolate almond blondie.

A new addition to the festival event selection was Drams in the Dark hosted at Glen Moray Distillery. Ticket holders explored the distillery at night and listened to production stories around an open fire to set the atmosphere.

To find out more about the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, please visit the website.

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.

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.

For further information please visit:

Website:  www.spiritofspeyside.com
Facebook: WhiskyFestival
Instagram: spirit_speyside
Twitter:  spirit_speyside

After a tough time last year, party season is well and truly back and we plan on celebrating in style – no prohibition here! To get you in a festive mood, we’ve selected 14 new casks to spark your imagination and make you glad that prohibition is a thing of the past! You’ll find much sought-after distilleries, a Heavily Peated flavour profile gem and a brand-new small batch blended malt expression – the difficult part will be choosing which one to try first!

ALL BOTTLES 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

Tormore 32 Years

1998 vintage single cask for the Old & Rare Platinum series.

Shop Tormore 32yo »

Tormore 32 Year Old 1988 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single refill sherry butt bottled April 2021 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare series. 203 bottles. This beautiful dark golden coloured whisky has a well-rounded, sweet nose of vanilla, rich fruits, and prunes, with a hint of caramel. On the palate it is smooth and mellow with vanilla tablet, butterscotch, raisins, and sultanas, leaving a long, lingering finish with a hint of fruit.

Tormore Distillery was established in 1958 in the Speyside whisky region to supply malt whisky to blending houses. It was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, President of the Royal Academy and is set in stunning landscaped gardens. Resplendent with green-coppered roofs, decorative pagoda roofs, a clock tower and clock which still chimes Scottish tunes, a rectangular curling pond, topiary and houses for the staff. Tormore Distillery is now operating with eight stills in its tall still house and Tormore malt whisky is still mostly flowing into scotch blends. Whilst official bottling are sparse it features amongst the ranges of a number of independent bottlers including Signatory Vintage and Connoisseurs Choice.

K&L Exclusive: The Most Exciting Single Cask We’ll See All Year
Amrut 6 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt #3890 Unpeated Indian Barley Indian Single Malt Whisky

“This gorgeous ex-Oloroso butt is easily the best Indian malt I’ve ever had and one of the most delicious malts of any kind I’ve had in at least the last year.”

 David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

We’re used to seeing some incredibly singular spirits come through our doors via our Exclusive Cask program, but we’re certain we’ve never seen anything like this otherworldly 6 Year Old Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt Single Malt from India’s iconic Amrut distillery. Our spirits team has been waiting with baited breath for years to bring you a single-cask bottling from this inimitable producer, and today’s the day. Amrut runs their production much like an old-school Scotch distillery, with hands-on craftsmanship taking precedence over modern automation. The results are some of the most unique and authentic whiskies in the world, made all the more so by the intense, sub-tropical climate in which they age. Our own David Othenin-Girard was completely blown away by this indescribably beguiling cask when he called it “simply one of my favorite whiskies in the shop right now and maybe ever. A true gem.” With the kind of depth, density, and complexity we normally find in whiskies with over two decades of age behind them, this Amrut 6 Year Old cask presents an unparalleled expression that simply must be experienced to be believed. Collectors should beat a hasty path to get their hands on a bottle or three, because there is literally nothing else like it in the world of fine spirits.

Amrut 6 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt #3890 Unpeated Indian Barley Indian Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

K&L Notes: The award winning Amrut Distillery has been producing spirits in Bangalore since the 1940s, but it wasn’t until 2004 that the Amrut Single Malt was properly launched. The main plant where Amrut is made was built in 1987 and eschews the use of automation and computerization in favor of hands-on work. Production is very similar to Scottish single malt, save for the extreme climatic differences. The increased heat and humidity mean extremely fast maturation and high angel’s share. For all that we love about the wonderful Amrut malts, our one complaint has been the lack of availability of single-cask expressions. Until now!!! This is the first-ever single-cask offering from the exceptional Indian distiller and solidifies its place among the great malt purveyors by highlighting the true potential of raw, unblended single casks aged in the Bangalore heat. While this whisky carries a 6-year age statement, it drinks easily as if it had spent 20-25 years in barrel in Scotland. Unprecedented depth and richness, plus an altogether classic level of balance that is very rare for tropically aged malts. Many may skip over this extremely special and rare offering due to their preconceived notions of the potential for these Indian malts to deliver the goods, and they’d be doing themselves a grave disservice. We don’t believe there will be a more delicious sherried single cask available this year from any producer in ANY country.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 12, 2021

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been asking for single barrels from Amrut. It must have been at least a decade of begging and pleading with the importer to try to get it done. Ultimately, it was well worth the wait because the two casks that they ended up bottling are simply legendary. This gorgeous ex-Oloroso butt is easily the best Indian malt I’ve ever had and one of the most delicious malts of any kind I’ve had in at least the last year. There’s not much more I can say other than it’s time for anyone on the fence to come on down and get on board. Let’s taste! Color is a fabulous auburn. The nose starts out with powerful, old-school sherry character but doesn’t forget the malt behind the wine. Christmas cake, roasted chestnuts, new full-grain leather, dried plums, mango, gingerbread, and molasses cookies, an earthy chocolate maltiness to keep it tied up nicely. It’s not as aggressive as the port pipe or the Solist sherry and would much more readily be mistaken for an old-school Highland distillery than a modern tropical whisky. On the palate, it’s absolutely thick as oil and any perceived heat from the 120 proof is covered by the sweet, nutty sherry. More leather and now burnt orange peel, the old-schoolness of it is really the main attraction. Unctuous and long on the finish with a building exotic spice, some subtle black tea flavors, but far from feeling tannic or bitter at all. With a splash of water, both the tropical fruit and the spice are heightened, leaving some of the nutty savoriness behind on the nose, but not so much on the palate. Still ultra-rich and velvety, it has this wonderful duality of being both balanced and quite powerfully flavored. Simply one of my favorite whiskies in the shop right now and maybe ever. A true gem.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 12, 2021

Golden apples and raisins start things off on the nose. This beautiful, sherried Indian single malt packs a wallop of honey-roasted barley up front as well. The mid-palate is rich and supple, providing copious notes of maple syrup, baklava, and treacle. Roasted almonds and candied granola abound. The finish is big (the whisky is 60% ABV) but not overly hot. It lingers with a gentle sweetness and definitely encourages another sip. It’s a hell of a whisky from Amrut. If you haven’t taken note of this excellent single malt producer, now is the time. This is the bottle.

Looking to treat yourself or someone else to something special this month? Here are the ten whiskies we’re loving right now, specially selected by our co-founder Sukhinder Singh and buying director Dawn Davies MW.

This month’s favourites showcase several award-winning single malts from classic distilleries, plus a small-batch bourbon we’re crazy about. Take your pick from a rich and fruity 18-year-old Talisker, a traditional Campbelltown gem from Glen Scotia, a long-aged sherried Speyside from Glenfarclas, a Dalmore Port Wood gift set with two tumblers – and more.

EXPLORE TOP 10 WHISKIES

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 409: Lambertus 5 Year Old Single Malt

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another Belgian malt, albeit somewhat reluctantly: Lambertus… Mark is immediately wary. In 2011 and 2015 he tasted their single grain and then called it – somewhat irreverently, admittedly – Aqua Vitae Horribilis. But it was also really not drinkable in his opinion. When offered this bottle to taste, Mark was not immediately very enthusiastic.

https://youtu.be/miqNbimcpOQ

Buffalo Trace Distillery Awarded Level II

Accredited Arboretum Status By ArbNet 

Buffalo Trace Launches Online Tool for Public to Explore Distillery Gardens and Plant Life 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 9, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled on the banks of the Kentucky River, is best known for its vast bourbon portfolio, but anyone who has visited knows the magnetic allure of this Franklin County Distillery goes far beyond the bottles of whiskey it produces. Namely, the natural beauty of Buffalo Trace Distillery alone makes it worth the visit.

The Distillery, which has accessioned close to 4,000 plants, has just been awarded Level II arboretum accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Buffalo Trace Distillery is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

Buffalo Trace has long offered complimentary, in-person tours focused on its bourbon and history and occasionally guided tours of its gardens, which have been a big hit. Now fans can learn even more about Buffalo Trace’s diverse collection of plant life, with a new online tool designed to provide more information about each of the plants represented on site. To use the tool, visit www.BuffaloTraceDistillery.com and navigate to the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Tour under the Visit Us tab, or follow this link https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-tours/botanical-gardens-tour.html and then click to explore. Here users can research the Distillery’s plants by family, genus, or location on site and even explore the Distillery grounds by map.

The new feature offers a way to explore the more than 400 acres of lush gardens, carefully manicured lawns, and the resplendent variety of trees on the grounds. From the Albert B. Blanton Botanical Gardens surrounding his 1934-built residence on the Distillery’s campus, to the floral displays adorning the Visitor Center and the landscapes in between, all of the flourishing life at 113 Great Buffalo Trace is in areas accessible to visitors in-person, and now online too.

This new online database allows Buffalo Trace Distillery yet another way to share its gardens and support its Level II arboretum accreditation. This level of accreditation granted by ArbNet requires a public education program, at least 100 labelled woody taxa varieties, and a documented inventory of accessions. The Distillery has currently accessioned and mapped about 4,000 plants, of which there are 1,600 trees, 1,000 shrubs, and 1,400 herbaceous perennial plants.

To see the stunning displays of plants at Buffalo Trace Distillery in-person, self-guided and pre-registered, guided tours of the Distillery’s grounds are available. For more information on these complimentary tours, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us.html. 

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Our November auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 19^th November until Sunday 28^th November.

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!

Yamazaki – 55 Year Old

Macallan – 40 Year Old (2017 Release)

Karuizawa – 29 Year Old & 23 Year Old (Single Cask)

Flora & Fauna – Complete Collection (26 bottles)

Strathisla – 1953 (Gordon & MacPhail) Private Collection  

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.

BRUICHLADDICH UNVEILS SCOTLAND’S FIRST BIODYNAMIC WHISKY

Distilled in 2011 and matured for 10 years in first fill ex-bourbon cask, this pioneering spirit is the latest expression to push the boundaries of sustainable whisky

November 16, 2021 –The team at Bruichladdich Distillery pride themselves on their barley obsession and have done so since the distillery doors reopened in 2001. Inspired by the world of wine and the belief that terroir can exist in whisky, that obsession has led to the release of some of Scotland’s most innovative malts.

Today, the latest chapter in the Hebridean distillery’s story is released and aptly named The Biodynamic Project. The first-ever biodynamic Scotch whisky to be released, this unpeated spirit was distilled in 2011 from a single farm and matured for a decade on the island of Islay. This expression has been bottled straight from the sample room of head distiller, Adam Hannett, under the Bruichladdich Distillery ‘Projects’ moniker.

This biodynamic barley has been grown outside of Scotland, at Yatesbury House Farm, near Wiltshire in England, which is uniquefor the distillery. All Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malts are distilled with 100% Scottish barley, so this biodynamic is the exception to their rule.1

Like organic farming, biodynamic methods don’t use chemical pesticides or chemical fertilisers. The method also enlivens the soil through biodynamic preparations and strengthens plants to guard against disease. Many wine growers in France apply biodynamic principles to nurture the soil in the belief that they improve the quality of the raw ingredient, resulting in a superior flavour.

Not only is this whisky exceptional to drink, a recent carbon audit completed at Yatesbury House Farm by farmer Dr Richard Gantlett found that 10x more carbon was sequestered there than was emitted. Supporting crops from this carbon positive farm is proof that the whisky industry can work directly with growers to put the planet at the heart of making exceptional food and drink. It is a fundamental first step towards supporting more regenerative agricultural systems and playing a part in climate change solutions.

“When we started distilling our Organic, Islay-grown and Bere barley expressions, it was driven by the curiosity to seek new and diverse flavours in Scotch whisky”, explains Bruichladdich’s head distiller Adam Hannett. “We approached Richard and asked him to certify biodynamically with that same flavour mission in mind. Many years on, we are delighted to know the positive impact these grains have on the environment. They have been crucial to us further examining what crops we purchase and how they play a part in supporting regenerative agriculture.”“

The flavour of the biodynamic, from when it was first distilled through to maturation is superb. There is a wonderful elevation of the fruity character of Bruichladdich with the Biodynamic malt. Apple and pear notes on the spirit are intensified and with a little water the floral notes burst through, with lots of lilac, honeysuckle and rose. Texturally there is an extra depth which carries the flavours beautifully.”

Bruichladdich Distillery’s The Biodynamic Project will be available exclusively from www.bruichladdich.com.A total of 5,000 bottles will be released at an RSP of £100 from the 16thNovember 2021. As with all of the distillery’s single malts, it is bottled unchill-filtered and colouring free inside the distillery gates on Islay. For further information or to request samples, please contact Praytell at bruichladdich@praytellagency.com.

Bruichladdich Distillery:

•Bruichladdich Distillery is located on the remote Scottish island of Islay and was built in 1881

•Bruichladdich Distillery crafts four different spirits:

•Bruichladdich, unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whiskyoPort Charlotte, heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky (40PPM)

•Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated Scotch whisky series (80+PPM)

Bruichladdich Distillery matures and bottles all their single malts on the island of Islay. They are due to install on-site maltings in the near future, which will enable them to complete a proportion of their annual production on the island.

Bruichladdich Distillery is the largest private employer on the island of Islay

The Biodynamic Project:

The Biodynamic Project is the world’s first biodynamically grown Scotch whisky to be released

•The liquid profile is as follows:

•Barley Variety: Westminster

•Harvested in 2010 by Richard Gantlett at Yatesbury House Farm, Wiltshire

•Malted: By Bairds in Inversness at 0ppm, it is unpeated

•Distilled: Slowly using the original Victorian machined at Bruichladdich Distillery in 2011

•Matured: In first fill ex-bourbon casks for 10 aged yearsoBottled: On Islay using Islay spring water, it is unchill-filtered, colouring free and 50% abv.

•Bottled under the ‘Projects’moniker, The Biodynamic Project is the second small-batch experiment to be released straight from Adam’s sample room. The first was a recipe combining Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malts, named The Ternary Project.

•The Project releases are available via www.bruichladdich.comonly

Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund Announces 2021 Grant Recipients

Veteran Community Action Grants awards $75,000 to nonprofits that serve the veteran community

As an American-made and owned Bourbon, Evan Williams is proud to support U.S. military veterans through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. First established in 2020, the fund continues the brand’s support of veteran communities since launching the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 42 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and donated more than $450,000 to nonprofits.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon announced today 15 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants. The 2021 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded $75,000 across projects that make a meaningful difference in the enjoyment and quality of life for veterans. From training service dogs to professional development and therapy, each program supports giving back to those who served.

“The 2021 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants are an inspiring, diverse group whose extraordinary programs continue to uplift our veteran communities,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager. “We are proud to continue the brand’s efforts to celebrate and support veterans who protect the American spirit of service.”

The 15 recipients of the 2021 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund are as follows:

MISSION WORKING DOGS: Studies show that service dogs can provide life-saving therapy and assistance for veterans with PTSD and mobility challenges, which were especially felt during the pandemic. In response, Mission Working Dogs was founded to train and provide service animals for veterans in need. Every dog must pass extensive health and temperament checks and undergo a minimum of 250 training hours before they can graduate to saving lives. Learn more about Mission Working Dogs at www.missionworkingdogs.org.

OPERATION WELCOME HOME: Some veterans have difficulty navigating the civilian workforce once they’re out of the military. Operation Welcome Home enlists large and small businesses to provide opportunities to veterans for professional development, as well as career placement. Since May 2012, Operation Welcome Home has successfully arranged full-time employment for more than 600 veterans, with a 92% success rate. Learn more about Operation Welcome Home at welcomehomewv.com.

WARRIOR EXPEDITIONS: Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Warrior Expeditions programs use the great outdoors to give veterans better lifelong coping strategies for mental and physical challenges resulting from their military service. This year, Warrior Expeditions provided more than 240 veterans with free, life-changing therapy. Learn more about Warrior Expeditions at warriorexpeditions.org.

ABOUTFACE-USA: AboutFace‐USA® is a peer-led community organization existing, as an initial point of contact, to empower and encourage veterans and their families to find help. Working to get past the stigma of PTSD and confront mental health concerns, these programs provide support services, activities and resources geared toward understanding mental health so that they can cope better, improve their relationships, and change the direction of their future for the better. Learn more about AboutFace-USA at www.aboutface-usa.org.

DTOM 22/0: The mission of the DTOM 22/0 Foundation and Veterans Ranch is to provide a safe place for healing and recovery for military service members, veterans, and their families. These programs also engage and positively impact veteran lives through hope, self-conviction, and family activities, while helping them learn to live again with purpose. DTOM also aims to end suicide among veterans through mentorship, support, and building stronger families. Learn more about DTOM 22/0 at dtom220.org.

BATTLEBETTY FOUNDATION: BattleBetty Foundation is a community-based nonprofit and first Women Veteran focused organization within South Carolina committed to empowering Women Veterans as they navigate post-transition life. The BattleBetty Resource Center provides an emergency shelter, clothes closet, empowerment workshops, and fosters community reintegration for women veterans. Learn more about the BattleBetty Foundation at battlebettyfoundation.com.

SHAMROCK REINS: Shamrock Reins and its special horses foster positive life-changing experiences for veterans, their families, and the families of fallen heroes by assisting with recovery and by offering comfort and kindness in a safe environment. Learn more about Shamrock Reins at shamrockreins.org.

HEALING PAWS FOR WARRIORS: A resilient program that represents veterans helping veterans from personal experience and trained service dogs, Healing Paws for Warriors’ program focus is save a veteran and rescue a dog. The program provides service training for local rescue dogs by partnering with veterans faced with PTSD, TBI, or MST at no cost. By increasing self and family health and wellness, Healing Paws gives hope and healing to veterans and reduces number of canines in shelters. Learn more about Healing Paws for Warriors at www.healingpawsforwarriors.org.

SERVE OUR WILLING WARRIORS: The average hospital stay for recovering warriors is about 300 days. Serve Our Willing Warriors provides cost-free retreat stays and programs that positively impact wounded, ill, and injured service members, disabled veterans, and their families. Learn more about Serve Our Willing Warriors at www.willingwarriors.org.

WHITEHAVEN CANINE: WhiteHaven Canine rescues dogs from local shelters or donated from individuals and trains them as Emotional Support Animals. Highly skilled in obedience and service, these canines are then given to veterans at no cost. Learn more about WhiteHaven Canine at whitehavencanine.org.

HELP OUR MILITARY HEROES: Help Our Military Heroes provides fully equipped, adaptive minivans to severely wounded, injured, and ill service members who sustained their injuries while on active duty. The customized vans return mobility and independence, as well as transportation that would otherwise be financially devastating for many. Learn more about Help Our Military Heroes at www.helpourmilitaryheroes.org.

VETS CHAT AND CHEW: The Vets Chat & Chew Program provides a simple guide to better health and a supportive community. The program is a science based nutritional education featuring live healthy recipe demonstrations to help veterans feel mentally and physically better. Learn more about Vets Chat and Chew at vetschatandchew.com.

SAVE Farm: The Servicemember Agricultural Vocation Education, Corp. (SAVE) is a transition program for veterans through a pathway to farming and wellness. SAVE trains veterans for an agricultural career and incorporates a holistic approach for veterans healing from stress, physical injuries and issues that might be influencing the mind, body and soul. Learn more about SAVE farm at www.thesavefarm.org.

AURA HOME WOMEN VETS: Aura Home helps women veterans from all services with housing, counseling, financial guidance across Western North Carolina. By providing self-education opportunities, Aura Home houses homeless veteran women by giving them access to affordable housing, jobs, therapy, and more. Learn more about Aura Home Women Vets at www.aurahomewomenvets.com.

SALINA INNOVATION: The historic Salina Masonic Temple building has offered veterans a room at no cost for a community resource center. This space has grown to include weekly coffees for veterans, support groups, information sessions, town hall meetings, regional chapter meetings, information services, and assistance with benefits. Learn more about Salina Innovation at salinainnovation.com.

As the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, Evan Williams is proud of its American heritage and honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country. The 2022 American-Made Heroes will be selected from affiliate organizations who applied through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grant process. The 2022 American-Made Heroes class will be announced in early May along with the individualized limited-edition bottles. To learn more about the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Program, please visit american-madeheroes.com.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past seven years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND: Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans through a specialized grant program.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”