“I Can’t Wait to Spark Joy in Our Visitors”

Ellie Nichols, Senior Visitor Assistant at

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive and Ellie Nichols, Senior Visitor Assistant discuss the new tour at

The Scotch Whisky Experience.

Anticipation builds as work nears completion on the enhanced tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience, located at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Following a major investment of £3 million the new tour is expected to launch in July.

The Scotch Whisky Experience has been sharing the delights of Scotch whisky to a global audience of 8.5 million visitors for more than 35 years and is one of Edinburgh’s five-star attractions.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said “it has been so exciting to see the development of our new immersive visitor experience and we cannot wait to share it.  This unusual technology and our brilliant team of guides will lead visitors through the distilling process using a unique method of storytelling.”

More than just a liquid, Scotch whisky is an expression of Scotland and its rich traditions and natural heritage. The new tour promises to take visitors on a captivating journey across the country to discover what makes whisky the spirit of Scotland.

As well as learning about the distilling process, the immersive experience will also give visitors an appreciation of the importance wood has on the character and flavour of Scotch before the angels have their share.

Excitement is palpable amongst staff who will shortly begin their training with the new technology. Ellie Nichols, Senior Visitor Assistant at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said; ”working at The Scotch Whisky Experience sparks joy and I love teaching people about whisky.  I can’t wait to spark the same joy in our visitors. This new, completely immersive, experience is going to capture their attention from the minute they step through the doors. This is such a unique place, and I can’t wait to be part of the future of The Scotch Whisky Experience.”

The July launch of this enhanced tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience will ensure even more visitors are welcomed into the extraordinary world of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction, where visitors learn about all aspects of Scotch whisky, situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. As well as tours and tastings, guests can purchase whisky and souvenirs in the shop or enjoy a meal at the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is also home to one of the largest whisky collections in the world, The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection.

The Experience is available in 20 languages with family-friendly and tailored tours and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Open daily with tours available from 10:00 – 17:00

(extended hours at weekends and high season)

Tours range from £21.00 per person and are available to book online at: www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE^® 2023 Results Announced

June 12, 2023 (Hawthorne, NY) – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), since 2010 the world’s most prestigious global spirits competition, today releases the results of the 2023 Challenge. USC 2023 proved to be the fourteenth consecutive year of record submissions. Entries arrived from more than 50 spirit-producing nations.

The judging, held through May and early June, determined 68 Chairman’s Trophy winners, 300 Finalists, and 514 Great Values. As always, USC was conducted at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center, located in Hawthorne, NY.

Says UBC Co-Founder and Judging Director F. Paul Pacult, “Aside from being the largest USC ever, this year’s Challenge was likewise the most global, with an impressive array of quality distillates from places as far away from New York as China, Australia, India, Kazakhstan, and Chile. Virtually all categories saw healthy gains and all whiskey categories.

“Since producers tend to enter their top-shelf marques into USC, it’s clear that they look to us for the most accurate and unbiased data in the industry.”

After undergoing careful analysis through multiple panels, all products are rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges including buyers, journalists, educators, authors, and bar owners. Spirits scoring 85+ points receive a detailed tasting note. All spirits scoring 80+ points receive an individual results page, which provides all downloadable marketing material.

View complete results at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2023results

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2023 CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

READY-TO-DRINK COCKTAIL

Whiskey: Witherspoon Whiskey Old Fashioned

WHISKY – CANADA

Crown Royal Extra Rare 29 Years Old

WHISKEY – IRELAND

Blended: Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2023

Single Malt: Teeling Blackpitts Peated

Single Pot Still: Red Spot 15 Years Old

WHISKY –JAPAN

Hayashi 24 Years Old Ryukyu

 WHISKY – SCOTLAND

Blended: Dewar’s 18 Years Old

Blended Malt: Johnnie Walker Green Label

Independent Merchant: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 78.58 Baking easter treats 9 Years Old

Single Malt-Highland: Aberfeldy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish 15 Years Old

Single Malt-Island: Highland Park 21 Years Old

Single Malt-Islay: Bowmore 18 Years Old

Single Malt-Speyside: Mortlach 16 Years Old

WHISKEY – USA

Bottled-In-Bond: Henry McKenna 10 Years Old Single Barrel

Blended: Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye

Bourbon: W.L. Weller Full Proof

Flavored: Ole Smoky Apple Pie Tennessee Moonshine

Rye: Tumblin’ Dice Rye Small Batch, Barrel Proof 7 Years Old

Single Barrel: Bower Hill Bourbon

Single Malt: Courage & Conviction Sherry Cask

Tennessee: George Dickel Reserve Cask Strength 17 Years Old

Wheat: Bainbridge Battle Point Two Islands Hokkaido Mizunara Cask

Other: Barrell Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel

WHISK(E)Y – WORLD

M&H APEX Dead Sea Single Malt

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of spirits for producers, importers, and marketers through its innovative annual competition: Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot.

Ardray Blended Scotch Whisky

Meet Ardray: the blend like no other

Scottish production meets Japanese heritage – and the results are stunning

Grain, malt and generations of expertise: Ardray is a brand-new blended Scotch, and a masterclass in balance and finesse.

£55.00

Brand new whisky brand Ardray makes a bold claim: to reimagine blended Scotch. With its luxurious nose, sumptuous mouthfeel and complex palate, it more than hits that brief.More than two years in the making, it’s a Scotch that’s been crafted by the Japanese team behind Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu. It’s precise. It’s exacting. It’s a whisky that’s got us all excited here at Milroy’s.And it’s remarkable to sip. Florals, orchard fruits and subtle spices all sit harmoniously alongside an elegant savoury smoke. Ardray is a game-changer for blended Scotch. Secure your bottle today.

Buy Ardray now

Come and visit us at our Soho and Spitalfields bars!

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek St, London W1D 4NX

Milroy’s of Spitalfields
76 Commercial St, London E1 6LY

ralfy review 981 Extras – My drinking history and habits.

WIN A RARE SINGLE CASK
GLENFIDDICH 25 YEAR OLD

To celebrate the latest addition to the Glenfiddich Grand Series – the 29-year-old awamori cask finished Grand Yozakura – we’re offering a chance to take home an exceptionally rare expression from this venerable Speyside distillery. The prize is a 25-year-old Glenfiddich bottled exclusively for the lucky winner of the draw. All you have to do to enter is buy any Grand Series whisky and you’ll be in with a chance to win.

Every Glenfiddich Grand Series bottle ordered in the month of June is an entry into the draw. Entries will close at 11.59pm on 30 June 2023. Good luck!

SHOP GLENFIDDICH GRAND SERIES

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY AND UK HEALTHCARE PARTNER TO FORM FATHERS OF FRANKFORT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 

Program will focus on increased parental engagement and supporting the bond between father and child to ensure that it only gets better with age 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (June 15, 2023) – Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery and UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital announce a new community-focused mentorship program for Frankfort, Kentucky-area fathers – Fathers of Frankfort. The Kentucky-based organizations partnered to launch this program as a way to strengthen families and address potential child maltreatment, a critical issue in their community.

Drawing inspiration from evidence-based, father-specific programming, Fathers of Frankfort will connect fathers who are currently team members at Buffalo Trace Distillery with new or expecting first-time dads in the local community. Mentors will share their personal parenthood experiences, offer advice and be a resource to help men navigate this major life change.

“An adverse childhood experience such as child maltreatment has a lasting impact on a person’s life, which also significantly impacts our community through increased mental health issues and decreased educational and occupational potential,” remarked Dr. Scottie Day, Physician in Chief at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “Engaged fathers can change the trajectory of families and a child’s life.” This is especially critical in Frankfort, where 26.6 per 1,000 children experience maltreatment, a rate three times higher than the national average.

The goal of the program is to utilize experienced fathers to engage expecting fathers before their child is born to inspire them to play an active role in their child’s life from birth into adulthood. “Paternal engagement improves a child’s physical and mental health, including reducing the risk of child maltreatment and improving long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Day.

Fifteen Buffalo Trace team members and local dads will be matched as part of the inaugural Fathers of Frankfort mentor class, with a vision to expand classes substantially in the future. New dads who enroll as mentees will also receive gifts throughout the year to help them transition into parenthood, including a custom, one-of-a-kind toy chest made by Buffalo Trace Distillery’s “Whiskey Woodcraft” team.

“It takes a devoted team to help mature the award-winning products at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and it also takes a passionate team to raise a child. Like some of the best things in life, both whiskey and the relationship between a father and child only gets better with age,” said Sara Saunders, Head of Marketing at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We are honored to work alongside Kentucky Children’s Hospital to help the dads in our community raise children who mature into supported, engaged, and successful adults.”

Additionally, Buffalo Trace Distillery will support Fathers of Frankfort by donating dollars and product for charitable initiatives to aid program-specific resources and personnel, including a dedicated licensed clinical social worker within the Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families at Kentucky Children’s Hospital to oversee the initiative.

An immediate opportunity to support Fathers of Frankfort will come in July for the 2023 Coaches for the Kids fundraiser dinner, hosted by the Coaches for the Kids Foundation and University of Kentucky Football Coach Mark Stoops. As part of the fundraiser, Buffalo Trace Distillery will donate an ultra-rare O.F.C. Vintage 3-bottle flight, including OFC ‘93, OFC ‘94, and OFC ’95, for auction. Fundraiser attendees can bid on the flight featuring some of the oldest vintage-dated bourbons ever released, with each bottle dated according to the year the bourbon was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The OFC ’93 bottle is one of only 822 ever produced and the second offered for sale, while OFC ’94 is one of less than 1,100 bottles of the expression and just the third ever offered for sale. The OFC ’95 up for bidding is only one of 1,500 bottles released. Each vintage is hand bottled in a crystal decanter with inlaid copper lettering in an upscale wooden display box.

Applications for Fathers of Frankfort are open to Buffalo Trace Distillery team members now through June 23. Mentees will be selected through a referral process coordinated by UK HealthCare. Chosen mentor applicants will be notified throughout the summer with the program slated to kick off in fall 2023. For more information on the Fathers of Frankfort program, please contact fathersoffrankfort@uky.edu.

Fathers of Frankfort is an additional extension of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s ongoing charitable endeavors. Last year, the Distillery provided 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies to charitable organizations, raising over $2.1 million. This year, Buffalo Trace Distillery plans to reintroduce its Nonprofit Partnership program by donating 100 sets of bourbon from its portfolio to philanthropic corporations worldwide for fundraising purposes. Charitable organizations interested in receiving a hand-picked bottle of whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery are encouraged to register their establishment here. For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery and its charitable efforts, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, 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 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.  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.

About Kentucky Children’s Hospital

Kentucky Children’s Hospital, part of UK HealthCare, is committed to providing the best care possible, for children as well as families. With the region’s only Level I pediatric trauma center and Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, more than 30 advanced subspecialty programs such as pediatric oncology and pediatric surgery and nationally ranked by the U.S. News and World Report in both pediatric heart care and orthopedics, KCH is equipped to provide the highest level of care to young patients, close to home.

A delicious combination to enjoy with any father figure in your life this Sunday. Two drinks, enjoyed side by side. Each improving the other. We like to carry on the tradition of this Scottish take on the boilermaker with a measure of Artist Blend and a delicious glass of craft beer. Share, and Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS 

35ml/1oz of Artist Blend

Half Pint (284ml/8oz) of chilled beer

METHOD

Fill a chilled pint glass with cold beer, we recommend a hoppy, resinous IPA. Alongside, pour Artist Blend into a small glass and enjoy!

SHOP HERE

Give Dad the gift he deserves this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift for your dad, we’ve got you covered! Our ultimate tasting bundle is the ideal present for any whisky-loving father out there.

This exclusive bundle includes a FREE Whisky Tasting Journal and a Tasting Poster showcasing the top picks from our editors over the past five years. But that’s not all! You’ll also receive a Print & Digital subscription to Whisky Magazine, providing your dad with endless hours of reading pleasure.

All of this can be yours for only $5! So why not treat your dad to the ultimate whisky experience this Father’s Day? Order now and make his day extra special!

*Please note that while we strive to ensure timely delivery, gifts may arrive after Sunday 18 June, depending on your location. However, we encourage you not to let this deter you from ordering our amazing Father’s Day gifts at an affordable price!*

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream introduces Salted Caramel variant

The new product brings a sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream

St. LOUIS (June 14, 2023) – Summer just got a little sweeter with the launch of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel. Made with award-winning, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, all-natural cream from Irish dairy farms and salted caramel flavor, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel brings a new sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream. Produced by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel is bottled at 34 proof (17% ABV) and is available in a 750 ml bottle. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July at a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose with silky cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The warm, sugary finish highlights the sea salt and rich caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish Portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile. I expect our Salted Caramel will be a go-to choice for adults looking for a fun, boozy treat – especially during the summer months.”

To locate a retailer or to learn more about the brand, visit StBrendans.com.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.