SHARE WHISKY SHOW THIS CHRISTMAS
Whether you’re a committed whisky geek, or looking for a Christmas present to share with your friends and family, Whisky Show is a great chance to explore the world’s most fascinating and diverse spirit. It’s been 50 days from launching Whisky Show 2024 and we have sold half of our tickets. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 511: Glengoyne 16 Year Old 2007 Asta Morris
Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries a Glengoyne from Asta Morris. When he saw this bottle for the first time, Mark was a bit surprised with the beautiful label. Not that he is surprised that Crazy Bert Bruyneel puts beautiful labels on his bottles, but it’s a totally new design. Mark really likes it and in this case it complements the color of the whisky very nicely. It’s a Glengoyne that spent 16 long years in a sherry cask. That transports Mark back to the trip he made to this distillery in… 2011. Wow, has that been that long? And this whisky was distilled another four years earlier.
International Beverage welcomes new talent with two leadership appointments
New Global Sales Director and Operations Director join the team
International Beverage has announced the appointment of two senior leaders this week. Both will join the management team to lead the global spirits producer through a period of ambitious growth.
Veronica Amago joins as Global Sales Director
With over two decades’ experience in the global spirits business, Veronica is a graduate of the University of Essex and holds a Masters in Positive Leadership and Strategy. After beginning her career with a series of national and international roles at Dyson, her progression into the world of spirits began at Beam Suntory International, where she worked across Eastern Europe and India, latterly as Commercial Director Nordic and Eastern Europe.
Veronica Amago and Alan Mitchell
She then moved to Whyte & Mackay, with roles including Director, Greater Europe. Here, she was responsible for delivering top-line growth as well as developing and extending the company’s portfolio of products. 2020 saw her spearhead the business’s response to the Covid pandemic, proposing, establishing and leading a nerve centre to steer strategy for the organisation. Her most recent role as Director, Developing Markets involved developing previously untapped markets, including Australia, Nigeria and South Africa.
Alan Mitchell joins as Operations Director
Alan graduated from the University of Glasgow and began his career at Hiram Walker. A move to Allied Distillers, where he held roles as both Distillery Manager and Head of Quality, exposed him to every aspect of distilling. After working for Pernod Ricard Pacific in Australia, Alan spent over a decade with Beam Suntory where he held roles including Vice President Quality and Monozukuri – USA, and Director of Global Lean Transformation – USA. During this time he led Casa Sauza Tequila through the agave crisis, and developed a global CO2 and water reduction programme.
After holding Operations Director roles with both DEVRO and Competitive Capabilities International, Alan is delighted to be returning to the spirits business, bringing his global expertise and extensive experience to International Beverage.
International Beverage’s Managing Director Malcolm Leask commented: ‘Both Veronica and Alan will further strengthen our management team as we continue to grow our portfolio of brands and businesses. As our two recent acquisitions – Larsen Cognac and Cardrona Distillery – show, we’re continuing to invest and grow in over 85 global markets. It’s equally important to continue to invest in our team; Alan and Veronica both have a truly global skill-set and are exceptionally talented individuals. There’s no doubt we will continue to face challenges but, thanks to the experience leaders like Alan and Veronica bring to the table, I know we’ll be able to continue to move forward with confidence. I look forward to working with, and learning from, them both.’
As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister; and Caorunn, the pioneering super premium Scottish gin.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE
International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited. It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits and beers. These brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 countries and include Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya aged rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits. www.interbevgroup.com
International Beverage ‘people first’ approach wins big at top HR Industry Awards
Sam Kirk named HR Director of the Year; Human Capital team win for Health and Wellbeing programme
Global spirits business International Beverage is celebrating being recognised for the excellence of its human resources programme after scooping two top awards at one of the biggest nights of the year for HR professionals in Scotland.
Sam Kirk, HR Director, International Beverage
Human Capital (HC) Director Sam Kirk and her team were announced as winners in two of the most prestigious categories at the 16th annual HR NETWORK National Awards, which took place at a glittering gala dinner in the Glasgow Hilton last night (9th November), with the aim of recognising and rewarding the champions of the Scottish HR profession.
In front of 750 nominees and fellow industry professionals, Sam Kirk was named HR Director of the Year, for the trailblazing role she plays within the International Beverage business, delivering a dynamic growth agenda and driving innovation to get the best from people – always with integrity and compassion.
The HC team also scooped the Health and Wellbeing Award of the Year for International Beverage’s proactive, always-on ‘Sustaining Our People’ programme, which judges agreed marks a leap forward in HR planning within the spirits industry; underpinned by a belief that every person is unique and that connections, understanding and support are the keys to happy people at work.
The HR NETWORK judging panel, which is made up of industry experts, were impressed with the high levels of innovation and commitment displayed by the International Beverage HC team overall, as they support the company’s current growth plans and driving a dynamic change programme across all business teams.
Having been shortlisted for four awards, Sam Kirk – who is based at the company’s Airdrie headquarters – was thrilled by the evening’s results. She commented: ‘So much of what we do in the HR world goes on behind the scenes, so it’s wonderful to have the hard work and dedication of our whole team recognised amongst our peers in the HR industry. Our business is in an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and the highest value is placed on our people and ensuring we have the strategies in place to bring out their very best. This recognition from the wider business community is very rewarding, and I want to say a huge well done to our whole HC team for everything we have achieved together.’
As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of an award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister; Cardrona spirits and liqueurs; Caorunn, the pioneering super premium Scottish gin; Phraya Rum and Larsen Cognac.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE
International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited. It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits and beers. These brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 countries and include Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt Scotch whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya aged rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits. www.interbevgroup.com
Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Campaign Wins Prestigious Tourism Award
“Book, Now, Bourbon Later” Marketing Campaign Takes Home the Gold Traverse Award for Tourism Excellence
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) announced today that the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail® (KBT™) has received a Traverse Award for Excellence in Kentucky Tourism from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association. The award was presented during the 2023 Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference held November 8-10 at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® received a Gold Traverse for its “Book Now, Bourbon Later” digital marketing campaign.
“We are thrilled to receive this Traverse Award,” said Mandy Ryan, Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences. “ The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and our member distilleries strive to improve the visitor experience in our state everyday– it’s wonderful to be recognized for our efforts.”
The “Book Now, Bourbon Later” campaign was created in 2022 in response to the surge in tourism coming out of the pandemic when most distilleries were facing new challenges in the hospitality space. Challenges include guests showing up without tour reservations, decreased guest numbers per tour, rerouting of tour paths to avoid sensitive production areas, staffing shortages and burnout, and the generally cranky and underprepared “revenge tourists.” The digital campaign was launched with three main goals:
“Based on data from our booking software partners at AnyRoad, in Q2 of 2022, visitors were booking tours about 12 days in advance.” reported KDA President Eric Gregory, “By Q4, they were booking tours 35-37 days in advance. That’s a big change!”
“The overall campaign drove tourists to take action and become part of the Kentucky Bourbon community. It served as a brand awareness campaign, putting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in front of 378K people more than 1.3 million times, continuing to build the Bourbon economy in communities across the Commonwealth,” continued Gregory.
With more than 75% of KBT® visitors coming from outside Kentucky, planning their trips in advance is crucial now more than ever.
Kentucky travel and tourism businesses and marketing organizations vied for Traverse Awards in 11 categories. A panel of out-of-state tourism industry experts judge the Traverse Awards. Award criteria include concept, creativity, results and impact. A total of 199 entries were submitted from throughout Kentucky for the 2023 competition.
According to KTIA president & CEO Hank Phillips, ”With nearly 200 entries and based on the judges’ comments about the across the board high quality of the entries, the 2023 Traverse competition was as close as it was intense,” added Hank Phillips, KTIA President & CEO.. “The larger picture of the awards is how they reflect the results-oriented talent and creativity that exists throughout Kentucky’s tourism industry. That talent and creativity last year attracted over 75 million Kentucky visitors bringing with them the many benefits tourism provides to the people of the Commonwealth.”
The Kentucky Travel Industry Association represents and serves all segments of Kentucky’s tourism industry, which despite the pandemic’s severe impact, contributed $12.9 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2022. The nearly 1000-member association engages in advocacy and provides its members with education, information and business development opportunities. The association also works to inform the public of the enormous economic, employment and tax revenue contributions tourism makes to the people of Kentucky.
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon
About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:
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.
Our 150th auction is now approaching the end and with that in mind we thought we’d take the time to point out some choice lots in this month which you might have missed.
A genuine work of art, this is the Macallan Sir Peter Blake 8 Decades. Housed in an oak box that is deceptively simple from the outside the interior is an explosion of colour, ideas and a miniature of Macallan from the 1930s through to the Noughties. The labels on the bottles have been designed by Sir Peter and the oldest comes from 1937 and the youngest hails from 2002.
Assorted Suntory Instrument Decanters
This is a fabulously whimsical collection of decanters from Japanese whisky giant, Suntory. The company was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, first as an importer of Western wines and liquor, and going on to develop their own distilleries. These terrific decanters showcase the playful attitude often adopted by Japanese whisky makers and would make a fine addition to any collection.
A personal favourite, this is undoubtedly a bucket list bottle for many of us here at SWA, and I’m sure for many other GlenDronach afficionados out there, the GlenDronach 1971 50 Year Old. One of the oldest GlenDronachs’ ever released this expression might come in understated packaging, but it can’t be overstated how special the whisky contained within truly is. One of only 198 bottles released this is your chance to purchase a Highland sherrybomb of inimitable quality.
Finally a jaunt to Campbeltown for the Springbank 1966 24 Year Old Local Barley Cask #443 75cl. One of the rarest of the highly sought after range of bottlings that is the local barley series, this delicious looking dram was distilled way back in 1966 before being aged for 24 years in a single sherry cask. The family owned Springbank is unique in that it remains the only distillery in Scotland where 100% of the production process is carried out on site, and while it produces three distinct styles (in Springbank, Longrow, and Hazelburn), its eponymous Springbank expression still accounts for the lion’s share of production. A medium peated, two and a half times distilled spirit, Springbank is complex, robust and never boring!As always, we charge no sellers commission and only 10% buyers premium.
On top that there is no buyers commission whatsoever on this month’s Buy-it-Now lot, the Glenfarclas 1991 Family Cask #210 for the 10th Anniversary of SWA. They are selling fast so if you plan on snapping one up you’d better act quickly!
Sheringham Distillery
WHISKY PRESALE!
As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible moments and shared experiences that have defined this year. From the clinking of glasses to the laughter and dedication that echoes through our distillery, we’re honored to be part of your celebrations and memorable occasions.
WHISKY PRESALE
Story: Jason’s whisky-making dream took its inaugural steps in our original distillery, perched overlooking the picturesque Juan de Fuca Strait in Shirley, B.C. This vision expanded to our Sooke distillery, where Jason continued to craft exceptional whisky, using exclusively local B.C. grains. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our spent grain, which was repurposed as feed for local farm animals. Jason’s meticulous approach to aging whisky ensures that each bottle becomes a coveted collector’s item.
The excellence of Jason’s craft was acknowledged, with the debut batch of whisky claiming the “Best In Class” title at the 2019 at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC) and a Gold award in the “Merrit in Terroir” category in 2021.
Anticipation is growing as we prepare to unveil our latest whisky offering. It brings us great joy and honor to share this batch of rye whisky with you.
Process: This whisky was crafted in Sooke, British Columbia, using exclusively B.C. grain and traditional distillation techniques. The mash bill, consisting of rye, wheat, and malted barley, has been distilled in small batches and aged for a minimum of three years in premium American new white oak barrels. The robust and full-bodied flavour of this whisky comes from a combination of the mash bill, traditional distillation methods, the use of new American oak to age the spirit and the pure love of making whisky.
Tasting Notes: Experience a deep and complex rye spice, complemented by notes of pepper, vanilla, cooked fruit, brown sugar, and a subtle hint of leather.
Whisky is available for pre-sale only at this time. Pre-sale is limited to British Columbia residents, with shipping exclusively within the province. Orders expected to ship February/March 2024.
Join the presale for a special limited time offer of $79.99 CAD for the month of December.
First created as a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation in 1953, Royal Salute 21 Year Old is a fantastic blend of grain and malt whiskies that adds a touch of luxury to a whisky collection.
The decadent whisky range features Royal Salute’s classic 21 Year Old Signature Blend, the Jodhpur Edition which has been finished in virgin oak casks, and limited-edition releases made in collaboration with acclaimed fashion designer Richard Quinn. It’s a cracking whisky to gift an avid Scotch fan or show off at Christmas celebrations and special occasions.
Our final collection schedule for 2023 has now been finalised.
Please note that most of our Scotland dates are a little earlier than usual.
Please click HERE for the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in this service.
The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 11th December 2023.
Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.
Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.
It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.
A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS GIFTING
Are you searching for the ultimate Christmas gift this year? Well, your search ends here! Our very own Santa’s little helper, Mads Schmoll, has the ideal presents in store. Discover a selection of hand-picked introductory sets and educational resources that will not only kindle their passion but also serve as a guide through the enchanting world of whisky.
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
