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Tobermory Distillery unveils latest expression in Hebridean Series and partnership with Gordon Buchanan

Tobermory Distillery, based on the idyllic Isle of Mull, has revealed a 25-year-old single malt, the third of five expressions in its limited edition Hebridean Series

The third release in the series of five,  follows on from the success of the 24-year-old and the 23-year-old.

In addition to the new release, Tobermory Distillery has announced the appointment of Gordon Buchanan, award-winning wildlife filmmaker, as Island Ambassador

Together Gordon and Tobermory Distillery will work to preserve and promote the amazing island including its wildlife, landscapes and people 

 Mull distillery, Tobermory, has released the latest expression in its Hebridean Series: Tobermory 25.

Following the success of the previous 23- and 24-year-old expressions, the 25-year-old instantly transports drinkers to the Isle of Mull, where Tobermory Distillery calls home.

Inspired by the people of Mull’s long-standing history of working with the land that surrounds them, the expression draws on the distillery’s affinity to the island and the crofting industry that has influenced the island as we know it today.

With notes of blackcurrant jam, peaches and lemon peel, this rare and collectible release was firstly matured in Oloroso Casks, before finishing in Gonzalez Byass casks to create a lingering spice, intertwined with poached pears and nutmeg. Tobermory’s surrounding shoreline also gives Tobermory 25 the much-loved coastal finish, which is synonymous with each of the distillery’s expressions.

As with each of the releases in the Hebridean Series, the liquid of the 25-year-old comes from the popular 15 year old, which was released by the distillery in 2008. Continuing to mature in the finest Gonzalez Byass sherry casks for an additional nine years, the result is a wonderfully rich expression that celebrates the unique influences of the island, of which a limited number of bottles are available worldwide.

In addition to the release, Tobermory has announced a partnership with award-winning wildlife filmmaker, Gordon Buchanan, who will be working with the distillery as an Island Ambassador, to preserve and promote the Isle of Mull.

Gordon, who grew up on Mull, has travelled all over the world capturing an array of animals and environments, but credits his home as to where he first fell in love with nature. Like other parts of the world, Mull’s delicate ecosystem faces pressures.

Through his role as Island Ambassador, Tobermory Distillery and Gordon Buchanan will be collaborating to promote sustainability and raise awareness of the island’s beauty and ecosystem,  together with the distillery team, local community organisations and residents of Mull. As well as donating money to this work, the distillery will be offering its workforce as volunteers and unveiling some exciting fundraising projects over the next 24 months.

Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller at Tobermory Distillery said: “We are so proud to introduce Tobermory 25 to the world. A wonderfully fruity and well-rounded liquid, drinkers can expect a true taste of Mull with every dram.

“Our hand-crafted Hebridean Series really champions the little island we call home, drawing inspiration on its unique history and heritage to shape our expressions. The 25-year-old is a real homage to Mull’s crofting history, and draws parallels on the skill and ingenuity that goes into working with the land around us.

“We’re really excited to welcome and partner with Gordon as Island Ambassador. We have a shared passion for Mull, the land, the community, the wildlife. We’re committed to work together to protect and preserve our beautiful island, ensuring it’s looked after for years to come.”

Gordon spent his childhood in Tobermory, and his life is intertwined with Tobermory Distillery. His mother met his stepfather whilst working at the distillery in 1991, and his brother went on to become Stillman, 2 years later (1993-2004).

Like capturing the perfect shot, whisky distilling takes time, craftsmanship and patience, and whilst Gordon has seen Mull grow and develop over the years, one thing has remained a constant – Tobermory Distillery.

Gordon Buchanan, said: “Mull is where I grew up and spent many happy years as a boy. Its amazing wildlife and ecosystem is what inspired me to get into photography and filmmaking when I was a teen, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

“Tobermory Distillery is a key part of my family’s history so I’m honoured to be joining the team as Island Ambassador.”

5,298 bottles of Tobermory 25 are available worldwide. With an ABV of 48.1%, bottles are priced at £345 and available to purchase at Berry Bros exclusively from 24 Feb 2023 and then from tobermorydistillery.com from 08 March 2023.

For more information on the expression and Tobermory Distillery, visit https://tobermorydistillery.com/

Tobermory 25 tasting notes

Nose: Notes of freshly baked bread, candied orange peel and butterscotch are met with a gentle cinnamon spice and dusting of cocoa.

Palate: Fruity notes of blackcurrant jam, peaches and lemon peel fade to reveal honeyed almonds and coconut with a soft floral note and a touch of mint.

Finish: Lingering spicy finish with poached pears and nutmeg.

About Tobermory Distillery

Established in 1798, Tobermory is the Isle of Mull’s only whisky distillery and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. It sits at the centre of the vibrant island community from which it takes its name. Under the Tobermory distillery name, the artisan Hebridean Distiller produces Tobermory Whisky and Ledaig Single Malts and Tobermory Gin, which includes its Mountain, Coast and Hebridean expressions. Today, it is a thriving, expressive and unique distillery, true to its idyllic location on the Hebridean island of Mull. Tobermory’s Mountain Gin has been recognised for numerous awards including World’s Best Classic Gin and Best Scottish Classic at the World Gin Awards.

www.tobermorydistillery.com

Benromach distillery is a Speyside distillery founded by Duncan McCallum and F.W. Brickman in 1898 and currently owned and run by Gordon and Macphail of Elgin. It is situated near Forres in Morayshire and is fed with spring water from the Chapelton Springs in the Romach Hills beside Forres.

Benromach

39 Years Old 1982

Private Collection

A spectacular single malt from Benromach Distillery. This Speyside dram was distilled on the 30th November 1982 and aged for 39 years in First Fill Burgundy Cask before bottling on the 5th of November 2022. It was bottled at a cask strength of 59.9%.

NOSE

Seville orange peel complements smooth stewed apples and toffee. Fragrant vanilla notes infuse with soft milk chocolate and mature oak.

PALATE

Sweet summer berry flavours give way to subtle black pepper and a hint of fresh mint. Citrus fruit combines with a faint herbal influences and a touch of aniseed.

FINISH

A full finish with lingering sweet brown sugar and black cherry. Only 207 bottles produced.

Limited stock available.

£1950.00

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Award-Winning Irish American Whiskey launches in Ireland,

homeland of renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation

 Cork Born Brian Nation brings Minneapolis distilled Keepers Heart Home to Ireland as First International Market 

The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. (OSDC), a family-owned distillery located in Minneapolis, MN, announced distribution of Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey into Ireland, the first availability for the award-winning liquid outside the United States.

Created by whiskey icon Brian Nation, formerly Master Distiller for some of the most well know Irish whiskeys including Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton, Keeper’s Heart is a new style of whiskey, bringing together the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions. After leaving Ireland in 2021 to move to America and craft Keeper’s Heart with the O’Shaughnessy family, Brian is bringing the unique blend of Irish and American whiskeys home.

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, and quickly expanded its portfolio with Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon. With its innovative liquid and expert craftsmanship, Irish + American became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, Critics Challenge International Platinum and Pr%f Award Double Gold honors.

Speaking about the foundation of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Co-Founder Patrick O’Shaughnessy said:

“What started as an O’Shaughnessy family reunion became the birthplace of Keeper’s Heart, a celebration of our family’s Irish-American heritage,”

“Our great great grandfather came to the United States from Ireland, and our large extended family has stayed close to our Irish roots. Keeper’s Heart was created to celebrate that. We are extremely proud of the Keeper’s Heart team and the reception the brand has received since we launched. It has made it possible to continue to grow Keeper’s Heart and evolve the liquid offerings, and now, as we begin international distribution, Ireland was at the top of the list. We hope the Irish people enjoy what we have created as much as the American drinkers have.”

Liquid development is led by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who has more than 22 years of experience working on some of the most renowned and high-quality Irish whiskeys in the world.  Born and raised in Cork City, Ireland, he moved to Minnesota following a meeting with the O’Shaughnessy family to embark on a new adventure and create a new style of whiskey, marrying the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions.

“I never thought I’d leave Ireland until I met the O’Shaughnessy family and heard what they wanted to create,” said Master Distiller Brian Nation.

“Their vision was inspiring, and together, along with American Whiskey visionary David Perkins, we’ve created an innovative liquid portfolio and a brand that celebrates family, and heritage. Keeper’s Heart is my passion project, and I’m proud to return home to share with my friends and family what we’ve been up to across the pond.”

Nation collaborated on the blending of Keeper’s Heart with Liquid Collaborator and Advisor, David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery. The pair aims to combine the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions, by blending of Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey with American Rye and Bourbon.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to put Keeper’s Heart on the world whiskey map, and today we begin expanding into international markets, sharing our story, our proud Irish-American heritage, and our award-winning liquid portfolio with the global whiskey community. Beginning that journey in Ireland is the perfect first step,” said Mike Duggan, CEO of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

Keepers Heart will be available exclusively from Barry & Fitzwilliam from Mid-March.

Commenting on the distribution agreement for Keepers Heart, Michael Barry Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam said, “we are very proud to be distributing such innovative whiskey’s created by the Master Distiller Brian Nation and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

It will be stocked in off licenses across the country, including Bradleys, Cork, Molloys, Dublin, Redmonds Ranleagh, Celtic Whiskey Shop, CarryOut Off-Licences, The Offie, Cork, Irish Malts and WinesoftheWorld.ie, RRP €49.00.

For more information, please visit www.KeepersHeartWhiskey.com.

For additional information, please visit www.osdistilling.com/ and www.keepersheartwhiskey.com.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey:

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, with Master Distiller Brian Nation showcasing an artful blend of hand-selected Irish pot still and grain whiskies with an American Rye Whiskey that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. With tempting notes of candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, spice, and sweet biscuits, it was the most awarded new whiskey of 2022 with many notable wins, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Beverage Tasting Institute ‘Best Whiskey in a Highball’ Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, and San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Whiskey:
The team released Irish + Bourbon in March 2022 as a blend of Irish grain and pot still whiskeys with American Bourbon. Featuring notes of butterscotch sweetness mingling with freshly charred oak from the bourbon barrels, this blend is a uniquely delicious whiskey perfect for bourbon lovers. Like its predecessor, Irish + Bourbon is already winning its own share of accolades, with highlights including International Wine and Spirits Competition’s coveted Platinum Award.

About Keeper’s Heart Whiskey:
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together.

Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.

Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers.

Follow our journey on Instagram @KeepersHeartWhiskey.

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE 

Discover Fettercairn

We are delighted to announce our March tasting event featuring the Fettercairn Distillery. We will be presenting six single malt whiskies, including a mystery new release that will be debuted at the tasting.

We hope that you can join us for a splendid evening of whisky tasting at our store in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Spaces are limited, so please purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

£15.00

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Smooth Ambler 6 Year Old “Old Scout” K&L Exclusive Barrel #24778 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

$54.99

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Smooth Ambler is a relatively new—by whiskey standards— distillery born in the hills of West Virginia. They not only acknowledge but embrace their differences from Kentucky style bourbon as their “fiercely independent spirit.” This six-year-old- release is exclusive to K&L and features stocks from Indiana.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

The Good Dram Show – Episode 499 ‘Lindores Abbey’

This week’s episode of the show features another of the new Lowland distilleries, that being Lindores Abbey. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 499 – More Whisky From The Lowlands of Scotland..!

We’ve just released three new whiskies that bring a great sense of fun and complexity. The perfect pairings to get any party started, say hello to Cask No. 46.148 Disco diva, Cask No. 37.138 Post party pick-up and Cask No. 13.105 Cosecha compte. Expect upbeat and forthright aromas and flavours that will keep you entertained well into the evening.

Keep on scrolling to discover more OR click over to our website to browse all bottlings. DON’T MISS our first 40^th anniversary MAVERICK bottling, grab your bottle NOW before they are gone forever.

REMEMBER: Mother’s Day on Sunday, 19 March.

MAVERICK MALT

BROWSE ALL BOTTLINGS

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

Bidding Now Open For:

Whisky & Whiskey | The Camouflage Collection Part I

Comprising Some of the Finest and Rarest Bourbon and Rye Whiskies Ever Bottled

Bidding has opened on Sotheby’s March whiskey sale in New York, led by The Camouflage Collection Part I, comprising some of the finest and rarest bourbon and rye whiskies ever bottled, and carefully assembled by a dedicated and passionate collector over a period of many years. The collection includes numerous bottles of high-end Pappy Van Winkle, Willett Family Estate, Michter’s, Eagle Rare and many more.

The full collection consists of around 1,500 bottles, including full original cases, first editions and some of the rarest and hardest to find whiskeys – a feat only made possible by the commitment and knowledge of a connoisseur who dedicated much of his life seeking out each individual bottle. Collections of this variety and scope rarely come to market, all from a single source.

Supporting these are the finest and rarest Scotch and Japanese whiskies including The Macallan Fine & Rare 32 Year Old 1969, The Macallan 40 Year Old The Red Collection and The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Cask.

With almost 470 lots on offer, the sale carries a combined pre-sale estimate in the region of $670,000.

VIEW CATALOUGUE ONLINE HERE

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA

Pappy Van Winkle – The Record-Breaking Bourbon

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys needs little introduction. Praised by celebrities and the subject of a bestselling book, it is by far the best recognized and most widely coveted whiskey in America.

One of the leading bottles is undoubtedly the Old Rip Van Winkle 23 Year Old Decanter, distilled in 1986 and one of only 1200 ever produced (lot 119, est. $12,000-16,000). Also coming from the Camouflage Collection are bottles of Van Winkle stretching back to the 2008 Release, including a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s 23 Year Old Family Reserve from that year (lot 118, est. $3,000-4,000). Sotheby’s recently broke records when a similar bottle sold for $52,000, more than 17 times the pre-sale estimate.

The Michter’s name originated in the decades after World War II, when a Pennsylvania businessman named Lou Forman named a distillery after his sons, Michael and Peter. But the Pennsylvania whiskey industry was in a steady and terminal decline, and the distillery shut its doors in 1990. Six years later, Joseph Magliocco, the president of New York-based Chatham Imports, acquired Michter’s abandoned trademark and moved its base of operations to Kentucky.

Today, Michter’s is one of the few whiskeys to stand alongside Van Winkle at the top of the luxury market and its 20 and 25 Year Olds are considered some of the best in the business. The Camouflage Collection Part 1 includes over 40 bottles of Michter’s, from the entry level Toasted Barrel (lot 297, est. $450-600) all the way up to the ultra-rare Single Barrel Rye 25 Year Old (lot 324, est. $9,000-12,000).

Willett – The Family Estate With Unrivaled Pedigree

The Willett family traces its roots to the 1690s, when Edward Willett immigrated to Maryland from England and started making whiskey and other spirits. The family eventually moved to Kentucky, where, a few years after the end of Prohibition, Thompson Willett founded the Willett Distilling Co. outside Bardstown. The company ceased distilling in 1981; however, in 1984, Even Kulsveen, a Norwegian immigrant who had married into the family, bought the distillery.

The Camouflage Collection Part I includes over 40 bottles from the Family Estate Range, both bourbon and rye, ranging from 4 years in age all the way up to 26, including Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye 25 Year Old 100 Proof, lot 462, est. $4,000-6,000).

Buffalo Trace Distillery – The Whiskey Powerhouse

Whiskey distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery features heavily throughout the Camouflage Collection Part I. From Colonel E.H. Taylor to Double Eagle Very Rare, O.F.C. to William Laure Weller, the collection spans the full range and spectrum of Buffalo Trace brands, including O.F.C. Old Fashion Copper Bourbon 90 Proof 1980 (lot 330, est. 8,000-12,000), Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old 90 Proof NV (lot 224, est. $8,000-12,000) and Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash 100 Proof 2002 (lot 219, est. $7,000-10,000).

Perhaps among the most iconic of all Buffalo Trace whiskies are those in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, released annually since the early 2000s. The Camouflage Collection Part I features the very first releases of George. T. Stagg and Eagle Rare, alongside a plethora of releases from all five of the whiskies which make up the collection each year.

Additional Rarities

Whilst the sale features mainly American whiskies, there are some additional highlights in the form of some of the most sought-after and collectible Scotch and Japanese Whiskies. Leading the sale, The Macallan Fine & Rare 32 Year Old 1969 and The Macallan The Red Collection 40 Year Old sit alongside notable lots from Japan, including an older release of The Yamazaki 25 Year Old and The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Cask, named after the indigenous Japanese oak used to mature the whisky.

Last but by no means least, and for the first time ever at auction, Sotheby’s sale introduces the Redemption Rye 36 Year Old Barrel Proof – the oldest Rye ever bottled (lot 370, est. $10,000-15,000). This was released in extremely limited quantities with only 18 in total and gives collectors and drinkers the almost mythical opportunity to procure a whiskey aged for well in excess of 30 years.

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $150 million in 2022, a 14% increase from 2021. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest ever total for a charity wine auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Images are available upon request

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s app for iOS and Android.

NEAREST & JACK ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE TO HOST INAUGURAL ‘SPIRITS ON THE RISE’ SUMMIT

Diverse Voices and BIPOC Spirits Entrepreneurs Will Come Together in Tennessee for a Two-Day Immersive Learning Experience From April 17-18

Lynchburg, TENNESSEE (February 28, 2023)  – Today, the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI), the first-of-its-kind incubator for diversifying the current and future leaders in the whiskey industry, announces its first-ever ‘Spirits on the Rise’ Summit. The two day event, taking place on April 17 and 18, 2023, aims to combat the imbalance set upon BIPOC businessmen and businesswomen in spirits and will bring together spirits industry entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities as they work to advance their businesses.

Throughout the summit, attendees will have unprecedented access to industry experts from NJAI founders Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, as well as leaders from companies like Hyatt Hotels, Breakthru Beverage, ReserveBar, and Republic National Distributing Company to learn more about investment and finance, distribution, route to market, networking, and community. The event will allow the NJAI to expand its impact beyond its existing programs – the Leadership Acceleration Program, the Business Incubation Program and the Nearest Green School of Distilling – to further assist founders as they enter and progress in the spirits industry.

“When we launched the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative in 2020, our goal was to advance diversity within the American whiskey industry and we’re thrilled to see the first group of graduates come through the program,” said Jamie Butler, Jack Daniel’s Global Brand Director. “The ‘Spirits on the Rise’ Summit expands upon the key tenants of this initiative and gives us the opportunity to increase the amount of BIPOC entrepreneurs we are able to support and educate in a multitude of areas.”

The NJAI is inspired by the historic and storied relationship between two pioneers of Tennessee Whiskey, Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, and sees to it that the future of the spirits industry is diverse and dynamic. Since its founding, the NJAI has presented professional opportunities to BIPOC-owned spirits ventures by committing millions of dollars towards providing access to the education and resources needed to be successful in a predominantly white-owned and led spirits industry.

“Over the past three years, the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative has worked on three tenets: helping to support up and coming BIPOC-owned brands, ensuring that we see more visible leaders of colors in every sector of our industry, and ensuring that we have attainable education around distillation and the spirits business,” said Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. “The ‘Spirits on the Rise’ Summit is an opportunity to bring together entrepreneurs and key leaders in the industry to network and educate so that we can continue our mission of building a more diverse and inclusive industry.”

It is through these efforts that the NJAI looks to amplify and accelerate the growth of current and future leaders in the whiskey industry, offering strategic mentorship along the way. The impact of the initiative’s work can be seen through the first three graduates of their incubator programming: Du Nord Social Spirits, the inaugural graduate of the Business Incubation Program, along with Tracie Franklin and Byron Copeland, the first two individuals to complete the Leadership Acceleration Program.

“This event is a testament to how far we’ve come in a short amount of time, and I couldn’t be more excited to see the new faces of our industry at the NJAI Summit,” said Chris Montana, Founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. “Du Nord’s involvement in the NJAI has allowed us to improve our business model, grow significantly, and compete nationally. I cannot overstate how critical this program has been to us as a business and to me personally.”

The current schedule of programming for the ‘Spirits on the Rise’ Summit includes:

• Monday, April 17, 2023 at Nearest Green Distillery
  • 3:30 p.m.: Tours of Nearest Green Distillery
  • 5:00 p.m.: Welcome remarks, cocktails and dinner

• Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Jack Daniel Distillery
  • 9:00 a.m.: The Right Investment Partner in Each Stage of Business, moderated by Fawn Weaver, CEO and Founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
  • 10:00 a.m.: Understanding the Financials in an Early-Stage Spirits Brand, moderated by Loni Gray, Global Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s
  • 1:30 p.m.: Tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery
  • 3:00 p.m.: Route to Market: Building your Brand’s Distribution, moderated by Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
  • 4:00 p.m.: Emerging Brands Fair
  • 6:30 p.m.: Cocktails, dinner and closing remarks

To RSVP and for more information on the summit, please visit nearestjack.rsvp360.co

About Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative

Launched in 2020, the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) is inspired by the legacy and the relationship of Tennessee Whiskey pioneers Nearest Green and Jack Daniel with the goal of advancing diversity within the American whiskey industry. The first-of-its-kind incubator started with an initial combined $5 million pledge by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to create the Nearest Green School of Distilling, a STEM based and employable skills focused program at Motlow State College, the Leadership Acceleration Program to accelerate the development of future BIPOC Master Distillers, Distillery Managers and other senior management positions within the American whiskey industry, and the Business Incubation Program, focused on providing expertise and resources to African Americans entering the spirits industry as entrepreneurs. The joint initiative is guided by an advisory board with members from both organizations.