CHIVAS BROTHERS MAKES ITS CARBON CUTTING SUCCESSES ‘OPEN SOURCE’ TO HELP THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY REACH NET ZERO GOALS

The Scotch whisky producer has deployed highly efficient heat recovery technologies within the whisky distillation process, halving carbon emissions at its Glentauchers distillery

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of global Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet, has today made the expertise and learnings from its successful integration of enhanced heat recovery technologies ‘open source’. The move was made after the application of the technology at its Glentauchers site showed significant benefit in carbon emissions reduction, providing insights that will benefit the industry at large if adopted at other suitable distillation sites.

The sharing of its design process and implementation insights is intended to put collaboration ahead of competition on the road to net zero, rooted in the belief that distillers must work together to create a sustainable future for Scotch, Scotland’s largest export.

The heat recovery technologies, including Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR), are designed to capture and recycle heat generated in the distillation process that would otherwise go to waste.

To date, these have reduced total energy consumption almost by half (48%) at Chivas Brothers’ Glentauchers distillery, near Keith in Speyside, Scotland, reducing the site’s total carbon emissions by 53% as a result. This represents an energy saving equivalent to powering 4,979 average UK homes¹ – more than all the houses in Keith² – for an entire year.

The business’ ambitious plans to roll out these integrations across all viable sites is part of a drive to achieve carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. Chivas Brothers expects these technologies to reduce its overall energy consumption and carbon emissions in distillation by one third, which is more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ per annum, or the equivalent of 67,226 UK homes.

While not suitable for application in every distillery, Chivas Brothers estimates that if these technologies were applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, this could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year¹, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen² combined.

Commenting on the ‘open source’ move, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said:

“Heat recovery forms a critical part of our commitment to achieve carbon neutral distillation by 2026. Findings with such significant impact must be shared; this technology has the potential to transform our industry and accelerate its progress to net zero.

“That’s why today we’re making our design process and implementation learnings available to all”, he continued. “As a business with a long history of innovation, we believe this is the right thing to do. Collaboration across our industry will be fundamental if we are to meet collective ambitions around sustainability, safeguarding the long-term future of our product and our planet. Understandably, this technology won’t be right for every distillery, but we encourage our peers to explore whether it has the potential to reduce their own carbon output.”

A case study has been published by Chivas Brothers, outlining the benefits and savings achieved, plus additional detail on the basis of design used. The business will also host a series of dedicated open house events at its Glentauchers site, creating an opportunity for other distillers to see the technology, how it has been integrated and facilitate industry learning, while aiming to demystify some of the recurring hurdles around the implementation of these technologies.

The company’s recent successes in heat recovery are a continuation of its 2021 pilot programme, which achieved energy reductions of 88% on a single pot still and showcased the potential if adopted across distillery operations. The pilot programme at Glentauchers was part-funded by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which aims to support decarbonisation and energy efficiency in Scotland’s industries.

Scottish Government Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said:

“Chivas Brothers has led the way with an innovative approach which has halved energy consumption at their Glentauchers distillery. Sharing this breakthrough with the wider whisky industry has the potential to advance efforts to reach net zero across the sector.

“Recycling heat from malt that would be the equivalent of powering all the homes in Edinburgh and Aberdeen could be a game changer for the industry, and a boost to Scotland’s economic growth while helping reach our climate change goals.”

The successes of this programme are shared with the company’s supplier, Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH, manufacturers of high-performance blowers and compressors for the process industry, whose team worked alongside Chivas Brothers to adapt its technology for distillery applications. As a result, the technology achieved a Co-efficient of Performance of 12, meaning for every 1 kwh of electricity input, 12 units of heat were generated. This level of performance is essential if the technology is to make a meaningful contribution to carbon reduction, while also delivering cost-effective improvement in energy efficiency.

The case study and basis of design will be available for download via https://www.chivasbrothers.com/sustainability/open-source/

Registrations of interest to attend the Open House sessions can be lodged via https://www.chivasbrothers.com/sustainability/open-source/

Disclaimer: Each distillery requires a bespoke heat recovery solution that is fit for purpose for its size and layout. The information provided in this document has been compiled internally by Chivas Brothers Limited and reflects the successful installation at Glentauchers. This information is provided in good faith; however, it is the responsibility of the system designer to ensure that their particular installation suits their specific site and equipment layout. Results from any installation may differ from those achieved by Chivas Brothers Limited.

Our September auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 15th September until Sunday 24th September 2023 3pm.

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!

Springbank – 1952 (75cl)

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Mount Fuji Limited Edition) 2014 Release

Brora – 22 Year Old (1972) Rare Malts

Balvenie – 40 Year Old

Port Ellen – 40 Year Old (1979) 9 Rogue Casks

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.com.

Blends are some of the most underrated whiskies out there, getting a bad rep from some lower-quality products available on the market. But blending can be used to create unique and complex whisky profiles that can truly stand out from the single malt crowd. The art of blending is often overlooked and undervalued, yet it is a skill that requires a great deal of expertise and experience to perfect. The most successful blends are those where the individual components are perfectly balanced, creating a whisky that is greater than the sum of its parts.

DISCOVER SOME AMAZING BLENDS TODAY!

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BLENDS10

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Offer ends Sunday 17/09/2023 at 11.59pm

Aberdeen Whisky Shop
474 Union Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, AB10 1TS

MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCES NEW UK BRAND DIPLOMAT, CHARLOTTE PEDERSON

30^th August 2023, London: Edrington UK announces the appointment of its latest UK Brand Diplomat for Maker’s Mark bourbon, Charlotte Pederson.

Pederson’s new role will centre around brand engagement and education within the UK on- and off-trade, providing bespoke educative programmes into the brand and bourbon category, as well as supporting the brand development strategy. Pivotal to the role, will be driving and communicating the brand’s higher purpose credentials, having earned its B Corporation Certification last year – making Maker’s Mark the largest bourbon distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve this distinction.

Pederson will transition from her position as Whisky Specialist at Edrington UK, where she played a key role as an education provider for the business’s portfolio of luxury and premium whiskies, which includes Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Bowmore and Laphroaig.

Andrea Montague, Head of Advocacy at Edrington UK, states:

“We are excited to see Charlotte transition into her new role as Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat. Her experience and skillset gleaned through leading in-house training sessions and drink development strategies as Whisky Specialist means she is perfectly placed to shine in the role and continue educating others on this growing category.”

Prior to joining Edrington UK, Pederson enjoyed a successful and highly respected career as Head Bartender and Bar Manager across venues in London, Paris, and Barcelona. Commenting on her new role, Charlotte Pederson says:

“Maker’s Mark is not only an iconic American Whisky, but a brand that is committed to being a force for good, with years of industry-leading efforts to benefit the lives of their team, customers, communities and shared natural environment.  I could not be more excited to be the new Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat in the UK to communicate these credentials as well as the rich brand story that sets Maker’s Mark apart. Having recently visited the home of Maker’s Mark at Star Hill Farm and seen where the magic happens, I am even more looking forward to sharing the exciting things in store for the brand this year.”

 About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Gold medal at the esteemed International Spirits Challenge in 2022. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Selection, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. Today, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal. As a distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2023 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

https://www.makersmark.com/

Our auction is almost at a close, finishing on Sunday the 17^th September from 8pm BST.

Don’t miss out on your last chance to bid on some interesting bottles, including these charming examples from the glorious times of the 1980’s.

This earlier version of the Highland Park 30 Years Old with the screen printed label design were revamped in 2006 with different packaging and a new shaped bottle. Versions of these early Highland park 30 year olds are now becoming harder to find.

Lucky bottle #7 of this stunning hand-filled expression from the much loved Glendronach distillery. Distilled in 1994, matured in a single Oloroso Sherry Cask and then bottled at Cask strength 2021.

We have wonderful Wolfburn whiskies this month, including the inaugural release and these limited edition bottlings, celebrating and commemorating.

Whatever your preference, we’ve got something we think will interest everyone and remember folks, if you want to place a cheeky late bid, you’ve got to be in it to win it! There’s still time to register at clickwhiskyauctions.com. Auction ends from 8PM BST on Sunday 17^th September.

MACALLAN DISTILLERY

25 Year Old 1997 Signatory Symington’s Choice

Cask #12/3

£2,074.99

Macallan 25 Year Old 1997 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single 1st fill Oloroso Sherry Butt #12/3 bottled July 2023 by Signatory Vintage for the (Andrew) Symington’s Choice collection. 649 numbered bottles.

The Macallan Distillery was established by Alexander Reid in 1824 as Elchies Distillery near Easter Elchies House. Easter Elchies House dates back to 1700 and the estate itself to at least the 17th century. Macallan Distillery is a malt whisky distillery situated in Speyside whisky region. The old still house was re-commissioned in 2008 and now Macallan Distillery operates with two still houses sheltering twenty-one copper stills. A brand new distillery is under construction and designed to house thirty one stills thereby retaining Macallan amongst the top producers by volume. On-site maturation is carried out in traditional dunnage warehouses and by racking in large new warehouses on the estate. Popular official releases include Macallan 18 Year Old and Macallan 30 Year Old.

Located in Forres in Morayshire, the Benromach distillery produces a traditional style of Speyside whisky, inspired by whiskies of the past. Benromach single malt has a fruity character, enhanced by the use of Sherry casks, and a delicate touch of peat smoke.

The Contrasts Collection is a series of limited edition releases that showcase Benromach’s diverse and innovative approach to whisky making. These small batch single malts offer a unique spin on Benromach’s signature fruity, smoky style.

KILN DRIED OAK

70cl | 46% ABV

This limited edition single malt was matured in kiln dried virgin oak barrels. This results in sweet malted biscuit aromas with lemon and apple. Creamy and fruity flavours, barley sugar, tropical fruit and wafts of bonfire smoke.

£59.95

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AIR DRIED OAK

70cl | 46% ABV

Matured in air dried Virgin Oak barrels, resulting in sweet vanilla fudge aromas with toasted cereal and citrus blossom. Smooth yet peppery notes follow, with vanilla, fresh peppermint, oak and subtle smoke on the finish.

£59.95

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Two new Loch Fyne single cask releases!

We have two new additions to our Loch Fyne range of single casks and these are two delicious treats from Islay! One is a Bruichladdich that looks like one of the richest, deepest sherried drams we have seen a while…The other is a Caol Ila smoke bomb bottled at just shy of 60% abv – get these whilst we have them!

The Loch Fyne Bruichladdich 12 Year Old Single Cask #2114

Suntory “100th Anniversary – Hakushu” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky

(2 bottle limit) (750ml)

$300.00 View

While the Hakushu distillery came a bit later than Yamazaki, The House of Suntory is celebrating its centennial with these limited edition special releases from their two single malt distilleries. Yamazaki and Hakushu both have 100th Anniversary offerings featuring an understated label and supremely delicious 12 year old whiskies from their respective distilleries. The unique Japanese style utilizes a wide array of barrel types, peat levels, and still shapes and sizes to produce many different malts at each distillery. The blend of all of these makes for single malt of unmatched complexity and elegance and the limited supply makes for fantatic following and collectability with consumers that is envied by nearly every other producer in the world.

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

International Beverage acquires New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery

Global drinks business International Beverage has today (13^th September) announced its acquisition of Cardrona Distillery, one of New Zealand’s pioneering premium spirits producers.

The acquisition includes the Cardrona Distillery and visitor centre near Wanaka in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains; plus Cardrona’s portfolio of super-premium brands including Cardrona single malt whisky, The Reid Vodka, The Source Gin and the Rose Rabbit liqueurs.

Following the company’s recent acquisition of the Larsen Cognac business, this deal will give International Beverage a foothold in the dynamic New World spirits category, to complement its established and highly successful Scotch whisky and spirits brands which include Old Pulteney, Speyburn and Caorunn Gin. Desiree Reid, who founded Cardrona Distillery in 2015, will remain as Managing Director.

Cardrona is celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most innovative craft spirits producers. Its spirits are produced from grain to glass at the site and have earned multiple accolades since launch, including category wins over 4 consecutive years at the World Whiskies Awards.

International Beverage will focus on investment in the purpose-built distillery site and maximising the potential of Cardrona’s brands in the core New Zealand, UK and USA markets. They will also deploy International Beverage’s global network to build select new routes to market.

Cardrona Distillery founder and Managing Director Desiree Reid said: ‘This is an exciting day for all of us at Cardrona Distillery. Building Cardrona has been a remarkable journey, made possible through the work and support of many, many people. I’m thrilled that International Beverage shares our belief in Cardrona’s quality and potential as we embark upon the next chapter of our story together. I look forward to working with their team to bring our spirits to more people in markets around the world in the future.’

Malcolm Leask, Managing Director (UK) of International Beverage added: ‘A warm welcome to Desiree and everyone at Cardrona Distillery to International Beverage. We are delighted to have their skilled team and exceptional craft spirits join our business. The team has done an excellent job in building Cardrona’s super-premium brands to date with so much integrity, quality and potential for the future. We are very much looking forward to working with them to build on their success within our international network, as we strengthen our premium spirits portfolio for the global market’. 

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, Chang Beer and Saigon Beer.  www.interbevgroup.com

About Cardrona

Founded in 2015, Cardrona Distillery is situated in the beautiful Cardrona Valley, in the Crown Range Mountains of New Zealand.  All Cardrona spirits are hand-crafted from grain to glass on site, and start with just three ingredients: pure Cardrona alpine water, malted barley and distillers’ yeast. The portfolio includes Cardrona Single Malt Whisky, The Source Gin, The Reid Single Malt Vodka and the Rose Rabbit Liqueurs. Founder Desiree Reid spent years researching distillation prior to establishing the purpose-built distillery. Cardrona’s The Reid featured in the World’s 50 Best Vodkas and Cardrona Whisky has been a category winner at the World Whiskies Awards for 4 consecutive years from 2020-2023.