NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

WHISKY SPONGE ED.98 GLEN GRANT 20 YEARS OLD

Our final run of Sponges would not be complete without a final entry for Angus’s much adored Glen Grant distillery. This is a 2003 1st fill barrel which we’ve bottled at 20 years of age and with a couple of degrees reduction to our favourite bottling strength of 57.1%/100 proof. We’ve also really pulled out all the stops in our continuing mission to shamelessly rip off the old traditional Glen Grant ‘Heath Covered Mountains’ label design. Thankfully it’s out of copywrite! We love this cask, the slightly fat and full-bodied style of the whisky it represents, and we are really happy to be able to include it in the final run of the Sponge series.

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A STORY TOLD THROUGH THE SEASONS

THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT

As part of our 200th year celebrations, we have created The Heart of The Spirit. This immersive digital experience moves through the seasons to pay tribute to our pioneers, their contribution and dreams,​ and to all the people and stories that have made The Macallan what it is today. They are our most beloved spirit. Enter the world of poetry and artistry​, where 200 years of history comes to life.​

ENTER THE EXPERIENCE

Compass Box Art & Decadence – The Unbottling

Compass Box has long been a favourite here at The Strath, and this recent limited edition will join the pantheon of greats we’ve enjoyed together at Whisky Folk. Try it now for just $3 in-store anytime, and enjoy 10% off bottles while stocks last. 

BUY Compass Box Art & Decadence

Penelope Bourbon announces annual release of Toasted Rye

Award-winning small-batch straight rye whiskey returns

ROSSELLE, N.J. (July, 2024) – Penelope’s second release in its annual Straight Rye Whiskey Toasted Series is now available. The first-ever release of Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey achieved high acclaim at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition by scoring 99 points and winning Double Gold.

This year’s expression is the result of finishing a very special, hand-selected 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill in new freshly toasted barrels. Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey (Batch 24-304) is on shelf now with a limited allocation of 9,000 (6-in) cases at a minimum suggested retail price of $74.99 per 750mL bottle.

“After what we achieved with last year’s release, we are really excited for our second installment,” said Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon. “Our first Toasted Rye scored 99 points at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and we’re confident this release will be equally well received.”

Penelope Toasted Rye features a layered aroma on the nose with bold, sweet butterscotch and a body of vanilla and toasted marshmallow balanced with notes of light tobacco and fruit. Toasted Rye’s long finish has a sweet dessert character with orange peel and subtle spice. 

“After aging the rye whiskey for six years prior to finishing, this year’s release resulted in a profile that we believe will really stand out,” said Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon. “The char 2 profile of the finishing barrels used brought out rich butterscotch notes to the blend of selected barrels, adding additional layers and depth to a great rye whiskey.”

A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has been one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey

brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope boasts a series of straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended and finished. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail.

Penelope’s core expressions, Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect and Toasted Bourbon, have received over 40 combined awards and industry accolades. In 2024, the brand won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength (96 points) and Toasted Rye (99 points); Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards for Barrel Strength; and Double Gold for Rio and an Innovation Award for Toasted at the SIP Awards.

In addition to its cornerstone expressions, Penelope continues to introduce new and innovative limited releases within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Founders Reserve lines.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in 47 states and three countries. Proving that with enough love, care and hard work, anything is possible.

For more information about Penelope, please visit penelopebourbon.com and follow on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram / Facebook).

This single malt from Teaninich Distillery has been aged for 15 years, spending some time ‘finishing’ in an ex-Muscat de Rivesaltes barrel. The finish has delivered a perfectly balanced sweet-yellow fruit character to the fresh, slightly herbal distillate of the malt, creating a Teaninich at peak performance.

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Some people stick to gentler whisky flavours – sweet and floral, honeyed or citric. And then, there are those who celebrate the grubbier, punchier end of the spectrum, with a blast of peat, a whiff of smoke or the evocative waft of engine oil by the harbour. You know who you are…

If you’re of the maritime, peat-reeking persuasion, we have some banging Peated and Oily & Coastal picks for you available online right now and in our Members’ Rooms from 26 July. Embrace the smoke and oil!

VIEW ALL THE BOTTLES

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

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “The Angels’ Share is part of maturation. Through evaporation, we lose a certain proportion of the liquid in the cask. Water and alcohol are lost. In Scotland, we lose between 1-2% of the volume every year through the Angels’ Share.”

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 532: Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries an old American. Michter’s is one of America’s oldest brands, dating back to 1753 when the original distillery was founded in Pennsylvania, making it one of the oldest. It would take until 1950 before Louis Forman, a liquor broker and salesman, came up with the brand name, but the distillery went bankrupt in 1989. Fast forward to today and there are now two production facilities in Louisvilly Kentucky where the Michter’s bourbon and rye whiskies are being produced. Let’s dive into this Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye.

https://youtu.be/-QfQTsoPJSk

James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Bernheim Forest & Arboretum Renew Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance

Renewed partnership underscores joint commitment to protecting vital natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for bourbon production in Kentucky

Clermont, Kentucky, June 5, 2024 – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, and Bernheim Forest, a 16,142-acre privately held natural resource just south of Louisville, Kentucky, have announced a renewed commitment to their shared dedication to water conservation through the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance.

Through this extended partnership, Suntory Global Spirits will commit up to $100,000 each year over the next five years, to help preserve Bernheim’s extensive 90 miles of waterways and the staggering 21+ billion gallons of rainwater that falls on the forest annually.

“We recognize the significance of water, not only as a fundamental component of bourbon production, but as the lifeblood of the entire ecosystem,” said Nathan Crosley, General Manager, James B. Beam Distilling Co. Operations at Suntory Global Spirits and Board Member of Bernheim Forest & Arboretum. “Kentucky is a huge part of our business and the homeplace for Jim Beam, the world’s number one bourbon, and we’re so thrilled to continue working with our friends at Bernheim Forest on building nature-based solutions for the next generation of bourbon.”

The alliance, first formed in 2018, successfully developed a natural water sanctuary on Bernheim grounds, immediately adjacent to Suntory Global Spirits’ James B. Beam Distilling Co. distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. In addition to continuing ongoing watershed protection efforts, the Alliance extension will work to preserve and promote biodiversity across the wider Kentucky Bourbon Trail environment through the protection and stewardship of native forests, enhancement of native plant populations and strategic improvement of wildlife habitats. Biological surveys, invasive species management and the establishment of various habitats are among the specific tactics for the next five years.

The alliance will also enhance environmental and water cycle education for visitors, employees, and members of the Kentucky community. Hands-on activities, such as discovery stations with trained naturalists, guided walks highlighting watershed and biodiversity protection, and tailored programs delivered to school groups, will help engage the community in critical conservation efforts.

“This Alliance presents an opportunity to integrate discussions about protecting natural waters into broader conversations, engaging communities locally and regionally,” said Dr. Mark Wourms, President & CEO of Bernheim Forest, who highlights the increased recognition of the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance, maximized by Bernheim’s scientific expertise and the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s brand recognition.

Andrew Berry, Bernheim’s Director of Conservation, underscored the critical role of water within our local ecosystem, saying, “Water is an essential component of healthy ecosystems. Our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits furthers Bernheim’s commitment to supporting clean water for wildlife, recreation and downstream communities.”

About Bernheim Forest and Arboretum 

Bernheim’s mission is to connect people with nature. Spanning 16,140 acres, it stands as the largest privately held contiguous forest block in the eastern United States committed to conservation and education. Established in 1929 by bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim as a gift to the people of Kentucky, Bernheim offers fun and educational programs, diverse tree collections, a renowned art collection, 40 miles of hiking trails, and varied landscapes, accessible every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. A suggested donation of $15 per car is recommended for non-members. For more information about Bernheim, please visit https://bernheim.org/.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.co

Heaven Hill Brands Announces Appointment of Elayne Duff as Global Director of Advocacy

Heaven Hill Brands today announced the appointment of Elayne Duff as the new Global Director of Advocacy. In this pivotal role, Duff will lead Heaven Hill’s strategic efforts to influence the trade on behalf of its brands through education, relationship building and strategic trade and consumer activations in key markets around the world.

Duff, previously the Director of Advocacy for Samson and Surrey, brings over 20 years of experience in the spirits industry to, now, the full Heaven Hill portfolio of beloved brands. Renowned for her expertise, Duff was the first head mixologist and luxury spirits ambassador at Diageo U.S.A. She has also showcased her talents on the popular TV show, Bar Rescue, and achieved notable milestones such as graduating from the rigorous W.S.E.T. Level 3 & B.A.R 5 Day program.

Duff’s impressive career includes serving as the Global Manager of experiential events and education at Ab-InBev’s Craft Beer Division, Z.X. Ventures. As an entrepreneur, she founded the highly successful “Beverage B.A. Academy,” an in-demand online training program for Brand Ambassadors. She also hosts the podcast “Celebrating the Brand Ambassador.”

“Elayne is a force within the hospitality industry and we are thrilled to expand her oversight across the full Heaven Hill portfolio,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Her extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the spirits industry make her the perfect fit for leading our advocacy efforts. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our relationships within the industry and drive our brands to new heights.”

As the Global Director of Advocacy, Duff will work closely across the functions of brand teams, sales and operations to align efforts for advocacy. Duff will supervise the brand ambassador and commercial specialist teams based around the US and key international cities. Her role will focus on building strong relationships with key industry influencers and executing both trade and consumer-facing events on behalf of Heaven Hill’s beloved brands.

“Heaven Hill has a rich history and an exceptional portfolio of brands,” said Duff. “I am excited to bring the full depth of the portfolio under our advocacy strategy and look forward to working with the team to continue building strong programs that will elevate our brands and engage our partners around the world.”