Suntory Global Spirits Gives Back to Society by Planting 7,000 Trees in Kentucky

Our Suntory Global Spirits team recently put our company values of Growing for Good and Giving Back to Society into practice at a tree planting event in Hazard, Kentucky on April 10. This marks the fourth year of the planting initiative in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Green Forests Work.

80 volunteers, including members of Suntory’s executive and senior leadership teams, planted 7,000 trees in the Central Appalachian Mountains, which have been stripped of trees due to being a former coal mining site.

“Our premium spirits are made with agricultural ingredients, such as grains and agave, and we rely on healthy forests and White Oak trees for the barrels that age our spirits,” said Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer and Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Suntory Global Spirits. “Given the significant role White Oak plays in our bourbon barrels, we’re committed to their regeneration. Kentucky is the heartland of our business, so we are very proud to continue supporting this annual event, along with our partners, as we work to accelerate our positive impact in our local communities.”

Kentucky is home to several of Suntory Global Spirits’ iconic brands, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and revitalizing healthy forests and land will support many more decades of whiskey making and the communities around the distilleries.

Our employees’ dedication and passion have made a profound impact in the region, contributing to planting 315,000 trees on The Nature Conservatory’s Cumberland Forest property, a key portion of the Central Appalachians and one of the most biologically rich temperate forest ecosystems in the world. The forest protects the headwaters of several rivers, ensuring clean drinking water and supporting aquatic ecosystems downstream.  Tree planting supports a healthy ecosystem with carbon sequestration, improved air quality and restored wildlife habitats in the expansive area. Conservation efforts in the Cumberland Forest are helping restore lands impacted by logging and mining and protect against future degradation and ensure long-term ecological health. To date, Suntory Global Spirits has planted over 700,000 trees.

We continue to accelerate our progress to plant more trees than harvested to make our new barrels by 2030. Learn more about our sustainability efforts here.

Clonakilty Distillery announces the availability of their Irish whiskey in the UK

Brand will be distributed exclusively by Marussia Beverages UK from May 1st, 2025 

Clonakilty Distillery’s award-winning Irish whiskey will be sold in the UK from Thursday May 1 as the brand have announced a partnership with leading drinks distributor Marussia Beverages.

It represents the latest market expansion for the distillery, which has experienced significant growth and expansion in recent years after solidifying its position in both domestic and key international markets.

The company is now distributing in over a dozen countries – including United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan, France, South Korea, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

One of Ireland’s leading distillers of Irish whiskey products such as Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, their range of blended Irish Whiskeys will now be available to UK customers.

The distillery and warehouses are located by the Atlantic coast in south-west Ireland, and the brand has received many prestigious awards in recent years, including the World’s Best Irish New Make and World’s Best Small Batch Blended Irish Whiskey.

The partnership with Marussia Beverages UK will see Clonakilty Distillery join a portfolio of successful brands, including Akashi-Tai Sake and Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, strengthening its position with UK retailers. Marussia’s experienced sales team, working alongside Clonakilty’s local team, will create significant scaling opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

Clonakilty Distillery founder Michael Scully stated, “Given that Clonakilty and Marussia Beverages are already working successfully in other markets including France and the US, this is an exciting opportunity to introduce our brands to a wider audience in the UK and lay the foundations in making Clonakilty Irish whiskies the premium choice for discerning UK consumers.”

Managing Director of Marussia Beverages UK, Trevenon Weeks stated, “As a family-owned distillery that produces exceptional spirits, Clonakilty was a natural fit for our portfolio of artisanal producers. The Irish whiskey market is expanding and I am delighted to be partnered with a distillery as prestigious as Clonakilty. Their credentials, coupled with our reputation for distributing leading artisanal spirits, puts us in a prime position to establish Clonakilty in the UK as a premium Irish whiskey.”  

For more information about Clonakilty Distillery and their brands, visit www.clonakiltydistillery.ie.

About Marussia Beverages UK (MBEVUK)

MBEVUK is the UK arm of Marussia Beverages, a Swiss owned family business. It is the UK’s leading artisanal spirits business with an exceptional portfolio of authentic spirit brands, including sake, whisky, gin, liqueurs, cognac, rum, armagnac, brandy, tequila, sherry, calvados and vodka. The Artisanal Japanese Collection comprises Akashi-Tai Sake, Hatozaki Whisky and 135° East Gin. Owned and run by the Swedish Paulsen family.

For more information about Marussia Beverages UK and their brands, visit https://marussiabeverages.co.uk/

* Awards cited:

• World Whiskies Awards 2023 & 2024 – “Irish New Make & Young Spirit Winner”
• World Whiskies Awards 2020 – “Category Winner” for Clonakilty Double Oak Irish Whiskey

Completion of hiking the Speyside Way with whisky friends, Aviemore 2006

Remembering Greg Mertton 1946-2025

Member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada, the Companions of the Quaich, the Victoria Single Malt Club and volunteer at the Victoria Whisky Festival & the Victoria Highland Games Whisky School. Hiking & travelling companion, Jack Russell wrangler, vintage car enthusiast, master of Scottish roads, good friend and company to many, who will be widely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

10 Year Old ESTATE WHISKY

Very few whiskies in the world can claim to be grown, distilled and bottled in the same location. We are proud to present this unique Ten Year Old Estate Whisky. It truly encapsulates the flavours of our beautiful location.

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Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition

Bottled to commemorate the world-famous Fèis Ìle, the new Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition marks a proud return to the rugged island where it all began – Islay.

Crafted from a Vintage 2010, this year’s release captures over a decade of pure Islay distinction. Matured in Refill Hogsheads to let Big Peat’s bold, maritime character shine. Expect layers of sweet smoke, salty sea breeze, and that signature smoky BBQ finish that peat lovers crave.

Unmistakably Islay. Unapologetically Big Peat.

Whether you’re raising a dram at the festival or from afar, this bottling is your invitation to join the celebration.

Shop the Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition – while it lasts.

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Ardnahoe Bholsa

Ardnahoe Bholsa is an exceptional whisky is predominantly matured in Oloroso sherry casks and is bottled with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, ensuring a pure and authentic experience. With an ABV of 50% and presented in a 70cl bottle, this whisky delivers a full-bodied, memorable flavour profile.

£62.00

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On the nose, it offers a rich blend of smoky peat, raisins, and the sweet influence of Oloroso sherry, complemented by vibrant notes of orange zest and walnuts. The palate is indulgent, with luscious ripe plums and dates, balanced by the distinctive warmth of Islay peat. The finish is long and peppery, leaving a lingering sherried character.

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the Spring 2005 releases from Dram Mor. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 595 – More Drams From Dram Mor..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Dram Mor Dailuiane 2012 (13 year old) 55.1%
Dram Mor Glenburgie 2009 (16 year old) 56.7%
Dram Mor Glen Garioch 2012 (12 year old) 53.6%
Dram Mor Mannochmore 2012 (13 year old) 53.7%
Dram Mor Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2013 (11 year old) 54.7%
Dram Mor Trinidad 16/V78 2007 (17 year old) 57.5%

drammorgroup.com

‘Renascence – The Revival Release’ heralds the return of London’s pioneering single malt whisky producer 

The London Distillery Company (TLDC) commences a bold new chapter with the upcoming release of ‘Renascence – The Revival Release’ – the first new whisky from the trailblazing London craft distillery since its rebirth earlier this year.

Renascence (meaning the revival of something that has been dormant) has been created from the remaining TLDC casks which were produced by the distillery when it operated between 2011 and 2020. Crafted using Plumage Archer, a heritage variety of barley utilised in whisky production in the early 20th century, this new London single malt remains entirely faithful to the original spirit style produced by the company before its untimely closure.

It has been matured in a combination of refill barrels and 1st fill sherry casks, offering a distinctive, but balanced character that celebrates the distillery’s pioneering legacy, whilst showcasing its bold new future.

The revival release of 410 bottles at 58% ABV will be available exclusively from Berry Bros. & Rudd from the 6th June with an RRP of £89.00.

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011, creating the first new whisky distillery in the capital since Lea Valley Distillery closed in 1903. Founded and inspired by the city’s lost distilling heritage, this iteration of the Company operated from a small, but ambitious site in Battersea. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach – combining traditional production methods with a fresh, contemporary vision.

The company entering administration in 2020 and was acquired by Gleann Mòr Spirits in 2023, who brought in Matt McKay as Managing Director & Whisky Maker to lead the revitalisation of the London Distillery Company in January 2025.

Speaking of the release of Renascence, Matt said: “The London Distillery Company was ahead of its time – championing heritage, small-batch production long before the wider market was ready to embrace those values. Today, that vision aligns perfectly with the evolving tastes of modern drinkers. Renascence represents not just a new bottling from the company, but a rekindling of the distillery’s original, creative vision. It’s a privilege to carry that legacy forward and to shape the next chapter of TLDC – while we currently operate as a distillery without walls, our ambition is clear: to return to our roots in distilling and reestablish ourselves as a creative force in English whisky.”

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd added “Since hearing that there were still delicious casks of single malt London whisky from The London Distillery Company sleeping peacefully under the stewardship of Matt McKay and the team at Gleann Mòr Spirits I was keen to work together to share them with our family, friends and customers. As Spirits Buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd, it’s a true honour to work as the trusted bridge between those who make the best drinks and those who drink them. What could be more fitting than London’s oldest spirit and wine merchant exploring London’s oldest stocks of whisky?”

Renascence – The Revival Release

Refill barrels and 1st fill sherry casks

410 bottles

58% vol

£89.00

Releasing on the 6th June, exclusive to Berry Bros & Rudd.

Nose: Hedgerow berries and orange oils join a deep maltiness from fruitcake and spiced molasses, whilst fine pastries offer additional delectable sweetness.

Palate: Stewed red and black berries give way to earthiness and toasted oak, whilst dark chocolate and cashew nuts play alongside tingly cask char and expressive roasted barley. The development reveals delightful floral notes of rosehips and Turkish delight.

Finish: A lingering finish of warming cinnamon and peppery cask char.

About The London Distillery Company

The London Distillery Company was established in 2011 as London’s first new whisky distillery for over a century. Trailblazing the revival of the capital’s distilling heritage, the company crafts exceptional spirits that reflect both tradition and modernity.

Committed to using only the finest ingredients and time-honoured methods, every bottle produced by The London Distillery Company expresses a dedication to craftmanship, blending expertise and a relentless pursuit of character and flavour.

www.londondistillery.co.uk/

About Berry Bros. & Rudd

Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant. Family-owned and run, the company still trades from No.3 St James’s Street, though with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo too.

With a Royal Warrant from King Charles III, and longstanding relationships with producers, Berry Bros. & Rudd helps collectors of fine wines and spirits build, manage and enjoy their cellars.

www.bbr.com

Friends of Laphroaig

Make this Father’s Day unphorgettable by gifting a bottle of Laphroaig Scotch Whisky and spend quality time over a dram with Dad. Laphroaig owners can become a Friend of Laphroaig to enjoy early access to brand news, launches and updates, as well as exclusive access to live masterclasses, events, sweepstakes and content. Not to mention, Friends can own their own piece of Islay by claiming a plot of land after visiting the distillery or purchase. As one of the world’s largest whisky clubs represented in 180 countries, Friends of Laphroaig stand united over a pour of one of the great, iconic peated whiskies. Sign up to become a Friend of Laphroaig and pre-order a bottle of Càirdeas 2025, Lore Cask Strength by signing up here.

 Distinctive Whisky for the Distinctive Dad:

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites

This single malt is aged in ex-bourbon barrels to combine the distinctive peaty flavor of Laphroaig with notes of freshly ground ginger, charred citrus fruits, and a whisper of bonfire notes embers through on the finish. The celebratory malt is bottled at a fixed strength for a memorable experience to share with friends. ABV 52.4% | SRP $110 |

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Launched in 2023, the Element Series is the culmination of blending traditional whisky-making with new, progressive distillation techniques. Named Whisky Advocate’s #1 Whisky of the Year in 2024, the second addition to their Elements Series, Elements 2.0, disrupts the typical 55-hour fermentation process, increasing it to 115 hours. The resulting product, a bold whisky with emphasized notes of fruit, while maintaining Laphroaig’s iconic peaty character.  59.6% ABV | SRP: $165.00 |

Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits

Badger 21 Year Old Kildalton Fruitful Spirits 47.2% 70cl

A thrilling 21-year-old Islay whisky here, released by independent bottler Fruitful Spirits. While the distillery name isn’t fully disclosed, the use of the word ‘Kildalton’ and the capped-up ‘A’ give plenty of hints as to its provenance. Distilled back in 2003, it’s spent its entire life in a second-fill bourbon cask. Just 58 bottles will ever be released – we have it on good authority that the cask developed an unfortunate leak, hence the incredibly low outturn. Islay whisky lovers, this is one to snap up.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Hessian bag, sea salt and leather

Palate: BBQ glazed short ribs, coal and red apple

Finish: Long and rich, full of honey and smoke

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