We’re proud to present for the first time outside of China, three incredibly unique whiskies that took the Victoria Whisky Festival by storm this year. Find out what all the fuss is about, and don’t forget to swing by The Strath to try a dram!
SAZERAC COMPANY TO HOST CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER FEATURING THREE ULTRA RARE BOURBON OFFERINGS
Offerings include the first-ever single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old, a complete set of the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection and a bottle of Eagle Rare 25 with 100% of proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally charities
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 11, 2025) – Sazerac Company today announces it will host a first of its kind fundraiser in support of California wildfire relief efforts, offering consumers the chance to purchase three ultra-rare prize packages featuring some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons. One hundred percent of funds raised through Sazerac’s California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser will go toward two non-profit organizations committed to ongoing relief efforts in the state: World Central Kitchen (WCK), which is working with restaurant and food truck partners in Southern California to provide meals to those in need; and Another Round Another Rally, which is collecting funds for real-time financial support for hospitality workers impacted by the wildfires.
“Our hearts break for those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires that have swept across California this year,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “The fires have caused immense destruction, and the toll on the Los Angeles community is profound. Through this program we hope, humbly, to offer a small bit of aid to World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally as they continue their much-needed support of the California community during this difficult time.”
Offerings available through the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser include:
In early January, wildfires broke out in the Palisades and Eaton communities of Los Angeles and quickly spread to neighboring communities. It is estimated more than 50,000 acres have burned, with the wildfires destroying more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 28 people. From the beginning, both WCK and ARAR have been on the frontlines in Los Angeles helping the communities hardest hit.
Those looking to support the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser can participate in multiple ways:
The Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser begins on Tuesday, February 11 at 12pm noon EST. To enter and make a donation, and to view the full official rules, visit www.sazeracgivesback.com. All entries must be received by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, February 23. One winner for each prize package will be randomly drawn and notified via phone and email the week of March 3.
About Sazerac Company
With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers around the world.
Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.
Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.
To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.
About World Central Kitchen
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises. Applying our model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 450 million nourishing meals around the world.
When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need.
We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at wck.org.
About Another Round Another Rally
Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit financial and educational resource for the hospitality industry. They provide professional development resources and immersive educational scholarships to further the education of historically excluded voices in the community, and supply emergency assistance to those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen on unexpected hardship.
*To win the available online silent auction, you must be the highest bidder at the end of the registration period. **No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of 50 U.S. or D.C, excluding NY, age 21 or older. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 2/11/2025 and ends at 11:59pm ET 2/23/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize descriptions and ARV, visit www.SazeracGivesBack.com. Odds of winning one of the available sweepstakes are based upon number of eligible entries received to each sweepstakes. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY.
A new month means a new Outturn and this month we’re focusing on an innate part of the Society: the Tasting Panel. Since 1983, these expert noses have been assessing every sample before it can make it into a Society bottle. Their mission? To leave no nose upturned. What delights await this month? Take a look…
THE BRIGHTEST OF BARRELS
CASK: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 10 years
STROLLING, LOLLING AND SIPPING
CASK: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 12 years
OVERPOWERING ENCHANTMENT
CASK: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 19 years
HOISIN DUCK SKIN
CASK: 1st fill 30 US gallons barrel
AGE: 4 years
RICH, DARK AND SUMPTUOUSLY SWEET
CASK: 1st fill STR oloroso barrique
AGE: 14 years
A RIVER OF COMPLEXITY
CASK: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 4 years
THE FINESSE OF A FRAGRANT FURNACE
CASKS: 2nd fill bourbon & oloroso hogsheads
AGE: 18 years
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca
London, UK (3 February 2025) – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has launched its first standalone commercial business in the UK, led by Nick Temperley, Managing Director – UK, Ireland & Eastern Europe. The company is now directly responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of its portfolio of world-renowned spirits brands in the UK, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Hibiki and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, Laphroaig and . Scotch whisky, and Roku and Sipsmith gin. The launch follows the company’s previous announcement in March 2024 that it would establish its own commercial business in the UK.
Suntory Global Spirits has held significant distilling operations in the UK for many years, as the proud producer of Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and Ardray Scotch whiskies, as well as London’s beloved Sipsmith gin. The launch of this new distribution business will significantly increase the company’s employee base in the country, with a team anchored in its central London head office, and additional capabilities in Scotland and in key locations across the country. Temperley will be supported by an experienced UK management team, who together bring decades of experience from previous roles across a wide range of consumer products companies.
Nick Temperley comments: “We are incredibly proud to begin this new era for Suntory Global Spirits in the UK. We have put together a hugely energetic, experienced and talented team, and they will be out in the market every day, building true partnerships with all our customers. Guided by Suntory’s unique East-meets-West approach, we will strive to put quality at the heart of everything we do and build our brands with agility, creativity and care.
The UK is a dynamic, sophisticated and competitive market. We see significant growth opportunities within the categories where we are strongest, particularly in Japanese spirits, Scotch and American whiskey. We have some of the best loved spirits in the industry and we are looking forward to working in partnership with retailers and hospitality to bring great drinks and great times to the UK market.”
Yuri Grebenkin, President of International, Suntory Global Spirits, adds: “The launch of Suntory Global Spirits UK is major step forward for our global company, as we continue to expand our footprint and direct capabilities in select European markets. We are well positioned to expand our share in key categories, invest in our brands and build meaningful relationships with our European customers and consumers as we aim to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.”
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™ (minus one-nine-six) 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.com
Kilchoman 13 Years Old Calvados Cask Limited Release
This limited release has been matured for 13 years in a combination of bourbon barrels, octaves and calvados casks. The whisky exudes an abundance of juicy fresh fruits, intense sweetness and waves of Islay maritime peat smoke.
THIS IS A PRE-SALE. ALL ORDERS WILL BE SENT FROM THE 26TH OF FEBRUARY.
£89.95
Peat is an integral part of making whisky. Usually, it’s associated with Islay and Island whisky, but smoky drams are made in every region, in many different styles and at different peat levels.
Scallywag Glass Pack
Looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine?
Treat the Whisky lover in your life to something truly special with our Scallywag Malt Whisky Glass Gift Set. This beautifully crafted set includes an award-winning 70cl bottle of Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky, a stylish tumbler glass with frosted silk screening, and a premium wooden coaster with elegant gold etching. Thoughtful, refined, and perfectly indulgent—it’s a Valentine’s gift sure to fill both their heart and glass.
Use Code VALENTINE10 For 10% Off Select Speyside Products
We uncovered some whisky gems in our warehouse when we were doing our stock take at the end of 2024. These whisky wonders are from some of your favourite distilleries so rather than quietly sticking them online, we thought we’d let you know first. Make sure you’re fast though, all of these delightful whiskies are down to their last few bottles and never to be seen again.
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
Widow Jane 10YO Bourbon, 45.5% – Whisky Wednesday.
It wouldn’t be long until this made it to the channel! Widow Jane 10YO Bourbon is a blend of 5 casks from a few different distilleries from across America. Sourcing stocks from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, the batch never includes more than 5 barrels, but the percentage of what comes from where is never really published.
Based in Red Hook in Brooklyn, this is part whisky distillery and part chocolate factory. What more do you want! They do distil their own spirits and will have their own ten-year-old stocks for this product, possibly know, but I’m sure the intensity and design of the flavour won’t change.
This bourbon has so many qualities of Eagle Rare 17YO, but it is much easier to find for a more approachable price tag, too. It is heavy with blackberry, cherry, honey, red wine, orange oil, and Angostura bitters. It’s an absolute delight.
One of my favourite things about it is how the influence of oak is delivered through this whisky. It’s very forward and deliberate with the flavour of virgin oak casks, the start of the palate is spicy, oaky and a little drying, with all of these fruity, wine notes making themselves known as the flavour develops in your mouth. There aren’t a lot of other brands that also offer ten-year-old stocks in their bourbon and rye ranges, considering this has been sourced from three different states and then aged in Brooklyn heat before being blended there is a lot of options for flavour influence.
I really like this stuff. It can be a little expensive for everyone, but it’s something that you’ll never forget once you’ve tasted it.
Share a dram this Valentine’s Day with Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port single malt
Valentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate love, and whether that’s romance or friendship, Friday 14 February warrants an exceptional whisky to be shared with someone special.
Tomatin Distillery has recommended its 14 Year Old Tawny Port single malt as the ideal dram to raise a toast this Valentine’s Day – a befittingly aged whisky to celebrate this much-loved date in the calendar.
Tomatin Distillery has a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century. It has been a home for the whisky-making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897. Crafting whisky in this beautiful Highland location is a labour of love. The distillery’s brand platform, ‘To What Matters’, celebrates special shared moments, such as enjoying a dram together with loved ones.
Raise a glass of Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port this Valentine’s Day – an exceptional single malt crafted with exceptional care.
Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port single malt whisky (70cl, 46% ABV, £77.50)
A remarkable single malt Scotch whisky which reflects Tomatin Distillery’s style and craftsmanship, Tomatin 14 Year Old is a soft, smooth and sweet single malt.
This exquisite dram has benefitted from its time spent in tawny port casks, which previously held port for around 50 years and are testament to Tomatin’s first-class wood policy. Rich yet balanced aromas of red berries, sweet honey and rich toffee develop into aspects of light fruits and nuts on the palate, leading into an abiding finish of smooth fruit salad.
Tomatin 14 Year Old Tawny Port Tasting Notes
Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.
Notes
Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies. The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.
In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.
In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.
Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.
‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.
Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/
KILLOWEN BARÁNTÚIL
Cask #KD056 Threshing Oats
Charity Bottling for the Southern Area Hospice
88 BOTTLES AVAILABLE
This very special bottling will be exclusively auctioned in aid of the Southern Area Hospice in collaboration with Irish Whiskey Auctions.
Killowen Barántúil – Cask #KD056 – Threshing Oats
These oats were proudly sourced from the Rostrevor & District Vintage Club, harvested and bagged at their Annual Threshing Day in support of the SAHS. Grown and harvested on the slopes of Knock Shee, just a stone’s throw from the distillery, these oats were cultivated by an extraordinary group of people who make significant contributions to their community and the local hospice on an ongoing basis.
The wonderful thing about this bottling is that the oats were commissioned through the Vintage Club, with all proceeds going to the hospice. Now, five years later, the same oats – transformed into whiskey – are being used once again to raise more funds for this worthy cause.
The Southern Hospice, like many others, is in great need of funding and survives through the generous donations and hard work of good people like the Rostrevor & District Vintage Club, as well as you, who will be lucky enough to purchase one of these bottles.
Now on to the whiskey itself! This is proudly an oat led whiskey and does not attempt to enter the realm of Pot Still, instead it stands in a place of it’s own. After initially attempting a 100% Oaten Mash bill, which unfortunately resulted in poor yields, we decided to create a more balanced mash bill that maximises the use of oats, while also achieving a complex flavour profile. The packaging as always will have the specifics on the mash for both consumer empowerment and enjoyment. The cask chosen was an Ex-Kentucky Rye Firkin that had been recouped to 50 Litres and re-charred to a medium toast before filling.
This whiskey is just shy of 5 years old by two weeks, it is a viscous, complex yet balanced whiskey. Creaminess comes to the fore followed by a little warming rye spice and a tiny, subtle hint of peat to create a journey of flavour and mouthfeel that has you wanting to go back in for more.
Auction: 12th Feb – 14th Feb 2025
Live from 5pm Wednesday 12th
