Society Newsletter December 2010

Christmas Greetings from all at Springbank

Well it’s almost that time again already. Time to think about getting the Christmas tree decorated and the presents wrapped. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Society Members for their support over the last year, and for their patience during these last few months when we have had the problems with the Customs & Excise. More about that later!!!  Unfortunately we have only had one Society Bottle this year, but we are planning a bottling early in the New Year, hopefully one that will make you all say ooowww!!!! We have asked Frank and Gavin to come up with something special. Frank went away into one of the warehouses the
other day to have a look and I haven’t seen him since.

Gavin is settling in very nicely as our new distillery manager, being mentored by Frank, of course. He was involved at the installation of the new condenser, which I’m sure you read about on the website and on facebook – photographs by Jenny. I did see a bonfire in the yard the other day and for once Gavin was not in attendance – he is usually the one making sure the yard is kept tidy – he is always disposing of old wooden pallets in a nice big bonfire – I think he is learning to delegate!!

Production planned for Springbank over the next couple of months has been postponed to allow essential maintenance on our boiler following a breakdown. Our production staff will now operate Glengyle Distillery during this period and revert to Springbank in the New Year.

RELEASES FOR 2011

In January we will have a Springbank 18y/o and a Hazelburn Sauterne, then in May the Kilkerran Work in Progress (3) which we hope will be available at the Open Day. July will see a Longrow 18y/o and in September a further Hazelburn 12y/o.

SPRINGBANK OPEN DAY

Next year the open day is being planned for Thursday 19th May. So far we are discussing ideas, there will be two casks bottled on the day, Masterclasses, a Cadenhead tasting, Free tours, Warehouse tastings, hopefully music from local musicians, Food from Argyll, as well as Maureen’s brewdog pies and fish from the local Smoke House. There will also be a Society table to try to encourage new members, and to sell whatever Society bottle we have available at the time. We will also have a variety of other local arts and crafts to keep you amused. We are also toying with the idea of having a wee break between 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm then having a wee BBQ and perhaps a bonfire – these are really only in the “talking about” stages at present but hopefully I can talk everyone into carrying on until later this year. How about a “spooks tour” of the warehouses? We might even see some of the angels rather than spooks!!!!

Anyway, plenty to think about and loads to make sure I am busy and keep me out of mischief.

WHISKY SCHOOL

We are having the whisky school next year for six weeks, starting in May, but already it is fully booked – we had quite a list of interested people from the last two years. Frank is thinking of having a further few weeks perhaps in the later part of the summer, I will keep you informed when he decides on suitable dates.

POSTAL SERVICES WITHIN THE EU

We have been sending out some bottles to various countries over the last few months. We have been advised that we have to ask our customers to pay the duty in their own country before we send out our goods. I have been sending invoices to customers, minus the UK duty, the customers have paid the duty in their own country, sent me the paperwork they receive then I have been able to dispatch the orders. It does involve a bit more work and does delay things for a few days, but it is working. Hopefully everyone who wishes to buy will not find this too tedious. I know it is inconvenient and I am really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to follow these new rules. Orders being delivered to the UK are not affected, nor are those outwith the EU.

HIP FLASKS

I have been looking for hip flasks and have been trying to keep costs down. There were only a dozen Society Members who replied to say they would be interested in buying a Society Hip Flask, and there is a set up cost for having the logo put onto them, which would push the cost up for members. I thought perhaps if we could get a nice leather covered hip flask and have the Springbank logo put on, this would keep costs down. They would not be quite as exclusive but unless I can get further orders, it would not really be a viable purchase. Society members would of course get 10% discount on Springbank hip flasks. Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.

SALES TEAM

The sales team have been very busy over the past few months with Peter, Ranald & Jenny at shows and tastings in almost every country in the world, and Iain doing his bit up and down the UK. Iain will be out and about during December and will be delighted if loads of Society Members turn up at the following venues:

Friday 3 December to 5 December at the Good Food Festival, Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh. Tickets are £10 and valid for 3 days, times are Friday 12 noon to 6.00pm, Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday 11 December Jenners Store, Lomond Shores from 12 noon to 6.00pm

Friday 17 December Brooks Bros, 57 George Street, Edinburgh from 1.00pm to 6.00pm

Saturday 18 December Jenners, Edinburgh from 12 noon to 6.00pm

Thursday January 20 & 21st he will be at the Borough Market, Lodnon taking part in a Haggis Event. The times for this one have still to be arranged. We are hoping next year will be at least as busy as this one has been and we will do our best to keep our members happy and talking about Springbank to anyone who will listen.

That’s about it for this year, it just remains for us to wish all our Society

Members a very merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Slainte

Janet
for Springbank Society

Contact Janet via society@springbankwhisky.com  for your chance to join the Springbank Society