An Introduction to Sherry

To celebrate International Sherry Week, we are hosting a series of mini masterclasses to really get to grips with one of the world’s great wine styles, and one that has a long association with whisky.

Scotch whisky drinkers have fallen back in love with the sherry cask and the whiskies it can shape. The flavours in those drams can be traced back to the original sherries. Join us for one of the 45 minute masterclasses taking place on 9 November at our Great Portland Street store to taste across the different styles of Hidalgo sherry.

The lineup for these masterclasses will feature Hidalgo’s La Gitana Manzanilla, Palo Cortado Wellington VOS, Oloroso Faraon VORS and Triana Pedro Ximenez.

Book now 

A. Overholt: A. Overholt uses the same mashbill Overholt™ founder, Abraham Overholt used in 1810 – 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley – creating a fully warm yet deep spice, similar to rye whiskey from the 1800’s. The brand pays homage to its namesake Abraham Overholt with this new Monongahela Mash – our first foray back to our roots with a Pennsylvania Style-inspired classic rye. 

SRP: $39.99 | 47.5% ABV |

ARDRAY™ Blended Scotch Whisky: Developed by Beam Suntory’s Chief Blender for Scotch, Calum Fraser, and Suntory’s team of blenders from Japan, ARDRAY Blended Scotch Whisky presents a fresh perspective to Scotch Whisky. ARDRAY is an excellent Blended Scotch elevated by the precision and balance of Japanese blenders.  

SRP: $85.00 | 48% ABV |

Baker’s Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 13-Year-Old: The re-release of the much beloved Baker’s 13-Year-Old from 2023. It’s a limited-edition bottling of special 13-year-old single barrel liquid, bottled at 107 proof. This extra-aged expression explores how time and location in the warehouse drive distinction from barrel to barrel. From still to rickhouse to bottle, a lot of things happen with the liquid like weather, length of aging, and rickhouse placement all shape the distinct notes and flavors of each barrel.

SRP: $149.99 | 53.5% ABV |

Booker’s Bourbon Batch #1 “The Springfield Batch” + Batch #2 “The Beam House Batch”: Booker’s Bourbon has released two of the four annual batches thus far, “The Springfield Batch” and “The Beam House Batch”. Batch #1 is named after the small town in central Kentucky where Booker Noe was born and raised. Batch #2 is named after the house Fred’s great-grandad, Jim Beam, lived, as did his father Booker Noe, and now he does as well. In this batch, Fed has tried to capture some of the joyful memories he’s made in the Beam House for you to enjoy at yours.

“The Springfield Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV |  AND “The Beam House Batch” SRP: $99.99 | 62% ABV |

Bowmore Master’s Selection Third Edition: The 5^th liquid collaboration between the two storied, ultra-luxury heritage brands. Double matured in purposefully selected European Oak, Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with the optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads, this 22-year-old single malt pays homage to the definitively constant character of Bowmore.

SRP: $400.00 | 51% ABV |

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish: A testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance. 

SRP: $95.00 | 42% ABV |

Hatozaki Small Batch 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish: A 100% hand-crafted malt whisky, a blend of premium single malts, each aged for a minimum of 12 years in American Oak casks before being married and then further finished in bespoke barrels that previously held superior Umeshu liqueur for an additional 6 months. Without coloring or chill filtration this perfectly balanced whisky is complemented with subtle accents of sweet infused Japanese plum. 

SRP: $130.00 | 46% ABV |

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites: Developed in ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt combines 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. 

SRP: $109.99 | 52.4% ABV |

Little Book Chapter 8: “Path Not Taken” is about reimagining the variety that rye grain has to offer and pushing the limits of what it can be. Freddie looked across America’s oldest whiskey frontier from a new vantage point and created a complex, redefined, and differentiated profile by blending ryes of different age, char, and mashbill. Chapter 8 is Freddie’s first concerted effort to blend an expression based on the influence and unique flavors of rye whiskey and the nuances of the rye grain primarily in the American Straight Rye styles selected, as well as its mashbill influence within high-rye bourbon.

SRP: $149.99 | 59.1% ABV |

Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits & Hatozaki Whisky

The Distillers One of One ® Auction Returns in 2025:

A Whisky Industry Collaboration of Creativity, Craft and Charity

One of the most exciting events in the global Scotch Whisky calendar, the Distillers One of One ®  Charity Auction, in partnership with Sotheby’s, will be returning to Hopetoun House in Scotland for its third instalment in one year’s time, on 10th October 2025.

This special event, which sees collectors of fine and rare whisky from around the world gather for the opportunity to own a truly unique piece of liquid history, has so far broken 37 auction records globally: 19 in 2023 and 18 in 2021.

Unlike other auctions in the rare spirits categories, 100% of the hammer price from the auction goes directly to charity, principally to the Youth Action Fund, with £4.3million raised so far to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

With over 35 confirmed donors so far, including some exciting new entrants (full list below), collectors from around the world are already anticipating the reveal of the 2025 lots. The lots themselves are created from across the breadth of the Scotch Whisky industry, with 43 donors having taken part to date. Each lot is a coveted, one-of-a-kind creation that has never been available previously, and is often created in partnership with an artist or master craftsman to ensure a truly spectacular final product, offering a unique opportunity for not only collectors of ultra rare whisky, but collectors of art and luxury goods as well.

“For Suntory Global Spirits, the Distillers One of One ® is not just a highlight of our calendar, it’s an opportunity to unite in a shared purpose,” says Cain Hayward-Hughes – Senior Global Creative Manager Prestige Malts at Suntory Global Spirits. “There is something truly special about coming together with our peers to craft these unique expressions. It is a singular opportunity to showcase the rarest and most valuable of whiskies, and to celebrate our industry — all while improving the lives of those who most need support and encouragement.”

Bidders from 21 countries globally have participated so far, with the vast majority of lots being won on the day by buyers who were present at Hopetoun House, to experience the groundbreaking auction in person.

With over 2,000 young people having been engaged through the programme so far, and over 1,380 whose life chances have been transformed, The Distillers One of One ®  demonstrates the power of what can be achieved when the industry and its associates collaborate.

“We’re thrilled that over thirty-five companies have already confirmed their participation in the 2025 Auction, reflecting both the success of our past Distillers One of One auctions and the dedication these brands have to supporting our charitable cause,” says Beanie Geraedts-Espey, MD of Distillers One of One. “We’ve had a glimpse of some of the lots in progress, and we’re incredibly excited – and deeply grateful – for the remarkable thought, craftsmanship, and time poured into these extraordinary creations.”

Key returning sponsors for the 2025 auction include Glencairn Crystal, Mclaren Packaging and Simpsons Malt.

About the Distillers One of One ® Auction

The Distillers One of One® Auction is a biennial series of ultra-rare whisky auctions. The Auctions have raised a total of £4.3 million for charitable purposes since 2021 and uniquely, 100% of the fundraising goes to grant making, with 90% of that amount going to the Youth Action Fund and 10% going to The Distillers’ Charity for its general charitable purposes.

With a total of eighty-one unique lots created across the past two auctions, the Distillers One of One® has earned its reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for collectors. Each lot is imbued with the spirit of craftsmanship and exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of Scotch whisky. No two bottles are the same, and no lot will ever be recreated – a powerful draw for the most discerning collectors.

The Distillers One of One is a trading name of The Distillers’ Ventures Limited, a company registered in England & Wales under company number 13264121 and registered office at 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3JT

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Current confirmed donors for Distillers One of One ® 2025:

Adelphi – Ardnamurchan

Arbikie Distillery

Artisanal – Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Atom Brands – That Boutique-y Whisky Co.

Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons

Ballindalloch Distillery

Beam Suntory

Berry Bros & Rudd

Bladnoch Distillery

Borders Distillery

Brown Forman

Campari – The Glen Grant

Coachbuilt

Diageo

Gleann Mòr

Greenwood – Ardross

House of Hazelwood

Hunter Laing – Ardnahoe

Ian MacLeod

InchDairnie

International Beverage – Old Pulteney

J & G Grant – Glenfarclas

La Martiniquaise – Glen Moray

Lindores Abbey

Livingstone

Loch Lomond Group

Morrison Distillers

Pernod Ricard

R&B Distillers – Isle of Raasay

Remy Cointreau – Bruichladdich

The Last Drop

Whyte & Mackay

William Grant & Sons

Young Spirits – Ferg & Harris

One of One® and Distillers One of One® are registered trademarks of The Distillers’ Charity

About The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers’ Charity (registered no. 1193683) is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Charity’s vision is to make a difference especially to young people, and those within the distilled spirits trade, helping them to reach their full potential, improve their life chances and make a positive contribution to their communities. Distillers’ Charity mission is manifested through three distinctive grant-making areas:

• Vocational Training & Education: to provide educational and development support to new and recent entrants to the UK spirits trade, encouraging high standards of distilling practice and service.
• Livery & City giving: to fulfil our wider civic duties as a Livery, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Master’s charity and other good causes aligned with our vision.
• Youth Action Fund: created by The Distillers’ Charity to use proceeds from The Distillers One of Oneä auctions to support young people in Scotland, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction (The Macallan 1926, sold for £2.2m), in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune) and a charity spirits auction (The Distillers One of One®).

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* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

200 Years Of Imagination

We’ve teamed up with Fettercairn Distillery to launch a new film celebrating the distillery’s 200th anniversary

Titled 200 Years Of Imagination, the film features renowned Scottish chef Julie Lin, regular Whisky Magazine contributors Kristiane Sherry and Abbie Moulton, Peter Gilchrist of Tenement Kitchen, and bar specialist Simon Smith. Of course, no Fettercairn feature would be complete without appearances from distillery manager Stewart Walker and master blender Gregg Glass.

The film explores Fettercairn’s legacy, evolution, and some of the stories and people behind the past two centuries of single malt Scotch whisky, delving into the spirit’s history, craftsmanship, and innovations.

Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the film now. We’d really appreciate it if you’d like the video and leave a comment with your thoughts!

This Halloween, we’re leaning into the treats. Which is good news if you’re looking for an excuse to cozy up with your favourite dram and start learning.

Whether you’re new to whisky or consider yourself a seasoned enthusiast, there’s something transformational about knowing more and more about the thing you love. For us, the winning formula of whisky education is how every lesson has the potential to open up a whole new world of enjoyment and appreciation.

So why not treat yourself to one of our online courses and take your knowledge to the next level? Use the code TREAT24 before midnight on Thursday 31 October 2024 to save 20% off any Certificate, Module or Diploma course.

👀 Browse Courses 

CELEBRATE WITH US

There’s plenty ahead as we lean into the darker nights with whisky season soireés celebrating Christmas, Hogmanay and more at our Members’ Rooms and across the UK with our on the road tastings. See you there.

FESTIVE BROCHURE

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

SAZERAC COMPANY AND BLOCKBAR TO HOST ONLINE AUCTION OF RARE AND COVETED SPIRITS WITH EVERY DOLLAR RAISED BENEFITING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANES MILTON AND HELENE

Auction will be “no reserve” and feature some of Sazerac’s most-prized spirits including Double Eagle Very Rare, The Last Drop, BTAC, and a variety of complete sets of fan favorite bourbons such as Weller, E.H. Taylor, 1792 and more

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) – Sazerac Company today announces it will hold an online auction of some of its most-prized and highly-coveted spirits to raise funds for the American Red Cross’s relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene. In partnership with BlockBar, a global marketplace offering access to some of the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels and casks, Sazerac will be auctioning a variety of individual bottles and collections from its top distilleries and brands, including Buffalo Trace Distillery, The Last Drop Distillers, Barton 1792 Distillery, and A. Smith Bowman Distillery. The auction can be viewed at BLOCK BAR SAZERAC HURRICANE RELIEF CHARITY AUCTION.

In late September, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm sweeping across the Southeast leaving behind catastrophic damage. The storm caused devastating floods in Western North Carolina and surrounding areas and led to the loss of more than 200 lives. Not long after, Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Tampa Bay area causing flooding and widespread power outages.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these devastating storms,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “Our goal is to help aid the Hurricanes Milton and Helene recovery efforts in cities and states most impacted by the storms. Every dollar raised will go directly to those in need.  We thank the American Red Cross for everything they do.”

“We are honoured to partner with Sazerac for this charity auction supporting the relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” says Dov Falic, Blockbar CEO & Co-Founder. “This represents a unique opportunity for our community to acquire exceptional bottles some of the finest spirits from Sazerac’s esteemed distilleries and brands, while also providing an opportunity for our community to make a meaningful impact during a time of need. We invite all whiskey enthusiasts and collectors to join us in this effort and help support those affected by the hurricanes.”

As part of the auction, a combination of rare and highly coveted Sazerac products will be available, including spirits sold individually as well as lineups of fan favorites sold as sets. To encourage maximum engagement from the worldwide spirits community, the auction will be run as a “no reserve” auction with the starting bid for each bottle or collection beginning at $100.

The full list of spirits available include:

Individual Bottles:

1. Double Eagle Very Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2. The Last Drop Release 28: Drew Mayville Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys
3. The Last Drop Release 32: Louise McGuane 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
4. The Last Drop Release 33: 15th Anniversary 40-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Bourbon Sets:

1. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

1. • George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Thomas H. Handy Straight Rye Whiskey
   • Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. Buffalo Trace Distillery Premium Bottle Collection: 

1. • Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Bourbon
   • Blanton’s Straight from The Barrel
   • George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. W.L. Weller Bourbon Collection: 

1. • W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • W.L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection: 

1. • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
   • E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. 1792 Bourbon Collection 

1. • 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
   • 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Collection

1. • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #1
   • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #2
   • Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey #3

The auction goes live October 24^th at 10AM EST and runs through November 1^st at 10AM EST. Details on the auction and how to bid can be found HERE. All proceeds from the online auction will go toward the American Red Cross to aid in their Hurricanes Milton and Helene disaster relief efforts.

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 BlockBar

BlockBar enables the wine and spirits community to buy, store, sell, gift, and ship the highest quality wines and spirits, sourced directly from producers and authenticated via blockchain. Our team has access to the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, many of which are unique to BlockBar. These are released on the platform through various sales mechanics, with many including immersive events and unique experiences. Underwritten by the power of blockchain, BlockBar guarantees provenance and authenticity so users can safely build their collections. Despite its cutting-edge approach, BlockBar’s roots stretch back decades. BlockBar was launched in October 2021 by cousins Dov and Sam, who are an active part of the family-owned Falic Group, a network founded in 2001 that today comprises over 50 businesses including Duty Free Americas, the largest duty-free operation in the Americas.

Still deciding which cask to put your name on? Don’t take too long as these casks are being snapped up rather quickly – the first one selling out within days.

Here’s how it works: You select your new make spirit and monitor the cask’s maturation through to 2033. Then, on the Society’s 50th anniversary in 2033, you’ll be able to bottle your own whisky with a specially customised label and share the delights of your 10-year-old dram.

We have casks from five distilleries available, including three new additions to our 50th Anniversary selection. Let’s dive in…

First let’s head to Distillery 10. With spirit made from barley peated to somewhere between 35-45ppm, this Islay distillery is made to scratch that peaty itch. Or perhaps you might venture to the Highlands with Distillery 11, an unpeated highly fruity spirit full of sweet barley notes. And of course, there’s Distillery 123 with an unpeated spirit produced in the southern Highlands from air kilned barley. Expect flavours and aromas of fresh green apples, toffee, and a hint of nuttiness.

These new additions join the remaining few casks from Distillery 8 and Distillery 42, giving you a truly diverse range of flavours and cask styles to choose from – there really is something for all tastes!

Gather your friends or go solo, but be sure to secure your cask and be part of the Society’s story through to 2033.

JOIN THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CASK CLUB TODAY!

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

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old Awarded Supreme Champion Spirit for the First Time at International Spirits Challenge 2024

 Second consecutive year for a Suntory Whisky brand to be awarded top out of all entries
 Suntory Whisky Toki and Kakubin receives their first gold
 Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo recognized as the Master Blender of the Year for the first time

Tokyo, JAPAN (September 27,2024) – Suntory Spirits is proud to announce that its Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old was awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2024, a worldwide spirits competition held in London on Thursday, September 26^th.

The Supreme Champion Spirit is awarded to the highest scoring Trophy winner of the competition. This means that Yamazaki 12 Years Old was awarded the Trophy, the top award in the Japanese Whisky category, and was also selected as the most outstanding product out of thousands of entries among all categories. It is the first time for Yamazaki 12 Years Old to be awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit and the second consecutive year for a Suntory Whisky brand to achieve this accolade following Yamazaki 25 Years Old last year.

“Yamazaki 12 Years Old was excellent in terms of its body, fruit, and the whole combination of qualities,” said an ISC judge. “When Yamazaki came out as the one that won the Japanese Whisky category, we all thought it made perfect sense. We were very proud to declare this unanimously as a great quality whisky.”

Along with Yamazaki 12 Years Old, the company received numerous accolades at this year’s competition – Double Golds for Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old and Hibiki 21 Years Old and 23 Golds including Suntory Whisky Toki, and Suntory Whisky Kakubin which was submitted to the competition for the first time this year.

Furthermore, the company’s fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was recognized as the Master Blender of the Year for the first time. Determined by expert panel of judges, this award goes to the winner voted for the craftsmanship, skill and talent of their work from the past twelve months.

“Shinji is renowned worldwide as an industry figure, and the quality of his work has been proven,” said one ISC judge. “The attention to detail is the key to his approach and philosophy of making whisky. This leads to the finesse and craftsmanship at Suntory that only comes with dedication, experience and time, ” said another.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of the company and team that have worked so hard over the years,” said Shinji. “I am proud that more people have come to understand through our products what our generations of blenders have passed on to us, and that we have been able to continuously produce Suntory Whisky that is valued around the world.”

Since joining the company in 1984, Shinji has been involved in the development of a variety of whisky products, such as Yamazaki and Hibiki. After his experience at Hakushu Distillery and Suntory subsidiary Morison Bowmore Distillers in Scotland, he was positioned as the fifth generation Chief Blender in 2009. He is also named Whisky Quality Advisor for Suntory Global Spirits to improve quality across the entire Suntory Group.

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, and his team

In addition, Suntory Spirits was selected as the Producer of the Year in the Japanese Whisky category for the fifth consecutive year, an award bestowed upon one company in each category for producing a wide variety of high-quality products.

Suntory Spirits believes that these outstanding recognitions are a testament for the company’s excellent blending skills and the pursuit of perfection in quality for its whisky making, further cementing the reputation of Japanese Whisky.

As the pioneer and leading company of Japanese Whisky, the company welcomes the implementation of the Japanese Whisky standards by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, and will continue to take a leadership role in protecting and increasing awareness for the category through ongoing consumer and trade education initiatives about what properly constitutes a Japanese Whisky.

About Suntory Whisky Brands

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

The flagship single malt whisky from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery contains carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak creating a delicate and elegant taste that never grows tiresome. It is characterized by an aroma of ripened fruit and sweet vanilla derived from Yamazaki Distillery’s white oak cask, with hidden flavors of Spanish oak and Japanese Mizunara oak adding a buttery deep sweetness to the palate leading to a long finish with a sense of sweet ginger and cinnamon. 

Suntory Whisky Toki

Respectful of heritage and inspired by reinvention, Suntory Whisky Toki expresses both what is authentic and what is next. It is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the globally acclaimed Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery and Chita Distillery. Traditionally crafted by the company’s Art of Blending philosophy, the liquid features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend. This well-balanced silky blend with a subtly sweet and spicy finish allows exceptional versatility — the expression can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a highball or mixed as a cocktail.

Suntory Whisky Kakubin

As the signature blended whisky, Kakubin embraces the uniquely Japanese flavors and aromas accentuated with key notes of whiskies from three distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. Along with the slightly fruity aroma and rich flavor, the boldness characteristic can be detected in the pleasantly dry finish, making Kakubin a highly versatile whisky for any occasion and a timeless favorite since its release in 1937.

About the International Spirits Challenge

The International Spirits Challenge is a highly authoritative spirits competition held annually in the UK, with a rigorous and independent judging process. This year, thousands of entries were submitted across all categories. In the Whisky category, medals were awarded based on the scrupulous blind assessment of over 900 whiskies from around the world by approximately 10 experienced panel of specialist judges, all of whom are blenders and distiller managers from whisky distilleries across the globe.

Awards Received at ISC 2024

Supreme Champion Spirit
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

Trophy, among the Japanese Whisky category
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old

Master Blender of the Year
Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo

Producer of the Year, among the Japanese Whisky category
Suntory Spirits

Double Gold Medal
Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old
Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old 

Gold Medal
Suntory Whisky Hibiki Blender’s Choice
Suntory Whisky Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY
Suntory Whisky Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY Master’s Select
Suntory Whisky Hibiki Suntory Whisky 100 Years Anniversary Blend
Suntory Whisky Kakubin
Suntory Whisky Old
Suntory Whisky Royal
Suntory Whisky Special Reserve
Suntory Whisky Toki
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu Peated Malt 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 12 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 18 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 25 Years Old
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Golden Promise
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For more information on Suntory Whisky
Suntory | About Us | Our Business | Spirits

About Suntory Group
As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group aims to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Sustained by the gifts of nature and water, the Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products, from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, canned ready-to-drink -196, The Premium Malt’s beer, Japanese wine Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, BOSS coffee, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, and V energy drink, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.

Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.9 billion in 2023. Its 41,511 employees worldwide draw upon the unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.

Hidden Barn Bourbon’s “23B” Whiskey Wins Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best of Class at Top Shelf Awards Gala

SPARTA, KY (Oct. 9, 2024) –Hidden Barn Bourbon’s Series 1, Batch 23B has won Best of Class in the Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 Years category at the Top Shelf Awards Gala, held Oct. 4, 2024.  The Top Shelf Awards are run by The Tasting Alliance, under which prestigious awards such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are held.

Hidden Barn Bourbon Batch 23B was distilled at Neeley Family Distillery and blended by Jackie Zykan. Batch 23B is a blend of 20 barrels aged five years old using Neeley’s flagship mashbill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.  The judges described 23B as “a perfectly balanced bourbon” and awarded it a score of 98 points at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, held earlier in 2024.  Finalists were voted on again to choose Best in Class, and Hidden Barn 23B took the top spot, beating out four other competitors.

Master Distiller Royce Neeley and Hidden Barn Partner Nate Winegar were on hand to receive the award.  “The small batch bourbon category is very crowded, especially in the 5 years and under age range.  To have our 23B win Best of Class over all the other entrants is such an honor and a testament to Jackie (Zykan’s) blending talent,” said Royce Neeley.

Like all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, this bourbon was double pot distilled after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a practice of the Neeley Family dating back generations.  Batch 23B was bottled at cask strength at 110.1 proof with only sediment filtration.

Suggested retail pricing for the Hidden Barn Series 1, 23B is $74.99. It is available at Neeley Family Distillery gift shop, online and at select retail stores in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

About Hidden Barn Bourbon

Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition.  This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three partners, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  Together, the three friends bring their own strengths – a superior palate, distilling prowess, and a powerhouse connector to form Hidden Barn Bourbon.  Previous Hidden Barn Series have earned Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024 and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival.  Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery.   The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com

About The Tasting Alliance

The Tasting Alliance Competitions are considered the most influential in the spirits industry and its award programs include the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and the Singapore World Spirits Competition.  Each entry is judged double blind by a panel of spirits experts.    The medals are a testament to the hard work of the spirits industry’s distillers and producers and are a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.