There is a new website aimed at keeping the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarmock, Scotland;

http://www.keepjohnniewalkerinkilmarnock.com/

Additionally there is an on-line petition.

Social networking is all the rage, you know. Were you aware that you can keep abreast of my every thought and movement by following me on www.twitter.com/gerrytosh, I know; scary thought, isn’t it? You can even follow Highland Park distillery – if that makes any sense – www.twitter.com/bestspirit.

For those of you who are too busy or, frankly, have better things to do than read about how many croissants I had for breakfast, or which series of The Wire I’m watching, there is a better solution. Get your fix of Highland Park news by joining our new, official, fan club on Facebook.

This exciting technological breakthrough will allow greater interaction between Highland Park – that’s me – and all our virtual friends and ambassadors – that’s you. I’ll post information about new releases, tastings we are hosting, events we are attending and maybe even the odd photograph. We hope this will give you a platform to leave us feedback on our recent bottlings and tell us about your experiences or tastings.

If you want to find us, click www.facebook.com/pages/Highland-Park-Whisky , or visit facebook and type “Highland Park Whisky” in the search box. There is no need to panic if you aren’t on Facebook – we will still send out these regular email newsletters to keep you up to date.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in cyberspace. Remember, there are other Highland Park fan clubs but “Highland Park Whisky” is the only official one.

Live long and prosper.

Gerry
Head of Brand Education, Highland Park

John Swinney: Keen to show Diageo ‘proposals are wrong’.

By TOM PETERKIN
WHISKY giant Diageo’s plans to axe 900 jobs are “wrong” and “very damaging to the Scottish economy”, finance secretary John Swinney said last night.

He was speaking after hosting a summit in Edinburgh of council, union and government leaders, as well as MPs and MSPs, who are “absolutely united” in their determination to stop the proposals.

The company wants to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, threatening 900 workers with redundancy. Diageo said it would “offset” the cuts with 400 new jobs at its Fife packaging plant.

But campaigners hope they can bring about a U-turn, with an alternative business plan to the closures being drawn up. Mr Swinney said last night’s meeting brought together representatives of the “Scotland-wide” campaign to fight the job cuts.

He said: “All of these different interests are absolutely united in working to persuade Diageo to change its proposals. We’ve got the people of Scotland behind us in this campaign – that is a voice that Diageo must listen to.”

The fresh talks on how to bring forward the strongest possible case against the potentially devastating redundancies at Diageo were also attended by Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and East Ayrshire Council, MPs and MSPs.

Mr Swinney added: “We have made good progress towards working up an alternative business case. We have now commissioned consultants who will underpin that on our behalf through Scottish Enterprise, and we therefore have the ability to work very swiftly to put an alternative proposition to Diageo.

“What is crucial is that we have got to make sure that Diageo realise that their proposals are wrong, that they are very damaging to the Scottish economy and that we want to ensure that different proposals are brought forward. Diageo have to be mindful of the significance of their brand reputation and we are determined to apply the pressure and also the substantive business case to ensure we win this argument.”

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey, and Labour economy spokesman David Whitton were also present.

Douglas Reid, the leader on East Ayrshire Council, said: “We’re absolutely united and determined that the story’s not finished. Every tier of government and every political party is united on this. I don’t think Diageo realised the impact of it in Kilmarnock. It’s not just about 700 jobs – it’s more than that, important though they are. They’re writing off our town, and we’re determined they’ll not get away with it.”

However, Scottish Enterprise was last night accused of “dragging its feet” over the job losses and was urged to publish a business plan to save the employees at risk.

The agency has said that concrete plans will only be produced once Diageo’s plans have been reviewed independently by an external consultant.

Des Browne, the Labour MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, has already made it clear that the business case must be ready for next week, when Alex Salmond meets Paul Walsh, the Diageo Group chief executive.

“The feeling is definitely growing in some quarters that Scottish Enterprise are dragging their feet on this,” a Labour spokesman said. “It must be an absolute top priority.”

“Of course the business base needs to be robust, but we only have 12 weeks for the consultation period. The clock is ticking. It is vital that Scottish Enterprise supports both plants properly.”

Today, Mr Salmond will sign a “Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock” petition urging Diageo to save the jobs. Scottish Enterprise refuted suggestions that it was not working quickly enough.

The full article contains 604 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 14 July 2009 11:48 PM
Source: The Scotsman
Location: Edinburgh
Related Topics: Scotsman Whisky , Scottish Enterprise

http://www.scotsman.com/

By John Hansell;

Willie Tait of Isle of Jura single malt scotch is bringing one bottle of a very special whisky to WhiskyFest San Francisco on October 16th.

As many of you know, we have a charity table at WhiskyFest where we feature rare whiskies. To be able to taste a wee dram of the whisky, you must make a small donation to charity.  (This time we have chosen “Meals on wheels” as our charity.)

Well, Willie is bringing something very special. I’ll let him tell you all about it in his own words. (I love Willie’s sense of humor!)

I put a hogshead of Jura down 0n the 23rd Nov 1989, on my daughters 13th birthday.  This was my legacy for my children, as they have already taken all my money.

When you hear people say that they made this particular whisky, as we all know it’s not always true. I was the Manager at Jura at this time and when I thought about laying down a cask, what better if I did actually go and make this Dram.

I started Milling, then Mashing, through for Fermentation and then I did the Distillation, finally filling the new spirit into a fine sherry Hogshead. I am going to draw enough for a bottle from the cask and give it a special label and package.

Will keep you informed on the work in progress.

At this year’s WhiskyFest San Francisco, we have asked six different “Whiskymakers” to create one unique bottle of whisky for charity. In the very near future, I will be telling you about the other five. You will be amazed!

You didn’t need another reason to come to WhiskyFest San Francisco, because it will already be a great event. But now you have an even more compelling reason to attend.

What Does John Know/Malt Advocate;

http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2009/07/13/rare-jura-whisky-at-whiskyfest-sf/

TOKYO (Dow Jones)–Kirin Holdings Co. (2503.TO) confirmed Tuesday that it is in merger talks with Suntory Holdings Ltd., but added that nothing has yet been decided and discussions are still at an early stage.

A deal between the two companies would create a formidable competitor to the world’s leading brewer Anhesuer-Busch Inbev N.V.

The Nikkei reported Tuesday that Suntory President Nobutada Saji said that Suntory and Kirin aim to reach an agreement as early as the year-end to integrate operations as equal partners.

“We’re at the stage where we’ve taken half a step,” Saji told reporters early Tuesday, according to the Nikkei.

 -By Yoshio Takahashi, Dow Jones Newswires; 813-6895-7561; yoshio.takahashi@dowjones.com

Wall Street Journal

Crunch talks to try and safeguard hundreds of whisky jobs are due to be held.

Politicians, unions and councils will come together to put forward the strongest case against plans by drinks company Diageo.

The drinks firm wants to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, putting 900 jobs at risk.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney will lead the talks at ministerial headquarters in Edinburgh.

He said: “Ever since Diageo’s announcement was made almost two weeks ago, there has been a massive feeling of disappointment.

“With Diageo committed to holding a proper consultation on their proposals, the message they will receive loud and clear is that these proposals and their consequences are simply not acceptable.”

The meeting is expected to involve Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and East Ayrshire councils, Unite and GMB unions, MPs, MSPs and the Scottish Government.

Mr Swinney has called for financial information behind Diageo’s original decision.

He added: “This evening’s talks are a significant step in the right direction and I am committed to working constructively with all those present to finding the right solution for employees of Diageo and their communities.”

An earlier meeting over the potential job losses will be held in Glasgow with local SNP MSP Bob Doris, union reps and Scottish Enterprise.

From the Press Association http://www.pressassociation.com/

Scottish Enterprise is poised to take on outside help as part of efforts to save hundreds of whisky jobs.

The economic development agency said a decision will be made on Tuesday to appoint consultants to carry out an independent review of Diageo’s closure proposals.

The drinks firm has announced plans to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, putting 900 jobs at risk.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said the move formed part of discussions held with Scottish Enterprise chairman Crawford Gillies.

Mr Murphy said: “Scottish Enterprise`s role in persuading Diageo is crucial – and they and their external consultants need to formulate a compelling and comprehensive case to be put to Diageo as soon as is practicable.”

Diageo bosses have previously said they were “convinced” their plan to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant was best for the long-term future of the brand.

A Scottish Enterprise spokesman confirmed outside help would be hired.

“Regarding the appointment of an external consultant to carry out the independent review of Diageo’s business proposals, we can confirm that we are expecting to receive a number of briefs by lunchtime tomorrow and a decision will follow by the end of the day,” the spokesman said.

The move comes as Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney prepares to hold cross-party talks on Tuesday evening aimed at fighting Diageo’s proposals.

Mr Swinney will meet senior figures from Scottish Enterprise, the local councils, trade unions, MPs and MSPs, to discuss what can be done to try to reverse the closure plans. He stressed all those involved were “working flat-out”.

From the Press Association http://www.pressassociation.com/

Glenfiddich is the world’s most popular single malt Scotch, and Hans-Henrik Hansen knows more about Glenfiddich’s history than almost anyone. In fact, he has what may be the world’s largest collection of Glenfiddich malts. He’ll tell us about what prompted him to start collecting Glenfiddich expressions in this week’s episode. In the news, more fallout over Diageo’s plan to close plants and cut jobs in Scotland, a Canadian province rolls back its spirits tax increase, Bruichladdich plans to close its Whisky Academy, and new whiskies from Old Forester and Berry Bros. & Rudd.

To listen to Episode #208 visit http://www.whiskycast.com/

The Malt Maniacs have issued invitation to the industry seeking submissions for the 2009 Malt Maniacs Awards with an immediate response. The MM were planning to tweak the Awards for 2009 but after protests from participants they have decided to stick with the tried and true format. Keep an eye on http://www.maltmaniacs.org/ for the final results of the 2009 Awards later this year.

By Alex Davis • alexdavis@courier-journal.com • July 6, 2009

Fans of Knob Creek bourbon may find their favorite whiskey in short supply this summer as the brand’s bottle warehouses near Clermont, Ky., are empty and the next batch of aged whiskey won’t be ready until November.

Bourbon experts say the looming shortage is somewhat unusual, although brands such as Knob Creek, which is aged for nine years, are more susceptible because their distillers must predict demand far in advance.

“It’s very difficult to forecast out nine-year demand,” said Kelly Doss, senior director of U.S. bourbon and whiskey at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, which makes Knob Creek. “We can only sell what we can bottle and ship.”

Beam Global, itself part of Fortune Brands, sells about 150,000 cases of Knob Creek annually, putting it at the top of the company’s small batch collection, but well below Maker’s Mark, and its flagship Jim Beam bourbon which is aged four years.. Doss said none of those brands are expected to face a shortage this summer.

Beam recently sent T-shirts emblazoned with “The drought of 2009” to 16,000 Knob Creek fans who registered on the brand’s Web site.

The company also plans to use the shortage as a marketing tool in the months ahead, playing on the notion that the lack of Knob Creek is connected to its popularity. A recent company statement announcing the shortage carried the headline “thanks for nothing” and said the brand will be “even more popular and profitable once supply is restored.”

Tom Pirko, president of industry consulting firm Bevmark, said the promotion probably will boost the brand’s image in the short-term. But if it lasts longer than a few months, he said it could prompt customers to switch.

A half-dozen liquor stores in Louisville and Southern Indiana reported Monday that they still had 750-milliliter bottles of Knob Creek available, at prices ranging from $28 to $34. Jerry Rogers, owner of Party Mart, said he’s been sold out of travel-sized miniature bottles since late May.

Officials at Southern Wine & Spirits, which distributes Knob Creek in Kentucky, did not respond to several telephone requests for an interview. Until earlier this year, Republic National Distributing Co. handled Knob Creek’s local distribution, selling 9,455 cases last year in Kentucky.

Republic’s local marketing director, Trae Joyce, said there were sporadic local shortages of Knob Creek throughout 2008, at some points lasting for two to three months.

“We’ve seen a lot more demand for bourbons in general in the last couple of years, especially your aged bourbons,” Joyce said of the older and more expensive brands.

Beam Global declined to provide figures on Knob Creek’s growth for the last several years. Paula Erickson, spokeswoman for Beam Global, said the brand’s looming shortage marks the first time that storage warehouses have been empty.

The next batch of Knob Creek will be dumped from barrels in October, and ready for retailers the next month. Areas that could see tight supplies first include southern California, and the eastern United States. Beam raised the price of Knob Creek earlier this year, she said, but the move was unrelated to the shortage and there are no more planned price hikes.

Charles Cowdery, who writes a blog about the industry and is the author of “Bourbon, Straight,” said Knob Creek has less flexibility with its production timeline because its bottles advertise the fact that the brand has been aged nine years. Some of Knob Creek’s competitors offer rough aging guidelines but don’t state the number of years on the bottle. Either way, Cowdery said the timing of the shortage could help the brand as it approaches the lucrative holiday season later this year.

“They’re getting some publicity out of a real situation,” Cowdery said. “I expect that with Knob, they’ll come back in November right before Christmas with a lot of new supply, and they’ll make a lot of noise about it, and price it to move.”

Reporter Alex Davis can be reached at (502) 582-4644.