Press Releases

WU-TANG DRAM: RZA AND BALLANTINE’S DROP LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE THAT SEES SCOTTISH AND U.S. CULTURES COLLIDE

WU-TANG DRAM: RZA AND BALLANTINE’S DROP LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE THAT SEES SCOTTISH AND U.S. CULTURES COLLIDE

Hip-hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA and Ballantine’s, the world’s second-most popular Scotch whisky*, have joined forces to release a limited-edition bottle. Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is the culmination of their multi-drop collaboration that celebrates going against the norm and staying true to who you are.

The first-ever bespoke iteration of Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, the bold look of the new bottle is inspired by RZA’s poetry written during his time spent at the home of Ballantine’s in Scotland. The beauty of the surrounding green farmland, blankets of rolling clouds across Scottish Highland plains, and the whisky-making process inspired RZA to capture the experience in a poem that he then left in founder, George Ballantine’s, library.

Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition epitomises Scotch whisky meeting American attitude. The label features an intricate pattern constructed from the handwritten words of RZA’s poem, complete with the iconic Wu-Tang Clan hands.

The whisky itself is aged for seven years and finished in American oak barrels, expertly combining the depth of Scotch whisky with the sweet touch of American oak to give a true fusion of both Scottish and US cultures. Expect creamy notes complete with the classic vanilla and apple characteristics of the Ballantine’s signature style, as well as extra layers of sweet caramel coming from the American barrel.

When asked about creating the new bottle design RZA said,

“This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s. On my first visit to Speyside I found the land and the people so inspiring, it compelled me to capture the experience in a poem. To see this come to life through the bottle design is a true coming together of our cultures.”

Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds:

“Our shared belief in doing things your own way is what this collaboration is all about and the unique bottle design adorned with RZA’s words from his time in Scotland, is the perfect poetic note to end our journey together on.”

Over the last year, the partnership between RZA and Ballantine’s has seen the pair launch a bespoke Crosley record player and speaker, a fashion collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, and, most recently, a Ballantine’s inspired hot sauce with Flying Goose. The partnership has been a celebration of RZA’s shared DNA with Ballantine’s, which champions authenticity, showing that when you stay true to who you are there’s no wrong way to live.

The Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition will be available to purchase worldwide and from thewhiskyexhange.com for RRP £29.99 but is only available while stocks last so is a must-have for whisky lovers and hip-hop fans alike.

For more information on Ballantine’s partnership with RZA visit www.Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.

RZA’s Poem

Scotland, greenery on the countryside

Enjoying the scenery on a country ride

Stone cottages adorn the road on opposite sides

It seems beauty has no place to hide

Surrounded by farmland of sheep and grain

Blankets of clouds, skies preparing to release the rain

Showering life-giving water onto the Highland plains

That will be used to infuse the malt and then it’s drained

With the best parts separated from the rest

And we all take a sip, to put the process to its test

The Perfect Fifth Releases 14-Year-Old American Whiskey – American Whiskey News

The Perfect Fifth Releases 14-Year-Old American Whiskey

“Born and Bottled” Canongate Series Celebrates Ties between Kentucky and Scotland

NEW YORK (March 6, 2024) – The Perfect Fifth, an American independent Scotch Whisky bottler known for its rare, ultra-premium single cask Scotch Whiskies, is releasing a 14-year-old American Whiskey with roots in Kentucky under its Canongate line.  Distilled in Bardstown, Ky in 2009, this whiskey spent three years aging in Kentucky before being sent to Scotland to age another 11 years.

The unique blend of Kentucky’s tempestuous weather, combined with Scotland’s more temperate climate, has resulted in a whiskey with a complexity of mixed honey tones, multiple layers of vanilla, and hints of cocoa and light spice.

“Distillers in the United States, in particular, Kentucky, have always had a harmonious relationship with Scotland, largely due to sending used bourbon barrels to Scotland for a second life, to mature spirits distilled in Scotland.  Our Canongate expression, which is our ‘born and bottled’ line, is an ode to that symbiotic relationship,” said Karl Schoen, founder and chief executive officer, The Perfect Fifth.  “This series celebrates the long history of cask sharing between the two countries by selecting single cask whiskies distilled in the U.S., and aging and bottling them in Scotland.  Our latest release, the Canongate 14-Year-Old American Whiskey is not only well-traveled, but is a unique combination of the environments of Kentucky and Scotland.”

The 14-Year-Old Canongate joins two other Canongate releases: a Canongate 11-Year-Old American Whiskey, which was a sister barrel to this current release and released in 2020, as well as Canongate Glentauchers 24-Year-Old Scotch Whisky released in 2018.  Canongate 14-Year-Old American Whiskey is a limited edition with only 232 bottles available in the United States.  It can be found at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California or online at www.theperfectfifth.com.  The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 64.4 percent, (128.8 proof). Suggested retail pricing is $175 per 750 mL.

About The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up.  As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others.  This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland.  Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions.  Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Calls Consumers to Recognize ‘Spirited Women’ with Personalized, Limited-Edition Label – Bourbon Whiskey News

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Calls Consumers to Recognize ‘Spirited Women’ with Personalized, Limited-Edition Label

Iconic Bourbon Brand Partners with Leading Nonprofit Vital Voices and Artist Gayle Kabaker in Honor of Women’s History Month

LORETTO, KY (Feb, 2024) –  Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced its support of Vital Voices, a leading nonprofit investing in female leaders taking on the world’s greatest challenges, with a limited-edition label designed by renowned artist Gayle Kabaker. In honor of Women’s History Month, consumers are invited to order the complimentary Maker’s Mark label at makersmarkpersonalize.com and personalize it with the name of an inspirational woman in their lives.

“Vital Voices is thrilled to join Maker’s Mark in this collaboration to amplify the power of women,” said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices. “We deeply appreciate their support in our mission to advance women leaders and our world.”
Gayle Kabaker, a longstanding partner of Vital Voices, has a history of creating art that showcases women who use their power to empower others and was inspired to illuminate the organization with Maker’s Mark.  Kabaker’s limited-edition label depicts her interpretation of a spirited woman in acrylic gouache, inspired by the wildflowers of Kentucky and the colors of the Maker’s Mark palette.

“As a brand co-founded by my grandmother Margie Samuels more than 70 years ago, Maker’s Mark continues to be guided and grown by incredible women defining what’s next in the industry,” said Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker’s Mark and 8th generation whisky maker. “We are privileged to continue our commitment to women making an impact in their communities and support the meaningful causes that drive Vital Voices.”

While Bill Samuels, Sr., Margie’s husband and Maker’s Mark co-founder, was focused on creating the highest-quality bourbon, he celebrated and empowered Margie to build the brand and brand experience – forever changing the course of spirits branding in the industry.  The shape of the bottle, the look of the label, the signature red wax topper, and even the name are all thanks to Margie. Among the first women to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Margie also championed the importance of the Kentucky distillery’s aesthetic and emphasis on tourism, planting the seed for what is now the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The ongoing contributions of women at Maker’s Mark can be seen in all aspects of the brand, from the product development and leadership of Star Hill Farm, the home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, to the brand’s sustainability initiatives and global brand representation. While staying true to the founders’ flavor vision: a full-flavored, soft red winter wheat bourbon with a smooth finish, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation.

Throughout the year, consumers can create a custom Maker’s Mark gift for anyone with the brand’s personalized label program. Labels are currently available for 750mL bottles, which must be purchased separately and recipients must be 21+. For additional information about Maker’s Mark, please visit www.MakersMark.com and share your personalized label at @makersmark on Instagram.

About Maker’s Mark®  
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.

In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46®, Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength, Maker’s Mark® Private Selection and Maker’s Mark® Cellar Aged. Today, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

Douglas Laing Unveils New Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ with a twist: A Fusion of Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky and Port Cask Luxury – Scotch Whisky News

Douglas Laing Unveils New Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ with a twist: A Fusion of Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky and Port Cask Luxury

Douglas Laing & Co. today announces the release of their latest Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ annual bottling. As the seventh addition to the series, this expression offers up something different from the Feisty Fox Terrier.

Crafted with precision and passion, this newest expression sees Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky enjoy a full Sherry cask maturation followed by a lengthy finishing period in Port casks. This unique combination imparts a rich and indulgent flavour profile, setting it apart as a truly exceptional release. The tasting notes detail who the Whisky reveals “layers upon layers of brown sugar, juicy forest fruits, decadent dark chocolate and a comforting warmth of baking spices.”

The black bottle and bespoke paper wrap are both a first for the Scallywag brand. This deliberate look and feel was chosen to capture the key characteristics of a classic Port bottling whilst maintain Scallywags main brand attributes.

As this is part of our Chocolate Series, Douglas Laing are marking the release with an exciting Golden Ticket competition where consumers have the opportunity to win prizes if they come across a Golden Ticket or a Scallywag Golden Bone (the star prize), concealed within the pack. The competition is running throughout the UK, Germany and Netherlands.

Scott Morrison, Brand Manager commented, “Being the seventh Scallywag Chocolate Edition we wanted to bring something different to consumers, something new and exciting that’ll get the tastebuds tingling. The Port cask finish is not something we’ve explored before with our Speyside Malt but made perfect sense for this new expression with its classic characteristics. The consumer competition, inspired by the iconic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film, adds an interesting dimension to the release and keeps things fresh – something we pride ourselves on here at Douglas Laing.”

Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ bottling proudly bears no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, allowing the natural spirit to shine. Now available at select retailers, whisky specialists, and online with a suggested retail price of £60.00.

Key Details:

  • Presented in a unique black, screen-printed bottle.
  • Encased in a bespoke paper wrap featuring a subtle map of Portugal.
  • 48% ABV.
  • No colouring or chill-filtration.

ProtectYourCask.com Helps Cask Whisky Investors Avoid Scammers – Cask Whisky News

ProtectYourCask.com Helps Cask Whisky Investors Avoid Scammers

Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to providing clear, transparent information about purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. 

In recent years, the Scotch whisky industry has been concerned about the recent proliferation of whisky cask investment firms offering consumers the chance to make money by buying and reselling casks of Scotch whisky. Some of these companies have made misleading claims about potential return on investment, provided incorrect information to prospective clients, or even committed outright fraud where investors were swindled out of their money. 

Alarmed by this disturbing trend and the lack of information available on safely purchasing, owning and selling casks in an unregulated market, Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to spreading awareness on safely purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

The site draws attention to and amplifies the excellent guidance on Scotch whisky cask investment written by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry body representing the vast majority of Scotch whisky producers (ProtectYourCask.com is not affiliated with the SWA).

Designed to be accessible and easy to understand for anyone who is thinking about buying or who already owns a cask of whisky, information on ProtectYourCask.com includes a helpful summary of the legal framework governing the purchase and sale of Scotch whisky casks, suggests red flags to watch out for when Scotch whisky cask investment firms are pitching their services and details stories covering historical Scotch whisky cask investment scams.

To Schrieberg, the promises of potential profits on Scotch whisky casks carry disturbing echoes of the past:

“Every few decades, there’s been waves of new companies, many of them incompetent at best or perpetrating fraud at worst, promising fast and profitable returns on the purchase of Scotch whisky casks using aggressive sales tactics” he says,

“We’re seeing more than a few such firms today using similar techniques to generate enthusiasm and sales as fraudsters from over 20, 50, and even 100 years ago. We think it’s important to fight the misleading claims that have been going around in order to protect the integrity of the Scotch whisky industry.”

Littler warns that the Scotch whisky cask investment market is far from a rosy opportunity and stresses the importance of genuine ownership:

“Investing in whisky casks is inherently risky as it is an unregulated and volatile market. When it comes to cask investment, one of the fundamental issues we’ve come across is ensuring an investor actually owns their cask rather than having rights to a cask through a third party. This is something that the SWA itself affirms in its own advice on the matter. We hope ProtectYourCask.com can help others successfully navigate this precarious landscape or decide they’re better off investing in something safer.”

About Felipe Schrieberg

Felipe is a whisky writer, musician, author, and tastings host. He is the co-director of independent bottler/record label Rhythm and Booze Records and he is also a Keeper of the Quaich.

For his work, he was awarded the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year and the 2021 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year. He was named in the shortlist for the 2022 Fortnum and Mason Drinks Writer of the Year and the 2022 IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year awards.

As a musician, he is the co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia.

About Mark Littler

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. He is the owner and Editor in Chief of The Whiskey Wash (an award winning US whisky blog) and a regular contributor to Forbes.com.

Mark founded his own firm in 2016, creating Mark Littler Ltd after a 10 year career as an auctioneer where he founded the whisky and wine department of a prominent UK auction house. Mark Littler Ltd provides advice around and arranges the sale of whisky bottles and casks as well as collectables, watches, and other luxury goods through auction and private sales.

For more information contact Mark Littler at info@protectyourcask.com

“WHISKY IS A LONG-TERM GAME”: CHIVAS BROTHERS POINTS TO SUCCESSFUL PREMIUMISATION STRATEGY, DESPITE CATEGORY-WIDE SOFTENING – Scotch Whisky News

“WHISKY IS A LONG-TERM GAME”: CHIVAS BROTHERS POINTS TO SUCCESSFUL PREMIUMISATION STRATEGY, DESPITE CATEGORY-WIDE SOFTENING

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, today announced its H1 FY24 (July 2023 – December 2023) financial results with organic net sales down -6% against a high comparison basis.

The company attributes its performance to market and inventory normalisation following two years of outstanding growth. Chivas Brothers continues to outperform the market over the same period[1], owing to its world-class whisky portfolio and broad and balanced global footprint. With a +11% CAGR[2] since H1 FY21, Chivas Brothers also demonstrates a strong and stable growth trajectory despite significant global market fluctuations.

The business’ H1 FY24 performance, driven by a high price/mix effect, reinforces the resilience of its long-term premiumisation strategy, with consumers continuing to seek out prestige brands and experiences. Luxury whisky Royal Salute notably saw an uplift of +8% in organic net sales during the reported period.

Chivas Brothers’ Chairman and CEO, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, commented:

“Our H1 FY24 performance paints a clear picture of whisky market normalisation while also demonstrating the positive impact of strategic business decisions made in line with our premiumisation strategy. Whisky is a long-term game: we remain focused on our ambition to open up to new markets and consumers through product innovations and brand experiences.”

Performance across strategic brands

Royal Salute

Royal Salute continued to increase its value share with +8% global growth, as the brand continues to elevate through luxury releases, including the launch of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II and Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition. Notably, Royal Salute saw sustained growth in Asia, Global Travel Retail and South America.

Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal global sales softened –7%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+4%).

Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s global sales were down -8%, partially offset by the strength of Ballantine’s 30, as well as strong growth in its Prestige range through Global Travel Retail.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet global sales softened -5%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+29%). The brand gained share in the US market, despite inventory normalisation, and is growing in Asia, with key performers including India and Taiwan market.

[1] Chivas Brothers exports vs. Scotch Whisky Association exports (Volume & Value) Jul-Dec 2023

[2] Compound Annual Growth Rate or cumulating organic year on year net sales growth

CHIVAS BROTHERS HOSTS OVER 130 INDUSTRY PEERS AT GLENTAUCHERS DISTILLERY ‘OPEN HOUSE’, SHARING ITS CARBON-CUTTING SUCCESS

CHIVAS BROTHERS HOSTS OVER 130 INDUSTRY PEERS AT GLENTAUCHERS DISTILLERY ‘OPEN HOUSE’, SHARING ITS CARBON-CUTTING SUCCESS

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, has opened the doors of its Glentauchers distillery to the wider spirits industry to share its successful implementation of heat recovery technology at the company site.

The two-day Open House event (31st October – 1st November) took place after the Scotch distiller made the design and implementation findings of this technology open source in July, inviting other players in the industry to learn from its journey to net zero. In the pursuit of a collaborative effort, more than 130 industry peers spanning sustainability, manufacturing and engineering roles from distilleries large and small attended the event.

Participants learnt about the deployment of heat recovery technology at Glentauchers distillery to capture and recycle the heat generated in distillation that would otherwise go to waste, as well as its potential to reduce energy and save carbon emissions.

Glentauchers distillery, located near Keith in Speyside, recently reduced its total energy consumption within the distillation process by almost half (48%), and decreased the site’s total carbon emissions by 53%, following the successful implementation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR).

Chivas Brothers estimates that if applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, these technologies could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen combined.

Commenting on the Glentauchers Open House event, Brian MacAulay, Malt Distilling & Operations Director at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Meeting so many people from across the industry facilitated discussions about the ways in which we can learn and evolve to benefit each other, the industry at large, and of course reduce our impact on the planet. Although not every distillery will be able to implement heat recovery technologies, they have huge potential to accelerate our collective journey to net zero. As a business, we’re committed to opening up to shape the future of whisky; industry collaboration will be vital in creating a sustainable home for Scotch in the years to come.”

Chivas Brothers is committed to achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. The business most recently announced £60 million in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate the roll-out of MVR across its distilleries.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Savona Communications New Client: Hatozaki Whisky – Japanese Whisky News

We are thrilled to announce that Savona Communications has been named the US agency of record to represent Hatozaki Whisky, produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, located on the coast of the Seto inland sea in Hyogo, Japan.

Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery. It is the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, built in 1657, and serves as the namesake and inspiration for the whisky – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing.

Master Distiller Kimio Yonezawa is a 4th generation family distiller from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917. In 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about – whisky.

The Hatozaki whisky portfolio includes two permanent expressions and a line of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki “Omakase” whiskies – hand selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence.

CORE RANGE

Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 40% abv)

A blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in oak barrels, yielding an approachable, lightly colored blend with a rich malt whisky backbone. Cereal notes and a light sweetness allow for the whisky to be ideal for highballs or sipped neat or with ice.  

Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 46% abv)

A vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

Hatozaki represents a new wave of Japanese producers that are combining the unique heritage of Japanese hospitality, precision and blending technique with new territories of spirit innovation for exciting results for whisky lovers and novices alike.

Stay tuned for news, limited edition releases, and more to come from this exciting Japanese spirit.

www.hatozakiwhisky.com

@hatozakiwhisky

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon – American Whisky News

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon

Handcrafted from Rebel’s traditional wheated mash bill, new extra-aged bourbon boasts a full flavor and smooth finish

ST. LOUIS (March 7, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the introduction of Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon, handcrafted according to the original, time-honored wheated recipe since 1849. The new addition will be available nationwide later this month at a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon champions authenticity while defying uniformity. Bottled at six years and 100 proof (50% ABV), the golden amber bourbon features an aroma containing rich scents of vanilla and honey; a palate of dark fruits followed by citrus and oak; and a velvety smooth finish with just a hint of spice.

“Rebel 100 6-Year demonstrates that age is never a bad thing,” said Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. “The combination of spotlighting our original recipe and aging it for six years resulted in a rich and rebellious, full flavor bourbon that I think will resonate with consumers. Six years is a long time to wait, but the wait was worth it.”

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Auctioneer behind record-breaking £1m Macallan cask celebrates 100th whisky auction and £10,000 whisky giveaway – Whisky Hammer News

Auctioneer behind record-breaking £1m Macallan cask celebrates 100th whisky auction and £10,000 whisky giveaway 

– Whisky Hammer to offer a ‘suite of perks’ as a thank you to its loyal customer base –

Specialist spirits auctioneer, Whisky Hammer, is marking its landmark 100th online auction on Friday 15 March, with a suite of perks as a ‘thank you’ to its buyers and sellers.

Since forming eight years ago, the auction site, which was founded by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne, has successfully sold over 155,000 lots worth £60 million for private sellers, attracting bids from 88 countries across the globe in its monthly auctions.

Whisky Hammer has now become a destination for buyers and sellers of rare and collectible whisky – including a record-breaking million-pound cask of Macallan whisky which lay forgotten for more than 30 years. The Macallan, which fetched $1,295,500 (including buyer’s premium) smashed the previous record at the time for a cask sold at auction of $572,000, which was held by Bonhams. Other high-profile bottles sold by Whisky Hammer include a 55 Year Old Yamazaki which sold for £380,000.

To mark its 100th auction milestone, Whisky Hammer will be arranging a number of perks in its March auction to say ‘thank you’ to its customers.

Sellers are being urged to submit interesting, unique or rare bottles, before the 100th auction deadline of Monday 11th March, in return for one-off incentives. Rather than the usual 5% seller commission charge, sales in the March auction will benefit from not only 0% seller commission, but an additional 1% bonus being paid on top of the hammer proceeds for its sellers.

All successful buyers in the March auction will be entered into a prize draw to win a share of £10,000 worth of Still Spirit whisky vouchers – with 10 prizes in total and first place winning £5,000 to spend in the store. Each bottle won at auction will be the equivalent to one entry into the draw.

Whisky Hammer will also bottle a limited-edition whisky in celebration of its 100th auction – with just 100 bottles available to bid on. The 11-Year-Old blended Scotch whisky is being bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV) and all bottles will be individually hand numbered, with bids starting at £30 per bottle.

Daniel Milne, co-founder and managing director of Whisky Hammer and Still Spirit, said: “Whisky has been our genuine passion from day one, and we’ve been dedicated to securing rare and hard to find whiskies for our buyers to enjoy ever since.  Thanks to our global buyer and seller customer base, we’ve been lucky enough to represent some true unicorns of the whisky world in our monthly auctions, and are so proud of what we have achieved between our very first auction to us now marking our 100th.

“Bringing together whisky lovers across the globe has been a real highlight for us and we feel the 100th auction is a great milestone to give back a big “thank you” to our loyal buyers and sellers with the planned March auction perks.  Here’s to the next 8 years!”

Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky. The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe.

The 100th auction will go live at 7pm (GMT) on Friday 15th March. To register to take part in the auction, click here.

For more information on Whisky Hammer or for private sellers to submit bottles to auction, visit www.whiskyhammer.com.

About Whisky Hammer

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers. Whisky Hammer hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. Its sister retail business, Still Spirit, comprises a whisky shop and dram bar offering over 200 rare whiskies based in Ellon, including an e-commerce site. In summer 2023, Whisky Hammer founders also launched independent bottling company, Halcyon Spirits.

Follow Whisky Hammer @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.whiskyhammer.com


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