Multi-award-winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, crowned best whisky in the world 

Tomatin’s 36 Year Old single malt has been named ‘Best in Show’ in the whisky category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

The SFWSC is a prestigious international contest, where leading figures from the industry come together to judge spirits from the finest producers in the world.

‘Best in Show’ is the highest honour of the event, where one whisky is crowned out of thousands of entries after winning in its category which Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was awarded for ‘Best Single Malt Scotch’.

Judges praised the distillery for its continued dedication to its craft and superior skills in cask maturation with esteemed whisky journalist and SFWSC judge, Joseph V Micallef, saying “without a doubt, this is one of the world’s greatest Scotch whiskies”.

It is the second time the 36 Year Old has been awarded the accolade after previously being recognised in 2017.

Released in 2015, with 1,200 bottles released globally every year, Tomatin’s 36 Year Old is a whisky of incredible complexity. Matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this smooth and creamy dram offers a mixture of aromas including baked fruits and leather balsam, toffee, walnut, and crystallised ginger.

Bottled at 45.1% ABV cask strength, natural colour and non-chill filtered, it is priced at £1,200 and comes displayed in a premium wooden box with a numbered certificate for each custodian.

Tomatin’s recognition in the industry and amongst consumers continues to grow globally. In 2022, the distillery was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Last month, Tomatin revealed it has received 10 accolades at the initial SFWSC judging, with the 36 Year Old also taking home a Double Gold award.

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller at Tomatin Distillery, said:

“This is a truly fantastic milestone for the Tomatin Distillery, especially for everyone in our team who works so hard to produce, promote and honour the finest Highland Scotch, day in and day out.

“Our 36 Year Old single malt is a really special dram. A marriage of casks, a refill hogshead and an Oloroso sherry butt, gives us a remarkably smooth yet complex whisky that keeps you intrigued with lively top notes of peach, apricot, honeydew melon and mango which bring vibrancy to this rich and warming expression.

“We know how many eyes of the world are on the results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition every year, so it’s a real pleasure to be honoured with this recognition which we hope encourages many more people to explore the magic of Tomatin and the Scottish Highlands which we are lucky to call home.” 

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at Tomatin Distillery, added:

“This is a phenomenal win for us and a real testament to the hard work of every member of the Tomatin team involved in the production of our 36 Year Old. To be recognised by such a prestigious organisation at this international level and out of so many other fantastic brands is a huge accomplishment for the business.”

Tomatin’s origins date back to the 15th century, with the first formal distillery established in 1897. Passing through generations of craftspeople working at Tomatin, many for their entire lives, the distillery is embedded in the community. Today Tomatin is renowned for its collection of smooth and elegant whiskies.

Available globally, the Tomatin 36 Year Old can be purchased from https://tomatin.com/our-whisky/prestige/36-year-old/.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Lively top notes of peach, apricot, honeydew melon and mango bring a vibrancy to this rich and warming expression. Layers of sherry-driven aromas like demerara sugar, polished wood and treacle toffee add a huge amount of depth with enticing spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. A perfect synergy of well-aged bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts.
• Palate: Initially very soft with fruity tones of guava, apple and apricot developing into increasingly intense waves of dried fruit, dark chocolate, gingerbread, and salted caramel. The depth offered on the nose continues to deliver notes of spice.
• Finish: Long, alternating between sweet tropical fruits and drying winter spices.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range, and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £17,500). Tomatin Single Malt is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: https://www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Tomatin has been dedicated to protecting its craft, its environment and particularly its community, which is at the very heart of the brand. Many of the craftspeople working on site have been doing so their entire working lives – all working towards producing a wide range of single malts, beloved across the world.

In 2022, Tomatin launched its new brand platform, ‘To What Matters’ – designed to remind people about the important things in life. ‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a human belief in what’s truly important in life. The significant moments.

Recognition of the Highland distillery’s craftsmanship continues to grow globally.  In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s Legacy single malt, part of the core range, was awarded Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. It also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), while Cù Bòcan, which is produced at the distillery in limited batches every winter, took home three. In June 2023, Tomatin’s 36 Year Old single malt was recognised as ‘Best in Show’ at the SFWSC, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY DOJO PROGRAMME RETURNS, TOURING THE UK FOR THE FIRST TIME

Built with the hospitality community in mind, the DOJO programme will immerse 100 bartenders in the art of Japanese bartending through culturally immersive and educational sessions in two new cities this year. 

London, 10th July 2023 – Following three successful years, The House of Suntory has announced its prestigious DOJO advocacy programme will this year expand to engage 100 bartenders in three leading hospitality hubs in the UK. In the brand’s centenary year, the programme will host masterclasses in Manchester and Edinburgh, in addition to London, as part of its mission to deepen bartenders’ understanding of the philosophies behind the art of Japanese bartending.

The expansion of the programme this year will, for the first time, enable bartenders in three of the UK’s leading hospitality hubs to learn about Japanese bartending and gain insights directly from Japanese Craft Masters and hospitality industry leaders, which can be applied to strengthen any hospitality career.

Devised as an immersive experience for bartenders, this year’s programme will be led by The House of Suntory UK Brand Ambassador Raffaele Di Monaco alongside authentic Japanese Masters of Craft and will consist of two ‘tours’ in July and September. Each tour will feature two “Monozukuri Masterclasses”, with 25 bartenders in each city – Monozukuri being one of the three pillars of The House of Suntory, referring to the traditional Japanese principles of craftsmanship. To help deepen understanding of the brand’s portfolio, each masterclass tour will focus on two of its four core brands; the first tour on Roku gin and Haku vodka, followed by Toki and Hibiki whiskies in the second.

Inspired by the concept of Kaizen – “continual improvement” – the programme includes a ‘Kaizen Challenge’ to encourage participants to hone their newfound skills by applying them to a classic cocktail and rewards best practice with the chance to win a place at the DOJO Finale in November. This final stage will see the four bartenders from each city present their Kaizen Classic to judges James Bowker, The House of Suntory’s Global Advocacy Manager, and famed Bar Master Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five in Tokyo, for the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan in Spring 2024.

With community a key part of the DOJO programme, in October, 12 DOJO Finalists will also be invited to two community events to immerse them in Japanese culture with sessions on Japanese knife sharpening and a Kanpai Sake Brewery tour. As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to fostering the bartending community, there will also be several Japanese inspired DOJO mini events in London locations throughout the year.

Raffaele di Monaco, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, said: “The Japanese approach to bartending is unlike anything else. From the laser focus on detail, to embracing omotenashi (to wholeheartedly look after guests) and monozukuri (craftsmanship and striving towards perfection), the collective approach elevates bartending to an artform. Through the DOJO programme, we hope to bring these principles to the fore, and help bartenders enhance their repertoires as well as being able to offer unparalleled drink and hospitality experiences for their customers.”

THE DOJO PROGRAMME – MONOZUKURI MASTERCLASS TOURS

Each DOJO Masterclass is carefully curated around four Japanese crafts. From sushi making and Ikebana, to Dashi blending and Chadō – also known as Japanese Tea Ceremony – the sessions will be hosted by a specialist Japanese Master, providing bartenders with a rich understanding of Japanese artistry first hand.

 Tour 1 – July 2023

• Sushi and Seasoning – A sushi masterclass centred around the Japanese art of balance and seasoning, including a Haku vodka tasting.
• Ikebana and Aesthetics – A masterclass focused on the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers – Ikebana. During the session, bartenders will learn how to apply the delicate skill of Ikebana to cocktail garnishing. The session also includes a Roku tasting.

Tour 2 – September 2023

• Dashi & Blending – Highlighting the art of blending flavours and aromas, this session will include a tasting of the blending components of Toki.
• Chadō and Hospitality – A masterclass in Japanese hospitality, explored via the traditional Tea Ceremony, including a tasting of Hibiki.

For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com

Key dates:

Tour 1:

• 10th & 11th July – London
• 18th July – Manchester
• 20th July – Edinburgh

Tour 2:

• 11th & 12th September – London
• 19th September – Manchester
• 21st September – Edinburgh

DOJO Finale

November 2023

The three pillars of House of Suntory include:

• WA – being in harmony with Japanese nature
• Omotenashi – the enjoyed experiences of Japanese Hospitality and culture
• Monozukuri – elevated Japanese Craftsmanship; and this programme will educate bartenders on all of these principles

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, the House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

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 inform consumers as they make 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 and www.drinksmart.com.

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal. As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits. Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. Completes New Rackhouse

Increased Demand and Upcoming New Products Drives Need for More Space

Nashville, IN – Hard Truth Distilling Co., one of the nation’s most visited destination distilleries, today announced the completion of its second rackhouse. With barrels already being rolled in, Rackhouse #2 is twice the size of Hard Truth’s first rackhouse, tripling storage capacity from 4,000 to 12,000 barrels for its critically acclaimed sweet mash whiskies. Bryan Smith, Hard Truth Master Distiller, said the new rackhouse and process upgrades have enabled the distillery to increase overall whiskey production by 800 percent and it is now operating 24/7. With sales increasing 400% this year the extra production is critical to meeting future demand for Hard Truth’s award-winning whiskies.

In addition to ongoing sales gains in existing markets, Hard Truth continues to add significant new markets including most recently New York in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of New York.

“Introducing our line of spirits into the New York market has been a goal since we starting doing business,” said Smith. “Our ever-expanding product line of sweet mash rye whiskies, and wide range of premium craft spirits has seen success in other markets including Florida, Texas and Illinois.  We are confident they will experience the same success with consumers and retailers in New York and all major markets including California, which is next on our market expansion list.”

Hard Truth sweet mash rye whiskeys have seen their fair share of awards and praise. Hard Truth’s first batch of Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey was named in the top 50 of Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, and since then has taken home a Gold Medal in USA Spirits awards, Double Platinum Medal in the Ascots and earned two 93 ratings in other tasting competitions.

Recently, Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Chocolate Malt Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Caramel Malt Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey received the prestigious Double Platinum rating at the 2023 Ascot Awards. In addition, the third spirit in the line of Hard Truth’s Master Distiller Reserve’s collection, Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Malted Rye Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey won the prestigious 2023 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits competition.

“We have no intention to rest on our laurels, We will continue to drive this sweet mash revolution forward,” said Smith. “You will see new products coming out this fall that will extend our line of award-winning sweet mash rye whiskey.”

Growth Right From The Start

Hard Truth Distilling Co. began distilling in 2015 by developing and consumer testing its award-winning products on a 120-gallon pilot system while our destination distillery was being built. Since then, sales have grown steadily year over year, including a 110 percent increase 2021 to 2022.

The distillery’s portfolio of award-winning spirits can now be enjoyed in 21 states and in the Bahamas, and according to Jeff McCabe, Hard Truth Co-Founder, market expansion is a priority.

“We expect to see our brands in 24 states by the end of 2023,” said McCabe. Hard Truth’s portfolio of award-winning premium spirits in addition to its line of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskies includes Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, Maple Bourbon Cream and Cinnamon Vodka, which has become the best-selling cinnamon vodka in the U.S.

Hard Truth: A Leading Midwest Tourist Destination

Many distilleries offer tours and tastings, but few sit among 325, explorable, wooded acres in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midwest. Visitors to Hard Truth can tour the distillery, dine at its 250-seat restaurant, and hop on an ATV with a tour guide to explore the property while learning about the history of distilling.

Hard Truth hosts festivals, health and wellness adventures, mixology classes, and more. The forest-framed Hard Truth on the Rocks terrace and stage area offers live music and special events, a unique terrace food menu, and drinks.

“A key component of our mission at Hard Truth is offering visitors an opportunity to experience this place and our brands, and by doing so, become part of the Hard Truth family,” said McCabe. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in just eight years, and there’s so much more to come.”

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth Distilling Co. produces more than 20 premium spirits, including critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

New CEO takes the reins at Glenmorangie & Ardbeg amid record sales

 — Caspar MacRae comes to the helm, as Thomas Moradpour assumes Dom Pérignon Presidency —

After five record-breaking years at the helm of The Glenmorangie Company, President and CEO Thomas Moradpour is moving on to take the lead at prestigious champagne brand Dom Pérignon, also part of LVMH. He will be succeeded in post by Caspar MacRae, currently Global Marketing and Business Development Director, from July 3.

The Company, which owns Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky and Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky, has thrived under Thomas’s leadership. Since he joined the Company in 2018, it has more than doubled profits, delivering unprecedented year-on-year growth each year. Despite global instability, Thomas has created a stronger, more sustainable business, championing innovation and successfully executing ambitious expansion plans. Ably supported by Caspar and the executive team he has:

• Launched Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery;
• Overseen the expansion of Ardbeg Distillery;
• Doubled the Company’s bottling capacity;
• Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel and purchased a hotel near Ardbeg;
• Established the Company’s prestige strategy, including the record-breaking £16million sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3
• Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

Caspar, who has worked hand-in-hand with Thomas, is committed to continuing the Company’s upward trajectory, in line with its long-term vision for growth. With 20 years’ industry experience, he has already played an instrumental role in the Company’s success. As head of its marketing and commercial teams since 2018, Caspar has overseen the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and the development of award-winning campaigns for both whiskies. And he has super-charged its e-commerce business which has grown seven-fold since 2020.

Jonas Tåhlin, President and CEO of the Spirits Division at Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, said: “Congratulations to Thomas for his achievements at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. Driving innovation and excellence, he has enabled the brands to flourish and grow, more than doubling their profits. I wish him success as he moves on within the LVMH family to Dom Pérignon. Caspar has already demonstrated his exceptional talent and leadership skills, and I have full confidence that the business will continue to thrive with him at the helm.”

Thomas said: “I’m very proud that since I joined The Company we have made it a more sustainable business, a greater place to work and the business is in even better shape. With Caspar’s leadership abilities and vision, I’m sure Glenmorangie and Ardbeg will raise the bar ever higher in the next chapter.”

Caspar said: “I have always dreamed of leading brands as renowned as Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, so I am thrilled to take the baton from Thomas. I look forward to working with the teams here in Scotland and around the world as we continue on our mission to ensure the success of our brands, our workforce and the communities around our Distilleries, long into the future.”

About Thomas Moradpour’s achievements:

• Opened Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery, the Lighthouse, in 2021. This  multi-million-pound  facility promises to bring wondrous new tastes to single malt;
• Oversaw the expansion of Ardbeg. Including a new stillhouse, the expansion doubled the Distillery’s capacity when it opened in 2021;
• Built a new bottling line at the Company’s plant near Edinburgh. Operational from 2023, this has doubed the Company’s bottling capacity;
• Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel Glenmorangie House, in line with its wondrous brand positioning in 2021. The following year, the Company purchased a well-known hotel on Islay, giving the brand the opportunity to create a world-class whisky and hospitality experience;
• Established the Company’s prestige business, which offers rare limited editions to collectors, as well giving private buyers the chance to purchase single and rare casks. The private cask programme led to the record-breaking sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3, which made headlines around the world when it sold to a private buyer for £16million.
• Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

 About Caspar MacRae’s achievements:

• Championed the Company’s e-commerce business, which has seen a seven fold increase in profitabilty since 2020, and launched a new e-commerce experience and CRM programme in 2022.
• Led the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and developed award-winning brand platforms for both whiskies. Glenmorangie has delighted audiences with its technicolour campaign featuring photography from Miles Aldridge. Meanwhile, Ardbeg has leaned into its cult status and idiosyncratic personality with brand campaign ‘Planet Ardbeg’, developed in partnership with renowned graphic novel creators.Leading the marketing and commercial divisions of the business resulting in a more than doubling of profits since 2018.

About The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.  

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie and Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Three New Tour Areas Revealed at

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience has revealed three new immersive tour areas which will open to the public in mid-July.

Visitors will be transported to a peaceful Highland glen, leaving the bustle of Edinburgh’s vibrant Royal Mile behind them. Beautiful immersive technology creates a tranquil introduction to the elements and ingredients that shape the spirit. This is “Origins”. Famous for our “four seasons in one day” visitors can discover the secret of how the landscape enriches the soft Scottish water and undulating barley fields turn from green to gold before the grains are harvested.

From the Origins we move to “The Art of Whisky Making”, where visitors will discover how single malt Scotch whisky is made.  Mixing an enchanting kinetic sculpture with fascinating media, the distilling process can be seen from inside and out. The process is visualised in a way never seen before, embodying the art of whisky making.

The pure new spirit moves to “Maturation”.  Seated inside the cask visitors will witness the charring, firing and filling, allowing for a unique and magical view of how the cask changes the character of the whisky as the years tick past.

The three new immersive areas form part of the full tour experience. Setting the scene for how single malt Scotch is produced, before discovering the whisky producing regions, the art of blending, and tasting a dram in one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said “We are so excited to share the new experience with our visitors. This is the culmination of three year’s hard work by our passionate team. The immersive storytelling and brilliant technology within the tour will offer visitors a real insight into Scotch whisky.”

Following three years of careful planning, the new experiences have replaced the “barrel ride”. The Scotch Whisky Experience has combined technologies in an exciting new way, not yet seen at a visitor attraction in the UK.

The story of whisky production has been brought to life. It will entertain and enchant new generations of whisky lovers discovering whisky for the first time.

The July launch of the new tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience will ensure even more visitors learn about the extraordinary world of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

“The maturation process is highly complex but this portrays it perfectly.”

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay 

“There is nowhere you can see how whisky matures like this.”

Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, Pernod Ricard 

“This newest addition to Edinburgh’s tourist attractions continues our mission of showcasing Scotland’s national drink in a very contemporary, modern way.”

Malcolm Leask, Managing Director, International Beverage and Chairman of The Scotch Whisky Experience

NOTES ~ The Scotch Whisky Experience                                                                               

The Scotch Whisky Experience has been sharing the delights of Scotch whisky to a global audience of 8.5 million visitors for more than 35 years and is one of Edinburgh’s five-star attractions.

The new tour experience is included in our Silver, Gold and Platinum whisky tours.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction, where visitors learn about all aspects of Scotch whisky, situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. As well as tours and tastings, guests can purchase whisky and souvenirs in the shop or enjoy a meal at the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is also home to one of the largest whisky collections in the world, The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection.

The Experience is available in 20 languages with family-friendly and tailored tours and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Open daily with tours available from 10:00 – 17:00

(extended hours at weekends and high season)

Tours range from £21.00 per person and are available to book online at: www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

BONHAMS APPOINTS CLEMENT GAILLARD AS SPECIALIST OF WHISKY IN BONHAMS PARIS OFFICE

Clément Gaillard

Paris – Bonhams is delighted to announce the appointment of Clément Gaillard as a Whisky Specialist in the Paris office. Clément took up his post on 22 June 2023.  

The appointment of Clément marks the company’s continued growth in Europe after the successful establishment of Wine and Whisky sales in Paris in 2022 and 2023.  

Clément studied History of Art at Sorbonne University. He started his career at La Maison du Whisky in 2016 in Paris, working in one of their boutiques, and then at the Golden Promise Whisky Bar.  Clément went on to join the online platform, Fine Spirits Auction, a collaboration between La Maison du Whisky and iDealwine, as a Whisky Specialist.

Clément will report to Hong-Kong based Diego Lanza, Head of Whisky Asia, and International Head of Sale for Whisky auctions in the UK and Europe. Whisky sales will be held in Paris at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr twice a year. Clément speaks French and English.  

Clément Gaillard said: “Bonhams recent expansion has made it one of the most accessible auction houses in the world with strong local roots. I am delighted to be joining Bonhams at this exciting time in its history. I am looking forward to drawing on all my knowledge and experience to help the company achieve even greater success.” 

Diego Lanza, Head of Department, Whisky, Asia & International Head of Sale, said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Clément to Bonhams. His blend of experience in the world of whisky is exactly what we need to develop sales in France.” 

ABOUT BONHAMS

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

There are 14 salerooms around the globe: UK: New Bond Street, London; Knightsbridge, London; Edinburgh. US: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Marlborough. Hong Kong: Admiralty. France: Avenue Hoche, Paris; Rue de la Paix, Paris. Belgium: Brussels; Denmark: Copenhagen. Sweden: Stockholm and Australia: Sydney.

With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60+ specialist areas.

In 2022, Bonhams held a number of important auctions and offered landmark single-owner collections, including the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Sir Terence Conran: The Contents of Barton Court, Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included Style and Substance: The Collection of George and Charlotte Shultz and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

The Bonhams Network

Bukowskis

Established in 1870, Bukowskis offers fine art and collectables from its saleroom in Stockholm as well as online. In 2021, it sold 11 of the 15 most valuable artworks in the Swedish market – achieving the highest price for a Swedish artwork ever sold at auction – while their innovative digital presence attracts more than one million users every month.

Bruun Rasmussen

From its Copenhagen saleroom and online, Bruun Rasmussen sells more than 75,000 lots each year across categories from furniture, paintings and modern design to silver, wine and collector’s items such as books, arms and armour, stamps and coins.

Bonhams Skinner

Renowned New England auction house Bonhams Skinner holds some 80 auctions a year in 20 collecting categories – including Americana, fine art, collectables and wine, and ranging from fine violins to contemporary paintings – at its salerooms in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as on its highly effective digital platform for online sales.

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr

Established in 1973, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is famous throughout the auction world for its high-profile single-owner sales. With salerooms in Paris and Brussels, it holds auctions in more than a dozen categories, including fine art, haute couture, Asian art, collectable cars, jewellery, watches and more.

GLENALLACHIE DISTILLERY’S VISITOR CENTRE

UNDERGOES SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE

The Speyside-based single malt producer unveils new and improved

visitor attraction, including plush bar and tasting lounge

Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie today reveals major upgrades to its visitor centre as it gears up for the high season.

Winner of Visitor Attraction of the Year (Icons of Whisky Scotland, 2022), the site opened to the public for the very first time in April 2019 with a retail shop, small tasting room and limited tour programme.

Having amassed over 225 5-star reviews across Trip Advisor and Google since then, and achieving a coveted Travellers’ Choice award last year, visitors can now enjoy a brand-new, state-of-the-art whisky bar and tasting lounge.

Independently owned by legendry Scotch whisky maker Billy Walker, the distillery is located near Aberlour in the world-renowned Speyside region and boasts a full production area as well as 16 on-site warehouses.

The £600,000 investment sees a former engineering workshop be transformed to house a whisky bar; tasting lounge; extra toilets, including disabled facilities; and substantial outdoor seating space with incredible uninterrupted views of Ben Rinnes.

The whisky bar will offer a range of The GlenAllachie Distillers Company’s whiskies, offered in single measures or as a flight, as well as mixers and locally made soft drink options.

As part of the distillery’s sustainability efforts, the new space will be heated using excess heat energy from the stillhouse: the room where distilling takes place. Electric vehicle charging points have also been installed for visitor use.

Along with the expansion, The GlenAllachie’s Visitor Centre team has doubled over the last 12 months to cater for accelerating demand and footfall since recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company appointed Tracy Sellar as Visitor Centre Manager in 2022 to oversee its upgrading and upscaling, as well as the ongoing strategic running of The GlenAllachie’s brand home.

The extended tour offering now consists of three experiences:

• The GlenAllachie Experience (1 hour, £25 per person) – a journey through the production process ending at the tasting room to enjoy four whiskies.
• The Premium Experience (1 hour 15 minutes, £35 per person) – a tour of the production area, including a detailed discussion of our innovative cask management policy, followed by a tutored tasting of four premium whiskies.
• The Connoisseurs Tour (2 hours, £60 per person) – running every Thursday afternoon, the experience is aimed at ‘whisky geeks’ who want an in-depth tour, including a warehouse visit, before enjoying a tasting of five of our finest drams.

A maximum of ten people are welcome on each tour to retain The GlenAllachie’s admired personal approach, best reflecting its brand values.

The distillery plans to further expand its visitor experience offering once the whisky bar is fully up and running.

Commenting on the expansion, Sellar shares:

“We’re thrilled to unveil our expanded Visitor Centre at The GlenAllachie Distillery after months of planning and preparation. As a team, we identified a gap in our offering: the option to enjoy a dram or flight without the need to join a tour.

“The new whisky bar, between the indoor and outdoor space, allows for an impressive capacity of 100 people at any one time. As we continue to expand as a visitor attraction, we look forward to a busy summer season with more experiences to offer our guests.”

The distillery shop offers a number of bottlings exclusively available to its visitors:

• Hand-filled 17-year-old Oloroso Butt #901048 Single Cask Single Malt – £218
• Hand-filled 10-year-old Recioto Della Valpolicella Barrique #804071 Single Cask Single Malt – £101
• Distillery Exclusive 13-year-old Oloroso Matured Single Malt – £75

The GlenAllachie is hosting a launch event for the whisky bar and tasting lounge on Thursday 13^th July 2023 from 17:30 – 19:30, open to all, which will showcase the new space, with drams and nibbles on offer.

The GlenAllachie Visitor Centre is currently open every day from 10:00-17:00 for the summer season (April – October). Tours can be booked through their website, while the new whisky bar operates on a walk-in basis.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_

Rhythm and Booze Records Releases Music In A Whisky Bottle

Brand new indie spirits bottler and record label combines whisky and new music, starting with a 13-year-old single cask release featuring a new EP from label co-founders Felipe Schrieberg and Paul Archibald, who play as blues duo The Rhythm and Booze Project.

Tasting whisky while listening to great music is one of life’s great pleasures. Now, a new indie spirits bottler and record label is releasing an experiment that combines the two together.

Rhythm and Booze Records blends new music and specially curated spirits to create unique tasting and listening experiences. On July 6th, the label will release its first whisky, Rhythm and Booze Records #1: The Rhythm and Booze Project 13YO Single Sherry Butt Blended Malt, paired with music from label co-founders Felipe Schrieberg and Paul Archibald, who play as blues duo The Rhythm and Booze Project.

Here’s how it works. The whisky itself is a single cask 13-year old-blended malt matured in an ex-Oloroso sherry butt, bottled at 50% ABV with only 1050 bottles available. The whisky’s front label showcases the band while a QR code on the back label leads to a private link where customers and fans can stream and download the band’s new EP to enjoy as they sip the whisky.

Schrieberg is proud of the label’s debut: “We want each of our releases to be a unique artistic statement for the ears, nose and palate. You won’t find these songs on any streaming site for a very long time after we launch this new bottle.”

Archibald explains how the music and the whisky compliment each other: “We create a pretty gritty, raucous sound, and in our performances we want our audience to be a part of that and enjoy it. We felt that the profile really manages to capture that in alcohol form. It’s quite rich and robust, but also surprisingly easy to drink.”

Schrieberg and Archibald are deeply experienced blending whisky and music together. As The Rhythm and Booze Project, they regularly organise hybrid gig whisky tastings, put on blues and whisky-based theatre shows, perform at distilleries, and they even built the world’s first bass drum out of an entire Scotch whisky cask. Schrieberg is also an award-winning whisky writer and is a Keeper of the Quaich, a society honouring those who have made significant contributions to the Scotch whisky industry.

Rhythm and Booze Records represents the next step for them in their musical and whisky journey. While the label features bands they play in to start, the roster will expand to include other artists they admire by 2024.

Schrieberg comments: “It sounds pretentious, but I really do believe that we’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the sensory possibilities  from combining top quality spirits and music. We want to take this combination as far as we can, and provide an unforgettable experience to anyone that buys any of our bottles.”

About Rhythm and Booze Records Release #1
Shop link: https://tinyurl.com/RnBRwhisky
Price: £65, 50 cl bottle (UK retail price inc. VAT)
ABV: 50%
Tasting notes:

Body – Rich and fruity

Aromas – There’s no questioning the sherry influence but it’s not overwhelming, or too dark or dry. Sherry’s trademark red fruits and winter spices are certainly present, but are nicely balanced by notes of toffee, coffee, and root beer.

Taste – Raspberries and strawberries lead the way before descending into richer goopy notes – maple syrup and caramel. Riding on the syrupy texture, citrus notes of orange and grapefruit but also dark chocolate provide further depth. After a little more time a hint of leather also emerges to complete this classy and poised palate.

About Rhythm and Booze Records – Website

Rhythm and Booze Records is a record label and indie bottler blending amazing music and specially curated spirits together to create unique tasting and listening experiences.

First, the band finds an independent artist to work with, then chooses a high quality matured spirit – whisky, Cognac or rum – that is a perfect fit for the music they make.

The final step is to put the two together.

For each release, the bottle’s front label showcases the featured band, and on the back label there’s a QR code leading to a private link where the band’s tunes are available to stream, download and to enjoy with the chosen spirit.

Rhythm and Booze Records is co-founded and run by whisky writer and singer/lap steel guitarist Felipe Schrieberg and drummer Paul Archibald, who’ve been playing together for over 14 years across many different bands covering a wide variety of genres.

About The Rhythm and Booze Project – Website

The Rhythm and Booze Project features Felipe and Paul, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia experiences.

As a musical outfit, the band incorporates roots, folk, and blues music in a uniquely gritty mix of its own, blending hypnotic grooves with raucous energy and irresistible showmanship. For their whisky tasting events, Felipe and Paul merge performance, live music, and multi-sensory experiences.

Past projects include a sold out run performing Two Guys, Three Drams, a show that combined blues music and whisky at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and building the world’s first bass drum made out of an entire Scotch whisky cask from the Lagavulin distillery.

With five professional degrees between them, Felipe and Paul have an academic background to match. Felipe wrote his Masters degree thesis on sustainable distillation on Islay conducting field interviews after Islay’s Feis Ile whisky festival, while Paul has completed a PhD in the history of jazz drumming and the drum kit in New Orleans.

Felipe is also a leading writer about all aspects of whisky for top industry publications including the websites distiller.com and scotchwhisky.com, and also writes about whisky for Forbes.com. He has won the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year award, and is also a Keeper of the Quaich.

Opposites attract: Bimber and Compass Box unveil

‘Duality’ blended malt whiskies

Bimber Distillery together with Compass Box have today revealed ‘Duality’ – a duet of blended malt whiskies created collaboratively by the two London-based Whiskymakers. Featuring two distinct, yet connected whiskies which will be released at the same time – the Duality expressions bring the tradition of generously trading casks to their homes in West London and have been crafted as an exploration of the symmetry and contrasts of sherry-matured whiskies and heavily peated malts. Each is composed of components sourced from both England and Scotland and strives to juxtapose youth and maturity with texture and intensity to create new united harmonies. Both Duality expressions will be available from Tuesday 4^th July directly from the respective producer’s websites.

Designed by Bimber’s Matt McKay and Compass Box’s James Saxon, the two Duality releases were created highly collaboratively with both Whiskymakers working in tandem. The London-based partners explored a wide-range of component whiskies from both Bimber’s growing warehouse and Compass Box’s extensive Scotch archive – each selecting a distinctive sherried and peated element for their individual Duality blended malts. The final whiskies not only offer balance and symmetries within their own bottles – but they also stand as a different duo created from an initial shared vision.

The Bimber Duality release takes textural, vibrantly fruity Bimber drawn from a peated ex-bourbon cask and combines it with a parcel of venerable 1^st fill sherried malt from Glendullan Distillery. The release consists of 340 bottles presented at 54% ABV and with an RRP of £120.

The Compass Box Duality takes a core of intensely smoky whisky from Ardbeg Distillery and combines it with rich and textural Pedro Ximénez-matured Bimber whisky. The release consists of 1,050 bottles presented at 52% ABV and with an RRP of £180.

Speaking of the launch of the two Duality releases, Matt McKay from Bimber said: “It has been a pleasure to create Duality with a team as passionate and inventive as Compass Box. The end results speak not only to the mindsets and approaches of both a distillery and a Whiskymaker in conjunction, but also to the incredible versatility of the component malts which have been selected for blending. The Bimber Duality bottling is the first time our London whisky has been utilised in conjunction with malts from different distilleries – we’re incredibly proud of the result and are delighted to have collaborated with Compass Box to produce this duo of Dualities.”

James Saxon from Compass Box added: “I’ve been a huge admirer of Bimber since visiting in September 2020 – my first distillery tour after lockdown! I have wanted to find a way to bring the attention to detail and distinctiveness of Bimber’s spirits into a Compass Box project since that day. Working with the Bimber team, we created Duality and a pair of releases to celebrate our West London Whiskymaking connection. Duality is unlike anything we have made at Compass Box before – the weight and texture the Bimber brings to our heavily-peated Islay malt is truly compelling.”

Duality Blended Malt Whiskies  

Distribution

Compass Box Duality will be available from Tuesday 4^th July 2023 via www.compassboxwhisky.com

Bimber Duality will be available from Tuesday 4^th July 2023 via www.bimberdistillery.co.uk

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

About Compass Box 

Compass Box are Scotch Whiskymakers. The word ‘Whiskymaker’ is their word – it does not appear in a dictionary. For over 20 years they have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. They have not done it on their own and have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. They are always experimenting, always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. This vision motivates them as Whiskymakers.

WhistlePig reveals its latest Rye Hero for 4^th July Celebrations:

The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific

This 4^th July, one of the world’s most celebrated and decorated rye whiskies, WhistlePig is revealing its 8^th edition of its superhero rye collection in the UK – The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific.

This latest extraordinary release from the multi-award winning rye distillery explores unchartered territory in the world of rye to create a whiskey that is powerfully complex, distinctive from anything created before and, in keeping with The Boss Hog’s personality – stupendous.

With a sub-title name of LapuLapu’s Pacific, the release takes its inspiration and name historically and symbolically from the Philippines and the Filipino hero of the same name from 16^th Century*.

Aged for nearly 18 years in new American Oak then double finished in high toast barrels that previously held small batch, single island aged Philippine rum, Boss Hog VIII is a highly intense, spicy and rich whiskey with miles of personality and flavour.

LapuLapu’s Pacific is not only the eighth edition of WhistlePig’s most sought after annual limited edition, but also the sequel to The Boss Hog VII: Magellan’s Atlantic, that was previously awarded Best Rye Whiskey at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, continuing the brand’s epic ‘circumnavigation’ voyage across the Pacific via its cask sourcing.

The Philippines is one of the world’s lesser-known Rum producers. The Rum barrels for The Boss Hog VIII have made their own long journey from a small island just southwest of Cebu. They previously held small batch Rum for between seven and ten years. Just like Rye Whiskey, extended barrel aging enriches Rum’s vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, mellows the profile, and adds layers of complexity to the final spirit. A high toast profile imparts another dimension of toffee and spice flavours.

“On the heels and success of Magellan’s Atlantic, it was a great challenge to find the perfect finish for the most special Rye barrels in our warehouse. We were already tracing Magellan in depth, and when we discovered LapuLapu’s story we knew we had to track down the best Philippines Rum barrels we could for the sequel. Before maturing Rum for 7-10 years, the barrels were coopered from American Oak and originally held bourbon. In this way, they’ve made their own circumnavigation from American whiskey to the Philippines, and back again to us in Vermont,” says Meghan Ireland, Blender, WhistlePig Whiskey.

“The whiskey rests first in 7-year-old small batch Philippine Rum casks, followed by a shorter finish in 10-year-old small batch Philippine Rum casks. The older rum is darker and bolder, requiring less time for its barrels to impart notes in the whiskey. The end result is an amazingly unique and delicious whiskey.”

“Like all of our boldest experiments, this one was not without its trials,” adds Ireland. “We actually attempted to send the whiskey itself around the world to Spain, to finish in the place where just one ship from the original fleet finally returned. Those barrels have yet to come back to us, so for the most daring collectors out there, the hunt is on.”

The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific is available from July onwards in specialist retailers, RRP: £675

In addition to releasing this super special whiskey for 4^th July, WhistlePig is also marking the occasion in the on trade with a number of partnerships.

London based bars and restaurants who are celebrating 4^th July with WhistlePig are below:

• Stereo:

On the evening of 4^th July, the venue will open at 5:30pm offering WhistlePig tastings and cocktails which their expert mixologists have concocted, ensuring every sip is an experience to remember. Guests can also indulge their taste buds with the American themed menu, featuring staples such as juicy burgers and hot wings. Live music from DJ Abi Murray will be playing throughout the evening to get the crowd going.

• Scarfes Bar:

The Bar will have an exclusive cocktail listing of the WhistlePig signature serve: The Maple Old Fashioned for the month of July.  On 4^th of July there will also be live music, a WhistlePig signature cocktails and tasty mini doughnut to accompany it.

• The Bloomsbury Club:

The Bloomsbury Club brings a touch of American charm as they partner with WhistlePig to celebrate 4th of July. Sip, savour and sample innovative cocktails like the Spiced Maple Bacon Old Fashioned and Apple Pie Sazerac, alongside a delectable menu of American-themed bar bites infused with WhistlePig maple syrup. All while you dance the night away to the soulful sounds of a bluegrass band.

• Exclusive WhistlePig cocktail listings will also be available to enjoy at Callooh Callay in Chelsea, Murder Inc and Little Bat.

The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific

Tasting notes:

On the nose: lush vanilla aromas give way to delicate tropical notes including underripe bananas, freshly picked lemon and molasses.

On the palate: LapuLapu’s Pacific offers an abundance of fresh ground cinnamon with citrus zest, butterscotch, and lights notes of toffee.

The finish: rich with tanned leather, light brown sugar, nutmeg and allspice with a long-lasting black pepper rye spice.

Notes

* The Boss Hog VIII draws inspiration both historically and symbolically from the Philippines where Magellan met his fate at the hands of Filipino hero LapuLapu during the battle of Mactan. Magellan’s journey ended in the Philippines on April 27, 1521, when the local victory dispelled the Spanish fleet. Five hundred years later, LapuLapu is celebrated as a symbol of strength and independence – his likeness captured in the hand-made, collectible pewter pig that crowns The Boss Hog. For avid collectors, no home bar is complete without The Boss Hog VII and VIII sequel.