Heaven Hill Distillery Named 2023 Global Icon of Whisky Distiller of the Year

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky awards announced Heaven Hill Distillery as the 2023 Global Distiller of the Year. The award was announced in London on March 30 at the Whisky Magazine Awards 2023, celebrating the very best people and places in the industry. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922 was previously named World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon at the American Icons of Whisky Awards on February 9 in Louisville, Ky.

Previously announced as a 2023 American Icon of Whiskey Distiller of the Year, Heaven Hill Distillery was voted amongst an esteemed panel of judges to best this year’s finalists. Since 1935, Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, Heaven Hill Heritage Collection and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond collection including its namesake Bourbon. Heaven Hill also invites more than 200,000 visitors per year through the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

Announced in June 2022, Heaven Hill is celebrating a return to distilling in Bardstown after breaking ground on the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Initial production at the state-of-the-art distillery is slated for 150,000 barrels a year after opening in 2024, and over time will have capacity to ramp up to producing 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s distilling that occurs at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will continue to operate at full capacity of 450,000 barrels annually.

“We’re honored to celebrate our contributions to distilling tradition, as well as continue to make an impact in innovation as we invest in the future of American Whiskey with the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller. “I’m proud to salute our legacy of distillers who helped build our brands over the years and look forward to the next generation of craft and quality from Heaven Hill Distillery.”

As noted by Christopher Coates, editor of Whiskey Magazine, “The 17th annual Icons of Whisky awards saw the stiffest competition yet. The experiences offered by the top whisky bars, retailers and attractions today are truly world-class – and have become bywords for hospitality and tourism excellence beyond just the drinks sphere.”

Several Heaven Hill brands were also recognized during the American World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky presentation. Notable awards include Sustainable Distillery of the Year, Lynn House as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year, and Connor O’Driscoll as Highly Commended Master Distiller. More information, including silver and bronze medalists, can be found at www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

SCAPA DISTILLERY OPENS THE ‘SCAPA NOUST’, A NEW WHISKY TASTING DESTINATION WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE DRAMATIC ORCADIAN LANDSCAPE

A hidden gem steeped in history and with local traditions at the heart, the Scapa Noust offers an unparalleled whisky tasting experience in Scotland.

This April, Scapa Distillery in Orkney is opening its new and intimate whisky tasting room, the Scapa Noust. Welcoming Single Malt fans and adventurers alike, the tasting room will offer uniquely immersive experiences for those looking to taste exceptional whisky in a spectacular destination, including The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish, which launches as the newest addition to the Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection.

The Scapa Noust Tasting Room and experience

The distinctive clifftop location overlooking the natural harbour of the Scapa Flow and dramatic Orcadian landscape makes the Scapa Noust a truly special location to taste whisky. Tucked away on the Northern Isles of Scotland and surrounded by the elements, the Scapa Noust welcomes visitors to enjoy a dram of Scapa whisky Single Malt in an inviting and warm setting.

With touch points throughout reminiscent of the maritime heritage of the destination, the namesake harks back to the island’s traditional boat shelters, ‘Noust’, the Orcadian term for a safe haven for boats. After a tour of the working distillery and warehouse, up to twelve guests can enjoy tastings of Scapa Single Malt whisky around a central hand-carved long table featuring ripples inspired by the sea, whilst seated under a statement ceiling, crafted in the style of a traditional fishing boat’s interior. Visitors will take in views through the floor to ceiling glass, looking out over the Scapa Flow, an underwater landmark site where a shipwreck of a sunken fleet resides. Inside the Scapa Noust, there are nautical design touches from the local area as a reminder of the area’s history, including a traditional naval radio desk donated by a local Orcadian, as well as a helmet which is over 100 years old and was used by the British navy up until the 1970s.

Designed by a local Orcadian architect Mark Fresson, the tasting room pays homage to the traditions and crafts of the Orkney islands. Cassie stone from across the island has been re-used and repurposed outside, using a technique hailing from Medieval times. There are also examples of locally crafted and rare Orcadian basket weave inside. The Scapa Noust encompasses the contrast of wild and calm: being both surrounded by the harsh elements and cliff edge lapped by the sea, while also inside an oasis of tranquillity as a nod to the welcoming warmth of the Orcadian community.

Scapa Distillery Reserve Collection

To celebrate this opening, Scapa is launching a new addition to its Distillery Reserve Collection, The Cask Finished Edition, Scapa 19-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez hogshead finish. There are just 440 bottles of this rich and spicy whisky which will be available exclusively at Scapa Distillery and on the distillery website, priced at £185.

Jacques-Henri, Head of Brand Experience and Advocacy at Chivas Brothers commented:

“We are thrilled to open the doors of the new Scapa Noust tasting destination at our Scapa Distillery. The team are so proud to have brought this vision to life, designing a space with a modern and fresh interior, whilst simultaneously honouring the rich traditions of Orkney that make Scapa whisky what it is.

Orkney is a special place, perfect for those wanting to absorb rich local history and culture and experience the wild beauty of the Orcadian archipelagos. The stunning Scapa Noust offers an incomparable experience for whisky fans and adventure seekers alike”.

The Scapa Noust tasting room is open to the public from 1^st April 2023. With a new direct connection from London City Airport to Orkney launching this summer, it is now even easier to discover all that Orkney has to offer. To learn more, please visit Scapa Distillery (maltwhiskydistilleries.com) or contact Visitor Centre Supervisor Maria Letizia Bardelli at scapa.admin@pernod-ricard.com.

MEET BRUADAR’S BEES 

On World Bee Day award-winning Scottish Whisky liqueur Bruadar pays  

homage to the tiny creature responsible for its unique flavour 

20th May 2023, Aberargie, Scotland – Bruadar is created by carefully balancing Single Malt Scotch Whisky, sloe berries and honey which is produced by hives at their distillery in Aberargie. On World Bee Day  (Saturday 20th May), Bruadar has, for the first time released exclusive imagery of the hives which are responsible for the liqueur’s unique flavor.

Last year Bruadar approached Denrosa Honey, who have been beekeepers in Scotland for three generations to place hives on their farm, to not only allow them to enhance the local provenance of the liqueur but to also strengthen the eco-system around the distillery.

Graeme MacKeddie, Head of Production, Bruadar said: ‘Consumer demand for understanding more about exactly what is in our glass, or on our plate, and how they are sourced grows year on year. During our re-launch of Bruadar, we took the opportunity to include local Perthshire honey, with the notion that in time perhaps we could have our own bees. Last year we took the plunge, and invited Denrosa Honey to introduce bees to the farm here at Aberargie. This has been mutually beneficial with our farm’s clover fields offering the bees a source of pollen at a time of year when few other plants are in bloom, and we are extremely lucky to be able to reap all the added benefits to our farm that the bees bring. They are amazing little creatures.’

Although the key ingredients of honey—pollen and nectar—remain the same, much like whisky, there are a number of factors that can affect the honey’s aroma, taste and colour, with the biggest being the kind of flower a bee frequents. Clover honey, for example, is light in colour, with a delicate floral taste, whereas hardy heather plants bring a more complex taste with notes of molasses and caramel.

A plant’s specific growth habitat, with endless possible variants such as temperature, precipitation and soil quality, can also have a huge impact. Honey made from the same pollen source can taste completely different depending on the area the flowers are grown in.

Perthshire’s moderate climate is ideal for producing honey. The relatively mild winters, plentiful rain and warm summers, allow a diverse range of wildflowers and berries to thrive, providing ample food for bees.

The Bruadar bees forage from the local area and spend much of their time on the farm’s permanent pasture, home to clover and wildflowers (as well as grazing sheep).In late summer, the Bruadar bees take a trip up to Perthshire’s heather-covered hills where they collect the nectar from the abundance of pink and purple flowers.

To pay homage to the Bruadar Bees we have teamed up with Jack from @Scottishmixology to create some bee inspired cocktail recipes. Download high res imagery, reels, ingredients and methods by clicking here:

Bruadar Cocktails by Jack Jamieson @scottishmixology

World Bee Day is on Saturday 20^thMay 2023

ABOUT BRUADAR  

To find out more about Bruadar visit www.bruadarliqueur.com or to find a stockist follow www.bruadarliqueur.com/buy 

RRP £25.95   

ABOUT MORRISON SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS   

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There has been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values are run through everything they do and they proudly showcase these underneath each of their bottles reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

They are an independent bottler and whisky distillers, based in Aberargie, Perthshire, who produce a wide selection of whiskies, including Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt and Old Perth, a sherry-matured blended malt whisky range and Càrn Mòr.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com 

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Names New MASTERS OF BOURBON and MASTERS AND SCOTCH

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky

The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS, a U.S. education body dedicated to whisk(e)y, has met on the campus of Buffalo Trace Distillery to conduct annual Master examinations and name the first MASTERS OF BOURBON titleholders in history. New MASTERS OF SCOTCH were also announced.

Judges and candidates underwent 3 intensive days of training, tasting and examination that led to the identification of an inaugural class of new MASTERS, on both the Bourbon as well as Scotch track.

The examination included an intense blind tasting exam, a detailed oral theory exam, as well as a wideranging 6-question essay exam. Candidates were reviewed on all aspects of the world of Bourbon (or Scotch, respectively); covering history, production, all major distilleries, trade, tasting, laws and more.

The international judging panel consisted of Council board members, featuring only globally acclaimed whiskey authorities.

This year’s senior judges in residence were Steve Beal, Lew Bryson, Marty Duffy, Sebastien Gavillet, Tobias Gorn, Monique Huston, Arthur Nägele, and Bernhard Schäfer.

New Council members serving for the first time as full judges included MASTERS OF SCOTCH Dan Crowell, Jerad Justesen, Guy Sporbert, John Wabeck and Sam Wright.

Judges evaluated all candidates independently and elected new Masters based on agreed-upon standards developed and upheld by the Council. To become a candidate in the MASTER program, individuals must first pass the CERTIFIED BOURBON (or SCOTCH) PROFESSIONAL exam, and in a second step pass the CERTIFIED WHISKEY SPECIALIST exam to demonstrate global knowledge. The study program is open to all individuals, from around the world, through enrollment at www.WhiskeyMasters.org.

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS congratulates the following professionals to their monumental achievement in whisk(e)y:

CHASE HENRY, MASTER OF BOURBON

MARK RUCKER, MASTER OF BOURBON

TOM MCCORMICK, MASTER OF BOURBON

JAY JORDAN, MASTER OF BOURBON

JUSTIN STRUMPFER, MASTER OF BOURBON

JUSTIN BOYER, MASTER OF SCOTCH

ADAM EDMONSOND, MASTER OF SCOTCH

SIDDHARTH SAWKAR, MASTER OF SCOTCH

On April 27th, 2023, the above individuals have joined the COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS as members for life, subject to the Council’s code of ethics. Those candidates who did not pass all parts of the exam will be supported and mentored by the Council towards success in later examinations.

The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS currently consists of 48 members. Since 2019, the Council has developed and supported thousands of certification candidates, from 50 countries.

The next on-site MASTER exams (both Scotch and Bourbon) are expected to take place in the West Highlands of Scotland in spring of 2024.

All program information can be found at www.WhiskeyMasters.org

The full list of Masters and board members is published at www.whiskeymasters.org/whiskey-masters

Contact information: Office@WhiskeyMasters.org

Sotheby’s to offer Bowmore ARC-52: The ‘Mokume Edition’

Jack Daniel’s Releases McLaren Racing Limited Edition 

Tennessee Whiskey Bottle

Limited edition bottle features special packaging to celebrate the brands’ pioneering founders and spirit of independence, authenticity and boldness

Lynchburg, Tennessee (April 26, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery today announced a limited edition Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to commemorate its partnership with McLaren Racing. Available in select Formula 1 race markets across the globe, the limited edition Tennessee Whiskey features a custom label and packaging that honors the pioneering founders behind Jack Daniel’s and McLaren Racing – Mr. Jack Daniel himself and Bruce McLaren.

“McLaren and Jack Daniel’s are two of the most iconic brands known around the world, and we’re excited to celebrate our partnership with a special bottle that nods to our shared spirit of independence, authenticity and boldness,” said Sophia Angelis, Jack Daniel’s SVP, Global Managing Director. “We have been working with the McLaren team to develop unparalleled experiences for both racing and whiskey fans, and we can’t wait to share more on what we have in store.”

“We are thrilled to launch this special McLaren Racing bottle with Jack Daniel’s, an exciting collaboration with a partner which shares our ambition to put fans at the center of what we do,” said Louise McEwen, Executive Director, Brand & Marketing, McLaren Racing. “In our 60th year we are marking our team’s great legacy, started by Bruce McLaren. This limited-edition bottle is another fantastic way to share these celebrations with our fans, remembering both Bruce and Jack – two distinguished founders. I am looking forward to seeing the bottle on shelves across the globe.”

The McLaren Racing limited edition is Jack Daniel’s classic Tennessee Whiskey grain bill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, bottled at 80 proof (40% abv). Beginning in May, it will be available in 700 mL bottles in select F1 race cities in the U.S. and internationally.

For more information, visit JackDaniels.com.

About McLaren Racing

McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren 60 years ago in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 20 Formula 1 World Championships, 183 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.  

McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. In 2023, the team will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers René Rast and Jake Hughes, and the Extreme E Championship with NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team drivers Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust. The team also competes in the F1 Esports Pro Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.

McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.

McLaren Racing – Official Website

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Tennessee Whiskey, 40% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

ARDBEG DAY RETURNS TO LONDON WITH A PLANET ARDBEG ‘DETECTIVE NOIR’

THEMED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR WHISKY LOVERS

This year’s Ardbeg Day celebration in London invites whisky lovers to transport themselves into the graphic novel universe of Planet Ardbeg to uncover the mysteries behind Ardbeg’s latest limited edition release, Heavy Vapours… 

Islay’s single malt Scotch whisky, Ardbeg, is excited to be bringing back its mythical, graphic novel universe, Planet Ardbeg this summer. The immersive experience will take place for Ardbeg Day in London on Saturday 3rd June 2023 at The Light Bar on Shoreditch High Street and is inspired by its 40-page sci-fi anthology which launched last year.

Returning for 2023, this year’s Planet Ardbeg Day celebrations are inspired by the creation of Ardbeg’s limited edition single malt scotch whisky – Heavy Vapours. For the first time ever, Ardbeg’s whisky has been distilled without a purifier, making the liquid the most full-blown, distinctive, and experimental whisky to be matured in Ardbeg casks.

The mystery of what happened to the untamed purifier, responsible for maintaining the balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness, remains unsolved. Ardbeg will be inviting whisky lovers to locate the elusive purifier in this year’s immersive ‘Detective Noir’ Planet Ardbeg celebrations. Guests can expect to be fully immersed into the world of Planet Ardbeg as they embark upon their mission through a series of activities. Through solving riddles and cracking codes hidden amongst Planet Ardbeg graffiti, working with an investigative journalist in the Ardbeg Times office, and taking part in an exclusive Heavy Vapours whisky tasting with Agent 46, consumers will work to find the missing purifier and claim exclusive Ardbeg Day merchandise. A lucky few will also have the opportunity to win bottles of Ardbeg’s limited edition Heavy Vapours!

Planet Ardbeg Day 2023 celebrations will take place on Saturday 3rd June 2023 at The Light Bar, 233 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ from 2-7pm. Tickets are priced at £40, and will include admission to the event, three delicious Ardbeg whisky cocktails, participation in all activities including the Heavy Vapours tasting, and food from ‘Shortie’s Smokehouse’.

Tickets are available to purchase now HERE

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours will be available to buy from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre from 23^rd May, RRP: £120. For more news on Ardbeg Day 2023 and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at Ardbeg.com.

About Ardbeg Day

Ardbeg Day is a global, annual celebration of all things Ardbeg, held on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt – the Feis Ile. In 2023, Ardbeg Day falls on Saturday 3rd June, with festivities set to take place at the distillery in Islay and online.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow Ardbeg on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg
• Twitter: @Ardbeg
• Instagram: @ardbeg

Old Pulteney unveils first Distillery Exclusive expression dedicated to its coastal home

Old Pulteney, known as The Maritime Malt, has today revealed its first ever Distillery Exclusive whisky, which pays homage to its coastal home in the Scottish Highlands.

To create the limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky, Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring hand-selected his favourite casks before keeping a watchful eye over the whisky as it matured at one of the most northern distilleries in Wick, Scotland.

Offering deliciously rich notes of stone fruits, citrus and toffee, Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive intertwines these with the classic briny undertone that is synonymous with each of the brand’s expressions, taking influence from the North Sea.

Matured in French Oak, the expression is available to buy exclusively from Pulteney Distillery and via Old Pulteney’s online shop (here).

Old Pulteney, The Maritime Malt, has unveiled its first ever Distillery Exclusive expression which pays homage to its coastal home, Pulteney Distillery, sat on the northern-most shores of mainland Scotland, in Wick.

Showcasing beautifully rich notes of stone fruits, citrus and toffee, the Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive is wonderfully deep, and marries the bold flavours with the briny and sea-salt undertones that is synonymous with the brand’s expressions, after being lovingly matured for years on the banks of the North Sea.

Created as a tribute to Pulteney Distillery, which was established in 1826, the expression was first filled in American oak casks, before further maturation in French oak, pulling through deep, sweet notes with a subtle spice.

Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive has been created by Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring, who carefully hand-selected his favourite casks to create a delicious flavour profile, before keeping a watchful and expert eye over the whisky as it matured.

On the nose, the expression is rich and offers a deep sweetness of caramelised apple, warm custard and cinnamon spiced pastries. Towards the end, notes of rye bread, orange citrus, stone fruits and a delicate oak dryness comes through.

The flavour is gloriously deep and showcases notes of sweetness and spice. Toffee, nutmeg and caramelised popcorn envelop the palate and develop into rich blossom honey, roasted almonds and creamy vanilla. The finish is slightly spicy, with notes of honey lingering on the palate before giving way to a welcome tannic dryness in the form of dried fruits.

The limited-edition expression is non-chill filtered and has an ABV of 53%, which is slightly higher than that of the distillery’s core range, allowing the delicious flavours of caramelised fruit, nutmeg and honey to come to the fore.

Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager, said: “I’m very proud to introduce the first Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive to the world. Capturing the very essence of its maritime location in every dram, the expression has been created as a homage to our home on the Caithness Coast in Wick, using my favourite French and American oak casks to create a beautiful, well-rounded flavour.

“For centuries, Pulteney Distillery has been creating some of the finest single malts with an unmistakable coastal character. Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive is no different, and offers drinkers a rich and complex flavour profile, whilst keeping to its roots with the briny undertones that Old Pulteney is known for.”

Old Pulteney Distillery Exclusive is available at Pulteney Distillery and via Old Pulteney’s website (here), and retails at £85.

For more information, please visit www.oldpulteney.com

About Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney’s story, distillery, and whisky is shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies. The award-winning core collection, revitalised for the modern market in 2018, includes: 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old, and 25 Years Old.

The 19th Century fishing boom, which saw thousands of fishermen and their families descending on Wick every year, led to the founding of the distillery in 1826. Today, the town is better known as the home of Old Pulteney and its distillery. Inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home and distilled and matured by the sea, Old Pulteney will always be The Maritime Malt.

In 2022, Old Pulteney launched the first in its Coastal Series, a collection of whiskies that have been matured in seaside casks. The series is made up of four expressions, which will be released annually. The first expression to be launched was Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes.

Recent awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include Silver for both Old Pulteney 12 Years Old and Huddart at the 2022 IWSC awards, along with an Outstanding for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old. Old Pulteney 12 Years Old and Huddart also took home Silver awards at the 2022 ISC awards.

A CELEBRATION OF THE HEBRIDEAN ISLE OF RAASAY:

ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY REVEALS NEW LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY, FULLY MATURED IN EX-MANZANILLA CASKS

11^th May 2023, London: The Isle of Raasay Distillery has unveiled a new limited-edition expression in celebration of winning the coveted Tourism Destination of the Year Award at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2022.

The new ‘Distillery Exclusive – Tourism Destination of the Year’ is inspired by the rugged yet beautiful windswept Isle of Raasay, with the team choosing a unique blend of sherry and ex-Manzanilla Pasada casks to achieve a salty maritime note within the whisky that encapsulates the island’s climate. Overall, this maturation process delivers a whisky which is lightly peated with notes of chamomile, almonds and salted caramel and has an ABV of 63.5%.

Co-founder and Master Distiller, Alasdair Day said: “The Isle of Raasay is a very small rugged, windswept Hebridean island that lies off the East coast of Skye. An island off an island. With all of our spirit being matured on Raasay in our warehouses there has been a lot of discussion about our maritime climate and how this may influence the flavour characteristics of our maturing whisky. It was with this thought in mind, combined with the tradition of maturing Scotch Whisky in sherry casks that we selected a small quantity of ex Manzanilla Pasada casks for our Isle of Raasay Single Malt to mature in.

“Manzanilla is a very dry sherry, similar to Fino, made in the same way but at the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda next to the sea and not inland in Jerez. This results in a salty maritime note in Manzanilla which is not present in Fino sherry. It is this note that we were looking to promote in this very special release of our Isle of Raasay Hebridean Single Malt. It combines our maturation by the sea with the maritime influence of the Manzanilla sherry.”

Only 2,500 bottles of ‘Distillery Exclusive – Tourism Destination of the Year’ will be released which will be exclusively available to their online whisky club and at the Isle of Raasay Distillery from 17^th May 2023 with a retail price of £95.

‘Distillery Exclusive – Tourism Destination of the Year’ details:

Fully matured in ex Manzanilla sherry cask.

Release Date: Slainte Club Ballot opens 8th May & closes 15^th May 2023.

ABV: 52%
Peat Level: Barley 48-52ppm | Residual in bottle estimated 8ppm
Presentation: Natural colour, non-chill filtered
Cask Types: First fill North American oak casks (Quercus alba) seasoned for 24 months with Manzanilla pasada
Spirit Types: Isle of Raasay peated
Yeast Type: Distillers’ Yeast
Water Source: Isle of Raasay Distillery 60 metre well on site – Tobar na Bà Baine
Fermentation Time: 3 and 5 day fermentations
Spirit Cut Point:75 to 65 abv
Cask Filling Strength: 63.5% abv
Distilled: 25/10/2019 – 1/11/2019
Maturation & Bottling: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Glenmorangie brings a deliciously spicy twist to its single-estate whisky

— Award-winning Highland Distillery captures the essence of its homeland in field to glass series’ third batch release —

Today, Highland Single Malt Glenmorangie shares the delectable taste and terroir of its homeland with the latest release in its Cadboll Estate series of single-estate whiskies. Crafted by Glenmorangie from field to glass, this limited-edition series brings the spirit and flavour of the Distillery’s cherished Highland home to whisky lovers around the globe. Aged for 15 years, the third batch of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate brings a nutty and spicy twist to the series’ award-winning flavour.

Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate lies just a short journey from the Distillery on the scenic Easter Ross peninsula, between the Moray Firth and the Dornoch Firth. Few live here – it’s a tranquil, rural place boasting wide-open skies, endless barley fields and beautiful beaches that come alive with the cycles of the seasons. Some years ago, Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, became inspired to share the essence of the whisky’s homeland more widely in a series of single-estate expressions. And so, The Cadboll Estate series was born.

Each release in the series begins in the Distillery’s own barley fields located on the Cadboll Estate, planted and harvested to Dr Bill’s specifications. This Cadboll barley is then mashed and distilled in Glenmorangie’s towering copper stills (as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for a more elegant taste and aroma), to bring forth a uniquely delicious spirit.

Dr Bill imagined how he might bring hints of nuts and spice to that rare spirit’s softness. With these flavours in mind, he selected spirit created from two separate barley harvests and aged it in American oak bourbon casks to enhance those creamy depths. Then, picturing notes of hazelnut, toffee and clove, he finished a small portion in casks which once held Amontillado, his favourite style of sherry. After 15 years, Dr Bill reunited these whiskies in this series’ delicious third batch release; threading hints of toffee and spice around honeysuckle, peaches and cream.

Dr Bill Lumsden said: “Created at Glenmorangie from field to glass, our Cadboll Estate series captures the true essence of our Highland world for whisky lovers to experience, wherever they happen to be. Including a parcel of whisky finished in casks seasoned with Amontillado, my favourite sherry, the third Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate release adds wondrous sherried hints to our barley’s unique flavour. Soft and rich, with notes of deeply sweet spice, toffee, almonds and clove, this whisky celebrates the spirit, flavour and terroir of our homeland in a deliciously different way.”

The new Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate release will be exclusively available in the UK from 27^th April via Glenmorangie.com and at the Distillery Visitor Centre for an RRP of £75. It will be available more widely in the UK and in local markets from 4^th May onwards.

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Tasting Notes: 

Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate third batch release is chill filtered and bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Deep ochre.

Aroma: Wonderfully aromatic and fragrant, with touches of honey, hazelnuts, mandarin oranges and soft, sweet toffee. This is then followed by some fragrant, aromatic top notes, like sweet, ripening barley, followed by some baked peaches. A splash of water releases some flinty minerality, along with honeysuckle and jasmine flowers.

Taste: A gently spicy mouthfeel leads into a burst of sweet and spicy flavours – heather honey, gingerbread, hazelnut praline, fudge, toffee and a touch of clove. The Amontillado cask-derived nuttiness is always present, but always gently integrated with other, sweeter flavours.

Finish: The lingering aftertaste has touches of almond marzipan, coconut and finally a suggestion of baking fruit loaves.

RRP: £75

Release date: Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate third batch release will be available from specialist whisky shops from 4^th May. It will also be available from the Distillery Visitor Centre and online at Glenmorangie.com from 27^th April. 

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 an adult 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 The Cadboll Estate series:

This unique series of field-to-glass whiskies was created to share the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s ruggedly beautiful, yet remote homeland with whisky lovers old and new. It began with the first release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate in 2020, a deep and creamy single malt distilled in 2004 and aged in first-fill American white oak bourbon casks. The release was named Best Single Malt 15 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in 2021 and won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), and gold at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) that year. The silky richness of the second batch, distilled in 2005, wonderfully reflected the subtle changes each year brings to the Highlands. It was awarded gold medals at the IWC, SFWSC, ISC and Scottish Whisky Awards. The nutty, spicy and creamy notes of the third batch release are a deliciously sherried take on the series’ style. What is more, Dr Bill is already dreaming up further whiskies for the single-estate series. So whisky fans can look forward to enjoying further delicious tastes of Glenmorangie’s home, even if they are yet to explore the Highlands in person.

About Cadboll barley:

Found only in the fields of Glenmorangie’s 440-acre Cadboll Estate, Glenmorangie’s own barley is grown and harvested just as Dr Bill wishes – even down to the barley variety and the fields in which it is planted. When the barley is harvested, he arranges for it to be dried and malted exactly as he chooses, to bring a little extra creaminess to Glenmorangie’s wonderfully delicate spirit. Only enough barley can be harvested from the estate each year for one or two weeks of production at the Distillery. So as you can imagine, Cadboll barley is exceptionally precious.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout his 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), a long balmy day in Madeira (Glenmorangie Bacalta) and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he is a new entry in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

Responsible Drinking:

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