Statement from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association on Passage of HB 5

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association and its 52 member distilling companies applaud the Kentucky General Assembly for final passage of House Bill 5, the common-sense compromise that phases out the state’s discriminatory Bourbon barrel tax.

The final compromise reached in HB 5 strikes a fair balance by protecting funding for schools, fire departments and EMS districts while giving local governments 20 years to plan and diversify their tax bases instead of relying on the ups and downs of a singular industry.

In return, Kentucky distillers will finally receive equal treatment with every other manufacturer whose goods are not taxed during the production process, and our state and signature industry are on the pathway to a more competitive tax code.

Distillers are protected against an astronomical 525% hike in barrel tax revenue, which would have forced them to make tough business decisions on where to grow. Even with this relief, distilling remains Kentucky’s highest taxed industry, paying $286 million in taxes each year.

We are hopeful Gov. Andy Beshear will see the many benefits of HB 5 and sign the legislation into law. We also hope communities and distillers can move forward together to continue creating good-paying local jobs and attracting millions of tourists from around the world to our famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

The KDA thanks the leadership of Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Senate A&R Chairman Chris McDaniel, House A&R Chairman Jason Petrie, and House and Senate leadership from both sides of the aisle.

We also thank all lawmakers who voted for this historic and critical legislation in a bipartisan fashion to preserve, protect and strengthen our homegrown industry. Thanks to your support, Kentucky will remain the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon.

We also appreciate the continued support of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, Americans for Tax Reform, the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, and Bourbon fans who made their voices heard.

Most importantly, we toast our members who have been working to equitably end this punishing tax since the end of Prohibition. To them, we raise a glass and say thank you and cheers to our venerable family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.  

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.  

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

FETTERCAIRN SINGLE MALT WHISKY COMPLETES THE WAREHOUSE COLLECTION WITH WAREHOUSE 14 THEIR LATEST LIMITED EDITION RELEASE

 The Limited Edition release Warehouse 14, will be available from April 2023

Fettercairn Distillery has announced the fifth and final instalment of their ‘Warehouse Collection’, Warehouse 14, an experimental Limited Edition release, opening the doors to Warehouse 14 for the first time in the Collection’s journey.

Warehouse 14 is the latest release from pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass. As is the aim of the Collection, this Limited Edition release takes Fettercairn and its famed tropical house style on another new and unexpected journey.

A rare and remarkable Single Malt, bottled at 51.2% ABV (Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour), Warehouse 14 is shaped by Fettercairn’s unique dunnage Warehouse 14 and the whisky maker’s expert balance of unusual casks.

Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker: “The response to our first four warehouse releases has been incredibly encouraging. Our ethos with the Fettercairn Warehouse Collection was to offer a taste of the experiments laid down here, with each Limited Edition expression exploring different flavour characteristics that enhance our unique tropical house style.

“With the release of Warehouse 14 we were looking to create another new expression of our house style, building on the influence of ex-bourbon casks, which work very well with our distinctive tropical notes, whilst exploring the unique influence of casks sourced from local craft beer producers.

“Each of our warehouses at Fettercairn has a sense of magic. It is a fantastic place to make whisky and with Warehouse 14, I think we have once again pushed the boundaries and offered a new perspective of what Fettercairn can be.

“As always, we created this whisky to be enjoyed, and I am pleased to offer another unique, new expression that curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs can explore.”

Warehouse 14 has been crafted using a handpicked selection of first-fill and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This release was initially created as an experiment in the unique Warehouse 14 by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the Distillery Team. The recipe was finished in a mix of three different beer barrels – stout, dark ale and pale ale – each offering different flavour characteristics that enhance Fettercairn’s tropical house style.

Fettercairn’s signature house style, abundant with tropical fruit flavours and soft spice, is created by the unique cooling ring, which ensures only the purest vapours rise and produces the distinctive tropical characteristic, remains a feature of Warehouse 14 on the nose and on the palate.

However, this Limited Edition release offers whisky explorers and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience expert, craft and imagination, through this characterful creation.

To the eye, Warehouse 14 is a natural shimmering gold in colour and there is vanilla, honey and floral charm on the nose. To taste, warm toasty maltiness, tropical fruits with layers of crème caramel, apricot tart, cacao, soft wood spices and a pleasing nuttiness.

The Limited Edition Warehouse Collection brings to life curious whiskies created by Fettercairn, combined with the treasure trove of unusual casks found across their fourteen dunnage warehouses.  The previous four releases in the Collection have been from Warehouse 2, but for this final release, Fettercairn has looked to a warehouse at the opposite side of the distillery. Warehouse 14 looks out on to the Cairngorms and is more exposed to the elements and changing seasons which has undoubtedly helped to shape this very special final release.

Fettercairn Warehouse 14 will complete the Warehouse Collection and will be available at an RSP of £70 from the start of April. Available on a Limited Editon basis in limited selected markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.

About Fettercairn – www.fettercairnwhisky.com 

Fettercairn Distillery is a hidden gem – a Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery located in the heart of a thriving agricultural community, Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.

A spark of whisky making ingenuity is what makes Fettercairn special.  A sense of wonder has been a constant theme back to 1824, as illustrated by our beautiful copper cooling ring, which produces a uniquely tropical style of new make spirit, and our Scottish Oak Programme from which we developed our Fettercairn 18 Year Old Scottish Oak.

Today we continue to take a progressive outlook and make new unexpected journeys in flavour led whisky making.  We invite curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs to explore and enjoy Fettercairn Single Malt.

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker – Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023 

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.

Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio. 

Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.

White Peak Distillery reveals first main whisky release of 2023

 -Wire Works Whisky – Caduro-

White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire is this week revealing its first main 2023 release of Wire Works Whisky, just over a year since the launch of its award-winning single malt English whisky.

Caduro takes its name after a global cable brand that was once made onsite by Johnson & Nephew at the former Wire Works, the home of the Distillery since 2016. Derbyshire heritage and provenance are at the heart of every aspect of White Peak Distillery and its craft spirits, and Caduro is an extension of this strong sense of place.

Bottled at 46.8%, Caduro is a unique vatting of Derbyshire single malt whisky matured in a combination of American and French oak, both first fill ex-bourbon and White Peak’s signature STR Casks (re-conditioned wine barriques that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred). The selection of STR casks, and proportion of French oak used for Caduro are different from previous releases, adding extra fruit depth and intensity to the lightly-peated spirit. As with all White Peak spirits, every aspect of production is done onsite at the Distillery with nothing added during the process and no chill-filtration.

Caduro will also be the very first Wire Works Whisky release to be offered as a Distillery refill for those who are keen to enjoy their whisky and embrace the concept of a bottle for life. Visitors to the Distillery who bring their empty Caduro bottle back to the Distillery shop can enjoy a 15% refill discount. In addition to this, the release is set to be White Peak’s first exploration into a potential benchmark core range product under the Wire Works Whisky label.

A complex, approachable single malt whisky in the Distillery’s lightly-peated core house style.  Green apple, banana and candy cane on the nose, with citrus zest, cereal and tobacco on the palate, and a warm, spicy finish with a good mouthfeel and a wisp of smoke.

White Peak Distillery was founded seven years ago by husband-and-wife team Max & Claire Vaughan – both originally from Derbyshire – and continues to go from strength to strength. Last year saw the Distillery winning multiple awards not only for its whisky, but also for its Distillery visitor experiences and the much-celebrated Wire Works Whisky packaging.

Max Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak said: “Off the back of an amazing 2022 for Wire Works Whisky and having sold out of last month’s Double Oak Port release, we are excited to now be sharing our first main release of 2023. Over the past year we have been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from our various communities, sector partners and friends who have supported us, bought our whiskies and visited us here at the Distillery.

The launch of Caduro marks a milestone for us a year on from our first release, both as a development towards a benchmark core whisky, and with a name that is grounded in the passion and connection we feel for our home and rich heritage here at the Wire Works. We’re excited for the future and hope that our spirits continue to be enjoyed by those who care about how their whisky is made, where it’s made and who is making it.”

Caduro will be available from Friday 24^th March via the Distillery shop and online, as well as from trade partners including Booths, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, and select independents nationwide (https://www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk/where-to-buy-wire-works-whisky/). RRP: £60 per 70cl.

The Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

About Wire Works Whisky Caduro:

46.8% ABV

100% natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Tasting Notes:

A complex, approachable single malt whisky in our lightly-peated core house style.  Green apple, banana and candy cane on the nose, with citrus zest, cereal and tobacco on the palate, and a warm, spicy finish with good mouthfeel and a wisp of smoke.

Nose: Pear drops, green apples, banana, orange marmalade, nutmeg, white chocolate, candy cane, vanilla fudge, marshmallow, marzipan, popcorn, burnt sugar.

Palate: Chocolate orange, treacle tart, liquorice all-sorts, tobacco, clotted cream, citrus zest, tea cakes, allspice, cereal, trail mix and baklava.

Finish: Butterscotch, mace, citrus, marmalade, crème brulee, vanilla sugar with a wisp of smoke.

About Wire Works Whisky:

Wire Works Whisky from White Peak Distillery is Derbyshire’s very first single malt.

Provenance, heritage and flavour are at the heart of the Distillery ethos and whisky-making process, and its home at the dramatic former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works is celebrated within the whisky brand. The Distillery’s woodland home on the banks of the River Derwent has a long history of innovation and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wire Works Whisky celebrates its rich homeland and the brewing heritage for which the region is so renowned. Every aspect of production and maturation is done onsite at the Distillery to ensure that the unique location and environment can play their part in the provenance of the final spirit.

The lightly-peated single malt whisky has been created using a combination of English un-peated and peated malted barley. A flavour-focused four-day fermentation uses a unique yeast Blend incorporating live yeast sourced from a local Peak District brewery.

The Distillery’s traditional, bespoke copper pot stills have been hand-built by McMillan and are run slowly to help produce the desired flavour profile. The final spirit is matured in a variety of carefully selected first fill oak casks, including ex-bourbon, virgin and STR (re-conditioned casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred), adding the final rich flavours to the whisky.

White Peak Distillery Awards:

2022 and 2023 has seen White Peak also win numerous awards for their whiskies and packaging, as below:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

• Corrugated Pack of the Year
• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters 2022:

• Necessary Evil: Gold
• Small Batch: Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022:

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

People’s Choice Awards 2023:

• Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category 

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the 15 members of the English Whisky Guild, that was founded in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently there are 40) on the world stage of whisky.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

One man, a dram and a mountain

Local medical charity Cobalt supporter Philip Pinchin is going to great heights to raise money for the charity.  On 6 April, Philip will set off on an expedition to summit Lhotse at 8,516m, the fourth highest mountain in the world. As part of the challenge Philip plans to share some drams of Bimber whisky at Camp 2 situated at 6,553m, which if successful would beat the current highest whisky tasting record by more than 1,100 m.

Kirsty Bradbury, Supporter Engagement Officer, Cobalt said “We hope that Philip’s exceptional challenge will help us raise much-needed funds to provide the very latest diagnostic imaging for people with cancer, dementia, and other conditions.  It’s an extraordinary undertaking and we are very grateful; for Philip’s support.  We will be following his progress up the mountain and hope to share photos of his climb along the way”.

Philip Pinchin

Supporting Philip’s expedition are Dunphail and Bimber whisky distilleries. Bimber will launch a rare London single malt – The Lhotse Challenge 2023. This incredibly special Bimber will be an entirely unique marriage of three different cask types, including some of their oldest and finest stock.

The miniatures will each possess a stunning hand-painted artist label.  One bottle plus seven 5cl miniatures will be offered via a raffle to raise funds towards Philip’s trip.  Tickets will cost £10 each and are available to purchase from the Bimber web shop until Wednesday 29 March.  The lucky winners will be revealed in a live draw on the Bimber Facebook page on Thursday 30 March at 9pm.

One miniature will hopefully summit and return with Philip. This miniature along with a bottle will be sent for a special charity auction upon Philip’s return to England. All proceeds from the auction will be presented to Cobalt.

Cobalt provide support to the NHS and invest in the latest diagnostic imaging technology.  They have supported over 59 research studies and clinical trials and completed over 700 research scans per year. Cobalt support the NHS England Targeted Lung Health Check Programme. Cobalt is the leading provider of the programme and supports seven TLHC services across England with over 50,000 CT scans.

For more information on medical charity Cobalt go to www.cobalthealth.co.uk/support-us/  or follow @CobaltSupporters on Facebook.

Charity information 

Cobalt

Cobalt pioneer innovation in medical imaging diagnosis by investing in equipment, integrated research and education to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future.

Each year Cobalt provides diagnostic imaging for over 130,000 patients at Imaging Centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and with a fleet of mobile MRI CT and PET/CT scanners supporting hospitals across the UK.

The Charity participates and funds research mainly in the areas of cancer and dementia and provides training for healthcare professionals on a local, national and international basis.

For every £1 raised through voluntary income, 88p is spent on charitable work.

Follow Cobalt on Twitter @cobaltfr or like @CobaltSupporters on Facebook.

www.cobalthealth.co.uk 

Bimber Distillery 

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.

www.bimberdistillery.co.uk

Dunphail Distillery 

Our firm belief in the importance of high-quality barley and the use of onsite floor malting and kilning ensures that Dunphail’s spirit is a product of uniqueness, shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – taking the traditions of the past to shape the whisky of tomorrow.

www.dunphaildistillery.com

The Epicurean Lowland Malt Pledges Donation to the BEN Society

Douglas Laing & Co are proud to be continuing their relationship with the Benevolent Society for the Licensed Trade of Scotland, pledging their third annual donation on behalf of their Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Epicurean.

2022 proved to be another challenging year for the on-trade with the aftermath of COVID-19 highlighting the many challenges to overcome. However, Douglas Laing & Co. remain committed to the industry and strongly believe in the importance of giving back, donating a sum upwards of £10,000 to the BEN Society and continuing the partnership established in 2020.

Providing crucial financial, social and emotional support to those who have committed more than three years to working in Scotland’s licensed trade, The BEN Society is immensely important to the Scottish drinks and hospitality industry.

Cara Laing, Marketing Director, commented: “We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with The BEN Society in 2023. They are such an important organisation within the industry, giving vital support to thousands of people from the Scottish drinks & hospitality industry who are most in need. With The Epicurean brand gathering momentum and demonstrating considerable year on year growth, we’re excited to see the donation continue to increase as the partnership prospers over many years to come.”

Commenting on the long-term partnership, President of The BEN, Warren Paul, said “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the team at Douglas Laing for their continued support, especially during these difficult times. Their commitment to the BEN is fantastic and will help assist many people from our Scottish drinks and hospitality industry.”

Chris Gardner, Chief Executive of The BEN, also commented “We are so grateful for the continued support from the industry in what is a very difficult time, going from Covid to the cost-of-living crisis, we still need your assistance as much as ever and thanks to everyone at Douglas Laing & Co. once again for your generosity and for remembering the BEN.   It means so much to so many.”

GRILLING MEETS DISTILLING AS ARDBEG SERVES UP

ITS FIRST BBQ-INSPIRED WHISKY

Introducing Ardbeg BizarreBQ – a mouth-watering Limited-Edition Single Malt cooked up by Master Distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden, in partnership with pitmaster DJ BBQ

Ardbeg is launching Ardbeg BizarreBQ – the Distillery’s first ever Limited-Edition barbecue-inspired whisky. Cooked up by the experimental and eccentric mind of Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, this whisky captures and complements the flavours of smoky barbeque. The unique flavour concept for the expression has been aided by the expertise of grilling guru, Christian Stevenson (AKA DJ BBQ), resulting in an Ardbeg that packs a meaty, peaty punch.

Like grilling, distilling shares a key element when it comes to the creation of flavour – fire. Using an experimental cask toasting process, the recipe for Ardbeg BizarreBQ is made up of double-charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and the distillery’s unique BBQ casks that have been extra-charred on an old-fashioned brazier. This cask combination comes together to imbue a mouth-watering sweet, tangy and smoky flavour that’s perfectly suited to barbecuing.

Bottled at 50.9% ABV, this Limited-Edition whisky has been inspired by the Islay Distillery’s ongoing collaboration with DJ BBQ, which began in 2020. Fuelled by a shared obsession for smoke and its rich flavour possibilities, Dr Bill and DJ BBQ have been on a mission to create a new Single Malt that complements both whisky-making and barbequing. As one of the world’s most awarded smoky malts, Ardbeg is renowned for its smoke mastery, and so the new expression also marks the next phase of the distillery’s journey to uncover new ways of experiencing and enjoying smoky flavours.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, commented: “Ardbeg BizarreBQ is certainly a hare-brained idea, but with DJ BBQ’s help I was able to cook up something truly incredible. Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers linger in the background. Deep, warming smoke follows in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. If there’s one Ardbeg you want with you grill-side, it’s this one.”

Christian Stevenson (DJ BBQ) said: “Barbeque lovers and Ardbeg lovers are one and the same – it’s all about the smoke – which is something Ardbeg BizarreBQ has in spades. I’ve been on a mission to create and perfect a variety of BBQ dishes and accompanying Ardbeg serves that honour the fundamental laws of smoke, wood and heat for some time. This new Limited-Edition Ardbeg takes this match made in heaven to the next level, and I can’t wait for BBQ and whisky fans to try it.”

Fans can also head over to ardbeg.com to watch the hijinks as they happened when DJ BBQ joined Dr Bill at Ardbeg Distillery on Islay to lend a hand in creating this mouthwatering malt.

Ardbeg BizarreBQ Limited Edition will be available initially from the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in Germany from 3^rd April 2023 onwards. It will launch in global markets later this year and in the UK in June, and will be available from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre.

For more news on Ardbeg BizarreBQ and all things Ardbeg, and how smoky malt whisky lovers can be a part of Ardbeg’s global Committee, visit Ardbeg.com.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

BizarreBQ Limited Edition Tasting Notes

Colour              Glowing Charcoal Embers

Aroma             Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up.

A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzle the senses. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers lingers in the background.

Taste                The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.

Finish               The massive, hot aftertaste lingers on and on with more grilled artichoke, black olives and a sooty note that slowly simmers away.

ABV:                50.9%

RRP:                 £75 

 NOTES 

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.

Christian Stevenson (DJ BBQ)

DJ BBQ (aka Christian Stevenson) is a live fire chef and a leading name in the world of BBQ. After a successful broadcasting career he harnessed his passion for cooking over fire and now has his own YouTube channel and is also a regular on Jamie Oliver’s FoodTube. DJ BBQ stars in and hosts festivals including Meatopia, The Big Feastival, Camp Bestival, Grilltopia and The Big Grill. He is the author of Fire Food (2018), The Burger Book (2019) and Fire Feasts (2022).

In 2020, Ardbeg partnered with the ‘catertainment’ star and certified pitmaster to create The Smoke Sessions – an online series which offers a guide to mouthwatering barbecue serves, and smoky whisky cocktails. This was followed by the BizarreBQ World Tour, where DJ BBQ embarked on a global mission to find fellow smoke obsessives and uncover some of the weirdest and wildest BBQ dishes in all the land.

https://www.youtube.com/c/djbbq

The Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee.

Awards:

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. 

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.

Cardrona Distillery’s latest Special Release wins gold at World Whiskies Awards

New Zealand’s luxury small batch spirit producer, Cardrona Distillery, is celebrating scooping a gold medal for its outstanding Otago Pinot Cask single malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2023. Crowned New Zealand’s best small batch single malt, the category win marks the distillery’s fourth consecutive year of gold medals at the prestigious global awards.

Released in November last year to mark a milestone seventh year of production at the distillery,

the Otago Pinot Cask is an exquisite marriage of four locally sourced, hand selected Felton Road Pinot noir casks. The result is an extraordinary dram from a New World Master. With only 1,217 bottles available, the distillery’s first 700ml bottle is the perfect gift for any discerning whisky lover keen to explore New Zealand’s leading-edge contributions to the art of distilling.

Cardrona’s Founder, Desiree Reid explains:

“Cardrona Distillery uses a revolutionary method to preserve the casks’ rich Pinot noir seasoning, bringing them to the distillery within hours of the wine leaving the barrel and immediately charging them with new make spirit. 

 The casks are then matured in the extreme environment of the Cardrona Valley, which itself plays a vital part in the maturation process. Temperatures can vary from -10°C in winter to a soaring 40°C in summer, and at 600m above sea-level with zero humidity – there really is nowhere on earth quite like the Cardrona Valley. The elements have all played a part in this expression, melding the spirit into a simply extraordinary whisky. We can’t wait for the UK’s discerning whisky afficionados to sample a dram.”

The Cardrona Day Special Release: 2022 Otago Pinot Cask is non-chill filtered and naturally flavoured. RRP £175

Tasting notes

Colour: warm rose gold

Nose: black amber plum and nectarine

Taste: raspberries, poached nectarines, toffee, roasted cashews and baking spices.  

Available from Harrods, Berry Bros & Rudd, Master of Malt, House of Malt, Whisky World, Whisky Exchange, Hard to find whisky, Hedonism Wines, Partners in Wine, Alexander Hadleigh wine merchants, Callander Drinks Company, Aberdeen Whisky Shop, The Whisky Nest

Instagram:  @cardronadistillery     Facebook: @cardonadistillery    LinkedIn:@cardonadistillery

About Cardrona 

Pictured: Desiree Reid

Cardrona is a unique brand, distilling hand-crafted luxury spirits in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps to share with the world. The Cardrona story is infused with the magic of the Cardrona Valley and the incredible vision and determination of founder, Desiree Reid, who sold her family farm to pursue her dream of building a modern, family-run distillery in her native New Zealand. She chose the Cardrona Valley for its unspoilt tranquillity, crisp clean air and the availability of superb quality local ingredients, perfect for foraging across the seasons. Most importantly, it gave her access to the crystal-clear, mineral-rich Alpine waters of New Zealand’s highest mountain pass for production.

Glen Scotia announces a remarkable programme of events for Campbeltown Malts Festival 2023

Annual festival in the ‘Wee Toon’ will celebrate the distillery’s heritage and renaissance with a series of tastings, tours, and entertainment

Award-winning whisky Distillery of the Year 2021, Glen Scotia, has announced a jam-packed series of events for this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival (23-24^th May 2023).

A pinnacle moment in the distillery’s annual calendar, the Festival provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the affectionately named ‘Wee Toon’ and learn more about the world’s finest drams while soaking up the history of Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region.

Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, Iain McAlister, and his team will be joined by a host of industry ambassadors for a programme of events that uncover the magic of Glen Scotia, which continues to gain global recognition.

In a first for the Glen Scotia event, visitors will be able to attend a selection of talks and tasting in the Courtyard free of charge, as well as ticketed events. Should they wish to enjoy a dram at the same time, they can purchase a £25 ‘Drampack’ which will give them access to four of the distillery’s finest drams, handpicked for each tasting, as well as a branded festival Glencairn glass and a lanyard.

Kicking off events, Glen Scotia’s Malts Festival Dinner will take place at the Machrihanish Airbase on Tuesday (23^rd) evening where guests can hear from Iain McAlister and special guests alongside a three-course meal. This will be accompanied by entertainment and five drams including the yet unreleased annual limited-edition Festival Release and a number of single cask drams not otherwise available for sale.

On Wednesday, 24^th May, a taster of the schedule includes:

• Industry guru, Charles Maclean MBE will join Iain McAlister for a special Dunnage Warehouse Tasting, where visitors will get the chance to sample five unreleased liquids handpicked by Iain from casks in the heart of the distillery.
• Loch Lomond Group’s Master Blender, Michael Henry will guide a Deconstructed Victoriana Tasting using five cask-strength drams to show the makeup of Victoriana, one of Glen Scotia’s signature drams.
• Drinks experts Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison will take inspiration from their latest book in a series of 60-second cocktails masterclasses, using a selection of spirits including whisky and gin. They will also host a Cask Strength Tasting in the Courtyard with Iain, Charles and Michael, where visitors can listen and join along as the group make their way through a selection of Glen Scotia’s core range, limited release, and single cask samples.
• Felipe Schrieberg, spirits writer and musician, and Paul Archibald, drummer, will bring a bespoke Glen Scotia version of their much-loved Rhythm and Booze Project, which incorporates folk and blues music with dram tastings.
• Glen Scotia will unveil the results of its latest artistic collaboration through an immersive exhibition space deep inside its atmospheric warehouse. Guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from the artists themselves as well as sample liquid used during the recording

The event will also bring together some of Argyll’s most prominent whisky figureheads for ‘New Dawn for Campbeltown’ – a panel talk in the Courtyard, hosted by Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison with Iain McAlister and guests.

The session will explore the remarkable history of the region, from a bustling whisky hub in the Victorian era to Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region, looking at the re-emergence of the town’s distilleries, and why the world is taking notice once again, with a chance to sample Glen Scotia’s signature drams.

This year the programme will be bigger than ever before as Glen Scotia has also teamed up with the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, to organise a series of one-off performances, talks and tastings on two new purpose-built stages in the distillery’s Courtyard. Acts will include local Argyll band Heron Valley and Salthouse vocalist and guitarist Jenny Sturgeon.

Launched in 2008, the Campbeltown Malts Festival is a celebration of the region known as the ‘Victorian Whisky Capital of the World’ due to its illustrious past and the role whisky-making has played in the town for centuries.

Glen Scotia’s full programme of events and tickets are available via its website: https://www.glenscotia.com/

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller and Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: 

“Once again, The Campbeltown Malts Festival returns to the Wee Toon and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the fantastic line-up of events, which will highlight what makes the town and our distillery such a remarkable place in the world.

“There will be a real focus on exploring our award-winning drams, and I’m really looking forward to the variety of sessions on offer for our visitors who come from all around the world.

“We’ve managed to secure some top names from the industry, from our good friend and whisky icon, Charles Maclean, Felipe and the amazing Rhythm and Booze project, and Neil and Joel who will host a varied selection of talks and tastings.

“Alongside tours of the town and distillery, the event, bigger and better than ever before, is a real chance for us to share what makes Glen Scotia such a special place.”

Today, Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in the coastal town but through a programme of continued investment and local effort, it is growing its presence in the UK and international markets, allowing the potential of Campbeltown to once again be realised.

For further information about Glen Scotia and regular updates on the Campbeltown Malts Festival, visit www.glenscotia.com or follow:

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Instagram: @glenscotiamalts

Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

About Glen Scotia 

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. In addition to this, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards, an accolade it received just seven months after being crowned as the ‘Best in Show.’

In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Waterford Whisky partners with artist Nathanaël Koffi for latest flagship Cuvée bottling

Waterford Whisky has announced a new partnership with French visual artist, Nathanaël Koffi

The partnership is for its forthcoming flagship cuvée, The Waterford Cuvée – “Koffi”

Using contemporary, vibrant designs, Koffi has created a label to celebrate the distillery’s unique methodology to create the most naturally flavoursome single malts

March, 2023: Waterford Distillery has today announced a new partnership with experimental French artist, Nathanaël Koffi, to bring a fresh and bold perspective to its flagship single malt.

The distillery’s forthcoming release, The Waterford Cuvée – “Koffi”, scheduled for release this Autumn, brings together its individually-distinct Single Farm Origins to craft a multi-layered, complex single malt. By layering distinct distillates, which is radical in the whisky world, their cuvées are actually assembled following the same production principles as the great winemaking chateaux of Bordeaux.

Nathanaël Koffi, 27, has now designed a label that reflects Waterford Whisky’s unique production methodology – which includes terroir-driven distillations, organics and long fermentations – to create the most naturally flavoursome single malts. The contemporary, vibrant visuals mirror the colours of Ireland, terroir, barley, heritage and greenery.

Nathanaël Koffi said, “Through layering colours and patterns, I have aimed to capture the multi-dimensional and complex natural flavours of this ultimate Waterford Whisky cuvée. It harnesses everything I love about Waterford Distillery and its whiskies: body, texture and avant-garde methodologies.”

Waterford Distillery harnesses a scientifically-proven, terroir-driven methodology, where the influence of soil, microclimate and place influences the flavour compounds in barley and therefore captured in spirit. Each of its Single Farm Origin bottlings are produced separately with barley grown on individual terroirs across Southern Ireland, and each one displays unique flavour characteristics. In addition to this, Waterford Distillery is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies. The distillery’s single malts reveal total transparency via its unique TÉIREOIR code, which allows drinkers to trace each bottle back to its barley fields, enjoy content from the farms and see details of every barrel used for that whisky.

Mark Newton, Head of Brand at Waterford Distillery, said, “We need a radical artist who can not only create the necessary visual energy for a bottle, but someone who could represent sensory complexity – the very purpose of our cuvée concepts – so strikingly. Nathanael’s paintings, and his often unusual canvasses, stand out a mile; a supreme talent, he was a very natural choice.”

Nathanaël Koffi’s experimentation with different media, textures, and sensations began with his first exhibition, “Première”, in June 2022. His evolution as an artist is evident from his early ‘skateboard’ works to his current, unconventional creations. Collaborations with notable brands such as Maison Kitsune, Sézane, Moleskine and Adidas have advanced his artistic journey along the way.

Waterford Distillery’s partnership with Nathanaël Koffi continues its tradition of using upcoming artists to interpret the complex layers of its flagship whisky, having worked with Irish artist, Leah Hewson, in 2021.

About Waterford Distillery  

Waterford Whisky produces the most naturally flavoursome single malts.

It is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies.

It is agricultural produce, not a manufactured product.

Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.

Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, the distillery searches for natural flavours via three paths: its Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; its Arcadian Farm Origins express the intensity of flavour from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties; whilst its Cuvée Concepts revel in the ultimate complexity, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

For more information, visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/

The Glencairn Glass proudly announces the winner and runner-up of its Scottish themed crime short story competition

The Glencairn Glass – the world’s favourite whisky glass produced by Scottish glassware company Glencairn Crystal – has revealed the winner and runner-up of its Scottish themed crime short story competition.

Having supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent with its ongoing sponsorship of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing literary awards since 2020, the Glencairn Glass first launched its very own crime short story competition two years ago. Since its inception, the competition has attracted a huge number of gripping entries from both novice and experienced crime writers all over the world.

The theme for this year’s competition – in partnership with Scottish Field Magazine and the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival – is “A crime story set in Scotland”. Over 100 stories were entered into the competition – each one comprising of no more than 2000 words.

The winner and runner-up were selected by a panel of three judges including Tariq Ashkanani, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper won last year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022, and Sharon Bairden, an established book reviewer and author of psychological thrillers; Sins of the Father and You Need Me.  The third judge was Glencairn Crystal’s marketing director and experienced crime writer Gordon Brown.

The judges can now reveal the winner and runner-up as follows:

Winner: The Dummy Railway by Frances Crawford.

A captivating tale of a disturbing discovery through the eyes of a young Scottish girl.

Frances is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning. In 2022, she graduated at the age of 60 with an MLitt (First) in Creative Writing from Glasgow University. Having published a number of short stories with disabled protagonists she is particularly interested in characters traditionally overlooked in fiction. Frances lives in Glasgow with her family,

Frances said; “I was inspired to enter the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition because it is open to writers at all stages of their journey, from published authors to novices. It is an honour to win such a prestigious prize and I am absolutely chuffed! The theme, ‘A crime story set in Scotland,’ inspired my Glasgow setting, and having a child who finds a murder victim as the narrator, I hoped to show the way violent crime has far-reaching consequences.”

Runner-up:  The Last Tram to Gorbals Cross by Allan Gaw.

Set in a Glasgow police station in 1928, the police try to unravel a series of gruesome murders.

Allan Gaw is a pathologist by training but now writes full-time. He writes short stories, novel length historic crime fiction and poetry. He recently won the UK Classical Association Creative Writing Competition, the International Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and the International Globe Soup 7 day Writing Challenge. Allan lives and works near Glasgow.

Allan said: “I am delighted to be placed in such a prestigious writing competition. The Glencairn Glass Short Story Competition was a great opportunity to write in my favourite genre — historic crime with just a touch of madness”.

Competition judge, Tariq Ashkanani, commented: “The quality of this year’s stories was incredibly high which made choosing two winners even more difficult. Both The Dummy Railway and The Last Tram to Gorbals Cross stood out from the rest. The Dummy Railway was a particular highlight. From its opening line to its final reveal, it tells a dark tale using wonderful language and sharply-written dialogue. A fantastic story and well-deserved winner!”.

Commenting on The Dummy Railway, judge Sharon Bairden said: “brutally raw authenticity – it ticked all my boxes and gave me all the feels”. In relation to The Last Tram to Gorbals Cross she commented: “it packs a massive punch into 2000 words.”

Glencairn’s marketing director Gordon Brown said: “’Now in its second year, the standard of entries for the Glencairn Glass Short Story Competition has been wonderful. With so many good stories to choose from, the judging process has been tough and I’d like to take the opportunity to say a huge thanks to everyone who entered.”

The first prize winner, Frances Crawford, receives £1000, and runner-up, Allan Gaw receives £500. Both writers will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses. The winning story will be published in the May issue of Scottish Field Magazine (on shelf Friday 7^th April). Both stories will also be published from 11^th April on Scottish Field Magazine’s website; www.scottishfield.co.uk and the Glencairn Glass website: www.whiskyglass.com.

Last year’s inaugural competition was won by Brid Cummings, a fiction writer and occupational therapist, based in South Australia. Her winning story – Halmeoni’s Wisdom – was a dark tale of human trafficking, illegal trade and a desire for freedom.

Finally, for further information about this year’s McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing prizes, as well as the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival taking place in Stirling, Scotland, from the 15^th to 17^th September, please visit www.bloodyscotland.com.

About Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass, created in 2000 is the world’s favourite whisky glass.  Glencairn Crystal now make over 5 million Glencairn Glasses per year, across hundreds of brands, worldwide.