International Beverage boosts management team with two senior appointments

New Head of Supply Chain and Head of Finance & Risk confirmed

International Beverage has announced the arrival of two new senior executives to the business this week, with both set to take up strategic roles in the global spirits producer’s management team during a period of ambitious growth.

Fiona Meldrum joins as Head of Supply Chain

Fiona brings over 15 years’ experience in supply chain leadership and logistics to the role. After studying Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University, she began her career at The Heineken Company, spending eight years working across a number of global export, customer service and logistics projects, latterly as Head of Export – Customer & Logistics.

She then moved to the beer and cider specialists C&C Group where she spent three years managing supply chain planning across the company’s network of own brand and contract products as Head of Planning. After a brief tenure at Hunter Boot Ltd as Global Logistics Manager, Fiona moved to Chivas Brothers as Head of Planning, where she led a team of 30 people and helped to build the company’s supply chain transformation agenda, incorporating bottling and material planning.

Laura Millar joins as Head of Finance and Risk

Laura qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, where she went on to spend six years working in Audit across the company’s portfolio of clients, gaining experience in a diverse range of different industries.

In 2010 she joined the Japanese owned global medical device manufacturer Terumo Aortic – part of the Terumo Group which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Here she has spent the past 13 years working from the company’s UK base in Renfrewshire, during a time when the division’s annual global turnover has grown from c.£70m to over £200m. Having started as Financial Accounting Manager, she progressed through the business to Financial Controller, Head of Finance & Compliance and latterly to Global VP of Finance Control & Compliance.

Both Fiona and Laura will be based at the company’s Airdrie headquarters. IBHL Managing Director Malcolm Leask welcomed the years of experience and expertise that both will bring to the company’s growth agenda, commenting: 

‘International Beverage is delivering a strong performance across our portfolio of brands thanks to investment and ambitious growth plans in over 85 global markets. We still face many challenges in these markets however, and we are investing in bringing on board the very best people to help us navigate our way to success – not least in the fields of finance and supply chain management. Fiona and Laura are two exceptional leaders in their respective disciplines, and we welcome the talent and drive they bring to our growing team. Their involvement on priority projects such as our path to fully compostable and recyclable packaging, plus improving our management information processes, will be invaluable in the months ahead.’

As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister. 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE

International Beverage is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses. Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant spirits.

Pernod Ricard to enter into an agreement in principle on the potential sale of Clan Campbell Blended Scotch whisky brand to stock Spirits Group

Farm-to-cask Lochlea Distillery reveals

second crop of Harvest Edition single malt

Award winning farm-to-cask distillery Lochlea in Ayrshire today releases its second ‘crop’, or batch, of its seasonal release: Harvest Edition.

The distillery’s celebrated seasonal small batch release single malt whiskies showcase Lochlea’s household style across the year, with each season being celebrated through the selection of different casks being used for maturation.

The new release – Harvest Edition Second Crop – has been matured in a combination of carefully selected Tawny and Ruby Port casks, STR barriques and first-fill Bourbon barrels to offer a deliciously different twist to the Lochlea house style.

Production Director John Campbell said: “As a working farm, these expressions tie in to reflect our farming calendar here at Lochlea.

For this year’s Harvest Edition Second Crop we have incorporated a much higher proportion of Port casks as the spirit is another year older and we felt that it could stand up to the richness and intensity these casks add. This has really helped to enhance the whisky’s creaminess, whilst also introducing a delightful peppery, floral spice that the spirit gets from the STR barriques.

We are really proud of this release, which has been inspired by the end of summer, when our golden barley is harvested and eventually used for the next year’s production.”

Lochlea’s seasonal releases are as follows:

• Harvest Edition: inspired by the annual harvest on the farm.

• Fallow Edition: reflects the season of autumn on the farm when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest.

• Ploughing Edition: released in winter when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring.

• Sowing Edition: inspired by spring when the seed if sown for the year’s barley crop.

As with all of Lochlea’s whiskies, Harvest Edition Second Crop is non-chill filtered. It has been bottled at 46% ABV – the same strength as Harvest Edition First Crop, so that the annual releases can be compared and contrasted. RRP is £51.60, available now from Lochlea stockists.

In addition to the seasonal limited edition releases, Lochlea has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley. 

Harvest Edition Second Crop

Tasting notes:

Nose: Dates, ripe red grapes, thick cut marmalade

Palate: Pink peppercorns and dried fruit

Finish: A beautiful lingering creamy finish

ABV: 46%

 About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-glass distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

The Glenlivet introduces whisky cocktail innovation fashioned with boundary-breaking technology: new ‘Twist & Mix’ Cocktails

The Glenlivet’s collection of premium ready-to-serve cocktails can be mixed in the moment with a simple twist of an innovative cap, using spirits industry first, proprietary technology.

The Glenlivet Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio, continues to break conventions with the introduction of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails, a new line of premium, ready-to-serve, whisky-based cocktails – launching exclusively in the US this month.

Using first-to-market technology, the innovation proves that quality and accessibility are not mutually exclusive – simply twist the cap and the cleverly-designed mechanism will burst cocktail flavours into The Glenlivet single malt giving a freshly-mixed cocktail, in an instant. The newest offering from one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies provides a premium, crafted experience without the hassle of leftover ingredients, complex recipes and bar equipment.

The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails are a first not only for Scotch, but for the broader spirits category – setting a new standard for ready-to-drink cocktails using the patented Vessl® closure and mixing technology. The range enables whisky lovers to enjoy these iconic cocktails more often and as part of an elevated at-home experience.

The collection is debuting with the Old Fashioned and New Manhattan, bringing two of the most popular whisky cocktails to consumers’ homes. Maintaining the flavour profiles of the beloved classics, the silky taste of the Old Fashioned is achieved with the tasting notes of orange, nutmeg and cinnamon, while the New Manhattan is a testament to the timeless classic featuring notes of cherry and ginger.

“For nearly 200 years The Glenlivet has broken tradition, so it’s in our pioneering spirit to, together with Vessl, develop a new way to enjoy ready-to-drink cocktails – unleashing a fresh, elevated at-home experience that meets global consumer demand. We caused a bit of a stir when we launched The Glenlivet Capsule Collection back in 2019 —but now we think the world is ready for perfectly-made single malt whisky cocktails.”

said Jayne Murphy, Global Marketing Director, Malts at Chivas Brothers.

Yogesh Gandhi, Global Head of Innovation at Chivas Brothers added,

“This project provided us with the challenge of reinventing the ready-to-serve experience within a highly competitive market segment. What has been achieved puts the consumer at the heart – no mess, fuss or skill required to create a bartender-level, freshly mixed cocktail in seconds.”

“We are impressed with how The Glenlivet has adopted our technology to create high quality, freshly mixed ultra-premium craft cocktails at home,”

said Walter D. Apodaca, Jr., Founder and CEO, Vessl, Inc.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking use of the Vessl®  technology we envisioned, and it tastes even better than we imagined.”

The range follows on from the 2019 launch of The Glenlivet Cocktail Capsule Collection, which turned the idea and format of ready-to-drink cocktails on their head by enabling consumers to experience glassless single malt cocktails served in an innovative sea-alginate based sphere.

The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails debut in 375ml bottle size, each containing eight servings, exclusively in the US for RRP $21.99 from August 2023, with further markets to be announced. The offering is housed in packaging designed by JDO.

Elijah Craig Bourbon Releases Limited-Edition Toasted Barrel Finished in European Oak Barrels

Commemorating the 2023 Ryder Cup 

(AUGUST 9, 2023) Today, Elijah Craig is proud to announce the release of its Limited-Edition Toasted Barrel finished in European Toasted Oak Barrels to commemorate the 2023 Ryder Cup. Earlier this year, Elijah Craig announced a multi-year partnership which makes the Bourbon brand the “Official Bourbon” and a Worldwide Supplier of the biennial competition.

This limited edition starts with fully-matured Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and finishes it in new European Oak barrels that have been toasted with a profile inspired by those used in the Lazio wine growing region. Lazio wines are grown in and around Rome, Italy, where the 2023 Ryder Cup is being held at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club September 29^th through October 1^st.

The European oak, with its ability to integrate flavors subtly and softly, effortlessly balances the sweetness and spiciness of the Lazio-inspired toast profile and the elevated bright fruit character from the fully-matured Elijah Craig. This edition leads with a nose of caramel and crème brûlée and once tasted, the bright fruit notes burst onto the palate after initial notes of baking spices. The finish is moderately long and is dominated by spice. This release represents a marriage of the U.S. Team’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – America’s native spirit – with the famed wine growing region and host city of the European Team.

Speaking about the release, Max Stefka, Group Product Director, Elijah Craig Bourbon, said: “We are thrilled to raise a glass to the 2023 Ryder Cup with this new limited-edition release of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel. The unique marriage of toasted European Oak and our extra-aged Kentucky Bourbon offers a taste experience fit for one of the world’s greatest sporting events.”

Guy Kinnings, Ryder Cup Director, added: “Elijah Craig’s award-winning Bourbon is going to further elevate the spectator experience in Rome, and their new limited-edition bottle will both taste incredible and become a sought-after souvenir commemorating the greatest team contest in golf.”

Jeff Price, Chief Commercial Officer, PGA of America, said “The PGA of America is ecstatic to have Elijah Craig as part of the 2023 Ryder Cup experience in Rome. This extraordinary limited-edition release of the Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is the perfect way to celebrate the world’s premier golf competition.”

Each bottle will be adorned with a neck label featuring the Ryder Cup trophy, a gold coin emblazoned cork featuring the Ryder Cup logo, and a face label prominently featuring the “Official Bourbon” designation and Ryder Cup logo. The bottles will come packaged in a gift box which further details the story of this one-time offering. The Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Ryder Cup Limited Edition release will become available nationally in August on an allocated basis with an SRP of $99.99.

Elijah Craig continues to leave its mark on the golf world, where it is also known as the Official Bourbon and Whiskey Supplier of the PGA of America, PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and an official partner of the PGA National Club Championship. Elijah Craig is also “The Official Bourbon” of PGA TOUR Professional Golfer Max Homa, sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis-Renner, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Tournament.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon

Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $300,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

About Ryder Cup Europe

Ryder Cup Europe – which comprises representatives of the European Tour (60%), of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland (20%) and the Confederation of Professional Golf through the vehicle of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT) (20%) – owns the rights of the Ryder Cup when the competition is held in Europe.The European Tour group is the Managing Partner and has prime responsibility for all matters concerning the European Team; the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland is the Founding Partner; and the Confederation of Professional Golf is responsible for the management of the Trust, which is the Development Partner.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 28,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

HARDIN’S CREEK™ STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY DEBUTS HARDIN’S CREEK FRANKFORT,

ITS SECOND EXPRESSION FROM ‘THE KENTUCKY SERIES’

Clermont, Kentucky (August 07, 2023) – Today, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. is launching the second installment within the Hardin’s Creek™ Kentucky Series (announced June 2023),  called Hardin’s Creek™ Frankfort. The Kentucky Series takes whiskey fans on a journey of ‘Kentucky Terroir’, featuring three Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey expressions, all aged for 17 years with the same mash bill — the only difference being the location of aging. This limited-edition collection of ultra-rare expressions includes Hardin’s Creek Clermont (released June 2023), Hardin’s Creek Frankfort (launching now), and Hardin’s Creek Boston (coming in September).

Hardin’s Creek Frankfort is a 17-year-old Bourbon, aged at The James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s Frankfort campus in Kentucky. The creek bed at the Frankfort campus covers the storied rack houses in a blanket of humidity, making everything age more slowly. The unique terroir of Frankfort lends this Bourbon a flavor distinct from the other two expressions in the series, making for a delicate oak-infused pour, with notes of sweet caramel and floral tobacco.  

“These liquids are comprised of the same mash bill, and aged for the same amount of time, but resulted in a different tasting profile. It’s a real testament to how micro-climates and diverse landscapes can impart major differences on the flavor profile of each whiskey,” said Freddie Noe, Eighth Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery. “The humidity and airflow in our Frankfort campus influence the evaporation and oxidization processes, making a slower reaction to the color and flavor.”

Launched in 2022, Hardin’s Creek is a series of ongoing releases featuring some of the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s rarest and most unique whiskeys, grounded in rich distilling expertise. The releases showcase the breadth and depth of the James B. Beam Distilling Co’s whiskey-making credentials inclusive of age, blending, mash bill, distillation, barrels, rack house locations and more.   

For real-time information about Hardin’s Creek, we encourage whiskey fans to follow along on Instagram @HardinsCreek or visit www.hardinscreek.com.

HARDIN’S CREEK KENTUCKY SERIES, FRANKFORT – 55% ABV | Suggested Retail Price: $169.99

The second expression from the Kentucky Series is Hardin’s Creek Frankfort, aged on the Frankfort campus and bottled at 204 months.

COLOR      Deep burnished amber

NOSE         Delicate oak wood with hints of campfire and cigar box

PALATE      Concentrated sweet caramel and raisin with gentle floral tobacco

FINISH     Sweet oak and aged wood tones

Hardin’s Creek Frankfort is best enjoyed neat or served over a large ice cube in a lowball glass where its complex flavors can be appreciated with each sip.

About Hardin’s Creek

Hardin’s Creek is a series of ongoing releases featuring some of the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s rarest and most unique whiskeys, grounded in 227 years of rich experience and distilling expertise. The brand launched in 2022 with its inaugural expressions, Jacob’s Well and Colonel James B. Beam, and released The Kentucky Series in 2023. Each release will showcase the breadth and depth of the James B. Beam Distilling Co’s whiskey-making credentials inclusive of age, blending, mash bill, distillation, barrels, rackhouse locations, and more. Hardin’s Creek celebrates whiskey’s past while charting its future. 

About Beam Suntory

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

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

Wyoming Whiskey Releases ‘Integrity’, A Tribute to Alan K. Simpson

Based in Kirby, Wyoming (population: 90), Wyoming Whiskey – the Whiskey of the West – has had a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. They use the finest non-gmo corn, winter wheat, winter rye, barley, and water from the Bighorn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming, and Wyoming Whiskey prides itself on doing things the right way, not the easy way. This authentic bourbon and whiskey is as proud and as American West as it gets. Alan K. Simpson has embodied this same spirit as a true and passionate representative of Wyoming for so many years, which is why Wyoming Whiskey has chosen to honor him with the release of Integrity.

The release will be exclusively available in Wyoming.

Ross & Squibb Distillery Re-energizes Barrel Program for 2023 with New Packaging, In-distillery Private-Selection Option

 Revamped barrel programs showcase the depth and breadth of the Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery’s collection of high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey

ST. LOUIS (August 3, 2023) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery announced enhancements to its barrel programs for 2023.

New for 2023, Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel will feature updated, custom packaging. Each bottle features a new label providing more details, including the name of the purchaser/retail account, the year selected, the number and mash bill of the barrel and the proof point at which the bourbon was bottled.

The selection process has been enhanced as well. In addition to its mailed sample-kit option for barrel selection, Ross & Squibb Distillery now offers private barrel-selection opportunities with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman at the Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery on a pre-reservation-only basis. The on-site experience includes a tour of the 175-year-old distillery and a private tasting/sampling in the distillery’s tasting room and Customer Innovation Center, featuring a stunning, custom-made Indiana-white-oak table with a base crafted to resemble the nearby Carrol Cropper Bridge, which connects Indiana to Kentucky.

For 2023, Remus Bourbon barrels aged between 4-5 years have been set aside for the program. Customers can choose from among three mash bills (51% corn/39% rye/10% malted rye; 75% corn/21% rye/4% barley malt; or 60% corn/36% rye/4% barley malt), which can be bottled at three different proof ranges (103.8. 109.1 or 113.2). Each barrel of 2023 Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel selected yields approximately 30 6-in cases, with a suggested retail price of $59.99.

“We put a lot of time, energy and creativity into every barrel of whiskey we create, and we are proud to share the fruits of those efforts with our customers through our barrel program,” said Stirsman. “For those who are interested, I am especially excited to host our private selection opportunities and provide an experience as memorable as the products we create.”

Ross & Squibb Distillery’s barrel program also includes Rossville Union Rye Single Barrel offerings. Select barrels of four-to-five-year-old barrels have been set aside. Customers can select from among three mash bills (95% rye/5% barley malt; 51% rye/49% barley malt; or 51% rye/45% corn/4% barley malt), which can be bottled at three different proof points (102.5, 108.2 or 112.2). Each barrel of 2023 Rossville Union Rye Single Barrel yields approximately 30 6-in cases of 700 ml bottles, with a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Customers and retail accounts interested in participating in the 2023 Barrel Program – either by ordering a sample kit or by reserving a private barrel-selection opportunity with Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman – can email singlebarrelprogram@luxco.com.

About Luxco

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

GLENALLACHIE PRESENTS TRIO

OF REGIONAL EXCLUSIVE WHISKIES

Award-winning Speyside single malt brand

announces new Limited-Edition wood-finished whiskies

Independent Scotch whisky producer The GlenAllachie launches its first set of three Regional Exclusive single malt Scotch whiskies finished in unusual oak casks.

Led by universally respected industry veteran Billy Walker, the Speyside distillery has earned a reputation for boundary-pushing cask procurement and maturation policies.

The new trio of Regional Exclusive whiskies include an 11-year-old Marsala Wood Finish for the UK (RRSP £65.99), a 12-year-old Moscatel Wood Finish for Europe (RRSP £67.99), and a 10-year-old Ruby Port Wood Finish for Asia (RRSP £65.99).

Each expression underwent primary maturation in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels before being re-racked into casks hand-selected by renowned wood innovator Walker.

The 11-year-old UK exclusive enjoyed a secondary ageing period of approximately 42 months in barrels that previously held Marsala: a fortified wine produced on the Italian Island of Sicily. The resulting whisky is said to “exude elegant and well-rounded notes of toasted almonds, vanilla custard and apricot jam”.

For Europe, the 12-year-old single malt spent over 42 additional months in wood that formerly aged the aromatic Portuguese dessert wine Moscatel. Delivering distinctive flavour characteristics, the unusual maturation journey has “imparted waves of grapefruit zest, honeysuckle, grape must and poached pear”.

The Asia-exclusive 10-year-old was finished for around 36 months in hogsheads that hosted Ruby Port before being filled with The GlenAllachie. A more youthful, vibrant style of the Portuguese fortified wine, the Ruby Port wood has “added a distinguishing rose hue, as well as complex layers of juicy plums, cocoa powder, ginger and honey-glazed figs”.

Aged within the distillery’s 16 on-site warehouses, the whisky was subjected to regular monitoring until Walker deemed the perfect balance between spirit character and wood influence was achieved.

Once expertly blended, each single malt was bottled at 48% ABV, without added colouring and unchill filtered.

Remarking on the riveting new expressions, Walker comments:

“Maturation is such an imperative part of the whisky-making journey. These three very special single malts underwent an interesting ageing process in the finest wood. In sourcing our casks, we seek out niche, boutique producers that align with our business model: taking a more hands-on approach and prioritising quality.

“We’re thrilled with the resulting whiskies. Each brings a unique identity to be enjoyed across its chosen region: the Marsala finish is smooth and creamy, the Moscatel finish is fragrant and fresh, and the Ruby Port finish is rich and fruity. Each one demonstrates the value offered by quality wood.”

With RRSPs starting at £65.99, The GlenAllachie Regional Wood Finishes will become increasingly available across the UK and Europe from today, while the Asia Exclusive will reach shelves in the coming months.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2023 stands at an eye-watering £2.7m/$3.3m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focuses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4 million to around 800,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester-rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum – and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

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

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

TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Marsala Wood Finish, UK Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Colour: Intensely Rich Bronze.
• Nose: Bursting with heather honey, vanilla and stewed fruit, with notes of liquorice, butterscotch and roasted nuts.

• Taste: Lashings of apricot, toffee and honeycomb, followed by hints of caramelised brown sugar, walnut and crème brûlée.

The GlenAllachie 12-year-old Moscatel Wood Finish, Europe Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Colour: Golden Bronze.
• Nose: Waves of orange blossom, heather honey and citrus, with notes of grapefruit, butterscotch and toffee.

• Taste: Hints of dark chocolate, grape must and plum jam, followed by notes of orchard fruits, cinnamon and honeycomb, with ginger and butterscotch on the finish.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Ruby Port Wood Finish, Asia Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Colour: Polished Rose Gold.
• Nose: Notes of cocoa, plum jam and honeysuckle, with bursts of caramel, hazelnut and blackberry.

• Taste: Waves of heather honey, candied nuts and wild berries, followed by ripe orchard fruits, baking spices and dark chocolate, with ginger and figs on the finish.

Heaven Hill Brands and Log Still Distilling LLC Settle Trademark Dispute Over Usage of “Dant” in the Distilled Spirits Industry

Louisville, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the largest family-owned and led spirits company in the U.S., and Log Still Distilling, LLC, a family-owned-and-operated spirits company in Nelson County, Ky., have finalized a mutually agreeable resolution of their dispute regarding the usage of the “J.W. Dant” trademark and its associated goodwill, which were purchased by Heaven Hill in 1993.

The resolution, which includes an agreed, permanent injunction that was approved and entered by the United States District Court on July 31, 2023, demonstrates that both Heaven Hill and Log Still value the importance of intellectual property rights and maintaining strong, independent brand identities within the spirits industry. In their ongoing efforts to enhance their respective portfolios, the companies have jointly agreed to terms that respect the ownership of existing trademarks and that will prevent any possible confusion around future trademark usage.  Heaven Hill will continue to be the sole producer of J.W. Dant distilled spirits.

“Heaven Hill maintains a product portfolio of respected, historic brands with enduring legacies in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, and continuing that legacy is a priority for our business. This resolution underscores our commitment to protecting our intellectual property and brand equity,” said Jessica Pendergrass, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Heaven Hill. “This is a collegial industry built on strong relationships. We value Log Still as a partner in the distilling industry, and wish them continued success in their distilling ventures.”

Wally Dant, the founder of Log Still said, “The uniqueness of the bourbon industry is the collaborative work amongst distilleries. Heaven Hill and Log Still have worked together over the past few years on making a difference in the communities we live and work. That is what’s important for each of us. We are glad to resolve this dispute amicably and can now focus more time on developing our distinctive line of products and services. Making memories with family and friends is what our campus is all about. Sharing a good bourbon among friends is simply the result of this resolution. We appreciate the efforts Heaven Hill has made as a fellow family-owned presence in this collective spirits industry and wish them the best in their endeavors. ”

Heaven Hill and Log Still express their gratitude to their customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support. They remain committed to providing exceptional products for all who enjoy their spirits, and for all who visit their memorable visitors’ experiences on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^®.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna, and J.W. Dant Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

ABOUT LOG STILL DISTILLING, LLC: Log Still Distillery is bringing bourbon back to Gethsemane. Guided by Wally Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles Dant, Log Still is built on old distillery land and reimagined to create a unique bourbon and family destination. Each bottle is filled with respect, ever mindful that faith, family, community and bourbon pave the way for future generations. Featured products include the Monk’s Road line of Kentucky bourbons and gins and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey line. Log Still anchors a pastoral campus that includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000-square-foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&B’s, a private train depot, a soon-to-open farm-to-table restaurant and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake, making it a one-of-a-kind destination to make lasting memories with family and friends.