COMPASS BOX INTRODUCES

THE PEAT MONSTER CASK STRENGTH: ORIGIN STORY

The whiskymakers celebrate the smoky blended malt Scotch with a 20^th anniversary limited-edition release

March 2023: Scotch whiskymakers Compass Box celebrates the 20^th Anniversary of one of its most popular expressions with a limited-edition, blended malt Scotch whisky; The Peat Monster Cask Strength: Origin Story (RRP £105, ABV 56.7%).

The latest release from the award-winning Scotch whiskymakers will see 9,126 bottles available worldwide. The new Cask Strength bottle celebrates the origin story of The Peat Monster, which was first created thanks to Jonathan Goldstein of Park Avenue Liquors joining forces with Compass Box founder John Glaser for an exclusive release in 2003. The heavily peated whisky was so successful that it was released to the worldwide market in 2004 and has gone on to become one of Compass Box’s most popular expressions.

Today, The Peat Monster Cask Strength: Origin Story is comprised of Williamson Islay Malt, aged in refill American oak hogsheads (35%); malt whisky from the Caol Ila Distillery, aged in refill American oak hogsheads (34.2%), American oak bourbon barrels (17.9%), and refill puncheons (11.8%); and Highland Malt Blend aged in custom French oak barrels with a heavy toast (1.1%).

The resulting blend boasts “big blasts of smoke, cinnamon and tobacco notes,” according to the whiskymaking team. On the nose, find sooty barbecue smoke, green apple and powerfully aromatic citrus oils, all underpinned by warming cinnamon (the higher ABV heightens this expressiveness). On the palate, enjoy tarry, smoked almond, with the seasoned virgin oak delivering added richness and vanilla notes, plus seaweed, cayenne pepper and saltiness.

Compass Box further celebrates The Peat Monster’s U.S roots by recognising American coopers through a partial finishing of this blend, putting around half of the whisky in special barrels made from American white oak for three-to-four months. These grain-seasoned casks, created by the independent Stave Company, have been air-dried for two years and toasted using a highly technical process before being sent to Scotland and filled with grain spirit for one year.

Another nod to The Peat Monster’s American origin story appears on the label, which was designed by acclaimed American artist, Mark Burckhardt, featuring Dali-esque depictions of the monster against skyscrapers, subway steam grates belching smoke, and a hint of Central Park.

“It’s always been our mission at Compass Box to create compelling whiskies, even if it means breaking moulds – or creating new ones!” says Compass Box whiskymaker and founder John Glaser. “Thanks to the early collaboration with Jonathan Goldstein, we created a quintessential peated whisky that has gone on to become one of our core expressions, still beloved by whisky drinkers two decades later and one that we’re proud to be celebrating with this Cask Strength Limited Edition”.

Curious whisky lovers can find out more about The Peat Monster Cask Strength and other Compass Box whiskies at compassboxwhisky.com or follow @compassboxwhiskyco on Instagram.

Compass Box whiskies are available to purchase at compassboxwhisky.com, masterofmalt.com and thewhiskyexchange.com. 

ABOUT COMPASS BOX

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

ABOUT COMPASS BOX LIMITED EDITIONS

Compass Box’s Limited Editions allow them complete creative freedom, often using smaller parcels at greater ages. Each Limited Edition is one-off in nature. Every year, Compass Box creates a number of Limited Editions from very rare releases of a few hundred bottles to more accessible runs of several thousand bottles. Each one boasts a different identity, each expresses deliciousness in Scotch whisky in a different way.

Jura Distillery Trials Green Building Repairs

Jura Distillery partners with University of Hertfordshire and industry partners to test self-repairing building surface

Jura Distillery, home to the UK’s number one single malt whisky brand[1], will become the first building in the country to trial an innovative self-repairing limewash as part of the whisky maker’s commitment to sustainability within the industry.

The new coating, developed by the University of Hertfordshire and leaders in bio-based construction, UK Hempcrete, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the island whisky makers, which will celebrate its 60^th anniversary in April.

The ground-breaking solution increases a building surface’s absorption of CO₂ and this project will be the prototype for a potential solution in building conservation, which could help many businesses in their commitment to a zero-carbon approach.

The beachside distillery is located on the Hebridean Isle of Jura, home to a tiny island community of just 212. Currently, wind-driven rain on the island weathers the distillery, which prompts annual repainting to protect the building. As well as disrupting production and tourism, which is a core part of the island economy, it also increases carbon emissions through the transportation of materials to the island and the fulfilment of the maintenance works.

This new, more-robust surfacing is self-repairing, which is expected to reduce how often the repairs are needed, therefore reducing the annual carbon emissions from the distillery.

The initiative forms part of ‘The Green Print’, the roadmap to net zero created by the wider Whyte and Mackay whisky house, which lays out the Scottish whisky maker’s vision for a sustainable future.

Jura’s Distiller Manager Jamie Muir comments: “The Isle of Jura is beautiful place to make Scotch Whisky, but it is not necessarily the easiest place be a whisky maker.

“When we created The Green Print, we laid out our commitment to make a positive impact on the local community where we make our whisky. This partnership with our friends at UK Hempcrete and the University of Hertfordshire will deliver a pilot which we believe could make a positive impact across the Scotch Whisky industry and beyond.”

The project has received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as part of the Design Exchange Partnership Programme. The trial will aim to establish whether this is a sustainable solution for the building industry long term.

Alex Sparrow, UK Hempcrete’s Managing Director, adds: “This collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and Whyte and Mackay is a perfect fit for UK Hempcrete.

“This is an opportunity to develop an innovative new low-carbon product alongside the development of primary research at the university, and simultaneously see its application in a real world context. This fits exactly with our ethos of improving the technical performance of buildings in the real world, whilst lowering their carbon footprint.”

Whyte and Mackay – Award-Winning Whisky Makers

Whyte and Mackay is a famed whisky house, home to an award-winning collection of Single Malt Whiskies, led by The Dalmore. The collection includes Jura, the UK’s Number 1 Single Malt^[2], Tamnavulin, the world’s fastest growing Single Malt^[3] and Fettercairn, home to enlightened whisky making.

The Whyte and Mackay Green Print laid out their vision for a sustainable future as whisky makers. In addition each Whyte and Mackay distillery has been inducted to their Scottish Oak Programme, a whisky making initiative that seeks to harness the potential of native, local sourced, Scottish Oak in the whisky making process.

In 2020 the company was 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 recently celebrated their 175 year anniversary, and were recognised as Distiller of the Year 2021. 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 – The Invergordon Distillery is home to Whyte and Mackay Blend, as well as contemporary Scotch Whiskies – Shackleton and Woodsman.

About the University of Hertfordshire 

The University of Hertfordshire brings the transformational impact of higher education to all. Its students, staff and businesses consistently reach their full potential. Through high quality teaching, 550 degree programmes, cutting-edge research projects and powerful business partnerships, they think bigger, stand out and positively impact local, national and international communities. For more information, visit www.herts.ac.uk .

The University’s Zero Carbon Lab is a unique interdisciplinary research group, where design thinking and advanced computer modelling methods are brought together to seek solutions to the toughest open problems in the urban environment.

Founded by Professor Ljubomir Jankovic to consolidate the multitude of ongoing work facets in this field, Zero Carbon Lab collaborates nationally and internationally with industry and academia to facilitate a wider take-up of zero carbon design and retrofit of buildings, and on wider societal sustainability issues.

UK Hempcrete – Innovation in Bio-based Construction

UK Hempcrete is an innovative market leading company in the UK, specialising in hempcrete and other bio-based, low- or zero-carbon products in construction, in both new build and retrofit contexts.

Its staff team has many years of experience of the design, specification and installation of lime and bio-based building products in buildings in the UK and abroad.

The company has pioneered several successful innovative approaches to the construction of low- or zero-carbon buildings, and is now working to scale up these technologies into the commercial sector.

The recent launches of UK Hempcrete’s in-house design and practice, Studio Bio, and specialist bio-based building product supply business Natural Building Store, allow the company to provide a seamless range of services to clients in all sectors, who want to build the true net-zero carbon buildings of the future, today.

[1] Nielsen UK Off Trade MAT 26.03.22

[2] Nielsen UK Off Trade MAT 26.03.22

[3] IWSR 2020

ROYAL SALUTE DROPS FIRST EVER EXPRESSION AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AS AN NFT ON BLOCKBAR.COM

Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, has announced a new NFT exclusive release; the Royal Salute 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish. The brand has partnered with the world’s first direct-to-consumer NFT (non-fungible token) marketplace for luxury wines and spirits, BlockBar.com, to drop the special release of just 315 flagons, all bottled from a single cask, as individual NFTs. Continuing its commitment to innovating within Web3, this is the first time that Royal Salute has released an expression exclusively as an NFT, that will only be available to purchase with one retail partner, BlockBar.com.

BlockBar democratizes access to luxury wines and spirits whilst offering bottle owners storage, insurance and a marketplace to resell their bottles. Upon purchase of the limited-edition Royal Salute 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish, the physical version will be held securely by BlockBar, with a record of authenticity held on the blockchain as a digital certificate of ownership. The bottle owner may redeem the physical product and have it delivered from BlockBar’s secure storage facility by burning the relevant NFT, safely trade its NFT version within the BlockBar.com marketplace, gift it or showcase the NFT in their virtual bar.

In addition to being Royal Salute’s first BlockBar-exclusive NFT release, the 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish showcases the Scotch’s innovative approach to the art of whisky blending as, once blended, the expression was fully finished in a single cask. The individual cask is a first fill sherry hogshead which has held a rare Oloroso for 18 months before being filled with the rich blended Scotch and left to finish for a further six years. After the cask has finished imparting its rich flavours to the whisky, every drop is then bottled into 315 precious flagons, offered as individual NFTs for this drop on BlockBar.com.

In keeping with Royal Salute’s rich history and innovative approach to whisky blending, the 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish has been expertly developed by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop to intrigue the tastebuds with a complex profile. The expression has flavours of dark chocolate ganache, ripe plums and freshly baked ginger cake, with notes of dark toffee, Florentine biscuits, morello cherry jam and warming cinnamon leading to a rich and slightly dry finish with gentle spice.

Mathieu Deslandes, Royal Salute Global Marketing Director commented:

“While Royal Salute is steeped in history and heritage, as a brand we are always looking to the future, finding new ways to connect with those that are as passionate about whisky as we are, be it in the physical world or the metaverse. Our partner, BlockBar, has allowed us to enter the digital space in an exciting and seamless way. After two successful NFT launches of singular flagons that were well received, it was a natural progression to release an expression exclusively on the BlockBar.com marketplace.”

Dov Falic, BlockBar co-founder and CEO said:

“We’re excited Royal Salute has chosen to partner with BlockBar for the third time as we continue to support the brand on its Web3 journey. Being chosen as the only retail partner to release an entire expression is a real honour and we will continue to offer its community and ours not only exclusive releases, but storage, insurance and a marketplace for reselling.”

The 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish is housed in a regal purple flagon, paying homage to Royal Salute’s heritage which has inspired the brand since its inception. The pack features a recurring motif that utilises the iconic Royal Salute double diamond, reminiscent of the windows of royal residences.

315 flagons of the Royal Salute 27 Year Old Single Cask Finish NFTs will drop exclusively on BlockBar.com, at 10PM GMT on Tuesday 1st November 2022 for customers to purchase. Priced at $965 USD (0.74 ETH equivalent) the NFTs will be available to purchase with ETH and credit card and customers will have 10 minutes to check out. Users who successfully check out will receive an NFT representing the physical bottle, which is stored with BlockBar until the bottle owner is ready to redeem. Early access will be granted to BlockBar and Royal Salute NFT holders.

Two bottle owners will have the opportunity to enjoy a VIP Tour of the Strathisla Distillery for two, including one nights’ accommodation in Scotland, to taste the rarest Royal Salute inventory of maturing whiskies (redeemable from 1st November 2023, travel excluded).

For more information, visit royalsalute.com or follow @royalsalute.

This article is published as a matter of interest and is published after it’s original release date

FIFTH FIFE WHISKY FESTIVAL PROVES A SELL-OUT SUCCESS

The fifth Fife Whisky Festival proved a sell-out success with more festival-goers enjoying the event than ever before.

Around 700 whisky-lovers attended the festival which featured tasting sessions and special events including an exclusive tour of InchDairnie Distillery.

There was also a whisky-themed dinner at Lindores Abbey Distillery in Newburgh with crime author Val McDermid this year’s guest of honour.

She praised the festival’s success saying: “The Fife Whisky Festival dinner was the best kind of night out – beautiful surroundings at Lindores Abbey, delicious food, lively conversation and the perfect choice of drams to accompany each course.

“Now it’s got a whisky festival, Fife really does have everything!”

Meanwhile, organisers Karen Somerville and Justine Hazlehurst have confirmed the festival will return for a sixth outing in 2024.

Ms Hazlehurst said: “It was a successful weekend which went smoothly with lots of positive feedback.

“We had 90 people for the banquet dinner which is the largest number of attendees so far and Val was a great speaker.

“She was very funny and spoke about her links to Fife, her love of whisky and how she was pleased to be involved with a festival which is, unusually, organised by two women.

“This year, we were able to host 350 people at each Saturday session – our largest number since we started – and they enjoyed the very first taste of several new whiskies.”

“We’re now ready to start organising the 2024 event and look forward to returning to Fife next March.”

The festival featured tasting sessions at Cupar’s Corn Exchange where whisky connoisseurs enjoyed drams from more than 40 distilleries and independent bottlers including Annandale Distillery, GlenWyvis Distillery, Isle of Arran Distillers and James Eadie.

They had the chance to try brand-new whiskies including samples from InchDairnie Distillery of its soon-to-be-released RyeLaw whisky.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Distillery Company poured its Glasgow 1770 Ruby Port and Red Wine Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky – the first time it’s been tasted in the UK – and Kingsbarns Distillery brought its new flagship whisky ‘Doocot’ which only launched the day before the festival began.

This year’s exclusive Festival Bottling was a Staoisha eight-year-old – a peated single malt from Bunnahabhain Distillery bottled by Woodrow’s of Edinburgh.

And the famous Luvians Bottle Shop, the festival’s on-site official retailer, was on hand for whisky purchases.

On the Sunday, there was a tour of InchDairnie Distillery in Glenrothes which opened specifically for a small group of festival-goers.

There was also a tasting masterclass from Hannah Whisky Merchants hosted by their brand ambassador, Paul McKendrick, at the Hillend Tavern in Dalgety Bay.

Festival co-founder Karen Somerville said: “We were pleased to offer two venues for the 2023 Sunday sessions – we like to do something special on the Sunday and are now looking at increasing to four Sunday events.

“We were also delighted to continue our annual fundraising efforts for Age Concern Cupar with around £1,000 expected to be donated this year from our generous attendees and exhibitors.”

She added: “Tickets for the next festival are due to go on sale early September – watch our social media for more details.”

Fife Whisky Festival was launched in 2017 by Ms Hazlehurst, founder of Kask Whisky, and Mrs Somerville, of Angels’ Share Glass, with the first event held in March 2018.

Sponsored by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, legal firm MacRoberts LLP, construction company ISG and leading experiential marketing software platform AnyRoad, the event showcases the renaissance of whisky-making in Fife by bringing together the best whisky producers from the region and beyond.

Staff from AnyRoad, which enables businesses to operate and optimise their events and experiences, captured valuable data and insights from whisky fans during the festival.

They found that 100% of attendees questioned would be interested in returning to the Festival while 94% would strongly recommend the event to others.

Greg Klingaman, AnyRoad’s VP, Strategy & Field Operations EMEA, said: “We were pleased to sponsor this year’s Fife Whisky Festival which is a powerful vehicle for smaller and independent distilleries to engage directly with consumers.

“We were able to gather quantitative and qualitative feedback from a third of festival-goers which indicated just how much they enjoyed the event and many specifically mentioned how well run the festival was.”

The festival’s sponsors also praised the achievements of its founders.

Euan Duncan, from MacRoberts LLP, said: “What Karen and Justine have achieved since they launched Fife Whisky Festival is remarkable.

“It has become a key fixture in the Scotch Whisky festival calendar and what is particularly pleasing is the diversity of attendees which demonstrates the rapidly growing appeal of Scotch Whisky to all consumers.

“The festival heralds and celebrates the innovation and growth of the production of Scotch Whisky in Fife and provides a platform to shine the spotlight on Scotch whiskies from the other regions.

“It has been a pleasure for us at MacRoberts to have sponsored and supported the Fife Whisky Festival from the very first festival and this has also allowed us to highlight our significant work and involvement in Scotland’s food and drink industry.”

Graeme Dempster, of Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for Fife Whisky Festival which was another great success this year.

“Fife as a whisky region is flourishing and the festival helps support and promote not just the great whiskies from the region but all over the country.

“Fife Whisky Festival is an important partner for Bruce Stevenson as we have many clients who attend the festival and it’s a great way to catch up with them over a few drams. We’re looking forward to next year’s festival already.”

Louise Wallace, from ISG, said: “We have proudly sponsored Fife Whisky Festival for the last three years.

“We work with distillers throughout Scotland to create the right spaces for them to thrive and are currently working at Rosebank and Port Ellen – bringing them back to life – as well as being a part of exciting new chapters for Eden Mill and Elixir.

“Sponsoring this festival is a great opportunity to celebrate with the whisky community with people coming from all over the world to attend.

“Justine and Karen are a true inspiration across the industry – the grit and determination they have to make the festival a success is fantastic and we’re looking forward to our continued partnership in 2024.”

Dates for the 2024 event will be confirmed shortly and more details about the festival can be found here – www.fifewhiskyfestival.com

Notes: Fife Whisky Festival was launched in 2017 by Justine Hazlehurst and Karen Somerville and the first event, opened by endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont, was held at the Corn Exchange in Cupar on Saturday March 10, 2018. For more details, go to www.fifewhiskyfestival.com

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for nearly 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Justine Hazlehurst is the founder of Kask Whisky, a whisky events company based in Edinburgh. As well as a judge for a number of whisky awards panels, she has established several Scotch whisky trails and has worked with a number of distilleries and organisations to research their Scotch whisky heritage. For more details about Kask Whisky, go to www.kaskwhisky.com

BACARDI APPOINTS STEPHANIE MACLEOD AS DIRECTOR OF BLENDING, SCOTCH WHISKY

Hamilton, Bermuda, March 8, 2023 – Bacardi is promoting Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for its portfolio of Scotch whiskies, to a newly created role as Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky – a promotion that recognises her talent and 25 years’ experience in crafting Scotch whisky.

A multi-award winning and highly respected figure in the whisky industry, in her new role Stephanie will continue to lead the famed blending legacy of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, and the five Single Malts – ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® – as Malt Master.

Her expanded remit will also see her develop the people and processes needed to continue the premiumisation of the range and help deliver on the family-owned spirits company’s ambition to be industry leaders in innovation and quality.

“It’s an exciting time for Scotch whisky right now as demand grows around the world for top quality, beautifully crafted blends and malts,” comments Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky, Bacardi. “In my new role, I’ll be ensuring we are able to meet this increasing demand – both now and for many decades to come – while continuing to deliver new, exciting and curated Scotch whiskies, spanning our Blended and Single Malt portfolios.”

Stephanie began her her career in whisky as a Sensory Analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, working on a project which attempted to unlock the maturation secrets of Scotch whisky. Joining Bacardi, based in Glasgow in 1998, Stephanie went on to become the first female Master Blender for DEWAR’S in 2006, following her official three-year training with the then Master Blender. She is the seventh Master Blender in DEWAR’S 176-year history.

At the 2022 International Whisky Competition, Stephanie was crowned ‘Master Blender of the Year’ for an unprecedented fourth year in a row, a feat which recognises her world-leading expertise in the art of blending.

“The consistent quality and flavour of every drop of our Scotch whiskies is thanks to Stephanie and her team,” comments Dave Ingram, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Bacardi. “As Director of Blending, she will bring her mastery of the entire whisky-making process – from barley to bottle – to play a pivotal role in delivering our bold growth ambitions for Scotch whisky.”

Stephanie is passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent within Bacardi and the whisky industry. She leads a team of Blenders and Assistant Blenders who learn from her wealth of knowledge and expertise every day.

As well as heading-up this talented team, Stephanie will continue to share her story and her love of whisky to inspire others around the world to nose, taste and enjoy a sensory experience which is unlike any other.

About Bacardi

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000 people, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

WhiskyCast Community App for Cask-Strength Conversation Available Now for Free

We love a great cask-strength conversation…that’s what we do each week on the WhiskyCast Podcast…but occasionally that feels so…one-sided…

We want you to participate in the discussion.

Come share your whisky journey with whisky enthusiasts from over 17 countries to explore the world of whisky in the WhiskyCast Community app….FREE, and available now to download to your mobile device.

Apple App Store

Google Play Store

Or, if carrying whisky in your pocket isn’t your thing…you can connect to the conversation on the web.

WhiskyCast Community

You can even do both.

We will meet you wherever you are on your whisky journey, and be eager to know what’s in your glass because we believe whisky is best shared.

For 18 years, you’ve inspired us…we’ve had a chance to meet a few listeners and enjoy a dram or two with you on the way…as WhiskyCast approaches its 1000th episode, we want to celebrate the passion and spirit which connects us…and it would not be the same without you.

With Gratitude,

Slaintè!

Mark Gillespie & Christina Philburn

PS The FAQ’s

1.  Is it really free? Gathering data? Annoying E-mails?

·         Yes, both the mobile app(s) and the web app is free to use and download. If you register, we ask that you participate at least once a month with a post, comment, or scroll…you can even just read educational content or listen to the podcast if social whisky isn’t your thing.

·         GDPR compliant; we outline every piece of information we ask you to share, and explain how it is used and why we ask you for it. However, if you do not complete the required information in good faith, we delete the account….not because we’re mean, but because we don’t want bots.

·         You have likely been on this list for years….how many emails do we send you?

2. What about whisky media other than WhiskyCast?

·         Yes, please, join us. If you want to share whisky content you’ve created, post a link, and start a conversation. As long as you are not linking to sponsored material or only using the app to self-promote, it’s all good.

3.  What about whisky ambassadors and industry pros?

·         Do you/they like whisky? If yes, welcome…if not, we recommend a buff and polish of the CV and skip joining our community. Life is too short to drink bad whisky, or not enjoy your job.

·         We do insist that the community not be used for self or brand promotion. Connect with whisky enthusiasts by sharing your whisky knowledge and chops, and build interest by engagement.

·         As to actual whisky-makers and blenders…come, let us adore you….

4.  It’s full of adverts and sponsored posts, then? Algorithms?

·         Nope.

·         The activity feed consists of posts made to the three main groups, plus all of the groups you’ve joined. They appear in chronological order. No mystical math to censor the whisky discussion…

5.  Okay, then what gives?

·         Exactly what we said above. We want to connect to and with the WhiskyCast Community and those who share a passion for the spirit. As part of that connection, we hope to gain a better understanding of whisky from the people who enjoy whisky. This summer, we’re going to do an in-depth survey on whisky, and we’ll ask you to participate…it should take about 30 minutes, and the results of the general whisky questions will be available in the app.

·         If you still aren’t sure, email us at comments@whiskycast.com and we’ll do our best to answer your question.

Pioneering “House of Vintages” BHAKTA Spirits Enters Craft Whiskey

Spirits Tycoon Raj Peter Bhakta Returns To Category That Made Him A Legend

POULTNEY, VT — BHAKTA Spirits, the world’s preeminent House of Vintages, today announces the launch of its inaugural whiskey vintage — marking a milestone in the portfolio’s boundary-breaking evolution into vintage spirits, a burgeoning category widely seen by experts, collectors, and consumers as the next frontier of craft spirits.

This landmark single-year whiskey curated from the global cellars of Whistlepig Whiskey Founder Raj Peter Bhakta signals the beginning of BHAKTA Spirits’ ‘Drink Vintage’ campaign; his first-ever bourbon, this singular vintage release symbolizes the tycoon’s return to his infamous métier — whiskey — which vaulted him to prominence as an iconic progenitor of the American craft spirits movement.

BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon (SRP $149) is a 99% corn bourbon hailing from the 2013 vintage. Given a secondary cask finish in French Oak barrels which previously held ancient Armagnac vintages dating back to and including the ultra-rare BHAKTA Vintage Armagnac 1868, BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon is distinguished by a finish like no other bourbon on the market today. BHAKTA’s entry into vintage whiskey — and its founder’s return to the category after his successful exit from WhistlePig in 2019 — marks a new chapter in the story of one of whiskey’s most iconoclastic innovators.

“Isn’t it time we provided consumers with more information than afforded by mere ‘Age Statements’? Spirits lovers deserve to know — and I mean, really know — what they’re drinking,” says Founder Raj Peter Bhakta. “Single Vintage Spirits are the absolute pinnacle of drinks: today, tomorrow, and yesterday. There is no more precise indicator of quality and provenance than vintage, and only BHAKTA owns the oldest, largest, and rarest collection of vintage spirits on Earth. Enthusiasts no longer need to settle for superficial ‘Age Statements.’ With BHAKTA, they can finally Drink Vintage and discover The Spirit of Time.”

Considered a “legendary figure in the liquor world” and the pioneer who “spearheaded the rye revival of the last decade and inspired countless imitators,” Bhakta’s inaugural bourbon will be followed by further vintage releases across all major categories — whiskey, rum, tequila and more — which will dramatically expand the BHAKTA portfolio and complement its crown jewel, BHAKTA Armagnac (SRP $199–$22,000), whose range of rare vintages and blends encompasses nearly every year back to 1868. 

After exiting WhistlePig, Bhakta unearthed a historic cache of Armagnac vintages in a storybook French château while on a global sabbatical in search of craft spirit’s next big breakthrough. Acquiring the ancient cellar and property, Bhakta continued adding to the company’s stocks by aggressively seeking out the world’s finest vintage spirits of all ages, expressions, and categories. These miraculous finds have positioned BHAKTA as the world’s preeminent House of Vintages.

“The Status Spirits category is red-hot, and explosive demand for high-end bourbon is driving a significant share of growth,” says CEO Sean O’Rourke. “We’re seeing bourbon connoisseurs naturally evolve into the brandy category because it offers all the attributes they love — and with even more complexity, rarity, and age. The whiskey lover’s journey of discovery begins with BHAKTA 27-07, progresses into BHAKTA 50, and culminates with BHAKTA Single Vintage Armagnac. BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon builds a powerful bridge between where whiskey enthusiasts are now, and where their tastes are inevitably evolving.”

This initial limited release of BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon — consisting of only 2,000 cases — is now available in twelve states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Vermont, and Tennessee, to be followed by launch in Michigan in April. BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon is also now available for purchase through partners linked at bhaktaspirits.com and ships to 41 states.

About BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon
Bold American Bourbon Meets Ancient Armagnac Brandy—France’s Crown Jewel. An exceptional coupling of our French and American Cellars, BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon unites two spirits in celebration of a shared legacy. After harvest and distillation in the American heartland, this complex 99% corn bourbon underwent a secondary cask finish in French Oak barrels selected from Château BHAKTA’s finest stock—chosen for their pedigree, these casks have each held BHAKTA 50’s ancient blend of Armagnac Vintages dating back to 1868. Released at cask strength and just shy of 10 Years age, BHAKTA 2013 Bourbon symbolizes America’s iconic bond with its oldest ally.

• The first-ever bourbon whiskey from Raj Peter Bhakta
• 9 year 5 month old cask strength bourbon whiskey
• Finished in Armagnac casks
• Limited release of 2,000 cases

Tasting Notes

• Aspect: Deep, rich amber
• Nose: Vanilla, biscuits, butterscotch and toasted oak
• Palate: Very spicy with notes of nutmeg and hazelnut
• Finish: Stewed pears and apples with an intense lingering finish

About BHAKTA Spirits

BHAKTA Spirits is the world’s preeminent House of Vintages. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Raj Peter Bhakta — also the founder of WhistlePig Whiskey — BHAKTA offers a luxury craft spirits portfolio of limited release Single Vintage whiskeys, brandies, rums, and more, anchored by its ancient and awe-inspiring Armagnac holdings dating back to 1868. An innovator in the experiential hospitality space on a quest to help guests “Find Their Spirit,” BHAKTA’s destinations include historic properties in France, Vermont, and Florida. BHAKTA Spirits is headquartered on its BHAKTA-Griswold Campus in Poultney, VT, the former site of Green Mountain College.

About OVERTON & ASSOCIATES

OVERTON & ASSOCIATES is a strategic communications and mythbuilding agency based in Manhattan. Advocating on behalf of established brands and ambitious startups across beverage, media, publishing, and politics — and animated by a mission to “Move the Window” of perception in an increasingly surreal media landscape — OVERTON champions concepts whose time has come.

RARE DALMORE-50 YEAR OLD-1926 TOPS BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE

RARE DALMORE-50 YEAR OLD-1926 TOPS BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE

Dalmore-50 year old-1926. Sold for £15,860

Edinburgh – A bottle of the rare Dalmore-50 year old-1926 in a ceramic decanter and its original wooden presentation case sold for £15,860 at Bonhams online-only Fine Whisky & Spirits Sale which ran from 20 February – 1 March 2023. It had been estimated at £13,000-18,000.

Other highlights of the sale included: 

• A bottle of The Macallan Fine & Rare-30 year old-1973, bottled in 2003 and one of 534 bottles drawn from cask no. 6098. Sold for £14,640 (estimate £12,000-14,000).

• A bottle of Macallan-Glenlivet-22 year old. Liqueur Scotch Whisky, 100% Scotch Malt. Bottled by Row & Company Distillers Ltd. Imported by British American Importation Co. Ltd. 4/5 Quart. Single malt, 86 Proof. One of the earliest bottles ever to be released by The Macallan Distillery, it was imported for the US market by the British American Importation Co. Ltd, who at the time were sole importers of The Macallan. Released in the 1940s, and at 22 years of age, this bottle contains spirit distilled by The Macallan during the 1920s – a similar vintage to the legendary Macallan 1926. Sold for £6,100 (estimate: £5,000-6,000). 

• A bottle of Springbank Local Barley-24 year old-1966, bottled in 1990. Sold for £8,540 (estimate: £7,000-9,000). 

• A bottle of The Macallan-1950. Sold for £6,100 (estimate: £5,000-6,000).

• A bottle of The Macallan Anniversary Malt-25 year old-1958/59, bottled in 1985. Sold for £4,270 (estimate: £4,800-5,200). 

Georgia Porteous, Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh, said, “In a strong and varied sale, the Dalmore-50-year old-1926 stood out for its rarity and desirability and not surprisingly emerged as the top lot. There were also impressive performances from a good selection of Macallans with the Macallan Fine & Rare-30 year old-1973 providing the pick of the crop.”

Sale: Fine Whisky & SpiritsLocation: online-only at Bonhams.comDate: Monday 20 February – Wednesday 1 March 2023

NOTES 

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

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

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

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

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

More information and highlights can be found HERE

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

The Bonhams Network

Bukowskis

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

Bruun Rasmussen

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

Bonhams Skinner

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

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr

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

The Market by Bonhams

The Market by Bonhams is the record-setting and fastest-growing online marketplace for classic and collectable cars auctions in the UK, Europe and the United States. Combining traditional auction practices with an innovative, exciting digital platform, they offer a five-star service, no buyer’s fees and the lowest seller’s commission in the industry.

Tobermory Distillery unveils latest expression in Hebridean Series and partnership with Gordon Buchanan

Tobermory Distillery, based on the idyllic Isle of Mull, has revealed a 25-year-old single malt, the third of five expressions in its limited edition Hebridean Series

The third release in the series of five,  follows on from the success of the 24-year-old and the 23-year-old.

In addition to the new release, Tobermory Distillery has announced the appointment of Gordon Buchanan, award-winning wildlife filmmaker, as Island Ambassador

Together Gordon and Tobermory Distillery will work to preserve and promote the amazing island including its wildlife, landscapes and people 

 Mull distillery, Tobermory, has released the latest expression in its Hebridean Series: Tobermory 25.

Following the success of the previous 23- and 24-year-old expressions, the 25-year-old instantly transports drinkers to the Isle of Mull, where Tobermory Distillery calls home.

Inspired by the people of Mull’s long-standing history of working with the land that surrounds them, the expression draws on the distillery’s affinity to the island and the crofting industry that has influenced the island as we know it today.

With notes of blackcurrant jam, peaches and lemon peel, this rare and collectible release was firstly matured in Oloroso Casks, before finishing in Gonzalez Byass casks to create a lingering spice, intertwined with poached pears and nutmeg. Tobermory’s surrounding shoreline also gives Tobermory 25 the much-loved coastal finish, which is synonymous with each of the distillery’s expressions.

As with each of the releases in the Hebridean Series, the liquid of the 25-year-old comes from the popular 15 year old, which was released by the distillery in 2008. Continuing to mature in the finest Gonzalez Byass sherry casks for an additional nine years, the result is a wonderfully rich expression that celebrates the unique influences of the island, of which a limited number of bottles are available worldwide.

In addition to the release, Tobermory has announced a partnership with award-winning wildlife filmmaker, Gordon Buchanan, who will be working with the distillery as an Island Ambassador, to preserve and promote the Isle of Mull.

Gordon, who grew up on Mull, has travelled all over the world capturing an array of animals and environments, but credits his home as to where he first fell in love with nature. Like other parts of the world, Mull’s delicate ecosystem faces pressures.

Through his role as Island Ambassador, Tobermory Distillery and Gordon Buchanan will be collaborating to promote sustainability and raise awareness of the island’s beauty and ecosystem,  together with the distillery team, local community organisations and residents of Mull. As well as donating money to this work, the distillery will be offering its workforce as volunteers and unveiling some exciting fundraising projects over the next 24 months.

Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller at Tobermory Distillery said: “We are so proud to introduce Tobermory 25 to the world. A wonderfully fruity and well-rounded liquid, drinkers can expect a true taste of Mull with every dram.

“Our hand-crafted Hebridean Series really champions the little island we call home, drawing inspiration on its unique history and heritage to shape our expressions. The 25-year-old is a real homage to Mull’s crofting history, and draws parallels on the skill and ingenuity that goes into working with the land around us.

“We’re really excited to welcome and partner with Gordon as Island Ambassador. We have a shared passion for Mull, the land, the community, the wildlife. We’re committed to work together to protect and preserve our beautiful island, ensuring it’s looked after for years to come.”

Gordon spent his childhood in Tobermory, and his life is intertwined with Tobermory Distillery. His mother met his stepfather whilst working at the distillery in 1991, and his brother went on to become Stillman, 2 years later (1993-2004).

Like capturing the perfect shot, whisky distilling takes time, craftsmanship and patience, and whilst Gordon has seen Mull grow and develop over the years, one thing has remained a constant – Tobermory Distillery.

Gordon Buchanan, said: “Mull is where I grew up and spent many happy years as a boy. Its amazing wildlife and ecosystem is what inspired me to get into photography and filmmaking when I was a teen, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

“Tobermory Distillery is a key part of my family’s history so I’m honoured to be joining the team as Island Ambassador.”

5,298 bottles of Tobermory 25 are available worldwide. With an ABV of 48.1%, bottles are priced at £345 and available to purchase at Berry Bros exclusively from 24 Feb 2023 and then from tobermorydistillery.com from 08 March 2023.

For more information on the expression and Tobermory Distillery, visit https://tobermorydistillery.com/

Tobermory 25 tasting notes

Nose: Notes of freshly baked bread, candied orange peel and butterscotch are met with a gentle cinnamon spice and dusting of cocoa.

Palate: Fruity notes of blackcurrant jam, peaches and lemon peel fade to reveal honeyed almonds and coconut with a soft floral note and a touch of mint.

Finish: Lingering spicy finish with poached pears and nutmeg.

About Tobermory Distillery

Established in 1798, Tobermory is the Isle of Mull’s only whisky distillery and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. It sits at the centre of the vibrant island community from which it takes its name. Under the Tobermory distillery name, the artisan Hebridean Distiller produces Tobermory Whisky and Ledaig Single Malts and Tobermory Gin, which includes its Mountain, Coast and Hebridean expressions. Today, it is a thriving, expressive and unique distillery, true to its idyllic location on the Hebridean island of Mull. Tobermory’s Mountain Gin has been recognised for numerous awards including World’s Best Classic Gin and Best Scottish Classic at the World Gin Awards.

www.tobermorydistillery.com

Award-Winning Irish American Whiskey launches in Ireland,

homeland of renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation

 Cork Born Brian Nation brings Minneapolis distilled Keepers Heart Home to Ireland as First International Market 

The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. (OSDC), a family-owned distillery located in Minneapolis, MN, announced distribution of Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey into Ireland, the first availability for the award-winning liquid outside the United States.

Created by whiskey icon Brian Nation, formerly Master Distiller for some of the most well know Irish whiskeys including Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton, Keeper’s Heart is a new style of whiskey, bringing together the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions. After leaving Ireland in 2021 to move to America and craft Keeper’s Heart with the O’Shaughnessy family, Brian is bringing the unique blend of Irish and American whiskeys home.

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, and quickly expanded its portfolio with Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon. With its innovative liquid and expert craftsmanship, Irish + American became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, Critics Challenge International Platinum and Pr%f Award Double Gold honors.

Speaking about the foundation of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Co-Founder Patrick O’Shaughnessy said:

“What started as an O’Shaughnessy family reunion became the birthplace of Keeper’s Heart, a celebration of our family’s Irish-American heritage,”

“Our great great grandfather came to the United States from Ireland, and our large extended family has stayed close to our Irish roots. Keeper’s Heart was created to celebrate that. We are extremely proud of the Keeper’s Heart team and the reception the brand has received since we launched. It has made it possible to continue to grow Keeper’s Heart and evolve the liquid offerings, and now, as we begin international distribution, Ireland was at the top of the list. We hope the Irish people enjoy what we have created as much as the American drinkers have.”

Liquid development is led by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who has more than 22 years of experience working on some of the most renowned and high-quality Irish whiskeys in the world.  Born and raised in Cork City, Ireland, he moved to Minnesota following a meeting with the O’Shaughnessy family to embark on a new adventure and create a new style of whiskey, marrying the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions.

“I never thought I’d leave Ireland until I met the O’Shaughnessy family and heard what they wanted to create,” said Master Distiller Brian Nation.

“Their vision was inspiring, and together, along with American Whiskey visionary David Perkins, we’ve created an innovative liquid portfolio and a brand that celebrates family, and heritage. Keeper’s Heart is my passion project, and I’m proud to return home to share with my friends and family what we’ve been up to across the pond.”

Nation collaborated on the blending of Keeper’s Heart with Liquid Collaborator and Advisor, David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery. The pair aims to combine the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions, by blending of Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey with American Rye and Bourbon.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to put Keeper’s Heart on the world whiskey map, and today we begin expanding into international markets, sharing our story, our proud Irish-American heritage, and our award-winning liquid portfolio with the global whiskey community. Beginning that journey in Ireland is the perfect first step,” said Mike Duggan, CEO of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

Keepers Heart will be available exclusively from Barry & Fitzwilliam from Mid-March.

Commenting on the distribution agreement for Keepers Heart, Michael Barry Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam said, “we are very proud to be distributing such innovative whiskey’s created by the Master Distiller Brian Nation and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

It will be stocked in off licenses across the country, including Bradleys, Cork, Molloys, Dublin, Redmonds Ranleagh, Celtic Whiskey Shop, CarryOut Off-Licences, The Offie, Cork, Irish Malts and WinesoftheWorld.ie, RRP €49.00.

For more information, please visit www.KeepersHeartWhiskey.com.

For additional information, please visit www.osdistilling.com/ and www.keepersheartwhiskey.com.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey:

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, with Master Distiller Brian Nation showcasing an artful blend of hand-selected Irish pot still and grain whiskies with an American Rye Whiskey that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. With tempting notes of candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, spice, and sweet biscuits, it was the most awarded new whiskey of 2022 with many notable wins, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Beverage Tasting Institute ‘Best Whiskey in a Highball’ Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, and San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Whiskey:
The team released Irish + Bourbon in March 2022 as a blend of Irish grain and pot still whiskeys with American Bourbon. Featuring notes of butterscotch sweetness mingling with freshly charred oak from the bourbon barrels, this blend is a uniquely delicious whiskey perfect for bourbon lovers. Like its predecessor, Irish + Bourbon is already winning its own share of accolades, with highlights including International Wine and Spirits Competition’s coveted Platinum Award.

About Keeper’s Heart Whiskey:
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together.

Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.

Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers.

Follow our journey on Instagram @KeepersHeartWhiskey.