New St Kilian Releases

Surprise in 2023

By Ernie Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries  www.whisky-distilleries.net

Germany’s largest whisky distillery is situated in Franconia along the Main River near the medieval town of Miltenberg. The impressive state-of-the-art distillery features a Scottish set up: traditional mash tun, four wooden washbacks and two 6.000 litre swan neck pot stills made by Forsyths in Rothes. St Kilian was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Andreas Thümmler and designed by the Irish specialist David F. Hynes. The first whiskies were released in 2019. Today the LPA is about 256.000 litres.

By the end of 2022 CTO and Master Blender Mario Rudolf presented an acclaimed web tasting new releases: seven whiskies and one whisky liqueur. He was joined by Iron Finger Axel Ritt, lead guitarist of the heavy metal band GRAVE DIGGER, and Honorary Brand Ambassador Dr Heinz Weinberger. What a record! 1.300 sample sets reached the viewers.

The peated GRAVE DIGGER BERRY METAL forest fruit liqueur (54ppm) was bottled at 40% ABV. The basis of this exceptionally strong red liqueur is a double swan neck distilled St Kilian spirit made of Scottish malted barley sourced from Glen Esk Maltings in Montrose.

A new limited single malt version of a GRAVE DIGGER FIELDS OF BLOOD was presented in an iconic bottle. Only 5.450 bottles will come to the shelves. Whisky Blender Mario Rudolf preferred an alcohol concentration of 47% ABV, non-chill-filtered and non-coloured:

“The single malt is wonderfully creamy, sweet and fruity with some notes of vanilla, red berry compote and juicy grapes. Accompanied by a warming oaky spicyness with some fine tannins and wrapped in mild peat smoke.”

The peated malted barley (54ppm) came from Glen Esk south of Aberdeen. It was fermented for more than 70 hours in wooden washbacks and slowly double distilled in 6.000 litre pot stills. The spirit fully matured in red wine casks, first-fill Bourbon barrels and Ruby Port wine casks.

St Kilian’s range is absolutely special. The limited Signature Editions give an idea what modern whisky making is all about. Different malt and yeast varieties, various distillation methods and lots of different casks allow Mario Rudolf further methods of whisky blending by using whiskies which fully matured in different wood. His recipes are an arrangement of flavours which integrate and summerize the various profiles of whiskies which enjoyed full time maturation. Finishings are not liked by head distiller Rudolf.

New Signature Editions TWELVE (mild) and THIRTEEN (peated)

For the Signature Edition TWELVE Master Distiller Mario Rudolf selected ‘mild’ (non-peated) four-year-old single malts which had been matured in first-fill-Moscatel de Setúbal barriques (225l, ), first-fill Jamaican rum barrels and some virgin American white oak casks (190l). The particular vatting of the whiskies was filled in 12.550 bottles at 50,8% ABV. The shape of the bottles resemble the swan neck pot stills of St Kilian.

“Juicy peaches, sweet grapes and creamy vanilla with the impression of ripe pineapple pieces make for a mouth warming melange of spicy oak, notes of grape seed and a pinch of pepper,” Mario Rudolf describes the flavour profile. Signature Edition TWELVE is a delightful, tropical and spicy whisky made in Germany.

The Signature Edition THIRTEEN, on the other hand, is characterized by a rather diverse and unusual composition of five different virgin wood casks.

In the European Union by regulations distillers are allowed to use any kind of wood for whisky maturation. At St Kilian the mastermind Mario Rudolf takes a keen advantage of a wide range of wood types. Today more than 424 cask varieties shape the aroma profiles of St Kilian whiskies.

Signature Edition THIRTEEN is created of whiskies which fully matured either in casks set up by Palatinate oak (225l, 11%), Hungarian oak (225l, 32%) and rather unique woods such as 225 l Barriques of Wild Robinia (also known as ‘false Acacia, 27%), chestnut (225l, 27%) and cherry (95l, 3 %). By the end of 2022 Rudolf selected whiskies which the St Kilian team had distilled in 2016, 2018 and 2019. The malt was peated again by malsters from Glenesk to 54ppm by using peat from St Fergus. The single malt is bottled at 53,9% ABV. Limited to 8.680 bottles only.

“Juicy apricots, red cherries and sweet vanilla cream combine with warming woody notes.

Fine spicy oak, white pepper and a hint of ginger, discreetly wrapped in aromatic peat smoke make for a a full-bodied, colour-intensive and characterful single malt…The latest edition of a St Kilian single malt presents itself as a creamy and spicy melange of dark fruit jam, fine tannins and mouth warming notions of peat smoke with some subtle dry ash notes and hints of cocoa.”

St Kilian Standard Range

Two new core St Kilian single malts will be available in future:

ST KILIAN CLASSIC – Mild & Fruity

and

ST KILIAN PEATED – Rich & Smoky.

Both varieties are blends of single malt whiskies made by St Kilian distillers.

Whisky Creator Mario Rudolf explains his recipe: “70% of my whiskies have fully matured in barrels which held Bourbon beforehand and 30% of them were flavoured by seasoned Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks while full time maturation. At St Kilian we do not finish our whiskies.”

The Kilian Classic is “…Balanced sweet and at the same time warming with apricots and peaches, creamy toffee as well as spicy ice cream. Perfectly rounded off with a pinch of white pepper and a hint of fresh mint.”

The mild ST KILIAN CLASSIC impresses with its balanced fruit sweetness, which is perfectly rounded off by spicy oak aromas and some fine herbal notes.

Whereas the latest ST KILIAN PEATED single malt standard convinces with its full-bodied fruity sweetness plus its spiciness along with some very fine peat smoke and fresh mint notions.

The warming peat smoke flavour makes for an interesting profile which has a rich intensity of grilled apricots, creamy toffee and subtle oak spice wrapped in a lingering peat smoke. The peated standard (54ppm) is well balanced and full of character. The sweetness makes it for a lovely daily tipple.

Both versions are bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered and non-coloured. The iconic St Kilian pot still shaped heavy bottles are of 700ml size. They bear no age statement and they are not chill-filtered and not artificially coloured. The whiskies are of 3 to four years old.

For further information and shop please see

https://www.stkiliandistillers.com

Please see also

Saint Kilian A New Star is Born Part 1

Saint Kilian A New Star is Born Part 2

2023 Canadian Whisky Awards Results

VICTORIA, B.C., Jan. 19, 2023 – Canada’s finest whisky is distilled by one of the country’s smallest distilleries.

Results of the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards were announced on January 19th at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C. For the first time in the thirteen-year history of the awards, a regional, artisan producer has taken the top spot.

Following a blind tasting by a panel of nine whisky experts, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze, distilled by North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver Distillery was named Canadian Whisky of the Year, Artisan Producers.

A sweet, fruity whisky, described as spicy, flaming marshmallows, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze also took home overall Canadian Whisky of Year, and All-Rye Whisky of the Year.

Pendleton Directors Reserve, a lush, succulent, chest-warming beauty, was awarded Canadian Whisky of the Year, Large Producers. Pendleton, which specializes in blending whiskies that are distilled in Canada, also walked away with Blended Whisky of the Year and Ultra-Premium Whisky of the Year, Multi-Market.

“The industry has come a long way in the last few years, and it’s reflected in both the calibre of submissions and the range of expressions,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. “In addition to their strong core range of whiskies, distilleries are producing small batches and limited releases, offering an amazing variety of regional profiles. The world has noticed and so has Canadian whisky’s global fan base.”

Other major winners include Crown Royal, Reifel Rye, Yukon Brewers, Lot No. 40, DEVINE Distillery, and Last Straw Distillery, making a near even split of awards earned by Canada’s largest and artisan distillers.

A list of all medals and awards is available HERE

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually since 2010, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. The whiskies are evaluated and scored in blind tasting by an independent panel of whisky exports. The Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

GLENALLACHIE INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE CUVÉE WINE CASK RELEASE

The Speyside distillery combined Scotch whisky aged in casks sourced from four European fine wineries

The GlenAllachie Distillery, spearheaded by Scotch whisky icon Billy Walker, today introduces their latest new product innovation: The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish.

The 9-year-old (UK RRSP £53.99) marries single malt finished in casks that previously held four types of premium European red wine: Languedoc, Recioto Della Valpolicella and two undisclosed Premier Cru Classés.

A French term, ‘Cuvée’ is used in the wine sector to reference a blend that typically comprises more than one variety of grape.

The Speyside-based distillery has applied the description to whisky “by combining single malt matured in wine casks from multiple wineries.”

To accompany the launch campaign, the brand is hosting an exclusive tasting event at luxury department store Harvey Nichols in Leeds today (24^th January).

After primary maturation in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels, the spirit underwent over 20 months of additional aging in the various wine barriques within the distillery’s on-site warehouses.

The casks were expertly obtained from four fine wineries located in world-renowned regions in France and Italy by distinguished whisky maker, Walker, thanks to his exceptional network of connections with niche producers.

Billy Walker

A member of Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame, the esteemed Master Distiller, known for his flair for wood innovation, celebrated reaching a half century’s tenure in the Scotch whisky industry last year.

After Walker determined the finishing period had delivered optimum influence, the whisky was skilfully blended to form the Cuvée Wine Cask Finish.

The Languedoc casks are said to impart notes of “red fruits, sweet spices and garden herbs”; whilst the Recioto Della Valpolicella, produced in Verona, Italy, contributes “ripe cherries, coconut shavings, liquorice and raspberry coulis”; and the Premier Cru Classé wood brings “blackcurrant, espresso coffee and wild truffle” to the table.

Bottled at 48% ABV, the 2012 Vintage bronze liquid is presented without added colouring and unchill-filtered; a philosophy the distillery proudly adopts across all its products.

Remarking on this first launch of 2023, Walker reveals:

“As an impassioned wine enthusiast, devising a Cuvée has been nothing short of a dream project. I’m fortunate to have longstanding relationships with premium wine producers across Europe which has opened doors for us to create a whisky with intricate charm.

“As a blender at heart, identifying wine styles that would sit well together and capture distinctive qualities presented an enjoyable challenge. They say, ‘never mix grape and grain’, but I say this marriage is a match made in heaven.”

The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish (UK RRSP £53.99) will become increasingly available over the coming weeks from global specialist retailers.

TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish – 48% ABV

• Colour: Golden Bronze.
• Nose: Bursting with orange blossom, espresso, maraschino cherries and honeysuckle, with hints of candied stone fruits, hazelnuts, lavender and cinnamon.

• Taste: Waves of dark chocolate, red currants and burnt coffee beans, followed by crystalised almonds, blackberries and orange zest, with ginger and liquorice on the finish.

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 focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4million 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_

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES

PENSIVE DISTILLING CO. AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Pensive Distilling Co. in Newport is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Scott Quigley in 2020, Pensive is located at 720 Monmouth Street in downtown Newport and includes a horse-themed restaurant and bar. The distillery was named after Pensive, a famous Calumet Farm racehorse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Their brands include Pensive 100 Proof Bourbon, Pensive Vodka and Pensive Apple Pie Moonshine.

“The KDA has a special camaraderie and we are thrilled to be part of it,” Quigley said. “Pensive hopes to provide a must-do experience in Kentucky that compliments our neighbors at New Riff, Second Sight, Boone County and the Neeley Family Distillery. We are grateful to be members.”

Master Distiller Corbin Arrasmith said, “We here at Pensive look forward to the opportunity and the camaraderie that the KDA offers. We can’t wait to make Pensive Distilling Company a can’t-miss spot in Northern Kentucky.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said Pensive Distilling Co.’s community involvement and support is emblematic of the Kentucky Bourbon culture.

“By embracing the rich history of Newport and local vendors, Scott and his team have built a neighborhood establishment that brings people together over good food and craft spirits,” Gregory said. “We are excited to welcome them to our growing KDA family.”

Learn more at www.pensivedistilling.com.

Pensive joins KDA as a Craft-level member aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Northern Kentucky, which is a Gateway sponsor of the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience.

Pensive also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured industries, a booming $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion each year, and pays over $285 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes, more than any other state.

A key export, distilling has the state’s highest job spin-off factor among top manufacturers; buys at least 17 million bushels of corn and other grains every year, mostly from Kentucky farm families; and is currently investing more than $5.2 billion in new stills, warehouses, bottling lines, tourism experiences and more.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 475% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, the fourth consecutive year that production topped 2 million.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has surged more than 300% in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2021 was more than 1.5 million visits, just below the pre-COVID record of 1.7 million visits in 2019.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. 

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

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

Elijah Craig Named ‘Official Bourbon’ of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am; Activates Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy

BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY – Elijah Craig Bourbon and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am today announced a multi-year partnership naming Elijah Craig the “Official Bourbon.” One of the fastest growing spirits in the U.S., Elijah Craig has gained a loyal following for its award-winning family of Bourbons and American Whiskeys.

As the Official Bourbon partner, Elijah Craig will be prominently featured on the Triangle Plaza in the heart of Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of three Monterey Peninsula golf courses making up the tournament grounds. At the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy,” spectators can taste the distinctive warm spice & smooth flavor of Elijah Craig Small Batch, enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, and engage in photo opportunities after signing their name on an interactive signature wall. Throughout the course at general concessions, fans can also find Elijah Craig featured in a signature cocktail called “The Kentucky Tea Time,” made using Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, tea and lemonade. Offsite, consumers in the area will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship. Elijah Craig will further support the partnership with an investment in digital advertising and across social media channels.

“Elijah Craig Bourbon celebrates the legend and lore of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament with a shared mindset of striving for greatness,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Group Product Director. “We look forward to creating an experience for players and fans to honor their success over a glass of Elijah Craig.”

One of the most exciting events on the PGA TOUR, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is contested annually in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers. The tournament’s field  features a unique mix of professional and amateur golfers , including many celebrities. All tournament proceeds benefit charities throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.

Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO and Tournament Director, Steve John, added “World class golf and award-winning Bourbon go hand and hand. A signature Elijah Craig cocktail is the perfect accompaniment when enjoying the tournament at Pebble Beach. The Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy is wonderful addition to the fan experience at Triangle Plaza.”

With golf fans twice as likely to drink Bourbon compared to the average consumer, the Elijah Craig Bourbon partnership with AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am offers a strong fit for the brand as it continues to make a name for itself in the world. The annual campaign extends the fan experience beyond the course including premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media, consumer contests, and in-store displays rounding out the 360-degree program. The brand also is proud to be named “The Official Bourbon” of PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Max Homa.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern-day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. 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 operated 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 Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Speyside Whisky Festival to make a spirited return in 2023

Internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced its return in spring 2023 – with the highly coveted tickets going on sale this Friday (27 JAN).

Taking place from 26^th April to 1^st May, this annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to Speyside each year since its creation in 1999.

With ticket previews available from Wednesday 25^th January, this year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs, to the whisky novice.

From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place throughout the scenic region of Speyside – the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland – located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country.

Supported by Speyside businesses, communities, members and locals, it is this master blend of talent from the iconic whisky making region that makes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year. Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.

To mark the distillery’s 125^th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador. Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn, and of course, enjoy a dram or two of Speyburn’s award-winning single malt.

With over 500 events planned for this year’s Festival, other highlights include:

• Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
• Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
• Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
• 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.

George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.

“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.

“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.  I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”

Tickets for the festival’s top events will be available at the time of launch on 27^th January, with previews beginning the 25^th.  Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their spot in popular and exclusive activities.

For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year.. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. With a programme of over 700 whisky-inspired events over 6 days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

The team behind the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings another fantastic event to the sampling table – Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers, gin crafters and there will be lots of local food on offer.

GLEN SCOTIA UNVEILS NEW LIMITED-EDITION 21-YEAR-OLD

 Latest offering adds another exceptional release to Glen Scotia’s award-winning range

Carefully crafted using the finest refill bourbon barrels and refill oak hogsheads

Expression will champion the prevailing spirit of Campbeltown and bridge the gap between the distillery’s 18-year-old and globally recognised 25-year-old

 Award-winning Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has today unveiled its latest expression, a 21-year-old single malt (46% ABV, £265).

The new limited-edition – 2,500 bottles to be released globally each year– begins a new aged-statement release from the distillery on Scotland’s west coast, as it continues to champion the renaissance of the town once known as the Victorian whisky capital of the world.

Aged in a combination of refill bourbon barrels and refill American oak hogsheads, the finest of which have been personally selected by Glen Scotia’s expert team, before a six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, this elegant addition to Glen Scotia’s range is a smooth and aromatic dram ideal for whisky connoisseurs.

The Oloroso sherry finish adds perfumed floral notes, creating a delicately aromatic dram while preserving the signature distillery character of rich fruits, hints of Atlantic sea spray, and subtle maritime nuances. Glen Scotia’s 21-year-old is an exceptional single malt that delivers the true character of a refined and classic Campbeltown whisky.

The liquid has been matured to bridge the gap between Glen Scotia’s 18-year-old and its 25-year-old, which won the ‘Best in Class’ and therefore Best in the World, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 out of 3,800 entrants.

The remarkable new release comes presented in Glen Scotia’s premium bottle in deep hues of purple and gold. An elegant metal coin of the Glen Scotia entwined ‘GS’ logo is set into the shoulder of the bottle, which is presented in a solid display box ideal for collectors or gifting to someone special.

Glen Scotia’s origins date back to 1832 and, although one of the smallest Scotch whisky distilleries, it operates using a combination of traditional equipment and practices but with a forward-looking approach. Its team are dedicated to producing world-class single malts that attract interest from around the world and are helping to put Campbeltown firmly back on the map.

Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, Iain McAlister, said: “Our new 21-year-old is a single malt whisky of exceptional character, and the ideal dram to celebrate the prevailing spirit of Campbeltown.

“Being recognised as ‘Best in Show’ for the Glen Scotia 25-year-old was a hugely important moment in our history and an indication of how we have looked to bring the distillery into the modern age while not losing the authenticity of a great Campbeltown malt. We knew then that we wanted to create another special release for our fans around the world, and the 21-year-old is a middle sibling to the much-loved 18-year-old and the world’s best whisky.

“The Glen Scotia 21-year-old still has that wonderful interplay with the Oloroso sherry finishing cask, but with a shorter finishing time (six months) than the 18-year-old, which enables the underlying signature distillery character you get from the 25-year-old to really shine through proudly. We hope to be able to release a new batch each year.

“Like all good things, it has taken us a bit of time, but we are delighted with the result and can’t wait to see what people think.  One of the things I am most grateful for at Glen Scotia is our fantastic and supportive fan base, which continues to grow around the world – it’s very humbling. We sincerely hope they like this latest edition to the Glen Scotia family.”

Non-chilled filtered and natural in colour, the liquid has been bottled at 46% ABV, and is available to buy from the Glen Scotia online store (www.glenscotia.com) and worldwide through specialist retailers, priced at £265 RRP.

To find out more visit: www.glenscotia.com/products/21-year-old-single-malt-whisky

• Nose: sweet perfumed oloroso, spiced red apple, peppercorns with a soft signature Campbeltown aroma.
• Palette: baked red apples, plump raisins, a journey of cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and spice. Soft creamy vanilla, toffee, and sea spray.
• Finish: long, complex, and incredibly balanced, with a lingering touch of sea salt and sherry dryness.

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. The distillery team benefit from a huge history of whisky knowledge passed down through the generations of the town, carefully crafting the unique Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across 31 categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. In addition to this, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards, an accolade it received just seven months after being crowned as the ‘Best in Show.’

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Instagram: @glenscotiamalts

Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

An exclusive opportunity to taste the yet-to-be-released single malt from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., in collaboration with Adam Handling, before its general release.

(London 23rd January 2023) The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., creator of the world’s Best Irish Single Malt of 2022, has launched its first cocktail made in collaboration with pioneering chef Adam Handling in anticipation of the release of its latest single malt, The Donn. In celebration of Irish Coffee Day, guests will have an exclusive, one-day-only opportunity to order an Irish Coffee, made to Adam Handling’s recipe and using The Donn.

The famed and beloved Irish Coffee will be on the menu of Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly in St.Ives and The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor on 25th January 2023 in celebration of Irish Coffee Day and in all restaurants of the Adam Handling Group on St Patrick’s Day, including Michelin-starred Frog and Eve Bar in Covent Garden.

This definitive Irish Coffee recipe using The Donn is featured in Adam Handling’s recently released cocktail cookbook, Perfect, Three Cherries. Featuring innovative recipes for delicious cocktails, this luxurious book showcases the passion for sustainability that lies behind many of the cutting edge and inventive creations. With recipes, cocktail histories, drink styles, glassware, techniques, lab equipment, and even different types of ice, Perfect, Three Cherries highlights Adam’s drive to promote the very best of the British cocktail scene and his zero-waste ethos.

The Donn is the yet-to-be-released single malt from the award-winning The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The company’s inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, was recently judged to be the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2022, while its second ultra-rare single malt attracted unprecedented attention at auction in 2021, selling for £2,000,000 to become the world’s most expensive whiskey. The Donn is its latest Irish single malt, a triple distilled game-changer that spent just under seven years in an unparalleled four different styles of cask. From Bourbon barrels to the same ex-Tawny Port barrels used for The Devil’s Keep, to deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian Oak barrels and small 68L Pedro Ximénez barrels, The Donn has taken a journey that imparted an abundance of rich notes and a luxuriously full-bodied mouthfeel.

Rich, with notes of dark chocolate and caramel, The Donn’s layers of flavour and creamy mouthfeel make it the ideal companion for a warming Irish coffee but this will be on the menu for one day only – 25th January. This collaboration between Adam Handling and The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is also the first-ever opportunity for whiskey fans to experience The Donn in this way and reservations are extremely limited, so guests are advised to book now to secure a table for 25th January.

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is on a mission to restore Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, elevating its potential as a luxury product. Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born from a desire to return premium Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. No expense is spared, no corners are cut.

In 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. became the most highly awarded new company of the year amassing a total of 17 awards across both Taste and Design for four of its ultra-rare whiskey releases. In 2022, the company continued this award-winning streak, adding the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards for The Devil’s Keep, and a perfect score to achieve Platinum at the A’Design Awards for The Emerald Isle. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the exclusive Michelin Plaque Distribution Partner for The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2022.

Michelin UK venue partners include: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, The Waterside Inn, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Grantley Hall, City Social, Kitchen Table and Frog by Adam Handling.

Other partner venues include Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Park Row, Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly and The Ned.

For more information visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com

Speyside Whisky Festival to make a spirited return in 2023

Internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced its return in spring 2023 – with the highly coveted tickets going on sale this Friday (27 JAN).

Taking place from 26^th April to 1^st May, this annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to Speyside each year since its creation in 1999.

With ticket previews available from Wednesday 25^th January, this year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs, to the whisky novice.

From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place throughout the scenic region of Speyside – the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland – located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country.

Supported by Speyside businesses, communities, members and locals, it is this master blend of talent from the iconic whisky making region that makes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year. Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.

To mark the distillery’s 125^th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador. Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn, and of course, enjoy a dram or two of Speyburn’s award-winning single malt.

With over 500 events planned for this year’s Festival, other highlights include:

• Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
• Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
• Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
• 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.

George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.

“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.

“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.  I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”

Tickets for the festival’s top events will be available at the time of launch on 27^th January, with previews beginning the 25^th.  Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their spot in popular and exclusive activities.

For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year.. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. With a programme of over 700 whisky-inspired events over 6 days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

The team behind the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings another fantastic event to the sampling table – Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers, gin crafters and there will be lots of local food on offer.

WHITE DOG TRADING & STORAGE

ADVANCES TO HERITAGE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that White Dog Trading & Storage in Woodford County has advanced to the rank of “Heritage” member, the highest level in the non-profit group that unites and leads the state’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry.

Located at 167 McKinney Avenue in Midway, White Dog becomes the KDA’s 15th Heritage member, which comes with an expanded leadership role in the 142-year-old trade association, including a full voting seat on its visionary Board of Directors that helps guide the future of the iconic industry.

White Dog is licensed as a Class B distiller in Kentucky. Founded in 2016, it offers state-of-the-art storage and full-service barrel procurement services, specializing in sourcing, storing aged whiskey and brand consultation to help brands and non-producing distillers craft their future.

KDA President Eric Gregory said with production, procurement and storage in high-demand right now, White Dog’s potential for growth is unlimited. “White Dog’s business model makes them a vital resource for anyone getting into distilling right now,” he said.

“The leadership at White Dog is constantly identifying challenges in our industry and rising to meet them,” Gregory said. “We are excited by their growth, progress and plans for the future, and applaud their commitment to upholding the integrity of our beloved Bourbon heritage.”

“We look forward to welcoming White Dog to our leadership ranks.”

White Dog President Tyler Harris said, “We are honored to be moving up to Heritage level membership and working more with Eric and his talented team at the KDA. They have been a tremendous asset and driving force in the growth and long-term success to keep Kentucky at the forefront as America’s Native Spirit.”

To qualify as a Heritage member, distilleries must have at least 50,000 barrels of distilled spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, although White Dog qualified under a 25,000 barrel requirement when it joined the KDA in 2020 as a “Proof” level member for medium-sized distilleries.

Learn more at www.whitedogllc.com.

Other KDA Heritage members include Bardstown Bourbon Company, Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Castle & Key, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Louisville Distilling Company, Lux Row, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail and Willett.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured industries, a booming $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion each year, and pays over $285 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, distilling has the state’s highest job spin-off factor among top manufacturers; buys at least 17 million bushels of corn and other grains every year, mostly from Kentucky farm families; and is currently investing more than $5.2 billion in new stills, warehouses, bottling lines, tourism experiences and more.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 475% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, the fourth year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has surged more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2021 was more than 1.5 million, just below the pre-COVID record of 1.7 million in 2019.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. 

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

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly