Samuel Gelston’s Celebrates Gilded History with One-of-a-Kind Wild Irish Gold Bottle

Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey continues to celebrate the ‘gold fever’ of its historic founder with the unveiling today (Thursday 15^th December) of a spectacular one-off golden bottle which one lucky whiskey enthusiast can win this festive season.

Handcrafted by wild gold expert and jewellery maker Mark Bell, the bespoke bottle has been gilded with a version of Gelston’s unique star logo made from pure Irish river gold and engraved to pay homage to the whiskey’s unique heritage.

Established in Belfast in the 1830s, Samuel Gelston’s was purchased by daring young Irishman Harry Neill in 1869 who made his fortune in Australia’s famous 1851 Gold Rush. Upon returning to Belfast, Harry used his new-found wealth to build the Gelston’s business and export his own ‘liquid gold’ for the world to enjoy.

Having celebrated this history with a special gold panning event and ‘gold rush’ cocktail campaign earlier this year, Samuel Gelston’s have now commissioned Mark, the Co-Founder of ethical jewellers Jacqueline & Edward, to embellish Samuel Gelston’s signature star on a bottle of their blended Irish whiskey.

The finished piece weighs approximately 8g and is half pure Irish river gold from County Down and County Antrim, and half 18ct yellow gold alloy, made from purely recycled materials.

Mark explains “When I heard that a fantastic whiskey brand wanted to do a collaboration, the whiskey lover in me was over the moon.  Simplicity seemed like the key with regards to the design, so we re-created their signature logo…. but in solid gold. 

Having now sampled some of their whiskey thanks to Samuel Gelston’s generosity, I can say with my hand on my heart that it is a fine tipple and I’m proud to be part of their journey.”

To be in with a chance of winning the striking bottle, UK-based whiskey fans who are over the age of 18 are encouraged to email gelstonsgold@burtgreener.co.uk and state where or how they would most like to enjoy a dram of Gelston’s liquid gold or enter via Gelston’s Instagram @samuelgelstons. The deadline for entries is 29^thDecember and the winner will be notified the following day.

Samuel Gelston’s Owner Johnny Neill commented: “Harry Neill was my great great grandfather so to brings his (and our whiskey’s) golden past to life through this collaboration is really exciting. Jacqueline & Edward jewellers were the perfect fit for our project. Not only are they also a family business, they are experienced gold prospectors who specialise in creating ethical pieces made from wild and Irish gold. Their bespoke bottle is a real one off and we are excited to add some sparkle to somebody’s Christmas by gifting it to them.”

About Samuel Gelston’s

Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston. It was a time when Irish whiskey was famous around the world.

Samuel, a wine and whiskey merchant from Belfast, made it his mission to source, blend and bottle the best Irish whiskey from across Ireland. At the time there were 88 licensed distilleries on the island, and Samuel selected the very highest quality liquids for each bottle.

In 1869, upon Samuel’s death, the business was bought by Harry J. Neill. Harry had previously left Ireland’s shores with his younger brother Percival in order to make their fortunes in the Australian Gold rush of 1851. Having set up and subsequently sold his successful provisions business in Melbourne & Geelong, Harry returned to Belfast and purchased Gelston’s. His brother travelled on to New Zealand to set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882.

However, the Irish Whiskey landscape faced serious challenges as it entered the 20^th century, and the combined effects of World War I, the Irish War for Independence and finally Prohibition, resulted in the near collapse of the Irish Whiskey industry – which, in turn, led to the demise of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey.

The brand remained with the Neill family, and five generations on it has now been brought back to life by Harry’s great great grandson, Johnny Neill. Johnny and well-known master distiller Frank McHardy made it their mission to journey across Ireland again to source, bottle and blend the best liquids they could find and Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey was reborn.

The current collection includes Samuel Gelston’s Single Malt, Single Pot Still, 5 Year Old Single Malt, 10 Year Old Single Malt, 15YO Single Malt, 26 Year Old Single Malt. Cousins, Johnny & Sam Neill, descendants of Harry and Percival have joined forces on the latest launch that marries Johnny’s Irish Whiskey with Sam’s Pinot Noir New Zealand Wine Casks.

About Jacqueline & Edward

Mark Bell together with his wife Jacqueline represent the family company which is Jacqueline & Edward. They focus on creating handmade wedding rings from eco-friendly recycled precious metals and sustainably panned alluvial river gold. Mark has been panning and prospecting for gold since he was a boy.

Benromach launches limited edition single malt

inspired by London bartenders 

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched a limited edition single cask bottling, selected and bottled in partnership with a specially invited group of bartenders from renowned venues in London.

The ‘London Bartenders Edition’, developed in collaboration with Milroy’s of Soho, has been created following a series of industry events involving bartenders from across the city. To celebrate the partnership, Benromach will donate over £2000 to Hospitality Action to support the industry after a particularly challenging two years.

Back in June, a group of bartenders joined Benromach for a tasting session at Silverleaf Bar in the Pacific Hotel, Houndsditch. After sampling three unique casks, expertly matured at the award-winning distillery, attendees voted for their favourite whisky – a first fill Sherry Hogshead – revealed to be Benromach cask number #599 filled in 2012.

Bottled exclusively as ‘London Bartenders Edition’, the whisky exudes aromas of rich, stewed fruit with citrus zest and toasted hazelnut, followed by a touch of soft smoke. The expression is on sale now exclusively at Milroy’s of Soho, with just 201 bottles then available to a small number of handpicked pubs, bars and hotels in London.  The whisky will be available by the dram in selected partner bars including, Swift Bars, Black Rock and Publiq.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “This cask strength Benromach whisky has been specifically selected by London bartenders and will be sold exclusively through the city’s top bars and restaurants.

“It’s smoky, zesty and bold. It will be interesting to see how other bartenders interpret the dram and how they plan on serving it – whether that’s neat, over ice or in a creative cocktail.”

Last month, Benromach and Milroy’s welcomed back eight bartenders to put their skills to the test as they took part in Benromach’s first-ever industry cocktail competition. Taking place at The Vault at Milroy’s of Soho, competitors were given a choice of three Benromach single malts as the base spirit, a table of ingredients and a mystery wildcard ingredient. With just 30 minutes to concoct their drinks, the bartenders went head-to-head as they presented their creations.

Jake Lovell-Hewitt from Publiq was crowned winner on the day with his ‘Green Apple & Cedarwood Sour’ creation, crafted using Benromach Organic single malt. All eight participating bartenders were treated to a trip to Benromach Distillery for a guided tour and tasting.

Keith added: “It’s always interesting to hearing bartenders’ thoughts on Benromach whisky firsthand and see how they interpret our whiskies. To thank them for their input, we’re supporting the industry by making a donation of £2022 to a great charity, Hospitality Action. Workers have been hit hard over the past few years, so this is just a small acknowledgement of appreciation for all the work that goes into the sector.”

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

Green Apple & Cedarwood Sour, By Jake Lovell- Hewitt at Publiq, London

Ingredients:

• 45ml Organic
• 5ml Peated
• 17.5ML Cedar Cordial
• 2.5ml Apple Cider Vinegar
• 5ml Green Apple Juice

Method:

Mix all ingredients together before stir/straining into Coupette.  Serve with Lemon Zest as garnish.

AWARD-WINNING LUXURY IRISH WHISKEY COMPANY, THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO., LAUNCHES ITS FIRST CONCEPT STORE IN SELFRIDGES LONDON

The ultra-rare collection will be available to purchase in store, including the last remaining bottles of the inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, and the record-breaking The Emerald Isle, which commanded unprecedented interest at auction, becoming the world’s most expensive whiskey when it sold for $2,000,000 in 2021, overtaking The Macallan 1926 which sold for $1,900,000

London, 12^th December 2022 – Throughout December and January, visitors to The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s pop up in Selfridges, London, will be able to see the world’s first and only Fabergé Celtic Egg, along with the rarest Irish single malt in existence, as part of the launch of the whiskey company’s first concept store in the prestigious Wonder Room located on the ground floor.

The full range of ultra-rare Irish single malts will be available for shoppers to view and buy as part of its exclusive retail partnership with Selfridges London and online. It will also be an opportunity to meet the team, including Founder, Jay Bradley and Managing Director, Ian Duignan for an introduction to the world of Irish whiskey and the heritage and craftsmanship behind the brand.

It will feature The Emerald Isle, the company’s second record-breaking release, a seven-piece custom-made whiskey set featuring the rarest Irish single malt in the world, finished in a single, half-filled 40L Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. Items of equal rarity complete the collection, with the world’s first Fabergé Celtic Egg, two ultra-rare Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2009 cigars and a unique 1/1 Fabergé watch in 18k rose gold with white mother of pearl face, skilfully etched and hand-painted with 24k rose gold. The Emerald Isle is housed in an exquisitely handcrafted display case, with each bespoke set dedicated to one of the Seven Wonders of Ireland. Purchasers of The Emerald Isle will receive the whiskey through the company’s ‘white glove’ delivery service, with delivery made personally by Founder and CEO, Jay Bradley.

The single malts offer the perfect Christmas gifting opportunity and have gained fans around the world for their exquisitely designed surrounds and complex, rich layers of flavour. Owning the rare single malts has previously been limited to private clients who have been able to visit the company’s head office or speak with a Craft Specialist. Now whiskey fans will be able to view, buy and walk away with their whiskey, from the company’s first ever store.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has developed an innovative approach to the craft of maturation that draws on both science and the traditional art of whiskey-making to build flavour profiles that have taken the whiskey world by storm. It has also redesigned the entire whiskey experience, surrounding each single malt with a story and skilfully crafted accessories that deliver the company’s ‘perfect whiskey experience’.

This approach and skilled knowledge of barrel craft have seen the inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, awarded the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2022, in addition to more than 20 further top accolades. The business has also been recognised for its design prowess; in 2021, The Brollach won a Master Medal for Design from The Spirits Business Awards and The Devil’s Keep became the first whiskey to win Gold at the prestigious A’Design Awards, while The Taoscán became the second in 2022. In the same year, The Emerald Isle won an exceptional Platinum A’Design Award with a perfect score, making it the #1 luxury design of the year.

While The Devil’s Keep sold out in record time in 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. recently released an extremely limited allocation reserved for Selfridges. Very few remain and this will be the last opportunity to purchase this ultra-rare single malt so buyers are advised to visit the store early in December to be in with a chance of securing one of the last bottles.

The company’s latest ultra-rare single malt, The Aodh will also be available. This trailblazing whiskey is a collaboration with jeweller to the stars, MJ Jones, and features a bespoke ring – one of just 88 – in the obsidian closure of the whiskey. Presented in a bottle and stand that fuse traditional luxury craftsmanship with technological innovation, The Aodh is a never-to-be-repeated Irish whiskey of exceptional rarity. Ownership of The Aodh brings membership of The Craft Circle, an ultra-exclusive Private Members’ Club with a raft of bespoke benefits that have included a three-day yacht party, circuit-side, for the Monaco Grand Prix and a two-day golf tournament with world renowned Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs at the legendary Old Head Golf Links.

In addition to the award-winning whiskeys, the company has created a number of limited-edition Christmas gifts, including gift boxes, obsidian whiskey stones, and cigar cutters. The coveted glasses will also be available to purchase for the very first time. These scientifically designed glasses remove the ethanol vapours that would otherwise hinder the full appreciation of the whiskey’s flavour and have won acclaim for the elevated tasting experience they offer. The glasses are included in the ‘experience boxes’ of the ultra-rare single malts but have never previously been available for sale individually.

Along with picking up thoughtful and luxurious gifts for others, visitors to The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. in Selfridges’ Wonder Room will be able to experience the luxury of the single malts and the passion of the company for themselves. Created by the designer responsible for every one of the company’s award-winning designs, Tiago Russo, the store has been conceived with the same attention to detail that is poured into the products. Through its gallery-like design and the use of the same materials that can be found in the whiskey’s experience boxes, the store will deliver the same immersive experience as the whiskeys. Whether seated at the elegant bar, chatting with the team or invited into the VIP tasting room, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. will bring the immersive and considered beauty that define the designs of the award-winning products.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. launched in Selfridges London’s Wonder Room on 5^th December 2022.

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

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Crosses $100 Million Sales Mark

Nearest Green Distillery Is Officially the Most Successful Black-Owned Distillery in the World

SHELBYVILLE, TENN. – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, and 2021, announced that its sales exceeded $100 million through October 2022, with an on-track forecast to more than double that total by the end of 2023. Its recently expanded 323-acre distillery has already welcomed more than 100,000 guests with that number increasing significantly every week.

The company was founded by its CEO Fawn Weaver in 2017. She was then joined by Chief Business Officer Katharine Jerkens and, shortly after, Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of the company’s namesake, Nearest Green, and four-time Master Blender of the Year recipient. Last year, Uncle Nearest announced it had become the best-selling Black American-founded, owned, and led spirit brand in U.S. history. With today’s announcement, the company has taken on the world’s largest. The company’s whiskey portfolio of seven offerings, available at its distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee and in all 50 states, territories, and districts nationwide, ranges in suggested retail price from $49.99 to $149.

“To reach this and every other milestone on our horizon, we continue to push nonstop. Every penny this company has earned has gone back into the business, as well as to put Nearest Green’s college-age descendants through college and to invest in minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through our Black Business Booster program (BBB), the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) and Uncle Nearest Ventures,” said Weaver. “Every cent we make in the future will continue to do the same. We have an entire generation of women and people of color, who represent 70 percent of our country but still feel marginalized and underrepresented, counting on us. This group continues to look to Uncle Nearest as proof that anything is possible. We will not let them down. With the support of one of the most loyal consumer bases in spirits, we will continue to do the ‘impossible’ so they know, as long as they operate in excellence and refuse to give up, they can achieve whatever their heart believes.”

On Juneteenth 2021, an expanded Nearest Green Distillery opened to the public, a project that has cost approximately $50 million. On Black Friday, the company released its much-anticipated Single Barrel Black Label at the distillery for $79 and sold out of the first set of barrels immediately, requiring an additional bottling before doors opened the following morning.

“I joined the team this year with one mission in mind: to make Nearest Green Distillery one of the top three most visited distilleries in the world,” said Brielle Caruso, Chief Marketing Officer for Nearest Green Distillery, who two years ago made history as the first Asian American female CMO in the spirits industry. “I have no doubt we will achieve that milestone even faster than we crossed the $100 million sales mark.”

“For the longest time, folks were sitting around waiting for us to fail. First, they underestimated us, then they expected us to fail,” said Victoria Eady Butler. “I guess they do that with independent companies owned by women or people of color. Well, more than five years into this level of growth, y’all can stop waiting. We are not a fad or some trendy brand – we are a purpose-driven, mission-oriented company. Uncle Nearest and Nearest Green Distillery aren’t just here to stay, but to grow and sustain at a pace never seen before in our industry.”

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American. The portfolio is the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 600 awards and accolades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 394 Gold medals or higher, 68 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Nearest Green Distillery

Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to commemorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and named by Travel + Leisure as a “true whiskey destination,” the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. It is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee walking horses and Tennessee music.

At Nearest Green Distillery, visitors can purchase Uncle Nearest’s flagship whiskeys as well as exclusive bottles such as the award-winning Uncle Nearest Master Blender Edition Whiskey and Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey. In addition to world-class attractions as the Welcome Center and Philo + Frank’s, the world’s first non-alcoholic speakeasy, guests can indulge in award-winning BBQ at Chuck’s Barrel House BBQ II, or enjoy drinks, food and music at Humble Baron, the world’s largest bar, opening March 2023. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery.

Hard Truth Distillery Co. introduces Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection

2022 Master Distiller’s Reserve release begins new annual tradition at Hard Truth

Nashville, Ind. (December 8, 2022) – Hard Truth Distillery Co. announced today the release of 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection – a limited time only bottling of three rye whiskey mash bills that embody Hard Truth’s dedication to bringing innovation to the whiskey world. All three come under Hard Truth’s award-winning Sweet Mash Rye label and will be available in extremely limited quantities in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts and Louisiana.

Launched on Black Friday, the new collection includes a Chocolate Malt (RW-3), Caramel Malt (RW-4) and Malted Rye (RW-6). Each is mashed, distilled, aged, and bottled by the distillers at Hard Truth in Brown County Indiana.

Each unique and innovative whiskey mash bill uses specialty roasted malts to impart the flavors of each expression. Chocolate malt is malted barley roasted to a very dark color which brings flavors of espresso and chocolate (like in a porter or stout beer). Caramel is roasted half as long and is more like caramel corn, sticky toffee in its flavor contributions. Malted Rye is a 100% rye whiskey which utilizes a portion of the mash bill in rye grain and a portion of rye grain that has been malted or sprouted and then kiln dried.

Each of these barrel-strength whiskeys originates from a select group of eight to 10 barrels hand-picked from the Hard Truth rackhouse and conscientiously blended for rich flavor, pleasant complexity, and a rewarding drinking experience.

“It is an annual tradition…beginning this year,” said Bryan Smith, Hard Truth Master Distiller. “The winter holidays now have some competition here at Hard Truth…moving forward we’ll be releasing special sweet mash offerings in the Master Distiller’s Reserve collection every year at about this time.”

The 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection

Chocolate Malt Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey (RW-3): Brings the deep, roasted chocolate espresso notes from chocolate malted barley to play with the sweetness of corn and the baking spice of rye grain. Batch 001 of mash bill RW-3 is a blend of eight barrels. A total of 300 six-pack cases will be available to all markets with the 2022 release. SRP is $89.99.

Appearance: Oloroso sherry

Aroma: Rich mocha, rye spice, and sweet cream with Dutch cocoa

Taste: Buttered brownie, toffee, and rye spice with a jammy layer of dried fruit

Finish: Bold lingering spice with fresh cracked black pepper and stone fruit that fade to coffee and a hint of oak

Caramel Malt Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey (RW-4): Exchanges the chocolate malt of Chocolate Malt Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey with caramel malted barley, providing caramel corn and sticky toffee notes to match the whiskey’s inherent sweetness and rye spice. Batch 001 of mash bill RW-4 is a blend of eight barrels. A total of 300 six-pack cases will be available to all markets with the 2022 release. SRP is $89.99.

Appearance: Oloroso sherry

Aroma: Caramel-draped vanilla custard with subtle hints of shortbread

Taste: Rich caramel, mocha, and maple lead to sweet cream and rye spice

Finish: Warm, lingering, and sweet with custard and apple that fade to light oak and bold spice

Malted Rye Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey (RW-6): A remarkable expression of 100 percent rye whiskey, showcasing the incredible depth and richness that can only come from the malting process, Batch 001 is a blend of 10 barrels. A total of 300 six-pack cases will be available to all markets with the 2022 release. SRP is $89.99.

Appearance: Auburn

Aroma: Sweet maple and butterscotch lead into bold spice and jammy fruit

Taste: Rich fruit, rye spice, and butterscotch with subtle notes of vanilla, oak, and cracked black pepper

Finish: Warm and lingering spice notes shift to toffee and dried fruit

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth Distilling Co. produces more than 20 premium spirits, including critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming with several new states coming on board in late 2022 and 2023.

Founded in 2015, Hard Truth Distilling Co. quickly outgrew its original production facility, and, by 2017, construction had begun on its current facility, a distillery housed in a 50,000-square-foot building equipped with a state-of-the-art Vendome Copper & Brass distilling system. Hard Truth’s destination campus spans 325 wooded acres in Brown County, Indiana — an artists’ colony and tourist destination known for its natural beauty. Visit hardtruth.com for the complete Hard Truth experience.

The Macallan 1948 51 Year Old Select Reserve For Sale At Mark Littler Ltd 

A rare bottle of Macallan is now available for purchase on the Mark Littler Shop for £20,678; the lowest retail price globally.

The Macallan Select Reserves were released in the late 1990s, representing a distinct change from historic Macallan releases. When Macallan took charge of their own bottling and packaging in the 1980s, ending the tenure of Gordon & Macphail and a few others, the distillery began experimenting with packaging. The sleek and simple presentation lends itself to the simple luxury that is often associated with Macallan, and with the Fine & Rare series that followed, with the latter series having extremely similar packaging to the Select Reserves.

There are only two bottlings in the Select Reserve series: a 1946 52 Year Old, and a 1948 51 Year Old. The releases ascertained that there was a strong appetite for luxury Macallan bottlings on the market. And so, the Fine & Rare series was born. As a result, the Macallan Select Reserves are somewhat overlooked on the secondary market, often priced at thousands of pounds below their Fine & Rare counterparts.

The Macallan 1948 51 Year Old Select Reserve at Mark Littler LTD is presented with its original wooden tube as well as an outer presentation box. Each bottle from the series was labelled with a different date, allowing purchasers and investors to seek out bottles specific to a special date in their lives, such as a birthday or an anniversary. The bottle at Mark Littler LTD is dated 26th June. The whisky was bottled at 46.6% ABV in 1999.

The Macallan 1948 51 Year Old Select Reserve is priced at £20,678. Buy now on the Mark Littler Shop.

About Mark Littler Limited

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit www.marklittler.com

If you are interested in the Macallan 1948 51 Year Old Select Reserve or would like to chat to one of the team about our other services, please get in touch.

Email: whisky@marklittler.com

Telephone: 01260 218 718

Christmas gift 2022: Learn how Cook Coastal with Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney, The Maritime Malt, has created the ultimate Christmas gift experience for any whisky and food lover, by partnering with top Manchester cooking school Food Sorcery to create the Coastal Cooking class.

The perfect gift idea for anyone who enjoys cooking with friends and family, Old Pulteney’s Coastal Cooking class is an interactive lesson that aims to teach attendees new kitchen skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Attendees will learn how to cook two seafood-inspired dishes, before sitting down and tucking into their hard work, all enjoyed over a dram of Old Pulteney’s 12 Years Old Single Malt, the core expression in the distillery’s collection.

The Coastal Cooking class is as much about learning and eating as it is about chatting and having fun, and each ticket admits two people. Attendees will learn to make a beautiful starter of butterflied prawn bruschetta with Old Pulteney & sea salt butter, followed by a main of monkfish kebabs with crispy greens and parmentier potatoes. A desert will be prepared by chefs, so attendees can tuck in and enjoy their meal.

Each expression in Old Pulteney’s range of single malt scotch whiskies captures the essence of its home on the Northerly shores of the Caithness Coast, in rural Scotland.  Matured by the sea, Old Pulteney casks breathe the sea air year after year, leaving a distinctively briny taste that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.

A perfect gift for any whisky lover or foody fan, the experience aims to empower people to feel confident in the kitchen and create delicious dishes at home.

The Coastal Cooking with Old Pulteney class takes place on Saturday 21st January at Food Sorcery’s Manchester school. Tickets are available to purchase from Food Sorcery’s website. One ticket admits two people, and is priced at £160.

To learn more about Old Pulteney, visit their website here.

Beam Suntory Partners with RSPB Scotland to Launch Phase II of $4M Peatland Water Sanctuary™ Initiative

Beam Suntory contributes more than £400,000 funding for four-year project with RSPB Scotland to restore 160 hectares of peatland at Airds Moss Reserve in East Ayrshire

Anna Graham, Head of Environment, Science & Innovation, Scotch Whisky Association talks with Councillor Douglas Reid (SNP), Leader of East Ayrshire Council attends at peatland at the Airds Moss reserve.
SCOTLAND, UK (7 November 2022) – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announces a new partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for the restoration of peatland in Scotland, promoting carbon sequestration and protecting invaluable biodiversity. This marks the start of the second phase of the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) initiative, a joint $4 million conservation project launched in 2021 by Beam Suntory and its parent company, Suntory Holdings.
Beam Suntory will contribute more than £400,000 to restore and regenerate approximately 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland which is owned by RSPB Scotland. Restoration will take place over four years and the partners will provide annual updates on the impact of the project.
Credit: Euan Cherry for Beam Suntory

SCOTLAND, UK (7 November 2022) – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announces a new partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for the restoration of peatland in Scotland, promoting carbon sequestration and protecting invaluable biodiversity. This marks the start of the second phase of the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) initiative, a joint $4 million conservation project launched in 2021 by Beam Suntory and its parent company, Suntory Holdings.

Beam Suntory will contribute more than £400,000 to restore and regenerate approximately 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland which is owned by RSPB Scotland. Restoration will take place over four years and the partners will provide annual updates on the impact of the project.

The first year will involve extensive fieldwork; completing surveys and analysis to design a restoration plan. Physical work is expected for winter 2023, at which point work will be carried out to re-establish original peatland vegetation to promote the regeneration of peat.

This restoration builds on the success of the first stage of the PWS initiative, which began with work to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery in November 2021. Since then, approximately 13 hectares of peatland have been successfully restored in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry and Land Scotland.  An expansion of the Ardmore PWS™ project is currently being scoped.

Beam Suntory is also keen to improve education and awareness about the importance of peat and biodiversity and recently ran a peatland restoration training event at its Laphroaig Distillery on Islay. The company is planning to replicate the event at further sites across Scotland.

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distillation & Environment, Beam Suntory comments: We’re now a year in since launching our PWS™ initiative and it’s rewarding to be using our accumulating knowledge and expertise to make a significant impact to Scotland’s ecosystems. Working across the Airds Moss Reserve in partnership with RSPB Scotland represents a great step forward in our goal to restore 1,300 hectares of peatland by 2030.

Anne McCall, Director for RSPB Scotland adds: We are delighted to be working in partnership with Beam Suntory to restore peatland at our Airds Moss nature reserve. Peatlands are incredibly special and fragile habitats, with an enormous importance in the fight against climate change. RSPB Scotland Airds Moss is of international importance for its blanket bog habitat and supports some wonderful species, including hen harrier, golden plover, fantastic carnivorous sundews and large heath butterfly.

Robbie Millar, Managing Director Scotch & Irish, Beam Suntory adds: As the home of our iconic Scotch whiskies including Bowmore, Laphroaig and Auchentoshan, we are committed to helping to build a prosperous future for Scotland. This means working both within and beyond our own distillery sites, partnering with local communities and organizations like RSPB Scotland to drive initiatives like Peatland Water Sanctuary™ and set higher targets to protect our natural environments.

Harumichi Seta, General Manager, Sustainability Management Division, Suntory Holdings comments: A year ago, we launched the PWS™ initiative to contribute to sustaining healthy peatlands essential to the production of quality Scotch whisky and to protect Scotland’s ecosystems. Today, we are excited to see tangible progress and expansion of our PWS™ initiative – we are determined to fulfil our responsibility as a company that relies on the blessings of nature and water and continue our journey to give back more peat than we use in the production of our whiskies.

Alan Brown, Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock, Scotland said: Peatlands and heather are what makes Scotland’s landscape so special, particularly within my constituency of Kilmarnock and Loudoun where the restoration and protection of this land is taking place. The environmental benefits of peatland as a carbon store are well known so this helps combat climate change. It’s great to see Beam Suntory spearhead this work within our community alongside RSPB Scotland.

Through PWS™, Beam Suntory and Suntory Holdings have committed to invest more than $4 million in the restoration and conservation of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Beam Suntory uses every year in making its Scotch whiskies on an ongoing basis. Beyond this, there is a longer-term aim to restore sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate twice the volume of peat that Beam Suntory uses.

The PWS™ initiative aligns with the Suntory Group Sustainability Vision and Beam Suntory’s ambitious Proof Positive sustainability strategy, as well as the Scotch Whisky Association’s environmental commitments. In addition to the long-term positive impact of peatland and watershed restoration and conservation on water retention and quality, the work will also support carbon sequestration and biodiversity in the local area, helping to maintain and protect the important role of peatland ecosystems in Scotland’s natural environment.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About RSPB 
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. Protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.

World’s First Livestream from a Bourbon Barrel.

Today, Hayner Distilling in Troy, Ohio, announced an exciting new whiskey experience called Whiskey Webcam. The website features the world’s first livestream from inside a new whiskey barrel. Whiskey Webcam subscribers can login to WhiskeyWebcam.com and watch their whiskey age for up to 6 years.

Whiskey typically ages in a barrel for 4 to 6 years and Whiskey Webcam’s goal is to include that time in the whiskey experience. “If you think about it, that first sip of whiskey is actually the end of a journey that whiskey began 6 years ago. We want whiskey enthusiasts to experience the entire journey of their whiskey from barreling to bottling to that first sip,” said Greg Taylor, President of Hayner Distilling. “Our tagline is, it’s about time. It’s about time someone placed a webcam inside a whiskey barrel, and with whiskey, it’s all about time.”

Only 125 bottles of bourbon are available for sale from each barrel, and only those 125 people have access to watch the barrel’s livestream. Whiskey Webcam subscribers can login using any device to watch the livestream. In addition, subscribers will receive a sample every year from their barrel to taste their whiskey throughout its journey. The first sample is shipped immediately after subscribing along with a Whiskey Webcam t-shirt and a membership card with a QR code to access the barrel’s livestream.

“We want subscribers to be in total control of their whiskey. We let them decide when it is ready to bottle and they can decide the proof of their whiskey,” added Greg Taylor. The distillery also offers the opportunity to visit your barrel in person and even help bottle the whiskey you have watched for years on the internet. “Subscribers will have invested years in this one bottle of bourbon. Can you imagine the anticipation of taking that first sip after 6 years of watching your whiskey age? That’s the experience we are excited to offer,” said Greg Taylor.

Whiskey Webcam currently features two bourbon barrels owned by Hayner Distilling, with more coming online in 2023. The featured barrels were recently distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. To find out more about Whiskey Webcam, visit their website at www.whiskeywebcam.com.

The 2023 Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards Scotland regional winners were announced in an in-person ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday 8th December. Held at The Balmoral Hotel, the evening event brought together the Scotch whisky industry’s finest, from bartenders to brand ambassadors and retailers to visitor attraction managers, to celebrate the best of Scotland’s whisky.

Holyrood Distillery is a modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh. Dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow, it is both rooted in and elevated by the city’s surroundings. Founded with a mission to bring a new kind of whisky distillery to the city, Holyrood’s maker’s mindset remains fixed on innovating the Scotch whisky space, whilst making spirits for which its home city will be proud. The distillery picked up an array of awards from Whisky Magazine (listed below), no small feat considering the distillery is still yet to release its inaugural single malt.

• Holyrood x Pilot Stout was the Category Winnerfor New Make
• Holyrood was namedBrand Innovator of the Year
• Marc Watson was honoured with Distillery Managerof the Year
• Highly Commended Craft Producer of the Year

The distillery was delighted to be honoured with a gold medal and as a Category Winner for its specialist New Make in collaboration with Pilot Beer. The ‘Holyrood x Pilot Stout’ was the distillery’s first liquid to be awarded at a whisky awards with the brand’s inaugural release not expected until 2023. The team were thrilled to see their recipe based approach honoured with the top award. The distillery was also named Brand Innovator of the Year, commended for their iterative approach and their work examining raw materials and the role these can play in flavour creation. Finally, Marc Watson was awarded Distillery Manager of the Year. Praised for creativity and boundless enthusiasm, Marc is putting Holyrood on the whisky making map!