FIOR – Premium Blended Scotch Whisky

Fior is the first Scotch to be owned by an American Veteran, Major Eric Dominijanni, USMC Retired. At 86 proof, it is an ultra-premium blend of Highland and Speyside Scotches boasting a high malt to grain ratio (40%/60%). It has a rich maple color and an inviting nose of warm vanilla mixed with a hint of campfire smoke. The rounded palate is complete with notes oak, chocolate, and soft spices. The luxuriously smooth finish balances comforting malt tones and warm almonds to lure you back for more.

Fior has earned many prestigious awards, including a double gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Platinum medal from the Ascot Awards, a gold medal from the Santé Competition, and 93 points from the New York International Spirits Competition.

fiorscotch.com

KEEPER’S HEART INTRODUCE GERARD GARLAND AS THEIR
GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. (OSDC), the family-owned Minneapolis distillery have announced Gerard Garland as its Global Brand Ambassador for the award-winning Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey.

Keeper’s Heart brought its new style of whiskey to Irish shores and stores when it launched here in March this year. Led by master distiller (and fellow Irish man) Brian Nation, it brings together the best of Irish and American whiskeys and techniques in celebration of these two renowned and distinct distilling traditions.

Dublin native Gerard joins the OSDC team with over two decades of experience in the whiskey business, having spent the last 9 years working with iconic Irish Whiskey brands such as Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Spot Whiskeys, Powers Irish Whiskey and Midleton Very Rare. His role will focus on growing and developing Keepers Heart for the Irish and International Market.

Speaking about his appointment, Gerard commented:

“I couldn’t be more excited to represent Keeper’s Heart and join a brand at the start of an incredible journey, creating a new style of whiskey that is already capturing the hearts and minds of whiskey lovers in the US and Ireland. It is fantastic to be once again teaming up with Brian as we look to build on our momentum, expand our footprint and celebrate the moments worth keeping!”

“We are delighted to have Gerard on board as Global Brand Ambassador for Keeper’s Heart. He is one of the most recognisable faces in the business and brings with him a wealth of experience combined with a passion for sharing Irish whiskey with the world – we know he is the right man for the job. We can’t wait to grow Keepers Heart together.” shared Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Co-Founder of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

Gerard was awarded Irish Whiskey Ambassador of year at Whisky Magazines inaugural Icons of Whiskey Ireland Awards in 2017, and again was highly commended in 2020.

He then went on to win Global Irish Whiskey Ambassador of the Year at the World Icons of Whisky Awards in London in 2018. Gerard was the keynote speaker at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.

Gerard holds a General Certificate in Brewing and Distilling from The Institute of Brewing & Distilling and a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 Certificate in Wines, Spirits & other alcoholic beverages.

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

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

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

About Keeper’s Heart Whiskey:
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together. Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.

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

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES BARRELS & BILLETS AS NEWEST MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) today announced Barrels & Billets in Jefferson County as the newest and 54th distilling member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.  

Owned by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (H&B), Barrels and Billets is open to the public and offers guests a hands-on, interactive Bourbon experience. Visitors can blend their own Bourbon recipe using six different wood-finished Bourbons to create their own custom flavor profile. 

The distillery is one of three venues at the H&B campus located at 800 W Main St. in downtown Louisville. The site includes Barrels & Billets, the award-winning Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and The Skybox, a 5,000 square foot event space. 

Patrick Shortridge, Director of Guest Experience at Hillerich & Bradsby Co. said joining the KDA is a big milestone for the new distillery. 

“The entire Barrels & Billets team is ecstatic to join KDA and play a role in such an incredible Kentucky industry,” Shortridge said. “We look forward to building onto Barrels & Billets’ fun and unique experience.” 

Barrels & Billets focuses on wood finishing techniques for its own line of Bourbons, which include Lucky Lumber Easy Drinking Bourbon, Lead Off Rich & Complex Bourbon and Smokin’ Fastball Smoked Bourbon. 

The company’s luxury Bourbon brand, J. Frederick Three Wood Bourbon, was crafted in honor of J. Frederick Hillerich who immigrated to America from Germany in 1842. Hillerich opened a wood shop in Louisville and early on sold barrels for aging Bourbon. 

Learn more at barrelsandbillets.com. 

Barrels & Billets joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 0 and 10,000 barrels per year.  

KDA President Eric Gregory said Barrels & Billets is a fine addition to downtown Louisville’s Museum Row district. “We look forward to working with the Barrels & Billets team as we continue our tireless work to unite our historic industry and secure Kentucky as the one true home for Bourbon,” Gregory said. “We congratulate them on their success and gladly welcome them to the KDA.”

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, 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. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Loch Lomond Wins “Most Awarded Distillery” At San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Independent Distiller Gains Huge Momentum Worldwide for its Exceptional Whiskies

The Loch Lomond Distillery has won “the most awarded distillery” at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, picking up multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Located just off the banks of Scotland’s iconic Loch Lomond, the Loch Lomond Distillery can trace its roots back over 200 years. Today, it crafts three distinctive whisky styles including its flagship Scotch single malt brand Loch Lomond Whiskies; its single grain whisky, Spearhead; and its latest creation Noble Rebel, a range of blended malt Scotch whiskies.

Together, these brands have received a total of 21 accolades at the industry leading San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, winning the highly coveted ‘Most Awarded Distillery of the Year’.

Loch Lomond Distillery has been gaining huge momentum in recent years, with a refreshed focus, and increased investment leading to exceptional growth in markets around world.

This latest acknowledgment from the industry underlines its growing credibility as one of the most exciting distillers of the time. Judges praised the distillery for its consistency, quality and innovation.

In total, it scooped up nine highly coveted Double Gold Awards, seven Gold Awards, and five Silver Awards, for a selection of core range and limited-edition products. Amongst the Double Gold winners were the Open Course Collection and the Open Special Edition, two new releases this year to celebrate the partnership between Loch Lomond Whiskies and The Open Golf Championship which is a fitting way to kick off a second five-year deal between the two organisations

Inspired by its surroundings and fuelled by an eternal spirit of exploration, the distillery takes a bold and inventive approach to whisky making, using incredible feats of engineering to craft exceptional flavour profiles in a unique way.

While all follow their own unique journey and whisky making process, Loch Lomond Whiskies, Spearhead and Noble Rebel, are bound by their innovative style. The Loch Lomond Distillery is the only one of its kind in Scotland to use a combination of traditional Swan Neck Stills and unique Straight Neck stills to craft its whisky. These Straight Neck Stills are a defining feature of the distiller and allow the Master Blender to manipulate flavour at the point of distillation, creating a lighter spirit characterised by a distinctive fruit flavour. As one of only four distilleries in Scotland to have an onsite cooperage, it can also take complete control over the whisky making journey ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard.

Colin Matthews, Chief Executive Loch Lomond Group, said: “Loch Lomond Distillery has received significant investment in recent years allowing us to expand our whisky making capabilities and develop new styles in the single grain and blended malt categories.

“It is one of the most innovative in Scotland, using bold techniques to explore flavour creation in an inventive and creative way. We have been distilling whisky this way for generations, but are only just starting the realise the potential of our capabilities.

“To receive over 20 individual awards for our whiskies underlines the work that has been delivered in recent years to define our ranges. It is a huge step forward in our growth plans and something we are incredibly proud of.

“This is the start of an exciting journey for Loch Lomond Distillery and we have a number of exciting releases and initiatives in the pipeline.”

One of the fastest growing top 25 single malt brands in the world, Loch Lomond Whiskies is a range of classic single malt Scotch whisky, known for its distinctive house style of fruit, honey and soft smoke. The Official Spirit of The Open, Loch Lomond Whiskies has crafted a number of limited-edition golf-inspired single malts, which received exceptional feedback at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.

Spearhead is a single grain whisky, made from 100% malted barely and distilled in a copper coffey still, rather than a traditional pot still, before being finished in infrared toasted barrels.

Noble Rebel is the last brand to launch from Loch Lomond Distillery; a collection of blended malt Scotch whiskies that seek to break the norm by combining new ideas with deep-rooted traditions in whisky making. Launched in February 2023, in just a few months it has been an extraordinary success in the UK.

Loch Lomond Distillery received the following accolades at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023;

Double Gold Award

 Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Inchmurrin
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Inchmoan
• Core range – Loch Lomond Classic
• Limited edition – Loch Lomond Whiskies Open Special Edition 2023
• Limited edition – Loch Lomond Whiskies Open Course Edition 2023
• Limited edition – Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain Coopers Collection
• Global Travel Retail Exclusive – Loch Lomond Whiskies 8 Years Old Madeira
• Global Travel Retail Exclusive – Loch Lomond Whiskies 18 Years Old Inchmurrin

Noble Rebel

• Noble Rebel Orchard Outburst

Gold Award

Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 10 Years Old
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Perfectly Balanced
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 14 Years Old
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain (Peated)
• Global Travel Retail Exclusive – Loch Lomond Whiskies 14 Years Old Inchmoan

Noble Rebel

• Noble Rebel Smoke Symphony

Spearhead

• Spearhead

Silver Awards

Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies Original
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies 18 Years Old
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain (Unpeated)
• Core range – Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain Distiller’s Choice

Noble Rebel

• Noble Rebel Hazel Harmony

 * IWSR, Drinks Market Analysis 2021

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Adds Four New Distilleries to Amber Adventure

Kentucky Distillers Continue to Build New Bourbon Experiences and Tourism Across the State

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® is embarking on its largest expansion in its history, welcoming four distilleries to the nation’s premier adventure showcasing micro-distilling craftsmanship, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today.

The newest additions include two in Northern Kentucky, and two in Lexington:

Augusta Distillery | 207 Seminary Ave., Augusta, Ky. | augustakydistillery.com

Fresh Bourbon | 377 E Main St., Suite 100, Lexington, Ky. | freshbourbon.com

Pensive Distilling Co. | 720 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky. | pensivedistilling.com

RD1 Spirits | 1170 Manchester St., Suite 190, Lexington, Ky | rd1spirits.com

KDA President Eric Gregory said the new members swell the ranks of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® to an all-time high of 28 distilleries. The KDA created the statewide journey in 2012 as the nation’s first attraction to feature the burgeoning boutique distilling movement, and more than a decade later, its impact continues to grow, bringing all the benefits of the Bourbon economy with it.

Coupled with the 18 larger-scale distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the KDA now boasts a record 46 immersive experiences for Bourbon and spirits lovers to enjoy when visiting the Bluegrass state. The KDA founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® in 1999.

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences continue to elevate and grow tourism at an astounding pace, educating visitors from around the world about our signature spirit and pouring millions of dollars of revenue into local communities and coffers,” Gregory said. “In the last 10 years, attendance has skyrocketed by a phenomenal 370%. The diversity of experiences available at these new stops is outstanding — from secret speakeasies to pairings of delicious Bourbon and bites all the way to full dining experiences. Bourbon has really proven itself over the last couple of decades and has enabled many communities to be a part of its growth. We’re thrilled to welcome these four new distilleries to our amber adventure and encourage visitors to discover the intriguing experiences that each of them has to offer.”

Augusta Distillery Founder and Board Vice Chairman Judd Weiss said, “Being included on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® puts Augusta Distillery in an even better position to share our charming town, distillery and award-winning Bourbon.”

Fresh Bourbon Distillery Founder Tia Edwards expressed excitement to being added as a destination on the Craft Tour. “We believe in bringing a unique approach to the Kentucky Bourbon experience by hosting guests in our elegant distillery and having them experience Bourbon luxury.”

Pensive Distilling Co. owner Scott Quigley said that joining the Craft Tour shines a spotlight on their establishment and helps grow tourism in Northern Kentucky. “The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® spreads our open invitation for all to come and enjoy Newport and the Pensive experience.”

RD1 Vice President of Marketing Chris Tetterton said, “It is an awesome privilege to be a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. This group of distilleries tells the story of America’s native spirit along with the proud history, tradition, and future of Kentucky’s leading role in Bourbon.”

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, 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. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

‘THRILL ENGINEER’ HELPS WHISKY CLUB SPICE THINGS UP WITH EXPERIMENTAL CHILLI-INFUSED SPIRIT

Professor Brendan Walker helps The Scotch Malt Whisky Society explore extraordinary new chilli-infused spirit that you can mix in cocktails, sip if you’re brave enough or even cook with!

Some like it hot: Thrill Engineer, Professor Brendan Walker, pic by Dave Parry. Bottle with chillies pic by Mike Wilkinson

This summer, a maverick whisky club is turning up the heat with the release of Exp.01, a limited-edition new chilli-infused drink resulting from an experiment that saw 100 fresh red Scotch Bonnet chillies matured in a cask of Scotch whisky for 17 years.

For the experiment, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) added around 100 sliced chillies to a cask of 10-year-old single malt – in doing so, stripping it of its title as a Scotch whisky. The curious concoction was then left to mature for a further 17 years before being bottled as the spicy spirit it is today.

At 55.6% abv and bottled in 10cl hot-sauce sized miniatures, Exp.01 packs a peppery punch with hints of ‘sweet paprika’. The Society is encouraging adventurous flavour explorers to continue the experiment at home, by adding the spicy spirit to summer cocktails, cooking with it like a hot sauce or marinade, or sipping it neat.

The SMWS created the experimental spirit as part of its 40^th-anniversary year celebrations, during which it is staging various events and releasing special editions, all inspired by the maverick attitude of its founder Pip Hills.

Professor Brendan Walker, the world’s only ‘Thrill Engineer’ – who focuses on examining and constructing emotional experiences – was called upon to investigate the Society’s unusual experiment and the tasting experience.

Walker, whose previous work has included designing theme park rides such as Th13teen at Alton Towers, said: “After around 17 years of infusion, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society asked me to investigate their experiment. What could be more exciting than being asked to explore two components of known high quality – a Scotch-in-the-making plus 100 fresh red Scotch Bonnet chillies?

“The methanol and aromatic higher alcohols found in whisky immediately trigger the release of dopamine. Chilli contains capsaicin and in small amounts, capsaicin has a pleasurable, warming, peppery effect. Capsaicin can also trigger the release of endorphins for endurance, and dopamine to reward surviving such an ordeal.

“This concoction of whisky and chilli has the most psychotropic thrilling potential. My initial tasting made me say ‘wow!’, and then smile – a genuine mini-euphoric moment for any connoisseur of thrill. There’s a whole roller coaster of experience being played out on a micro scale, over milliseconds, right there on your tongue

“It’s not just the resulting liquid of Exp.01 that I find amazing – with its smooth, sweet consistency and initial peppery chilli kick.  What’s most exciting for me is the Society’s spirit of experimentation. This captures my imagination. Try it in a cocktail, splash it into a creamy sauce for haggis, or pipette a single drop onto your tongue, then feel your mind and body explode with excitement.”

James Freeman, the Society’s Executive Chef, has also created special recipes that showcase the spirit’s culinary potential, including mussels with tomato, anchovies and Exp.01, a teriyaki salmon dish and an incredible chocolate and Exp.01 tart.  Meanwhile, SMWS ambassador Logan Shaw recommends mixing the spirit with tonic water, ice, lime and sea salt to create a fiery highball cocktail.

No stranger to the Society, Professor Brendan Walker collaborated with the SMWS in 2022 for their Memory Box campaign, in which tasting Society whisky evoked fond memories and happy moments. The campaign was unveiled to wide-eyed whisky fans at London and Glasgow whisky festivals, with Walker present to guide guests through their journey of nostalgia.

Helen Stewart, Head of Brand Marketing & Membership, said: “In our 40^th and most adventurous year yet, this kind of cask experiment is a great example of the fun we have with whisky. We did this simply for the thrill of it to discover what would happen – and we’re excited to share the results of the experiment with everyone and we’d encourage people to have fun with it whether using it in cocktails, cooking recipes or simply sipping it.

“Brendan’s expert knowledge of how people react to thrills and excitement was key to this experiment. His investigations have helped explore the tasting experience and explain what’s happening in the mouth when people taste it.”

Founded in Edinburgh in 1983 by maverick whisky-lover Pip Hills, the SMWS is now the world’s largest whisky club, with close to 40,000 adventurous and discerning members across the globe, all united by a passion for flavour and exquisitely crafted liquid.

Exp.01 is available while stocks last from 26^th July as part of a special new Society membership offer: https://smws.com/complimentary-exp01-offer/

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.

For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh.
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin.

Ross & Squibb Distillery Leans Into Its Rye Heritage With

Remus Highest Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Latest offering from Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman honors the distillery’s 175-year rye tradition, as well as the spirit’s popularity prior to Prohibition 

St. LOUIS (July 20, 2023) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery announced the newest extension of its Remus Bourbon brand family: Remus Highest Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A permanent, year-round line extension, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon is available at retail nationwide at a suggested price of $54.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Aged six years and offered at 109 proof, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon packs as much rye into a bourbon as possible, with a mash bill consisting of 51% corn, 39% rye and 10% malted rye.

“With Remus Highest Rye Bourbon, our team pays tribute to Ross & Squibb Distillery’s rye tradition by selecting a mash bill that features the most rye a bourbon can offer,” said Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. “This bourbon delivers a sweet, rich fruit and maple aroma and a palate containing robust candied-fruit notes, followed by a lingering finish highlighted by notes of spicy cinnamon and saddle leather.”

Named after two historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distilleries – Rossville Distillery and W.P. Squibb & Co. – Ross & Squibb Distillery has a reputation for producing unique, high-quality ryes and high-rye bourbons dating back to 1847. Rye whiskey saw the peak of its popularity leading up to Prohibition and today is steadily gaining in popularity.

“Our Remus Bourbon brand takes its inspiration from the finest bourbons of the Prohibition Era, and with Remus Highest Rye Bourbon we offer a salute to the enormous popularity of rye whiskey heading into this period,” said Shanae Randolph, Marketing Director-Brands for MGP’s Luxco Branded Spirits. “We believe rye drinkers and high-rye-bourbon drinkers alike will become fast fans of this newest addition to the Remus Bourbon brand family.”

About Luxco

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

The Hearach single malt whisky is coming…

There are just 8 weeks until The Hearach single malt whisky is released. It’s an exciting time for us all and we trust many of you will be feeling the same!

There are bound to be lots of questions as the date gets closer so we’re dedicating this weekly missive to answering some of the most common enquires we’ve received so far.

Please read on to learn the what, how, where, and when about the coming release and activities.

And if there’s anything you’d still like to know then drop me a line and I’ll do my best to help.

More news and updates on the whisky (and our gin) soon, meantime let’s raise a glass to the many good things still to come…

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

FAQS

WHEN DOES THE HEARACH GO ON SALE?

Our whisky will go on sale here in the UK at 10.00 BST on Saturday 23rd September 2023. The rest of the world will need to wait a little longer but our dram will be available in over 20 countries from October 2023.

WHERE CAN I BUY A BOTTLE OF THE HEARACH?

You can buy a bottle direct from the distillery through our online store or at the distillery shop in Tarbert. Small allocations of bottles will be available in selected independent stores across the UK from 2nd October 2023.

HOW MANY BOTTLES OF THE HEARACH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LAUNCH?

There will be 7 batches in ‘The First Release’. Approximately 6000 bottles from Batch 1 and 3000 bottles of each of the other batches will be made available online that day. Similar amounts will also be available at our distillery shop in Tarbert.

HOW MANY BOTTLES OF THE HEARACH CAN I BUY?

Purchases are limited to 1 bottle from each of the 7 batches, to a maximum of 7 bottles per person, both online and in our distillery shop.

HOW MUCH WILL A BOTTLE COST?

The Hearach will be on sale through our online store and distillery shop priced at £65.00. This is also our RRP in other UK stores. International prices will vary.

ARE YOU DOING ANY PRE-SALES OF THE THE HEARACH BEFORE RELEASE DAY?

There will be no pre-sale availability. A digital queuing system will be in place in our online store on release day to help manage demand and ensure fairness.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EACH BATCH?

We have ‘married’ each batch of our recipe of spirits in spent sherry butts for a variety of weeks after maturation to create subtle variations in flavour.

HOW CAN I ‘BE HERE’ WITH YOU ONLINE?

The distillery will be closed on 22.09.23 but we will be live-streaming a tasting of ‘The First Dram’ on our website at 14.30 BST. Simply join us online to share this special moment with us or find us on YouTube on the day.

CAN I JOIN YOU IN HARRIS FOR THE LAUNCH WEEKEND AND BUY A BOTTLE TOO?

Our small local events are now ‘sold out’ and the distillery will be closed on 22.09.23 for The First Dram. Local bars in Tarbert will have drams to pour that evening however. The distillery shop will be open to all from 10.00 BST on 23.09.23 and we will have music and song to celebrate throughout the day.

I DON’T LIVE IN THE UK…WHAT ABOUT ME?

We do not deliver outside the UK directly, but The Hearach will be available in over 20 countries around the world from October 2023 onwards. A list of international distributors and their contact details for direct enquiries can be found HERE.

I’M ONE OF THE 1,916 – HOW DO I GET MY BOTTLE?

Thank you for being part of this special group! We’ve been in touch with more information and will arrange to send your bottle directly after launch day. Please contact us if you have more questions via the1916@harrisdistillery.com

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Read on, or drop me an email via mike@harrisdistillery.com

Friday the 22nd of September 2023 as we gather with staff, friends, and family to enjoy a glass of our whisky together for the first time.

Although not a public event, we’d love to share the moment with you so we’ll be live-streaming the get-together online so people around the world can Be Here too.

There will be words, music, and song to mark the occasion and we hope you can join us in spirit.

We’ll also be revealing the new bottle on our website if you’re keen to see how we’ll be weaving our story around this historic single malt.

That evening we’re having a wee cèilidh in the village community centre which is now ‘sold out’ but the local hotel bars will be pouring first drams too so be sure to drop by the Harris Hotel and Hotel Hebrides if you’re in the islands.

Be Here

The distillery will reopen on Saturday the 23rd of September 2023 at 10am and our shop shelves will be filled with Batches 1-7 of The Hearach while stocks last.

There may well be a queue so please come prepared for a wait and dressed to meet any weather. Our team will do their best to keep your spirits high and updated on any waiting times.

In the interest of fairness, purchases are limited to one bottle per batch per person to a maximum of seven bottles.

Similarly, if you plan to order online in the UK there will be a digital queuing system in place on our website.

You will be allocated a place in the queue along with your position number, estimated waiting time, and you can even register your email address to get a notification when it’s your time to enter the store.

The queuing system will also give you live updates from our team to advise if batches sell out or any other information that will help your buying experience.

Again, in the interest of fairness, purchases are limited to one bottle per batch per person to a maximum of seven bottles.

Due to the limited nature of our whisky, please be aware that batches may sell out and we apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

Rest assured we have other batches on the way and look forward to sharing more of this historic dram with you all soon.

Slàinte!

Be Here

Custodians can select from one of four pack designs from the ‘Spirit Safe’ collection

Whisky pays homage to Glen Scotia’s enduring spirit and fascinating history 

Glen Scotia has unveiled a remarkable new 30 Year Old single malt (non-chill filtered, 47.3% ABV, RRP: £2,000), which is being released as part of its new ‘Spirit Safe’ collection with the distillery’s artist-in-residence, Alice Angus.

The collection continues the partnership with the Scottish artist who initially spent several months in Campbeltown sketching and painting the magic of the distillery and its surrounding environment, before curating four incredible artworks.

For the first time, these four works will be presented on a highly limited run of 120 premium display boxes and bottle labels, giving consumers a chance to own a piece of this collaboration, and a very special and rare Glen Scotia single malt whisky.

Matured in European oak casks, the whisky has thick perfumed floral notes of violet and lavender, which intertwine with sea spray. On the palate, there are hints of fresh green apple and silky pear followed by ginger and dark chocolate before a long finish with a roasted sugar sweetness.

The liquid would have initially been laid down in 1989 – a year that marked the reopening of the Glen Scotia distillery following a five-year pause in production, a change of ownership, and renovations to serve a remerging global demand for whisky. It was a brief chapter in the distillery’s history, with very few precious casks remaining from this decade.

The casks remained under the watchful eye of the distillery team, and the Spirit Safe collection pays homage to Glen Scotia’s enduring history, craftsmanship and traditional equipment through the ages.

The stories have been immortalised in each of the four-pack designs, which include: First Water, Heart of the Run, Labour of Years, Time and Tide.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager and Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “This is a remarkable launch for us – not only are we unveiling a very special highly limited 30-Year-Old single malt whisky, but also this stunning packaging from our artist-in-residence and friend, Alice Angus. Her artworks are a reminder of the fascinating history of Glen Scotia through the ages. Now commemorated in the Spirit Safe collection, these are a wonderful addition to any whisky enthusiast’s collection.

“The liquid itself is an incredibly distinguished single malt whisky. It is intriguing to look back upon the creation and craft of a distillery team from a different era, who have created a whisky full of flavour and personality, from the freshness of the apples to the spice of the ginger, and that wonderful long, sugary and saline finish.”

Alice Angus, Glen Scotia artist-in-residence, added:  “My Spirit Safe series is inspired by the generations of dedicated people, the Campbeltown community, the unique landscape, the ingredients, skills, engineering, and care that goes into making Glen Scotia; and all rhythms of time across hours, years, and decades involved in its creation.

“What started as a one-off residency has grown into a longer-term partnership of new projects and exciting collaborations. Glen Scotia is a mesmerising place, and I am so grateful to the team for always making me welcome, supporting my work and sharing their stories and knowledge. This collection is a homage to them and all that came before, and I am already looking forward to seeing where else our partnership together might go.”

Glen Scotia plans to sell Alice Angus’ four original artworks with profits going to various charitable causes. In the meantime, this limited edition allows a very lucky few whisky enthusiasts to own a very special piece of this collaboration and a whisky with a remarkable heritage.

The Spirit Safe collection is available now via the Glen Scotia website and specialist retailers. Presented in a rigid premium display box and premium bottle (reserved for rare and high-aged liquid), each bears gold metalware to the shoulder and Alice Angus’ signature on the label and box.

The liquid was sampled by Alice and Iain, during Alice’s residency, and can be seen in the following video, during a particularly cold week in Campbeltown.

Glen Scotia 30YO ‘Spirit Safe’ collection tasting notes:

• Nose: Thick perfumed floral notes of violet and lavender are intertwined with bracing sea spray
• Palette: Freshly sliced green apple and silky honeyed pear followed by ground ginger spice and dark chocolate
• Finish: Long with a roasted sugar sweetness

Further details on Alice Angus’ artworks: 

• First Water – inspired by the moment the barley, which is milled in a machine dating from the 50s, meets water, which is sourced from the Crosshill Loch, as it pours out of the copper pipe into the steaming mash tun.
• Heart of the Run – inspired by the heat, steam, smells and sound of the still room, and the skill involved in knowing, just at the right moment, when the spirit is ready.
• Labour of Years – inspired by the generations of distillery workers who have watched over thousands of casks, which impart the flavours of Glen Scotia’s award-winning range of single malts.
• Time and Tide – inspired by Glen Scotia’s habitat on the Campbeltown Loch, the small sea loch near the south of the Kintyre Peninsula, and the surprise people who journey to this malt-making region feel when they find palm trees growing in the warm gulf stream climate, next to hardy gorse, eiders cooking and ravens croaking overhead.

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.   Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, and carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2023 for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel. Glen Scotia 25 YO was also awarded its second double Platinum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023 – another first for any distillery.

Speyburn Unlocked

A historic day at Speyburn Distillery as doors open permanently to visitors after 126 years

One of Speyside’s most picturesque distilleries will open to the public permanently following the success of their first ever public opening at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Festival. The new visitor experience will give whisky fans the chance to enjoy an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience of Speyside distilling life.

After 126 years making award-winning single malt whiskies behind closed doors, Speyburn Distillery in Rothes will open permanently to visitors from 1^st August, and booking is now open via Speyburn’s website for the Distillery’s three daily tours, which will run every week from Tuesdays through to Saturdays.

The milestone decision to unlock the Distillery gates follows the success of several special one-off events during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival earlier this year, during which the Distillery team were delighted when tickets sold out within 12 hours. In addition to the positive feedback received, Speyburn secured the prestigious ‘Best New Event’ award at the festival.

Up until now, Speyburn fans have not had the chance to see behind the scenes and discover first-hand how this award-winning single malt is made. The new tours will offer this opportunity and provide a genuine experience and tasting of one of Speyside’s best kept secrets.

Euan Henderson, Speyburn Distillery Manager

Guests can look forward to an exploratory 1 hour 45 minutes tour around the Distillery, which is tucked away in a beautiful leafy glen on the edge of Forres near Aberlour: a location that has lost none of the quiet charm that first appealed to entrepreneur and Speyburn founder John Hopkins when he chose to build his distillery on this spot back in 1897.

Today, many of the original buildings, features and stonework still exist for guests to enjoy, as they are invited to immerse themselves in Speyburn’s world: from the banks of the Granty Burn which provides the Distillery’s crystal-clear water; through to the filling of casks for maturation in Speyburn’s traditional dunnage warehouses.

There’s a special treat for whisky enthusiasts, with a fascinating peek into Speyburn’s Old Drum Maltings: a traditional maltings building featuring three impressive floors of rarely seen vintage equipment. Mothballed half a century ago, it has lain locked and perfectly preserved until today, offering guests a unique glimpse into Speyside distilling history.

Speyburn’s Old Drum Maltings

The tours will also provide an insight into Speyburn’s environmental credentials, and the measures the Distillery team are taking to protect the surrounding environment and make their whisky one of the most sustainably-produced on the market today.

Speyburn Distillery Manager Euan Henderson explained that opening to visitors has been a long-held dream for the Distillery team, and that the time is finally right for it to become a reality. He said: ‘There is something very special about the setting and atmosphere at Speyburn, perhaps because it’s quite a hidden distillery and one that has gone about the business of making award-winning drams that are loved the world over in a very quiet and modest way. But now it’s time to let the world in and we couldn’t be more excited! There’s no artifice about the visitor experience we have created. This will be a true taste of Speyside distillery life that will offer an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. This is about the people who make our whiskies welcoming guests into our home to share a taste of Speyburn single malts and the stories and secrets of how they are made. There’s 126 years of previously unseen distilling history here just waiting to be discovered in the heart of Speyside – so make sure you don’t miss your slot on one of our tours this summer.’

Speyburn Distillery tours run from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm

1 hour and 45 minutes each, 10 guests maximum per tour

Adults £20, children aged 12 – 17 can attend for £10

Book a Speyburn tour online at https://www.speyburn.com/visit-us/tours, or by telephoning +44 (0) 7977 706676

www.speyburn.com

Facebook / twitter @SpeyburnWhisky / Instagram @Speyburn_Whisky

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS

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

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, No.1 Premium London Dry Gin in the Scottish Off Trade*
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Phraya, a premium rum handcrafted in Thailand

*Neilson IQ – Volume and Value latest 52 weeks to 28/08/2022.

ABOUT SPEYBURN

Speyburn was founded in 1897 by entrepreneur John Hopkins who harboured an ambition to build a distillery and make a single cask of whisky for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee that same year. Trusting his instincts that the small, hidden Rothes valley was perfect for the production of fine whisky, he achieved his goal and created one of Speyside’s enduring whiskies.

125 years since distilling their first drop, Speyburn is proud to symbolise all that is special about the great region where it is produced and has become known as one of Scotland’s most picturesque and historic distilleries. It is the only distillery to use the fresh water of the Granty Burn, a tributary of the River Spey famed for its exceptional purity, which runs close to the Distillery site and gives Speyburn whiskies their perfectly-balanced, unique flavour. Bold, bright and full of character, like the Speyside region itself, its single malts are as inspiring to newcomers as they are to seasoned whisky enthusiasts, allowing everyone, everywhere to enjoy the classic taste of Speyside in every dram.

In 2016, Speyburn completed a £5 million investment programme which supported demand for its award-winning whiskies around the world and made it one of the greenest producers in the industry. The Speyburn team took two years to carefully renovate and expand the Distillery site, combining sustainability and the very latest energy efficient technology with traditional techniques, stonework and craftsmanship. As a result, production capacity has been doubled from 1.8 million litres to over 4 million litres per year, making Speyburn the largest distillery in the International Beverage group – and allowing the brand to lay down stock for its core markets, expand into new territories and build its portfolio of malt whiskies in the years ahead.

The Speyburn range includes:

Bradan Orach

10 Years Old

15 Years Old

18 Years Old