Heaven Hill names Matt Blevins Chief Marketing Officer

Blevins brings 20+ years of global industry experience and leadership

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 29, 2022) – Heaven Hill today announced the appointment of Matt Blevins as Chief Marketing Officer. Effective October 24, Blevins will assume the role previously held by now Co-President Kate Latts. A 20-year global spirits industry leader, Blevins’ demonstrated expertise in business growth, brand marketing, and team development will continue to elevate Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plan and diverse, award-winning portfolio of brands.

Blevins is a proven marketing leader in the industry, guiding global, historic brands to achieve distinct positioning, creative innovation, and long-term value growth. With almost 20 years on the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey portfolio, Blevins’ experience growing an inspiring portfolio of brands includes leading the brand as it became the most valuable global spirits trademark in 2021. With a people-first leadership style, Blevins delivers both demonstrated business results and thoughtful team development.

“Matt’s passion and dedication to his teams, as well as his brands, is evident throughout his successful career. He leads by example and grows teams who deliver consistent results,” said Kate Latts, Heaven Hill Co-President. “We are excited to continue to build our strong, innovative leadership team by adding Matt’s unique skill set to further our accelerated growth. I’m excited to work collaboratively with Matt to continue the enduring legacy of our brands.”

Before joining Brown-Forman in 2005, Blevins held business analyst roles across numerous retail and consumer package goods brands. After serving in senior roles across the Jack Daniel’s brand, Blevins most recently served as Vice President, Global Brand Director Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. He oversaw many aspects of global brand marketing from positioning, packaging, pricing, and promotion. By leading external agencies and a significant global community of marketers, Blevins created impact and influence across key areas to drive long-term success.

“I could not be more excited to join Heaven Hill at this important phase in the company’s growth journey. Heaven Hill’s portfolio of brands offers a wide range of consumer connections across beverage alcohol occasions with authentic stories, quality products, and family ownership that is invested in the long term,” said Blevins. “The Heaven Hill team is clearly passionate about their business and brands, and I look forward to partnering with them on all the exciting initiatives in the near and long term.”

Blevins resides in Louisville, Ky. with his wife Catherine and two children. He has a B.S. in Economics from Centre College where he was a Division III athlete on their basketball team and now serves on the President’s Alumni Council. Blevins also has a Masters of Applied Economics from University of Cincinnati. Blevins is passionate about many nonprofit causes in the community including Fund for the Arts, Urban League, and Kentucky Cancer Link.

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

Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Rare 54 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Limited to just 55 bottles globally and inspired by the hills and stills of Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled a rare 54 Year Old single malt whisky, inspired by the surrounding landscape and the distillery’s unique straight neck pot stills. 

One of the rarest Loch Lomond Whiskies single malts to be released, just 55 bottles of this limited edition have been produced.

Inspired by the iconic national park where the distillery is located, Loch Lomond 54 Year Old is presented in a striking hand-made Glencairn Crystal 30% lead crystal decanter, a unique and premium version of the distiller’s recently refreshed bottle design.

The decanter, which features a heavy plinth style base, is hand engraved with satin gold infill and features a gold satin aged effect metal coin bearing the Loch Lomond Whiskies stag logo.

Loch Lomond 54 Year Old is housed in a multi-layered oak box, hand-crafted to represent the contours of the area around the single malt’s namesake loch.

The tactility of place is highlighted through the exterior packaging design, providing context and a sense of scale to this diverse geological area.

Distilled in 1967, just one year after the distillery’s iconic straight neck stills began production in 1966, Loch Lomond 54 Year Old has been expertly crafted from unpeated malted barley and collected at high strength.

As the only distillery in Scotland to use straight-neck pot stills, Loch Lomond Whiskies is truly unique in its craftsmanship, using innovative techniques to explore flavour in a distinctive way.

These stills are important as they provide Loch Lomond Whiskies with the creative freedom to explore flavour, allowing the character of the whisky to be carefully shaped at the point of distillation, creating a lighter spirit with a distinctive fruit flavour.

The oldest single malt to have been released by the distillery to date, Loch Lomond 54 Year Old was originally matured in a refill American Oak hogshead before being recasked into a refill European oak sherry hogshead in 1994.

The gentle maturation over 54 years has created a whisky of refined richness and exceptional character that embodies the elegance and quality of the Loch Lomond Whiskies distillation process.

Notes of crème caramel, fresh vanilla pods, melted brown sugar and toasted oak, orange peel and marmalade on the nose, give way to vibrant fruit, tart pineapple and lemon citrus with a honey and dried fruit sweetness on the palate, creating a smooth, silk-like mouthfeel. The finish is sublime and complements the flavour, with long, mouth-watering green fruit and floral notes, kiwi and elderflower followed by waves of warming oak spice, aniseed and cinnamon.

Non chill-filtered and natural in colour just as nature intended, Loch Lomond 54 Year Old has been nurtured by each Master Blender over the decades and passed into the careful custodianship of Michael Henry.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry said:

“We are honoured to take our name from the most famous of all Scotland’s lochs. Loch Lomond is a very special part of the world, spectacularly marking the boundary between the lowlands and the highlands of Scotland.

“From the wild peaks of the magnificent Ben Lomond to the rocky coastline and sprawling glens close to the distillery, the location epitomises everything that Scotland stands for and has inspired many poets, writers, musicians, and artists for generations. Today, its beauty has been the guiding influence of our whisky and is reflected on the beautiful presentation box in which it is housed.

“It is a real privilege to work with a whisky so rare. Our 54 Year Old single malt whisky had been maturing for more than 40 years before I joined as Master Blender in 2007.

“It takes a very special cask of whisky to make it to 54 years old, and the expectations are high when working with liquid as special and scarce as this. It was a huge undertaking and came with great responsibility. Selecting and perfecting this single malt was a true honour, and we’re proud to announce its release – ready to be enjoyed as a rare piece of distilling history.

“Although steeped in tradition, innovation sits at the very heart of our approach to whisky making. We believe this is the best way to create great whisky of unwavering quality.”

Loch Lomond 54 Year Old is bottled at 41.1% ABV and has a RRSP of £24,000 and is available globally. Production has been limited to 55 bottles, making it one of the rarest high age statement whiskies to be released by Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Loch Lomond Distillery can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, close to the banks of Loch Lomond, were commissioned in 1964 with first distillation in 1966.

For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes 

Nose: Elegant and sublime. Crème caramel, fresh vanilla pods, melted brown sugar and toasted oak, orange peel and marmalade.

Palate: Silk-like mouthfeel. Vibrant fruit, tart pineapple and lemon citrus with a honey sweetness, dried fruits, sultanas and raisins.

Finish: Long with mouth-watering green fruit and floral notes, kiwi and elderflower, then waves of warming oak spice, aniseed and cinnamon. 

About 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.
• For further details, please visit: lochlomondgroup.com.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill Distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.
• In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbet, towards the north-west end of Loch Lomond; an area which has been at the heart of the whisky industry for centuries. With at least nine distilleries around the loch lost over the years, Loch Lomond Distillers has maintained a proud local tradition into the 21^st
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond Whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards.
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

• PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
• GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old

About Glencairn Crystal 

The award winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for four decades.

Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family run Scottish company has hand crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

The team of experienced craftspeople at Glencairn Crystal, some of whom have over 30 years’ experience in working with crystal, are world experts in pioneering glassware design techniques and unrivalled in their decoration craftsmanship.

The company also produces The Glencairn Glass, the world’s favourite whisky glass, with over 5 million glasses being sold every year in every corner of the globe.

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches first Rye Whiskey of the Square 6 Series

Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey is the second Evan Williams Bourbon Experience craft product of its series and a new Rye mashbill from Heaven Hill Distillery

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 18, 2022) – Heaven Hill Distillery today announced the launch of Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey, the latest innovative product to come from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. This is the second Square 6 product produced exclusively at the artisanal distillery located at 528 W Main Street in Louisville, just steps from the site of Williams’ original distillery founded in 1783.

The Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey mashbill consists of 63% Rye, 24% Corn, and 13% Malted Barley, a new recipe under the Heaven Hill portfolio. Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau distills one barrel of American Whiskey per day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and is continually crafting innovative mashbills and tweaking the hand-crafted process for each new recipe. This exclusive Rye Whiskey differentiates itself from Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill of 51% Rye, 35% Corn and 14% Malted Barley, which is why it is designated as a High-Rye Rye Whiskey. This is Heaven Hill’s first product to bear such a high Rye content and is bottled at 95 proof. With notes of black tea, sweet honey, fig and molasses on the nose, along with all spice, pepper, vanilla and cardamom on the palate, this Square 6 release truly stands out when tasted alongside the first Square 6 High-Rye Bourbon released in May 2021.

The limited release of Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey will be available in small quantities as a unique offering at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and available at select Kentucky retailers for a suggested retail price of $89.99. Advancing its series, the Square 6 Rye Whiskey is a product of Heaven Hill’s thirst for innovation and upholds its mission to cultivate the rich tradition and heritage of Kentucky’s native spirit.

“Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey is a totally unique product, not only because of its high rye content, but also because of how it is hand-crafted on a copper pot still,” said Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. “We are excited for whiskey lovers to add this latest Square 6 release to their collections and for them to enjoy a new Heaven Hill mashbill.”

The continuation of the Evan Williams Square 6 series distilled in the one barrel per day, hand crafted, copper pot still facility is a testament to Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality, craft, innovation, and tradition. Square 6 pays homage to the original plot of land that housed Kentucky’s first commercial distillery, on part of which the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience sits. Since the building of the craft distillery, Heaven Hill has been patiently waiting as the barrels quietly age to maturation. During this aging process, a team of master tasters samples each recipe at various stages until that specific mashbill has been deemed to have achieved a taste profile worthy of bottling. The initial release of the series in May 2021 also featured a new mashbill for Heaven Hill, a High Rye Bourbon consisting of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malted barley.

 ABOUT THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE: The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.

The House of Suntory Introduces Hibiki Blossom Harmony, A Limited-Edition Blended Whisky

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Franklin County Joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Adventure

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, continues to grow rapidly with the addition of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Franklin County as its 24th stop.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the statewide journey in 2012 as the nation’s first attraction to feature the burgeoning boutique distilling movement. Its partner attraction, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, was founded by the KDA in 1999.

Also in 2012, Whiskey Thief Distilling was founded, operating more recently under the name Three Boys Farm Distillery. The new owner, Walter Zausch, acquired the Franklin County site at 283 Crab Orchard Road two years ago and set his sights on joining the KBT Craft Tour.

“We’re ecstatic to welcome guests into our 10-year-old distillery,” Zausch said. “We offer a unique and unforgettable experience celebrating single barrel Bourbons at barrel-strength, uncut and unfiltered. And we will keep making Bourbon and Whisky using our very traditional processes. We are ready to share the next decade of Whiskey Thief Distilling as part of the Craft Tour.”

Visitors to Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. enjoy an informative and casual Bourbon experience, sampling from several barrels of uncut and unfiltered Bourbon, and can even bottle their favorite to take home. The back patio and cocktail bar, surrounded by the corn grown and used in the Bourbon, allows guests to relax and enjoy the scenic Kentucky landscape.

Mandy Ryan, the KDA’s Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences, said the growth and popularity of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® over the past 10 years has been phenomenal.

“Our Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences continue to expand as interest in our signature spirit soars,” Ryan said. “We are thrilled to welcome Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and encourage visitors to seek out this and the other incredible KBT Craft Tour distilleries.”

Coupled with the 18 larger-scale distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the KDA now boasts a record 42 immersive experiences for Bourbon and spirits lovers to enjoy when visiting the Bluegrass State.

Attendance at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences continue their rapid rebound from COVID and closures, up 160% in total attendance from last year and expected to exceed record numbers in 2022.

The KBT Craft Tour® has tallied over 2 million distillery tours since its inception.

The KBT Craft Tour® is divided into four regions — Northern, Central, Western and Bluegrass — with unique challenge coins commemorating the finish of each upon completion. After finishing all four regions, guests are awarded a collectible barrel stave tray to display their coins.

The 24 participating distilleries are:

NORTHERN REGION

New Riff Distilling, Newport

Second Sight Spirits, Ludlow

The Old Pogue Distillery, Maysville

Boone County Distilling Co., Independence

Neeley Family Distillery, Sparta

CENTRAL REGION

Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., Louisville

Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Louisville

Jeptha Creed Distillery, Shelbyville

Log Still Distillery, Gethsemane

Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon

Preservation Distillery, Bardstown

WESTERN REGION

The Bard Distillery, Graham

Boundary Oak Distillery, Radcliffe

Casey Jones Distillery, Hopkinsville

Dueling Grounds Distillery, Franklin

MB Roland Distillery, Pembroke

BLUEGRASS REGION

Barrel House Distilling Co., Lexington

Bluegrass Distillers, Lexington

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., Franklin County

Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

Hartfield & Co., Paris

James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington

Learn more at kybourbontrail.com/distilleries/kentucky-bourbon-trail-craft-tour/.

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

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with a payroll topping $1.23 billion each year.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.2 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

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

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

The KDA recently announced 2022 is on track for the highest visitation year in the KBT’s history. Due to the rise in Bourbon tourism and a growing demand for authentic curated experiences, many of Kentucky’s distilleries are asking visitors to book their tours in advance.

To support their efforts and ensure whiskey lovers from around the world can fully immerse themselves in all that Kentucky’s distilleries offer, the KDA launched a campaign asking people to “Book Now, Bourbon Later.” Click here to read more.

For more information about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Experiences, contact Mandy Ryan at mandy@kybourbon.com.

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

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

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

The Glencairn Glass invites writers to compose Scottish themed crime stories for its second short story competition

Last year the world’s favourite whisky glass – The Glencairn Glass – launched its first ever crime short story competition attracting entries from talented crime writers across the globe. The competition is being launched again this year, in partnership with the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival and Scottish Field Magazine, with the theme; “A crime story set in Scotland”.

Over the past three years The Glencairn Glass – produced by the Scottish family-run glassware company Glencairn Crystal – has supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent working closely with the Bloody Scotland team to sponsor their prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing prizes. Its inaugural short story competition was launched last year to build on this creative collaboration.

This year’s competition opens for entries on 18^th October and runs until 31^st December.  Both experienced and novice crime writers are invited to submit their stories, in no more than 2000 words, around the theme: “A crime story set in Scotland”.

The first prize winner will receive £1000, the runner up will be awarded £500. Both will also receive a set of six bespoke engraved Glencairn Glasses. The winning entry will be published in Scottish Field Magazine in spring 2023 and both stories will be published online at the Scottish Field website, as well as the Glencairn Glass website.

The competition judging panel will comprise Tariq Ashkanani, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper won this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022, and Sharon Bairden, an established book reviewer and author of psychological thrillers; Sins of the Father and You Need Me.  The third judge is Glencairn Crystal’s marketing director Gordon Brown, who has written ten crime novels with his latest – ‘Any Day Now – out now. Gordon is also one of the founding directors of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

Gordon Brown commented: “The response to last year’s inaugural short-story competition was fantastic. I’m looking forward to celebrating all of this year’s entries with a wee dram in a Glencairn Glass.”

Last year’s inaugural competition was won by Brid Cummings, a fiction writer and occupational therapist, based in South Australia. Her winning story – Halmeoni’s Wisdom – was a dark tale of human trafficking, illegal trade and a desire for freedom.

Brid commented: “Winning the inaugural Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition was a fantastic experience – not only did it provide an opportunity to build my profile and connect with other crime writers, it also gave me the confidence to finish my psychological suspense novel, which has recently gained 3rd prize in the Yeovil Literary Prize. I would highly recommend this competition to anyone wishing to start a career in crime writing.”

Bloody Scotland’s Festival Director, Bob McDevitt, said: “At Bloody Scotland we are passionate about supporting new writing and encourage aspiring writers to seize this fabulous opportunity. A short story is a great stepping stone to writing a novel. Whatever your background or experience we encourage you to give the Glencairn Glass short story competition a go!”

All short story entries must be submitted at www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition with the competition closing at midnight on the Saturday 31st December 2022. Details can also be found at www.scottishfield.co.uk. The winners will be announced in March 2023.

Notes

For further details about competition rules and regulations please visit: www.whiskyglass.com/crime-short-story-competition

Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass, created in 2000 is the world’s favourite whisky glass.  Glencairn Crystal now make 5 million Glencairn Glasses per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 140 countries worldwide.

Short story competition judges: 

Tariq Ashkanani is a solicitor based in Edinburgh, whose debut novel Welcome to Cooper won this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022. He also helps run Write Gear, a company that sells high-quality notebooks for writers, and co-hosts Write Gear’s podcast Page One. 

Sharon Bairden is author of psychological thrillers, Sins of the Father and You Need Me, published by Red Dog Press. She is an established book reviewer and lives on the outskirts of Glasgow. Sharon has worked in the third sector since graduating with BA(Hons) in Psychology. She is Chief Officer of an Independent Advocacy Service and has a passion for human rights and social justice.

Morgan Cry is the alias of Gordon Brown, who has written ten crime novels and thrillers, including his crime thriller series set in Spain’s Costa Blanca as well as the Craig McIntyre series. He is a founding director of the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival and marketing director for the Scottish glassware company, Glencairn Crystal.

Knob Creek® Bourbon Introduces Limited-Edition 18 Year Old Bourbon

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THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Announces First MASTER OF BOURBON Examination for April 2023 in Kentucky

The first MASTER OF BOURBON examination will take place between April 25th and 28th at a private ranch on the Bourbon Trail near Lexington, Kentucky, with all candidates and judges in residence. The total cost of the program, including all on-site lodging, exams, supporting master classes, and 3 spectacular tasting dinners, is $6200pp. The exam itself consists of an oral theory segment, an essay-based theory segment, and a multi-hour blind tasting of different Bourbon expressions.

Enrollment for candidates from all backgrounds is open now on the website of the Council of Whiskey Masters. www.whiskeymasters.org/master-of-bourbon

The U.S.-based Council of Whiskey Masters was founded in 2019 and has become the foremost certification organization dedicated to whisk(e)y, offering a Bourbon track as well as a Scotch track. The Council is supported by an advisory board of more than 30 of the globally most respected whiskey experts alive today. All master-level exams are judged by board members. The full list of board members is published on the website.

Candidates in the study program start with Level 1, by either becoming a Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP) or Certfied Scotch Professional (CSP). Level 2, the Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS) credential, covers the major types of whiskey globally, leading to well-rounded international knowledge. Studies and exams for these two levels are conducted 100% remotely, based on an ebook study guide and multiple-choice online exams.

The two Level 3 credentials, MASTER OF BOURBON and MASTER OF SCOTCH, offer the world’s top certifications for individuals who dedicate their life to the study of whisk(e)y.

On September 12th, 2022, the Council announced 5 new MASTERS OF SCOTCH, after days of intense days of examinations at Rothes Glen Whisky Castle in Speyside, Scotland. Judges were drawn from the Council’s advisory board, featuring Masters of the Quaich Charles MacLean and Bernhard Schäfer, leading spirits judges Tobias Gorn and Arthur Nägele, as well as the legendary Whiskey Couple Hans and Becky Offringa.

The Council and its members look forward to announcing the very first class of MASTERS OF BOURBON to the world. Between 15 and 25 candidates are expected to participate in this examination. The next MASTER OF SCOTCH exam will take place at the same time and location.

Resources:

Website Council of Whiskey Masters: www.whiskeymasters.org

MASTER OF BOURBON Enrollment: www.whiskeymasters.org/master-of-bourbon

Additional Information and Questions: Write to Office@WhiskeyMasters.org

DISTINGUISHED DISTILLERS ONE OF ONE CHARITY AUCTION WILL RETURN TO EDINBURGH FOR SECOND EDITION IN OCTOBER 2023

London, 12th October 2022 – The world’s most distinguished ultra-rare whisky auction, the Distillers One of One, has announced that the second edition will take place at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on Thursday, 5 th October 2023. In partnership with Sotheby’s, the Distillers One of One brings together an unparalleled collection of one-off, never-to-be-repeated Scotch whiskies from distilleries across the length and breadth of Scotland. The Distillers Charity expects to secure between thirty-five and forty unique lots, each showcasing the excellence and individuality of craftsmanship of Scotland’s most stellar distilleries.

The inaugural Distillers One of One Auction took place in December 2021, supported by leading brands from across the Scotch Whisky industry, and raised £2.4m for charity of which £2.2m was granted to the newly created Youth Action Fund. The Youth Action Fund was established by The Distillers’ Charity to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland, transform their life chances, and empower them to create positive change in their lives and communities. As John Swinney, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, said “The success of the first auction in December 2021 was tremendous – the vision and work put in by the Distillers’ Charity supported by the contributions from the Scotch Whisky industry has established a new force in Scotland to back our young people in extremely difficult times. The creation of the Youth Action Fund will provide significant support to young people across Scotland to help them reach their full potential.”

Founder Donors of The Distillers One of One will be returning to create unique lots for the auction, including Bacardi (John Dewar and Sons), Brown-Forman, Campari Group (The Glen Grant), Diageo, The Glenturret, Holyrood, Pernod Ricard, and William Grant & Sons.

The Distillers’ Charity is also pleased to confirm the participation of Berry Brothers & Rudd, Bruichladdich, Gordon & MacPhail, International Beverage, Isle of Raasay, Kilchoman, The Glenmorangie Company, The Last Drop Distillers, The Borders Distillery, That Boutiquey Whisky Company, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Tomatin, Whyte & Mackay as well as the world-renowned glassmakers Glencairn.

Beanie Geraedts-Espey, Managing Director of Distillers Ventures, The Distillers’ Charity’s fundraising arm, said: “The Distillers’ Charity is hugely excited to announce the second edition of the Distillers One of One charity auction, such was the success of the landmark inaugural event last December which raised millions for disadvantaged young people in Scotland. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for passionate Whisky collectors and the entire Scotch whisky industry – among them family-owned enterprises and global brands – to come together and celebrate our craft, in the service of the young people in our communities. We hope that the results of this philanthropic endeavour will have far-reaching benefits for decades to come.”

Considered one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and lauded for its handsome grounds, the 17th century Hopetoun House is the family seat of the 4th Marquess of Linlithgow and will provide a suitably majestic atmosphere in which to bid upon and enjoy the finest, most exciting whiskies in Scotland. Further information about the contents and participating brands of The Distillers One of One will follow in spring 2023.

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits totaled an outstanding $92 million in 2020, with over 15,000 lots sold across 41 sales – a nearly 50% increase in the number of auctions held in 2019. Over $60 million of wine and spirits were sold to online bidders in 2020 versus $28 million in 2019, with 85% of all lots offered finding online buyers. Demonstrating continued strength in Asia, Sotheby’s led the market in the region for the third consecutive year, with over 70% of the total bid amount in all Wine and Spirits sales attributed to collectors in Asia.

Sotheby’s Wine’s has had the privilege of auctioning numerous record-breaking wines and spirits in recent years, with 2020 alone witnessing new world auction records for any bottle of Japanese whisky, any bottle of whisky produced by the Dalmore Distillery, as well as any bottle of Cognac. Sotheby’s Wine currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most expensive bottle of spirits ever sold at auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

About The Distillers One of One

Launched in 2021, the Distillers’ One of One is a biennial series of auctions of Scottish whisky in aid of disadvantaged young people in Scotland. Organised by The Distillers’ Charity, and in partnership with Sotheby’s, it brings the Scotch Whisky industry together in a unique collective, philanthropic endeavour.

In 2021, over 38 participating distilleries and sponsors donated ultra-rare whisky and experiences for sale at auction raising in excess of £2.4 million (hammer price) on 3 December 2021 at Barnbougle Castle. The total hammer price of that Auction – and those that will follow – is granted to The Distillers’ Charity with ninety percent going to the Youth Action Fund which will be used to improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people in Scotland. The remaining ten percent is used by The Distillers’ Charity for its general charitable work.

Vocational Training & Education: to provide educational and development support to new and recent entrants to the UK spirits trade, encouraging high standards of distilling practice and service.

Livery & City giving: to fulfil our wider civic duties as a Livery, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Master’s charity and other good causes aligned with our vision.

Youth Action Fund: created by The Distillers’ Charity to use proceeds from The Distillers One of One auctions to support young people in Scotland, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

About The Worshipful Company of Distillers

The Worshipful Company of Distillers (The Distillers) is an historic City Livery Company with a proud history and 21st century relevance. Established originally to monitor and regulate commercial distilleries within a 21-mile radius of The City of London, The Distillers have changed with the times. Still at the heart of the distilling industry the focus is now very much on philanthropy and fellowship.

Today, the principal activity is to support relevant charitable causes, underpinned by giving back amongst the Livery, recognising the value of time and talent as well as money. Beyond this philanthropic scope, The Distillers is at the heart of the spirits industry, by inspiring the craft, understanding and enjoyment of distilled products through industry championship and fellowship.

From its formation as a corporation by Royal Charter in 1638, The Distillers were raised to the status of Livery Company in 1672, the 350th anniversary of this is in 2022. There are 110 Livery Companies in The City of London who play an active role in the life of The City. For further information, please visit www.distillers.org.uk

#Ardbeg #Untamed Islay #ArdbegCommittee #Ardbeg8YearsOld #8ForDiscussion #Smoky #Whisky 

ARDBEG INVITES WHISKY LOVERS TO JOIN THE DEBATE AND

GRAB THEIR OWN BOTTLE OF ARDBEG 8 FOR DISCUSSION 

For Ardbeg lovers around the globe, Islay’s peatiest single malt whisky is offering the chance to get hold of a bottle of the limited edition Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion this autumn.

Originally launched in summer 2021, Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion started life as a Committee Exclusive bottling, inviting Committee members to openly discuss the new release – how did it match up to its Ten Year Old sibling? As a big, youthful whisky with dramfulls of personality, it kicked off debate in the whisky world as a temporary addition to the Ardbeg range. Now with just a small number of bottles remaining, Ardbeg is throwing open its virtual doors and inviting peat-lovers to join the Committee and finally get hold of their own bottle before it goes….

This ‘For Discussion’ release started out as a thought experiment by Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden. As he sampled Ardbeg casks at different ages, he found new dimensions of smoky flavour in the spirit. He asked himself: What if, in an alternative universe, Ardbeg Ten Years Old was not the Distillery’s ‘flagship’ aged expression?  Perhaps a new whisky, smokier, but balanced by ex-Sherry casks, could be a worthy centrepiece to the Ardbeg core range?

This hypothesis gave birth to Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion. And now after much discussion and dram-fuelled reflection, it appears that Ardbeg lovers are continuing to explore the alternative universe of the limited-edition.

Dr Bill said: “Ardbeg 8 Years Old is a delectable, young and curious whisky. I like to think of it as the ‘alternative universe’ version of Ardbeg Ten Years Old. Releasing an aged ex-Sherry whisky was new territory for us last year so it’s been fantastic to hear the Committee’s thoughts to help us find that smoky sweet spot that Ardbeg lovers look for.”

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “We’ve had some interesting feedback from the Committee on the release. Its youthful, boldness seems to have made it popular as a fun dram with a difference. We hope that anyone who hasn’t yet tried it who loves smoky whiskies will seek out their own bottle and enjoy it before it’s gone!”

Ardbeg 8 For Discussion is available via www.ardbeg.com this autumn, RRP: £57.

The Ardbeg Committee is free to join at Ardbeg.com/committee.

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TASTING NOTES: 

Colour

Pale Straw

Nose

Intense with a burst of charcoal, creosote, tar and treacle toffee, with curious hints of something vegetal, like fennel, celery and green peppers. Once these subside, there are hints of milk chocolate, aniseed and wood smoke. With a little drop of water, some more herbal notes appear, like fennel, coriander and lavender, along with some characteristic Ardbeg aromatic wood smoke and a hint of fresh, salty sea spray.

Taste

A distinctively peppery mouthfeel eases into a complex symphony of flavours; treacle toffee, aniseed, salted caramel chocolate, eucalyptus, menthol and briar wood, to name but a few. The ‘tingling’, peppery sensation on the palate continues, with the sweeter flavours giving way to more savoury notes like charcoal, smoked bacon, burnt toast and tar.

Finish

The aftertaste is long and lingering, with a suggestion of peppermint and clove.

ABV: 50.8%

RRP: £57 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.