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.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

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.

Teeling Whiskey Releases First-of-Its-Kind 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Purple Muscat Finish, Exclusively in the U.S.

New whiskey takes inspiration from the World’s Best, an evolution of the award-winning legacy

DUBLIN, IRELAND (October 12, 2022) — Teeling Whiskey has announced its latest limited-edition release –  an exquisite 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey finished in a Purple Muscat cask. This rare single cask bottling is an evolution of the award-winning “World’s Best” 24, 28, and 30-Year-Old Single Malt and continues the legacy of excellence in Irish craftsmanship. Distilled in 1990, matured in bourbon barrels for 28 years and finished in a single Portuguese Purple Muscat French Oak cask for an additional four years, the result is the first bottling of the Very Rare Casks Collection, available exclusively in the U.S.

Best known for its pioneering spirit, Teeling Whiskey is leading a new generation of Irish Whiskey distillers by crafting unique character and flavour in every bottle. Recognised for their commitment to innovation, Teeling Whiskey’s latest release exemplifies their unique distillation and experimental cask maturation techniques. For this bottling, the team turned their attention to a unique cask, Purple Muscat, to create a truly exceptional single malt unlike any available in the United States. Master Distiller Alex Chasko sourced the Portuguese Purple Muscat barrel from outside of Lisbon in the Setubal region, selecting a toasted French Oak cask with rich berry and fruit notes. The result is a magnificent, fruit-forward Single Malt Irish Whiskey that carries a juicy red berry flavour with spicy tropical notes.

Jack Teeling, founder of Teeling Whiskey, commented, “This whiskey exemplifies our bold approach to innovation as a world-class whiskey company. We are not afraid to take risks to bring something to the market that nobody else has – and we are extremely proud to release some of the oldest ever Irish Single Malt, finished in a unique cask.”

This exceptional whiskey comes from one distinct cask yielding only 283 bottles and carries one of the highest ABV (53.7%) bottlings that the Teeling Whiskey Company has released to date. Representing a rare piece of Irish Whiskey history, and hand-decanted into a show-stopping engraved Attitude Haute bottle, the Irish Single Malt Whiskey comes with a gift-ready fine oak case and its own certificate of authenticity.

Teeling 32-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Purple Muscat Finish will be available for purchase for $3,499.99 in November 2022, exclusively in the U.S., online at flaviar.com, reservebar.com, and at fine retailers in California, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Ripe red fruits in caramel, with chocolate walnuts and vanilla cream

Palate: Dried cherries, plums, sultanas, and figs with warm dry wood tannins

Finish: Strong wood spice with a rich, caramel fudge and milk chocolate sweetness

ABV: 53.7%

Price: $3,499.99

Size:700ml

ABOUT THE TEELING WHISKEY COMPANY

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded in 2012 to revive the old Teeling family trademark of Irish Whiskey and bring craft distilling back to the city of Dublin. The Teeling Whiskey Company is known for driving category choice and innovation through a selection of handcrafted, small batch Irish Whiskeys. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery started operation in 2015 as the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years and has taken in over 600,000 visitors since opening. Teeling Whiskey is now exported to over 80 different markets and has won over 375+ international awards for its quality and depth of flavour.

Isle of Raasay Distillery launches new dining experience with world-renowned Three Chimneys Restaurant on Skye

Enticing visitors passionate about Scottish produce, cuisine and spirits, the collaboration will bring these two celebrated Scottish brands together for the first time to offer guests of the Three Chimneys a brand-new paired dining experience.

Officially launching in October and running until end of November, The Three Chimneys’ Head Chef Scott Davies, his talented team and Isle of Raasay Distillery have created a unique, eight course whisky pairing menu for guests to enjoy at the kitchen table – an immersive dining experience which takes place in the heart of the restaurant kitchen.

The evening begins with an Alder smoked trout paired with a Champagne cocktail featuring Isle of Raasay’s ex-Bordeaux red wine single cask whisky, followed by oyster and cauliflower panna cotta with langoustine and crispy oyster, accompanied by Distillery Special Release which was finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks.

Further courses include duck fat confit salmon with foraged Skye mushrooms, Vatten farm lamb haggis with Jerusalem artichokes, and roasted prime of Vatten beef with onion fondant, horseradish and beef fat brioche, accompanied by Isle of Raasay’s unpeated ex-Rye whiskey single cask, unpeated Virgin Chinkapin oak single cask and peated ex-Rye whiskey single cask, respectively.

The evening is finished with bitter chocolate and smoked hazelnut praline with Chinkapin peated whisky, followed by whisky sour jelly with Isle of Raasay Single Malt in a Three Chimneys-style smoky Old Fashioned cocktail.

On select dates, one of the whisky experts from Isle of Raasay Distillery – located just a 25-minute ferry journey from Skye – will be joining the paired dining experience to discuss with guests the history and heritage, people, passion and processes which make their spirits so unique.

Isle of Raasay became the island’s first legal distillery when it officially opened in 2017, marking a new era for whisky and gin production on this remote Hebridean isle.

Deemed the best view from any whisky distillery in Scotland, Isle of Raasay’s vision is to create the finest Hebridean whisky and an exceptional visitor destination, designed to give even the most novice of whisky drinkers, or the greatest dram enthusiasts, an informative and unique experience.

William Dobbie, Commercial Director of Isle of Raasay Distillery, said: “It’s a real honour for us to be working with the world-renowned Three Chimneys restaurant. We admire their long-standing passion and commitment for locally sourced, exceptional food and outstanding approach to hospitality – we are very excited to share this special experience with their guests in the coming months.”

Krzysztof Dudkowski, General Manager of The Three Chimneys, said: “Since its inception a few years’ ago, we have followed the journey of Raasay with interest and enthusiasm, and it is hugely exciting for us to be working alongside the team to create a brand-new experience for guests of The Three Chimneys.

“Chef Davies and his culinary team have worked carefully with Raasay to create the delightful paired menu, and set in the heart of the kitchen, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to welcome our first guests this autumn.”

To book, visit: https://threechimneys.co.uk/restaurant/kitchen-table or call 01470 511 258.

Serving the best of the Isle of Skye, The Three Chimneys at Colbost has established itself as a multi-award-winning destination dining experience for more than thirty-five years. This iconic restaurant with rooms, situated in a classic crofter’s cottage and overlooking Loch Dunvegan, has become one of Scotland’s leading destination dining experiences.

Founded by Scots-born international hotelier, Gordon Campbell Gray, The Wee Hotel Company runs the iconic Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye and The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant at Port Appin in Argyll.

For more information about The Wee Hotel Company, visit: www.theweehotelcompany.com

For more information about Isle of Raasay Distillery, visit: https://raasaydistillery.com

Bottles for Bibs: Take Home More than Just a Medal

You can run a race anywhere, but what makes the Bourbon Trail Relay® unforgettable? You guessed it – that sweet, amber nectar we call Kentucky Bourbon. Relay participants are treated to exclusive perks such as unique access to historic landmarks, behind the scenes distillery experiences, and some really delicious whiskeys.

And now you also have the chance to go home with some unique and truly sought after bottles!

Any team registered for the race before the end of the year will be entered into a “lottery” to win the chance to purchase one of the amazing bottles below. Follow the rules below to enter.

Subject to terms and conditions.

How It Works:

1. Make sure your team is registered for the Bourbon Trail Relay before December 31, 2022. Any team captain who has registered before this date is eligible to participate in the drawing.

2. There is only one (1) bottle of each offering available for purchase. Winners will be able to choose the bottle they wish to purchase based on draw order.

3. Winners will be drawn at random on New Year’s Day 2023 and will receive an email with further instructions. All winners will be contacted in the order in which they are drawn.

4. Winners will have one (1) day -or- 24 hours to respond, after which time the next name will be drawn.

5. Winners will be connected with their chosen distillery via email and must pay for and pick up the bottle at that distillery when they are here for the race in May 2023.

Registered Captains – here are some of the amazing bottles that you’ll have the chance to take home