A CHICHIBU TRILOGY COMING TO THE WHISKY EXCHANGE 

Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange, a new trilogy from the much-heralded Chichibu Distillery in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, celebrates the discipline and learning behind traditional Japanese martial arts and the parallels with the building of skill and knowledge required to be a master distiller, exemplified here by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto.

The Martial Arts Trilogy begins with the release of a 2015-vintage ex-bourbon cask, showing the classic, fruity Chichibu character, on Tuesday 23^rd August. Available via ballot at thewhiskyexchange.com.

Following this release, a monthly ballot in September and October will release the second and third bottlings (further details below). All three will be £250 each.

The celebration of the parallels between traditional Japanese martial arts and the art of whisky-making comes to life through each bottle’s label, printed on lenticular sheets to give a pronounced three-dimensional effect. Designed by Elixir Distillers creative director Raj ‘MrC’ Chavda, the labels depict martial artists breaking through the background of the labels to reveal hidden casks.

 2015 Bourbon Cask – ballot 23-24 August 2022 – 233 bottles / 59.5% 

(Please note this information was only submitted to Whisky Intelligence after the 23rd)

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/64666/chichibu-2015-bourbon-cask-exclusive-to-the-whisky-exchange

2014 Chibidaru – ballot 27-28 September 2022 – 119 bottles / 59.5%.

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/64669/chichibu-2014-chibidaru-cask-exclusive-to-the-whisky-exchange

2014 Beer Cask – ballot 25-26 October 2022 – 261 bottles / 59.5%

https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/64668/chichibu-2014-beer-cask-exclusive-to-the-whisky-exchange

NH Liquor Commission Launches Rare Bourbon Raffle to Raise $250,000 for Best Buddies NH

Prize package worth over $40,000 features entire lineup of Pappy Van Winkle Family of Bourbon, E.H. Taylor, and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving one whiskey lover a chance to win a prize package of some of the world’s most hard-to-find whiskeys, including Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr and 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon, E.H. Taylor 18yr Marriage Bourbon and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – representing a combined secondary market value of over $40,000 to benefit Best Buddies New Hampshire. With its “Buddy Up!” raffle, NHLC is aiming to raise $250,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire, which provides those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to take part in social activities through one-to-one friendships.

Only 2,500 raffle tickets are available in the Buddy Up raffle, which runs from now through September 15. Tickets can be purchased for $100 each at https://rafflecreator.com/pages/11955/new-hampshire-liquor-&-wine-outlets-2022-buddy-up-raffle. Over the past six years, NHLC has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Best Buddies New Hampshire through rare whiskey raffles.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Best Buddies New Hampshire to support the incredible work they do, providing friendship, resources and a social network to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Our nonprofit raffle program features a world-class prize package that can only be described as a whiskey lover’s dream. Our raffle program raises critical funding for New Hampshire’s nonprofit community, while at the same time showcasing our wide variety of rare products.”

NHLC will select one winner to receive a prize package consisting of one bottle each of the following products:

Pappy Van Winkle Family of Bourbons

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Van Winkle Special Reserve 12yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon

E.H Taylor Bourbons

• H. Taylor 18yr Marriage Bourbon
• H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey
• H. Taylor Junior Small Batch Bourbon
• H. Taylor Junior Single Barrel Whiskey
• H. Taylor Junior Barrel Proof Whiskey
• H. Taylor Warehouse C Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

• Eagle Rare 17yr Straight Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac 18yr Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Bourbon

The winner will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to New Hampshire to experience the NH Liquor & Wine Outlets’ Distiller’s Week, which includes:

• Two tickets to a Buffalo Trace Tasting Dinner at the Crown Tavern
• Two VIP tickets to the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits
• Coach airfare or mileage reimbursement
• Hotel accommodations for two nights
• $200 Gift Card for dining

The generous support from NHLC and its customers has allowed Best Buddies New Hampshire to broaden and enhance its programming across the board. Including the expansion of the School Friendship Program, Best Buddies also developed its Citizens program, providing 1:1 friendship for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who have transitioned out of the school system with a peer match in their community.

Best Buddies Leadership Development programs represent one of the organization’s four key mission pillars. The programs educate and empower people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers, and advocates. Best Buddies passionately believes that its program participants can lead the effort within their community and beyond to build a more inclusive world for people with IDD. Best Buddies New Hampshire has developed a strong Leadership Program in which many with IDD have learned to speak in public comfortably and proudly. These “Ambassadors” speak at statewide events, at fundraising galas, at trainings and more, giving them the confidence they need to get out into the community, advocate for themselves and obtain jobs.

Best Buddies is working to bring their Employment Transition Services to New Hampshire, which will provide training for individuals with IDD between the ages of 14-21 to prepare them for the workforce, with the ultimate goal of bringing the Jobs program to New Hampshire.

“We are grateful for this support from NHLC and its customers through the Buddy Up! Raffle, which will have a tremendous impact on Best Buddies New Hampshire,” said Sarra Dennehy, State Director, Best Buddies New Hampshire. “Proceeds from this raffle will enable us to expand and strengthen many of our programs, allowing us the opportunity to continue transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

In addition to Best Buddies New Hampshire, NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers over the past seven years to raise more than $3.2 million for nonprofit organizations making an impact in New Hampshire and beyond, including Crotched Mountain Foundation, New Hampshire Food Bank, Easterseals New Hampshire, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Care for Troops, Toys for Tots, Granite United Way, Community Foundation Sonoma County, Napa Valley Community Foundation, New Hampshire Food Bank, and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

Photo Caption: The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving one whiskey lover a chance to win a prize package of some of the world’s most hard-to-find whiskeys, including Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr and 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon, E.H. Taylor 18yr Marriage Bourbon and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – representing a combined secondary market value of over $40,000 to benefit Best Buddies New Hampshire. With its “Buddy Up!” raffle, NHLC is aiming to raise $250,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire, which provides those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to take part in social activities through one-to-one friendships.

Photo Caption: The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving one whiskey lover a chance to win a prize package of some of the world’s most hard-to-find whiskeys, including Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon and E.H. Taylor 18yr Marriage Bourbon – representing a combined secondary market value of over $40,000 to benefit Best Buddies New Hampshire. With its “Buddy Up!” raffle, NHLC is aiming to raise $250,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire, which provides those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to take part in social activities through one-to-one friendships.

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 66 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets throughout the Granite State, providing more than 12 million annual customers with the widest selection of name brand wines and spirits at great prices and no taxes. NHLC has received numerous accolades, including being named the “Best state in the country for wine drinkers” by The Washington Post and “One of the best places in the country to find rare spirits” by Serious Eats. New Hampshire is one of 17 states where the government controls the sale of alcohol. NHLC has twice been named the “Nation’s top control state” by StateWays Magazine and its leadership has been recognized for “Transforming the control state model” by Market Watch Magazine. Since the first NH Liquor & Wine Outlet opened in 1934, more than $4 billion in net profits has been raised to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation, natural resource protection, addiction treatment and prevention programs. NHLC contributed nearly $182.5 million in support of these programs in Fiscal Year 2021.

NH Liquor & Wine Outlet logos, product and Outlet images are available at: https://www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/About-Us/Media-Resources

Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate an Outlet, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.

KINDRED SPIRITS: LITTLEMILL LAUNCHES GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH PHOTOGRAPHER STEFAN SAPPERT FOR 250^TH ANNIVERSARY RELEASE

This Anniversary expression is the oldest release from Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery

Custodians will have a rare opportunity to own a piece of the lost distillery’s legacy

Luxury packaging includes a hand-crafted glass photographic plate with only 250 available worldwide

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill, has partnered with world-renowned photographer, Stefan Sappert, to launch its most significant release to date: an exceptional 45-year-old liquid, commemorating the distillery’s 250^th anniversary.

Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, the distillery was lost to a fire in 2004 and since then, Master Blender of Loch Lomond Group, Michael Henry, has held guardianship of the last remaining rare casks, drawing on the limited reserves for the Littlemill 250^th Anniversary Release.

Released on 22^nd August, it will be its oldest age statement to date with only 250 individually numbered bottles available worldwide, priced at £9,500.

To mark its historic milestone, Littlemill has collaborated with Stefan Sappert to honour two monumental moments in time – the establishment of Littlemill and its innovators who shaped whisky production, and the development of photography – both occurring in the 1700s; two artforms connected by their ability to capture a moment and transport us to the past.

Stefan’s traditional photographic technique, silver on black glass, combined with state-of-the-art production creates dramatic and atmospheric imagery, and his portfolio includes international stars Alice Cooper, Joss Stone, Sting, Rod Stewart, and David Duchovny.

Stefan has worked with Michael Henry – a kindred spirit and skilled craftsman – to create an exclusive collectable for the Littlemill 250^th Anniversary Release, giving custodians the rare chance to own a piece of the lost distillery’s legacy.

The liquid has been taken from a single distillation on 4th October 1976. It was re-casked in 1996 into American oak Hogsheads, before maturing in first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads for a final six months before bottling.

In homage to Stefan and his process, the Littlemill 250^th cabinet draws inspiration from a Victorian bellows camera box with a traditional lens, designed by Morans Wood Components and Scottish crystal studio Glencairn Crystal. Inside, each handblown crystal decanter, also by Glencairn Crystal, has been inspired by a camera aperture and is topped with an impressive, hand-turned and finished gold-plated collar and stopper which notes special milestone years from Littlemill’s history.

As part of the global collaboration, Stefan has manufactured 250 silver on black glass photographic plates. Nestled in a drawer under the decanter, it recaptures an image of the River Clyde close to Littlemill’s doorsteps. Each individually numbered plate is visibly unique and exclusive to its new owner, bearing Stefan’s signature and fingerprints on the reverse.

Dunbartonshire was historically the largest Scottish glass producer of the era, and the raw beauty of each plate perfectly captures that of Littlemill’s spiritual home.

Michael Henry, Master Blender of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Littlemill was lost before its contribution to whisky could ever be fully acknowledged and applauded. However, we are lucky to have the remaining few casks under our care, a stone’s throw from where the original distillery once stood, and it felt only right to mark this significant milestone with a very special limited release.

“Distilled in 1976 and double distilled in Littlemill’s bespoke straight neck pot stills which were designed to give a triple distillation style character, this is a lowland single malt whisky of exceptional character. In keeping with our records of how Littlemill was treated, I have given the liquid a final six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads. You can taste the history in every precious drop, from elderflower, chamomile and lemon zest, to the silk-like creme caramel and tart green apple, and the warming ginger and cinnamon spice finish.

“Our partnership with Stefan has allowed us to explore the meeting of our crafts, both of which preserve and revive the past. I have hugely enjoyed sharing our passion, patience, and respect for tradition. His artistry and our remarkable liquid have combined to make something incredible for collectors. It is a true privilege to be part of Littlemill’s final legacy and we are so excited to be offering 250 custodians the opportunity to own this rare piece of whisky history.”

Stefan Sappert, Photographer, said: “The art of whisky-making is fascinating. Like wet plate photography, it captures a moment that requires an equal amount of patience, dedication, passion, and most importantly, time.

“My work uses one of the oldest photographic processes that links directly to the 1770s, where the basis of creating permanent photographs was discovered and when Littlemill was founded. I work with an old wooden camera and a historic lens that is over 160 years old. The result is not just a digital image, but a genuine piece of art.”

Research into the history of Littlemill and its connections with photography was supported by The Royal Photographic Society, one of the world’s oldest photography communities.

Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS, Director of Education at The Royal Photographic Society, added: “The history of photography is interwoven with such meaningful moments from the past. It captures the imagination and solidifies a moment in time. It has been wonderful to play a part in this project and explore the connections and shared milestones between photography and whisky in celebration of Littlemill’s remarkable 250^th anniversary.”

Non-chill filtered and bottled at its natural colour and natural strength of 41.8% ABV, the Littlemill 250^th-anniversary release will be available for purchase via enquiry through the Littlemill website (www.littlemilldistillery.com/) and other specialised retailers.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral elderflower and chamomile with grapefruit and lemon zest, deeper sweet notes of toffee with marzipan, almond and vanilla.
• Palate: Silk-like mouthfeel floats over the tongue, crème caramel and vanilla syrup with tart green fruits of apple, pear and lime, gentle cinnamon and nutmeg spice.
• Finish: Long with mouth-watering green fruit, some dry oak tannin then warming ginger and cinnamon spice.

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.

About Littlemill 

The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.

It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’, distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before.

After one year, on the 2nd of November 1773, local Justice of the Peace records for Dumbarton show that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’, an employee, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to “…retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors.”

In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that inspired the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.

Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004. In 2015 Loch Lomond Group released a limited number of its Littlemill Private Cellar Edition. Since then, a mere handful of bottles have been released annually, which have become sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts.

Twitter: @LittlemillMalt

Instagram: @LittlemillMalt

Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky

https://www.littlemilldistillery.com/

About Stefan Sappert 

Stefan is recognised among the 200 best Ad Photographers worldwide by Lurzer’s Archive, is a Hasselblad Certified Creative and was awarded CCA Venus – Austria’s most recognised creative award.

Stefan’s striking silver-on-black-glass photographs draw on the earliest principles of photography. They are admired and revered the world over. As well as capturing his images with a grand, wooden bellows camera from the Victorian era, he undertakes a collodion wet plate process, invented in 1851, that makes glass photosensitive. The resulting monochrome imagery is unconventional, instantly recognisable and full of incredible, raw beauty. With no negatives or prints, each photograph is also unique to its owner.

Always carrying the various chemicals and materials that this delicate and labyrinthine process of image capture demands, this extraordinary and exceptionally talented man can be described as half artist, half travelling alchemist.

About Glencairn

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 of experience in working with crystal, are world experts in pioneering glassware design techniques and unrivalled in their talented craftsmanship. The company also produces The Glencairn Glass, the world’s favourite whisky glass, with five million glasses being sold every year in every corner of the globe.

About The Royal Photographic Society 

The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity committed to bringing photography to everyone. Founded in 1853, when photography was in its infancy, they are one of the world’s oldest and now world-leading photographic communities.

Award-winning whisky Glen Scotia launches limited-edition ‘Distillery of the Year’ expression

Glen Scotia has unveiled a new limited-edition 22-year-old ‘Distillery of the Year’ expression that pays homage to the continued success of its Campbeltown distillery.

After winning ‘Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year’ at the Scottish Whisky Awards in November 2021, the Glen Scotia team have worked over 2022 to create this rare and exclusive release with only 500 bottles available worldwide, priced at £475 for 70cl (54.8% ABV).

It is a perfect representation of the signature Glen Scotia style, using liquid from some of its finest reserves of first-fill bourbon casks and offering the classic tropical fruit and oily coastal notes you’d expect from a Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky. It was bottled in May at cask strength and without added colour.

The new release has been beautifully presented in the brand’s new premium packaging in a striking blue tube which includes an elevated bottle with a shoulder coin and heavy base.

A handful of bottles will be available via ballot from the Glen Scotia website. Limited to one entry per person, the ballot is now open and closes on Sunday 4th September (23.59hrs). Successful entrants will be notified on Monday 5th September. The remaining bottles will be available in limited numbers via whisky specialist retailers worldwide.

Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

The distillery has become renowned for its superior whisky-production capabilities. Its 25-year-old was awarded ‘Best in Class’ and therefore the ‘Best Whisky in The World’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. It was the first time a distillery has taken both the SFWSC and Scottish Whisky Awards’ accolades, let alone in the same year.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, and his team have been central to the recent success, working with casks carefully cared for over the years by a talented team passionate about keeping the Campbeltown story alive.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “We are one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, but with the combination of our team’s craftsmanship and our ambition to take Glen Scotia to the world, we are producing some of the best whisky to have come out of Campbeltown in many years. This is a result of those that came before us and their hard work and knowledge of the craft.

“To win Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year was a real feat, and we knew we needed to mark it in a special way. This latest release is a fine example and a legacy of a true Campbeltown malt, and we hope collectors and friends of the distillery from around the world will join us in raising a dram of it to the continued success of Glen Scotia.”

For further information visit: www.glenscotia.com/

Ross & Squibb Distillery Announces September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI

Latest edition comprises a medley of five bourbons aged since 2008-2014 

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Aug. 16, 2022) – Ross & Squibb Distillery announced it will release its Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. The limited-edition bourbon is the sixth-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities in September to coincide with National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by master distiller Ian Stirsman and his team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VI comprises five bourbons, aged between 8-14 years, from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in a signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI is comprised of 2% 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye), 17% 2012 Bourbon (36% Rye), 27% 2012 Bourbon (21% Rye), 29% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 25% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye). Series VI leads with aromas of rich candied fruit with a hint of nutmeg and saddle leather. The initial taste includes candied fruit and fig jam, followed by oak and barrel char, mint and slight caramel, nutmeg, toffee and honey. The finish offers a balance of sweet candied fruit and leather, with lingering sweetness and rye spice.

“The Remus Repeal Reserve series provides our team the opportunity to showcase the incredible array of aged reserves available to work with, as well as our expertise at blending these bourbons to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “Series VI is the latest in this award-winning collection that is certain to be yet another excellent example of what our Remus Repeal collection represents: what great bourbon can be.”

Previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including winning Best Of Class at the 2021 Sunset International Spirits Competition, being named among the Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2021 by Fred Minnick, and earning 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine (for both Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV and V).

About George Remus^® Bourbon

George Remus Bourbon is crafted at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-rye blend of Bourbon whiskies, aged five years, with a hint of vanilla, a maple aroma, and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor (SRP: $39.99/750-ml). Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI is crafted from 2008, 2012and 2014 reserve Bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $99.99/750-ml bottle). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com, @GeorgeRemusBourbon (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and @GeorgeRemus (Twitter). G. Remus Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, IN, 47% ALC/VOL & 50% ALC/VOL. Be Legendary. Sip Responsibly. 

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 the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes 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.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute have worked with The Glenlivet distillery to introduce environmentally sustainable solutions at Chivas Brothers’ Speyside distillery to address water scarcity and protect whisky production.

Among the nature-based measures are small dams in the landscape supplying the distillery, designed to capture water during wet periods and to make this available when water is scarce.

Led by PhD student Jessica Fennell, who has had a special ‘Fennell Reserve’ whisky created by The Glenlivet in her honour, the project is intended to help prevent the closure of the distillery during dry periods.

Last month’s heatwave saw temperatures soar across Scotland, and such periods are predicted to become more frequent due to climate change. Many distilleries have had to temporarily stop distilling in recent summers because of water shortages, costing the industry millions. During the dry summer of 2018 groundwater supplies to The Glenlivet distillery in Speyside decreased and did not replenish until the following spring.

After initially surveying the landscape to determine where dams would best protect groundwater supplies, the study team used a combination of field data collection and modelling tools to provide insights into how they operated once installed.

Jessica said: “Our results found that the features we installed will have a small but positive impact that could help increase water availability during periods of water scarcity and reduce flood peaks during high rainfall. Crucially, this could prevent the distillery closing during dry periods which has a significant cost impact.

“Because these measures enhance groundwater recharge, and groundwater contribution to streams, our research has also raised the possibility of positive implications for water temperature. This is important because distilleries require cool water and groundwater is typically colder than surface water during summer.

“As water temperature is expected to increase with climate change, more water will be needed to achieve the same cooling effects, and increased groundwater flow could help stabilise stream temperatures as well as increase flows through dry summer periods.”

Dr Josie Geris, from the University’s School of Geosciences, supervised Jessica and is a co-author of the study, which was funded by NERC and Chivas Brothers, owners of The Glenlivet. Other co-authors include Dr Mark Wilkinson from the James Hutton Institute and Dr Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Chivas Brothers. Their findings have been published in the International Journal for River Basin Management.

Dr Geris commented: “Water scarcity may become a significant issue in Scotland in the future, and here we have shown that these nature-based solutions offer a cost effective, environmentally beneficial approach to water resource management that can be applied to this economically vital sector – there may also be a benefit in terms of securing groundwater supplies.

“The lessons learned can also potentially be applied to other areas of the economy that rely on private water supply and bring other potential benefits, for example in flood management, improvements to biodiversity and water quality, the restoration of upland habitats, and carbon storage.”

Dr Daalmans added: “Our aim is to ensure all our distilleries operate within the local capacity of their catchment to provide water, particularly during low flows.  This research has indicated that the land within the catchment could be used to help mitigate the impacts of climate change on water availability.

“This is important for the long-term viability of the distillery, but could also benefit the entire Scotch Whisky industry, especially in upland areas.  We intend to continue monitoring the effect of the measures on water availability at this site over the long term.”

Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims to Benefit from Buffalo Trace Distillery Auction

of Highly Rare and Collectible Whiskeys  

Online Auction Offers Full Line Up of Some of the Distillery’s Most Coveted Collections such as Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Blanton’s

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 16, 2022) In late July, record rainfalls in Eastern Kentucky led to catastrophic damage and the loss of at least 37 lives.  Unfortunately, some of Buffalo Trace’s team members in the area did experience the ultimate loss of extended family members.

To help raise funds for disaster relief, Buffalo Trace is partnering with Menish Productions on six very rare and unique whiskey packages, including a VIP tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery, available via online auction starting Aug. 18, 2022 at 9 a.m. and running through Aug. 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Up for bid are a complete set of Pappy Van Winkle whiskies, (including Van Winkle Rye), a complete set of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, including a 2020 George T. Stagg, Blanton’s, Double Eagle Very Rare, and other exclusive offerings.

The items which will be offered are:

• One Van Winkle Whiskey set which includes:

• Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old Bourbon
• Van Winkle 12 year old “Lot B” Bourbon
• Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye Whiskey
• Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle 20 year old Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old Bourbon

• One Buffalo Trace Distillery Antique Collection (BTAC) set including:

• William Larue Weller Bourbon (125.3 proof)
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (129.5 proof)
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon (101 proof)
• Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Bourbon (90 proof)
• 2020 George. T. Stagg Bourbon (130.4 proof)

• One Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon

• Two sets of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon each package includes:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel Domestic Bourbon (93 proof)
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold edition Bourbon (103 proof)
• Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel Bourbon (proof varies)
• Barrel head signed by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley
• VIP tour for four at Buffalo Trace Distillery

• One Old Charter Oak Bourbon collection which includes:

• Old Charter Oak Mongolian Oak Bourbon
• Old Charter Oak French Oak Bourbon
• Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak Bourbon
• Old Charter Oak Chinkapin Oak Bourbon

“The loss of lives, housing, infrastructure, and even basic necessities most of us take for granted is devasting,” said Mark Brown, chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “We hope our bourbon community, who we know can be very generous, really shows its support and we’re able to raise an unheralded amount of funds for Eastern Kentucky disaster relief.”

Details on the auction and how to bid can be found here.  All proceeds from the auction will go to disaster relief in Eastern Kentucky.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Johnnie Walker: A global giant with a local voice

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand.¹ Following the celebration of the brand’s 200th year in 2020, this year we’ve taken the first bold steps into a new chapter of Johnnie Walker’s remarkable journey. We also welcomed over 235,000 visitors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street,² our newly opened visitor experience in Edinburgh, and unveiled a new era of the brand’s iconic ‘Keep Walking’ story.

During the pandemic, people around the world experienced dramatic shifts in their everyday lives. At Johnnie Walker, these changes, combined with our consumer insight, created an opportunity to instil the iconic ‘Keep Walking’ line with contemporary meaning, continuing to build this global giant through new, local connections. Hot on the heels of unveiling a bold new look for Johnnie Walker, we launched our new ‘Keep Walking’ campaign in October 2021. For more than 20 years, Johnnie Walker has inspired people with these two simple words, and this next chapter will continue to build cultural relevance for the brand among the next generation of whisky drinkers.

Our campaign burst onto screens, into venues, social feeds and advertising spaces in over 50 countries. Through partnerships with local changemakers, including CL, the South Korean rapper; Burna Boy, the Nigerian singer, songwriter and performance artist; and DJ Alok, the Brazilian DJ and record producer, we reconnected people with the socialising spaces they had missed for so long. We broke away from more conventional communications, telling the story of African creativity in an award-winning documentary, ‘The Ones Who Keep Walking’, which was made with the Forbes 30-under-30 director, Amarachi Nwosu. We shared inspiring quotes on progress from famous personalities, such as Grace Jones, Mark Twain and Mae West, across city skylines and cultural hot spots. And our television and cinema advertisement ‘Anthem’ brought Johnnie Walker’s charismatic spirit and the power of ‘Keep Walking’ to life with energy and optimism.

Johnnie Walker organic net sales grew 34% this year, surpassing 21 million nine-litre cases. And the ‘Keep Walking’ campaign’s success speaks for itself. We’re proud that, judged against 13,000 other advertisements, ‘Keep Walking’ won three top 10 places in Kantar’s Creative Effectiveness Awards 2022.