BLADNOCH DISTILLERY EXPANDS ITS ‘CLASSIC COLLECTION’

Bladnoch Liora made from a duo of ex-Bourbon and New Oak casks joins the ‘Classic Collection’ of whiskies

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY, SCOTLAND – 205-year-old Lowland distillery, Bladnoch, are proud to announce the newest addition to their ‘Classic Collection’ of Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Liora. The name, Liora, has its origins in Hebrew, meaning ‘the gift of light’ and is the distillery’s first ever expression bottled at Distiller’s Strength of 52.2% ABV.

Liora is created using an exceptional pairing of casks: Bourbon and New Oak, and sits alongside the likes of Alinta, Vinaya and Samsara in Bladnoch’s ‘Classic Collection’ of whiskies. Master Distiller, Dr. Nick Savage, elaborates that “Liora embodies the delicate balance between the intensity of the New Oak and the sweetness of the Bourbon casks. On the nose you can expect juicy fresh cut apples along with toasted caramel and floral notes. As you taste Liora, on the palate you’ll get caramelised toffee apples along with peppery spices and fresh cut oak. A truly magnificent dram with a long finish with a slight warming dryness.” ⁠⁠⁠

Like all Bladnoch’s whiskies, Liora is hand-crafted using only the finest local ingredients resulting in a true Lowlands experience. It’s made using the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery as well as Scottish barley which creates a rich, flavourful whisky that is best savoured.

Bottled at 52.2%, and without chill-filtration and with natural colour, Liora will be available in the UK, online via Bladnoch’s website and in their Visitor Centre at the Distillery. In the coming months, Liora will also be sold around the world through Bladnoch’s network of distributors.

For more information and the latest on their range of award-winning single malts, visit www.bladnoch.com.

Link for Purchase: https://uk.bladnoch.com/collections/whisky-shop/products/liora

Contact info@bladnoch.com for availability in other markets.

RRP: £70

Technical Details

Cask type: 1^st fill ex-Bourbon barrel and 1^st fill New Oak cask

Strength: 52.2%

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Fresh cut apples, with toasted caramel and floral notes

Palate: Caramelised toffee apples with peppery spices and fresh cut oak

Finish: Long, with a slight warming dryness

Non-chill filtered, natural colour 

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch Whisky Distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand-crafted using only the finest local ingredients such as the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery. Bladnoch Single Malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived by Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage, formerly at The Macallan, and owner David Prior, a whisky connoisseur who is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch Whisky distillery. Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in the iconic distillery.

BOWMORE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF RARE ARC-52 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY IN THE US 

Past meets present as an Aston Martin designed, futuristic vessel unites with one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies ever produced

Chicago, IL (September 27, 2022) – Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky today announces the arrival of ARC-52, an exceptionally rare release of 52 Year-Old single malt, to the US market. Bowmore ARC-52, the most recent release in the storied partnership between Bowmore and Aston Martin, is sold in a cutting edge, strikingly futuristic and inspiring decanter – an appropriate homage to the oldest and rarest release to date from the two luxury brands. Just 100 decanters of Bowmore ARC-52 exist in the world, representing a highly exclusive, limited release and the height of achievement in collaborative bottle design.

Crafted with consideration over decades, Bowmore understands how every decision influences the final character of its whisky, and how time passed has shaped today.  Rooted in intentionality, Bowmore curates every last drop of whisky released, adding depth and distinction of flavor to each multi-dimensional single malt. It is this precise ethos which has produced ARC-52 – one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies ever released and a true coming together of heritage and innovation. At its heart, ARC-52 is a celebration of how Bowmore and Aston Martin champion constant evolution and ingenuity to provoke, inspire and excite appreciators of true luxury.

Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, said “A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 52-Year-Old is testament to the skill of our distillery team and their commitment to optimizing the time spent in cask to create such an incredible spirit. The complexity of the ARC-52 single malt is unquestionable and to achieve such perfect balance not only defines its physical form but unites beautifully in every drop of this stunning whisky. Working with Aston Martin remains hugely rewarding and fascinating for me. It continues to inspire and show us a different way of working, with absolute precision, and has allowed us to create what, in my opinion, is the best Bowmore over 50 years old that I’ve ever tasted.”

Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “ARC–52 sits at the apex of our partnership, truly showing the depth of what we can create collaboratively. We set out to produce something which hasn’t been seen before, capturing our uncompromised design principles and also the magnificence of the whisky. I believe that what we have created is truly a piece of sculpture. Taking balance as the most important factor, as we do in designing Aston Martin cars, we’ve harnessed heritage and innovation in perfect balance. For me there is just so much to discover with this whisky as it embodies so much hidden knowledge – even the color looks like it’s been created by time.”

The ARC-52 bottle explores the ideas of balance, capturing perfect stability combined with definitive intensity – the very same approach Aston Martin takes to design a vehicle. The process relied on the exacting principals of the latest 3D printing technology and hand-crafted clay modelling to craft a meticulously engineered, bespoke magnetic key which releases the striking aluminium top almost by magic, whilst maintaining sleek, clean lines on individually hand-blown glass.

Matured for a remarkable 52 years in a marriage of two cask styles in two exact parts, 50% American Oak Hogshead and 50% European Oak Butt, ARC-52 Single Malt promises unquestionable complexity and a perfect achievement of balance. The whisky captures the classic Bowmore character with herbal and medicinal notes combined with exotic fruits, praline and butterscotch to finish. Creamy and fruity aromas of vanilla and custard cream are carefully balanced with peach, pear, kumquat, mandarin, a hint of guava with herbal notes of fresh mint and eucalyptus. On the palate, the whisky continues to evolve as flavors of green grapes and peach melba, clementine, lime zest merge seamlessly alongside nutty notes of almond and hazelnuts, whilst tobacco leaves give way to a subtle peat ash and buttery character.

The first in a new inspiring series, just 100 decanters of Bowmore ARC-52 are available globally with US availability in the NYC and LA markets, at an SRP of US $75,000 (ex VAT/duty) beginning in September 2022.

CASK TYPES: European Oak Sherry Butt and ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogshead

AGE: 52 Years Old, 1968

ABV: 42.3%

100 BOTTLES for the world

Tasting notes

ON THE EYE: Deep burnished gold.

BREATHE IN: Creamy and fruity with notes of vanilla and custard cream but also peach, pear, kumquat, mandarin, a hint of guava with herbal notes of fresh mint and eucalyptus.

TASTE: Sweet, fruity and citric with flavour of green grapes and peach melba, clementine, lime zest but also nutty notes of almond and hazelnuts, tobacco leaves with a lightly peaty ashy and buttery character.

SAVOUR: Herbal and medicinal with exotic fruits, praline and butterscotch note

 ABOUT BOWMORE®

For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and savoured in the present.

Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long picklives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people, and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.

Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began.  This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779. For more information visit www.bowmore.com and follow along on social at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY   

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

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

ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX.  Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown. www.astonmartin.com

Landmark moment at The Cairn 

It was a landmark moment at The Cairn Distillery at Grantown-on-Spey with the final handover by the contractors to the owners Gordon & MacPhail.

The building itself is now complete and the equipment fully operational. All that remains are some final finishing touches in the visitor centre.

Donald McLachlan from Morrison Construction and Richard Forsyth from Forsyth of Rothes met at the distillery with Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail to mark the occasion.

As Ewen Mackintosh said: “This is another significant milestone for Gordon & MacPhail as we take over full control of the building. It’s a tremendous achievement to deliver this wonderful new building in such a stunning location – and all while facing the challenges of a global pandemic.  Later in the year we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to experience for themselves the care and attention that has gone into creating this fantastic building whilst learning about our approach to making single malt whisky at The Cairn.”

Donald McLachlan, Managing Director – Highland of Morrison Construction commented: “Having been entrusted to construct and fit out this exemplar Distillery in such a fantastic location we are now delighted to be handing it over to our valued client.”

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail, the family firm based in Moray. And they turned to fellow Moray based family owned firm Forsyths to manufacture the distillation equipment at their fabrications sites at Rothes and Elgin.

As Ewen Mackintosh explained: “Our roots are firmly in the North of Scotland, and we were determined to use as many local contractors as possible. Around 90% of the work was completed by businesses in the north, keeping jobs in the local area and supporting the local economy. Central to this was the use of Forsyths and Morrison Construction who were very supportive of our aim to use local companies wherever possible.”

Richard Forsyth Managing Director of Forsyths Limited added: “I feel immensely proud to be part of this landmark moment for Gordon & MacPhail, we’re delighted to have been involved in the project with the design and build of the distillery process.”

Planning permission for the distillery was granted in 2019 and work started on site once COVID restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

Opening to the public later this year, The Cairn Distillery overlooks the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  It will offer a selection of immersive visitor experiences, whisky tastings and carefully selected gifts.  Visitors will also be able to eat @ The Gathering and experience the finest produce sourced from throughout Scotland. It has been designed to sit within this world class setting with features including a “green” sedum roof which has already become a haven for bees.

Gordon & MacPhail has partnered with the local community by match funding money raised locally to support an annual programme of events aimed at locals and visitors alike. The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and act as a gateway to Speyside.

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 127 years after it was first established in 1895. The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

THE GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES RARE 28-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The latest much anticipated release of The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is an exquisite example of The Glendronach’s signature richly-sherried Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is a 28 year old Single Malt hand-selected by Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, from a small number of rare Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Having matured in fine sherry casks for nearly three decades, this rare and luxurious expression epitomises mastery of the finest Spanish sherry cask maturation. It embodies The GlenDronach’s commitment to crafting the most exceptional Single Malts, using time-honoured methods passed down through the generations for almost two centuries.

A limited number of Batch 11 bottles will be available from selected specialist retailers, with each individual bottle sealed with wax and numbered by hand to reflect its rarity

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender said: “The GlenDronach Grandeur is an unparalleled range of the finest aromas and character from masterful Spanish oak sherry cask maturation. A Single Malt of elegant finesse, this expression offers a symphony of sherry aromatics interwoven with dark manuka honey, roasted almond and walnut. It is intense and full-bodied, as is the signature of The GlenDronach, with a crescendo of black cherry and espresso adorning each mouthful.”

The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is bottled at 48.9% ABV, and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, develops its deep colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it rests. It will be available to buy from specialist retailers worldwide from October 2022.

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Tasting notes:

Colour:  Ruby tinged walnut.

Nose:  Opulent and powerful with a symphony of sherry aromatics,  interwoven with dark manuka honey, roasted almond and walnut. Baked plum and ginger captivate the senses, deepening to rustic vintage leather and freshly ground coffee.

Palate:  Intense and full-bodied with dark fruit notes on a base of velvet and fine leather. A crescendo of black cherry and espresso adorns each mouthful.

Finish:  Richly rewarding, with a persistent chocolate, liquorice and walnut finish.

About The GlenDronach Distillery:

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.

Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY:

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: /TheGlenDronach

Twitter: @Glendronach

Instagram: @Glendronach

World’s Favourite Whisky Glass sponsors Scottish International Crime Writing Awards for the third year 

Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal presents Alan Parks, winner of The McIlvanney Prize, with a Glencairn Glass trophy

Scottish family business Glencairn Crystal has once again sponsored this year’s McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year, with its famous Glencairn Glass for whisky.

The winners were announced at the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which took place from 15th – 18^th September in Stirling.

This year’s winner of The McIlvanney Prize is Alan Parks with May God Forgive. Parks was also a finalist for The McIlvanney Prize in 2021.

The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was awarded to Tariq Ashkanani with Welcome to Cooper. Ashkanani is a dynamic new addition to Scotland’s crime writing roster.

The winners were presented with a Glencairn Glass trophy by Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal, who said:

 “A huge congratulations to Tariq Ashkanani and Alan Parks for winning this year’s awards. It has been a privilege and a delight to once again support these prestigious awards with the Glencairn Glass – both of which are uniquely Scottish – and to celebrate the array of talented writers in the world of Scottish Crime fiction.”  

Both of the prestigious literary prizes are awarded as part of the annual Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Festival which takes place every September. Based in Stirling, Bloody Scotland has brought hundreds of crime writers – new and established –  to the stage along with enthusiastic festival attendees since 2012, with exciting events covering a range of criminal subjects from fictional forensics and psychological thrillers to tartan noir and cosy crime.

For further details visit: www.bloodyscotland.com and www.glencairn.co.uk

Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces Annual Van Winkle Bourbon Release

 Buffalo Trace Distillery and The Van Winkles Celebrate 20^th Year

of Distilling Partnership

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 4, 2022) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is announcing the upcoming annual release of all six Van Winkle whiskey expressions. To the delight of whiskey fans, there will be more bottles available this year than usual of almost every Van Winkle expression due to both putting away more whiskey to age over 10 years ago and a higher yield than typical when moving from barrel to bottle.

This year’s release of the Family Reserve 15-Year-Old has been noted as particularly delicious by the sensory experts at Buffalo Trace, describing it as, “An unbelievably opulent and flawless bourbon that takes wood and distillate to its absolute pinnacle.”

The wheated recipe used by Buffalo Trace to make its Weller and Van Winkle Bourbons allows for longer aging, in some cases two decades or more, than the traditional rye recipe used in most bourbons.  This wheated recipe also results in a smoother and somewhat sweeter flavor.  The Weller and Van Winkle lines have earned an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs and have almost achieved cult-like status.

The annual Van Winkle collection release consists of six whiskeys. Suggested retail prices and tasting notes for the 2022 release are as follows:

• $69.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old 107 proof

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Tawny in color.
  • Nose: Very sweet, with notes of honey, dulce de leche, caramel corn, rooibos tea and lightly toasted nuts. Hints of the wheat and corn are present which enhances the complexity.
  • Taste: Medium-bodied palate with dried fruit and nuts. Each sip finishes with a very long bold wave of floral honey, caramel, and toasted barrel flavors which counter the weight of the alcohol.
  • Finish: An elegant balance between oak, grain, and maturation.
• $79.99 –Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old (90.4 proof)

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Brilliant amber.
  • Nose: Rich and decadent with butterscotch, toffee, vanilla and hints of nectarine and satsuma adding to the complexity. There is still a wisp of bready wheat present which is perfectly balanced with the spicy and rich oak notes.
  • Taste: Butterscotch and toffee are prominent in the taste but there are also hints of spiced praline which contribute to the long, round finish that is sweet without being cloying.
  • Finish: An outrageously well-crafted bourbon that pays homage to its source ingredients but shows that oak, the right distillate, and patience can create unparalleled depth and balance.
• $119.99 – Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old (95.6 proof)

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Rich copper color.
  • Nose: An incredibly enticing and complex aroma with notes of toasted pumpernickel, plum, fig, and sweet-tobacco aromas
  • Taste: Smooth with medium-to full-bodied palate bursting with bold and delicious flavors of toffee, caraway, and dried cherry, and a hint of leather and mint.
  • Finish: A symphony of flavors sits endlessly on the palate, causing the unsuspecting drinker to wish there was an endless supply in their glass.
• $119.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old (107 proof)

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Striking, brilliant, copper color.
  • Nose: The aroma is seductive with intense sweet brown notes like maple, caramelized sugar, toffee, and toasted almond.
  • Taste: Waves of caramel and toffee meld into familiar memories of fresh-baked holiday spice cookies made with molasses. The mouthfeel is rich, supple, full-bodied and briefly veers toward decadent before the wood influences lend a balancing dryness.
  • Finish: Long, flavorful, and complex. An unbelievably opulent and flawless bourbon that takes wood and distillate to its absolute pinnacle.
• $199.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old (90.4 proof)

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Dark amber in appearance with ruby highlights.
  • Nose: This full-bodied bourbon has a sophisticated forefront of leather with complementary notes of smoke, warm tobacco, treacle, espresso, and charred oak.
  • Taste: The aromas and flavors are endlessly complex and each new sip reveals something new to discover.
  • Finish: Suave and confident with layers of bold, integrated nuances.
• $299.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old (95.6 proof)

Tasting Notes:

• • Color: Rich mahogany color.
  • Nose: Reminiscent of a crisp fall day, with aromas of ripe red apples, cherries and tobacco.
  • Taste: Wood is the star here with supporting notes of caramel, apple, apricot, leather, walnuts, and vanilla Crème Brulé.
  • Finish: Long-lasting and rich, opening with bold flavors of oak and caramel that tease the palate before fading slowly and elegantly until the next sip.

This year marks a special milestone as it is the 20^th anniversary of the partnership between the Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Distillery.  In 2002, the Van Winkles entered into an agreement with Buffalo Trace to produce, age, and bottle all its whiskeys, entrusting its wheated mashbill exclusively to the distilling team at Buffalo Trace to continue the family legacy started more than 125 years prior.

Given that Buffalo Trace Distillery was already producing the wheated recipe for the W.L. Weller bourbons, it made sense to the Van Winkle family to enter into a formal agreement to produce their bourbons as well.  The W.L. Weller Bourbons were formally produced by the Van Winkle family until 1972, when the Weller brand was sold, and eventually acquired by Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “Harlen Wheatley and his predecessors had been distilling the W.L. Weller wheated recipe for many years before our 2002 joint venture. We trusted their expertise in distilling and aging, and it paid off, as many of Buffalo Trace’s brands are just as sought after as our own,” said Julian Van Winkle III, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “My son Preston and I still take care of the marketing and management of our brands, but we leave the rest of it to the team at Buffalo Trace.  The twenty-year partnership has flown by, and I feel confident we’re leaving it in good hands for the future Van Winkle generations.”

The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace team would like to remind fans that even though the suggested retail pricing remains at what is considered a fair price, there is no control they can take over the price retailers charge. “Although we would prefer for retailers to charge our suggested retail pricing, unfortunately we cannot legally force them to do so.  The best chance to find our products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where fans have a chance to buy our bourbon at MSRP. Many of these lotteries benefit charities, so it’s a win-win for everyone,” added Van Winkle.

Enthusiasts are also reminded to avoid online resellers such as private Facebook groups, Craigslist and other online marketplaces. Unfortunately, Buffalo Trace Distillery has seen an increase in consumers buying Van Winkle bourbons from private sellers, only to find out later the product inside is counterfeit.  “It’s quite common in other countries for consumers to buy alcohol from those outside the system (not a licensed retailer) and for them to drink it and get sick, and in some cases, it’s fatal,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “Fortunately, we haven’t seen a lot of deaths in the United States from those scenarios – yet – and we certainly hope we do not. But we caution people to only buy from a licensed retailer; do not buy from a private seller, even if it’s someone you know, as you don’t know where they got the whiskey. The counterfeiters have gotten very sophisticated with their technology, so it pays to be safe.”

Consumers who believe they have been duped should not drink anything that is questionable and can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or contact their State Attorneys General office.

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys have won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 20-year-old receiving a double gold medal, best bourbon, best small batch bourbon at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition and the 15-year-old taking home a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

            The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in October, but please be mindful that yields from the barrels are typically low due to the evaporation process during the long aging cycle, so supply is quite limited.  Bottles will be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants. 

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history. The Van Winkle family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend and fellow Weller salesman Alex Farnsley eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery after Prohibition.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.
After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.
In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky, joining the Van Winkle and Weller Bourbons again in one production house.  It was a natural tie since the wheated mash bill used in the Weller Bourbons was already being produced at Buffalo Trace.  All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.

Kentucky Distillers Set Records for Bourbon Barrel Inventories, New Fills – And Punishing Production Taxes

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The number of Bourbon barrels in Kentucky reached a record 11.4 million in January, as the state’s signature industry marked its fourth consecutive year filling more than 2 million barrels – while paying $40 million in discriminatory barrel taxes, the highest amount in history.

When you include other aging spirits, the state’s total inventory is almost 12 million barrels – a monumental milestone in the storied 200-year history of Kentucky’s iconic Bourbon industry. The tax-assessed value of all barrels also hit an all-time high this year of $5.2 billion.

While barrel records are typically cause for celebration, the skyrocketing and punitive impact of aging barrel taxes is more a cause for concern, warned Eric Gregory, president of the non-profit Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which released the figures today.

“We’re thrilled that our homegrown and historic industry continues to flourish, but these numbers could have been much higher if Kentucky didn’t have a major barrier to entry for new distilleries in the form of this barrel tax,” Gregory said.

Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits.

Since the beginning of the year, Kentucky has fallen to 12th in the country in the number of distilling operations, according to federal Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) statistics. There are now more than 2,300 distilleries in all 50 states. Kentucky has fewer than 100.

In the last year, Kentucky ranked 29th in the country in the rate of adding new distilleries.

Kentucky’s share of distilleries nationwide has plummeted from a high of 24% to now just 6%, and Kentucky’s percentage of distilling jobs has dropped from 43% down to only 30%, even though the state crafts 95% of the world’s Bourbon.

“At the height of our signature spirit’s popularity, the proliferation of Bourbon distilleries outside of Kentucky should ring alarm bells for anyone who cares about this industry, its employees and its economic and tourism impact on the Commonwealth,” Gregory said.

In the last five years alone, barrel taxes have more than doubled, soaring 102%. Kentucky distillers are paying nearly $40 million in barrel taxes this year – $7 million more than last year – an unjust levy because the fine art of aging and maturation of Bourbon is critical to the production process.

“We are only asking to be treated like every other manufacturer in Kentucky – and possibly the world – whose goods are not taxed during the production process,” Gregory said. “Barrel taxes hamper growth, punish success and jeopardize the state’s ability to attract new distillers in the birthplace of Bourbon.”

The new production numbers are based on inventories reported as of Jan. 1, 2022, submitted to the Kentucky Department of Revenue for tax purposes and includes all distilling companies in Kentucky, the vast majority of which are KDA member distilleries.

Here are the specifics:

·     Total barrels of Bourbon: 11,406,135

·     Number of Bourbon barrels filled in 2021: 2,619,633

·     Total inventory including Bourbon and other spirits: 11,982,965

·     Assessed value on all barrels for tax purposes: $5,207,221,744

Kentucky Bourbon has seen tremendous growth since the turn of the century. Production skyrocketed 475% since 1999. The state’s aging Bourbon inventory has more than tripled during that time, while the tax-assessed value of all barrels is now $5.2 billion, a staggering $780 million increase over 2021.

The Bluegrass State continues to benefit from this amber wave, which now pours $9 billion each year into the Kentucky economy, sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.2 billion a year, and draws millions of affluent tourists from around the world to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

A key export, distilling has the state’s highest job spin-off factor among top manufacturers; buys at least 17 million bushels of corn and other grains every year, mostly from Kentucky farm families; and is currently investing more than $5.2 billion in new stills, warehouses, bottling lines, tourism experiences and more.

However, distilling also is the highest taxed among all large manufacturing industries in the Commonwealth, paying more than $285 million in local and state taxes every year. That’s $180 million more in taxes each and every year now than distillers paid a decade ago.

Kentucky distillers also pay over $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes, by far the most among any state.

Of the 11 states ahead of Kentucky in the number of distilleries, all but one license state (Washington) has a significantly lower spirits tax rate than Kentucky, Gregory said. Kentucky’s tax rate is $8.41 per bottle; California, which leads the nation in the number of distilleries, is $3.30.

“Not a coincidence,” Gregory said.

“We have proven, time and time again, that Bourbon is a great investment for Kentucky,” Gregory said. “But we cannot ignore the fact that more than 2,200 distilleries have made the business decision not to locate here, despite our rich traditions and ready-made infrastructure.”

Gregory said the time is now – when the industry is healthy – to eliminate artificial barriers to growth like the barrel tax, and to continue modernizing Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws. He pointed to two recent studies that showed tequila has gained significant ground on American whiskey.

Just last week, data by Nielsen IQ shows that tequila sales have grown 70% since last year and agave spirits are now challenging whiskey and vodka in sales. IWSR Drinks Market Analysis said this year, for the first time ever, Americans will spend more money on mezcal and tequila than U.S.-made whiskey.

Gregory thanked the Kentucky General Assembly for creating a legislative task force that is exploring options to eliminate the barrel tax and minimize impacts on education and local communities. “We applaud this fair, open and objective process that is hearing from all stakeholders,” he said.

“It’s critical that distillers, community partners and elected officials work together to attract more distillers and investment to the Commonwealth, because there will come a day – hopefully not in our lifetimes – when Bourbon is not as popular as it is right now.

“It’s time for solutions. We must protect our distilling dominance. The future is in our hands.”

Founded in 1880, 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. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. 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.  

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.

Scottish Whisky Entrepreneur Acquires Legendary Edinburgh Whisky Retailer 

Iain McClune, a Scottish whisky and spirits entrepreneur, enthusiast, and former Royal Mile Whiskies employee, has agreed the purchase of Scotland’s leading independent specialist whisky business, Royal Mile Whiskies.

Royal Mile Whiskies sits under the Dormant Distillery Company (DDC) alongside Drinkmonger and The Cigar Box.  They will all be retained, owned and operated in Scotland as part of the deal.

McClune, who worked at Royal Mile Whiskies for nearly a decade, becomes the second ex-employee to return as owner of the business.  The acquisition will be made through Vintage Saga, McClune’s investment company which includes Whisky Auctioneer, Wine Auctioneer, Rum Auctioneer and Bright Spirits.

Keir Sword, founder of DDC, commented:  “I am delighted to pass the business over to Iain who as a former employee shares my affection for the business and understands the importance of our fantastic team of drinks enthusiasts. As a former employee who myself returned to buy Royal Mile Whiskies it is greatly satisfying to pass the baton on to one of our own, who shares my vision for the business and I trust to carry on our values.

“The fact the business retains its independent spirit but at the same time gains the backing and support of the equally enthusiastic and talented team at Vintage Saga, makes it a very exciting time for DDC.

“They inherit not only the wonderful staff, but a very supportive bunch of suppliers and loyal customers to all of whom I send my huge thanks for their contribution over the past quarter century. I wish Iain, Arthur and all of the team my very best for a bright future, and shall continue to cheer you all on from the sidelines.”

As part of Vintage Saga, DDC will continue to operate independently as its own entity, and also independently from other businesses within the group.  It will  benefit from Vintage Saga’s knowledge, expertise, relationships and reputation which will support its continued growth.  Arthur Motley, who has worked alongside Keir Sword for over 20 years, will become Managing Director of DDC.

Iain McClune, founder of Vintage Saga, said: “I echo Keir’s values and understand his vision for the future of the Dormant Distillery Company. The team at DDC is  what makes it so unique and I am excited to be a part of it again.

“Vintage Saga and DDC are both independent Scottish companies with the same knowledge-centric approach and people-first culture, with committed and passionate employees who contribute hugely to the success of the businesses.

“Exciting times are ahead and I am particularly pleased to be inheriting such a great team as they will be crucial to the ongoing success and future growth of the DDC brands. Under Keir’s tenure, Royal Mile Whiskies has become recognised as one of the great independent UK whisky merchants and this reputation is exactly what we look forward to building with all at DDC.”

Dave Broom, award winning drinks writer, commented:  “Over the past 25 years Royal Mile Whiskies has been an exemplar of a great drinks retail business. It has evolved over time, pioneering new avenues, but the secret to its success is it’s a business run by people who put the customer first. They have not just sold whisky, they have educated, entertained, and advised about it – and other spirits – because they care deeply about what they are selling.

“While this is the end of an era, I’m delighted the firm will remain independent and, importantly, with Iain as the new owner, that it is staying in Scottish hands. I wish Keir all the best in his future ventures, but know that with Arthur at the helm that continuing success will be guaranteed.”

About Dormant Distillery Company Ltd

Keir Sword started the independent bottling business DDC Ltd in 1997 but his focus for the business soon changed when he had the opportunity to buy his former employer, Royal Mile Whiskies.   Royal Mile Whiskies was established in 1991, however, it was in 1997 when Keir Sword, a returning former employee, purchased the shop that it developed into one of the world’s most respected specialist whisky retailers.  Keir added The Cigar Box to the portfolio in 1999, followed by rmw.com in 2000, which made the company one of the very first to retail whisky online.  As sales of ‘other’ spirits had grown steadily, the Drinkmonger brand was added in 2011 with the opening of a retail shop in Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire and then Bruntsfield, Edinburgh later the same year.  The Royal Mile Whiskies Trade department is seen as the pre-eminent wholesaler of specialist spirits into the Scottish bar trade, with an accounts list of some of the very best hospitality venues in Scotland and beyond.   Royal Mile Whiskies’ worldwide reputation is largely due to its knowledgeable team of whisky enthusiasts.    Keir is a Master of the Quaich and is soon to become a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

About Vintage Saga Ltd

Iain McClune is the Founder and Managing Director of Vintage Saga Ltd which is the holding company of Whisky Auctioneer, Wine Auctioneer, Rum Auctioneer and Bright Spirits Lts.   Prior to establishing Whisky Auctioneer, Iain was Manager at Royal Mile Whiskies Edinburgh, a leading independent traditional whisky specialist.  He was listed as One to Watch in The Telegraph’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme in 2020.

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction.  It has come to acclaim in recent years with record breaking auctions of some of the world’s most coveted and collectible whiskies.  Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Perth, Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community. Its industry-leading online platform connects sellers to a global network of buyers, giving passionate whisky lovers access to the most comprehensive selection of rare whisky online.

In 2017, Wine Auctioneer was established offering the same services for mature and rare fine wines and in August 2019, Iain launched Rum Auctioneer, the first dedicated online auction of its kind. The creation of Wine Auctioneer and Rum Auctioneer was prompted by the high levels of demand for buying and selling these products through Whisky Auctioneer.  A simple, accessible, and dedicated platform for selling wine and rum online was missing and we were ideally placed to offer a solution.

The central Scotland headquarters’ success paved the way for expansion into the EU, where Whisky Auctioneer opened an office in Ratheim, Germany in 2020. In 2022, further expansion increased capacity to support the whisky community within the United Kingdom with the opening of a central London office.

International Beverage appoints Malcolm Leask to New Managing Director Role

Leading global drinks business International Beverage Holdings has announced the appointment of long-standing Vice President of Sales Malcolm Leask to the new post of Managing Director.

The producer of premium drinks brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair and Speyburn single malt whiskies will lead a consolidation of all UK operations, including the Inver House Distillers production subsidiary, under the International Beverage banner.

Leask, who has over 25 years of service with the business, is tasked with an ambitious programme of growth and international expansion to build on the success currently enjoyed by the company’s award-winning spirits portfolio.

Mr Leask commented: ‘We are uniting all aspects of our business under the International Beverage banner and planning for what will be a very exciting and dynamic new era of growth, both in the UK and in international markets. 

‘Our premium brands are amongst the very best in the industry and we have much to be proud of when it comes to our track record for quality, innovation and sustainable distilling, not to mention the incredibly dedicated and talented people who work in our business. 

‘I’m very much looking forward to working together with them to build on all of this great work and to achieve even greater things in the future.’

The announcement coincides with news of the planned retiral in early 2023 of Martin Leonard, current Managing Director of Inver House Distillers, after nearly 25 years of service.

Mr Leask added: ‘We owe Martin Leonard an enormous debt of gratitude for his custodianship of our stable of whiskies and gin over the past few years. He has led the Inver House operation with vision and expertise, building the strong foundation our business is built on today. We wish him all the very best when he retires next year.’ 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS

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

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, Scotland’s leading super premium gin
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941

Bacardi Announces Global Marketing Moves

John Burke to Retire as CMO Bacardi
Ned Duggan Promoted to CMO Bacardi and Kathy Parker Expands her Portfolio

Hamilton, Bermuda, September 16, 2022 – Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announces moves within its global marketing leadership. John Burke, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi and President of Bacardi Global Brands Limited, will retire after more than 28 years with the company at the end of 2022. During his tenure, he led many of the company’s leading brands, including most recently BACARDÍ® rum, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouths and sparkling wines, and DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky.

“John is an incredibly strategic marketer who has helped us reinvigorate many brands and keep consumer at the heart of everything that we do. He played an important role in creating a disciplined marketing organization focused on building capabilities and driving brand equity over the years,” says Mahesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited. “Under his leadership, we have seen many magical moments for our brands. He leaves us having imprinted his mark in our story – and a legacy he can be very proud of.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the many opportunities I have been given in my lifetime at Bacardi. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some remarkable people, and I hope I have been able to help them in return. I have loved nurturing our brands to make them stronger and see them grow,” says John Burke. “I am very proud of what we have achieved together and wish Bacardi good fortune and continued success for the future.”

Following John’s retirement, Ned Duggan will be promoted to Global Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi and President of Bacardi Global Brands Limited. Since 2017, Ned has led BACARDÍ® rum, first in market execution in North America and later globally from Bermuda as SVP. In addition to his continued leadership of BACARDÍ rum, he will add MARTINI®, DEWAR’S®, WILLIAM LAWSON’S®, D’USSÉ® Cognac, among others. Ned’s ascension is the culmination of a 17-year-tenure at Bacardi that began as an Assistant Brand Manager. His career has spanned assignments at regional and global levels working on many company brands, including DEWAR’S®, GREY GOOSE®, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, OXLEY®, ST-GERMAIN®, D’USSÉ®, and others. Ned, who will relocate to London, will report to CEO Mahesh Madhavan and joins the Global Leadership Team (GLT).

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CMO at Bacardi,” says Ned Duggan. “I have spent my career at this company, learning from the best and I am thrilled to enter this next phase of my journey working to further develop and grow our renowned portfolio.”

Kathy Parker, President & CMO of GREY GOOSE® vodka and the tequila portfolio, which includes PATRÓN® and CAZADORES®, will add BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin to her remit following John’s retirement. Kathy is a member of the company’s Global Leadership Team and reports to CEO Mahesh Madhavan.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 160 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.