2023 Canadian Whisky Awards Results

VICTORIA, B.C., Jan. 19, 2023 – Canada’s finest whisky is distilled by one of the country’s smallest distilleries.

Results of the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards were announced on January 19th at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C. For the first time in the thirteen-year history of the awards, a regional, artisan producer has taken the top spot.

Following a blind tasting by a panel of nine whisky experts, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze, distilled by North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver Distillery was named Canadian Whisky of the Year, Artisan Producers.

A sweet, fruity whisky, described as spicy, flaming marshmallows, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze also took home overall Canadian Whisky of Year, and All-Rye Whisky of the Year.

Pendleton Directors Reserve, a lush, succulent, chest-warming beauty, was awarded Canadian Whisky of the Year, Large Producers. Pendleton, which specializes in blending whiskies that are distilled in Canada, also walked away with Blended Whisky of the Year and Ultra-Premium Whisky of the Year, Multi-Market.

“The industry has come a long way in the last few years, and it’s reflected in both the calibre of submissions and the range of expressions,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. “In addition to their strong core range of whiskies, distilleries are producing small batches and limited releases, offering an amazing variety of regional profiles. The world has noticed and so has Canadian whisky’s global fan base.”

Other major winners include Crown Royal, Reifel Rye, Yukon Brewers, Lot No. 40, DEVINE Distillery, and Last Straw Distillery, making a near even split of awards earned by Canada’s largest and artisan distillers.

A list of all medals and awards is available HERE

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually since 2010, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. The whiskies are evaluated and scored in blind tasting by an independent panel of whisky exports. The Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

GLENALLACHIE INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE CUVÉE WINE CASK RELEASE

The Speyside distillery combined Scotch whisky aged in casks sourced from four European fine wineries

The GlenAllachie Distillery, spearheaded by Scotch whisky icon Billy Walker, today introduces their latest new product innovation: The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish.

The 9-year-old (UK RRSP £53.99) marries single malt finished in casks that previously held four types of premium European red wine: Languedoc, Recioto Della Valpolicella and two undisclosed Premier Cru Classés.

A French term, ‘Cuvée’ is used in the wine sector to reference a blend that typically comprises more than one variety of grape.

The Speyside-based distillery has applied the description to whisky “by combining single malt matured in wine casks from multiple wineries.”

To accompany the launch campaign, the brand is hosting an exclusive tasting event at luxury department store Harvey Nichols in Leeds today (24^th January).

After primary maturation in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels, the spirit underwent over 20 months of additional aging in the various wine barriques within the distillery’s on-site warehouses.

The casks were expertly obtained from four fine wineries located in world-renowned regions in France and Italy by distinguished whisky maker, Walker, thanks to his exceptional network of connections with niche producers.

Billy Walker

A member of Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame, the esteemed Master Distiller, known for his flair for wood innovation, celebrated reaching a half century’s tenure in the Scotch whisky industry last year.

After Walker determined the finishing period had delivered optimum influence, the whisky was skilfully blended to form the Cuvée Wine Cask Finish.

The Languedoc casks are said to impart notes of “red fruits, sweet spices and garden herbs”; whilst the Recioto Della Valpolicella, produced in Verona, Italy, contributes “ripe cherries, coconut shavings, liquorice and raspberry coulis”; and the Premier Cru Classé wood brings “blackcurrant, espresso coffee and wild truffle” to the table.

Bottled at 48% ABV, the 2012 Vintage bronze liquid is presented without added colouring and unchill-filtered; a philosophy the distillery proudly adopts across all its products.

Remarking on this first launch of 2023, Walker reveals:

“As an impassioned wine enthusiast, devising a Cuvée has been nothing short of a dream project. I’m fortunate to have longstanding relationships with premium wine producers across Europe which has opened doors for us to create a whisky with intricate charm.

“As a blender at heart, identifying wine styles that would sit well together and capture distinctive qualities presented an enjoyable challenge. They say, ‘never mix grape and grain’, but I say this marriage is a match made in heaven.”

The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish (UK RRSP £53.99) will become increasingly available over the coming weeks from global specialist retailers.

TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 2012 Vintage Cuvée Wine Cask Finish – 48% ABV

• Colour: Golden Bronze.
• Nose: Bursting with orange blossom, espresso, maraschino cherries and honeysuckle, with hints of candied stone fruits, hazelnuts, lavender and cinnamon.

• Taste: Waves of dark chocolate, red currants and burnt coffee beans, followed by crystalised almonds, blackberries and orange zest, with ginger and liquorice on the finish.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts over a half-century’s tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2023 stands at an eye-watering £2.7m/$3.3m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4million to around 800,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum – and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES

PENSIVE DISTILLING CO. AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Pensive Distilling Co. in Newport is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Scott Quigley in 2020, Pensive is located at 720 Monmouth Street in downtown Newport and includes a horse-themed restaurant and bar. The distillery was named after Pensive, a famous Calumet Farm racehorse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1944.

Their brands include Pensive 100 Proof Bourbon, Pensive Vodka and Pensive Apple Pie Moonshine.

“The KDA has a special camaraderie and we are thrilled to be part of it,” Quigley said. “Pensive hopes to provide a must-do experience in Kentucky that compliments our neighbors at New Riff, Second Sight, Boone County and the Neeley Family Distillery. We are grateful to be members.”

Master Distiller Corbin Arrasmith said, “We here at Pensive look forward to the opportunity and the camaraderie that the KDA offers. We can’t wait to make Pensive Distilling Company a can’t-miss spot in Northern Kentucky.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said Pensive Distilling Co.’s community involvement and support is emblematic of the Kentucky Bourbon culture.

“By embracing the rich history of Newport and local vendors, Scott and his team have built a neighborhood establishment that brings people together over good food and craft spirits,” Gregory said. “We are excited to welcome them to our growing KDA family.”

Learn more at www.pensivedistilling.com.

Pensive joins KDA as a Craft-level member aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Northern Kentucky, which is a Gateway sponsor of the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience.

Pensive also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

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

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured industries, a booming $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion each year, and pays over $285 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes, more than any other state.

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.

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

Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, the fourth consecutive year that production topped 2 million.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has surged more than 300% in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2021 was more than 1.5 million visits, just below the pre-COVID record of 1.7 million visits in 2019.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

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

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

Elijah Craig Named ‘Official Bourbon’ of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am; Activates Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy

BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY – Elijah Craig Bourbon and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am today announced a multi-year partnership naming Elijah Craig the “Official Bourbon.” One of the fastest growing spirits in the U.S., Elijah Craig has gained a loyal following for its award-winning family of Bourbons and American Whiskeys.

As the Official Bourbon partner, Elijah Craig will be prominently featured on the Triangle Plaza in the heart of Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of three Monterey Peninsula golf courses making up the tournament grounds. At the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy,” spectators can taste the distinctive warm spice & smooth flavor of Elijah Craig Small Batch, enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, and engage in photo opportunities after signing their name on an interactive signature wall. Throughout the course at general concessions, fans can also find Elijah Craig featured in a signature cocktail called “The Kentucky Tea Time,” made using Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, tea and lemonade. Offsite, consumers in the area will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship. Elijah Craig will further support the partnership with an investment in digital advertising and across social media channels.

“Elijah Craig Bourbon celebrates the legend and lore of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament with a shared mindset of striving for greatness,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Group Product Director. “We look forward to creating an experience for players and fans to honor their success over a glass of Elijah Craig.”

One of the most exciting events on the PGA TOUR, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is contested annually in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers. The tournament’s field  features a unique mix of professional and amateur golfers , including many celebrities. All tournament proceeds benefit charities throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.

Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO and Tournament Director, Steve John, added “World class golf and award-winning Bourbon go hand and hand. A signature Elijah Craig cocktail is the perfect accompaniment when enjoying the tournament at Pebble Beach. The Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy is wonderful addition to the fan experience at Triangle Plaza.”

With golf fans twice as likely to drink Bourbon compared to the average consumer, the Elijah Craig Bourbon partnership with AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am offers a strong fit for the brand as it continues to make a name for itself in the world. The annual campaign extends the fan experience beyond the course including premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media, consumer contests, and in-store displays rounding out the 360-degree program. The brand also is proud to be named “The Official Bourbon” of PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Max Homa.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern-day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Today, Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $300,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Speyside Whisky Festival to make a spirited return in 2023

Internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced its return in spring 2023 – with the highly coveted tickets going on sale this Friday (27 JAN).

Taking place from 26^th April to 1^st May, this annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to Speyside each year since its creation in 1999.

With ticket previews available from Wednesday 25^th January, this year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs, to the whisky novice.

From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place throughout the scenic region of Speyside – the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland – located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country.

Supported by Speyside businesses, communities, members and locals, it is this master blend of talent from the iconic whisky making region that makes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year. Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.

To mark the distillery’s 125^th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador. Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn, and of course, enjoy a dram or two of Speyburn’s award-winning single malt.

With over 500 events planned for this year’s Festival, other highlights include:

• Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
• Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
• Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
• 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.

George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.

“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.

“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.  I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”

Tickets for the festival’s top events will be available at the time of launch on 27^th January, with previews beginning the 25^th.  Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their spot in popular and exclusive activities.

For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year.. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. With a programme of over 700 whisky-inspired events over 6 days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

The team behind the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings another fantastic event to the sampling table – Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers, gin crafters and there will be lots of local food on offer.

GLEN SCOTIA UNVEILS NEW LIMITED-EDITION 21-YEAR-OLD

 Latest offering adds another exceptional release to Glen Scotia’s award-winning range

Carefully crafted using the finest refill bourbon barrels and refill oak hogsheads

Expression will champion the prevailing spirit of Campbeltown and bridge the gap between the distillery’s 18-year-old and globally recognised 25-year-old

 Award-winning Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has today unveiled its latest expression, a 21-year-old single malt (46% ABV, £265).

The new limited-edition – 2,500 bottles to be released globally each year– begins a new aged-statement release from the distillery on Scotland’s west coast, as it continues to champion the renaissance of the town once known as the Victorian whisky capital of the world.

Aged in a combination of refill bourbon barrels and refill American oak hogsheads, the finest of which have been personally selected by Glen Scotia’s expert team, before a six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, this elegant addition to Glen Scotia’s range is a smooth and aromatic dram ideal for whisky connoisseurs.

The Oloroso sherry finish adds perfumed floral notes, creating a delicately aromatic dram while preserving the signature distillery character of rich fruits, hints of Atlantic sea spray, and subtle maritime nuances. Glen Scotia’s 21-year-old is an exceptional single malt that delivers the true character of a refined and classic Campbeltown whisky.

The liquid has been matured to bridge the gap between Glen Scotia’s 18-year-old and its 25-year-old, which won the ‘Best in Class’ and therefore Best in the World, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 out of 3,800 entrants.

The remarkable new release comes presented in Glen Scotia’s premium bottle in deep hues of purple and gold. An elegant metal coin of the Glen Scotia entwined ‘GS’ logo is set into the shoulder of the bottle, which is presented in a solid display box ideal for collectors or gifting to someone special.

Glen Scotia’s origins date back to 1832 and, although one of the smallest Scotch whisky distilleries, it operates using a combination of traditional equipment and practices but with a forward-looking approach. Its team are dedicated to producing world-class single malts that attract interest from around the world and are helping to put Campbeltown firmly back on the map.

Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, Iain McAlister, said: “Our new 21-year-old is a single malt whisky of exceptional character, and the ideal dram to celebrate the prevailing spirit of Campbeltown.

“Being recognised as ‘Best in Show’ for the Glen Scotia 25-year-old was a hugely important moment in our history and an indication of how we have looked to bring the distillery into the modern age while not losing the authenticity of a great Campbeltown malt. We knew then that we wanted to create another special release for our fans around the world, and the 21-year-old is a middle sibling to the much-loved 18-year-old and the world’s best whisky.

“The Glen Scotia 21-year-old still has that wonderful interplay with the Oloroso sherry finishing cask, but with a shorter finishing time (six months) than the 18-year-old, which enables the underlying signature distillery character you get from the 25-year-old to really shine through proudly. We hope to be able to release a new batch each year.

“Like all good things, it has taken us a bit of time, but we are delighted with the result and can’t wait to see what people think.  One of the things I am most grateful for at Glen Scotia is our fantastic and supportive fan base, which continues to grow around the world – it’s very humbling. We sincerely hope they like this latest edition to the Glen Scotia family.”

Non-chilled filtered and natural in colour, the liquid has been bottled at 46% ABV, and is available to buy from the Glen Scotia online store (www.glenscotia.com) and worldwide through specialist retailers, priced at £265 RRP.

To find out more visit: www.glenscotia.com/products/21-year-old-single-malt-whisky

• Nose: sweet perfumed oloroso, spiced red apple, peppercorns with a soft signature Campbeltown aroma.
• Palette: baked red apples, plump raisins, a journey of cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and spice. Soft creamy vanilla, toffee, and sea spray.
• Finish: long, complex, and incredibly balanced, with a lingering touch of sea salt and sherry dryness.

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. The distillery team benefit from a huge history of whisky knowledge passed down through the generations of the town, carefully crafting the unique Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across 31 categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. In addition to this, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards, an accolade it received just seven months after being crowned as the ‘Best in Show.’

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Instagram: @glenscotiamalts

Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

An exclusive opportunity to taste the yet-to-be-released single malt from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., in collaboration with Adam Handling, before its general release.

(London 23rd January 2023) The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., creator of the world’s Best Irish Single Malt of 2022, has launched its first cocktail made in collaboration with pioneering chef Adam Handling in anticipation of the release of its latest single malt, The Donn. In celebration of Irish Coffee Day, guests will have an exclusive, one-day-only opportunity to order an Irish Coffee, made to Adam Handling’s recipe and using The Donn.

The famed and beloved Irish Coffee will be on the menu of Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly in St.Ives and The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor on 25th January 2023 in celebration of Irish Coffee Day and in all restaurants of the Adam Handling Group on St Patrick’s Day, including Michelin-starred Frog and Eve Bar in Covent Garden.

This definitive Irish Coffee recipe using The Donn is featured in Adam Handling’s recently released cocktail cookbook, Perfect, Three Cherries. Featuring innovative recipes for delicious cocktails, this luxurious book showcases the passion for sustainability that lies behind many of the cutting edge and inventive creations. With recipes, cocktail histories, drink styles, glassware, techniques, lab equipment, and even different types of ice, Perfect, Three Cherries highlights Adam’s drive to promote the very best of the British cocktail scene and his zero-waste ethos.

The Donn is the yet-to-be-released single malt from the award-winning The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The company’s inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, was recently judged to be the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2022, while its second ultra-rare single malt attracted unprecedented attention at auction in 2021, selling for £2,000,000 to become the world’s most expensive whiskey. The Donn is its latest Irish single malt, a triple distilled game-changer that spent just under seven years in an unparalleled four different styles of cask. From Bourbon barrels to the same ex-Tawny Port barrels used for The Devil’s Keep, to deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian Oak barrels and small 68L Pedro Ximénez barrels, The Donn has taken a journey that imparted an abundance of rich notes and a luxuriously full-bodied mouthfeel.

Rich, with notes of dark chocolate and caramel, The Donn’s layers of flavour and creamy mouthfeel make it the ideal companion for a warming Irish coffee but this will be on the menu for one day only – 25th January. This collaboration between Adam Handling and The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is also the first-ever opportunity for whiskey fans to experience The Donn in this way and reservations are extremely limited, so guests are advised to book now to secure a table for 25th January.

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is on a mission to restore Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, elevating its potential as a luxury product. Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born from a desire to return premium Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. No expense is spared, no corners are cut.

In 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. became the most highly awarded new company of the year amassing a total of 17 awards across both Taste and Design for four of its ultra-rare whiskey releases. In 2022, the company continued this award-winning streak, adding the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards for The Devil’s Keep, and a perfect score to achieve Platinum at the A’Design Awards for The Emerald Isle. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the exclusive Michelin Plaque Distribution Partner for The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2022.

Michelin UK venue partners include: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, The Waterside Inn, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Grantley Hall, City Social, Kitchen Table and Frog by Adam Handling.

Other partner venues include Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Park Row, Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly and The Ned.

For more information visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com

Speyside Whisky Festival to make a spirited return in 2023

Internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced its return in spring 2023 – with the highly coveted tickets going on sale this Friday (27 JAN).

Taking place from 26^th April to 1^st May, this annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to Speyside each year since its creation in 1999.

With ticket previews available from Wednesday 25^th January, this year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs, to the whisky novice.

From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place throughout the scenic region of Speyside – the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland – located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country.

Supported by Speyside businesses, communities, members and locals, it is this master blend of talent from the iconic whisky making region that makes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year. Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.

To mark the distillery’s 125^th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador. Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn, and of course, enjoy a dram or two of Speyburn’s award-winning single malt.

With over 500 events planned for this year’s Festival, other highlights include:

• Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
• Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
• Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
• 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.

George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.

“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.

“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.  I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”

Tickets for the festival’s top events will be available at the time of launch on 27^th January, with previews beginning the 25^th.  Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their spot in popular and exclusive activities.

For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year.. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. With a programme of over 700 whisky-inspired events over 6 days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

The team behind the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings another fantastic event to the sampling table – Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers, gin crafters and there will be lots of local food on offer.

WHITE DOG TRADING & STORAGE

ADVANCES TO HERITAGE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that White Dog Trading & Storage in Woodford County has advanced to the rank of “Heritage” member, the highest level in the non-profit group that unites and leads the state’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry.

Located at 167 McKinney Avenue in Midway, White Dog becomes the KDA’s 15th Heritage member, which comes with an expanded leadership role in the 142-year-old trade association, including a full voting seat on its visionary Board of Directors that helps guide the future of the iconic industry.

White Dog is licensed as a Class B distiller in Kentucky. Founded in 2016, it offers state-of-the-art storage and full-service barrel procurement services, specializing in sourcing, storing aged whiskey and brand consultation to help brands and non-producing distillers craft their future.

KDA President Eric Gregory said with production, procurement and storage in high-demand right now, White Dog’s potential for growth is unlimited. “White Dog’s business model makes them a vital resource for anyone getting into distilling right now,” he said.

“The leadership at White Dog is constantly identifying challenges in our industry and rising to meet them,” Gregory said. “We are excited by their growth, progress and plans for the future, and applaud their commitment to upholding the integrity of our beloved Bourbon heritage.”

“We look forward to welcoming White Dog to our leadership ranks.”

White Dog President Tyler Harris said, “We are honored to be moving up to Heritage level membership and working more with Eric and his talented team at the KDA. They have been a tremendous asset and driving force in the growth and long-term success to keep Kentucky at the forefront as America’s Native Spirit.”

To qualify as a Heritage member, distilleries must have at least 50,000 barrels of distilled spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, although White Dog qualified under a 25,000 barrel requirement when it joined the KDA in 2020 as a “Proof” level member for medium-sized distilleries.

Learn more at www.whitedogllc.com.

Other KDA Heritage members include Bardstown Bourbon Company, Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Castle & Key, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Louisville Distilling Company, Lux Row, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail and Willett.

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

Bourbon is one of Kentucky’s most treasured industries, a booming $9 billion economic and tourism engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion each year, and pays over $285 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

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.

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

Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, the fourth year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has surged more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2021 was more than 1.5 million, just below the pre-COVID record of 1.7 million in 2019.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

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

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

Bimber Distillery reveals The Spirit of the Underground Release No.4

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the launch of the fourth release of its well-regarded The Spirit of the Underground Collection, produced in conjunction with Transport for London (TfL).

Release No.4 showcases four new stations: Covent Garden, Green Park, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus – each featuring stunning iconography presenting unique pieces of London’s history, and adorned with striking labels and packaging design that observes the significance of each station’s location. The collection also complements TfL’s celebrations of the 160^th anniversary of the opening of the Tube this month.

In contrast to the fortified wine finishes of Release No.3, the latest editions all focus on full-term maturations. Drawing from the distillery’s finest casks, they present the distinctiveness of Bimber’s spirit alongside an intensity that has been derived from impactfully active maturations within each cask. Each is bottled at natural cask strength and without filtration:

Covent Garden – fully matured in oloroso sherry, 59.2% abv, 321 bottles

Green Park – fully matured in moscatel sherry, 59.4% abv, 285 bottles

Leicester Square – fully matured in virgin American oak, 60.3% abv, 271 bottles

Piccadilly Circus – fully matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry, 62.1%, 314 bottles

The Collection, which will total 44 individual releases, features a selection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With stunning individual designs, each bottle presents a different Tube station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world. The Tube opened on 10 January 1863, with services running on the then named Metropolitan Railway from Baker Street to Paddington.

Release No.4 of The Spirit of the Underground Collection will be available directly from Bimber’s Spirit of the Underground website from Monday 23^rd January till Friday 27^th January via a ballot, and with an RRP of £125 per bottle.

Speaking of the launch of  the fourth release of the Collection, Matt McKay Bimber’s Director of Marketing and Communications said: “We’re delighted to unveil the next release in The Spirit of the Underground Collection. For Release no.4, we’ve aligned the four single cask whiskies with four iconic Underground stations which all sit alongside each other on London’s Piccadilly line – the adjacency reflecting the full-term maturation and shared intensities that these exceptional casks all showcase. ”

Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing Manager at TfL, said: “We are delighted to once again see Bimber Distillery use our unique brand and heritage in such a creative way, especially as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of London’s first Tube service this January. Collaborations like this show just how innovatively our designs can be used to bring new ideas and our history together for customers across the world.”

All the expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.

The Spirit of the Underground Collection – Release No.4

The Spirit of the Underground – Covent Garden

Ex-oloroso sherry cask – Ref 441 

Nose: Warmed fudge cake served alongside a bowl of freshly picked raspberries joins mirabelle plums, sponge cake and stem ginger

Palate: A syrupy arrival packed full of sticky toffee pudding, red berry compote and chocolate sauce. Spice tingle through the development – ginger, cinnamon and chilli pepper

Finish: Lingering berry fruit sugars together with piquant spices

321 bottles

70cl

59.2% abv

The Spirit of the Underground – Green Park

Ex-moscatel sherry cask – Ref 443

Nose: Baked apples and peach melba join tonka and coffee beans whilst macadamia nuts are scattered atop of gingerbread

Palate: An elegant combination of orchard and stone fruits that develops into orange jelly, pineapple chunks and chocolate and vanilla choux buns

Finish: Sustained brown sugars together with mentholated oakiness 

285 bottles

70cl

58.4% ABV

The Spirit of the Underground – Leicester Square

Virgin American oak – Ref 331

Nose: Smooth toffee and desiccated coconut sit with pineapple juice and apricot flans whilst brown sugars and nougat are joined by freshly planed oak

Palate: An intense arrival of stone and tropical fruits supported by burnt toffee, cask char, chilli and mustard seeds

Finish: Long with residual fruits joined by tingly pepper and root ginger

271 bottles

70cl

60.3% ABV

The Spirit of the Underground – Piccadilly Circus

Ex-Pedro Ximenez Sherry – Ref 436

Nose: Sticky toffee pudding and Black Forest gateau are joined by leafy sherry – fresh red and black berries, moist tobacco leaves and new chamois leather

Palate: Rich and fulsome with fruit-packed Christmas cake, gooey toffee, coffee grounds and dark chocolate. Fruit loaf follows with cherries, ginger, clove and a drizzle of balsamic

Finish: Prolonged with fresh sherry sweetness, green leafiness and fading chocolate

314 bottles

70cl

62.1% ABV

About Bimber 

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

About Transport for London 

Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and Elizabeth line services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs. The licensing deal for this product was delivered through TSBA Group, TfL’s brand licensing partner.