The Royal Ranthambore Whisky

One of the largest distilleries in India, Radico Khaitan (NSE: RADICO.NS) has recently launched The Royal Ranthambore Whisky in May 2022 and is in distribution across the U.S.  The product has earned the Spiritz Achiever’s Award 2021 for Product Debut of the Year Award as well as the Grand Gold Quality Award from Monde Selection.

The Royal Ranthambore whisky consists of blended malt scotches from different geographical regions of Scotland. The whisky is made with rare scotch grains from 100% malted barley, and was carefully blended with oak infused Indian Grain Neutral Spirit.

The history of Radico Khaitan (75+ years) as it remains one of the largest, oldest, and top distilleries in India to date. The outlook on the U.S. adult beverage industry and how it has changed over the years, focusing on product development and consumer trends. The line of Radico luxury products including the newest heritage whisky collection – the Royal Ranthambore.

Mr. Sanjeev Banga

Is the President of Radico Khaitan’s International Business sector, spearheading the global reach since 2008. Radico brands are available in over 85 countries. He has been instrumental in the growth and premiumization journey of the Company by creating luxury brands like Rampur Indian Single Malt.

About Radico Khaitan Limited

Radico Khaitan Limited (RKL) is one of the oldest and the largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in India. With over 75 years of experience in spirits making, Radico Khaitan has evolved from being just a distiller of spirits for others to a leading IMFL company with a highly reputable brand portfolio. One of the country’s most prestigious and valuable companies with a strong brand portfolio, Radico Khaitan Limited is also one of the largest providers of branded IMFL to the Canteen Stores Department (“CSD”), which has significant business barriers to entry. The company has been successfully building its brand equity in international markets and currently exports its products to over 85 countries.

The Company currently has two distilleries- Rampur Distillery in Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) and Radico NV Distilleries Maharashtra Limited, a joint venture with RNV in Aurangabad (Maharashtra). The company has a total capacity of over 157 million litres and operates 28 bottling units, spread across the country.

All the leading publications including The Economic Times, Business Today Magazine, The Financial Express, Business Standard, Forbes and Fortune listed Radico Khaitan Limited among the top 500 in the list of India’s most valuable companies. In one of the significant achievements in 2020, when the entire industry and the economy were trying to overcome numerous challenges, Radico Khaitan managed to become a Fortune 500 company as well.

#RoyalRathamboreWhisky

Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskey Production is Thriving as $1.2 Billion Expansion Continues 

In the last five years, Buffalo Trace has increased supplies to consumers by 50% due to increased distillation and aging warehouse capacity

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 30, 2022) Buffalo Trace Distillery is on track to produce more bourbon than ever before as progress on its expansion project continues. Nine years ago, expansion at Buffalo Trace Distillery began to meet growing consumer demand for its products, and to date those efforts have resulted in an increase in whiskey making at the Distillery of 50 percent. In the coming years that number is projected to double with the completion of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s additional still house.

The $1.2 billion expansion encompasses all operations at Buffalo Trace Distillery, starting with a new distribution center and bottling operation in 2015 and 2019. More recently, the Distillery added 14 new barrel warehouses, 12 additional fermenters, additional cookers, a new cooling system and tripled the size of its visitor center. In 2022, Buffalo Trace’s additional dry house, hammer mill, additional still house and wastewater treatment plant have been constructed and will be operational by the end of this year.

The newly constructed still house will begin operating in December 2022 and allows Buffalo Trace to double its production. The second still house is located adjacent to Buffalo Trace’s existing 1930s still house and contains a duplicate still of Buffalo Trace’s existing still, standing 40 feet tall and having the capacity of 60,000 gallons a day.

“We’re finishing the electrical work in the new still house now, and then will move into commissioning it for test runs in the next few weeks. If all goes as planned, we will start production before the end of this year. We are excited to double our distillation capacity so we can bring more bourbons to our fans,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller.

The wastewater treatment plant will process 1.2 million gallons of water per day. “It’s rare to see this much money invested in a standalone, sophisticated wastewater treatment plant.  I am excited to see its start up because it truly demonstrates Buffalo Trace Distillery’s commitment to protecting the Commonwealth’s water,” said Steve Tolliver, president of Aqua Utility Services, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s regional wastewater operator. The treatment plant will be comprised of a moving bed biofilm reactor, allowing wastewater to be treated efficiently and maintain water quality standards. Wastewater will be treated and disinfected so it’s clean enough to release into the Penitentiary Branch, which leads to the Kentucky River.

“We appreciate our fan’s patience as we’ve been laying down the foundation to produce more American Whiskey than we ever have before,” said Sara Saunders, vice president, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We are still catching up to consumer demand and though our bourbons can be hard to find at times, more is coming! When our new still starts early next year we will double our production…. And then we wait for it to age because one thing we will not do is cut any quality corners by lowering proof or age. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality whiskey at fair prices.”

In addition to increased production, the expansion has added 200 production-focused jobs at Buffalo Trace Distillery over the past four years. With the continued capacity increases, there will be up to 50 more jobs added in the coming few years.

To see photos from Buffalo Trace Distillery expansion efforts over the past year click here.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES NEW MASTER BLENDER

Wednesday 31^st August – Edrington, the international premium spirits company has announced the appointment of a new Master Blender for The Famous Grouse.

Craig Johnstone is a Scot who brings nineteen years of industry experience to the role in the UK and most recently in Tasmania. He returns to Scotland to take on one of the most prestigious roles in the industry as the blender behind the UK’s No 1 Whisky.

Craig follows in the footsteps of renowned Master Blenders including Gordon Motion and Kirsteen Campbell. The 37-year-old has become one of a select few people who know the unique blend of whiskies that combine to form Scotland’s favourite whisky and holder of a Royal Warrant.

The role will be based at Edrington’s famous ‘106 Sample Room’ in Glasgow, where an estimated 11,000 samples of single malts, grains and blends are stored and where a team of blenders nose up to 600 samples a day to guarantee the aroma, flavour and character of The Famous Grouse blend.

After completing a degree in astrophysics, Craig’s first job was as a Scotch Whisky distillery tour guide. The experience led him to focus his ambitions on the industry and develop an interest in sustainability in spirits distillation.

As Master Blender, Craig will work with the Edrington team to develop new sustainability practices within the whisky making and blending processes.

Edrington recently announced a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2045, with an ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions and has joined the Carbon Disclosure Project, the gold standard of environmental reporting.

Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse, said: “Craig is a talented master blender and his experience and passion for the brand and for exploring new ideas in sustainability will help us to build on the global success of The Famous Grouse and also rise to the challenge of our Net Zero ambitions.”

Commenting on his new role, Craig said: “It is a privilege to be Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and to be part of the team that are the current custodians of this amazing brand. This beloved Scotch Whisky has played a prominent role in my life, part of so many celebrations with family and friends – just the aroma gives me a sense of being back home. I’m looking forward to delivering the high quality and character that is expected of The Famous Grouse and continuing the legacy of this well-loved whisky.”

About The Famous Grouse

www.thefamousgrouse.com

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4 standard blended scotch whisky worldwide (*IWSR value data 2021).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in Scotland, the home of Scotch whisky, since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• The Famous Grouse was founded by Matthew Gloag who started blending whisky in the 1890s and was launched officially in 1897 as a reward to be enjoyed after a day in the Scottish countryside amongst friends.

About Edrington

Edrington’s vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, Noble Oak bourbon and Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic. Edrington also has strategic partnerships with No.3 London Dry Gin and Wyoming Whiskey in the American Whiskey category.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed overseas. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements.

Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £322 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence.

FETTERCAIRN’S WAREHOUSE COLLECTION UNVEILS 4^TH RELEASE

The experimental series explores Fettercairn’s distinctive tropical house style born from the unique copper cooling ring distillation

Warehouse Collection has been crafted by pioneering Whisky Maker Gregg Glass

Batch No.004 born in Warehouse 2 delivers cracked pepper on the nose, and sweet Hungarian Oak on the palate

Fettercairn Distillery has announced the much anticipated fourth release of its hugely popular and sought-after Warehouse Collection, created by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass to celebrate the hidden gems within its 14 dunnage warehouses and to showcase a commitment to truly innovative and progressive maturation.

Distilled in 2014, Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No. 004 has been matured in handpicked first fill ex-Bourbon barrels, alongside re-charred Hungarian wine oak casks. This unconventional selection of casks was selected from the treasure trove of aging stock in Warehouse 2, where high humidity combined with a relatively cool and temperate environment make its mark on the maturing spirit and tropical house style.

Natural golden honey in colour, non-chill filtered and bottled at 48.8% ABV to intentionally amplify the flavours of the maturation journey, this definitive character begins on the nose with Madagascan vanilla, poached pears and cracked pepper, leading to flavours of toffee, honey and rich nuttiness.  With a vibrant yet elegant balance of honey dew melon, passion fruit, burnished citrus and sweet oak wood, this is a surprisingly tropical treat with soft spice for added depth.

Born in Warehouse 2, a personal favourite of Gregg Glass, Batch No.004 was matured in a unique environment – humid, cool and temperate – which allowed the whisky maker to enhance specific aspects of Fettercairn’s tropical character and balance the influence of each cask.

The Warehouse Collection celebrates the unconventional approach to whisky making pioneered by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the whisky making community at this unique distillery:

“At Fettercairn we have had an opportunity to take a different perspective on whisky making.  The ingenuity of our unique copper cooling ring produces a brilliant and tropical new make spirit.

“Each warehouse is unique too, which allows myself – as whisky maker – to play with the influence on the whisky as it matures.

“Our Warehouse Collection offers a window into the unconventional approach that we take here at Fettercairn. In many ways we are still exploring different aspects of Fettercairn’s tropical distillery character. Each experiment we lay down plays with the balance of nature, nurture and the character of each unique warehouse. Batch No.004 is a one-off expression that showcases Fettercairn in a new, unexpected way, which we hope will delight admirers of our distillery”.

Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No.004 will be available at an RSP of £60 in key global markets including  the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France from September.

Discover Fettercairn :  Rare, Pure & Enlightened

Tasting notes

Nose: Notes of Madagascan vanilla, poached pears and cracked pepper

Taste: Toffee, honey and rich nuttiness. Vibrant yet elegant balance of honey dew melon, passion fruit, burnished citrus and sweet oak wood.

www.fettercairnwhisky.com

Facebook @fettercairnwhisky

Instagram @fettercairnwhisky

Twitter @FettercairnWh

About Fettercairn

Driven by an enlightened ethos at the heart of our distilling philosophy since 1824, today Fettercairn Distillery lives by a long-standing commitment to unfettered thinking.

We’re not like other distilleries and we’ve never been afraid to tread our own path.  It’s only by defying convention, tradition and expectation, we can adopt an enlightened and progressive approach.

Take our cooling ring, our home grown Scottish oak and single estate whiskies, the special collaboration with 200 local farmers, the Warehouse 2 Collection. And not forgetting the unicorn on our bottle!

Our vision is future facing, so we don’t need to look back to move forward.  But ultimately, all of this leads to an unwavering commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future for whisky making.

We are Fettercairn; the home of enlightened whisky making. 

www.fettercairnwhisky.com

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.

Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio. 

Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.

Highland Park adds new whisky to award-winning Cask Strength series 

— Cask Strength Release No.3 celebrates the harmonious balance of traditional whisky-making and modern flavour exploration — 

EMBARGOED: LONDON, UK – 01.09.2022: Orkney-based single malt distillery, Highland Park, has added a new whisky to its award-winning Cask Strength series, designed to challenge whisky drinking norms. The range strikes a harmonious balance between the traditional whisky-making craft, while encouraging flavour exploration to suit individual palates.

Launching as a permanent addition to the Highland Park range and created using the traditional ‘straight from the cask’ method, Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.3 is whisky in its purest form. No water is added after maturation which delivers a robust and intense flavour with a greater depth of finish.

Cask Strength Release No.3 uses whisky made with a higher proportion of Orkney peated malt resulting in a smokier style compared to the other single malts in the series. It has been matured predominantly in first-fill sherry seasoned American and European oak casks and a small quantity of refill casks. The result is an extraordinary combination of contrasting yet perfectly balanced flavours of charred oak, tropical fruits, aniseed, heather honey, vanilla cream, aromatic violet, sponge cake and peat smoke.

Highland Park, Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion champions this style of whisky as an opportunity for flavour discovery. Gordon explains:

“With Cask Strength, you are at a great place to start exploring the taste that best suits your palate by adding water, ice or your preferred serve. It’s your whisky and should be enjoyed your way. 

“For me, a Cask Strength whisky really celebrates that balance between old and new and I look forward to seeing how consumers enjoy the new whisky.”

The Highland Park Cask Strength series, a prestige offering within the portfolio, has been created by bringing together dozens of single casks. The whisky is at full strength, straight from the cask, and has only been gently filtered before bottling.

The releases within the Cask Strength range share the same underlying character but with each batch featuring different flavours coming to the fore based on the cask make-up. The ABV will also vary from batch to batch.

Release No.1 was matured predominantly in sherry seasoned American oak casks of different ages, delivering a harmonious contrast of flavours of toffee, heather, honey, and peat smoke. Release No. 2 was matured predominantly in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and a small quantity of ex-bourbon casks, producing tastes of pear and almond cake, toasted oak, liquorice, cracked black pepper, aromatic peat.

Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.3 will become available globally from 1^st September across specialist whisky retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Shop, and from the Highland Park online shop, distillery, and Albert Street store in Orkney. The UK RRP is £65.

About Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.3:

UK RRP: £65

ABV: 64.1%

Volume: Available in 70cl and 75cl depending on region

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Natural deep golden

Taste: Lightly charred oak, honey-glazed lemons, crushed aniseed, ripe mango, cloudy heather honey, whipped vanilla cream, aromatic violet, pink grapefruit zest, rich sponge cake, smouldering peat smoke. 

Key differences between the whiskies of the Cask Strength series: 

Cask Strength Release No.3:

Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.3 has been matured predominantly in first-fill sherry seasoned American and European oak casks and a small quantity of refill casks using a higher proportion of Orkney peated malt for a smokier flavour profile. 

Cask Strength Release No.2:

Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.2 was matured predominantly in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and a small quantity of ex-bourbon casks. Which delivered tastes of pear and almond cake, toasted oak, liquorice, cracked black pepper, aromatic peat. 

Cask Strength Release No.1:

Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.1 was matured predominantly in sherry seasoned American oak casks of different ages which delivered tastes of toffee, heather honey, nutmeg, citrus fruits and aromatic peat smoke.

Recent awards:

• Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters
• Scored 95/100 as a finalist at the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

What is a cask strength whisky?

Most whiskies are diluted with water prior to bottling to reduce the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) strength, typically to 40% or 43%. Cask strength is a term used to describe a whisky that has not had water added when it is bottled after maturation in casks. Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.1 and Cask Strength Release No.2 has been created by bringing together dozens of single casks. The whisky is at full strength, straight from the cask and has only been gently filtered prior to bottling.

About Highland Park:

We’ve been crafting our award-winning whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney since 1798. Now, 224 years later, we are one of the ten oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Age, experience and respect for tradition may define our whisky but it’s Orkney that differentiates it. Something magic happens here and we call it A Wild Harmony.

It’s not just the influence of the finest sherry seasoned oak casks on our whisky at it matures, it’s the salty sea winds that batter Orkney’s rugged coastlines, the intensely floral character of our treeless but heather-rich peat, and the fiercely independent Viking spirit that drives us. These are the elements that go, untamed, into our whisky-making to create a wild harmony of sweet-smoky flavours that is, uniquely, Highland Park. www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® | Class of 2022 Inductees

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® To Induct 

Six New Members In September 

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® will induct six individuals into its elite ranks next month, including two distillery founders, influential lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, a groundbreaking industry veteran and the acclaimed grandson of a Bourbon baron.

The Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed on the late Stephen Francis Thompson, founder and president of Kentucky Artisan Distillery, who unexpectedly died in 2021 after an accident. He was 79 years old.

“Since we lost the past two years to COVID-19, this is officially the 20th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, whiskey’s most spirited honor,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which founded the Hall of Fame in 2001.

“Congratulations to this year’s esteemed class which celebrates the visionaries, artisans and partners that have made Kentucky Bourbon – and our beloved Commonwealth – the gold standard of American whiskey. And, on behalf of our industry, a heartfelt thank you.”

This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order (full bios, as provided by each inductee, are attached via the below link:

·     Retiring Rep. D. Chad McCoy, R-Bardstown, Majority Whip, Kentucky House of Representatives, two-time recipient of the KDA’s “100 Proof” award for public service and champion of several landmark pieces of legislation.

·     The late Stephen Francis Thompson, Founder and President, Kentucky Artisan Distillery (Lifetime Achievement Award), former president of Brown-Forman Distilleries and a pioneering resource for craft distilleries across the country.

·     Julian P. Van Winkle, III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, heralded grandson of Bourbon legend Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, creator of the ultra-aged premium Pappy Van Winkle brand and the very first James Beard winner from Kentucky, as well as numerous other accolades.

·     Andrea Marie Wilson, distinguished industry veteran, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Master of Maturation at Michter’s Distillery, and in 2009, the first woman to chair the KDA Board of Directors.

·     Retiring U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, Co-Founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus and Chair of the House Budget Committee who helped lead a permanent reduction on the federal excise tax on distillers among other key measures.

·     Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Whiskey Maker and CEO, Rabbit Hole Distillery, left Iran in 1979 during the revolution and founded Rabbit Hole in 2012. He blends the immigrant whiskey maker tradition with time-honored methods, diverse perspectives and modernist aesthetics.

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry.

The invitation-only ceremony will be held Sept. 13 at My Old Kentucky Home state park in Bardstown, Ky., one of the state’s most revered historic sites. It is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which runs Sept. 16-18 in Bardstown.

Following the induction ceremony, there will be an exclusive reception sponsored by Independent Stave Company, a KDA “Champion” level industry member. ISC President & CEO Brad Boswell and his father, John, are both Hall of Fame members.

The two-year break due to the pandemic allowed the KDA to evaluate its Hall of Fame processes and protocols, Gregory said. The prestigious event is known for its intimate celebration of the industry’s most revered champions and attracts dignitaries from around the world.

This year, for the first time ever, a blue-ribbon committee of renowned Hall of Fame members reviewed and selected inductees. Candidates are nominated each year by the KDA and its member distilleries in three categories: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.

The selection committee includes all living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award: Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller of Wild Turkey; Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands and Even Kulsveen, Executive Director of Willett Distillery.

Also serving were Kevin Smith, Chairman of the KDA Board of Directors and Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs for Beam Suntory; Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ – Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society and Vice President and Master Distiller at Brown-Forman Corp.; and noted author Dixie Hibbs of Bardstown, who was appointed by the KDA President.

The KDA also commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr., of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, oak, copper and water.

A student of the late famed glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell at Centre College in Danville, Ky., White’s work has been recognized nationally, including at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at several distilleries in Kentucky.

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

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

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 435% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels in 2020 alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

“We look forward to seeing all our living legends next month and celebrating the best of the best of our historic industry and toasting our success,” Gregory said. “Thanks to our partners at Independent Stave Company and our distinguished members.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact KDA President Eric Gregory at eric@kybourbon.com.

Bios, as provided by each inductee, are below in alphabetical order:

Rep. D. Chad McCoy~ Late Stephen Francis Thompson + Red ~ Julian P. Van Winkle, III~ Andrea Marie Wilson ~ U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth ~ Kaveh Zamanian

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent 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. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

THE WORLD’S RAREST JAPANESE WHISKY REDISCOVERED

The World’s Rarest Japanese Whisky, Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt Japanese Whisky from Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd will be released and distributed worldwide by Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd from 13th September 2022.

Shirakawa 1958 is a single malt whisky from the lost Japanese distillery, Shirakawa, which was located 200km North of Tokyo, Japan. The whisky produced was rumoured to be exquisite, but destined only for blending and never to be captured as a single malt until now, with a collaboration between Tomatin Distillery and Takara Shuzo. This remarkable and incredibly rare expression will be the only official single malt bottling from Shirakawa Distillery; limited to 1,500 bottles globally and is the earliest single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

“There are no known examples of Japanese Whisky claiming to be from a Single Vintage that predate Shirakawa 1958,” confirms Stefan van Eycken, the pre-eminent authority on the world of Japanese whisky and distilling. “Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, the liquid was never officially available as a single malt. This limited 1,500 bottle release will see the Japanese Whisky category, one of the most sought-after categories of spirit in the world, continue to grow from strength to strength”

The Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu and purchased by Takara Shuzo in 1947. Operating for nearly six and a half decades, it produced malt whisky between 1951 – 1969, one of the first distilleries in Japan to do so. The vast majority of the whisky produced was used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand. The Shirakawa Distillery then was demolished in 2003.

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. had become intrigued by parent company Takara Shuzo’s history of malt whisky production in Japan and why so little was known about this aspect of the company’s history. Determined to uncover more, he pieced together anecdotal information from previous employees about whisky production and searched for long lost documents that might shed some light on Shirakawa’s single malt Japanese whisky making past.

The final remaining parcel was identified in Takara Shuzo’s Kurokabegura in 2019. The liquid had been distilled in 1958, aged in cask, then transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery. When Shirakawa closed, it was put into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo’s factory in Kyushu where it lay untouched until now.

“Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd had been bought by Takara Shuzo in 1986 and I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production. There had never been an official single malt bottling, and the distillery had long gone, but I couldn’t help wondering what if a part of liquid history lay unearthed. After several in-depth discussions with colleagues at Takara Shuzo the last remaining parcel of Shirakawa was identified in 2019. When I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded! It was a genuine WOW moment as I realised very quickly that what we were dealing with was extremely rare.” Explains Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd.

This rare discovery brought further mystery both for the liquid unearthed, as with the history of the distillery itself. The precise age of the whisky cannot be specified; although it is clear the liquid was matured in oak casks, the type of cask and length of maturation remains unknown to this day. Though production details are unclear, it is from a time when the distillery used predominantly Japanese malted barley and Mizunara oak casks.

The 1958 vintage – 49% ABV – bottled by Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd in Japan, will exist as the only official single malt ever to be released from Shirakawa Distillery and the earliest known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

THE TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

Award winning and internationally acclaimed whisky writer Dave Broom presents his tasting notes for Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt Japanese Whisky from Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd:

Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.
Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.
Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

SHIRAKAWA 1958 FROM TARAKA SHUZO CO.,LTD

1,500 (70cl) bottles will be available from 13th September 2022 via tomatindistillery.com and selected retail partners worldwide including Harrods, Berry Bros, The Whisky Exchange & Royal Mile Whiskies
RRP: £25,000

The only UK consumer tasting of Shirakawa 1958 will take place at The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show at 12:45pm on Saturday 1 October 2022. Tickets for the masterclass can be purchased from 24th August 2022 via www.whiskyshow.com/london/, guests must also hold a Saturday ticket for the show in order to attend.

Shirakawa Distillery

Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, 200km North of Tokyo, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu and demolished in 2003. Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, it was never officially available as a single malt. That category didn’t take off in Japan until the mid-80s, and by that time, Takara Shuzo’s focus lay elsewhere. The land where Shirakawa Distillery once sat was subsequently gifted by Takara Shuzo in 2011 to build emergency housing to accommodate the locals who had been displaced by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd

In 1897 Tomatin was nothing but an isolated and idyllic setting for a distillery. With the new Highland Railway came opportunities, and so the distillery was born. Since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. Today, the Tomatin Legacy lives on in the form of an exciting and varied range of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies (Tomatin Single Malt & Cù Bòcan Single Malt).

Tomatin Single Malt exudes luxury among its batch releases and prestige limited editions. The Private Cask Program presents an esteemed collection of hand-selected single casks, truly remarkable expressions of the versatile spirit which Tomatin Single Malt offers. All vintages will be delivered within a crystal decanter with beautiful gold collar and stopper, a fully customisable label, bespoke engraving and cased within a contrasting textured wood and high gloss wooden box.

https://tomatin.com
Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd produces sake, other alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. This division comprises the original business; the holding company including it was formed in 2001 as Takara Holdings Inc. Takara Shuzo, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of traditional alcoholic beverages since sake brewing operations in 1842, acquired Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd in 1986.

In 1951, Takara Shuzo became one of only a handful of distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969. The vast majority of this malt whisky used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand. https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/

Radico Khaitan Launches a New Whisky Heritage Collection “ROYAL RANTHAMBORE” in the United States

Award Winning from the Spiritz Achiever’s Award 2021 for Product Debut of the Year

United States, July 6, 2022 – Radico Khaitan Ltd. (NSE: Radico), is India’s largest distillery, with over 75 years of distillation experience, launches the ‘Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection-Royal Crafted Whisky’ in the United States. The product is in distribution and is scheduled to be available in stores and online for purchase.

Royal Ranthambore is a blended whisky, inspired by the Ranthambore’s land of majestic tigers and legendary kings, reflecting the “Timeless Valour”. The blended whisky is crafted with various bespoke blended malt scotches from different geographical regions, made from 100% malted barley and blended with oak infused Indian Grain Neutral Spirit to harmonise the Royal blend.

According to the Sanjeev Banga, President- International Business of Radico Khaitan, “the key to our success is our Rampur distillery, which has earned its prestigious reputation as Asia’s top distillery in producing a wide range of premium beverage alcohol products. Today, we are proud to introduce one of our finest whiskies, The Royal Ranthambore, an add-on to our luxury collection for the US market.”

‘The highly sophisticated and knowledgeable whisky community is willing to experiment and we are very confident they would like Royal Ranthambore – a premium whisky that is palatable and versatile for all occasions” said Kunal Madan, the Vice President of Radico Khaitan, International Business.

How to taste the Royal Ranthambore:

Eye test: colour – golden hue, with a tint of amber.

Smell test: nose – warm and intense orchard fruit aromas, followed by sweet floral notes and hints of citrus. Subtle forest honey and spicy dried fruits at the end leave a lasting trail.

Taste with sophistication: palate – Allow a sip to linger in the mouth and the warmth of your palate entices out a flurry of rich flavours like English muffins, melted butter, plum cakes, apple pie, cocoa and a hint of spicy peaty smoke in the background.

The finish – A long finish that smoothes out with time.

To learn more, join our Royal Ranthambore community. Follow for product distribution and availability in stores and online for purchase, announcements, tastings, events, and news.

Follow: Instagram, Facebook

#RoyalRanthamboreWhisky

Learn more: https://www.royalranthambore.com

About Radico Khaitan Ltd.

The company’s brand portfolio includes many top adult beverages such as the Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies (Rampur Select, Rampur Double Cask and Rampur Asava) Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, and the newest member, the Royal Ranthambore.

ARDBEG’S FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL WILL EXPLORE ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’

WHISKY TALES

<Sci-fi anthology is inspired by distillery’s smoky single malts>

In September 2022, Islay single malt distillery Ardbeg will take its first foray into the world of graphic novels, with the launch of Planet Ardbeg, a 40-page sci-fi anthology created by three cutting-edge artists. This limited edition publication is inspired by the unique flavours and ‘origin stories’ of three Ardbeg expressions – Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie – and features cameos from some of the Islay distillery’s best-known characters.

Planet Ardbeg was conceived by award-winning New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene, each bringing their own distinctive voice and style to the project. Using Ardbeg’s core range as their creative launchpad, together they have produced a triptych of fantastical tales as bold and unique as Ardbeg itself.

“Guardians of Oa” by Sanford Greene, which draws its influence from the rounded balance and smoky power of Ardbeg An Oa, is an action-packed epic about a copper city coming under attack from a monstrous creature. Meanwhile, Ronald Wimberley’s “The Best Laid Schemes”, which channels the feisty and formidable flavours of Ardbeg Wee Beastie, is a fast-paced neo-western featuring giant botanicals and even bigger beasts. Finally, “Take it with a Grain of Sand” by Emma Ríos, captures the complex peaty essence of Ardbeg Ten Years Old, and tells of a mystical quest through a land lost to time.

Ronald Wimberly, creative director on Planet Ardbeg, said: “When we first started thinking about making this graphic novel, I thought about Planet Ardbeg as a time machine. Time is important with whisky, and with Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Ardbeg Ten Years Old what you’re talking about is three different time experiences.”

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “It’s amazing to see the different smoky characteristics of these whiskies brought to life in graphic novel form. Each story in Planet Ardbeg is brimming with imagination and creativity. It’s a must-read for Ardbeg fans everywhere.”

Planet Ardbeg will be available to buy at the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre, in selected comic book shops, as well as via Ardbeg.com in certain markets. A digital version will also be available exclusively for members of the Ardbeg Committee to read for free at;

www.ardbeg.com/planet-ardbeg

There will also be a full Planet Ardbeg campaign in the UK taking place in October 2022 so that consumers can explore and enjoy it in person – more details on the campaign will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The Ardbeg Committee comprises more than 160,000 Ardbeg followers worldwide. Committee Members receive exclusive benefits, including invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. Anyone can join the Committee by signing up for free at ardbeg.com/committee.

For more information about Planet Ardbeg visit ardbeg.com

ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @Ardbeg

 Ardbeg:

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

About the artists:

Ronald Wimberly, the creative director on this project, is an award-winning American cartoonist, designer and founder of LAAB, an annual art tabloid examining race, gender, identity and visual culture. He has published several graphic novels, as well as shorter works for The New Yorker, DC/ Vertigo, Nike, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics.

Emma Ríos is a Spanish comic artist, writer and editor with an international presence in the comics industry. She has worked for some of the largest American comics publishers, including Marvel, Image, and Boom! Studios. Her artwork has also appeared in such titles as Runaways, Amazing Spider-Man, and Girl Comics.

Sanford Greene is an award-winning American comic illustrator whose work has been published by DC Comics, Dark Horse, Image Comics, and others. He is best known for his work on Bitter Root, a dark fantasy/action comic series set during the Harlem Renaissance, which is now being adapted into a major feature film. 

Planet Ardbeg retail info:

Planet Ardbeg will be stocked at a number of independent comic book shops and can be purchased online via the Ardbeg web store (see the link) in selected markets. It is priced at £8 in the UK and $10 in the US. A digital version is available free to all Ardbeg Committee members at www.ardbeg.com/planet-ardbeg

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 160,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

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

The Glenmorangie Company:

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

Responsible Drinking:

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

2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent 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. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.