Speyside Distillers launches Speyside’s Artist Trio of SPEY single malts for spring 2022

A trio of limited edition single malts has been launched by a multi-award-winning Speyside distillery to celebrate the arrival of spring, each featuring specifically commissioned artwork.

Speyside Distillery, operated by Speyside Distillers, has announced the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio in conjunction with artist-in-residence, Joanna McDonough. The packaging and bottles will feature artwork that reflects the character of each expression, taking inspiration from the worlds of whisky, art and music.

The new range was launched last night with a tasting and art exhibition at the distillery’s visitor centre in Aviemore, The Snug.

Artist Joanna McDonough said: “I was delighted to be asked to develop paintings for Speyside’s Artist Trio to complement the Tenne, Trutina and Fumare SPEY single malt whiskies.

“While preparing to start work, I realised that artists, musicians and distillers are all working towards a very similar – if not identical – goal in their art and craft.

“My goal in my work is to express myself, my feelings and my emotions – and create art which, in turn, then causes an emotional reaction. Musicians, too, create an emotional reaction with their work.

“Similarly, distillers are masters at crafting whisky that creates an emotional reaction in the taster – taking the drinker on a journey of sight, smell and taste. We are all artists in our own way.”

The Speyside’s Artist Trio is limited to 1,500 numbered 70cl bottles of each expression, with some 20cl bottles also available.

The launch is the latest in a series of exciting announcements and achievements by the artisan distillery, including plans for a new distillery in the Speyside region; the creation of three new distiller positions; and SPEY being named the world’s best single cask single malt at the 2021 World Whisky Awards.

Speyside Distillers chief executive John Harvey McDonough said: “I am very proud to introduce the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio to our SPEY Collection. My wife Joanna has previously created stunning labels for our SPEY single malts and Byron’s Gin, but these new artworks truly encapsulate the joy of whisky.

“Our distillers have lovingly crafted these whiskies, and we are delighted to have collaborated with Joanna on artwork that has had equal love poured into it.”

Managing director Patricia Dillon added: “Joanna’s art has inspired me for many years and to see her representing the aromas, colours and flavours of our award winning single malts with this stunning new art collection makes me proud to be part of the SPEY family, and what we can achieve together.”

Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin. Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, in Aviemore.

For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk and www.thesnugspeysidedistillery.co.uk or follow the distillery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For trade enquiries, please contact karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk.

Notes

Trutina Melody
Joanna McDonough: “My Trutina melody painting is like its accompanying whisky. The melody is the true tune of this spirit: it is honest and, like the tune, is a linear succession of notes which the listener perceives as the ‘music’ – the whisky is also a succession of tastes resulting in a ‘whole’ taste experience. The painting is honest and clear.”

Tasting notes: Pale gold / white wine appearance. A light nose, with an initial savoury top-note on a fruity base (white grapes, apple blossom, lychees in syrup), developing floral notes, with a hint of boiled sweets. Light texture, with a sweet start leading to crisp acidity and notes of scented sweets, with a finish of white chocolate.

Tenne Rhapsody
Joanna McDonough: “Tenne is more flamboyant in style, so it most naturally became my ‘rhapsody’. A rhapsody features intense variations of mood, colour and tonality. It is free flowing but with some structure. I aimed to reflect this nature in my painting, which is slightly freer in form – and like Tenne has my own touch of sweetness with its ruby hues and vibrancy.”

Tasting notes: Copper / rose wine appearance, with notes of faint raspberry jam and rose wine, pot-pourri and pale fruits on the nose. Light in texture, sweet & faintly fruity, before drying slightly, leaving a trace of almonds in the finish

Fumare Overture
Joanna McDonough: ”As Fumare was Speyside Distillery’s first peated whisky, naturally it was an overture, i.e. ‘an introduction to what is to come.’ The palette of this painting is taken from the tasting notes – in particular barley, caramel, orange and honey whisky – showing a gentle warmth which is given in the end notes of its special taste.”

Tasting notes: Light gold appearance, with a subtle nose. The smoke slowly builds in intensity, but with minimal medicinal notes, and increased sweetness. The addition of a few drops of water increase the complexity, and enhance the sweetness & vanilla notes that combine so well with the long, smoky finish

The Whisky Exchange introduces an exclusive, extra special whisky for April Fool’s Day. And like the best jokes, it may look simple upon first glance, but there’s a lot going on underneath…

The spirits retailer is keeping key elements of this limited-edition whisky hidden until 9.00am on Friday 1 April when all will be revealed. Maintaining the mystery, the label of the bottle has been printed with an ink sensitive to UV light, hiding details until a torch, included with every purchase, reveals the hidden text.

A visible statement declares ‘Extremely old, I wish I were younger’ as a tactic to retain the illusion, everything about the whisky is old yet the liquid is just 5 years old (embargoed until 9am 1^st April).

The Whisky Exchange has worked with one of the oldest names in Scottish distilling and so, despite its comparative youth, this fruity and very special April Fool’s 2022 whisky is wise beyond its years. The distillery is celebrated as one of the most up-to-date in Scotland, marrying traditional production with green technology to create the country’s greenest operation.

The spirit was distilled at Ardnamurchan – owned by whisky veterans Adelphi – under the watchful eye of Alex Bruce – descendant of Andrew Usher, the father of modern blended whisky. Alex and his team selected five casks for us, bringing together old-fashioned smoke with bright, unpeated spirit to create a truly modern and fruity whisky.

Details that can be communicated now:

• 53.2% ABV
• Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Available to purchase from thewhiskyexchange.com on Friday 1 April 2022, from 6am, while stocks last
• https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/aprilfools
• Priced at £74.95
• 5 years old
• Just 1600 bottles are available to buy
• Matured in first-fill Bourbon casks

ABOUT THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and three shops located in the heart of London at Covent Garden, Great Portland Street and London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people and is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.
The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 600 rums; 300 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; three shops.

London Shops: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH, Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7NT and London Bridge, London, SE1 1LL / Tel: 020 7631 3888
Online : https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ Tel: 020 8838 9388

STAGG JR. BOURBON AND COL. E.H. TAYLOR, JR. STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY AWARDED GOLD AT 2022 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Twenty-six Buffalo Trace spirits honored in total

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 6, 2022) – The 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition awarded 26 spirits produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery with medals. Honors included three Gold medals, 16 Silver medals and seven Bronze medals.

Gold medals went to:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 128.7 Proof
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Silver medals were awarded to:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Single Barrel Kentu8cky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Charter French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze medals went to:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“We are excited that so many of our products were honored among this year’s competition,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The IWSC follows a rigorous judging process, so we are very pleased with these results.”

The International Wine & Spirits Competition uses a double-blind tasting method, in which samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure judges never see a bottle. Spirits are judged by a panel of world-renowned experts from across the global spirits trade, allowing for group discussion. For more information on the International Wine and Spirits Competition, visit https://www.iwsc.net/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

Aberlour A’bunadh vertical sold back to Aberlour Distillery 

Cheshire based whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler LTD has sold a unique vertical of Aberlour A’Bunadh back to the Aberlour Distillery.  Despite the sale completing in 2021, the details have only just been made public as the distillery announce their plans as part of the Spirit of Speyside Festival.

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch Whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, has unveiled its line-up of events at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival between 27th April – 2nd May 2022. The vertical sold by Mark Littler is front and center of one of the main events hosted in Speyside.

Aberlour is offering festival-goers the first-ever opportunity to taste a flight of the rarest and finest whiskies from the Aberlour A’bunadh (“Original”) collection. Aberlour A’bunadh is a cult classic among whisky fans and a full collection of all 71 A’bunadh expressions released to date was recently brought home to Aberlour thanks to Mark Littler Ltd.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans back to our distilleries for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022 to celebrate Scotland’s national drink. This year’s festival is extra special for us, as we finally get to share the only known full Aberlour A’bunadh collection for Scotch fans to taste.” Graeme Cruickshank, Aberlour Master Distiller.

Watch the YouTube video to learn more.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES PEATED WHISKY EXPRESSION: ALINTA

Bladnoch Distillery adds peated expression to their ‘Classic Collection’ of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

[For immediate release] BLADNOCH DISTILLERY, SCOTLAND – 204-year-old Lowland distillery, Bladnoch, are delighted to announce the latest addition to their ‘Classic Collection’ of Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Alinta. Alinta will be the first peated whisky to be added to their range since the distillery was taken over by David Prior in 2015.

‘Alinta’, an indigenous Australian word from several Southeast Australian language groups means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of Campfire Embers found in each sip. As Bladnoch look to develop their portfolio and provide an even wider variety of options and experiences, this expression that utilises PX Sherry and ex-bourbon casks combined together with a sweet smoky peated spirit, sets Alinta apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.

Bladnoch’s Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage who carefully hand selects each of the casks says, “Alinta is the first peated expression from Bladnoch within our core range and will become an established part of our ongoing whisky releases. Focusing on a very small annual peat production campaign, only a small volume will ever become releases. The exquisite combination of the PX sherry and Bourbon casks give Alinta an amazing balance of rich raisin-like sweetness and smoky campfire”.

This carefully selected marriage of casks is what helps bring this superbly flavourful expression to life. The 1^st fill ex-bourbon barrels highlights the refreshing, citrus sweetness and floral notes of the whisky whilst the 1^st fill PX Sherry casks add a subtle rich body and mouthfeel to the experience. This rousing cask duo holds its own with the peated spirit without the delicate notes being lost.  On the nose, you can expect notes of smoky ice cream, delicately florals and sweet oak. Across the palate you’ll get campfire smoke, almonds, raisins, and white chocolate. The finish is luxuriously long with a sweet smoke.

Bottled at 47%, and without chill-filtration and with natural colour, Alinta will be available online on Bladoch’s website and in our Visitor Centre in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway from late February and will be sold around the world through Bladnoch’s network of distributors in the coming months. 

Link for Purchase: The Whisky Exchange

Bladnoch Whisky is exclusively distributed in the UK by S.E.A. Spirits.

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

RRP: £79.95

Images: Dropbox link here.

Technical Details

Cask type: 1^st fill ex-Bourbon barrel and 1^st fill ex-Sherry cask matured

Strength: 47%

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds, raisins with a white chocolate body

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke

Non-chill filtered, natural colour

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest working Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Lowlands. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand crafted using only the finest local ingredients such as the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery and British barley to create a rich, flavourful whisky that is best savoured. Bladnoch Single Malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

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

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

We are so proud to share that Umiki Whisky is awarded with ‘’2’’ medals in 2022!

Osaka, JAPAN, 21th March 2022

Umiki Whisky is awarded with “DOUBLE GOLD” Medal and ‘’Whisky of the Year 2022’’ at the WWSA (Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards) which is the World’s most important wine & spirit competition judged by women Buyers.

About.Umiki Whisky

“Ocean Fused Whisky From The Heart of Japanese Pine”

UMIKI is “World’s first Japanese Pine barrel aged” and “World’s first ocean water fused whisky brand” that uses only renewable water source for blending” This sustainable process brings an exceptional smoothness with sea-breeze on the nose, rounded floral taste on the palate and a soothing freshness in the finish to UMIKI.

For further information please visit: www.umikiwhisky.com

About Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards

World’s most influential Female Buyers and Hoteliers Judge the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – the Most Important Wine & Spirits Awards Judged by Women Buyers.

For further information please visit www.wineawards.org

About Yoshino Spirits Co.

Yoshino Spirits (headquarters located in Osaka) is a private company exporting finest whisky, wine and spirits brands from Japan to the world placing the highest priority on building relationships of trust between
domestic manufacturers and customers all over the world.

For more information, please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

SPEYSIDE DISTILLER SCOOPS THREE GOLD AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

— Benromach Distillery receives a suite of Gold awards at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition —

Benromach Distillery has recorded an incredible result at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) by scooping three Gold award wins for its handmade single malt scotch whiskies.

IWSC, which sets an international benchmark for quality and recognises the very best wines and spirits available globally, presented Benromach Organic, Benromach 15 Year Old and Benromach 10 Year Old with Gold awards.

Benromach Organic from the distillery’s Contrasts range is the world’s first certified organic single malt whisky. Matured in Virgin American Oak, it gives sweet, malty notes with creamy pepper, banana, coffee and cocoa flavours.

After maturing in first fill bourbon and sherry casks, Benromach 15 Year Old delivers cracked pepper, charred oak, apples, dark chocolate and forest fruits flavours with rich sherry notes and a touch of smoke.

Benromach’s signature 10 Year Old single malt delivers delicate forest fruits and creamy malt, a touch of smoke and rich, lasting sherry notes, after also maturing in the finest first fill bourbon and sherry casks.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach Distillery, said: “Every expression produced by Benromach Distillery is made by hand for genuine character by our small team of distillers who rely exclusively on their expertise and senses. To bring home three Gold accolades from the IWSC awards is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing our distinctive Speyside single malts.”

The International Wine & Spirit Competition was founded by chemist Anton Massel and has recently celebrated its 50^th Anniversary.

For further information or to purchase, please visit www.benromach.com

TASTING NOTES

Benromach Organic is non-chill-filtered and is bottled at 46% ABV

• Aromas: Sweet vanilla and ripe fruits accompany citrus zest. Toasted malt leads to green apples
• Palate: Creamy with soft pepper and butterscotch. Freshly ground coffee develop alongside dried banana and a subtle herbal edge
• Finish: Medium bodied and long with aniseed and cocoa powder
• Maturation: Matured in Virgin American Oak

Benromach 15 Year Old is bottled at 43% ABV

• Aromas: Aromas of sweet toffee leading to notes of cracked black pepper and peat smoke. Rich forest fruits develop with dark chocolate and dried banana
• Palate: Creamy and sweet with ripe apples and an undertone of charred oak. Dark chocolate develops and leads to toasted malt and orange peel with a subtle hint of smoke
• Finish: Medium creamy finish with soft smoke and dried fruit
• Maturation: Matured in first-fill ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks

Benromach 10 Year Old is bottled at 43% ABV

• Aromas: Sweet green apple and pear complement creamy dark honey. Soft vanilla develops alongside gentle smoke
• Palate: Smooth flavours of malted cereal and stewed fruit combine with warm toffee and a hint of black cherry
• Finish: Full bodied finish with malted cereal and soft smoke
• Maturation: Matured in first-fill ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks 

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

We are so proud to share that KAMIKI – “THE FIRST WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH” is awarded with 2 new Medals in 2022!

Osaka, JAPAN, 21th March 2022, Kamiki Original Blended Malt Whisky is awarded with ‘’GOLD’’ Medal from Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge and Kamiki Intense was awarded “BEST WORLD WHISKY-II” at Roma Whisky Festival.

About Kamiki Whisky

“THE FIRST WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH”

Kamiki is a new expression super premium Japanese Whisky with a unique second maturation technique, blend is rested for a second time in Yoshino Sugi –Japanese Cedarcasks to capture a perfectly smooth taste, a scent of sandalwood on the nose and a zest of green tea in the finish.

For further information please visit www.kamikiwhisky.com

About Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge

The Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge was established, in conjunction with LA beverage professionals to highlight the best of the best wine & spirits producers in the world. The mission is to introduce those elite producers to the Southern California market of consumers, one of the largest in the country. Winning producers will be featured in a robust LA Times promotional campaign targeting wine, spirits and food enthusiasts in the LA region. Media Sponsor is Los Angeles Times

For further information please visit: https://lainvitational.com

Wooler Welcomes Whisky Stills

Ad Gefrin hosts community parade to welcome the copper stills for the Visitor Experience and Distillery 

The market town of Wooler in North Northumberland, yesterday celebrated an exciting milestone. Over 100 school children and local people gathered on the High Street to welcome the arrival of the two giant copper stills, which will become the heart of the Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery when it opens later this year.

The stills have been manufactured by Forsyths of Rothes, Moray, the world’s leading manufacturer of distillation equipment.  Each weighing three tonnes, they have taken over 1,200-man hours to build.

They arrived on two 44-ton transporters, escorted by a vintage Redpaths Haulage Wagon, resplendent in its restored heritage bodywork. Parked at the entrance to the site a vintage Fergusons Bean Truck and 1960’s Dodge will also welcome the stills. Together they represent the history of the Redpath / Fergusons lineage.

On completing their 230-mile journey to Wooler, the stills were welcomed with music played by local resident, the renowned Northumbrian piper Anthony Robb, and his wife Heather. Amongst the many people lining the streets to witness this historic event, were over one hundred local school children from Wooler First School, Glendale Middle School and Berwick Academy.

After the delivery procession, the co-founders of Ad Gefrin, Alan and Eileen Ferguson, spoke about their excitement seeing their plans one step closer to fruition.  Eileen said: “Today has been about the community, and we were absolutely delighted that so many people have joined us to mark this important milestone, both for Ad Gefrin and for Wooler.  For us as a family, it was also very exciting that our daughter Naomi, who was born in Wooler, took the wheel of one of the transporter vehicles on its journey down from Morayshire.

“Now the stills have been delivered, the installation process will begin and will last roughly four months with the aim to start distilling this autumn. The Visitor Experience and Distillery will open in the Autumn and from 2025 onwards, Ad Gefrin’s Single Malt Whisky will mature.”

The Ferguson family have for many years contributed to the economy of the area and their long-term commitment continues through the opening of the Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery.

As well as creating the first Northumbrian Single Malt Whisky, the £10.4m development will include a world class cultural visitor experience celebrating Northumbria’s Golden Age. The inspiration comes from the 7^th Royal Summer Palace of the Anglo-Saxon Kings and Queens discovered at Yeavering – only four miles from the town.  Discovered in the 1950’s this became one of the 20^th Century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – revealing as it did a unique wooden grandstand and Great Hall as well as Royal Quarters.  The Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience will recreate the Great Hall and celebrate the richness of the culture of the time that drew people from across the world.

Ad Gefrin will also include a bistro, bar, shop and a programme of tailored tours and tastings.  With its unique offering, Ad Gefrin is destined to become a major visitor attraction bringing prosperity to the whole Glendale area.

Ad Gefrin opens in Autumn 2022.

Ad Gefrin Single Malt Whisky will mature from 2025 onwards.

For more information visit adgefrin.co.uk.

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £10.4m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council. 

About Yeavering (the archaeological site of Ad Gefrin) 5 miles from Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery

Internationally renowned, Yeavering is the most thoroughly excavated Anglo Saxon palace complex in Europe and the only archaeological site to have evidence of a timber grandstand and gathering place. This was the 7^th Century royal summer residence of early Anglo-Saxon kings and queens including Aethelfrith, Edwin and Aethelburga, the saintly Oswald and his younger brother Oswy.  Discovered in 1949 through aerial photography and excavated by Brian Hope-Taylor in the 1950’s and 60’s, the scheduled archaeological site is today under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust. The Trust was formed to ensure the future preservation of the site through sympathetic management, conservation and investigation. Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery is working in partnership with The Gefrin Trust to further illuminate the importance of the archaeological site within the exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

BUFFALO TRACE NAMED THE AMERICAN

DISTILLER OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Seven Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskeys Receive American World Whiskies Awards 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 2, 2022) –The Icons of Whisky America by Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace Distillery the 2022 Distiller of the Year. This award, which the competition described as “the most coveted of the Icons awards” was bestowed at a virtual presentation held Feb. 8.

The Distillery’s Visitor Services General Manager, Matt Higgins was highly commended for the 2022 Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. The magazine also announced the 2022 American World Whiskies Awards, honoring seven of Buffalo Trace’s whiskeys, including Sazerac Rye, which was named a Category Winner.

Medals were awarded as follows:

Gold:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey

Silver:

• L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller C.Y.P.B Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“Our focus has always been on producing the very best whiskeys at every step of the process. Being named Distiller of the Year is a great honor, and tells us we are doing something right,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We are making huge investments so we can continue increasing our bourbon production while maintaining our uncompromising standards for quality.”

With demand for its whiskeys maxing out operations at the National Historic Landmark distillery, Buffalo Trace is undergoing a $1.2 billion expansion to make more whiskey. This expansion includes creating a second, duplicate stillhouse which will allow Buffalo Trace to double its whiskey production. New warehouses which each hold 58,800 barrels are being constructed at a rate of one every four months on the Distillery’s adjacent farm property. The Distillery also converted an old warehouse into an additional dry house, is building its own wastewater treatment plant, and more.

Whiskies in each category of the World Whiskies Awards were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  The winners from the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky Awards America 2022 will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, and global winners will be announced March 24 in London. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com, and for more information about the Icons of Whisky visit www.iconsofwhisky.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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