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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims to Benefit from Buffalo Trace Distillery Auction

of Highly Rare and Collectible Whiskeys  

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

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

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

The items which will be offered are:

• One Van Winkle Whiskey set which includes:

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

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

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

• One Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon

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

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

• One Old Charter Oak Bourbon collection which includes:

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

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

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

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

Johnnie Walker: A global giant with a local voice

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

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

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

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

Green roof at The Cairn Distillery becomes haven for bees

The “green” sedum roof at The Cairn Distillery near Grantown on Spey is proving to be a haven for bees.

Since its installation in April this year, the roof has thrived and is now carpeted with wildflowers. And as a result, it has attracted thousands of bees, according to the Ecological Clerk of Works on the site.

Ecologist Peter Cosgrove carries out weekly monitoring at the site to ensure wildlife and habitats are being protected and enhanced. On a recent visit he had the opportunity to inspect the roof and highlighted the progress that has been made, saying: “The roof has clearly thrived, is growing profusely and now flowering. From my professional point of view, it’s been a complete success, with no bare patches apparent.

“There is an abundance of colour and smell from the plants, and I’d estimate there were at least 10 to 15 bees for every square metre. There was a noticeable hum from the thousands of bees present on the roof.”

A key feature of the design, the 900 square metre sedum roof is one of the largest green roofs ever installed in Cairngorms National Park. It was incorporated into the design to allow the building to blend into its local environment.

Gordon & MacPhail, owner of the new distillery was always determined to ensure the new distillery reflected its stunning surroundings. As Managing Director Ewen Mackintosh explained: “We knew this was a truly special site, sitting on the banks of the River Spey and looking towards the Cairngorms. We’ve taken special care to protect and enhance the local environment during construction and it’s wonderful to hear our green roof is already proving to be such an attraction for bees.”

The green roof uses sedum – a plant which is easy to maintain and requires little water and few nutrients. It is ideal for use in green roofs as it is very resilient and can survive in the harshest of weather.

Following installation, the plants have been carefully monitored and watered once or twice a week and more often in the recent dry weather, while it gets established..

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail. The family firm, who own Benromach Distillery at Forres, announced their intention to build a second distillery in 2018. Work started on site once restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

The sedum roof was installed by Inverness based Wyvis Roofing. Founded in 2012, they have grown to become one of the largest roofing contractors in the region, undertaking roofing projects across the Highlands, Islands, Grampian, and Perthshire. They install a range of roof types for both commercial and residential customers.

The Cairn Distillery, which includes a visitor experience, tasting rooms, The Gathering restaurant and retail space, is due to open later in the year.

Gordon & MacPhail has been working with the local community in Grantown-on-Spey, building on its existing relationships with the local communities in Forres and Elgin. It’s match funded money raised in the local community to support their annual events programme for locals and visitors alike.  The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and will act as a gateway to Speyside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Velvet Whisky Announces Launch of Black Velvet Peach

Bardstown, Ky. (August 1, 2022) — Black Velvet, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky, announced today the launch of Black Velvet Peach to its portfolio of flavored whiskies. The new flavor will be available this August in stores across the country.

Black Velvet Peach blends the fresh and sweet taste of peaches with smooth Black Velvet whisky. The rich, amber-colored whisky promises to be a keen pick for peach lovers and whisky fans alike. As the fastest growing flavor for brown spirits, Peach is a natural addition to already popular flavor expansions, Black Velvet Apple and Toasted Caramel.

“Whether you’re tasting Black Velvet for the first time, or you’re a loyal fan of the brand, we feel confident Peach will be a hit with consumers,” said Molly Vincent, Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to continue to expand upon our flavor offerings —and with one of our hottest summers coming to a close, we feel this refreshing addition couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Since tapping their first barrel in 1951, the Black Velvet team has earned its reputation for crafting first-in-class whisky. Headquartered in Lethbridge, Canada, the company credits crystal clear Canadian water and the freshest grains for their whisky’s iconic smooth taste. Black Velvet is now available in 55 countries, and the brand continues to expand the with strategic brand extensions to appeal to a growing audience. Black Velvet was awarded Whisky Value of the Year for the Export Market at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Black Velvet Peach will be supported by point-of-sale displays and tastings in some retail locations. Bottled at 70 proof, the product will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml, and 175 ml sizes with an SRP of $10.99 for the 750ml.

Serve on the rocks, as a chilled shot, or with your favorite mixer. For a twist, try one of these recipes:

Peach Lemonade Smash:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach
3 oz Lemonade
Top with soda (optional)

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lemon or peach.

Canadian Peach Tea:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach
6 oz Iced Tea

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with mint if desired.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

KENTUCKY SENATOR BOURBON BRAND WINS TOP MARKS

Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC wins a second
Ascot Award for the Kentucky Senator brand.

LEXINGTON, KY — Kentucky Senator Bourbon has been honored a second time by the famed ASCOT Awards, receiving top marks for logo design and overall marketing. This honor coincides with the release of Kentucky Senator Spirits’ third limited-edition Bourbon whiskey, named the John G. Carlisle release.

The ASCOT judges had previously recognized Kentucky Senator Bourbon with a Gold Award for taste. This second achievement honors Kentucky Senator’s brand marketing through a Double Platinum Award. The ASCOT Awards is a highly regarded spirits competition where distillers have products blind tested against thousands of other spirits on an international scale.

“It is an honor for all of us at Kentucky Senator Bourbon to win an ASCOT Double Platinum Award for marketing,” said co-founder Damon Thayer, who is the brand manager for Kentucky Senator Spirits, the brand’s parent company. “A big thank you to the team at Frankfort, Kentucky-based Grit Creative, who handles our design, communications, and website, along with videographer Blake Judd and great photographers like Richie Wireman, Mark Mahan and Victor Sizemore who have provided us with stunning photography to promote our brand in social media. They have all helped tell our story of serving great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.”

The ASCOT Awards are bestowed by the American Spirits Council of Tasters. Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s small batch offerings have also been highlighted by Forbes.

The John G. Carlisle release is available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP retail outlets. It is also available at BourbonOutfitter.com and is featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C.

Each new release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon is named after a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. To learn more about why John G. Carlisle was chosen for Kentucky Senator’s third release, visit the company website at KentuckySenatorBourbon.com

Adventurers Ross Edgley and Katie Tunn open doors at new Talisker visitor experience

Isle Of Skye, Scotland, 4th August 2022 – Iconic Scotch whisky, Talisker, is today opening the doors to its newly renovated visitor experience. To mark the opening, and to celebrate Talisker’s special connection to the rugged sea and coastline of Skye, the distillery welcomed multi-record-breaking wild swimmer Ross Edgley, and Skye based artist, adventurer and conservationist Katie Tunn.

Having stood on the rugged coast of the isle of Skye for more than a century and a half, the new visitor attraction has been completely transformed as part of Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch tourism. Boasting a new interactive experience and revamped distillery tours, the new space demonstrates how Talisker is made by the sea.

Showcased within the new visitor experience on Skye is a snapshot of Talisker’s ground-breaking partnership with ocean conservation organisation, Parley for the Oceans. Previously embarking on long-distance swims in support of this work is adventurer and long-distance swimmer Ross Edgley, and one of the first through the doors at the distillery.

Ambassador Ross Edgley commented:

“It’s impossible to visit Skye and not feel like you’re on an adventure, it just oozes out of the place. The experience at Talisker embodies this adventurous spirit and is truly worth a visit. What you’ve got here is a truly unique whisky experience in a stunning setting, with its opportunity to get out into the wild and come back here to one of the many tastings and tours, there are so many reasons to keep returning to this beautiful island.”

When visiting Talisker, guests will have the opportunity to embark on three newly created tours:

• The Distillery Tour: Visitors will discover how the island influences the flavour of the whisky whilst exploring the making Talisker room and mash house before enjoying three tastings of the beloved single-malt.
• Made by the Sea Tasting Experience: Whisky lovers will have the chance to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory tasting session that explores the story of Talisker followed by a tasting.

Talisker Cask Draw and Tasting Experience: Designed with the whisky connoisseur in mind, this experience will see guests visit Talisker’s maturation warehouse where they’ll get the rare opportunity to draw and taste five unique cask-strength distillery exclusive whiskies – set to open at a later date.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes, added:

“Talisker is inseparable from the unique Isle of Skye landscape and its whisky is inherently shaped by the sea and landscape that surrounds it. Our new brand home celebrates that deep connection with the sea and Talisker’s commitment to preserving the wonderful marine environment in Scotland and around the world.

“From the tours to the bars and retail space, there’s so much to experience at Talisker whether you’ve travelled two miles or two hundred miles to be there and whether you’re already familiar with this wonderful whisky, or discovering it for the first time.”

Two bars, a self-guided exhibition and retail space packed with local products complete the new Talisker experience, creating a place where both tourists and Skye residents can gather. Local artists, crafts and tradespeople have been employed wherever possible during the renovation.

Katie Tunn is one such local artist who has collaborated with the team, she said:

“There’s no arguing that Talisker is one of our country’s most iconic whiskies, and it’s been a joy to watch the space come alive as we’ve worked through the project. It’s sure to quickly become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.  The team’s commitment to working with the local community is truly commendable. I’m already working on my next project with Talisker, which will add yet another reason to visit our beautiful island.”

Talisker is the sixth site to undergo a transformation as part of Diageo’s investment. The Singleton, Glenkinchie, Clynelish and Cardhu distilleries have recently opened as part of the ambitious project which re-imagines the traditional whisky tour experience. The centrepiece of the investment programme, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street global visitor attraction, opened in Edinburgh in September last year.

Along with Diageo’s other 13 visitor experiences in Scotland, Talisker holds a Green Tourism Gold Award – the highest sustainability accolade for a visitor attraction.

To book your tour, please visit: taliskerdistillery.com

Lux Row Distillers launch Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Lightly Toasted American Oak Barrels

New, limited-edition bourbon is first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes for the Daviess County Bourbon brand family

ST.LOUIS (August 1, 2022) – Lux Row Distillers announced the newest member of the Daviess County Bourbon brand family: Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Lightly Toasted American Oak Barrels. A limited allocation of 3,000 six-pack cases of Daviess County Lightly Toasted will reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per bottle.

Daviess County Lightly Toasted features its namesake brand family’s signature combination of ryed and wheated bourbon mashbills, which is aged four-plus years in charred-oak barrels and comes in at 96 proof (48% ABV). The lightly toasted barrel finish is what gives this limited-edition release its own unique flavor profile, while giving consumers additional options within the Daviess County family.

“I’m proud to honor the rich history and tradition started in 1874 by the Daviess County Distilling Co. with this latest expression of our Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Lux Row Distillers master distiller John Rempe. “Finishing our traditional Daviess County bourbon in lightly toasted American oak barrels imparts aromas of caramel, vanilla and hints of oak on the nose, while delivering flavors of sweet caramel with notes of vanilla and coconut on the palate. This unique flavor profile is certain to become a fast favorite among fans of the brand”

Daviess County Lightly Toasted is the first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes for the Daviess County brand family, which also includes perennial variants Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish and Daviess County French Oak Finish.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Whisky.Auction reunites historic John Walker & Sons records with the Diageo Archive

The world-famous Diageo Archive is home to a new piece of Johnnie Walker history thanks to the work of auction house Whisky.Auction and willing donator Andrew Welford.

An historic ledger detailing the transfer of shares in the John Walker & Sons company during World War II was brought to the team at Whisky.Auction by Mr Welford who was looking for advice on the book’s significance and whether it was of value to anyone. Eagle-eyed auction director Isabel Graham-Yooll recognised the historic importance such a record and knew the value this could bring to the Diageo Archive.

She explains: “This is one of those artefacts that holds so much value to a company archive, but little value to an individual, and so it felt right to reunite the ledger with the company owners. We often see old documents and labels from private individuals coming up at auctions and sometimes they simply need to find the right home rather than make money.”

Diageo Archive Manager Christine McCafferty comments: “I was so pleased that this book has been reunited with our Archive collection for John Walker & Sons, which is our pride and joy. I cannot thank Andrew enough for his kind donation and Isabel for seeing the value of having items like this kept within the business which created them. It helps us to build a full picture of our story to date, and we certainly hope to find some interesting stories buried in the pages.”

The ledger was delivered to the Diageo Archive by Andrew Welford who, alongside Isabel Graham-Yooll, was given a tour of the archives and saw the book laid down in its new home.