MGP Ingredients Announces $12 Million Barrel Warehouse Expansion to Meet Robust American Whiskey Demand 

Barrel storage facility follows recent $4 million expansion at company’s Lux Row Distillers

Atchison, Kan., Feb. 17, 2022 — MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading provider of distilled and branded spirits and food ingredient solutions, announced it has begun a $12 million barrel warehouse expansion to meet growing consumer demand for its American whiskey.

Construction of the new barrel warehouse facility has recently begun in Williamstown, Kentucky, and marks the company’s second major investment in its distilled spirits operations in recent months. The warehouse expansion is located approximately 50 miles south of the company’s historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2022.

In late 2021, Luxco, operator of MGP’s branded-spirits portfolio, announced a $4 million expansion of its Lux Row Distillers facility in Bardstown, Kentucky. Slated for completion in late 2022, the expansion will allow Lux Row Distillers to operate 24 hours per day and increase its capacity by 75%.

“With the increased demand we have been experiencing for our new distillate, aged whiskey and ultra-premium brands, these investments are necessary,” said Dave Colo, president and CEO, MGP Ingredients, Inc. “When complete, the new barrel warehouse and Lux Row Distillery expansions position us well for continued, sustainable growth. It is an exciting time for our company and the spirits industry.”

About MGP

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions. Since 1941, we have combined our expertise and energy aimed at formulating excellence, bringing product ideas to life collaboratively with our customers.

As one of the largest distillers in the U.S., MGP’s offerings include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins, and vodkas, which are created at the intersection of science and imagination, for customers of all sizes, from crafts to multinational brands. With U.S. distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, and Washington D.C., and bottling operations in Missouri, Ohio, and Northern Ireland, MGP has the infrastructure and expertise to create on any scale.

MGP’s branded spirits portfolio covers a wide spectrum of brands in every segment, including iconic brands from Luxco, which was founded in 1958 by the Lux Family. Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our branded spirits mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco’s award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five 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; Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands.

In addition, our Ingredient Solutions segment offers specialty proteins and starches that help customers harness the power of plants and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products.

The transformation of American grain into something more is in the soul of our people, products, and history. We’re devoted to unlocking the creative potential of this extraordinary resource. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s planned warehouse expansion. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “hopeful,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “encouraged,” “opportunities,” “potential,” and/or the negatives or variations of these terms or similar terminology.

These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance, and Company financial results and financial condition and are not guarantees of future performance. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances.

BUSHMILLS^® IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING AND BOTTLES FOR ITS ICONIC SINGLE MALTS 

-Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery revamps the bottle design and labelling of their pioneering Single Malt Irish whiskey range- 

London February 2022: Bushmills^® Irish Whiskey, the pioneers of Irish Single Malt, has unveiled a new bottle and label design for its iconic Single Malts to showcase the contemporary vision of the world’s oldest licensed distillery.The new packaging and bottles will be rolling out from Februrary across Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s as well as whiskey specialists retailers including The Whisky Exchange and The Whisky Shop with a starting RRP of £35.

The sleek, new bottle design is a departure from Bushmills’ use of its iconic heritage bottle and will excite Irish Whiskey fans across the core range of Bushmills Single Malts. The refreshed packaging launches in the context of extraordinary growth of the premium single malt category and Bushmills’ acceleration within it. The distinguished pack provides a platform to recognise Bushmills’ ongoing pursuit of perfection as the pioneers of Irish Single Malt Whiskey.

Designed by New York agency Stranger and Stranger the glass bottle is a broader, more angular shape influenced by the hexagonal columns of the Giant’s Causeway – a stone’s throw from the Old Bushmils Distillery, which has long been the source of inspiration for Bushmills. The bold new labelling champions a more vibrant colour palette of aqua green for the 10 Year Old, a maroon shade of red for the 16 Year Old and mushroom grey to dress the rare 21 Year Old.

Beyond the updated colour palette the side panels of each bottle feature an embossed homage to Bushmills’ 1608 heritage and a pot still. Bushmills’ quality first mindset is realised in parchment  labels and varnished cork closures for the 10 and 16 Year Old, whereas a bold matt black zamac cap offsets the gunmetal label and gold detailing of the 21 Year Old.

The start of 2022 has also seen Alex Thomas become Master Blender, taking responsibility for selecting and managing the casks for Bushmills famous single malts, nurturing the Bushmills Irish whiskey portfolio of premium blends, and new product development.

Alex is one of the world’s few female whiskey master blenders and succeeds Helen Mulholland who began her long career at the Old Bushmills Distillery almost 30 years ago.

Born in Ballymoney, just 15 minutes from the Old Bushmills Distillery, Alex joined the Bushmills team in 2004. Since then, she has spent over 17 years honing her craft, fascinated in particular, by the maturation phase of the whiskey making process. This interest, and her initial experiences led to experimentation with different taste profiles and ultimately, her development of The Sexton Single Malt, where she was appointed as Master Blender in 2017.

Master Blender Alex Thomas, commented: “It is a privilege to be appointed as Master Blender for Bushmills Irish Whiskey. The Old Bushmills Distillery is a very special place and I’m excited to explore my passion for developing new whiskeys and experimenting with different casks and flavours, while still maintaining the iconic Bushmills taste and quality.

“The craftmanship and passion that goes into Bushmills is something that has truly captured my imagination. Whiskey fans know Bushmills Irish Whiskey for the brand’s 400 years of quality and taste, so part of my job will be ensuring that we continue to meet that high standard.’’

“It is a really exciting time for Bushmills, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings both here at the distillery and in the industry as a whole. I am very honoured to be a part of the amazing history and heritage and I look forward to using the wisdom and experience I have inherited from those who have gone before me.”

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey
Bushmills® Irish whiskey is crafted with care and passion at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery. Bushmills has more than 400 years of whiskey-making heritage, which has been passed down through generations. The brand’s award-winning triple distilled single malt whiskey is renowned for its signature smooth taste. www.bushmills.com

About PROXIMO
PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey and Boodles® British Gin. www.proximospirits.com

SINGLETON, 39 YEAR OLD, HIGHLANDS, 1982

Price: £2,295

Almost four decades in the making, released in an edition of just 1,695 bottles, J&B are delighted to offer perhaps the most indulgent Singleton release to date.  The second of the Epicurean Odyssey series was aged in a blend of casks, including Port, Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso, before being finished in ex-Bordeaux barrels. The result is a rich and succulent whisky, one that layers classically dried fruit flavours with the spicy red fruits of wine and sumptuous whisper of crumbled muscovado sugar. 

Almost 30 years ago, Master Blender Maureen Robinson took an elegant 12 year old Singleton and rehoused it in hand selected European Oak casks; barrels that had variously held port, red wine and a blend of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso.  27 years later, Maureen married these whiskies together in red Bordeaux casks. “I was adventurous in my approach over the years with this whisky, drawing on memories of tasting ripened grapes fresh off the vine, and newly uncorked wine around a table with my friends. Tasting a dram takes me back to that time – a shared epicurean adventure and moment of indulgence.”

About Justerini & Brooks

Justerini & Brooks continue to look after the needs of the discerning whisky collector and connoisseur across the

globe. Priding themselves on their access, expertise and personal service, Justerini & Brooks’ time-honoured relationships to many of the world’s best distilleries opens the doors to those seeking rare and collectable gems, including whiskies from lost or ghost distilleries, such as Brora and Port Ellen, alongside limited-edition releases or exclusive single cask bottlings. Justerini & Brooks is the destination for the ultimate whisky collector.

Killowen Distillery USA Launch

Killowen Distillery has just launched its small batch products in the USA (online only).  Thanks to our importer partners Highroad Spirits we are entering many states and are available online via Folsom Wine & Spirits.

If you have a good liquerstore, you can have them order it within NYC, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago and Kentucky, thanks to suppliers such as Skurnik and The Wine Company so get speaking with your local quality premises soon before they hit the stores at the start of March.

What’s going to be available?

All cask strength Whiskey’s of course.

5-year-Old Single Malt Rum & Raisin small-batch core for a start and of-course say goodbye to 6 of the hugely successful & discontinued small batch 10-year-Old bonded experimental series, only 348 bottles of each cask: Jamacian Dark Rum, Mexican tequila, Virgin Hungaran Oak, Pinot Noir – Burgundy, Txakolina – Acacia heads & Peated Cask. These being among most unique exciting blends to come out of Ireland in the past three years.

Once these bottles go, the Bonded Experimental Series is retired to the history books, so get opening and enjoy those unique flavors while you can.

In the true sense of Killowen, absolute consistency is never our aim, thankfully any future Rum & Raisin single malt batches will be slightly different, which will include the influence of all three components 1. single malt 2. PX Sherry Casks & 3. Killowen Rum Casks. It’s always fun to revisit and see if we can improve upon perfection.

Killowen are also releasing their small-batch Flame-fed poitín to the states.

Poitín, the mother of all whiskeys has survived centuries of oppression from colonialism and later powerful whiskey lobbies at home. Poitín’s day will come, but until then, it is enjoying a huge upsurge in popularity throughout Ireland and internationally among those in the know.

At its best, poitín is made in small batches, using flame-fed distillation, worm tub condensation and creative mash bills.

Killowen has already dubbed 2022 as ‘The Year of The Poitín’

John Crabbie & Co Announces Limited Release from its Chain Pier Distillery

The First Single Malt Whisky to Be Produced in Edinburgh in Almost 100 Years

Pioneering Scotch whisky brand, John Crabbie & Co, has announced the inaugural release from its Chain Pier Distillery in Edinburgh, with just 234 bottles entering the market.

The first Single Malt to be produced in Edinburgh for almost 100 years, Chain Pier Single Malt will be the first release from the Granton-based site, which was set up by Halewood Artisanal Spirits as an experimental pilot distillery whilst the larger Bonnington distillery for Crabbie Whisky was still under construction.

Matured in heavily charred virgin American oak casks and bottled at 57%, the Chain Pier Single Malt is light and fruity on the nose with hints of berries, forest fruits and green apples, boasting rich caramel and sweet malt and ginger spice on the palate, rounded off with a long, sweet and spicy finish.

James Stocker, Marketing Director at Halewood Artisanal Spirits comments; “The Chain Pier distillery was operational for just a year (between 2018 and 19), yet it gave our team a great opportunity to continue John Crabbie’s legacy of innovation – handcrafting unique distillations and trialling everything from malt types to custom casks.

“The launch of the Chain Pier Single Malt is an incredibly exciting step in the John Crabbie & Co journey, as the Malt Whisky that we have crafted from start to finish at a site of our own. The quality of the liquid is really testament our distilling team and Master Blender Dr Kirstie McCallum, and a great preview of what’s to come from the Crabbie whisky brand”.

Over the year that the Chain Pier Distillery was operational, there was a yield of just 39 casks, making this release one of the scarcest launches to date. It has all been distilled on site using a 500 litre copper pot still, and is available to order from specialist whisky shops and thedropstore.com. RRP £65.

About Halewood Artisanal Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

For all the latest news and launches:

Instagram:  @halewood_artisanal_spirits

Twitter: @HalewoodIntern1

Facebook: @HalewoodArtisanalSpirits

LinkedIn: Halewood Artisanal Spirits

Halewood Artisanal Spirits is an award-winning UK-based craft distiller. Its premium gin brands include Whitley Neill Gin, City of London Gin, Marylebone Gin and Liverpool Gin.  Halewood also has a strong portfolio of other high growth premium sprits, including Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum, J. J. Whitley Russian Vodka, Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and Crabbie Whisky.

The business operates 10 artisanal distilleries across the UK, Russia and South Africa including:  The City of London Distillery (the home of Whitley Neill Gin), The Liverpool Gin Distillery, Crabbie Distillery in Edinburgh, Aber Falls Distillery in North Wales, Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool, The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, Belgravia Distillery in South Africa and JJ Whitley in Russia. The company also operates the Hawkshead Brewery in Cumbria.

At the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition the business was awarded nine double golds and 13 golds, as well as 44 golds at the International Wines and Spirits Competition.

Outside the UK, the business exports products to over 90 countries around the world and has significant operations in a number of international markets including North America, Russia, Australia and China. The business has a £400m+ turnover, and employs over 950 employees globally.

The business was founded by the late John Halewood in 1978 and it remains owned and controlled by the Halewood family.

Local apprentices employed at The Cairn Distillery site

Eleven apprentices have had the chance to learn their trade on the construction site for The Cairn Distillery near Grantown-on-Spey.

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin based family firm behind the new distillery, committed to employing as many local firms as possible during construction. With more than 90% of work going to local companies, this approach has helped to create a number of opportunities for local apprentices.

Ewen Mackintosh Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail commented “We have a strong commitment to our local communities. We wanted to ensure the building of The Cairn helped boost the local economy and we’re really pleased this has involved supporting young people to pursue apprenticeships.”

The main contractor, Morrison Construction, has employed four joinery apprentices during the construction period, including one who completed their apprenticeship in November. EJ Parker Technical Services had three electrical apprentices on site working on the electrical installation and plumbing, heating, and ventilation. A further two apprentice stone masons have been employed by AB Masonry at The Cairn. A mechanical engineer apprentice and an electrical apprentice were also employed by Forsyths, who manufactured the distilling equipment at their workshops in Rothes and Elgin before installing it on site.

The Cairn Distillery is due to open to visitors in the summer of 2022 and will offer a range of immersive visitor experiences, whisky tastings and a bistro with a menu shaped by ingredients from the local area.

This will be the second distillery for Scotch malt whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail who bought and re-equipped Benromach Distillery at Forres in the 1990s.

Gordon & MacPhail’s ongoing commitment to local business was demonstrated last year with the news that more than 90% of the £20m investment in The Cairn Distillery near Grantown-on-Spey had been awarded to firms in the North of Scotland.

Olivia McGillivray, one of Morrison Construction’s apprentices, on site at The Cairn Distillery

L-R Olivia McGillivray and Scott Murray, two of Morrison Construction’s apprentices on site at The Cairn Distillery

Notes 

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

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

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

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will 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, 125 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

THE MUCH AWAITED, AWARD-WINNING GRANT’S TRIPLE WOOD 12YO BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY ARRIVES IN THE LA BELLE PROVINCE.

THE BOLD, NEW BOTTLE IS NOW AVAILABLE AT SELECT SAQ STORES ACROSS QUEBEC

February 10, 2022 — Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky is rolling out its award-winning 12-year-old whisky at select SAQ stores across the province of Quebec.  With its distinctive sleek black bottle with gold accents that represent the gold medals awarded to the whisky, Grant’s Triple Wood 12 joins the Triple Wood line up within the Grant’s Family.

Grant’s is the cornerstone brand from William Grant & Sons (four-time winner of the IWSC Distiller of the Year), six generations of the Grants family have stood together through thick and thin to hold the title of Scotland’s oldest continuously family-run blended whisky makers. Grant’s remains the only blended whisky producer to have its own Stillman (The Maker), Cooper (The Muscle), and Master Blender (The Master) working together in one location. Grant’s is blended by the respected master blender, Brian Kinsman, who personally selects the three barrels to create the smooth, fruit-balanced flavour of Grant’s Triple Wood 12.

“When you have a winning team and determination, you can really do great things,” comments Brian Kinsman, Master Blender at William Grant & Sons.  “We’ve gone the extra mile for Grant’s Triple Wood 12, aging it for a minimum of 12 years and using a sherry cask as the third barrel to layer in a sweet spice to balance the vanilla and sweetness.”

Grant’s Triple Wood 12 takes a creamy, fruity spirit and is aged in three barrels. Each barrel provides a distinctive layer of flavour to the final blend. Refill Bourbon barrels offer brown sugar sweetness, American oak lend subtle vanilla smoothness, and the revered sherry cask – that dials the quality up a notch, adds a sweet, spicy finish that sets Grant’s Triple Wood apart. The liquid is aged for a minimum of 12 years before blending, resulting in a rich, complex, final product.

Grant’s Triple Wood 12 is produced at Grant’s Girvan Distillery, an impressive structure that was built in 1963.  When another Scotch company threatened to cut off the supply of grain whisky, Charles Gordon, great-grandson of William Grant, worked together with a team of 400 local workers to complete the distillery in a record time of nine months. The result of their combined efforts and steely determination was the most technologically advanced distillery of its day.  Today, Grant’s Girvan Distillery is home to Grant’s not-so-secret weapon: the Girvan Patent Still, which produces its signature – and coveted – sweet, fruity, and light distillate.

“When savouring Grant’s Triple Wood 12, don’t be afraid to break convention and add a little ice and a bit of orange peel to accentuate the fruity character,” comments Danny Dyer, Grant’s Global Brand Ambassador.  “It’s a blended scotch whisky to be enjoyed many ways.”

Grant’s Triple Wood 12, winner of the Gold medal at ISC 2021 & 2020 and world’s best blended scotch whisky at the IWSC in 2019 (one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions), will be available online at SAQ.com and at select SAQ  stores across Quebec, starting this month.  With its distinctive premium black bottle and triangular bottle design, this makes both a gift and an ideal dram or cocktail to enjoy on those special occasions together, all year round.

“Grant’s Triple Wood 12 is also great in a long, refreshing drink like a Grant’s & Soda, which I serve with fresh orange and a touch of local honey,” adds Dyer.  “The honey and orange work together to give that fruity sweet zing and complements the flavours of our whisky perfectly. I’m excited to share our newest innovation with Quebec residents of legal drinking age!”

Other liquids from the Grant’s Family available in Quebec include the signature Grant’s Triple Wood which provides an array of distinctive flavour profiles to delight consumers.

For more information, samples, or images, please visit http://grantswhisky.alchemystsinc.com.  For information about Grant’s globally, please visit www.grantswhisky.com.

TASTING NOTES:

Aged in three distinct woods for smoother taste:

Nose:  Sweet and sherry-like, with dried fruits. Subtle woody notes and malty undertones.

Taste:  Vanilla, honey, and spice. All mixed together for a rich, sweet flavour. Aged grains and peated malt add depth.

Finish: Long soothing and warm, a feeling you won’t want to rush.

Owners of the Isle of Raasay Distillery announce opening of the first farm to bottle distillery in Campbeltown in over 180 years

The Machrihanish Distillery is the second single malt whisky brand for R&B Distillers Ltd.

The distillery will create Campbeltown’s first farm to bottle single malt in over 180 years and in time create over 20 new jobs for the area.

Dhurrie Farm

To add to their ambition of becoming Scotland’s leading artisanal distiller, R&B Distillers Limited have announced a bold new plan to add a second single malt whisky brand to their roster by building The Machrihanish Distillery – the first farm to bottle distillery in the coveted Campbeltown region in over 180 years.

The owner of the Isle of Raasay Distillery is setting out to complement its brand portfolio by creating Campbeltown’s first farm to bottle single malt in over 180 years. As well as creating much needed skilled employment in the local area, R&B Distillers’ move will bring a contemporary single malt to the old Victorian capital of whisky, once home to over 30 distilleries in days gone by.

R&B have completed the purchase of the Dhurrie Farm in Machrihanish with the intention of building a new farm to bottle distillery, complete with a visitor centre and ultimately its own whisky club. The distillers are expected to finalise planning during 2022 and aim to break ground in 2023. The business is developing a recipe for the Machrihanish single malt that will bring a different style of whisky from a different whisky region in Scotland to complement its existing Isle of Raasay Single Malt, as well as increasing the Company’s total addressable market and production output. The planned initial production output of The Machrihanish Distillery will be 400,000 litres of pure alcohol per year.

It’s R&B’s ambition to create a sustainable net zero distilling process that doesn’t use any fossil fuels in the production of their whisky. In addition to that, they plan to use biological farming practices to ensure that they have a positive impact on the surrounding environment and create greater biodiversity on the farmland.

The Campbeltown region is an underserved, sleeping whisky region in Scotland, once home to over thirty distilleries and now just three. The local community are welcoming the new inwards investment, as the company predicts to create over 20 new jobs. In addition, R&B Distillers’ Co-founder Bill Dobbie’s family were from the Campbeltown area, bringing extra conviction to The Machrihanish Distillery’s part to play in regenerating a rural community in Scotland.

Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, the founders of R&B Distillers

With clear pride Bill Dobbie, Co-founder & Executive Chairman of R&B Distillers Ltd, states:

“When the business was founded in 2015 we had a clear ambition to create Scotland’s leading artisanal distiller – building on Raasay’s nascent success, and noticing the clear global demand for supreme quality drinks with unquestionable provenance, today’s announcement confirms significant progress towards this goal”.

Donald Kelly, Argyll & Bute Councillor states:

“We are delighted to see what could be the beginning of a renaissance of whisky distilling in the Campbeltown region. With years gone by since we were Scotland’s home of whisky, seeing the return of a farm-to-bottle distillery that will provide important local employment and a vibrant visitor attraction is something that really excites me and the broader community.”

Andrew Smith, local businessman and family friend says:

“When you see what Bill Dobbie and his team have done on the Isle of Raasay, to do the same in Kintyre can only be described as exciting. Being from the family that owned the Drumore Farm, one of the last farm distilleries in Campbeltown which closed in 1837, I am over the moon to see the return of farm distilling in the Campbeltown region. When the R&B team came to me with the idea, we embarked on the pursuit of finding the perfect farm for growing barley and that’s when we found the Dhurrie. The location is perfect and I can’t wait to taste the whisky that is produced by the farm.”

As well as The Machrihanish Distillery project, R&B continues to develop its founding strategy of producing super-premium, artisanal spirits in partnership with underdeveloped, but vibrant, local communities. They aim to capitalise on the global consumer shift in preferences towards superior quality products with true provenance.

Now nearing the end of the first year of availability of the Isle of Raasay single malt, the company has just outlined its further commitment to doubling its local production capacity on the island from c.200,000 lpa to c.400,000 lpa on the Isle of Raasay over the next three to five years. The company launched the Isle of Raasay single malt in late 2020, and is now distributing via hundreds of outlets in the UK, as well as through experienced distributors in twenty four international markets including the leading world whisky markets of France, Germany, Japan, China and Taiwan.

R&B’s original commitment of building upon Co-founder and Master Distiller Alasdair Day’s family whisky history in its original Coldstream location has also led to the concept of building a micro grain distillery in Coldstream. The Coldstream distillery has a working title of ‘The ‘Duke St Distillery, Coldstream’. R&B distillers, South of Scotland Enterprise and Borders Council are exploring several options for the site of this new distillery which should be confirmed shortly. The distillery will build on the Day family whisky recipe book, and the market curiosity around a ‘Scottish Bourbon’, to produce some unique whisky from different grains. The increasing market uptake of such whiskies will allow the micro-distillery to grow over time.

Both family connections, in Machrihanish and Coldstream, and the respective ambitions gives the strategy added depth, and brings an extra special dimension to the business.

Alongside these announcements R&B are re-aligning their executive team with Co-founder & Executive Chairman Bill Dobbie leading Alasdair Day as Co-founder & Master Distiller, Norman Gillies as Operations Director, William Dobbie as Commercial Director and Stuart Blues as Finance Director.

It is also expected that the plans will lead to further employment growth at the firms Edinburgh HQ, Raasay, and of course Machrihanish and Coldstream. The business currently employs 25 people between Raasay, Edinburgh and London.

ANGEL’S ENVY® RELEASES LIMITED-EDITION RYE WHISKEY FINISHED IN ICE CIDER CASKS   

The fourth release in ANGEL’S ENVY’s Cellar Collection, this limited-run of just 6,000 bottles marks the brand’s first new finished rye offering since 2013

Beginning today, members of ANGEL’S ENVY’s 500 Main can enter to win the chance to purchase the release ahead of the official launch; public sale will begin on February 25 at select retailers in NY, CA, FL, TN, IL, TX and KY, as well as at ANGEL’S ENVY’s distillery

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 15, 2022) – ANGEL’S ENVY®, the Louisville-based craft distiller that produces small batch, finished whiskeys, today announced the release of its ANGEL’S ENVY Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks. ANGEL’S ENVY created this first-of-its-kind release by finishing seven-year-old, 95% rye whiskey for 364 days in ice cider casks from Vermont-based Eden Specialty Ciders. It is the fourth release in ANGEL’S ENVY’s Cellar Collection, the brand’s special release program that honors the late Lincoln Henderson’s pioneering and innovative spirit.

“The flavor profile of this whiskey is very unique – the spiciness of the rye is balanced by the fruity sweetness from the ice cider casks, and there’s a crispness that is really distinct. We’ve never seen a whiskey finished in ice cider casks before, so we’re excited to introduce this finish as part of our Cellar Collection,” said Kyle Henderson, ANGEL’S ENVY’s Distillery Production Manager. “My brother, Andrew, was the one who found these barrels and raised the idea of an ice cider finish; he’s really championed this project from the beginning. As we tasted samples and learned more about the craftsmanship, time and resources required to create each bottle of ice cider, we fell in love with the product and the process and knew these special casks would be an excellent match for our rye.”

Ice cider is a dessert-style cider that is produced primarily in the northern US and Canada. The French oak casks used to finish this ANGEL’S ENVY release were used by Eden Specialty Ciders to create an ice cider from tart, late-season Northern Spy apples that had been naturally cold-concentrated in Vermont before partial fermentation and aging. Inspired by the unique, climate-driven elements of ice cider production, ANGEL’S ENVY packaged its Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks in a frosted glass bottle and commemorative gift box.

The limited-edition release, which consists of just 6,000 bottles total, will be available for purchase beginning on February 25 at select retailers in NY, CA, FL, TN, IL, TX and KY, as well as at ANGEL’S ENVY’s downtown Louisville distillery. Beginning today, ANGEL’S ENVY 500 Main members can enter for the chance to purchase a bottle ahead of the public sale for pickup at ANGEL’S ENVY’s distillery. A total of 500 bottles will be reserved for the 500 Main presale lottery.

ANGEL’S ENVY Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks is 107-proof (53.5% ABV). On the nose, it offers notes of caramel candy apple and toasted oak, with faint notes of nuttiness and cinnamon. The palate features bold peppery and cinnamon notes accompanied by vanilla, ripe apple, toffee and butterscotch. The finish is long and transitions from spicy to sweet, with notes of brown sugar and apple with hints of earthiness and oak. Suggested retail price for a 75omL bottle, which may vary by market, is $249.99. For more information, visit angelsenvy.com/whiskey/IceCiderFinish.

About ANGEL’S ENVY

ANGEL’S ENVY is a Louisville-based craft distiller that produces small batch, finished whiskeys. Co-founded in 2010 by the late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes Henderson, it began as a passion project that combined their family’s deep-rooted passion for and knowledge of the industry with an innovative outlook on bourbon making and finishing. Today, the ANGEL’S ENVY team continues to produce several highly acclaimed core offerings – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels and a Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks – as well as a variety of innovative, special releases.

ANGEL’S ENVY opened the doors to its distillery in 2016 – it was the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville and is located at 500 East Main Street. The company distributes to all 50 U.S. states and several select international markets as of February 2020. ANGEL’S ENVY is produced by Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.

For more information, please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com, or on:

Facebook: facebook.com/AngelsEnvyBourbon or facebook.com/TourAngelsEnvy

Twitter: @angels_envy

Instagram: @angelsenvy

MACNAIR’S ADDS 10-YEAR-OLD CASK STRENGTH

EXPRESSION TO LUM REEK WHISKY RANGE

The boutique spirits house, led by veteran blender Billy Walker, extends its Blended Malt line

with a small batch release 10-year-old product 

MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits, expertly curated by legendary blender Billy Walker, today unveils a line extension for its Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky range; the 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 1.

The inaugural batch (UK RRSP £59.99) combines Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from Speyside and Islay – two of the most sought-after whisky producing regions – resulting in a subtly smoky yet sweet favour profile.

The aged whiskies were personally sourced by Walker before being blended together with GlenAllachie Single Malt. The spirit was then re-racked into specially selected Spanish Sherry casks, wine barriques and virgin oak casks for secondary maturation, allowing the whiskies to marry and additional characteristics to be attained from the wood.

Once the final cask selection was determined by Walker, Lum Reek 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 1 was bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.4% ABV, without added colouring or chill filtration.

Lum Reek, which scooped World’s Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2020 and Best Blended Malt Scotch at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, is owned by independent spirits firm The GlenAllachie Distillers Company.

In July 2021, MacNair’s underwent a brand refresh and repositioning, becoming a Boutique House of Spirits. The new identity coincided with the introduction of a new rum line, Exploration Rum; Walker’s first endeavours into a new spirits category beyond whisky.

This latest Blended Malt offering comes as Walker celebrates his fiftieth year in the spirits industry, spanning both distilling and blending for highly successful, global brands.

Reflecting on his latest product innovation, Walker comments:

“Without a doubt, the most fulfilling element of my role is blending and developing new recipes which enhance the taste experience of individual whiskies. MacNair’s Lum Reek allows me to think outside of the box and blend such a wide variety of Single Malts from across Scotland to achieve the profile I am looking for.

“Whilst I delight in blending GlenAllachie expressions, introducing other Single Malts into the mix is incredibly interesting and creates something really magical. Having won incredible awards for The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength batch releases, including World’s Best Single Malt 2021, I was keen to explore this concept as a Blended Malt, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. Expect an indulgent amalgamation of dark chocolate fondant, vanilla pods, stem ginger and citrus tones alongside puffs of peat smoke – delicious!”

MacNair’s Lum Reek 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 1 is available to purchase via global specialist retailers at a UK RRSP of £59.99.

ABOUT MACNAIR’S BOUTIQUE HOUSE OF SPIRITS:

Since Master Distiller Billy Walker became custodian of MacNair’s, his singular, defining purpose has been in step with the spirit of 19^th Century founder Harvey MacNair.

Over the course of 50 years in the spirits industry, Billy has earned widespread acclaim for his peerless blending prowess.  At the heart of MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits sits a meticulous attention to detail. Billy’s renowned hands-on approach has earned numerous hats-off accolades, and he now looks to carry this philosophy into new spirits categories.

At MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits, we are pushing the boundaries of convention to create a boundless range of exceptional small-batch spirits. We are founded on whisky, with a future of diversity.  We are wholeheartedly invested in enhanced maturation, and believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our expressions are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

MacNair’s houses Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whiskies and Exploration Rum expressions. 

Further information on MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits can be found at macnairs.com

Facebook – @macnairs

Instagram – @macnairs_spirits 

For information on The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, visit  www.theglenallachie.com

TASTING NOTES

MacNair’s Lum Reek 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 1 – 55.4% ABV

• Colour: Rich Bronze.
• Nose: Waves of smoke, heather honey and ginger, fusing with cinnamon, treacle and vanilla.
• Taste: Lashings of dark chocolate, ginger and citrus, with smoked spices, plantains and tannins.