IRISH WHISKEY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AT AUCTION

Two of Ireland’s oldest bottles of whiskey sell for record prices

2020-released Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery 45 Year Old Single Malt fetches a new high for Irish whiskey of €48,000…

…as the hammer comes down on 2021’s edition – an exceptional 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 in the signature style of Old Midleton Distillery – for €46,000

Irish whiskey continues its march to the highest levels of desirability among private collectors, with two rare bottles of Midleton Very Rare selling at auction for a combined €94,000.

The history-making whiskeys – put up for sale by private collectors – were sold separately at auction on Sunday 21^st March, with both lots coming from the ultra-prestigious Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection, which has received worldwide acclaim since its first releases in 2020 and 2021.

The first – a 2020 bottling of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One, a 45-year-old Irish single malt from the Old Midleton Distillery which operated for 150 years from 1825-1975 – fetched a record hammer price of €48,000 (€50,952 including fees), the highest price paid for an Irish whiskey at public auction. One of just 48 bottles unveiled two years ago for sale in Ireland, UK, France and US, Chapter One commanded a selling price at launch of €35,000 per bottle (750ml).

The second – a bottle of the 2021-released Chapter Two, an exceptional 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 in the signature style of Old Midleton – sold for €46,000 (€48,829 including fees). At launch, 70 bottles were made available for sale in Ireland, UK, Global Travel Retail, US, and France at a price per bottle (750ml) of €40,000.

It is not the first time that Irish whiskey auction site www.IrishWhiskeyAuctions.com has made history with Midleton Very Rare. In March 2020, it sold a bottle of Chapter One for €42,000 (€44,583 including fees), at the time making it the world’s most expensive Irish Whiskey ever sold.

“Irish Whiskey now has bottles that are comparable to the bottles of Scotch and Japanese whiskies that command ultra- premium prices on the world stage,” explains Anthony Sheehy, Founder & Owner of www.IrishWhiskeyAuctions.com. “It is something that we should be shouting from the roof tops to show the fantastic growth and interest that exists for Premium Irish Whiskey.”

The new record sales come as the third chapter of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is expected to be released, in what will eventually be a six-chapter Collection that is ushering in a new era for ultra-rare luxury Irish whiskey.

The whiskey maker has previously revealed there will be one release each year from 2020 until 2025, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, all from the legendary Old Midleton Distillery. The Collection will culminate in 2025 with the oldest ever release to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Old Midleton Distillery.

Every month Irish Whiskey Auctions have charity lots which are donated by members of the whiskey community of Ireland to help raise much needed funds for local and national charities. Adding to the excitement of the March auction, Irish Distillers donated Bottle Number 1 from its recent Midleton Very Rare 2022 vintage release for a special charity lot, raising €11,220 for The Capuchin Day Centre, Bow Street, Dublin. Bottle Number 1 from the annual vintage release has never been available to the public in the whole 38 years of production.

Notes 

Irish Whiskey Auctions was founded in 2018 by Dundalk couple Anthony & Katie Sheehy and since then has become Ireland’s premier Whiskey Auction Website. Holding a Monthly Online Auction lasting 9 days the business has gone from strength to strength and now employs 5 people in addition to the company founders. They have had 38 online auctions including 3 dedicated memorabilia auctions. Their first charity item on the site was in 2018 to raise money for ‘The Zoe Murphy Appeal’, a local charity in Dundalk which raised €2,222.

This kind gesture inspired the couple to try and have a charity item each auction going forward. This idea was so well received by the whiskey community that on many occasions some auctions had more than one charity item. To date Irish Whiskey Auctions has helped raise in excess of €50,000 for various charities.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY AND FRANKFORT PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST ANNUAL EASTER EVENT VIA DRIVE-THROUGH

Complimentary Event to Feature The Easter Bunny

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 31, 2022) – Buffalo Trace Distillery and the City of Frankfort Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites will host its annual Easter event in a drive-through style this year. The complimentary event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 10 and will feature a festive “bunny trail” driving route filled with balloons, Easter eggs, music and the Easter Bunny.

Guests will follow the bunny trail through the Distillery grounds to various egg stations. After collecting five eggs, at the end of the route children will receive a special treat and may wave at the Easter Bunny. No registration is required to attend.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Ky. Visitors should enter at the main Distillery entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their cars throughout the route. There is no charge to drive down the bunny trail at Buffalo Trace.

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.

Watch Hill Proper Opens this Week;

Grand Opening Celebration to be held April 13th

Louisville, KY (April 6, 2022) – Louisville’s first premier bourbon club will open to the public on Friday, April 8th. A Grand Opening Celebration, complete with a red-carpet entrance, photo opportunities, and a celebratory toast, will be held on Wednesday, April 13th. Located in Norton Commons, Watch Hill Proper offers a unique and immersive opportunity to discover a world of bourbon and American whiskey. While membership offers many perks, the club is open to anyone over 21 who wants an incredible experience.

The menu, designed by Executive Chef Michael Crouch, will feature a variety of sharables and small plates to start, including customizable charcuterie boards and lobster hushpuppies. Additional menu items will be added to the opening day menu including a sharable 48oz Porterhouse, braised greens, roasted red potatoes and several desserts.

Guests can choose from over 1,500 bottles of American whiskey, which are beautifully displayed on a massive “Whiskey Wall” behind the bar. A variety of interesting craft cocktails with names inspired by Kentucky legends will be offered, including the Katniss Cosmo served in an elegant bird-shaped glass and the Gonzo Colada. All cocktails are made with house-made syrups, tinctures, and juices, and of course – American whiskey. The club also plans to offer more than 100 selections of wine, and creative Zero Proof options for those who choose not to indulge.

The bartenders and servers are trained to provide guests with an experience that is both elevated and educational. Only members can make reservations, but the club is open to everyone on a first come first served basis. The club offers a bar in the waiting room, also known as “The Fermenter,” for patrons to enjoy before being seated at their table. Watch Hill Proper membership options are available and provide many perks including discounts on drinks, ability to purchase barrel picks, and invitations to special events.

For more information or membership details, please visit watchhillproper.com or contact Bev Reese at (502) 230-1982.

About Watch Hill Proper:

Watch Hill Proper, located in Norton Commons, is Louisville’s first premier membership-based bourbon club. The Club is open to the public, but also offers memberships with amazing benefits. The purpose is to be a community built around a common interest – bourbon. The goal is to be a community of ambassadors for Kentucky’s signature industry and do it in style. For more information about Watch Hill Proper, or to apply for membership, visit www.watchhillproper.com.

THE DEVIL’S KEEP BY THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO. 

IS CROWNED BEST SINGLE MALT IN IRELAND ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES

(London – 25 March 2022) The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has been crowned Best Single Malt in Ireland across all categories at The World Whiskies Awards with its inaugural release The Devil’s Keep.

The industry’s finest gathered together at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on Thursday, 24 March to celebrate the 2022 Whisky Magazine Awards. Returning to London as an in-person event, the global awards ceremony saw the announcement of the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky global winners, as well as four new inductees to Whisky Magazine’s renowned Hall of Fame. The Whisky Magazine Awards seek to honour the very best in the industry, across its people, places and products.

The Devil’s Keep beat off stiff competition from five other Irish Single Malt whiskeys across five different categories including Knappogue Castle 12 Years Old in the Single Malt 12 years and under, Teeling Whiskey Brabazon Series 4 in the Single Malt 13-20 year category, Teeling Whiskey 30 Years Old Single Malt in the 21 years and over category, Clonakilty Distillery O’Hara’s Cask Finish Special Limited Edition in the Small Batch Single Malt category and The Irishman 17 Years Old in the Single Cask Single Malt 13-20 years category.

Unfortunately, Ireland missed out on being crowned the World’s Best Single Malt with the title going to England’s winner in the Single Malt no age statement category – The Lakes Distillery The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4, who was up against 18 countries from all over the world.

Commenting after being crowned winner of Best Single Malt across all categories in Ireland, Jay Bradley, founder and CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. said: “While we didn’t win the World’s Best I am ecstatic and equally humbled that The Devil’s Keep was crowned Best Single Malt in Ireland, seeing off some fantastic whiskeys including two from the Teeling stable. For the first whiskey that I’ve ever created to go on to be crowned best whiskey to come out of Ireland that year, that’s unheard of and an amazing achievement. It just reinforces to me that what we are doing is working and that the critics and experts are enjoying what we are creating. We have so much more to do and winning this award makes me hungrier than ever to forge on and keep making phenomenal whiskeys.”  

This is the ninth award for The Devil’s Keep, a rare triple distilled, Single Malt whiskey and one of the finest whiskeys that Ireland has ever created. The launch of The Devil’s Keep in November 2020 saw just 333 bottles released. It was the most expensive inaugural first release in history, selling at auction for USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros), and the oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey in existence, only to be topped by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s second release in February 2021 of the 30-year-old The Emerald Isle Collection.

Amongst its other accolades is a Gold award from the world-renowned International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2021 and a Gold from the Global Luxury Spirit Masters 2021.

A second release of The Devil’s Keep is due in the coming months and will only be available to Whiskey & Wealth Club members.

For more information on The Devil’s Keep and other whiskeys from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is on a mission to reinvent Irish whiskey, elevating its potential as a luxury product and restoring Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world.

Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born from a desire to return Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. No expense is spared, no corners are cut.

To elevate Irish whiskey’s potential, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has looked to the past, revisiting the art of whiskey-making perfected by the country’s master distillers. While the rise of mass production and blends has pushed this art to one side, the company is invested in restoring it by adding scientific knowledge and a willingness to push boundaries. Underfilling the barrels allows maturation to start at once. Adding water before maturation, or before finishing, allows the water and whiskey to marry over time and avoids the need to dilute the single malt before bottling. The whiskeys are bottled at cask strength to preserve the complex flavour profiles and rich viscosity. Using ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature the single malt delivers rich, rounded notes, while a deep understanding of barrel craft ensures the barrels are moved, rotated and the whiskey disgorged into new ones to create a bespoke journey. The whiskeys are accompanied by skilfully designed and scientifically-perfected accessories that deliver a whiskey experience worthy of the liquid.

In 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. became the most awarded new company of the year amassing a total of seventeen awards across both Taste and Design for four of its ultra-rare whiskey releases.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the exclusive Michelin Plaque Distribution Partner for The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2022.

For more information visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com  

The Devil’s Keep – Tasting Notes 

Colour: 

1.4 Tawny Characterised by its distinctive tawny, amber colour 

Nose: 

The Devil’s Keep opens with a nose of the rich aromas of a traditional Christmas cake and Vermont maple syrup, followed by powerful notes of ripe banana, sherry-soaked raisins and hints of 70% dark chocolate adding depth. 

Palate: 

The sweetness of golden honey combines with Amarone and accents of dark cherries to add a velvet softness balanced beautifully by a dusting of rich dark chocolate to round off the palate. Rich and warming yet fresh and well-balanced, with supple sweetness and a rich texture. 

Finish: 

Beautifully constructed, long and viscous with remanence of maple syrup and chocolate which opens up the liquid to a fine balance of smooth and rich flavours. Rich and oily on the palate, but not overwhelmingly so, and underpinned with a slightly dry finish, providing an indulgent and inimitable taste that will remain on the taste buds.

Golds for Corby at International Wine and Spirit Competition

TORONTO, March 31, 2022 – Corby Spirit and Wine has earned some new decorations for several of its brands.

At the 2022 International Wine and Spirit Competition, gold medals were adorned on Corby’s Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Rye Whisky — called “outstanding” by the judges — Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky and Polar Ice Vodka. Corby was also awarded two silver medals and three bronzes at the annual awards that set the international benchmark for quality.

“We take great pride in crafting premium whiskies across our family of brands, and these IWSC medals are reflective of the hard work and innovation that goes into each and every batch we create,” says Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at the Hiram Walker and Sons distillery in Windsor, where Corby’s spirits are produced. “That we have also placed two Polar Ice Vodka products on the podium is a testament to the quality and diversity from the Corby Spirit and Wine roster. All of our medal winners have secured scores that can only be considered as excellent. We are extremely proud of that.”

The IWSC is the beverage alcohol industry’s most innovative awards program, consistently pioneering new categories that are emerging onto the drinks scene. It is also the most commercially conscious drinks competition, able to leverage is international reach on behalf of its winners.

The 2022 competition was the largest in the IWSC’s history, with more than 4,000 submissions in 21 categories, representing more than 90 countries. All spirits were tasted by the IWSC’s carefully curated panels of industry experts, led by members of its Spirits Judging Committee.

CORBY GOLD MEDALLISTS

• Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Rye Whisky

Category: Worldwide rye whisky, unpeated

Score: 96

Judges’ Tasting Notes: Expressive aromas of caramel and raw cocoa. Palate carries sweetness of fudge, butter toffee with a hint of bittersweet cherry in a very elegant manner. Creaminess of rye allows smooth dry finish with a long aftertaste. Outstanding.

• Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky

Category: Worldwide rye whisky, unpeated

Score: 95

Judges’ Tasting Notes: Faint aromas with a gentle hint of caramel develop a complex palate bursting with layers of confected sugar and jammy purple fruits, developing into notes of cinnamon and cherry. Well balanced with richness and elegance allowing a spiced dry finish.

CORBY SILVER MEDALLISTS

• P. Wiser’s 10-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

Category: Worldwide whisky, blended, unpeated

Score: 90

Judges’ Tasting Notes: A blend of fresh fruit salad, honey, vanilla and ginger on the nose. A beautifully warming palate of maple pecan and coffee delights with a sweet, lingering finish.

NOTE: Currently only available in EU export markets, it will be launching in the United States this summer and in Canada in the fall.

• P. Wiser’s Red Letter 15-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

Category: Worldwide whisky, blended, unpeated

Score: 93

Judges’ Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus and white pepper layer with soft vanilla aromas enhanced with juicy tropical undertones towards a candied orange finish.

CORBY BRONZE MEDALLISTS

• Pike Creek 10-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

Category: Worldwide whisky, blended, unpeated, cask finish)

Score: 89

Judges’ Tasting Notes: A bold whisky with maple and vanilla richness that lifted by a spiced sweetness on the palate.

• Lot No. 40 Rye Explorations No. 1 Peated Quarter Cask Whisky

Category: Worldwide rye whisky, unpeated

Score: 89

Judges’ Tasting Notes: Gently peaty nose belies depth of flavours on palate where smoke leads the way to pepper heat and attitude.

About Corby Spirit and Wine
Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian manufacturer, marketer and distributor of spirits and wines. Corby’s portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser’s®, Lot 40®, and Pike Creek® Canadian whiskies, Lamb’s® rum, Polar Ice® vodka, McGuinness® liqueurs, Ungava® gin, Cabot Trail® maple-based liqueurs and Chic Choc® Spiced rum, and Foreign Affair® wines. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine’s® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob’s Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, and Kenwood® wines. Corby is a publicly traded company based in Toronto, Ontario, and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols CSW.A and CSW.B.

For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter.

CRAIGELLACHIE® LAUNCHES CASK FINISHING COLLECTION INSPIRED BY ITS ‘WORM TUBS’

31^st March 2022 – John Dewar & Sons announces the first expression to be released in the Craigellachie  Cask Collection, Craigellachie 13 Years Old Armagnac Cask Finish.

To curate the new series, Craigellachie – inspired by the distillery’s use of old-fashioned *worm tub condensers – have sourced casks for finishing from producers of oak-aged spirits, who also stick to traditional methods, and like the muscular Speysider, use a ‘worm tub’ to create their liquid wares.

Using casks from distilleries who make a ‘heavier’ style of spirit, which can stand up to the Single Malt’s distinct character, Craigellachie’s Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod is able to demonstrate her expertise and skill in the art of maturation and wood management. Carefully hand-picking casks based on personal experience, and prior knowledge of working with certain types and styles.

Stephanie Macleod comments: “Craigellachie is a distinctly bold and brooding malt; full-bodied and meaty so we are using these cask types to complement and elevate the signature character of the distillery, not mask it, to add an extra dimension of flavour and intrigue.”

For the inaugural edition in the Cask Collection, the award-winning 13-year-old Craigellachie Single Malt, initially matured in American Oak – a combination of re-fill and re-char Bourbon barrels – has been laid to rest in Bas-Armagnac casks sourced from the northernmost part of Gascony, in France, for just over a year, to undergo a second period of maturation.

Often overshadowed by Cognac, Armagnac is a far older and more distinctive French brandy with its very own customary production process. Distilled just once through a specially made continuous still and in most cases, a traditionally constructed Alembic Armagnaçaise; a portable wood-fired still designed to be transported to the small farms who produce Armagnac. Unlike most spirits, makers of Armagnac don’t take cuts throughout distillation retaining volatile elements that are usually removed, giving the spirit more character and complexity. Rougher at first, a young Armagnac tastes of fire and earth. But after ageing in French oak, often for decades, the spirit is tamed and softened, becoming marvellously nuanced.

Finishing in former French Bas Armagnac barrels has softly rounded Craigellachie’s weighty style with warming notes of baked apples, dusted with heady cinnamon. Rich flavours of caramel shortcake are offset by signature syrupy pineapples and fiery bonfire night aromas.

Craigellachie 13 Years Old Armagnac Cask, is bottled at 46% ABV and has a RRP of: £52.99 / €49.99 / $65USD. The expression will initially be available in the UK, Germany and France from April, before being rolled out in the US and Taiwan later in the year.

ABOUT CRAIGELLACHIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:

CRAIGELLACHIE began production in 1891, built by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward high on the craggy rock upon which the village of Craigellachie stands, above the confluence of two great rivers in the very heart of Speyside.

Described as “old-fashioned” even in 1891, staying true to traditions the distillery still uses worm tubs to cool the sprit, bestowing extra flavour and creating a distinctive muscular character to rival whisky twice its age. CRAIGELLACHIE is famously robust and challenging in style.

The brand’s core portfolio is comprised of CRAIGELLACHIE 13 Years Old, CRAIGELLACHIE 17 Years Old and CRAIGELLACHIE 23 Years Old.

The single malt brand of CRAIGELLACHIE is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. 

*WHAT IS A WORM TUB?

Worm tubs are a type of condenser, also known as coil condensers. A ‘Worm’ is the old English term for serpent, the original name for the coiled tube. A traditional way of turning spirit vapour back into liquid. The lyne arm at the top of the still is connected to a long, coiled copper pipe (worm) that sits in a huge vat of cold water (tub). These long copper tubes snake back and forth, gradually getting narrower. As the vapour travels down the worm, it condenses back into liquid form.

There are only a handful of distilleries that still use this old-fashioned method to condense their spirits, with most now preferring the more modern and efficient ‘shell and tube’ approach. They are much more expensive to maintain than modern condensers, but as their long tubes provide less copper contact than modern condensers, which would otherwise reduce the distillate’s sulphur content, they bestow the spirit with extra flavour, creating a new-make with a distinctive, muscular (sulphuric) character. 

WHAT IS ARMAGNAC?

Armagnac is made in the Gascony region of France to the south of Bordeaux (split into three areas: Bas Armagnac, Tenareze and Haut Armagnac). The Bas-Armagnac area has 57% of vineyards and is said to produce the best Armagnacs. Armagnac is a grape Brandy produced primarily from four grape varieties (Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco 22a And Colombard), although 10 are permitted. Distilled just once through a specially made continuous still and in most cases, a traditionally constructed Alembic Armagnaçaise; a portable wood fired still designed to be transported round villages to the small farms who produce Armagnac. A fuller-bodied (some would say rustic) style of brandy when compared to Cognac, like whisky it is often aged in oak for many years (decades in some cases) and makes an excellent digestif.

SCOTTISH ENTREPRENEUR’S DREAM COMES TRUE AT NEW YORK TARTAN DAY PARADE

Proud Scots from an award-winning glassmaking firm will join New York’s Tartan Day Parade for the first time ever this Saturday.

And they hope New Yorkers will love the four-foot-high inflatable Angel, sporting her bespoke tartan scarf, they will be parading along the streets with them.

The trip is a dream come true for Managing Director Karen Somerville and Customer Service Assistant Helen Kerr from whisky-themed giftware company Angels’ Share Glass.

The firm is well known in Scotland for capturing the spirit of a whisky producers’ legend, known as the Angels’ Share, through the creation of handmade glass angels filled and sealed with whisky in a secret process.

Karen and Helen, along with the inflatable Angel which represents the brand, are travelling to New York from Stirling as part of a trade mission aimed at forging new transatlantic links between Scottish and US businesses.

They’ll spend Tartan Week liaising with US retailers and enjoying all the celebrations culminating in the Parade at which they will celebrate Karen’s 50^th birthday and the ninth anniversary of the firm’s launch.

Karen says: “I’m overwhelmed to be taking part in the Parade this weekend and spending Tartan Week in New York.

“This really is a dream come true and a lifelong ambition for me and my team having watched the parade on TV and read about it in magazines over the years.

“We are so excited to be marching through Manhattan amid thousands of other lovers of all things Scottish and we’re hoping our inflatable Angel will help us stand out from the crowd!

“We’ll also be holding our tartan banner to celebrate the launch of our very own Whisky and Water Tartan and hope New Yorkers will get a kick out of seeing us and give us a wave and a cheer when they spot us coming!

“I remember my mentor telling me when I first started the business to imagine one day taking part in the New York Tartan Day Parade as an established Scottish firm.

“I was never sure something so amazing could happen to me but now here we are heading to New York as proud Scots.

“It’s also my 50^th birthday and the ninth anniversary of the launch of Angels’ Share Glass which will make the Parade experience even more special.”

Karen is hoping for the chance to meet Grand Marshal and fellow Scot Karen Gillan during the Parade and gift her a limited-edition whisky-filled glass angel.

She says: “Both mine and Helen’s families are huge Marvel fans and so meeting Karen and getting the chance to speak to her would be amazing.

“I’m really hoping for the opportunity to gift her one of our angels – that would make the whole experience even more memorable.”

The team from Angels’ Share Glass are among 13 Scottish companies selected to travel to New York on a trade mission run by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

FVCC President Lynn Blaikie said: “Karen is amazing and I’m delighted the Angels’ Share team are part of the delegation.

“They are fantastic Ambassadors for Scotland and the handcrafted whisky-related glass gifts they make are unique and something incredibly special to behold.

“I think they will have enormous success with the US retailers they meet during the mission and be a big hit with New Yorkers as they stride through the streets with their inflatable Angel during the Parade.

“We had an incredible level of interest in the New York mission and I wish Angels Share Glass and the other Scottish firms well as they forge exciting new links this week.” 

During the trade mission entrepreneurs from the companies, which include Ardgowan Distillery and Glasgwegin Scottish Gin, will hold meetings with US retailers and showcase their products.

The Angels’ Share Glass creations, which include handmade glass whisky water droppers and tartan accessories, will be featured in a display at a Scotland House pop-up in the Blackbarn Restaurant on East 26^th Street. 

Karen and Helen will also hold meetings with high-profile US whisky retailers and enjoy all the official Tartan Week celebrations and Scottish-themed festivities including a Ceilidh.

Angels’ Share Glass specialises in crafting whisky-based gifts and launched in 2013 with the creation of handmade glass angels filled with the ‘Angels’ Share’ of whisky.

Last year, the family firm created its own tartan – Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass – which reflects the glassmakers’ story and is used to complement its products.

For more information, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes: Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

ANDREA MONTAGUE APPOINTED AS HEAD OF ADVOCACY AT EDRINGTON UK

Tuesday 8^th March 2022, London: Edrington UK today announces that Andrea Montague has been appointed Head of Advocacy in a newly created role for the business.

As Edrington UK’s new Head of Advocacy, Andrea will lead and champion brand advocacy, education and training – from bartender engagement activities to customer activations to industry events – across the company’s wide portfolio of premium spirit brands, including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Brugal 1888, House of Suntory, Courvoisier, Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark amongst others.

With over 15 years’ experience in the drinks industry, Andrea is a respected figure in the spirits category having worked both at some of the most prestigious and highly respected establishments across London, as well as for leading brands, creating global advocacy programmes and education platforms for ambassador teams

With this she brings extensive experience in mentorship and project leadership as she heads up the company’s extensive advocacy team, including Edrington UK’s core Brand Ambassadors, Whisky Specialists and Serve Specialists, uniting them to create one centre of advocacy excellence, driving them to achieve the business’s brand ambitions through best-in-class advocacy and brand building.

Following another challenging start to the year for the hospitality industry, Andrea’s appointment comes during a crucial time as the on-trade looks towards recovery.

Zak Laurence-Whalley, General Manager at Edrington UK, said: “Advocacy has always been at the heart of Edrington UK’s brand-building strategies. We have delivered a wide range of globally recognised advocacy projects across our brands such as the House of Suntory Dojo programme, The Macallan and Rosewood London Partnership, and our bartender community space ‘Tending to the Tenders’ at London Cocktail Week. Andrea’s appointment is a vital step in recognising our advocacy successes to date and demonstrates our commitment to advocacy as a business. 

Consumers are discovering new and vibrant ways to enjoy dark spirits and the opportunity for the category is vast. Edrington UK has an enviable premium dark spirits portfolio, and we are perfectly pla­ced to lead the charge. By investing in high-calibre talent to create and execute our advocacy strategies, we are able to transform the premium spirits category hand-in-hand with our customers. We are excited to see Andrea drive our brand building vision forward.”

Commenting on her new role, Andrea stated: “I am honoured to be appointed as Edrington’s UK’ new Head of Advocacy for the UK. Having spent the last four years dedicating myself to single malts, I am delighted to be working with such a rich, premium dark spirits portfolio. As we continue to accelerate our brands in the premium space, I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to support and unite our advocacy team to drive our business vision forward.”

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.

REMASTERING THE PAST WHILE IMAGINING THE FUTURE, INTRODUCING THE JAMESON ANTHOLOGY

New collection includes the unveiling of the first Jameson single pot still whiskey in decades available via two online ballots

The whiskey makers at Midleton Distillery are proud to present The Jameson Anthology, a curated collection of unique limited-edition Irish whiskeys which draw inspiration from the past as well as imagining new possibilities. Jameson Remastered, the first volume within The Jameson Anthology, celebrates the spirit of classic discontinued whiskeys, by reinventing them with modern techniques to deliver a new taste experience. The soon to be released second volume, Jameson Remixed, meanwhile will explore and experiment with new tunes from Jameson for an altogether different take on the classic Irish icon.

Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still, the first release within the Jameson Remastered Volume, is a reinvention of a much loved classic which was last produced in 2000 as a limited edition offering. This award-winning[1] liquid is composed of three exceptional whiskey styles, spanning 15 to 17 years of maturation in carefully selected American bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. This single pot still whiskey raises a glass to history by featuring a significant contribution of sherry casks, paying tribute to traditional whiskey making in Bow Street Distillery.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller, takes guardianship of the new release in which he masterfully combined the original distilling methods with modern-day techniques. Whilst retaining a clear reference to Jameson’s unmistakably smooth DNA, the sherry casks bring together rich and fruity notes, paying homage to Ireland’s history, heritage and craftmanship whilst staying true to the original and remaining in tune with today.

The distinctive packaging of Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still is set to appeal to the nostalgia of Jameson fans across the globe, taking them on a journey from past to present. The bottle is wrapped in newspaper, with one side uncovering Jameson’s heritage and the other marking the present day and comes in recyclable honeycomb cardboard packaging.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “It’s been more than two decades since the last Jameson 15 Year Old was created and it has been a great opportunity to remaster this classic whiskey.

“For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to combine the traditional single pot still style with the strong influence of the sherry casks, which was integral to historic whiskey production. We’re confident to have developed a contemporary iteration of Jameson 15 Year Old that pays tribute to the torch bearers who put Irish whiskey on the map, whilst nodding to the current generation of talented craftspeople at Midleton Distillery. We can’t wait for Jameson fans to sip, savour and enjoy it to the very last drop.”

Blender Deirdre O’Carroll adds: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the team to bring Jameson fans a new 15 Year Old that has been remastered for the modern day. The inclusion of the sherry casks creates incredibly rich flavours and an extra-long fusion of fruits and spices, in line with traditional pot still flavours that are known and loved. We’re looking forward to continuing to delight fans with more to come within The Jameson Anthology, which we hope will be music to whiskey fans’ ears.”

Bottled at an ABV of 56.4%, Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still comes in a 500ml bottle and will retail at €300 with a limited quantity of 2,220 bottles available through two online ballots.

The first ballot will open to members of Barrel Club Midleton Distillery at 9am Irish Saving Time (IST) on Monday 4^th April and the second ballot will open to all other whiskey fans at 2pm (IST) on Friday 8^th April. Shipping to successful whiskey fans will take place from the end of April.

For the chance to get your hands on this unique bottle of Jameson 15 Year Old and to enter the ballot, visit https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en/our-whiskey/jameson-15-year-old-single-pot-still/ballot and sign up now.

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Rich nutty tones, dark berries and ripe orchard fruits mixed with sweet woodland spices. Underlying hints of oak combined with dried herbs and traditional pot still flavours, all wonderfully balanced and complex.

Taste: Robust and spicy with the pot still influences to the fore accompanied by the oak’s tannins alongside silky, textured layers of sweet dairy fudge and vanilla. Soft fruit notes of cherry are intertwined with fig and plum.

Finish: A rich and lasting finish with the duo of fruit and spices lingering before the toasted oak’s drying tannins have the last word.

@JamesonWhiskey 

Notes 

Please note, shipping of Jameson 15 Year Old is only available to the following counties: Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, China, New Zealand, and Japan. Where we state Great Britain, this refers only to England, Scotland, and Wales only. Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to ship to Northern Ireland. A small quantity is coming to specialist NI whiskey retailers. Please contact your local premium Irish Whiskey retailer to enquire. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in

2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics, as illustrated by the 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

[1] IWSC 2022 95/100 Gold Medal

BUFFALO TRACE NAMED THE GLOBAL

DISTILLER OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Blanton’s Named World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon

A Buffalo Trace Distillery advertisement with no bottles and no words intended for media kit usage.

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 29, 2022) – The National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery, has claimed the coveted global title of Distiller of the Year at the 2022 Icons of Whisky awards presented by Whisky Magazine.

After being named the American Distiller of the Year in February, Buffalo Trace went on to compete against distilleries from all over the globe to receive this honor. Similarly, the Distillery’s Blanton’s Bourbon was named the World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon by Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards held at the same ceremony. These awards were presented March 24 in London at the competition’s first in-person ceremony in three years.

Buffalo Trace, which is undergoing a $1.2 billion expansion to make more whiskey, continues to underscore its commitment to quality despite the growing demand for its whiskeys.

“Everyone on our team plays an important role in ensuring total quality, and these awards speak to that dedication,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said.  “We are absolutely thrilled to receive these awards and feel honored that our commitment to producing top-quality spirits is being recognized internationally.”

The Distillery, which welcomed more than 340,000 visitors in 2021, is also a big community supporter. In 2021, Buffalo Trace donated a half million dollars to local and statewide initiatives such as its annual Great Buffalo Chase 5k, in which more than $21,000 went to the city of Frankfort, Kentucky’s VFW Post 4075, which used it to fund the annual July 4^th community fireworks show, and $15,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community. The Distillery also donated $80,000 to local non-profit organizations at its annual Contribution to the Community ceremony and raised funds through an auction of some of its most rare bottles for The Red Cross Ky Region for Western Kentucky after tornados ravaged the state.  These donations were among a number of other community programs the Distillery supported in 2021.

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.