White Peak releases next in the Wire Works Whisky series:

-Small Batch-

Following on from the runaway success of Derbyshire’s first ever single malt – Wire Works Whisky – in February this year, White Peak has a new single malt release – Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – due out on 23^rd June.

Derbyshire’s first full-scale craft Distillery released just over 5,000 numbered bottles of its long-awaited inaugural single malt, Wire Works Whisky, at the beginning of February. The whisky received an extraordinary response from the Distillery’s loyal followers and supporters, selling out in just a few hours.

This new release of Wire Works Whisky Small Batch is a recognisable sibling to the inaugural spirit, however with a lower ABV of 46.2%.  A lightly-peated single malt whisky from a small batch vatting of American and French oak casks, the spirit has been fully matured in predominantly STR casks (re-conditioned casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred) with a significant element of ex-bourbon. The use of these casks compliment the White Peak house style of fruit forward new make.

The resulting spirit is a complex, approachable single malt whisky with sweet popcorn, and orchard fruits on the nose, brandy baskets, banana and sandalwood on the palate, and a sweet vanilla finish, with a touch of nutmeg.

White Peak Distillery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Max & Claire Vaughan – both originally from Derbyshire – and continues to go from strength to strength, having won awards not only for its whisky but also for its Distillery visitor experiences.

Max Vaughan, Co-founder of White Peak Distillery said: “We were incredibly humbled by the fantastic reaction to our first release of Wire Works Whisky in February and would like to say a big thank you to our various communities of supporters.  Our first bottling sold out much more quickly than we could have ever anticipated, so we’re delighted to be releasing another small batch bottling and we’re looking forward to the exciting plans we have for the rest of 2022 and beyond.”

Just over 4,300 bottles of Wire Works Whisky Small Batch will be released in total and will be available on 23^rd June via the White Peak Distillery online shop and in-person from the Distillery’s shop from 24^th June, RRP: £60 (70cl). The release will also be available from selected trade retail partners, including various nationwide independents: Booths (leading food and drink retailer in the northern counties), Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Selfridges, Berry Bros, House of Malt and Hard to Find Whisky.

The Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

About Wire Works Whisky Small Batch

46.2% ABV

100% natural colour and non-chill filtered   

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet popcorn, butterscotch, cloves, ripe banana, orchard fruit, vanilla slice, candied ginger, cherry pie filling, icing sugar, white chocolate, bergamot, nutmeg and cinder toffee

Palate: Chocolate orange, brandy baskets, Victoria sponge, liquorice all-sorts, cinnamon, cashews, marshmallow, vanilla, pink grapefruit and banana

Finish: Vanilla wafers, crème brûlée and nutmeg / mace.

About Wire Works Whisky

Wire Works Whisky from White Peak Distillery is Derbyshire’s very first single malt.

Provenance, heritage and flavour are at the heart of the Distillery ethos and whisky-making process, and it’s home at the dramatic former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works is celebrated within the whisky brand. The Distillery’s woodland home on the banks of the River Derwent has a long history of innovation and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wire Works Whisky celebrates its rich homeland and the brewing heritage for which the region is so renowned. Every aspect of production and maturation is done onsite at the Distillery to ensure that the unique location and environment can play their part in the provenance of the final spirit.

The lightly-peated single malt whisky has been created using a combination of English un-peated and peated malted barley. A flavour-focused four-day fermentation uses a unique yeast Blend incorporating live yeast sourced from a local Peak District brewery.

The Distillery’s traditional, bespoke copper pot stills have been hand-built by McMillan and are run slowly to help produce the desired flavour profile. The final spirit is matured in a variety of carefully selected first fill oak casks, including ex-bourbon, virgin and STR (re-conditioned casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred), adding the final rich flavours to the whisky.

The Peaks Whiskey Glass Set live on Kickstarter

The Peaks Whiskey Glasses Take Whiskey Drinkers to New Heights

Tour the world with friends on your next whiskey night. The Peaks Whiskey Glass set by Liiton introduces four new destinations to add to your collection. Whiskey lovers can visit Mont Blanc, Denali, K2 and Fuji while enjoying their favorite premium single malt or blend.

Whiskey fans are enthusiast about the news. Not only has The Peaks Whiskey Glass smashed through its Kickstarter goal in less than 24 hours, it has surpassed the same-day goal set by its predecessor, the Everest Whiskey Glass.”

You spoke and we listened,” says Liiton founder Peng Lin. “During our Everest campaign, you asked for more mountains and so we’re delivering four peaks in this collection. We couldn’t be more pleased to bring whiskey fans the glasses they have been clamoring for.”

With the Peak Whiskey Glass set, Liiton is offering whiskey fans who missed out on the Everest Kickstarter Campaign to be first to jump on board for their newest premium whiskey drinking experience. More than 13,000 whiskey lovers backed the Everest Whiskey Glass.

“If you thought our Everest project was ambitious, we went to new heights to design four new, true-to-scale replicas of these four iconic mountains.” says Lin of the collection.

Visit the four corners of the Earth with The Peaks Whiskey Glass Set

Here are just a few features of the Peaks Whiskey Glass:

Power in your Palm

Precision-crafted Peaks Whiskey Glasses are the only tumblers to feature a true-to-scale 3D glass carving of these breathtaking mountains.

Chill-Charge System™

The glass sculpture of each mountain embedded within the whiskey glass charges up with cold to chill your drink, evenly distributing it throughout the whiskey without watering down the beverage for the cleanest unadulterated whiskey experience.

Unlocks Aromatics

The Peaks Whiskey Glass offers the optimal expression of whiskey flavors by gently and naturally releasing the aromatic compounds of your whiskey through interaction with each mountain carving.

Stronger. Faster. More whiskey flavor.

Each glass in The Peaks Whiskey Glass collection is made from X1 Crystalline, a proprietary glass tested over hundreds of days. It chills drinks quicker, and it offers more durability and the most pristine aromatic whiskey flavors available.

The Peak Whiskey Glasses Set is live on Kickstarter now. Learn more now about it here.

http://liiton.com/thepeaks/presskit

ABOUT LIITON

At Liiton, we know every good whiskey deserves a trustworthy companion. A wingman who lifts you to greater heights and won’t let you down when it matters most. We named our company Liiton, the Finnish word for union, to bring people together through the enjoyment of whiskey. We’re on a mission to create the world’s best products for whiskey lovers. Spending an evening with Liiton is creating lasting friendships and lifelong memories.

Global spirits company Sazerac announces purchase of Sligo’s Lough Gill Distillery

 Restoration of Demesne, Capacity Expansion, and

Creation of Irish Whiskey Homeplace in Future Plans 

Louisville, KY (June 20^th, 2022) Hazelwood Demesne Limited, owner of the Lough Gill Distillery, on the shores of Lough Gill in County Sligo, Ireland, announces its acquisition by the Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies with premium brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, and Southern Comfort.

The Sazerac Company, known for taking historic sites such as its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky and its Sazerac House in New Orleans and restoring them to become world class operations, will fully develop the 100+ acre site, the original demesne of Hazelwood House, to create a world-class whiskey facility and visitor attraction, making it one of the most important tourism centres in the West of Ireland. Once complete, Lough Gill Distillery hopes to welcome up to 150,000 visitors annually and will create a homeplace for Sazerac’s Irish Whiskeys, Paddy and Michael Collins.

Additionally, Sazerac will significantly grow the footprint of Lough Gill Distillery through increasing the distillery’s capacity, adding warehousing capacity and expanding production and bottling lines. All current Lough Gill Distillery team members will remain with the business, and it is expected that Sazerac will increase employment after the expansion.  As part of the acquisition, Sazerac will continue the development of the Athrú brand, including global distribution.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer of Sazerac said, “With its rich history of distilling and storytelling, Ireland is an ideal homeplace for our whiskey business to flourish.  In particular, the history of the Lough Gill Distillery, dating back to the 18^th century, will be an integral keystone in the restoration and storytelling of this site. We look forward to preserving the history, delighting our future visitors by the stories we share, and further expanding the growth opportunities for Paddy, Michael Collins and Athrú Whiskeys.”

Commenting on the announcement, David Raethorne, founder of the Lough Gill Distillery said “This is a major announcement for Sligo and a vote of confidence in the potential for Sligo to become a major player in the booming global Irish whiskey market. The acquisition will enable Lough Gill Distillery to fully develop as a world-class visitor destination and will have significant long term economic and tourism benefits for Sligo, which, for me, was always a personal goal. In addition, the maintenance and preservation works undertaken to date on Hazelwood House (a house of national importance) have played an essential part in saving it from dereliction. This acquisition will ensure that Hazelwood House will be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come, another key objective of the project. The Sazerac Company announcement is a culmination of seven years of hard work and determination by the Board of Lough Gill Distillery and the wider team, delivering on our original 2015 vision, when we acquired the site. I would like to formally acknowledge the support of Sligo County Council and its CEO Martin Lydon, which was a key driver in the decision for Sazerac to invest in Sligo.”

Commenting on the announcement, Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach (Chairman) of Sligo County Council said “This is one of the most significant Sligo investments in recent times. Becoming home to not one, but three, of Ireland’s whiskey brands (Paddy, Michael Collins & Athrú) will have a significant impact on our local economy, both from an employment and tourism perspective.”

Martin Lydon, CEO of Sligo County Council stated “It’s heartening to see the Sazerac Company, one of the world’s premiere distilling and aging spirits companies with a commitment to restoring historical sites, pledge to invest, expand, and restore Lough Gill Distillery. Today’s announcement is proof of the positive and sustaining eco-system for companies to invest in Sligo, supported by Sligo County Council.”

In tandem with the acquisition, Lough Gill Distillery has also announced that former Bushmills Master Blender, Helen Mulholland, is joining the team.

In 2018, Helen became the first woman to be inducted into the International Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and has recently become the first woman to receive a Chairman’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry.

Helen will lead Lough Gill Distillery’s team in the pursuit of crafting and blending what will become Ireland’s luxury single malt whiskey. Helen will take responsibility for selection and management of the casks for Athrú single malt whiskey, nurturing the Athrú portfolio of premium aged single malts, as well as new product development.

David Raethorne, Athrú founder, said “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Mulholland as Master Blender at Lough Gill Distillery. In her stellar career as a master blender Helen has become one of the heroes of Irish whiskey, and we are confident of even better things to come”  

Helen Mulholland said “It’s a really exciting time for Lough Gill Distillery. I am very honoured to be joining the team as it becomes the home of Paddy, Michael Collins and Athrú whiskies. The distillery, its location and the incredible team already in place made this a very easy decision. I look forward to bringing my knowledge as a Master Blender to the table to enable us to make some really world-class Irish whiskeys.”

About Sazerac
Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac visit https://www.sazerac.com/

About Lough Gill Distillery

Lough Gill Distillery sits on a 100-acre peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lough Gill.  The distillery was founded in 2015 after the discovery of a vast warehouse complex, concealed by a forgotten 300 year old Palladian house in Hazelwood forest, Co. Sligo.

The warehouse complex has been sustainably repurposed into a world class single malt distillery, which was commissioned in 2019 after a four year development project. It uses state of the art equipment and energy capture technology to produce the highest quality single malt whiskey with minimal impact on the environment.

Three copper stills were handmade by Frilli, master craftsmen in Sienna, Italy to produce single malt to the Distillery specifications. The stills are capable of producing over one million litres of alcohol per annum (about 3m bottles), triple distilled in the finest Irish tradition.

About Athrú Whiskey

Athrú (pronounced Ah Roo) is Lough Gill Distillery’s luxury single malt Irish whiskey distilled from Irish heritage barley and water drawn from an ice age aquifer which runs under the distillery in Co. Sligo. Athrú is the Gaelic word for ‘transformation’.  

About Hazelwood House

Hazelwood House was built in the Palladian style in 1722 by Richard Cassels for the Wynne family, who resided there for 200 years. Cassels went on to build many of the great Irish houses of the 18th Century, but Hazelwood House is special in that it is the earliest of his houses to survive intact. He is recognised as one of Ireland’s greatest architects.

For more information, please visit www.athru.com/about

LAYING THE SEED FOR THE FUTURE OF WHISKY MAKING

IN THE GARDEN OF SCOTLAND

Progressive whisky makers Fettercairn Distillery unveil a visionary programme

with local farming community in the North-East of Scotland 

Fettercairn Distillery, alongside founding partners Bairds Malt, last week celebrated in launching the new Fettercairn 200 Club – a visionary, long-term partnership with Northeast barley farmers all within a 50 miles radius of the distillery. Partners are all situated in the local Aberdeenshire farming community on the doorstep of the Highland Single Malt Distillery.

As of this year members of the 200 Club have committed to supplying the distillery with 100% of the barley required to produce Fettercairn Single Malt whisky, ensuring end to end transparency of the highest quality locally sourced barley. The launch of the 200 Club is the latest step in the Highland distillery’s quest to realise its land management vision for the next 100 years, ultimately enabling the production of its own single origin Single Malt whisky.

The partnership marks the beginning of a mutual relationship between the whisky makers and farmers for generations to come. In line with ambition for greater transparency across the industry, Bairds Malt are founding partners of the club, helping nurture the relationship between distillery, the land and its guardians that will define the future for whisky made by Fettercairn. As the relationship between the distillery and farmers strengthen, so too does the potential for innovation and experimentation in future releases.

The celebration also marks the reopening of the popular distillery visitor centre, following closure due to the pandemic, and recent redevelopment of the visitor facilities.  The beautiful new visitor centre has been upgraded to provide a unique experience for those keen to discover more about Fettercairn and includes an iconic new sculpture – Forest Flow – from acclaimed environmental artist Rob Mulholland, now a new feature of the distillery visitor experience.

These developments follow on from the unveiling of the Fettercairn Forest last year which saw over 13,000 sessile Quercus petraea and Quercus robur oak saplings planted next to the distillery on the historic 8,500-acre Fasque Estate, representing a wider commitment by owners Whyte & Mackay to develop a sustainable future for responsibly sourced Scottish oak.

Stewart Walker, Distillery Manager at Fettercairn Distillery said:

“We talk about being progressive and defying convention and the 200 Club truly supports this commitment.  Working with local farmers not only supports our vital community, but also ensures the highest quality of locally supplied barley is used in our unique distillation process while truly cementing our relationship with the land.  We’re delighted to be looking to the future so positively and today is a landmark for the future of Fettercairn, we cannot wait to welcome our partners and visitors back to the distillery.”

Speaking at the event Nikki Cumming, Senior Brand Manager said:

“This is a really special day for us here at the distillery as an opportunity to thank the local farming community. At Fettercairn we like to say the next 100 years are as important as the past. This initiative is really a true testament to this by laying the foundations and cementing relationships for future generations of whisky makers and farmers to come.”

Charlie Strang Steel operates Sluie farm in Aberdeenshire less than 15 miles from Fettercairn, where his family has been farming for three generations in both beef and arable in the shape of wheat, oats and barley.  He believes the time is right for this new initiative.

“It’s really important to have the Distillery using Scottish barley from some of the amazing farms in the area, rather than taking it across the border or in a boat from somewhere else. We are able to farm to a very high standard in Scottish quality assured crops especially as more and more people are looking for local produce. Scottish whisky should use Scottish barley – it’s as simple as that for me and it’s great to support local people and business,” he said.

David Innes and his son Matthew farm 560 acres at Mains of Fordoun farm growing spring barley, wheat and winter barley, oil seed rape and seed potatoes.

“We’re pretty proud that we’re supplying the Distillery – it’s good to know that Fettercairn is using grain coming from the immediate area – true to its nature and the location. We love the idea that if you give someone a bottle of whisky, you can tell them you helped grow the barley, the raw material. A lot of the time farmers like us don’t really know where our barley ends up – this completes the circle in a really pleasing way and we know we are supporting the local economy too,” he said.

The Fettercairn 200 Club and the commitment the highland distillery has made to working with local businesses and Scottish landowners, suggests the whisky makers are determined in their progression towards a holistic future where whisky makers, farmers and landowners work collaboratively in every step of the whisky making journey, from grain to glass.

About Fettercairn 

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

We’re not like other distilleries and we’ve never been afraid to tread our own path.  It’s only by defying convention, tradition and expectation, we can adopt an enlightened and progressive approach.  Take our cooling ring, our home grown Scottish oak and single estate whiskies, the special collaboration with 200 local farmers, the Warehouse 2 Collection. And not forgetting the unicorn on our bottle!

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

We are Fettercairn; the home of enlightened whisky making.  

www.fettercairnwhisky.com 

Facebook @fettercairnwhisky

Instagram @fettercairnwhisky

Twitter @fettercairnwhisky

INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN M COLLECTION:

A PRISM INTO THE WORLD OF THE MACALLAN 

The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan M Collection, a range of limited release single malt whiskies which celebrates the brand’s acclaimed Six Pillars.

The Six Pillars are the foundation stones that account for The Macallan’s distinctive and exceptional whiskies and comprise Natural Colour, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning.

The Macallan M Collection features an array of colours embodying these unique attributes and reflecting the emotions that drive the brand. The first three expressions are the 2022 editions of M and M Black and the brand-new M Copper, which pays tribute to the unique copper stills utilised by The Macallan since it was founded in 1824.

The Macallan M 2022 Release

M embodies Natural Colour, a result of The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and dedication to using the finest, 100% natural ingredients and sherry seasoned oak casks. A rare spirit epitomising transparency, it has matured in a small number of hand-selected casks and is encased in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter showcasing the whisky’s natural rich amber hue. M reveals the distillery’s classic sherry seasoned, full-flavoured character imparting notes of chocolate, rich dried fruit and spice. 

The Macallan M Black 2022 Release

M Black represents The Macallan’s dedication to Mastery and unwavering trust in its craft. Rare, black ended sherry seasoned oak casks holding peated spirit have been selected by the Whisky Mastery Team to create this unique expression. The handcrafted Lalique black crystal decanter reflects the peat smoke within the whisky and the confidence which drives The Macallan whisky makers as they boldly marry classic Macallan notes with peated whisky. A subtly smoky expression, it displays a rich natural colour of golden sunrise and balances The Macallan’s classic character with an unexpected peated note.

The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release

M Copper reflects the Curiously Small Spirit Stills that are a defining feature of The Macallan’s distillation process. They represent a pivotal moment in whisky-making history as when most moved to larger, higher production copper stills, The Macallan focused on quality and their distinctive shape and size help to concentrate the new make spirit, creating the rich, robust character.

With a natural colour of spun gold, M Copper is a vibrant expression which brings the flavours created in the stills to the fore. It has a buttery, viscous mouth coating and is bursting in fruitiness with a hint of sweet malty flavour. A handcrafted Lalique copper coloured crystal decanter also reflects the stills and the authenticity which drives the brand through its dedication to innovative methods.

Visually representing the Six Pillars, the decanters are created in collaboration with renowned creative director, Fabien Baron and French crystal maker Lalique. Envisioned by Baron, they feature six facets while Lalique brings refinement and flawless clarity and the outer packaging for the decanters also denotes the Six Pillars and is sustainably sourced in Scotland.

To mark the launch of the collection, The Macallan has worked with luxury fashion photographer and creative visionary Nick Knight, to create a series of photography and film in his abstract and expressionistic style.

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “Our Six Pillars foundation stones embody all that is unique to The Macallan, together underpinning the renowned quality and rich character of our whisky. The Macallan M Collection tells the story of these unique attributes and our dedication to uncompromised excellence.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “It is an honour to work with The Macallan – our long-standing partner for 16 years – to realise this exquisite collection and showcase our shared sense of mastery, craftsmanship and heritage. The decanters are completely unique in the world of decanters, very difficult to produce because of their shape and Lalique’s masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to bring Fabien Baron’s creative vision to life.”

For each 70cl decanter, The Macallan M 2022 Release has an RRSP of $6,750 / £5,000, The Macallan M Black 2022 Release has an RRSP of $7,600 / £5,700 and The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release has an RRSP of $8,500 / £6,250.

The Macallan M Collection will be available worldwide in both domestic and travel retail markets including The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Airport Boutiques, selected luxury hotels and bars and premium retailers around the world from 20^th June 2022. For further information visit www.themacallan.com 

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

The Macallan M 2022 Release

ABV: 45%

Nose​: Sweet black cherry and demerara sugar with a sensorial mix of polished oak and leather, softened with hints of indulgent chocolate and vanilla​.

Palate​: Herbal notes of liquorice and tea leaves combined with smooth crème anglaise and chocolate orange with a hint of wood spice.​

Finish​: Rich dried fruit and decadent dark chocolate​.

The Macallan M Black 2022 Release

ABV: 46%

Nose​: Fresh apple, pear and citrus combined with sweet dates developing into a subtle light peat​.

Palate​: Candied oranges, charred peaches and honeyed fig combined with sultana, decadent dark chocolate, emerging into a warming peat and spiced ginger​.

Finish: Long peat smoke and sweet raisin​. 

The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release

ABV: 42%

Nose​: Sweet banana, pear and white peach combined with malty biscuit, marshmallow and vanilla with a hint of citrus lemon.​

Palate: Pear drops, caramelised banana and sherbet, developing into malt and spiced oak​.

Finish: Long, smooth toasted oak​. 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

About Lalique

Founded in 1888 by renowned and avant-garde artist René Lalique, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass houses. Lalique is a symbol of unique know-how and craftmanship, a luxury lifestyle brand with an immediately recognisable style. Lalique enriches our everyday lives, bringing artistic style to singular creations in six areas: decorative items, interior design, perfumes, jewellery, works of art and hospitality. The brand enters into exclusive collaborations with talented artists, designers and other luxury brands, to create stunning objects and collections based on both partners’ know-how and expertise. Since 1922, all pieces have been handcrafted in the house’s sole manufacturing site, located in the Alsace region in France. www.lalique.com

About Fabien Baron

As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fash­ion, cosmetic and fragrance worlds’ most visible and influential brands. The creative director’s singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing ground-breaking television commercials, music videos and online video content.

About Nick Knight

Nick Knight is among the world’s most influential and visionary image makers​. As a fashion photographer and fashion film director, he has consistently challenged conventional notions of beauty and is fêted for his ground-breaking creative collaborations with leading designers and music artists​. His involvement in prestigious advertising campaigns as well as award-winning editorial have consistently kept Knight at the vanguard of progressive image-making for over three decades. ​His scientific background and commitment to experimenting with the latest technologies led to Knight launching his award-winning fashion website SHOWstudio in 2000​.

Inaugural Release: Macaloney’s Triple Distilled Potstill Whiskies

As Macaloney’s Island Distillery Whiskymaker, I am proud to let you know that the long-awaited, first ever, ‘inaugural release’ of our triple distilled potstill whiskies is going live now, exclusively in Canada. Please check out https://victoriacaledonian.com/ for details including free shipping across Canada (for 2 bottles or more).

This limited release includes Killeigh (‘Canadian Best‘ @ World Whiskies Awards) and Kildara Whiskymaker’s Signature Expressions whose cartons proudly display ‘Batch 1’ on the front, plus the Kirkinriola Single Cask release which displays the cask #. Bottles of all three whiskies are individually numbered by hand to enhance their collectable value.

Did you know that our investors get early access to new releases like these? Preferred shareholders also receive a 10% discount on their purchases and an annual whisky dividend. Click here to learn more.

Killeigh – Whiskymaker’s Signature Selection 

Killeigh won Best Potstill Whisky in Canada at the prestigious 2022 World Whiskies Awards.  It was created with a combination of Kentucky Ex-Bourbon wood, European oak, and Virgin American oak casks.

The nose presents cream soda, soft vanilla and oak, with apricot, pear, hints of banana, sweet pea flowers, milled oats and honey. The white wine European oak is delicate and layered.  The palate is velvety-creamy with more tropical fruits including sweet lychees, mandarin orange, and delicate banana embellished with honey and barley water. Fresh rose petals and a potpourri of dried flowers and wood spice yield to vanilla, oak and coconut with a hint of linseed, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Kildara – Whiskymaker’s Signature Selection – lightly Sherried

Kildara is the culmination of carefully selected and married Spanish Oloroso, Kentucky Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, and Pedro Ximénes (PX) casks. The result is a full bodied, triple distilled single potstill, island whisky with delicate Sherry notes.

On the nose, you’ll enjoy notes of dried fruit cake, vanilla crème laced with cinnamon, demerara sugar, and old seasoned leather. Abundant tropical fruits include candied orange, dried apricot, figs, ripe blackberries, blackcurrant jam, dried raisins and roasted nuts are also apparent. The palate is velvety-soft, resplendent with full bodied Sherry and tropical fruit. Oatmeal develops to oak spices, coffee, dark chocolate orange, nectarines, stewed plums, blackcurrant, red currant and sultana’s, coming together as sweet dark fruitcake and honey.

Kirkinriola: Single Cask Moscatel  

Kirkinriola Moscatel is our first triple distilled single cask whisky release. This whisky is for the purists and collectors who want to experience the Moscatel Sweet White Wine cask in its unadulterated form.

The nose is resplendent of Muscat grape, sweet white wine and a well-developed European oak presence including vanilla, honey, and marzipan, walnut and nutmeg. Barley, oatmeal and malted milk yield to abundant tropical fruits including dried apricot, ripe peaches and sultanas. The creamy mouthfeel leads to full bodied moscatel and oak, vanilla beans, dried ginger, ripe cherries, pear, lychees, dried coconut and lemon zest. The juicy barley and malt suggest digestive biscuits layered with treacle, followed by linseed, comfortable leather furniture, walnut, almonds and pecans, with a hint of salt and dry oaken finish.

What’s behind this new range of Triple Distilled Potstill whiskies?   

These triple distilled potstill expressions are a tribute to Dr. Swan by our Master Whiskymaker Dr. Graeme Macaloney. Dr. Swan had always wanted to apply his methods to triple-distilled potstill whiskies but sadly passed away before he could do so. Graeme, studied the traditional methods for distilling this style of whisky and overlaid Dr. Swans methods here in Canada. The result is that the patient, yet purposeful, triple distillation produces a complex, layered and balanced new-make spirit.  Dr. Swan described our original new-make which trickles off our copper pot stills as:

“the best that I have tasted in any distillery at this stage, super fruity.”

This triple-distillate is even smoother and fruitier!  When we submitted the newmake underpinning all of these triple distilled potstill whiskies to the World Whiskies Awards, it took a gold medal, ‘Best in Canada‘, and ranked top 2 in the World!

Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ Fantasy Camp Postponed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today that its annual Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ fantasy camp won’t happen in September 2022, but the prestigious event is being reimagined for 2023.

The KDA created the KBA eight years ago as a world-class celebration featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes in Louisville starring Kentucky’s historic Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.

KDA President Eric Gregory said participating distillers simply don’t have the bandwidth and workforce to manage the immersive, week-long showcase – and many are already booked for months as visitors have returned in droves to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.

“These intimate, rare, backstage experiences are what make the Kentucky Bourbon Affair such a magical event, and we’re concerned that it would not live up to the high expectations from our devoted fans, many of whom come back year after year,” Gregory said.

With 50 members now across 40 Kentucky counties, Gregory said the KDA is taking the time to reimagine the Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ with plans to return in 2023. It has been postponed since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

“The Bourbon Affair is a bucket list adventure and the only event that’s exclusively produced by the distilleries themselves,” he said. “We look forward to a fresh, new approach to the KBA next year and thank all our fans for their patience and understanding.”

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

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

Looking For Distilling Duo to Make History

Wooler-based distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two distillers to help produce Northumberland’s first whisky

New English whisky distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two passionate distillers to help take on the exciting task of making Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team as Ad Gefrin starts an extraordinary journey based on a unique heritage, distilling traditions and combined with contemporary innovation. The appointed distillers will be joining a growing team and it is hoped that together they will help to shape a long-lasting legacy for Wooler and Northumberland.

Nestled at the base of the Cheviot hills, Ad Gefrin visitor experience and distillery tells the stories of, and is inspired by, the 7th Century summer palace of the kings and queens of Northumbria, discovered only four miles north of Wooler. Ad Gefrin is a family-owned business with an ambition to quite literally ‘distil Northumberland’ using Northumbrian Barley and Cheviot water sourced from a borehole on site at the distillery.

The two distillers will be responsible for all production operations for whisky and any other spirit produced as part of the company’s suite of spirits. As well as managing the process, from milling and mashing to routine sampling of raw materials and new malt distillate, they will have an in depth understanding of the overall business and background to production. The candidates must be excited to explore, learn and bring new ideas forward.

Giving further background, Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling at Ad Gefrin, said:

“We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for quality and experience in relevant fields. Qualifications in brewing and distilling or a similar field would be beneficial. We require people who are up for getting stuck in to helping us produce Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky and be a part of an exciting new era.”

If you have relevant experience and are interested in joining the Ad Gefrin team, please send a covering letter and a copy of your CV to – work@adgefrin.co.uk.

 NOTES:

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £12m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council.

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

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

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. Projects in England are supported through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities funding including Ad Gefrin. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

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

LinkedIn: @adgefrin

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

COLLECTION OF AMERICAN BOURBON GREATS TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

A collection of bourbon whiskies from past and present American greats is set to go under the hammer on Independence Day by specialist whisky auction site, Whisky Hammer.

A unique selection of bourbon and other sought-after American whiskies will be put up for auction on Monday 4^th July as part of Whisky Hammer’s The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction – coinciding with Independence Day.

With one bottle valued up to £25,000, many of the desirable expressions hold an illustrious position in American whiskey history from brands such as Pappy Van Winkle, Old Forester, Stitzel-Weller, EH Taylor and Willett Family Estate.

E.H Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash will also go under the hammer, with a price estimate of £13,000. This bourbon was created by Buffalo Trace retirees using a method used for making ‘old fashioned sour mash’ whiskey – a technique used by Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr in the late 1800s.

Private sellers can add bottles to the auction by getting in touch with Whisky Hammer before the submission deadline of Monday 27^th June – contact details can be found at www.whiskyhammer.com.

Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “This is an exciting collection for us to be auctioning – and not just because of the variety of bourbon on offer. Some of the stories behind these bottles are fascinating and give an insight into different time periods in American whiskey.

“Many bourbon collectors have never taken part in an auction before, so this is their chance to bid on and secure a drop of bourbon history.”

Online whisky auction business Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky.

Whisky Hammer re-located in 2019 to a new, purpose-built facility in Aberdeenshire, which is also home to Still Spirit – a whisky shop, e-commerce site and dram bar offering over 100 rare whiskies to taste while overlooking the beautiful Scottish countryside.

The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction will go live on Whisky Hammer from 7pm (BST) on Monday 4^th July. For further information or to register interest, visit whiskyhammer.com

Follow Whisky Hammer on @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.whiskyhammer.com

https://www.stillspirit.co.uk