Elijah Craig Partners with PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Max Homa, Debuts Golf Alignment

Award-winning bourbon partners with three-time PGA TOUR winner in multi-year deal

PGA TOUR pros strive for greatness every day, a mindset shared by the master craftspeople who use a lifetime of experience and years of aging to develop the signature balance of flavors in Elijah Craig Bourbon. The three-time PGA TOUR winner will continue to elevate the golf experience for fans through integrated marketing campaigns, social media collaboration, public appearances, and the Elijah Craig logo prominently displayed on shirt of Homa’s caddy and longtime friend, Joe Greiner.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Elijah Craig Bourbon today announced a new partnership with PGA TOUR professional golfer Max Homa for a multi-year sponsorship deal. Homa’s success both on and off the course since turning pro in 2013 will now be supported by Elijah Craig as the “Official Bourbon of Max Homa.”

“When you see a great golf swing or take a sip of an expertly crafted Bourbon, you can appreciate the years of patience and perseverance required to arrive at that moment. Whether you’re a pro inside the ropes, the occasional golfer, or a fan that follows along on Twitter, the golf community doesn’t settle for less than greatness,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “Together with Max Homa, we look forward to celebrating wins big and small with golf fans everywhere over a glass of Elijah Craig Bourbon.”

“I’m excited to join the Elijah Craig team as their first-ever golf brand ambassador. Golf is a game that doesn’t come easy, and I’m learning the same is true for making their award-winning Bourbon,” said Homa. “Elijah Craig is made for those who strive for the best – in their game and in their glass. And from what I’ve tasted so far, their commitment to excellence is obvious. We’ve got lots of exciting things planned in the coming months, and I’m looking forward to sharing many memories at the 19th Hole with them and golf fans everywhere.”

Elijah Craig will also debut its 19th Hole campaign to extend the fan experience beyond the course this spring and summer. The 19th Hole campaign will include premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media, consumer contests, and Elijah Craig-branded golf ball on-packs and in-store displays rounding out the 360-degree program.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Today, Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through the Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing donations up to $100,000 to Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, nation’s largest independent, family-owned and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

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

New team taking shape at The Cairn Distillery

The management team is now in place to run the new distillery on the outskirts of Grantown on Spey being built by family-owned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail.

Distillery Manager Mhairi Winters and Visitor Experience Manager Andy Kitchin are already hard at work getting ready to begin whisky production and to welcome visitors from summer 2022.

The pair bring with them a wealth of experience in whisky production and visitor management.

Mhairi Winters joins Gordon & MacPhail from William Grant & Sons Distillers, where she was Team Leader for Balvenie and Kininvie Distilleries. Mhairi has worked in the Scotch Whisky industry for twenty years in a variety of industry roles from tour guide to technical support and then production management.

Mhairi said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the team bringing The Cairn Distillery to life. It’s not every day that a brand-new Distillery of this scale is built and it was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass me by. I’m extremely passionate about our industry and our products. I am excited to begin commissioning and start creating our new spirit.”

Meanwhile Andy Kitchin has most recently been part of the team managing the visitor experience at The Falkirk Wheel.

Before working with Scottish Canals, he was at sea for more than 10 years, managing multiple visitor experience teams onboard P&O cruise ships. He has worked at various luxury Scottish leisure resorts, but has always been focused on creating lasting memories, whether on land or sea.

Andy added: “For me, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a stunning new venture in a wonderful part of the Scottish countryside. I am very much looking forward to opening our doors to welcome our visitors and let them share the Cairn experience.”

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

The company prides itself on the positive relationships it has built with the local community in the areas in which it works and has been keen to replicate that approach in Grantown.

As Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, explained: “We have been delighted by the incredibly positive welcome we’ve had locally. Now we have a local team in place we are keen to continue the process of building long term relationships with the community and local businesses. Andy in particular will be focusing very much on getting to know people in the local area while Mhairi focuses on the production of The Cairn spirit. I’m sure they will enjoy the same warm welcome we have already experienced.”

The Cairn lies in a spectacular location, looking out across the River Spey towards the Cairngorm Mountains.  It will offer a range of immersive visitor experiences, whisky tastings and bistro with a menu shaped by ingredients from the local area.

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.

A STORY OF RARE DEDICATION: THE GLENDRONACH UNVEILS
OLDEST EXPRESSION

The GlenDronach is today announcing the limited release of its first-ever 50 Year Old Single Malt; the Highland Distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky to date. Distilled in 1971, this expression represents a milestone in the near two-hundred-year history of The GlenDronach Distillery.

The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years has quietly slumbered over five long decades in rare Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, from the Spanish bodegas of Jerez in Andalucía. Personally selected by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, these exquisite casks have been married for a final maturation in a single Pedro Ximénez cask. Only a small number of casks are chosen to reach such a celebrated age, and just 198 bottles will be available worldwide of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years.

Protected and nurtured in The GlenDronach’s traditional dunnage warehouses for over half a century, this rare liquid has survived floods and howling Highland winters, as well as being haunted by the legend of a Spanish ghost. This expression tells a story of the rare dedication and mastery of those custodians who have devoted their lives, through highs and lows, to protecting and nurturing this exceptionally rare Single Malt.

Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, said:

“The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the most prestigious expression of what this timeless, richly-sherried Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has to offer.

“At 50 Years Old, it is exceptionally rich and seductive, with mellow layers of alluring complexity. On the nose, ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to the harmony of rolling stone fruit, while the palate brings an exquisite overture of flavour with dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa.  

“It has been a privilege to be the final custodian of our oldest expression to date, passed down through generations. The result is a hand-crafted Highland Single Malt that tells a story of rare dedication, of which The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the rarest of them all.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Antique mahogany chestnut

Nose: Ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to a harmony of rolling stone fruit, gentian, and a plume of smouldering tobacco – lifted by lilting notes of bramble, orange, and cranberry.

Palate: Dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa form an exquisite overture of flavour. A perfect counter comes in a crescendo of elegant plum and luxurious black cherry, enrobed in a swathe of velvet espresso.

ABV: 43.8%

RRP: £20,000 GBP (including all taxes. Global markets may vary.)

Each hand-numbered bottle of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is presented in a luxurious, genuine leather case accompanied by an embossed leather booklet detailing the distillery history, tasting notes, and unique craft.

Bottle No. 1 of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years was proudly donated to the inaugural Distillers’ One of One Auction in December 2021, raising £40,000 in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is bottled at 43.8% ABV, and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, has developed its deep colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it has rested. The GlenDronach Aged 50 years will be available to purchase from selected specialist retailers worldwide from January 2022 (global markets may vary).

About The GlenDronach Distillery: 

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.

Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:

www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: /TheGlenDronach

Twitter: @Glendronach

Instagram: @Glendronach

The Proof is Here®: Bourbon Pours Billions into Kentucky Economy

Study Shows More Distillers, Jobs, Investment – and Competition

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Bourbon is expanding its status as a premier signature industry, now pouring $9 billion into the Bluegrass economy every year and generating more than 22,500 jobs with $1.23 billion in payroll, Gov. Andy Beshear and legislative leaders announced today.

Distilling also contributes more than $285 million in local and state tax revenue and is in the middle of a massive $5.2 billion capital investment spree that is creating more good-paying jobs and opportunities for supply chain partners, farmers, communities and tourism than ever before.

“We all know that Kentucky crafts 95% of the world’s Bourbon, and 100% of the Bourbon worth drinking,” Gov. Beshear said. “But today’s news proves that our signature spirit is so much more, and the growth is simply staggering.

“Distilleries, jobs, wages, revenue and investment are up triple digits across the board in the last 12 years. In turn, this amber wave has spurred more corn production, barrel cooperages and other supply-side manufacturers that are sustaining families and adding vibrancy to local communities.

“I’m thrilled Team Kentucky is part of this growth and am glad to help move it forward for the decades to come,” Gov. Beshear said.

The news comes from the biennial report conducted by noted economist Dr. Paul Coomes and commissioned by the non-profit Kentucky Distillers’ Association trade group. This is the sixth report since 2009 that charts growth and challenges facing Bourbon and distilled spirits.

KDA President Eric Gregory said the study highlights how the industry has effectively transformed itself into a global and economic powerhouse over the past 12 years. “Leadership, partnership and a focused mission on working together and growing the pie,” he said.

That has included promoting Kentucky as the gold standard for distilling, research and responsibility; expanding the popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourism attraction; welcoming and mentoring craft distillers as the next generation; and working with elected officials to modernize alcohol laws and remove barriers to growth.

“We’re thrilled that Bourbon is at an all-time high since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition, but we can’t let success or complacency curtail this strong momentum,” he said. “We have more jobs and distilleries than ever before, but we also have more competition from all 50 states.”

The study notes there are now more than 2,200 distilleries in the U.S. due to the booming craft movement. That has slashed Kentucky’s share of distilleries nationwide from 24% to 6%, and jobs from 43% to 30%. Ten states have more licensed distillery operations than Kentucky.

“Bourbon is a great investment for Kentucky, and this study proves that,” Gregory said. “But more than 2,000 distilleries have made the decision not to locate in Kentucky, despite our rich traditions and ready-made infrastructure.

“It is critical that distillers, partners and elected officials continue to work together to eliminate artificial and unnecessary barriers to growth. Doing so will attract more distillers and investment to the Commonwealth. Our economic future is in our hands.”

The study’s major highlights include:

·     $9 billion in economic output every year

·     More than 22,500 jobs, up 83% in last 20 years

·     $1.23 billion in payroll, up 250% in last 20 years

·     Average salary of $101,567 – the first time that amount has exceeded $100,000

·     KDA distillers bought 17 million bushels of corn in 2020, with 75% coming from Kentucky farmers

·     Corn production has tripled in many Kentucky counties where distillers are located

·     All-time record of 10.3 million aging barrels of Bourbon, the first time over 10 million

·     Bourbon production – number of barrels filled each year – is up 435% since 1999

·     Kentucky distillers filled a record 2.4 million barrels in 2020

·     $5.2 billion in capital projects completed or planned by 2025, including more than $100 million to build or expand Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences

·     Investments between 2021-2025 will create 4,565 new jobs, $258 million in payroll and $29 million in tax revenue

·     Distilling has the highest job spin-off factor among top 20 Kentucky manufacturers by employees; for every distilling job, three more are created

·     Value of distillers’ real and tangible property has quadrupled in last 12 years to $1.49 billion

·     Kentucky continues to tax distilling higher than all other large industries in the Commonwealth.

·     Distilling production and consumption generates $286 million in local and state tax revenue annually. That’s $179 million more tax revenue a year versus 12 years ago.

·     Kentucky has the fifth-highest Bourbon and spirits tax rate in the country, and the state’s distillers by far pay more in federal alcohol tax – $1.8 billion – than any other state

·     The KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences continue their rapid rebound from COVID and closures, up 160% in total attendance from last year and just down slightly from pre-pandemic record in 2019.

At a press conference announcing the study’s results, Gregory praised legislative leaders for revolutionizing Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws and in many cases, “just getting government out of the way so our business can flourish.”

In the Senate, Gregory thanked Senate President Robert Stivers, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Senate Licensing & Occupations Chairman John Schickel and Senate Democratic Leader Morgan McGarvey for their bold leadership in advancing reforms.

Sen. Stivers created the Bourbon Barrel Reinvestment Tax Credit in 2014 to offset the discriminatory tax that distillers pay on aging barrels. Gregory said the credit stimulated barrel production leading to now-record inventories.

Sens. Thayer and McGarvey in 2020 championed landmark legislation to make Kentucky a model for direct-to-consumer spirits shipping around the country. In 2016, Sen. Schickel’s historic Senate Bill 11 authorized cocktail sales at distilleries and led to a surge of robust, immersive tourism experiences and record attendance.

Stivers, one of the longest serving senate presidents in the country, said, “We’ve seen first-hand how simply removing a tax or an outdated law leads to more high-quality jobs and record investment levels in our signature spirit. We also understand other states are watching Kentucky and desperately want what is unique to the Commonwealth.

“Make no mistake, though, the only place to experience the authenticity of Bourbon is right here in Kentucky and we must maintain our distilling dominance. For all of these reasons, I strongly encourage my fellow members of the Senate to do our part to keep this momentum flowing.”

In the House, Gregory applauded Speaker David Osborne, Majority Whip Chad McCoy, House Licensing & Occupations Chairman Adam Koenig and House Democratic Leader Joni Jenkins for their outstanding support.

Rep. Osborne’s pro-business tenure has paved the way for multiple reforms and protections, including Rep. McCoy’s “vintage spirits” bill in 2017 to boost hospitality and tourism and Rep. Koenig’s repeated success with direct shipping legislation (2020 and 2021). Rep. Jenkins has helped pass many Bourbon-related bills in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion.

Speaker Osborne said, “Kentucky has everything a distiller needs to grow and thrive,but we have some work to do in modernizing our tax code. Too often our laws restrict the free market when they could be spurring economic growth in all sectors. We are committed to this work and look forward to working with KDA and other stakeholders.

“It might take years to age a great Bourbon, but we can’t wait to leverage this momentum.We must continue to press forward, build on the tremendous growth announced today, and attract more jobs and investment for the benefit of all Kentuckians.”

Ashli Watts, President & CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, echoed legislative leaders, noting that distilling’s high spin-off factor leads to a stronger economy. “It’s clearer than ever that Bourbon is a great investment for the future of Kentucky,” she said.

Tax reform is one of the Chamber’s top priorities this legislative session, and Watts said that includes final relief from the discriminatory barrel tax. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits, making it harder to lure new distilleries to the state.

Even with the 2014 tax credit, the escalating number of barrels – and therefore taxes – now far outpaces the amount of credit that distillers can take. Some large distillers now realize only 30% of the credit.

By law, distillers are required to reinvest that credit back into their Kentucky facilities. Watts encouraged the legislature to make the credit refundable or transferrable, which would lead to more investment, more distillers in Kentucky and more jobs.

“With so many beneficiaries of Bourbon’s success, why would we keep barrel taxes in place and leave additional growth on the table?” she said. “One sure way to encourage job creation and investment is to eliminate the burdensome barrel tax that shackles distilling’s growth.”

Kevin Smith, Chairman of the KDA’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Bourbon Affairs at Beam Suntory, thanked the state’s leadership for their commitment to the distilling industry.

“We are grateful that lawmakers and the Governor recognize the vital role our industry plays in jobs, revenue and tourism. And we look forward to working with them to continue this record momentum for generations of Kentuckians to come,” Smith said.“Working together, we are stronger. We are focused on the future and focused on creating a strong foundation that ensures Kentucky’s rightful place as the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon.”

VIEW THE FULL 2021 REPORT HERE.

The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more. KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT™, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION®, and KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL OFFICIAL SPONSOR® and associated designs and logos are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please enjoy responsibly.

CELEBRATE ROBERT BURNS WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY:

SMWS LAUNCHES VIRTUAL BIG BURNS BASH

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society raises a glass to Robert Burns and brings together both members and non-members in global virtual gathering

Whisky Tasting at The Vaults

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) will host a virtual Big Burns Bash to celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, while appreciating the finest Scotch malt whisky from the world’s most entertaining whisky club.

Taking place on Thursday 27 January (8pm until 10pm GMT) members and non-members from across the world are invited to join the Society’s Burns Night live stream on both Facebook and YouTube that features a line-up of music and poetry performances.

Hosted by long-standing BBC Radio Scotland presenter and whisky enthusiast, Vic Galloway, guests will be treated to music from Honeyblood’s Stina Tweeddale, Skye-based musician Donald Livingstone and Jamaican artists Nickeishia Barnes and Steve ‘Lightning’ Newland. Society ambassador John McCheyne provides the ‘Immortal Memory’ and academic and human rights activist. Sir Geoff Palmer will discuss what Burns means to him. There will also be live poetry performances and chat with Scottish actor Tam Dean Burn and Scots-language poet Len Pennie.

The virtual Big Burns Bash is a unique event, encouraging both established and newly joined Society members and whisky enthusiasts from across the UK, America, Asia and Europe to come together and unite in their shared passion for Society whisky and Scottish culture.

Alongside the Big Burns Bash, the Society is hosting a selection of Burns Night events and whisky tastings for members across Society venues in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The key Burns Night events for Society members include Bath Street’s Burns Night with Glengoyne Distillery (24 January), a Greville Street Burns Night Supper, which features a whisky tasting followed by a delicious three course meal (27 January) and an evening of all things “bard” at The Vaults’ Burns Night celebration, A Glass O’ Whisky Punch Wi’ Honest Men! (25 January).

Richard Goslan, Chief Storyteller at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing both our members and non-members of the SMWS around the world together for our virtual Big Burns Bash. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together, enjoy some exceptional whisky, traditional music and poetry, while honouring the life and work of one of Scotland’s most famous sons with a Society twist on your traditional Burns Night. 

“We also want this year’s Burns Night celebrations to cater for all Society members, through a hybrid of in-venue and virtual events. We look forward to welcoming as many whisky and poetry enthusiasts to our virtual gathering as possible, as we raise a Society dram to the one and only Robert Burns.”

For more information on the virtual Big Burns Bash please visit: https://unfiltered.smws.com/unfiltered-01-2022/big-burns-bash/

Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Bath Street, Glasgow.

The Big Burns Bash Global Timings

Los Angeles: 12 noon

Montreal & New York: 3pm

Shanghai: 4am

Tokyo: 5am

Sydney: 8am

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

f: https://cutt.ly/SIEUch8

i: https://cutt.ly/HIEUEZC

t: https://cutt.ly/1IEUPnL

yt: https://cutt.ly/6IEUGYZ

#SMWS

Notes 

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

•  The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world.
•  The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
•  The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
•  The Society has bottled whisky from more than 140 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
•  The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
•  The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see: https://cutt.ly/bIEUBl4
•  For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/VIEUhmO
•  Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

WEMYSS MALTS LAUNCH LIMITED-EDITION

EXPRESSION: SMOKY SHORES

SMOKY SHORES, THE BRAND-NEW RARE RELEASE PACKS A POWERFUL PUNCH

OF PEATED MALT, JUST IN TIME FOR BURNS NIGHT

Scottish independent whisky bottler Wemyss Malts launches Smoky Shores, a brand-new limited-edition blend. The non-age statement expression is released as just 5,526 bottles, bottled at 46% ABV and priced at £50 available globally here: https://wemyssmalts.com/

Smoky Shores delivers notes of snuffed smoke, salted lemons and sweet cured bacon on the nose, followed by notes of wild oats, orange peel, and malted bread toasted over embers of heathery peat on the palate.

The limited expression is packaged in an intricately foiled gift carton, inside a bespoke decanter bottle, with an illustrated label design that takes inspiration from the barley malting process.

Smoky Shores is a sister whisky to Peat Chimney, a popular choice among smoky whisky fans from the core range of Wemyss Malts. Flavour-wise, the new limited release has the characteristics of Peat Chimney, with an extra blast of punchy peated malt.

Wemyss Malts core range also includes The Hive, a Speyside blend with honey-like sweetness and flavours of citrus zest, and Spice King, a complexly sweet yet salty expression, an ideal alternative to rye or spiced rum.

Commenting on the release of Smoky Shores, Isabella Wemyss, owner and Director of Production, said: “We’re delighted with our new Smoky Shores bottling. Our existing smoky favourite from the core range, Peat Chimney, is already a big hit among our peat fans, and Smoky Shores has an even more intense, delicious smoky flavour, a real treat for peated whisky enthusiasts.

“Adding to the all-round flavour experience, you’ll find hand-crafted illustrations on the packaging inspired by the malting process. These really bring to life the tasting notes and flavour within the bottle, transporting you to coastal seashores.

“On 25th January, we’ll be raising a glass to our smoky whisky fans around the world – Smoky Shores is the perfect accompaniment to a Burns Night supper.”

The packaging derives inspiration from the barley malting process, where the peat is added to develop the smoky flavours found in this whisky. The name is acquired from the long, salty finish reminiscent of bonfires ablaze seashores.

FULL TASTING NOTES

NOSE

Robust peaty smoke mingles with intense aromas of crushed mint leaves that fuse with aromatic rosemary.

PALATE

A sudden and explosive mouthfeel comes to the fore with earthy white pepper and zesty lemons. 

FINISH

Bitter espresso sinks into the palate before a long salty mouth-coating finish drifts away.

Notes

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts falls under the company Wemyss Family Spirits Ltd. and is a family run company operated by brother and Sister William and Isabella Wemyss. The Wemyss family Castle has been home to the family since the 1300s and is featured in the company logo.
• The Wemyss Malts Cask Club, launched in 2019 offers members access to exclusive bottlings, previews of new releases, competitions and the latest news. Membership is free and can be joined via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club
• 2020 marked the 20th Anniversary of the launch of Wemyss Malts and the occasion has been marked with the launch of several limited-edition releases such as Velvet Fig Aged 25 Year and Black Gold 30-year-old Bowmore single cask.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Kingsbarns Single Malt; Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

George Remus Bourbon celebrates National Bootlegger’s Day with the Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set

Limited-Release showcases the award-winning series of bourbons

St. LOUIS (Jan. 17, 2022) – In celebration of National Bootlegger’s Day (Jan. 17), the brand team at George Remus Bourbon has developed a memorable collection highlighting some of its best bourbon offerings: the Limited-Release Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set.

The unique collection of limited-release bourbons is housed in a false-front book set fit for a 1920s speakeasy and features four 375 ml bottles of Remus Repeal Reserve – one each from Series I, II, III, and IV. 

The Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set is limited in quantity to 600 sets and is available beginning January 2022 at a suggested retail price of $599.99. 

“What better way to celebrate National Bootlegger’s Day than by offering a special collection inspired by the King of the Bootleggers himself, George Remus,” said Shanae Randolph, Brand Manager for George Remus Bourbon. “The Remus Repeal Reserve Series has become a highly anticipated release for consumers. We are pleased to offer this unique, one-of-a-kind box set featuring this award-winning series of bourbons.” 

About Luxco 

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from 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; Ross & Squibb Distillery, where 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. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is Welcoming 2022 by Donating 2022 Bottles Including its First NFT with Unique OFC Vintage 6 Liter Bottle

The Distillery Asks Nonprofits to Join in the Quest to Raise Over $2 Million This Year Globally

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 12, 2022) Buffalo Trace Distillery realizes so many charitable organizations across the world need assistance, so it has decided to help by donating 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies in 2022 in hopes of raising record-breaking donations for nonprofits around the world.

While the Distillery has a robust database of charities, it would like to grow the potential range of recipients to impact more nonprofits. 501(c) (3) organizations and registered charities are encouraged to register for a chance to be awarded a bottle which the nonprofit can then use for fund raising. Buffalo Trace will take care of sending the bottle to the selected organization, the only thing asked in return is for the recipient to report back on how much money it raised. 

Included in the offering of 2,022 bottles will be the world’s first six liter bottle bourbon non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which contain bourbon distilled in 1982 in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s O.F.C. line.

Other bottles in the 2,022 lineup being donated for selected nonprofits to use for fundraising include:

• 300 375ml bottles of The Single Oak Project Bourbon, a very limited release from the most extensive bourbon experiment ever undertaken
• Weller vertical consisting of Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 year old, Weller Full Proof, Weller Single Barrel and Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon (CYPB)
• Blanton’s vertical with Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, Blanton’s Gold and Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbons
• E.H. Taylor, Jr. special release collection consisting of  E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage; E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth; E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain; and E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Bourbons
• Five bottles (each six liters in size) of the aforementioned O.F.C. Bourbon, distilled in 1982, available via NFT in mid-February, more details coming
• And many more whiskies from the world’s most award-winning Distillery

“We really want to make an impact in 2022,” said Sara Saunders, vice president, bourbon, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We’ve got a wonderful database so far of nonprofit organizations, but we encourage others from across the U.S. and the world to register their charitable organization, as we know the need is great.  We’ve handpicked some of the best whiskies from across our portfolio, in hopes they garner top dollar for the recipients.”

Interested nonprofits can register their organization here. Buffalo Trace is looking for a diverse group of charities to donate to, comprised of various audiences, locations, and impact in the community.  All entries must be received by March 31, 2022 for consideration; winning charities will be notified of their status by April 29, 2022. Bottles to selected recipients will begin shipping in May 2022 and recipients need to hold their event and report back their monies raised by Nov 30, 2022.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has a history of conducting similar fundraisers, but nothing of this magnitude.  In 2019 it gave away nearly 400 bottles from its 6 Millionth Barrel, a milestone barrel commemorating the 6 millionth barrel produced since Prohibition. Those bottles raised over one million dollars for various charitable organizations.    Similar offerings ran in 2016, with over a million dollars raised, and also in 2011.

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 Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  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.

Dunphail Distillery appoints Matt McKay as Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach

Dunphail Distillery today announced that it had appointed Matt McKay as the distillery’s Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach. Matt, who has previously been closely involved with the development and promotion of London’s Bimber Distillery, will take up the newly created position in March 2022.

Dunphail Distillery aims to shift the perceptions of what Scotch can be – crafting the finest spirits the way they used to be made through time-honoured processes such as on-site floor maltings, long fermentations and direct-fired distillations. Matt joins the distillery in a varied role which will see him working alongside Founder and Master Distiller Dariusz Plazewski to define and develop Dunphail’s wood policy, create and manage the site’s cask inventory and shape the profile and quality of all spirits bottled under the Dunphail Distillery brand. In addition, Matt will manage the production of whiskies sourced from the finest distilleries across the world for a new independent bottling operation, the details of which will soon be announced. He will also lead on all marketing and communications activities for both Dunphail and Bimber (as Director of Marketing and Communications).

“Over the last two and a half years, Matt has become an integral part of our team,” said Dariusz. “His passion, knowledge, palate and pursuit of excellence marks him out as a rising star in the whisky world and it is therefore my great pleasure to welcome him into this new role supporting both the creation and the promotion of world-class whiskies.”

Matt has been a leading voice in whisky communication for a number of years, writing the popular website www.thedramble.com. He holds the IBD General Certificate in Distilling and is a Founding Chartered Practitioner and Chartered Assessor at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Speaking of his appointment Matt said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach for Dunphail Distillery. I am truly excited to have the opportunity to explore my passion for cask experimentation and to be able to develop and deliver new exceptional whiskies. I’m honoured to be continuing to work alongside Dariusz and to assist with defining and developing what we believe will in time become an iconic distillery house style.”

About Dunphail Distillery

Our firm belief in the importance of high-quality barley and the use of onsite traditional floor malting and kilning ensures that Dunphail’s spirit is a product of uniqueness, shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – by hand and by heart.

EXPERTS RECOGNIZE CANADA’S BEST WHISKY

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 13, 2022 /CNW/ – Nine independent whisky experts have named Crown Royal Nobel Collection Winter Wheat, Canada’s best whisky and Canadian Whisky of the Year at the twelfth annual Canadian Whisky Awards.

From among well over 150 Canadian whiskies tasted, Crown Royal also took top honours for Best Blended Whisky and Sippin’ Whisky of the Year.

“This is a truly stunning whisky,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, head judge and founder of the awards. “Incredibly complex, flavourful and well-balanced.”

Other major winners include Pendleton Director’s Reserve 20-Year-Old which was named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in the multi-market category.

J.P. Wiser’s Red Letter 15-Year-Old, is the Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Canada Exclusive, and Best Line Extension, while Royal Canadian Small Batch is 2022’s Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Export Exclusive.

Black Velvet Original took home accolades as Best Whisky Value in the export market, and Canadian Club 100% Rye was named Best Whisky Value in multiple markets. Innovation of the Year went to the truly original and delicious Forty Creek Master’s Cut. Vancouver’s Odd Society Spirits won Best New Whisky with its Maple Whisky.

As enthusiasm for Canada’s single malt whiskies grows world-wide, the Canadian Whisky Awards acknowledged Smoke Point 3 from Shelter Point Distillery as Single Malt of the Year.

Diageo Global Supply – Gimli is the 2022 Distillery of the Year, while Okanagan Spirits in Vernon, British Columbia earned notice as Artisanal Distillery of the Year. Crown Royal blender, Joanna Zanin Scandella was acknowledged for Lifetime Achievement.

“The judges’ results are confirmed every day on liquor store shelves across North America and around the world,” said de Kergommeaux.

The winning whisky was distilled at Diageo Global Supply distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, and blended in Diageo’s blending lab in Montreal.

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually since 2010, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky experts selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

For full results: canadianwhisky.org