Jura Whisky Celebrates return of Fèis Ìle Festival

with a Toast to the Community and the Launch of a New

2022 Distillery Exclusive

Mark Bruce, Jura Distillery Brand Home Manager in the Jura Cooperage Bar

Jura Single Malt whisky is celebrating the return of the popular Fèis Ìle festival with a very special community gathering and the launch of a limited-edition 14 Year Old Distillery Exclusive, crafted inside a specially selected cask waiting patiently in one of the island distillery’s warehouses.

The new whisky will be available from the 3^rd June, the date that Jura Distillery marks its official day as part of the Fèis Ìle celebrations, which this year will see the whisky community at the distillery come together with islanders for a gathering.

The 2007 limited Jura Distillery release was matured in Cask No.1892, a hand-selected Sherry butt from Jerez in Southern Spain, for 14 years. Just 700 bottles will be available of this exquisite liquid which boasts a golden orange colour and a cask strength of 57.2% ABV.

Joe Ricketts, Lead Whisky Maker for Jura, explains: “The distillery team had earmarked this cask as a potential island exclusive and it was easy to see why. The fruity, aromatic qualities we’ve found around the 2007 vintage, combined with the rich, warming notes from its time in a single Sherry butt make for a compelling expression of Jura’s distinct character. Trying it with Mark and the team on the island, we quickly realised it would be the ideal candidate for 2022’s Fèis Ìle Distillery Cask, celebrating the return of this great festival.”

With an inviting nose expressing warm sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange, this 14 Year Old single cask malt delivers dried stone fruit and sweet citrus on the palate, together with notes of chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio, before finishing with a lovely citrus blossom lift.

Mark Bruce adds: “We knew this was a special cask destined for great things. Our distillery team had shortlisted it as a potential future distillery exclusive and Joe agreed. We’ve worked harder than ever to ensure this celebratory bottling is ready for Jura Day, filling, wax dipping and completing every single bottle with hand-written labels all on island. A fitting tribute to the great community here.”

The 700 bottles will be available to purchase exclusively from the distillery visitor centre on the 3^rd of June before the remaining allocation of bottles is made available for pre-sale to select international markets via the Jura Whisky website, with an RRP of £120.

There will be no tours or tastings in the distillery this year, however the visitor centre will be open to all and distillery staff look forward to greeting everyone keen to get their hands on a bottle of Jura 2022 Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive. Deer Island Rum, Jura Brewery, Lussa Gin and The Island Bakehouse will also be running activities throughout the day and, for the islanders themselves, along with anybody lucky enough to be staying overnight, there will be live music from Glaswegian sensation Trail West supported by local band Pete Smoke and the Roaches, from 8pm in the local community hall.

About Jura:

Jura is a remote island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.  Each bottle of Jura Whisky is a celebration of our island home and embodies the passion of those who make it. This remote Scottish island provides the canvas from which these dedicated islanders take their inspiration, and our distillery provides the means by which to bring this to life through whisky making.

Product information:

Distillery Exclusive Fèis Ìle Edition 2022 (14 Year Old, 2007 Vintage)

ABV: 57.2%

Available in 70cl

Colour:           Orange gold

Nose:              Cocoa dusting, warming sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange

Taste:              Dried stone fruit, sweet citrus, chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio

Finish:            Finishes with a citrus blossom lift 

Whyte and Mackay – home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.

2021’s Distiller of the Year (Scotland) at the Icon of Whisky awards, Whyte and Mackay toasted a remarkable start to the year in 2022, achieving 38 awards at the IWSC.

The award-winning whisky makers’ collection now features three Single Malt Scotch brands ranked in the top twenty worldwide, by industry authority The IWSR. Worldwide, Tamnavulin and Jura become the #1 and # 2 Fastest Growing Single Malt Scotch brands. In the UK – the home of Scotch Whisky – Jura became the Number 1 Single Malt Brand.

The Dalmore continues to enjoy exceptional performance, at the pinnacle of the category. The Dalmore Decades featured a once-in-a-lifetime collection of whiskies celebrating whisky making artistry across six decades. The campaign broke records for Sotheby’s Asia, achieving $1.1MM at auction. The collection secured prestigious feature in Paris, Los Angeles, London, Taipei, and Shanghai. The Dalmore Decades set a new standard in luxury spirits marketing, with a boutique in Hainan, elite performance on Tmall and Whyte & Mackay’s first NFT partnership.

The Dalmore’s Richard Paterson was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II celebrate his visionary contribution to the industry over the past five decades. Whisky Making is led by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, who celebrates six years at Whyte and Mackay, leading the creation of Woodsman and Whisky Works. Glass championed the rejuvenation of Jura and Fettercairn, respected for the enlightened approach taken by Glass, alongside Stewart Walker and the team at the Aberdeenshire distillery.

Whyte and Mackay operate eight sites across Scotland including Dalmore Distillery in the Highlands, and Jura an island off the west coast of Scotland, home to a tiny island community of 212.

NEVER MIND THE SHERRY:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY LAUNCH PLATINUM PUNK PAIRING FOR JUBILEE

Victorious, punk, and glorious! The world’s most entertaining whisky club have launched a special bottling paired with whisky-flavoured ice cream ‘Bohemian Raspberry’ for the Platinum Jubilee, with alternative Punk Afternoon Tea experiences at Members Rooms throughout June

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) are saluting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the launch of a special bottling ‘One Fancies a Sherry’ available to members on Monday, 30^th May. The ever-playful whisky club will be hosting Punk Afternoon Tea experiences in their UK Members Rooms throughout June where the limited-edition whisky-flavoured ice cream ‘Bohemian Raspberry’ will be available for only £10.

‘One fancies a Sherry’ Cask No 108.58 is bottled specifically for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. ‘One fancies a Sherry’ falls under the Society flavour profile Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits, available to members at £72.90 at: smws.com.

SMWS are hosting Platinum Punk Pairings at UK Members Rooms through June, including events at Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar which won Global Whisky Bar of the Year 2022 at the recent Whisky Magazine awards.

Commenting on the celebration Helen Stewart, Head of Membership said: “The Society is all about having fun, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to show the world our playful side. The release emphasises what we stand for at the Society – unconventional, playful experiences for people who really love whisky. We wish The Queen the very best on her Platinum Jubilee and hope she can relax with a wee dram over the weekend.”

Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now at smws.com. 

*FULLL TASTING NOTES

Cask No 108.58 ‘One Fancies a Sherry’

Age: 13 Years

ABV: 55.0%

Distilled Date: 4 August 2008

Flavour Profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits

Speyside

Tasting notes:

On the nose we discovered “two sides of a coin”. One being dark chocolate cherry liqueurs while, flipping it over, there was a funky scent of roasted beetroot and goat cheese tart. Massive on the palate, a creamy spicy jalapeno jam next to toasted, flaked almonds and a coffee bitterness in the finish. Diluted, an apple and cinnamon turnover, prune juice and on the other side, mushroom pie and tar. While to taste, hoisin sauce, ginger cake and glace cherries. After 11 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky into a first fill barrique from a privately owned small bodegas, now in its 9th generation, that focuses exclusively on the Pedro Ximenez grape.

Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive experiences, a monthly members magazine Unfiltered, colourful tastings and events at the Society’s Members’ Rooms, partner bars as well as online – and of course, the finest selection of single cask whisky, bottled exclusively for members. 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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#SMWS

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

•        The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 30,000 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 150 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/aQGwfkH
•        For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv
•        Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

UK MEMBERS ROOMS

SMWS EDINBURGH

28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ 

SMWS GLASGOW

40 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG

SMWS LONDON

19 Greville St, London EC1N 8SQ

The Epicurean Pays Homage to City of Glasgow with Launch of New Cask Strength Glasgow Edition 

Award-winning Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Epicurean, today reveals a new release dedicated to “his” home City of Glasgow – also home to independently family-owned parent company, Douglas Laing & Co. This limited-edition expression marries together the finest Single Cask Single Malts from the Lowland region of Scotland and is offered at a natural cask strength of 56.8% alcohol, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration. Strictly limited to just 3,000 bottles globally, this release is expected to be snapped up quickly.

Presented in a black bottle with gold foiling and packaged in a premium gift tube, the “striking” black and gold design was inspired by the 1920’s Art Deco visual arts era, the same era that inspired The Epicurean’s brand character – a true Glasgow gentleman. Tasting notes are said to reveal “fresh fruits with lashings of runny honey and sweet raspberry jam”, a dram the Douglas Laing team describe as a “spectacular melody of sweet flavours”.

To support the new release, the team behind the iconic Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand have partnered with local bar KONG to host an official launch event where invitees will get the chance to sample this new, limited edition bottling plus enjoy several Epicurean based cocktails.

Commenting on the special edition bottling, Cara Laing, Marketing Director, said:

“The Epicurean Glasgow Edition takes our hats off to the culturally unique city that we call home and perfectly encapsulates the ever-friendly, vibrant and energetic spirit of Glasgow. The exceptional liquid quality and premium packaging pay tribute to the values held by our Epicurious gent, who is ever the life and soul of the party and a connoisseur of fine food and drink.”

The Epicurean Glasgow Limited Edition will be available from specialist Whisky retailers around the world, plus online retailers, from May 2022. It carries a suggested retail price of £52.50 / €62.00.

ABOUT THE EPICUREAN

Instagram: @theepicureanwhisky

Facebook: /dltheepicurean

Meet The Epicurean – our 1930s Glasgow man, a real cheeky character who was ever the life and soul of the party and a connoisseur of fine food and drink. A master of versatility, this fresh, zesty, grassy marriage of the finest Lowland malts is perfect for cocktail hour or simply for sipping. 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

SCOTCH WHISKY AUTHENTICATION PIONEER THE WHISKY BARREL LAUNCH SECOND RELEASE

Wednesday 1 June, 2022, Fife, Scotland

Scotland’s specialist online whisky shop, The Whisky Barrel launches the second single cask Scotch whisky with a full Digital Provenance Certificate (NFT).

Recognising the growth of digital whisky collections and bridging the gap between the physical and the digital world ‘phygital‘. Fife-based online whisky merchant, The Whisky Barrel, is run by Alastair Brown with his brother, Chris. They have applied blockchain technology to 279 bottles of a single cask of peated Scotch distilled at Annandale distillery, whilst also featuring recognition of the poet and lyricist, Robert Burns, the once local exciseman in Annan.The Whisky Barrel’s Digital Provenance Certificates (NFTs) securely transmit essential product information on a public ledger, helping collectors and connoisseurs alleviate the risk of investing in counterfeit whisky.

“The positive response from customers who purchased our first release a Glen Moray 30 Year Old has emphasised the benefit that this technology brings to rare Scotch whisky. Each individual bottle features a layer of provenance that’s unrivalled in the Scotch whisky industry.” Alastair Brown

Developed in conjunction with Aberdeen-based tech start-up CD Corp. Each Digital Provenance Certificate is minted on the Solana (SOL) blockchain platform, chosen for its verified carbon-neutral, low-energy consumption.

Today sees the release of the second bottling a 6-year-old peated whisky distilled at Annandale distillery in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Each of the 279 individually-numbered bottles feature a unique QR code that links to its corresponding Digital Provenance Certificate. This token provides digital proof of ownership, as well as the provenance of each bottle, which can be stored in a digital wallet securely on a smartphone.

Owners of the these bottles are granted membership to The Whisky Barrel Scotch Club hosted by Solsea.

The Annandale 6 Year Old is the second release from The Whisky Barrel’s 15th Anniversary Portfolio Series, that will culminate in the bottling of a 50-year-old single cask whisky.

Second release Annandale 6 Year Old

The second release of The Whisky Barrel’s 15th Anniversary Portfolio Digital Provence Certificate series is a Annandale 6-year-old. This modest yield of 279 unique bottles was minted on 12th January 2022. The Whisky Barrel’s decision to digitally certify their provenance adds an enhanced layer of security for buyers.

Lowland single malt distilled at Annandale Distillery.

2015 vintage.

59.7% ALC/VOL

Single cask, 1st fill Oloroso Sherry Butt.

Bottled the old-fashioned way at cask strength with natural colour and unchill-filtered.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Bonfire smoke, shortbread, roasted nuts and sweet sherry.

Taste: Layers of peat smoke and sherry, cherries, warm spices and almonds.

Finish: More smoke, long and oily with pine cones and sugar ginger.

Bottle #001 Digital Provenance Certificate (NFT) on Solsea

Joint Honours for the Urquhart Brothers

Michael (L) and Ian (R)

Gordon & MacPhail has offered their warmest congratulations to two of their former Managing Directors who were both awarded CBEs in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List this week.

Ian and Michael Urquhart, both third generation owners of the Elgin based Scotch whisky specialists were granted their honours for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry and to Charitable Work in Moray.

Ian, Managing Director of G&M from 1990 until 2007, having started in the business in 1967, said it was an honour and a pleasure to receive the award in her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year. He continued: “I have had the privilege to lead two successful family-owned Moray companies. They are two very different businesses – single malt Scotch whisky and Scottish cashmere – yet they share a commitment to producing the highest quality iconic products, now exported to over sixty markets throughout the world.  None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and the wonderful staff at both Johnstons of Elgin and Gordon & MacPhail who I have worked with over the last fifty years.”

Michael Urquhart added: “I am delighted to receive this honour in such a special year for Her Majesty. I like to think this is not mine alone but recognises the Urquhart family as a whole and our role in building a grocer’s shop in Elgin into a thriving business which exports around the world and is now the owner of two distilleries. Ian and I are only sorry our late brother David is not here to see the family honoured in this way.

“None of this, of course, would have been possible without the support and hard work of our wonderful staff at Gordon & MacPhail over the years. And of course, I also have to thank my wife Ailsa and our four children for putting up with my almost nonstop travelling over the years.”

Michael was Joint Managing Director, together with David Urquhart, from 2007 until 2012 when he became sole Managing Director until his retirement in 2014. A Chartered Accountant, he had initially joined the business in 1981 as Finance Director.

Both Ian and Michael continue to be active in local charities and in the wider business community. Ian remains a Deputy Lord Lieutenant and is also President of Johnston’s of Elgin. Michael is as busy as ever in the Scotch whisky industry, as Chairman of the Scottish Committee of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and is also a non-Executive Director at the National Theatre for Scotland and leads the Strategic Business Forum on the Moray Growth Deal.

Gordon & MacPhail was established in Elgin in 1895 and continues to be owned by members of the Urquhart family. The company owns Benromach Distillery in Forres and will its second distillery, The Cairn, is due to open later this year.

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

SECOND BATCH OF 30-YEAR-OLD

GLENALLACHIE HITS THE MARKET

Batch 2 of The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Single Malt is

world-leading Master Distiller, Billy Walker’s latest creation 

Hot on the heels of announcing whisky veteran Billy Walker’s 50^th Anniversary in the Scotch Whisky industry, The GlenAllachie today launches the second instalment of its oldest and most prestigious core offering: The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The annual batch-release by the leading distiller debuted last year to great acclaim, with the small quantity of bottles issued being met with substantial demand.

Batch 2 (UK RRSP £600) is a limited release of just 2,000 bottles globally, each encased in a premium black rigid box with impactful gold foil detailing.

The second instalment marries antique whiskies from eight casks handpicked by Walker from stocks spanning more than 50,000 maturing across 16 on-site warehouses at GlenAllachie.

To create this sophisticated whisky, Walker meticulously selected 1990 and 1991 vintages matured in six former Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry hogsheads and puncheons, along with two 1990 American virgin oak barrels which were toasted and charred to a medium level.

The result of Walker’s exceptional blending and wood management prowess is an outstanding whisky that epitomises rich Sherry-matured elegance, with flavour profile revealing layers of Seville orange, coffee beans, desiccated coconut and Medjool dates.

The remarkably opulent Speyside Single Malt is bottled at its cask strength of 50.8% ABV, non chill filtered and without added colour.

Reflecting on the exclusive release, Walker comments:

“When we first unveiled our 30-year-old Cask Strength annual release last year, we were completely overwhelmed and humbled by the immensely positive response from whisky fans around the world. This fuelled me with great enthusiasm to get underway with the next batch, endeavouring to raise the bar even higher with this instalment.

“We’re delighted to present the second batch of our eldest core release, delivering a bold and complex organoleptic profile truly representative of our house style and where we are taking The GlenAllachie Distillery.”

The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2 is available from specialist retailers globally, with a UK RRSP of £600.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts a 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2022 stands at an eye-watering £2m/$2.6m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum – and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 2 – 50.8% ABV

Colour: Rich Mahogany.

Nose: Bursting with heather honey, sultanas and mocha, followed by waves of cinnamon, coconut shavings and dried fruits.

Taste: Lashings of dark chocolate, figs and orange zest, with hints of treacle, raisins and cinnamon, with nutmeg on the finish.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Limited Edition Whisky to Celebrate

The Open’s 150^th Championship

Award-winning, independent distiller Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled two limited edition single malt whiskies in celebration of The Open.

Loch Lomond The Open Course Edition 2022, and Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2022, have been created to mark the 150^th year of golf’s prestigious The Open Championship, of which Loch Lomond Whiskies is the official spirit partner.

The 150^th Open will be played on the historic links of The Old Course, St Andrews, this July.

Each single malt expression has been carefully crafted using Loch Lomond Whiskies’ remarkable straight-neck stills, which are entirely unique to the distillery.

These innovative stills allow Master Blender, Michael Hendry, to explore the flavour profiles in an imaginative way.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2022 has been crafted in partnership with legendary golfer Colin Montgomerie, who worked closely with Master Blender Michael Hendry to create a whisky worthy of The Open’s historic anniversary.

Perfectly capturing the distillery’s signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke, this unique single malt is bursting with flavour, carrying notes of strawberry, peach and lime citrus, a creamy fudge sweetness, a lingering oak spice, and soft smoke finish.

The Open Special Edition 2022 has been aged in American Oak casks before being hand-selected for additional finishing in Bordeaux Red Wine Barriques, creating an additional layer of complexity.

Montgomerie’s signature appears on each bottle, adding an extra special touch to this wonderful edition.

Loch Lomond The Open Course Edition 2022 is a rich and elegant single malt whisky which pays homage to all the golf courses where The Open has taken place, from the first ever championship in Prestwick in 1860 to St Andrews where the 2022 event will be held.

The limited-edition single malt is a rare expression which captures the distillery’s spirit of exploration and unique whisky-making style.

First distilled 22 years ago, The Open Course Edition 2022 delivers notes of stewed apple, pear and black cherry with vanilla and dark chocolate, a warming ginger spice and wood smoke finish. It is aged in American Oak casks before being finished in the finest Haut-Médoc Claret Barriques for 36 months.

The Open Course Edition 2022 is presented in a striking blue case and boasts an elevated bottle design, making it the perfect gift which will stand out on any whisky cabinet.

Andrew Jack, Head of Whisky Marketing at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“The Open is a such a prestigious event, bringing together some of the world’s best golfers. At Loch Lomond Whiskies we are very proud to show our support as the official spirit partner of this momentous anniversary.

“The ties between golf and whisky in Scotland date back generations. Our two new, limited edition single malts are highly valuable additions to our whisky portfolio, demonstrating the breadth of distillation techniques Loch Lomond Whiskies is capable of. We’re confident both expressions will appeal to a variety of tastes, budgets and interests, particularly in the lead up to Father’s Day in June.” 

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2022 (ABV 46%, RRP £45) is available from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/products/loch-lomond-open-special-edition-2022

Loch Lomond The Open Course Edition 2022 (ABV 48.2%, RRP £225) is available from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/products/loch-lomond-open-course-collection-2022

For further information, please visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.

• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.

• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.

• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old Perfectly Balanced which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020.

A selection of other recent medals include:

Loch Lomond 21 Year Old Perfectly Balanced – Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2021

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmurrin – Best Highland Scotch 12 Year Old & Under, World Whisky Awards 2021; Gold International Sprits Challenge 2021; Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2020.

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmoan – Gold San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2020; Gold International Sprits Challenge 2020

Loch Lomond 30 Year Old – Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2021

TAMNAVULIN ANNOUNCES NEW DISTILLERY MANAGER

Leon Webb joins Tamnavulin following distillery’s success at

Spirit of Speyside Festival

The award-wining Speyside distillery Tamnavulin has appointed experienced whisky maker Leon Webb as its new Distillery Manager. His arrival further bolsters the distilling team at the world’s fastest growing Single Malt[1], which recently won gold at The Spirit of Speyside Awards for Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Cask.

Leon joined the team in early May, returning to his native Scotland following a period of five years in Canada, working as Master Distiller and Blender for the well-respected Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island, B.C.

Leon, second right.

Originally from Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, Leon graduated with an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, before embarking on his distilling career in both Scotland and Canada, producing a number of award-winning liquids.

He joins Tamnavulin’s Distiller Sam Douglas and Blender Kirsty Hodge, who has been working closely with the distillery in recent years, as part of the wider Whyte & Mackay Distilling Team, which is headed up by Master Whisky Maker and Blender Gregg Glass.

Shane Healey, Distillery Director at Whyte & Mackay, said: “Leon will be a fantastic addition to Tamnavulin and our Distilling Team. I am confident he will build on all the great work already done at the distillery and make a great contribution to the extraordinary growth of the Tamnavulin brand around the world. Leon joins Tamnavulin at an exciting time, fresh after the Spirit of Speyside Festival.”

The single malt brand was brought back to life in 2016 as a quintessential signature Speyside malt whisky. The fruit-forward liquids produced are all double-matured and enhanced through wine cask finishes, released at an affordable price point.

Numerous award wins later – coupled with a rapid growth in demand from consumer and trade alike  have quickly established Tamnavulin as a leading example of quality Speyside whisky – testament to a distillery and whisky making team that will be further bolstered by Leon’s experience.

Tamnavulin recently announced the addition of a White Wine Cask Edition to its core range, building on the popularity of the brand’s Red Wine Cask Editions.

About Tamnavulin

On the Southern edge of Speyside, in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, lies Tamnavulin Distillery. Built in 1966, the Distillery takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’, the distillery was named after the historic woollen mill which still sits next to the distillery. After closing in 1995, the distillery underwent a major refurbishment before it was re-opened in 2007. The first whisky from the newly opened distillery was launched in 2016, much to the anticipation of whisky fans.

Tucked away on the edge of the River Livet, set on the bank of the Allt’ a Choire, Tamnavulin draws water from underground springs in the Easterton hills formed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. This water is naturally filtered through ancient limestone rock before reaching the distillery, resulting in some of the purest spring water to be found in Scotland.

The small group of skilled, time-served craftsmen began creating Tamnavulin’s signature Speyside malt whisky over fifty years ago using the finest ingredients combined with age-old distilling expertise and sophisticated techniques.

Since its launch in 2016, Tamnavulin has driven a successful path which has seen it become the fastest growing single malt globally in 2020 (IWSR ‘000’s 8.4L cases) and the no.4 brand by volume in the UK (Nielsen Scantrack/Kantar date to 9^th of October 2021).

www.tamnavulinwhisky.com

[1] *IWSR 2019-20, largest growing Single Malt

New recruits join International Beverage as business builds team for growth

May 12, 2022—Acclaimed spirits producer International Beverage has today announced two key appointments to its Scottish team, as the business gears up to deliver ambitious global growth plans across its award-winning portfolio.

Following the retirement of long-standing Speyburn Distillery Manager Bobby Anderson in April, former William Grant Distilleries Process Leader Euan Henderson has been confirmed as his successor. Having started his career at Edradour Distillery and Allied Distillers, Euan went on to work for Chivas Brothers at Aberlour, Tormore, Glenallachie, The Glenlivet and others in a variety of operational roles, before moving to William Grant to work at their Balvenie, Kininvie and Glenfiddich Distilleries.

“It’s an enormous honour to be taking the reins at Speyburn, after the long and distinguished service of Bobby Anderson,” commented Euan.” As well as being one of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, it produces a whisky of incredible character and quality, which has been justly rewarded around the world over the years. These are big shoes to fill, but I’ll be honouring Bobby’s legacy of craftsmanship and sustainability, working with the wonderful distillery team to hatch some exciting plans as we celebrate our 125^th anniversary in 2022.”

The business was also bolstered earlier this year with the arrival of Sean Priestley as Group Distilleries Manager. His remit is to oversee operations at the company’s five distilleries, which produce Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended whisky and Caorunn Gin.

With a background in pharmaceuticals and 10 years’ experience at Diageo under his belt working in distilling and the malts team at Clynelish, Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries, Sean is focusing on growth, people and sustainability in his new role.

“In my first few months with International Beverage I’ve been so impressed with the quality of their spirits, and also how ahead they are in terms of sustainability – a field in which they’re well on their way to being leaders in the sector. It’s very exciting to be part of business that doesn’t just talk, and isn’t afraid to innovate and take proper action to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, particularly at a time when consumers are looking for products made with the minimum impact on the environment,” said Sean. “International Beverage also understands the value of people, and in doing things with passion and authenticity to make great products and brands. It’s a real privilege to be working with their team of talented and committed distillery managers to achieve some exciting plans together.”

International Beverage is also boosting its flourishing graduate and apprentice program with an additional four roles currently being filled across its distilleries and at its Airdrie headquarters.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS

International Beverage Holdings Ltd is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses.  Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant beers and spirits. These include:

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, Scotland’s leading super premium gin
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Chang Beer, Thailand’s iconic beer brand

Inver House Distillers is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings Ltd, producing its Scotch whiskies and gin at five distilleries around Scotland: Pulteney, Speyburn, Knockdhu, Balblair and Balmenach. Inver House is also highly active in the warehousing and blending of Scotch whisky, with warehousing for 500,000 barrels and state of the art blending and laboratory facilities at its headquarters in Airdrie. The business has won many prestigious accolades over the years, including the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year Award for Scotland (2017).

www.interbevgroup.com

GREATDRAMS SCOOPS THE TWO TOP MEDALS IN WORLD WHISKY AND NAMED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2022 

Capping an incredible awards season, independent bottlers, GreatDrams has picked up their second Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as a 98/100 Gold Outstanding from the IWSC and two Gold Medals at the London Spirits Competition… on top of this, GreatDrams was named Business of the Year (under £1m turnover) in the Manchester Evening News Business Awards, the biggest regional business awards in the UK.

Achieving a Double Gold at San Fran is rare, and is only ‘awarded to the entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world’.

Husband and wife team, Greg and Kirsty Dillon founded GreatDrams five years ago with the aim to make great whisky more approachable & available. Their range specialises in single cask limited editions, rare casks which are finished or ancient whiskies to add to the unique character of the spirit and high quality blends. Receiving Double Gold and a Gold Outstanding in one awards season signals that the duo are cementing themselves as experts in finding incredible tasting rare casks of whisky.

At a black tie event held in Central Manchester at the beginning of April, Greg & Kirsty were brought on stage to receive their Business of the Year (under £1m turnover) award, given out for showing ‘incredible resilience’ through the covid pandemic as well as opening up new revenue streams and business opportunities around the world whilst everything was going on during the midst of the lockdowns, especially the virtual tasting business they built that helped grow revenue 80%.

Greg Dillon says: “We never expect to win awards, we enter them in the quest for validation for what we are doing and to use as a barometer for the quality and flavour of the releases we are bottling. To win the two highest medals you can in world whisky and to be named Business of the Year has been a whirlwind – we truly are humbled and blown away by three separate whisky awards panels giving us gold medals this year as well as the MEN Business Awards. This gives us the impetus to kick on and produce even more awesome whiskies for our awesome customers”.

Kirsty Dillon adds “It has been a dream awards season for GreatDrams. We work tirelessly to make rare whisky more available to people and the combination of taste and business awards cements our position in achieving this. As a family business based in the North West of England we are very proud of our achievements to date and will do our best to grow further, striving to produce high quality releases for our customers to enjoy and to build a business that can provide for our family for generations to come.”

GreatDrams releases available at https://greatdrams.com/whisky-shop/ and select retailers.

OUR CURRENT RANGE

Islay Multi-Award Winning Single Cask Single Malt
One of the best Islay whiskies in the world? I mean… It is not for me to say… those shiny gold awards are pretty compelling tho eh? Awarded Double Gold at the World Spirits Competition and rated 98/100 by the IWSC, who awarded it the Gold Outstanding Medal… their highest medal award. A peated whisky from the mystical island of Islay, matured in First Fill Bourbon Barrel and laden with beautifully balanced, classic Islay peated whisky notes as well as lovely soothing vanilla and citrus fruit notes along with cinnamon and warming spice notes too.

Available here: https://greatdrams.com/product/islay-single-cask-single-malt-scotch-whisky/

Girvan Single 14 Year Old Grain Scotch Whisky Single Cask Series
Described by the Great Taste Awards judging panel, who awarded this product a 2-star Great Taste award, which means judges dubbed it above and beyond delicious as having “remarkable smoothness for its ABV. Rather extraordinary and hugely sippable. A surprising whisky, well deserving of its two stars”.

Back by popular demand, an ex-bourbon single cask single grain limited edition from the Girvan Distillery in the Lowlands of Scotland. This one garnered so much attention from its ‘boozy butter’ description, and it the one whisky we have produced where people actually repeat that line back to us at events years later that we just had to hunt down another cask from the same batch; distilled on the same day, same distillery, filled into the same style of cask… but matured for three years longer than the original. The result? You guessed it… its like drinking boozy butter, with hints of fruit and is impossibly smooth on the palate.

Available here: https://greatdrams.com/product/girvan-single-14-year-old-grain-scotch-whisky-single-cask-series/

English Whisky Co. 7 Year Old PX Sherry Cask Single Malt
Our first ‘new world’ whisky, this cask has been matured for its entire maturation at the English Whisky Co. in Norfolk, England. Initially in an American oak ex-Bourbon barrel for four years, this whisky was then filled into a first fill Pedro Ximénez cask for its finish, or second maturation

Available here: https://greatdrams.com/product/english-whisky-co-7-year-old-px/

North British 29 Year Old Single Cask Single Grain Whisky

Yeah, virtually no one else has heard of this distillery either, but it is a belter, and has already won a 92/100 IWSC Silver Medal… we describe the North British 29 Year Old Single Cask Single Grain Whisky as like drinking silk.

Available here: https://greatdrams.com/product/north-british-29-year-old-single-cask-single-grain-whisky/