FIRST CASKS AT NEW ARDARA DISTILLERY FILLED WITH SPIRIT 

Donegal’s Sliabh Liag Distillers has completed the first distillation of spirit at its new Ardara Distillery.  Ex-bourbon oak casks have been filled with a smoky, heavily-peated, triple distilled single malt, with operations commencing just 51 weeks after the foundation stone was set for the distillery in the festival town of Ardara, on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.

This phase one build of the distillery is the latest chapter in the company’s mission to reclaim the distilling heritage of Donegal.  Built with local contractors and Forsyth’s of Rothes, Scotland – the revered coppersmiths – to the specifications of James and Moira Doherty, the distillery can produce 500,000L of whiskey per year, in both single malt and traditional pot still styles.

James Doherty, who co-founded Sliabh Liag Distillers with his wife Moira, is delighted with the progress to date: “Construction of the Ardara Distillery began in October 2020, and despite the many challenges that these past few years have thrown at us – from the pandemic to Brexit and everything in between – we managed to go from putting in the foundations to distilling in less than a year.  We couldn’t be prouder of all the team who pulled off such an amazing feat in super-quick time. It’s a standout building housing some truly beautiful copper stills – a fantastic new landmark for the county.”

“As a company, we want to create spirits that honour the deep traditions of whiskey making in this part of the world, so we’re distilling a rich, smoky whiskey in an authentic Ulster style.  The first spirit to have flowed from the stills is truly outstanding – I’m sure my grandfathers, who were both poitín men, would approve.  I think the spirit will take wood well, but we must now let the magic in the casks happen and busy ourselves with patience to see what effect maturation has” added James.

Moira Doherty commented: “Sustainability has also played a huge factor in the design of the new distillery, with a focus on waste and energy reduction through initiatives such as our ‘all grains in’ approach that also sees waste going on to being used as cattle feed.  We have also moved Meabh, our gin still, to the Ardara Distillery.”

The company’s operations in Carrick will become the hub for all administration, bottling and the home of Silkie with ten full time jobs based at the site. Sliabh Liag Distillers will provide up to 40 full time jobs in the area when the Ardara Distillery is fully operational.  The distillery’s interim visitor centre will open in time for the summer season 2022.  Plans are also underway to commence work on phase two of the distillery – a dedicated gin still-house and increased visitor centre capacity. There will be no café in the distillery, with visitors encouraged to use the town’s superb food and drink offering.

The distillery has also appointed Newcastle man Graeme Bell as its new Distillery Manager. Graeme has experience of working in the great whiskey making areas of the world, Speyside in Scotland for Scotch and Kentucky, USA for Bourbon and more recently Hamilton in Canada.

Speaking about his new role, Graeme said: “I feel fortunate to be in at the start for the Ardara Distillery, working in a beautifully designed new distillery with the finest copper stills from Forsyth’s in Scotland, which have been made specifically to reflect the distilling traditions of this area. Our goal is to use locally grown barley and oats to make both single malt and pot still whiskeys and to bring back many traditional whiskey-making methods from the past”.

“The opportunity to move to Donegal and be part of a very special revival was too good to miss” added Graeme. “Since moving to Ardara, I have been struck by the friendliness of the people and the magnificent scenery, and I’m delighted to be part of this community as we set about sharing the next chapter of distilling in Donegal.”

With casks now being filled, whiskey enthusiasts can become a ‘Seanchai’ and join the journey by buying a cask for themselves.  Just 600 are available, with full, transparent details of the costs involved available at www.sliabhliagdistillers.com.  If after five years buyers don’t wish to empty the contents for bottling, the company will buy the cask back off them for the purchase price plus interest (3% CAGR).

Notes  

Sliabh Liag (pronounced ‘sleeve league’) Distillers is an independently owned distillery committed to reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal. The distillery’s portfolio includes premium spirit brands An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, An Dúlamán Santa Ana Navy Strength Gin, The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey, The Midnight Silkie Irish Whiskey and Assaranca Vodka. The Company has distribution in 35 countries around the world.

Sliabh Liag’s new distillery at Ardara, Co. Donegal will open to the public in spring 2022. This state-of-the-art facility will combine the latest distilling technology and a unique “all grains in” process with ancient Donegal distilling knowhow to create a whiskey unlike that found in the rest of Ireland. Sliabh Liag Distillers will also feature on the Amazon Prime series, ‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’ in early February 2022, shown in 130 countries and territories. For more information on Sliabh Liag Distillers, see www.sliabhliagdistillers.com

Cask-Whisky Investors Share Excitement for the Latest UK Australia Trade Deal

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, the British government has been negotiating a number of new trade agreements with various nations such as the India – UK trade deal. The latest such deal is between Australia and the United Kingdom regarding exports between the countries.

The deal was agreed between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, unlocking over £10.4 billion of additional trade. Furthermore the deal also includes the 100% removal of tariffs across all UK exports, giving Australian consumers increased access to scotch.

Before the deal scotch was tariffed at 5% causing much fiercer competition with the strong local Australian whisky industry, however, demand for scotches is still high among discerning enthusiasts. Now with scotch being released from these oppressive measures, Australian general consumers have a greater access to whiskies in supermarkets. For anyone who has invested in scotch whisky casks, this is a huge boon. When consumer demand for whisky rises so does the value of your whisky cask portfolio.

This trade deal is the start of something much bigger, it provides a launch pad for the UK to join the enormous Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the largest free trade agreements in the world. The partnership is worth at least £9 trillion in exports with signatories including 11 nations from across the Pacific including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Singapore. When the UK joins the CPTPP it will open the entire Pacific region up to scotch, allowing consumers to gain easy access to whisky, and allowing those who have invested in scotch casks to bask in their returns.

About Hackstons

Located in the iconic Gherkin building in the beating heart of London, Hackstons is a multi-asset brokerage specialising in physical and tangible goods such as scotch casks, luxury timepieces, gold coins along with classic cars and designer handbags.

General Enquiries: info@hackstons.com

If you are interested in finding out more about why scotch whisky investing represents the pinnacle of alternative asset investing due to the government support the industry receives, get in touch with us at our website.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Jack Mazurak as Director of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Jack Mazurak has joined the non-profit trade group as Director of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs.

Mazurak comes to the KDA from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, where he spent more than six years as director and executive director of its Office of Marketing and Public Affairs.

Over three gubernatorial administrations, Mazurak worked to attract, retain and grow pillar industries throughout Kentucky, including spirits, automotive, metals, logistics and distribution, and aerospace.

A native of Upstate New York, Mazurak received a bachelor’s in Journalism/Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s of Journalism from Quinnipiac University.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Mazurak’s wealth of experience in economic development and his effective communications background was instrumental in his hiring.

“Jack knows that Bourbon is more than just a drink – it’s jobs, investment, tourism and more. He has a strong track record of working with industries and government to improve the vibrancy of our Commonwealth and our communities.

“He is driven, determined and passionate about our industry’s growth and success, and his communications experience will be vital in carrying that message to elected officials and opinion leaders. We are proud to welcome him to our talented team of successful advocates.”

Mazurak said he looks forward to the opportunities ahead.

“In working with the distilling industry the past six years, I’ve seen first-hand how Bourbon creates jobs, draws tourists from across the world, generates new tax revenue and builds more dynamic communities,” he said.

“I’m grateful to the KDA – its Board, member companies and staff – for this opportunity. I look forward to working with elected officials at all levels of government to further develop spirits industry growth and ensure Kentucky’s rightful title as the one, true home of Bourbon.”

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels in 2020 alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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.

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.

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Gordon & MacPhail toasts Young Person’s Guarantee Employer status

– The family-owned business achieved the accolade as a result of high-quality employment opportunities and career support for young people –

Family-owned premium spirits company, Gordon & MacPhail, has been named a Young Person’s Guarantee Employer after an assessment period which looked in detail at the support the company offers to young people and the career opportunities it provides those aged 16 – 24 years old.

The accolade, awarded in December 2021, is the latest demonstration of Gordon & MacPhail’s commitment to become one of the best places to work in the local area for employees and young people. The company, which has long been a Scottish Living Wage employer and has worked alongside Developing the Young Workforce to provide foundation and graduate apprenticeships in recent years, has also created its first modern apprenticeships.

As part of the application process Gordon & MacPhail made several commitments to support young people in the local area start a new career in the whisky industry. Over the next 12 months, the family-owned company will offer seven modern apprenticeships, collaborate with schools and colleges to introduce more young people to the opportunities available to them, and offer further foundation apprenticeships.

Alongside the apprenticeships which cover many aspects of the business, from working in the distillery through to working in specialist roles such as finance or international sales, or within the operations team, Gordon & MacPhail also provides young people with career mentors. Supporting those still in education, Gordon & MacPhail also offers mock interview support and employability skills at partner schools, helping young people to consider their skills and interests and identify new career opportunities.

Maya McNeil, one of the young people employed, starts with Gordon & MacPhail early this year as an International Sales Admin Assistant and commented: “I was attracted to join Gordon & MacPhail because it is a long established, well-known business which has excellent values. Because it is a local business, it was accessible to me and meant that I could continue staying in the area. If the role at Gordon & MacPhail was not available to me, I would have most likely have had to move to a larger city to find more career opportunities.”

Jodie Clayton, from the HR team at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “It’s particularly important to us at Gordon & MacPhail to create a diverse workforce that provides opportunities to people from all backgrounds and skillsets. There is a misconception that young people need to move away to a big city to pursue an exciting career, however we want to show that this isn’t the case, and that there’s a wealth of opportunity and talent to learn from in the local area if you know where to look.

“We have long been committed to developing our young workforce, now adding the introduction of modern apprenticeships to go alongside our existing foundation and graduate apprenticeships. Achieving the Young Persons Guarantee employer accolade demonstrates our commitment to continue to provide opportunities for our future workforce and ensure we are an employer of choice.”

Libby Hunt, one of the young people employed by Gordon & MacPhail in the last year, commented: “I was attracted to Gordon & MacPhail because of their distinct reputation as a local, family-owned business with strong roots in the community. Within the business there are a lot of experienced workers who are ready and willing to share knowledge and help me find my feet, which has been very reassuring for someone starting their first full-time job.”

Aimee Stephen, Business Liaison, Developing the Young Workforce, commented: “It is important for organisations like Gordon and MacPhail to invest in young people, as they are our future workforce. Employers need to capture people at a young age and inspire them on what their business and Moray has to offer, something which Gordon & MacPhail has been an advocate of. Over the years, Gordon & MacPhail has done an extensive amount of work within Moray schools to better prepare young people, including supporting Foundation Apprenticeship placements and creating career card resources to use at career fairs. The manufacturing industry in Moray is a fantastic place for young people to develop and grow and Gordon & MacPhail is a great supporter of helping individuals achieve exactly that through various upskilling opportunities”.

The news comes after Gordon & MacPhail announced strong profits for the financial year 20-21, with total sales increasing by 1% to £34.1 million from £33.7m and pre-tax profit growing from £9.8m to £13.9m. Continuing to invest for the future, Gordon & MacPhail is not only dedicating resource to training the next generation of the whisky industry but is also gearing up to launch a new distillery, The Cairn, in Grantown-on-Spey in summer 2022.

For more information about Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail, a fourth-generation family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Renowned as a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the business also owns Scotch whisky distillery, Benromach, on the outskirts of Forres, and The Cairn Distillery near Grantown-on-Spey.

Scottish Gin brand, Red Door was added to the portfolio in 2018 and Gordon & MacPhail is the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits. A high-quality retail outlet in Elgin, continues to serve locals and visitors alike, since 1895, when the business was established. www.gordonandmacphail.com.

The Epicurean Launches White Port Finished Addition to “Wood Series” Single Cask Series 

Douglas Laing & Co., leading distiller, blender and bottler, has today released a White Port Cask Finished Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky as part of The Epicurean Wood Series.

The sixth Single Cask release in the specialist “Wood Series” is bottled at a high alcohol strength of 48% and is proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration. This innovative collection already encompasses a Ruby Port Finish and a Rivesaltes Finish, amongst others, and seeks to demonstrate that flavour is created throughout the Whisky-making process but most significantly during the interaction between the spirit and the wood when it is in the oak cask. This latest edition is said to be “perfectly fruity and packed with fresh, zesty charm, balanced with a delicious sugary sweetness”.

In crafting The Epicurean Limited Edition, the Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky is first matured in premium American Oak before being re-racked into a hand-selected White Port Single Cask for a second maturation period of more than twelve months.

The White Port cask itself originates from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world.

Jenny Rogerson, Head of Marketing at Douglas Laing commented:

“Our Epicurean brand is characterised by his own effervescent, adventurous personality, and the spirit within is the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Lowland region, representing the archetypally fresh, vibrant flavour profile of the Malt Whiskies distilled there. It’s these two factors – the versatile Malt Whisky and our Lowland gent’s innovative brand values – that lend themselves particularly well to this Limited Edition Wood Series, which seeks to compare and contrast a cross-section of fascinating finishes.”

Packed in a premium gift tube, The Epicurean White Port Finish Limited Edition is expected to retail at £60.00/€72.00 from good specialist retailers.

Yellowstone bourbon debuts Landmark Edition Bottles in celebration of its 150^th anniversary

For a limited time, bottles of Yellowstone Select Bourbon will feature one of six different scenes from the park that first inspired the brand in 1872

St. LOUIS (Jan. 6, 2022) – Limestone Branch Distillery is celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the Yellowstone bourbon brand by debuting the Yellowstone Select Landmark Edition Bottle series, featuring six different scenes from the national park that inspired the brand.

Available now at retail, bottles of Yellowstone Select Bourbon feature one of six famous park landmarks:

• Lower Yellowstone Falls (original image)
• Old Faithful
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Minerva Terrace
• Roosevelt Arch
• Lamar Valley

Named after the country’s very first national park, Yellowstone bourbon was introduced in 1872 to honor the park’s remarkable beauty and pioneering spirit. Limestone Branch Distillery has continued the tradition of supporting the park through its ongoing partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), an independent organization working to strengthen and protect our national parks. To date, Limestone Branch has donated nearly $210,000 to the organization, and from Jan. 1 – Nov 30, 2022, Limestone Branch will donate $1.50 to NPCA for each bottle of Yellowstone Whiskey sold, representing a guaranteed donation up to $30,000.

“We’re proud of our brand’s long history honoring its namesake national park, and we are thrilled to pay further tribute through our Yellowstone Select Bourbon Landmark Edition Bottle series,” said Limestone Branch Brand Manager Caitlin Palmieri Jackson. “Our iconic label featuring the Lower Yellowstone Falls has created a connection with fans of both our brand and the park. The Landmark Edition Bottle series was created to expand upon that connection, as the different landmarks are likely to inspire different memories among consumers of the brand, who are now able to choose the bottle/label that is most special to them.”

Limestone Branch Distillery has produced a limited number of cases featuring a random assortment of all six Landmark Edition Bottle labels. Yellowstone Select Landmark Edition bottles will be available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $39.99 until supplies last.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Stephen Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone Limited Edition, and Minor Case Rye Whiskey, as well as the newest addition, Bowling & Burch Gin. For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

National Hot Toddy Day

Old Pulteney Hot Toddy Recipe

Ingredients:

▪️ 50ml Old Pulteney 12 Years Old

▪️ 20ml Salty Hot Toddy Syrup*

▪️ 15ml lemon juice

▪️ 100ml black breakfast tea⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

*Salted honey, ginger, lemon zest, pepper corns, black breakfast tea

Method:

To make the syrup, add 100g of honey to a pot and heat it up. Watch for it to bubble away and eventually it’ll start to go dark in colour as the sugars caramelise. While you wait, make a cup of black tea and when the honey is nice and dark, add the tea along with some slices of ginger, lemon peel and a tbsp of peppercorns.

Simmer for about 20 minutes to allow it to infuse and take it off the heat and strain out. When it’s cooling, add in a good pinch of salt to taste. Enjoy!

About Old Pulteney:

Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies.

The award-winning core collection, revitalised for the modern market in 2018, includes: 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old, and 25 Years Old.

As the man behind the town’s 19th Century fishing boom, Sir William Pulteney put northerly Scottish coastal town Wick on the map, but today the Pulteney name is better known for its unique, single malt whisky. Distilled and matured by the sea, the award-winning whisky in our casks is cocooned by salty air swept ashore on Arctic winds.

Since 1826, Pulteney Distillery has navigated changeable seas and conditions, including 25 years of prohibition. Old Pulteney is inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home which is why it will always be The Maritime Malt.

SOMETHING OLD FOR A NEW YEAR

HIGHLAND PARK 50 YEAR OLD & OTHER RARE SCOTCH AT BONHAMS FIRST WHISKY SALE IN 2022 

Highland Park – 50 year old. Estimate: HK$210,000-250,000. 

Highland Park – 50 year old. Estimate: HK$210,000-250,000. 

Bonhams global wine and spirits auction calendar in 2022 will begin in Hong Kong with Whisky sale on Friday 21 January. The sale, 470-lot strong, spotlights a series of rare but attractively-estimated Scotch whiskies, led by an exclusive charity lot of a Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, donated by Edrington Hong Kong in support of the environmental cause Green Power. The special lot carries an estimate of HK$210,000-250,000.

Released in 2020, this is the third 50-year-old created in the Orkney-based distillery’s 223-year history, with only 274 bottles ever produced – this is numbered ‘1’. It was produced using a traditional solera system – best known as a method of maturing Sherry – via which contents carefully selected from nine refill casks, originally laid down in 1968, were married together in 2008, before it was re-racked into a handful of the finest first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks. After a further twelve years of maturation, one of these limited casks was blended with a small quantity of the whisky from the last 50 Year Old released by the distillery.

Signed by Highland Park Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, the prized bottle is presented in a hand-made wooden box, crafted from walnut by Scottish Master Craftsman, John Galvin. The whisky is encased in an embossed heavy-weight glass bottle featuring a design inspired by the Norse heritage of Orkney – the home to the distillery – which dates back over 1200 years.

The sale proceeds will benefit Green Power, a Hong-Kong-based NGO dedicated to addressing diverse environment issues in a local context.

Bonhams Director of Wine and Spirits Asia Daniel Lam commented: “Our newly-added January sale is a response to a robust and growing market. Demand for whiskies, not only Japanese but also Scotch, remains strong and wide, and our January sale offers a wide selection of collectors’ favourites – all with attractive estimates.”

Further Scotch whisky highlights of the sale include:

·         Macallan Lalique Steam Train-1937-36 year old. Estimate: HK$520,000 – 600,000. Over the years, this edition has developed a unique character defined by a vibrancy of flavour on the palate. It celebrates the mystique of the 1930s – a golden age of rail travel – as well as the dedication and craftsmanship of the people at the distillery who went to great lengths to create this rich and enticing single malt whisky.

·         Macallan Fine & Rare-1946-56 year old. Estimate: HK$ HK$380,000 – 450,000.

·         Macallan Fine & Rare-1937-37 year old. Estimate: HK$380,000 – 450,000. The second oldest whisky from Macallan’s Fine & Rare Series, with a palate of citrus fruits and spices balanced with peat smoke, dried fruits and aged wood.

·         Macallan Millennium-1949-50 year old Decanter. Estimate: HK$320,000 – 400,000.

·         Macallan Fine & Rare-1940-35 year old. Estimate: HK$300,000 – 400,000.

Sale: Whisky Bonhams Hong Kong 21 January 2022 https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/27715

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

IRISH DISTILLERS CELEBRATES REMARKABLE RESULTS FOR THE 2021 AWARDS SEASON 

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, is celebrating yet another outstanding awards season after being honoured with 183 individual medals from the world’s leading taste and design competitions in 2021. The impressive haul of medals, an increase of 11 medals versus 2020, includes several of the top accolades in the Irish Whiskey Category for the distillers’ diverse portfolio.

Testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the world’s best loved Irish whiskey, Jameson Irish Whiskey, which enjoyed sales of 8.6 million cases globally in 2020/2021[1], was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge. Jameson Black Barrel, achieved recognition across the board, taking home Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine and Spirit Competition and winning the overall trophy for Best Irish Whiskey at the International Spirits Challenge, while Jameson Bow Street 18 Years achieved a Platinum Medal (96 points) at the Beverage Tasting Institute.

Redbreast continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey, securing 29 medals of Gold and above, including a Platinum Medal and a top score of 100, for Redbreast 27 Year Old from the Beverage Tasting Institute. Redbreast also won the coveted Chairman’s Trophy (98 points) for its much-acclaimed 12 Year Old Cask Strength. Elsewhere, the Redbreast range collected six Master medals at The Irish Whiskey Masters, while Redbreast 21 Year Old was crowned the World’s Best Pot Still at the World Whisky Awards.

Further reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and named the Best Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The range’s only permanent expression, Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, also achieved high praise including Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

The innovative and exemplary whiskeys produced by hand at Midleton’s Micro Distillery were also recognised with the METHOD AND MADNESS collection winning five Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and two Master Medals at the Irish Whiskey Masters – the highest accolade at the competition.

The iconic Powers collection, which celebrated its 230^th anniversary this year, was recognised by a multitude of award bodies for both its distinctive distillate flavour and bold design. Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane both achieved Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while John’s Lane also took home a Design & Packaging Master following the brand’s bold redesign, which was described by judges as eye-catching and prominent.

Last but not least, the return of Blue Spot to the historic Spot Family was warmly received by judges across the globe, winning five Gold medals and above and a prestigious spot in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 Spirits list. The other expressions in the range were equally decorated, including a Double Gold for Green Spot at the San Francisco Spirits Competition, Gold for Red Spot at the International Spirits Challenge and a Master for Yellow Spot at the Irish Whiskey Masters.

Commenting on the success of the 2021 awards season, Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, says: “It has been another tremendous season across the portfolio, and we are beyond proud to see so many of our whiskeys securing several of the top accolades in the Irish Whiskey Category.

“The Jameson family continues to excite and delight whiskey fans across the globe with its smooth taste and signature DNA, while our prestige portfolio continues to solidify Irish Whiskey’s standing as a luxury spirit on the world stage.

“These awards demonstrate the dynamism of the category – from reimagined heritage brands such as The Spot Range and Powers – to innovative whiskeys from Redbreast, to METHOD AND MADNESS with distillate experimentation such as Rye and Malt and our Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach series, which showcase wood experimentation and maturation.

“These achievements are a testament to my colleagues at Midleton Distillery who work tirelessly to apply their knowledge and passion to produce whiskeys of unrivalled quality.”

About Irish Distillers

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

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

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

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics, as illustrated by the 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

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

[1] Irish Distillers’ Results for the year ending 30^th June 2021