Scotland’s First Family of Scottish Oak      

Pioneering Whisky Maker Gregg Glass achieves landmark

in his industry-leading Scottish Oak Programme

Esteemed whisky making house Whyte and Mackay has announced a landmark achievement, with every distillery in its collection now incorporated into the company’s industry-leading Scottish Oak Programme – an industry first.

The initiative, founded by pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, led the industry to explore the potential for responsibly sourced, locally grown Scottish Oak to mature Scotch Whisky. The industry has historically favoured Oak sourced from outside Scotland.

Tamnavulin, in Speyside, joined the programme this week as Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), joined the whisky makers to personally fill these special Scottish Oak casks.

The distillery follows island distillery Jura, and Fettercairn, located in ‘the Garden of Scotland’ – Aberdeenshire, where the initiative was born. Each distillery now has whisky experiments laid down to explore and evaluate the impact locally grown Oak has on each distinct distillery style and to identify the flavour characteristics that Scottish Oak lends to Scotch Whisky.

In doing so, the distilleries are paving the way for the wider use of responsibly sourced Scottish oak for future generations of whisky makers.

Led by Gregg Glass, Whyte and Mackay’s move towards Scottish oak maturation is an exploration into the unique flavour that the oak species possesses, as well as future-proofing both the sourcing and seasoning of cask options for the wider whisky industry, striving towards a more sustainable future.

Head of Whisky Experience at Whyte and Mackay, Ludo Ducrocq comments: “The filling of these special casks is really a celebration of the partnerships Whyte and Mackay has nurtured over time, which will ultimately benefit the whole industry.”

Glass has been exploring the use of native oak species for many years through Whyte and Mackay’s experimental arm, Whisky Works, which has previously celebrated the release of The King of Trees, a 10 year old blended malt finished in Scottish oak casks.

Since his appointment in 2016, Glass has developed long lasting partnerships with landowners and cooperages that share Whyte and Mackay’s vision for the future. Rooted in exemplary forestry management and considerate cooping practices, Whyte and Mackay believes that focusing on responsible sourcing and meaningful partnerships will drive positive change in the industry, leading to better whisky for everyone.

Glass explains: “The Scottish Oak Programme seeks to inspire change within the Scotch whisky industry. We want to champion the potential that home-grown oak offers the spirits industry, and the incredible diversity of flavour it offers the whisky maker.”

Whyte and Mackay – Award-Winning Whisky Makers

Whyte and Mackay are a famed whisky house, home to an award-winning collection of Single Malt Whiskies, led by The Dalmore. The collection includes Jura, the UK’s Number 1 [1]Single Malt, Tamnavulin[2], the world’s (IWSR, 2021)Single Malt and Fettercairn, home to enlightened whisky making.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers recently celebrated their 175 year anniversary, and were recognised as Distiller of the Year 2021. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

[1] Neilsen UK Off Trade MAT 26.03.22

[2] IWSR 2020

**NEWSFLASH** THE FIRST-EVER NFT LOT IN A WHISKY AUCTION SELLS FOR HK$937,500/ US$120,000 AT BONHAMS

Glen Grant-1948-72 year old Decanter alongside Year of the Dram and its NFT by celebrated South China Morning Post cartoon artist Harry Harrison sells in Hong Kong today

Glen Grant-1948-72 year old Decanter x Year of the Dram

Estimate of HK$700,000-900,000. Sold for HK$937,500.

Hong Kong – Moments ago, the first-ever NFT lot in a whisky auction sold for the price of HK$937,500/US$120,000 at Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky Sale in Hong Kong. The lot, a Gordon & MacPhail’s Glen Grant 72-year-old whisky, is accompanied by the painting Year of the Dram and its NFT to commemorate this sale in Hong Kong and the year 1948 – when the whisky was first laid down in its cask. The prized lot carried an estimate of HK$700,000-900,000.

The painting was commissioned by celebrated South China Morning Post cartoon artist Harry Harrison.

Gordon & MacPhail 72 year old is the oldest Glen Grant whisky ever released to the market. This lot presented in a hand-cut crystal decanter is numbered 172, out of only 290 bottles produced. The same whisky previously set the world auction record for the most expensive Glen Grant whisky, where it fetched HK$421,600 at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2021.

Commenting on the results, Christopher Pong, Bonhams Head of Sale, said: “Having recently been named the World’s Best Single Cask of the Year 2022 and Scottish Single Malt Whisky of the Year in Whisky Bible, the Glen Grant 1948 is simply extraordinary. We are also pleased to be the first to offer a lot with an NFT work at a whisky auction.”>

Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky20 May 2022Bonhams Hong Kong, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty.

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

WHISK ME AWAY TO A HAPPY PLACE:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY CREATE WORLD’S FIRST LITERAL MEMORY BOXES

Credit: David Parry

JOIN THE FLAVOUR HUNTERS THIS MAY: The world’s most entertaining whisky club have created literal memory boxes in collaboration with a memory psychologist, chef and ‘thrill engineer’ to capture key moments in life that impact the way we experience flavour

To celebrate the SMWS Flavour Hunters festival throughout the whisky month of May, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have created a sensory experience like no other. Based on the science of memory recall and creation, SMWS have designed the world’s first literal memory boxes.

Partnering with professional psychologist Dr Ansgar Endress, Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson and rollercoaster designer & ‘thrill engineer’ Brendan Walker, the boxes will be available exclusively at The National Whisky Festival Glasgow 2022 on Saturday 7^th May & 2022 London Whisky Weekender on Saturday 14^th May, and in SMWS Members’ Rooms across the UK.

Utilising tasting notes from the six small batch festival bottlings specially released by the SMWS throughout May, the six distinct boxes use touch, taste, smell, sight and sound to transport people back to happy moments or places in their life, such as ‘Nan’s House of Tea’ which includes Haggis spiced lamb breast with caramelised red wine pineapple, malt loaf and toasted oats.

Renowned Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson expertly crafted the memory-evoking canapes to feature alongside each box: ‘Camping Out’ embraces those warm Autumn nights huddling around the fire with rabbit liver rillette dressed in a marmalade chutney, candied walnut, and nasturtium leaves.

Paired with a peaty whisky, ‘Watching the Harbour Boats’ is matched with smoky langoustine sprayed with sea water and a smoke gun, served on pebbles alongside a deep-fried Mars Bar with Irn bru & tobacco essence, conjuring fond memories of the seashore.

The SMWS sensory experiences engage with the episodic memory, the part of the memory that takes in a whole experience and commits it to long-term memory, creating a pathway to a positive time. Experiencing these alongside the whiskies also gives our brains the power and tools to create new, happy memories over a dram.

Adding his thoughts on the partnership, Bruce Clyne-Watson said: “It’s a real joy to be working with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on such an unconventional and exciting project. The Society itself is an endless discovery of flavour, making it so much fun to create these canapes, which match perfectly with the SMWS bottlings.

“Memory really does affect the way we experience flavour. Sampling the produce for this campaign genuinely evoked memories of my childhood, like going to my Nan’s house for tea as a wee lad; reminiscing over those warming, joyous memories. I can’t wait to see this campaign come to life in May and witness each guest’s whisky eureka moment.”

Commenting on the campaign, Helen Stewart, SMWS Head of Membership, said: “At the Society we believe flavour is more than what’s in your glass. May is whisky month and is the perfect time to show the world what the Society is all about.

“This May we want people to join the Society in our hunt for flavour. Whisky lovers can become part of the world’s most entertaining whisky club and get involved in the Flavour Hunters festival wherever they are, through our website, Members’ Rooms and at the fabulous whisky festivals taking place across the UK.”

Credit: David Parry

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership is about more than just whisky, come along to one of our UK Members’ Rooms to begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now: https://smws.com/

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

A.SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR BRAND INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Two A. Smith Bowman Bourbons Receive American World Whiskies Awards

 FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (March 16, 2022) – The Icons of Whisky America by Whisky Magazine highly commended A. Smith Bowman Distillery for 2022 Brand Innovator of the Year at a virtual presentation held Feb. 8. The magazine also announced the 2022 America World Whiskies Awards, honoring two of the Distillery’s bourbons.

A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a new limited expression the Distillery added to its permanent portfolio in 2021, was awarded a silver medal and John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a bronze medal.

“Experimenting is a core piece of who we are at A. Smith Bowman. We are constantly tinkering with ingredients and other variables to produce one-of-a-kind spirits,” said Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. “It is an honor to be highly commended for Brand Innovator of the Year. We look forward to continuing to release new and innovative spirits.”

Whiskies in each category of the World Whiskies Awards were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  The winners from the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky Awards America 2022 will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, and global winners will be announced March 24 in London. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com, and for more information about the Icons of Whisky visit www.iconsofwhisky.com

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a double gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Receives Gold Medal at 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (April 12, 2022) The 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition recognized four A. Smith Bowman bourbons. The Distillery’s bourbons took home one Gold medal and four Bronze medals. Medals were awarded as follows:

Gold medal went to

• John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze medals went to

• Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“We are honored to accept these awards,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “We continually strive to produce quality spirits, and are thrilled the judges were impressed by our bourbons.”

The International Wine & Spirits Competition uses a double-blind tasting method, in which samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure judges never see a bottle. Spirits are judged by a panel of world-renowned experts from across the global spirits trade, allowing for group discussion. For more information on the International Wine and Spirits Competition, visit https://www.iwsc.net/.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a double gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

FREDDIE NOE ANNOUNCED AS 8^th GENERATION MASTER DISTILLER DURING CELEBRATION EVENT OF THE JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING COMPANY 

For the First Time in Beam History, Two Master Distillers, Fred and Freddie Noe, Will Work Side-by-Side at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Homestead in Clermont, KY  

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Beam Suntory President and CEO Albert Baladi, James B. Beam Distilling Co’s 7^th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe and newly announced Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery Freddie Noe (L to R), raise a glass at the James B. Beam Distilling Company celebration in Clermont, KY on May 12, 2022. Photo credit: Beam Suntory.

Clermont, Kentucky (May 13, 2022) – Yesterday, the James B. Beam Distilling Company (JBBDCo) celebrated more than two centuries of bourbon legacy by setting sights on the future with a historic announcement. As the First Family of Bourbon commemorated the completely revamped distillery homestead and visitor experience – which also features the newly opened Fred B. Noe Distillery and The Kitchen Table Restaurant – Fred Noe, the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s 7^th Generation Master Distiller, announced the appointment of Freddie Noe as Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery.

“There is nothing in this world that would give me more pleasure and make me prouder than seeing Freddie step into the role of Master Distiller,” shared Fred Noe in an emotional toast in front of friends and family during the celebration of the reimagined James B. Beam Distilling Co. “One of my biggest regrets is to never have distilled alongside my own father, Booker, so working side-by-side with Freddie will be a dream come true. I believe that a Master Distiller should understand the craft of distilling, uphold quality, and honor tradition while spearheading innovation. Freddie embodies this wholeheartedly and I look forward to seeing Freddie lead the charge in creating the next generation of whiskeys that help to grow the American Whiskey category around the world.”

Freddie Noe previously surprised and honored Fred Noe in 2019 when he announced the name of the new distillery as the Fred B. Noe Distillery. Freddie played a pivotal role in the development of this project, leading and manifesting Fred’s vision from more than five years ago. Fred had always been inspired by his own father, Booker Noe, who created the original small-batch bourbons. Now, Freddie will continue leading this effort with some of the James B. Beam Distilling Co’s most popular super-premium whiskies such as Little Book® and Bookers®, created by his grandfather, Booker. Freddie was often referred to as Little Book by Booker because of the similarities between themselves. Bookers started the super-premium bourbon segment and now, as Master Distiller, Freddie plans to launch the next generation of super-premium whiskies for the James B. Beam Distilling Co, just like his grandfather. The Distillery also plays a large part in the revamped visitor experience by offering an insider’s look into the family history and legacy, distillation process, and of course unique tasting opportunities.

Yesterday, Fred had the pleasure of turning the tables on Freddie when he gave an emotional speech with the unexpected announcement of Freddie’s new title. This is the first time in the history of JBBDCo that there are two family members, working alongside one another, sharing the Master Distiller title.

“It is an honor beyond words to follow in my father’s footsteps,” shared Freddie Noe, Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery. “I will continue to honor the 227 years of family craft and experience in my work every day by dedicating myself to making genuine quality whiskey while pushing the brand forward.”

While Fred Noe will maintain his role as Master Distiller, overseeing the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio of brands that include Jim Beam® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Basil Hayden® and others, Freddie Noe will oversee the Fred B. Noe Distillery as Master Distiller. In this role, Freddie will experiment with new fermentation, distillation, and blending techniques to produce category-defining and boundary-pushing whiskey of the highest quality. Freddie will also lead experiential distillation sessions and seminars with hands-on activities in the blending lab.

Also housed at the Fred B. Noe Distillery is a state-of-the-art classroom for the University of Kentucky®’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. Freddie developed an apprenticeship program after the institute was launched, with 200 hours of customized technical content for James B. Beam Distilling Company operators, wherein future leaders in the American Whiskey industry will come together to learn the genuine whiskey-making craft. The institute is designed in partnership with the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Distillers Association to educate the next generation through a first-of-its-kind curriculum that covers the skills needed to succeed in the distilled spirits industry.

The Fred B. Noe Distillery was part of a multi-million-dollar renovation to bring to life the rich stories of the First Family of Bourbon and the legendary brands that chart the history of American Whiskey. This revamp also includes an updated visitor experience, offering behind-the-scenes peeks at their incredible brands, a tasting room and even customizable experiences. The James B. Beam Distillery Co also launched an exclusive membership program, Barreled & Boxed, which will allow consumers to experience the distilling company’s most exciting releases straight to their doorsteps (available to consumers in select markets).

The reimagination of the homestead came to life through the help of world-renowned designers and builders, including LOVE, who led creative direction design, parent brand identity and the visitor experience, and Pearlfisher | Hakuhodo, who developed the brand architecture, creative and communications strategy. Additional partners also include Bergmeyer who led the development of The Kitchen Table, the Fred B. Noe Distillery VIP experience and the campus visitor experience, Joseph & Joseph who designed the base distillery build, OJB who designed the landscape across the entire campus, and Buzick Construction Inc. and Shawmut Design and Construction who all led construction efforts.  Project management and owner’s representation for the visitor experience were led by Stys Hospitality Initiative.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

Elijah Craig Partners with PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Talor Gooch, Adding to Team Elijah Craig

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Elijah Craig Bourbon today announced a new multi-year partnership with PGA TOUR professional golfer, Talor Gooch. A native Oklahoman and whiskey-lover, Gooch’s success both on and off the course will now be supported by Elijah Craig as the “Official Bourbon of Talor Gooch.” This marks the second PGA TOUR Pro to join Team Elijah Craig, following Max Homa in January 2022.

“I’m lucky to play golf for a living, but like most people, my favorite thing about the game is who I get to enjoy it with. That drink at the turn, the 19^th Hole with our buddies after the round: it’s all part of the game we love,” said Gooch. “I’m thrilled to represent Golf’s Signature Sip as Team Elijah Craig’s newest ambassador. After all, Bourbon, and golf both take practice and finesses to produce greatness. I’m looking forward to creating some exciting new content with my buddy, Max Homa, and to raising a glass with players and fans everywhere!”

Team Elijah Craig embodies the striver mindset, endeavoring to achieve greatness and master their craft. On tour for seven seasons, Gooch continues to build upon his success. He is currently ranked in the FedEx Cup Top 10 and 34^th in the Official World Golf Rankings. Gooch will add to the golf experience for fans this season through integrated marketing campaigns, social media collaboration, and public appearances. He will also proudly display the Elijah Craig logo on his shirt starting early next year.

“We’re excited to have Talor Gooch join the Elijah Craig team, which already has a winning track record with Max Homa clinching his second PGA TOUR title this season at the Wells Fargo Championship,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “Talor’s appreciation for the patience and perseverance required to hone his craft epitomizes the same approach our craftspeople take to produce award-winning Bourbon. We look forward to many more celebratory moments on and off the course with Talor and Max.”

Elijah Craig is debuting its 19th Hole campaign to extend the fan experience beyond the course this spring and summer. The 19th Hole campaign includes premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media activations, and consumer contests. 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 Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing annual donations up to $100,000 to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s 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.”

Romania’s first ever single malt whisky kick-starts the Alexandrion Group’s worldwide tour on World Whisky Day

by © Ciprian Vladut – www.cipane.com

To mark ‘World Whisky Day’ on the 21^st May, the Alexandrion Group kick-starts their world tour for their ‘Carpathian Single Malt’, the first ever single malt whisky produced in the history of Romania. This refined drink will place Romania on the global map of producers and its continued success will also contribute towards the humanitarian efforts of the ‘Foundation Alexandrion’ (the philanthropic arm of the business) in helping Refugees and Students affected by the war in Ukraine. 

Alexandrion Group, the largest Romanian spirits and wines producer and distributor, introduces to the world Carpathian Single Malt. The first single malt whisky ever produced in the history of Romania, will tour the world in a very exclusive limited edition of 930 bottles, starting from this May. The first stop of Carpathian Single Malt’s global journey will be in USA, where the product will be showcased in a lavish event organized at the residence of the Romanian Ambassador to the USA in Washington, on the 25^th of May. The tour will continue with another event organized in UK, in the first half of this year. This will be followed by a commercial launch in Romania, featuring 10,000 bottles, in the last quarter of 2022.

Under the stewardship of Alexandrion Group’s Founder & Chairman Mr. Nawaf Salameh and his master distiller with Irish and Scottish heritage, Allan Anderson, the group has produced a high-quality product, which single malt aficionados will soon discover is world-class.

There is growing excitement about this tour based on:

• Nawaf Salameh being seen as an industry leader and visionary, discovering and indeed placing Romania on the map of global single malt producers. He was honoured with the title ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ in 2016.

• Master Distiller, Allan Anderson states “pure sub-Carpathian water combined with the unique flavours of Romanian and Portuguese wine casks, make Carpathian an exquisite whisky”

• The combination of Scottish and Irish know-how, using 100% malted barley produced in Romania, pure sub-Carpathian water and superb wine and Bourbon casks make Romania a perfect country to produce high-quality single malt whisky.

• Carpathian Single Malt is distilled, matured and bottled at the Alexandrion Saber 1789 Distilleries, located near the Carpathian Mountains, is natural coloured, unchill filtered and is bottled at 46% Alc.

• The design of the Carpathian Single Malt bottle was made in Paris by the luxury design agency.

• The Alexandrion Group has unleashed Romania’s vast potential as one of the world’s most emblematic single malt whisky producers.

Made using 100% malted barley produced in Romania, the single malt is distilled, matured and bottled at the Alexandrion Saber 1789 Distilleries, located near the Carpathian Mountains. Carpathian Single Malt is made with pure sub-Carpathian water, is natural coloured, unchill filtered and bottled at 46% Alc.

Three expressions of the first Romanian single malt will be presented to the world during the tour: Feteasca Neagra & Pinot Noir, as part of the Romanian Wine Cask Selection, and Madeira, as part of the Spanish & Portuguese Wine Cask Selection. Feteasca Neagra and Madeira finishing were initially matured in first-fill Bourbon casks, while the Pinot Noir expression was exclusively matured in Romanian Pinot Noir casks.

“We have been quietly distilling and maturing the single malt whisky liquid since 2017, sourcing casks from all over Europe and the USA.  This is the first chance single malt enthusiasts will have to enjoy a Carpathian whisky”, said Nawaf Salameh, the Founding Chairman of the Alexandrion Group.

The first single malt whiskey matured in Romanian wine casks

Carpathian Single Malt was matured in Romanian wine casks, a world premiere in terms of single malt production, as well.

Romania has more than 2,000 years of wine production history and is one of the largest wine producers in the world. Alexandrion Group, through Alexandrion Rhein Domains 1892, its wine division, produces some of the best award-winning wines in Romania and has been a supplier of the Royal House of Romania for the oldest sparkling wine produced in Romania, Rhein, since 1904. The Group’s vineyards are located within the Dealu Mare region, on the 45^th parallel similar to the Bordeaux region. Earlier this year, the Feteasca Neagra variety was awarded the Double Gold medal in one of the most prestigious international competitions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and is considered the best red Romanian wine, exhibiting spicy, smoky fruit characters and good tannin structure. Alexandrion Group becomes therefore one of the few companies in the world that uses casks from its own wine production facilities to age single malt whiskey, a unique collaboration that will be further enhanced in the coming years.

The malted barley for this inaugural edition was harvested in 2016, distilled in 2017. The first maturation was done in first-fill Bourbon casks, wine casks and a range of finishing casks.

Carpathian Single Malt production coordinated by a Scottish-Irish Master Distiller

The Master Distiller of the Carpathian Single Malt is Allan Anderson, with both Scottish and Irish heritage, who has more than 30 years of experience in producing both Scotch whisky (Loch Lomond, White & Mackay, Aberargie) and Irish whiskey (The Great Northern Distillery). He also designed the distillery of Slane Castle Ireland.

“This whisky perfectly showcases our distillery terroir. The huge flavor impact of our malted barley, the pure sub-Carpathian water combined with the unique flavors of Romanian and Portuguese wine casks make Carpathian Single Malt an exquisite whisky, which without doubt will become one of the best in the world as it further matures. The maturation in warmer climate regions vs Scotland (+5⁰C on average) might explain the unique, milder character of this superb whisky” Allan Anderson.

Carpathian showcases this great potential and the clear quality advantage that we have vs other single malt whiskies of the same age, and we wanted to share our enthusiasm with whisky connoisseurs worldwide. The mash was double distilled in our distillery’s custom-made stills” added Allan Anderson.

Designed in Paris by luxury agency and available in exclusive limited edition

The design of the Carpathian Single Malt bottle was made in Paris by the luxury design agency.

The combination of Irish and Scottish know-how, Romanian malt pure sub-Carpathian water and superb wine casks make Romania a perfect country to produce high-quality single malt, that single malt aficionados will soon discover.

Carpathian Single Malt will launch its commercial edition of 10,000 bottles on the Romanian market in the final quarter of 2022.  This edition will feature up to 11 finishings some of them in world premiere.

About The Alexandrion Group:

Alexandrion Group is leader in the production and distribution of spirits and wines in Romania and the only single malt producer in the country. The group has a history of over 200 years in the local spirit industry, producing some of the strongest brands in Romania, at THE ALEXANDRION SABER 1789 DISTILLERIES, recognized both nationally and internationally for their quality and refinement. The product portfolio includes traditional Romanian drinks and international products. Alexandrion 5 * and 7 *, the famous Brâncoveanu XO, VS and VSOP vinars, SABER Elyzia fruit liqueur, Zolmyr fruit distillate, Kreskova Vodka and other products have ensured the Group the leading position of the Romanian spirit and traditional drinks market. Starting with 2018, the Group expanded its activity, completing its portfolio with award-winning, still and sparkling wines.

WHISKY GREAT BILLY WALKER MARKS

50 YEARS IN SCOTCH WHISKY WITH CELEBRATORY SERIES 

Distinguished whisky master Billy Walker reaches a half-century’s tenure in the Scotch whisky industry, spanning 6 distilleries and countless brands

World-leading whisky maker Billy Walker this year celebrates a remarkable 50-year spell in the Scotch whisky industry by announcing a limited edition series of GlenAllachie Single Malts.

Renowned for his role as Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, Walker has spent the past five decades creating some of the world’s most coveted whiskies, achieving the fiercely contested title of World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021.

The landmark year sees the release of a celebratory trilogy of Speyside Single Malts; The GlenAllachie Past, Present and Future Series. The momentous whiskies represent key milestones throughout Walker’s vibrant career.

The first instalment, The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50^th Anniversary Past Edition, is unveiled today as a fully Sherry matured 16-year-old Single Malt (UK RRSP £225). This bottling represents Walker’s past when he made a name for himself by releasing heavily Sherried expressions to great acclaim, with many Scotch fans believing he played an instrumental role in developing this style category.

Combining nine 2005 vintage Spanish Sherry butts personally selected by Walker, the resulting liquid exudes opulence and indulgence with enticing layers of dark chocolate and glazed fig, alongside a banana bread and espresso coffee character.

Said to be “the archetypal Billy Walker style”, the sentimental limited edition of only 4,000 bottles is proudly presented at a cask strength of 57.1% ABV, natural colour and non chill filtered.

Walker, who is a qualified chemist, has been at the helm of The GlenAllachie for almost five years, having previously led an illustrious and expansive career across numerous household name brands and companies. His enviable experience spans iconic names including Ballantine’s, Deanston, Tobermory, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and The GlenAllachie.

From his time working on these world-renowned brands, Walker has acquired an extensive understanding of whisky maturation; selecting the finest casks, continually evaluating the aging spirit, re-racking into new wood to elevate the flavour experience, and determining the perfect time for bottling. This incredibly broad spectrum of experience has translated into an unrivalled reputation amongst his peers and exceptional quality whiskies enjoyed across the globe.

Walker has achieved some exceptional accolades, most recently including:

• World’s Best Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2021)
• Best Blended Malt Scotch (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021)
• World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)
• Master Distiller/Blender of the Year (Icons of Whisky, 2020)

In addition, Walker was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame last year – a permanent tribute to the lasting contribution he has made to the world of whisky.

Business partner Trisha Savage, who has worked beside Walker for the majority of his career, comments:

“Working alongside Billy for 35 years has been a total pleasure. I can honestly say I’ve never come across anyone with his level of drive, dedication and passion for Scotch whisky.

“His focus has always been to achieve ‘perfection’; only using the highest quality of wood and monitoring the spirit every step of the way. Nothing leaves the cask until it’s deemed to be exceptional.

“I would personally like to congratulate Billy on his 50^th Anniversary year. You’re a true industry legend, and I was lucky enough to share the journey with you for 35 incredible years.”

Reflecting on his colourful career, Walker added:

“I’m incredibly lucky to have been involved in the fascinating Scotch Whisky Industry for 50 long years. What a privilege it has been to have worked alongside some truly amazing people, and indeed to have been involved with some world-leading brands.

“Of course, there are some great memories and I truly pride in many of the achievements which our teams have achieved over the past half-century.

“The latest adventure is The GlenAllachie Distillery, and without question, we are so very fortunate to be steering this great distillery into the future, introducing its whisky to an ardent international audience.”

The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50^th Anniversary Past Edition is available to purchase through global specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of £225.

ABOUT BILLY WALKER’S CAREER:

Graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1967 with a BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry, a youthful Billy Walker had the perfect foundations to enable him to build an intimate knowledge of the science behind whisky making and flavour development.

Billy’s whisky journey began in 1972 at Hiram Walker & Sons – the company behind Ballantine’s at the time – where his role covered almost all aspects of production. After four years, he moved on to Inver House Distillers, taking up the position of Master Blender in 1976.

Fast-forward to 1982, Billy joined Burn Stewart Distillers where he went on to spend two decades, most notably playing a key part in the resurrection of Deanston and Tobermory Distilleries. When the company was sold, an entrepreneurial Billy was left to decipher his next move.

The next twelve years saw him acquire BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh Distilleries, each of which were either mothballed, closed or under exposed to the market. It was at this point in his career where Billy truly made a name for himself within the industry, leading the brands’ rejuvenation and subsequent phenomenal success.

Billy’s next move was to his current position as owner and Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, encompassing The GlenAllachie single malt, White Heather blended Scotch and MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits. 2021 saw Billy delve into a new spirits category for the first time, releasing a new experimental rum line under the MacNair’s label; Exploration Rum.

It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has earnt widespread acclaim and recognition for being one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.

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 50^th Anniversary Past Edition – 100% Sherry Matured 16-year-old – 57.1% ABV

• Colour: Deep Mahogany.
• Nose: Waves of walnuts, heather honey and subtle dried fruits, followed by bursts of toasted coffee, orange peel and cinnamon sticks.
• Taste: Lashings of fig syrup, caramelised muscovado sugar and roasted pine nuts with notes of heather honey, crystalised ginger and dried apricots.

Barley to glass dream becomes a reality as Clonakilty officially has its own Irish whiskey

Clonakilty Distillery are celebrating a significant business milestone this week as their own spirit legally became Irish whiskey, following a three-year wait since they filled their casks.

(As per legal Revenue requirements, Irish Whiskey must be matured for a minimum of three years and can be marketed with different maturities.)

Patiently maturing over the last three years in their Atlantic Ocean warehouse, the spirit was also distilled at the distillery in Clonakilty using their own copper pot stills.

To add a further local and Clonakilty connection, all the raw barley used within the distillation process was also from farmlands owned by the Distillery, in addition to neighbouring farms in the locality.

Clonakilty Distillery’s own whiskey has been much anticipated in the Irish whiskey community and within trade circles, having already won Best Irish New Make at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020.

Head Distiller Paul Corbett said that while this was in the pipeline for a number of years, it marked a significant turning point for the Distillery and the production of their own whiskey would solidify their position as one of Ireland’s leading distilleries.

He revealed the natural local surroundings of their Atlantic warehouse played a huge role in both the maturing and distillation process and were instrumental in creating a uniquely Clonakilty offering.

He said: “This Pot still Irish whiskey was triple distilled from a combination of locally grown raw barley and malt. Our stills with have long tall necks which produce an elegant spirit which help us to showcase the sweetness of the malt, as well as the spiciness of the barley and fruity flavours produced by the yeast.

“The spirit was then cut down to casking strength with mineral rich water from our well at our Atlantic Coast warehouse and laid to rest here for the last three years.  The warehouse is perched 200ft above the ocean and is exposed to persistent howling Atlantic winds.

“The ever-changing climate the casks are exposed to will increase our angel’s share and concentrate the flavours in our spirit creating a whiskey with an unmatched depth of character. 

“We have a passion for innovation, and we strive to use only the best cask finishes for our whiskey, and this will be a brilliant addition to our current range of European Oak, Port, Bordeaux and Cognac casks,”  Mr Corbett concluded. 

Founder of Clonakilty Distillery Michael Scully said he was delighted with this recent milestone, but added that the Distillery will continue to harness the flavours and allow them to mature for a further two years before releasing to the public: 

Mr Scully said: We are delighted to have reached this three- year milestone for our single Irish pot still whiskey. The smoothness and intriguing flavour combination of fruit and spice is exactly as we wished for at this point in its development. This elegant whiskey will only get better, which is why we intend to wait for a further two years before release.

Whiskey fans can follow the journey and process of Clonakilty’s Single Pot Still through their social media channels – but can also buy a cask in advance through their Cask Keepers Club which allows buyers the unique opportunity to invest in their own cask of the premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, with further details on the website here – Cask Keepers’ Club – Clonakilty Distillery