W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Wins Best of Class, Double Gold Medal at 2021 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition

 24 Total Spirits produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery Honored 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 2, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery’s W. L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon was named Best of Class: Straight Bourbon and awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2021 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC). Also earning a Double Gold medal were Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel Bourbon and W. L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In addition to these, 21 other spirits produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery received recognition in this year’s competition.

Gold medals went to

• Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon
• Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver medals went to

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
•  W. L. Weller CYPB Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur

Bronze medals went to

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The NYWSC is committed to three principles: legacy, integrity and experience. Predicated on these principles, the spirits are judged by the industry’s most trusted authorities. Results from the 2021 NYWSC can be viewed at https://www.nywscomp.com/results.

For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery’s award-winning portfolio of brands, visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

TWO THOMAS S. MOORE BOURBONS RECEIVED MASTER MEDALS AT THE SPIRITS BUSINESS LUXURY MASTERS 2021

Seven Barton 1792 Bourbons Awarded Gold Medals

BARDSTOWN, KY (Oct. 28, 2021) – Barton 1792 Distillery bourbons received 10 medals at the 2021 Spirits Business Luxury Masters. Two of those medals were Master medals, awarded to Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon and Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished Bourbon, both limited extended cask finished bourbons released at the end of 2020. Distillery bourbons also received seven Gold medals and one Silver medal.

Master medals went to

• Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished Bourbon

Gold medals went to

• 1792 Small Batch
• 1792 Single Barrel
• 1792 Full Proof
• 1792 Aged 12 Years
• 1792 Bottled In Bond
• Thomas S. Moore Port Finished Bourbon
• Early Times Bottled In Bond

Silver medal went to

• Early Times

The Luxury Masters competition, chaired by The Spirits Business and judged by a panel of leading spirits specialists via blind tasting, aims to find and reward the finest luxury spirits brands. A full list of results for the 2021 Luxury Masters can be found at https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2021/09/luxury-masters-2021/

For more information about Barton 1792 brands, please visit https://www.1792distillery.com/

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com

From left, Sara Osborne, Sean Cutter, Chris Nolan, Adina Nolan, Chuck Lambert, James Higdon and Steve Amato of MML&K Government Solutions

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION HONORS TOP ADVOCATE WITH PRESTIGIOUS

“ESPRIT DE CORPS” AWARD

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Chris Nolan of MML&K Government Solutions is the recipient of this year’s award honoring industry leaders who personify the legendary group’s spirit of camaraderie and integrity.

The esteemed Esprit de Corps Award can be bestowed by the KDA Board Chair to individuals who have, “by demonstrable and honorable action,” gone above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission of the KDA and Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry, KDA President Eric Gregory said.

KDA Board Chairwoman Pauline Rooney conferred the award to Nolan last week at the KDA’s annual State Dinner at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Nelson County. Nolan, who has lobbied for the KDA for 12 years, received an engraved medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

“This prestigious award recognizes the passion and commitment Chris has demonstrated over a number of years to the KDA and our industry,” Rooney said. “It is also an acknowledgement of the tenacity and dedication he displayed this year to keep the pace on our challenging legislative agenda in the ongoing Covid-19 environment.

“The resulting achievements that continue to advance positive change in our policies and laws speak to Chris’s resilience and spirit of collaboration,” said Rooney, who is Vice President of Distillation and Maturation for Diageo North America. “Congratulations to Chris – and a heartfelt thanks.”

KDA President Gregory said, “Chris’s keen leadership paved the way for the passing of landmark legislation that has made Kentucky a model for spirits shipping and further modernized the state’s Prohibition-era laws and policies, which are longtime barriers to growth for Kentucky distillers.

“Accomplishments such as these take an extraordinary commitment of time, the ability to inspire collaboration and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity. Chris is in the trenches every day, guiding our efforts even during a global pandemic. This is a well-deserved honor.”

MML&K Government Solutions, founded by the late W. Terry McBrayer, is a bipartisan government relations firm with decades of government relations and lobbying experience located in Frankfort, the Capital City of Kentucky.

Chris Nolan of MML&K Government Solutions

Nolan, 53, of Louisville, utilizes his 21 years of lobbying experience to help lead MML&K’s diverse team of seven government affairs professionals representing dozens of clients in both business and politics.

The Board’s Resolution saluted Nolan for spending “countless hours tirelessly promoting and protecting the KDA’s legislative agenda across our beloved Commonwealth, including many long nights and weekends during the annual sessions of the General Assembly.

“Mr. Nolan’s outstanding service and devotion has helped transform our industry from ‘sin’ to ‘signature’, and his overall support, guidance and assistance to the KDA and its members is duly and gratefully recognized by this honor.”

“It was a surprise and humbling honor to be recognized for such a prestigious award,” Nolan said.

“As a native Kentuckian, Bourbon runs in my blood and I have a true passion for Kentucky’s signature industry. We’ve accomplished so much over the last decade, but there is much more to do and I look forward to seeing how we can shape this next wave of Bourbon growth in Kentucky.”

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the 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 last year 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.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Eric Gregory at eric@kybourbon.com.

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 DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OFFICERS, DIRECTORS

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Kevin Smith of Beam Suntory has been elected Chairman of the 141-year-old non-profit trade group that unites, promotes and protects the state’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Smith, who is Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs, will begin his term Jan. 1, 2022, and serve through December 2022. The KDA Board of Directors elected officers during its Annual Meeting earlier this month.

“I am very honored to be selected as the next KDA Board Chair and look forward to working with our Board of Directors, members, and KDA staff to ensure the continued growth of the Kentucky Bourbon industry,” Smith said.

“We are stronger when we work together, and I am confident that we can build on our past success as we focus on becoming a more diverse and sustainable industry, building a strong foundation that will ensure Kentucky’s Bourbon legacy for generations to come.”

Smith is a 33-year veteran of Kentucky’s Bourbon industry, having worked for the top distilleries in the state. A former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark, Smith currently works with state, local, and civic leaders as well as supporting large and small charities throughout the regional area on behalf of Beam Suntory.

The Board also named Chris Morris, Vice President and Master Distiller for Brown-Forman as Vice Chairman; Jessica Pendergrass, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer for Heaven Hill as Secretary; and Ryan Ashley, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Distillery Operations at Four Roses as Treasurer.

Other Board members for 2022 include:

·     Bardstown Bourbon Co.: Mark Erwin, President and Chief Executive Officer

·     Castle & Key Distillery: Will Arvin, Co-Founder

·     Diageo North America: Pauline Rooney, Vice President of Distillation, Maturation and Engineering

·     Green River Distilling Co.: Jacob Call, Master Distiller and Director of Operations

·     Louisville Distilling Co.: Wes Henderson, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer

·     Lux Row Distillers: Eri Lapish, Vice President of Human Resources

·     Michter’s Distillery: Joseph Magliocco, President

·     Rabbit Hole Distillery: Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Whiskey Maker & CEO

·     Wild Turkey: Marco Barassi, Government Relations and Sustainability Director, North America

·     Wilderness Trail Distillery: Shane Baker, Co-Founder & CEO

·     Willett Distillery: Britt Kulsveen, President

·     Proof Director: Mark Coffman, Master Distiller, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company

·     Craft Director: Paul Tomaszewski, Co-Founder, MB Roland Distillery.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the 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 last year 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.

KDA President Eric Gregory applauded the Board members for their astute leadership in yet another challenging year navigating pandemic surges, workforce shortages and market uncertainty. Gregory also pointed out that KDA gained 10 new distilling members and 15 partner members in 2021.

“It is truly a pleasure to work with a group of visionaries who consistently prioritize the needs of the industry as a whole in securing Kentucky as the global leader in Bourbon and distilled spirits,” said Gregory, who is entering his 15th year as KDA President.

“Monumental accomplishments like eliminating the E.U. tariffs on American whiskey and continuing to position Kentucky as a model for direct-to-consumer shipping shows the strength of a united and passionate industry. I look forward to working with Chairman Smith and our Board of Directors as we continue to responsibly and sustainably elevate Kentucky’s legacy as the one, true home for Bourbon.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Eric Gregory at eric@kybourbon.com.

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

Kevin Smith of Beam Suntory

Vintage Bottlers Have Released Their Debut Bottle, A Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Vintage Bottlers are thrilled to be releasing the first edition of their new ‘Secret Series’ collection.

Vintage Bottlers, a London Based independent bottler, have now released their debut bottle. A 30 year old Highland single malt sherry cask, with only 325 bottles originally stocked. The distillery, although very reputable, has been kept a secret and many have been guessing where the single malt comes from. The trail of clues left on Vintage Bottlers instagram (@vintage_bottlers) has led some people to guessing correctly!

The bottle is the first edition of their ‘Secret Series’, an upcoming rare cask series collection, ‘The Regions’. This collection will explore a sensory journey through Scotland’s 6 whisky producing regions. Although not an official region, they have included the Islands as believed some of the whisky produced there adds a profile not experienced elsewhere. The second edition is available to pre-order on the Vintage Bottlers website now.

Tasting Notes –

Colour: New cut hay

Nose: Dark chocolate and mountain coffee beans against a background of antiseptic iodine

Palate: Dark forest fruits flambe, burnt caramel

Finish: Menthol with hints of liquorice

It is very unusual for a Highland whisky, and certainly betrays its coastal origin. There is a deep warmth on the palate which had me thinking this may just burn as it goes down, but no, it is as smooth as silk, and what I describe as menthol, gives an impression of coolness.

By Gordon Coxhill, Whisky Enthusiast & Journalist

Buy now: https://vintagebottlersltd.com/product/the-secret-series-1/

Vintage Bottlers, founded in 2020, is an independent bottler, searching for the very best whisky Scotland has produced, past and present. They bottle exceptional spirit from world famous distilleries as single cask expressions and blend their own favourite styles. Vintage Bottlers is part of the Vintage Group, a group formed of four different whisky based companies including a whisky cask trader, a whisky members club and a whisky auction house.

CÀRN MÒR RELEASE THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF

EXTREMLEY RARE SINGLE CASK WHISKIES 

FAMILY RESERVE IS THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF THE CÀRN MÒR RANGE 

Tuesday 23rd November 2021, Aberargie, Scotland – Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers has announced the first release from their Càrn Mòr Family Reserve range. The 32-year-old Single Cask from Glen Garioch Distillery was distilled in 1988, when the Morrison family owned the distillery. This cask was specially selected by Brian Morrison, who has a long history with Glen Garioch Distillery, for the inaugural release.

Each bottle will be displayed within a wooden presentation case with a commemorative plaque, with the family’s connection to this cask and their personal memories of the distillery displayed on a personally signed letter inside the box. Family Reserve is the only series in the Càrn Mòr range to carry the signature of a Morrison family member. 

Brian Morrison, Owner, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said:

‘This particular cask was selected initially for its outstanding spirit quality but also it very much reflects the style of which Glen Garioch was distilled in the eighties given we were malting and peating our own barley. A rarity amongst distilleries in those days. At that time the Morrison family owned Glen Garioch so it is one distillery that we have a very personal connection to.’  

Càrn Mòr’s Family Reserve range will include extremely limited and rare single casks, with each one being hand-selected individually by either Brian or Jamie Morrison from their own collection. The first Family Reserve release is limited to 108 bottles and is priced at £2895 and is available from Thursday 25th November 2021 from selected retailers.

For information on purchasing please contact Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers via their website or by emailing info@morrisondistillers.com where they will be able to put you in touch with a stockist.

TASTING NOTES

Càrn Mòr Family Reserve 1998 Glen Garioch 42.3% ABV

RRP: £2895

Peated barley was still in use at Glen Garioch at the time and this cask is from a lightly peated run which has a gently smoky note.

Nose: Ripe juicy peaches, orange peel and treacle

Palate: Lovely herbal notes, more orchard fruits and honey drops

Finish: Elegant and warm with a delightful hint of smoke

ABOUT MORRISON SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS 

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There has been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values are run through everything they do and they proudly showcase these underneath each of their bottles reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers.

Where many distilleries strive for consistency across larger batches, Càrn Mòr is able to release unadulterated expressions from these distilleries using traditional methods meaning it is as close to drinking straight from the cask as possible.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com or for Carn Mor visit www.carnmorwhisky.co.uk

New fill whiskies stars, a new limited-edition range from VCL Vintners

Release No.1 features just 109 bottles from Royal Brackla and Benriach Distilleries

As we reunite with old friends and family in person this festive season, such special occasions warrant a memorable, limited-edition spirit to mark the event. Thanks to its relationships with some of the most exciting distilleries in production today, VCL Vintners, a premier City-based whisky cask broker, is launching its very own independent bottling line this winter, giving whisky lovers just that experience.

With a limited run of bottles available for purchase from 30 November 2021 on the VCL Vintners’ website, this inaugural release is made up of a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Royal Brackla Distillery and a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Benriach Distillery. Both spirits were aged for 9 years and finished in octaves: the Highland Single Malt in a port cask and the Speyside Single Malt in a sherry one.

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Royal Brackla 2012) ABV 54.80% AYS 11 June 2021 Cask number 435 (Octave)

Royal Brackla is a distillery steeped in history; boasting a home that is said to have inspired William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and producing the first Scotch whisky to receive a royal warrant. Over its 200-year history, Royal Brackla’s whisky has been often affectionately nicknamed “The King’s Own Whisky.” Releases of Royal Brackla have been limited over the years. One of those, a 35-year-old 200th-anniversary edition was sold for $15,000 in 2014. This release with VCL Vintners is therefore an exciting new opportunity for whisky lovers to discover and taste whisky from a historic distillery.

On the nose, the ruby-coloured Highland Single Malt delivers a fruity aroma of blackberry and cherries, with hints of candy floss, vanilla, and polished mahogany. The palate presents rich dark chocolate with berries and dates, with a hint of sultanas.

The whisky finishes with a lingering taste of sugared almonds and dark chocolate, followed by hints of red grapes: a truly exquisite whisky to experience.

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Benriach 2012) ABV 50.08% AYS 06 February 2021 Cask number 215 (Octave)

Benriach is a distillery known for doing things differently; it is one of just two distilleries in Speyside to still practice traditional floor malting on-site. It is also one of the few distilleries in Speyside that makes both peated and unpeated single malt. As a result, the whisky has a distinctly smoky and sweet note.

On the nose, the golden-coloured Speyside Single Malt delivers a fruity aroma of banana and grape, with hints of apple, citrus, and raisins. The palate presents you initially with caramelised banana, followed by the wintery aromatic flavours of cloves and spice.

The whisky finishes with black pepper with orange zest and hints of charred vanilla. As the cold winter takes hold over the next few months, this rich whisky will warm you from the inside, while conjuring up cosy wintery moments of being indoors by a fire.

Both bottles will retail at £65 (including VAT) on VCL Vintners’ website, available from 30 November 2021.

Discussing the launch, Stuart Thom, Director of VCL Vintners, said: “Whether it’s a bottle for yourself or a present for your friends and family, this is going to be the perfect gift this Christmas. Our goal is to bring whisky to as many new people as possible and we are thrilled to bring these whiskies to market, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy top-of-the-range whisky from the comfort of their own homes. It was a pleasure to work with the wonderful liquid produced by people at Royal Brackla and Benriach distilleries, as we know how much time, effort, and care goes into producing these spirits. We are very excited for what is in store for 2022.”

In January 2021, VCL Vintners reported that more than half of their cask sales were to buyers in the 18–44-year-old age demographic.

About VCL Vintners

Founded in 2010, VCL Vintners sources and manages fine single malt Scotch whisky casks;  the highest performing alternative asset of the 21st century according to the 2020 Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, which found that the ROI on whisky investments has grown by 586% in the last decade[1].

VCL Vintner’s assets range from young, new-fill barrels to some of the rarest and oldest casks on the market today. To date, the company has traded and exchanged on tens of millions of pounds of whisky, wine, port, champagne and cognac. VCL Vintners currently holds £70m of whisky under management, and is on track to corner 2% of the whisky industry’s total reserves, with a target of managing £300m in the next 15 years.

Approximately 3 billion litres of raw spirit are housed in Scottish HMRC bonded warehouses with an estimated value of £15 billion. VCL Vintners holds a prestigious HMRC issued WOWGR license, which is issued upon rigorous assessments, and interviews, and is subject to annual review and renewal, which allows the company to access this raw spirit for trade and exchange.

VCL Vintners is part of ‘The London International Vintners Exchange’, an invitation only organisation with only 400 companies globally in its membership. The company’s brokers are all accredited by the Wine Spirit and Education Trust in London.

Conecuh Brands Announces New Innovations For

 Clyde May’s Whiskey Collection

 Brand Support Includes TV Schedule with Vice Media

GARDEN CITY, NY, November 15- – Conecuh Brands, LLC is launching four new innovations.  Between now and December, the brand is releasing its most extensive line up of innovations to date.

The four new innovations include:

• Clyde May’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon 5-Year-Old (102 Proof; $49.99)
• Clyde May’s Special Reserve Straight Bourbon 6-Year-Old (110 Proof; SRP: $59.99)
• Clyde May’s 13 Year Cask Strength Alabama Style Whiskey (120 proof; SRP: $ 139.99)
• Clyde May’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon 15-Year-Old (112 Proof; SRP: $199.99)

“We’re pleased that we can meet the demand from our loyal fans and consumers with these outstanding offerings,” says Roy Danis, President and CEO Conecuh Brands, LLC.   “Those who have been tasting the special cask offering each year are likely to experience the subtle nuances of our cask strength program. Our Cask program started 6 years ago with our 8-year-old and each year we have released a portion of this whiskey.   It is fascinating to see the whiskey evolve over this period of time.  I believe our current 13year old Cask Alabama Style Whiskey could be the best ever,” he added.

The new releases are already award winners in the most recognized spirit competitions.   The San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded the Clyde May’s Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey a Double Gold Medal and the Ultimate Spirits Competition scored this expression a 93.

The Clyde May’s Special Reserve Straight Bourbon 110 Proof is a select reserve of the producer’s special stock that is non-chill filtered and aged 6 years in American oak barrels.   The Clyde May’s Cask Strength Alabama Style Whiskey 120 Proof is an exclusive limited-edition release of only a few thousand bottles every consecutive year.  This liquid is aged 13 years and part of the Cask Whiskey Continuity Program.  Another new limited-edition in time for holiday gifting is the Clyde May’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon 15-year-old.

Being the rarest bottling yet, this expression embodies Clyde May’s grit and pays tribute to Kentucky’s fine bourbon tradition.

Conecuh Brands is continuing to build awareness for the Clyde May’s label by working with Vice TV on a broadcast campaign during the 4^th quarter. In addition to being the official state spirit of Alabama, the brand is also the Official Whiskey of the Talladega Superspeedway.

About Clyde May’s Whiskey:

Clyde May’s Whiskey has been distilled since 1946 and legal since 2001.  More than 75 years of authenticity, dedication and perseverance is behind the brand.  It’s the first official state spirit in the country and the official state spirit of Alabama.

The Clyde May’s portfolio includes Clyde May’s Original Alabama Style Whiskey, Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon, Clyde May’s Straight Rye, Clyde May’s Special Reserve Straight Bourbon and Clyde May’s Cask Strength Whiskey and Bourbon.

About Conecuh Brands LLC.

Founded in 2014, Conecuh Brands is a fully integrated, marketing and sales company. Led by Roy Danis, President and CEO, the company is focused on developing, marketing and maximizing the sales potential of quality super-premium spirits brands.  Brands created and marketed by Conecuh Brands are delivered in world-class packaging at outstanding value. In addition to Clyde May’s Whiskey, the company also owns the award winning Próspero Tequila Portfolio in partnership with global superstar Rita Ora and McConnell’s Irish Whisky.  For more information visit www.conecuhbrands.com.

WHY, HELLO OLD SPORT!

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BRINGS BACK THE ROARING TWENTIES

The world’s most entertaining whisky club invites you to 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh for a night of glitz and glamour

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is transforming its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street into a Gatsby-themed party for one night only. From 7 pm on Friday, 26 November 2021 the venue will be transported back to the ‘Roaring Twenties’, as SMWS members and non-members are invited to the party of the century.

With champagne on arrival, live music, cocktails, canapes, and the Society’s ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies, 28 Queen Street will be engulfed with guests dressed to impress.

Tickets are available now for members and non-members for just £65. Get yours here: https://smws.com/queen-street-does-gatsby/

Sarah Prior, Queen Street Venue Manager, said: “We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces at 28 Queen Street for our Gatsby event. The world is getting back to (almost) normal, and what better time to celebrate as we enter the glorious festive season.

“With what has been a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to welcome our members and new faces back to Society events. With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to come and see what the Society is all about.”

For the SMWS monthly Outturn this November, a new cask collection is taking to the stage every week: https://smws.com/latest-outturn

Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive Members’ Rooms, partner bar discounts, colourful tasting events, whisky education, and a monthly members’ magazine Unfiltered. There’s so much more than whisky to appreciate when you join the Society for just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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

 For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv

Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Collection of Limited-Edition Chocolates in Time for Christmas

Loch Lomond Whiskies has collaborated with an artisan chocolatier to release an assortment of limited-edition whisky-paired chocolates.

The beautifully presented luxury truffles were handcrafted by Cocoa Ooze to pair perfectly with three 12 Year Old expressions by Loch Lomond Whiskies, each showcasing the flavour profiles of the distillery’s signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke.

The collaboration, set for release today (Thursday 11 November) in time for Christmas, is designed to accentuate the flavours and enhance the tasting experience of Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Perfectly Balanced, plus Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmurrin and Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmoan, both part of the Loch Lomond Islands Collection. Each whisky has been paired with bespoke chocolate truffles, designed to complement the hero flavours in each expression.

LOCH LOMOND 12 YEAR OLD PAIRED WITH MILK CHOCOLATE AND APRICOT

Whisky and chocolate lovers will find a real balance to these flavours, with the milk chocolate offering a soft and luxurious, velvety texture. Selected for its simplicity, the apricot also allows the fruit flavour of the whisky to really shine through. This perfectly balanced whisky has delicious notes of peach and pear layered with vanilla sweetness and a gentle hint of smoke on the finish.

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old paired with Milk Chocolate Apricot

70 cl, ABV 46%, RRP £40

 LOCH LOMOND 12 YEAR OLD INCHMURRIN PAIRED WITH MILK CHOCOLATE, ORANGE AND CINNAMON

For this pairing, the orange flavours within the milk chocolate showcase the supercharged sweet elements of Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmurrin. Cinnamon was also added to add complexity and compliment the delicious notes of peach, apricot, toffee and vanilla which this unique expression is famous for.

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmurrin paired with Milk Chocolate, Orange and Cinnamon 

70 cl, ABV 46%, RRP £40 

LOCH LOMOND 12 YEAR OLD INCHMOAN PAIRED WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND SEA SALT

To accentuate the complex, warming spice elements of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ smokey expression, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmoan, a rich dark chocolate base was selected as the canvas with a hint sea salt. This extraordinary combination of flavours creates a bittersweet taste, where the intricate ingredients marry together to offer an exciting tasting experience.

Inchmoan showcases the soft smoke and warming spice elements of the distillery’s signature style with delicious notes of wood and peat smoke, roasted coffee, green apple with clove and aniseed spice on the finish.

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Inchmoan paired with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt

70 cl, ABV 46%, RRP £40

As part of the chocolate-pairing journey, Loch Lomond Whiskies’ Master of the Quaich, Bill White, worked closely with Jamie Hutcheon, owner and master chocolatier at Cocoa Ooze, who founded his business in 2008 at the age of 17.

Documented in a short film, Bill and Jamie explore how flavours can work to complement and enhance one another, discuss optimum whisky and chocolate pairings, and delve into the synergies between chocolate production and whisky distilling.

The release of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ dedicated chocolates marks the first in a series of collaborations designed to tell the story of flavour selection, with additional releases anticipated in spring 2022.

Bill White (L) and Jamie Hutchinson (R)

Bill White, Master of the Quaich at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“While very different products, chocolate and whisky follow similar journeys. Both require high levels of craftsmanship, creativity and patience to reach perfection.

“There is a complexity to both processes, and even the slightest change can have a huge impact on the final flavour profiles.

“These age expressions are a great example of how we use different distilling techniques to showcase a spectrum of flavours here at Loch Lomond Whiskies. For this reason, it was crucial to take the time to find the right chocolate pairings which really enhance these flavours.

“Jamie’s commitment to his craft is inspiring to see, and working with him has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I hope our limited-edition chocolates will take whisky enthusiasts on an exciting new journey to explore new flavours and better understand the complexities behind our craft.”

Jamie Hutcheon, Founder at Cocoa Ooze, said:

“Cacao beans to make chocolate can take up to seven years to grow. Much like whisky distilling, time and patience are essential in creating the finished product.

“Balancing flavours is an intricate job, but the final product is beautifully simple. This collaboration with Loch Lomond Whiskies brings together the arts of distillation and tempering to create a unique and special product.

“Our base chocolate has notes of natural vanilla, nutty and earthy tones, which really balances the fruit, sweet honey and soft smoke of Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Year Old expressions.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Bill and the Loch Lomond Whiskies team, and a real testament to what can be achieved with creativity and imagination.”

The Loch Lomond Whiskies Islands Collection captures the distiller’s ingenuity in whisky making and the master blender’s craft in emphasizing specific flavours. Each of the three expressions are distilled in a combination of traditional swan neck stills and unique straight-neck pot stills, which allow for greater control over the flavours.

To purchase Loch Lomond Whiskies flavour matched chocolates, please visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/pages/cocoa-ooze-chocolates

Pricing details for each set can be found below:

• Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt – £40
• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old Single Malt – £40
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old Single Malt – £40

A series of short films about the collaboration is available to view:

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN8ZNlIqbnY&list=PLQt4S_af9LF5YDTE1Ea13wJyM7zAjcZak

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH8S6PiHcKU&list=PLQt4S_af9LF5YDTE1Ea13wJyM7zAjcZak&index=2

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0bpQW39y2o&list=PLQt4S_af9LF5YDTE1Ea13wJyM7zAjcZak&index=3

For more information about Loch Lomond Whiskies, please visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/

For more information about Cocoa Ooze, please visit: www.cocoa-ooze.co.uk/