ANDREA MONTAGUE APPOINTED AS HEAD OF ADVOCACY AT EDRINGTON UK

Tuesday 8^th March 2022, London: Edrington UK today announces that Andrea Montague has been appointed Head of Advocacy in a newly created role for the business.

As Edrington UK’s new Head of Advocacy, Andrea will lead and champion brand advocacy, education and training – from bartender engagement activities to customer activations to industry events – across the company’s wide portfolio of premium spirit brands, including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Brugal 1888, House of Suntory, Courvoisier, Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark amongst others.

With over 15 years’ experience in the drinks industry, Andrea is a respected figure in the spirits category having worked both at some of the most prestigious and highly respected establishments across London, as well as for leading brands, creating global advocacy programmes and education platforms for ambassador teams

With this she brings extensive experience in mentorship and project leadership as she heads up the company’s extensive advocacy team, including Edrington UK’s core Brand Ambassadors, Whisky Specialists and Serve Specialists, uniting them to create one centre of advocacy excellence, driving them to achieve the business’s brand ambitions through best-in-class advocacy and brand building.

Following another challenging start to the year for the hospitality industry, Andrea’s appointment comes during a crucial time as the on-trade looks towards recovery.

Zak Laurence-Whalley, General Manager at Edrington UK, said: “Advocacy has always been at the heart of Edrington UK’s brand-building strategies. We have delivered a wide range of globally recognised advocacy projects across our brands such as the House of Suntory Dojo programme, The Macallan and Rosewood London Partnership, and our bartender community space ‘Tending to the Tenders’ at London Cocktail Week. Andrea’s appointment is a vital step in recognising our advocacy successes to date and demonstrates our commitment to advocacy as a business. 

Consumers are discovering new and vibrant ways to enjoy dark spirits and the opportunity for the category is vast. Edrington UK has an enviable premium dark spirits portfolio, and we are perfectly pla­ced to lead the charge. By investing in high-calibre talent to create and execute our advocacy strategies, we are able to transform the premium spirits category hand-in-hand with our customers. We are excited to see Andrea drive our brand building vision forward.”

Commenting on her new role, Andrea stated: “I am honoured to be appointed as Edrington’s UK’ new Head of Advocacy for the UK. Having spent the last four years dedicating myself to single malts, I am delighted to be working with such a rich, premium dark spirits portfolio. As we continue to accelerate our brands in the premium space, I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to support and unite our advocacy team to drive our business vision forward.”

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.

REMASTERING THE PAST WHILE IMAGINING THE FUTURE, INTRODUCING THE JAMESON ANTHOLOGY

New collection includes the unveiling of the first Jameson single pot still whiskey in decades available via two online ballots

The whiskey makers at Midleton Distillery are proud to present The Jameson Anthology, a curated collection of unique limited-edition Irish whiskeys which draw inspiration from the past as well as imagining new possibilities. Jameson Remastered, the first volume within The Jameson Anthology, celebrates the spirit of classic discontinued whiskeys, by reinventing them with modern techniques to deliver a new taste experience. The soon to be released second volume, Jameson Remixed, meanwhile will explore and experiment with new tunes from Jameson for an altogether different take on the classic Irish icon.

Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still, the first release within the Jameson Remastered Volume, is a reinvention of a much loved classic which was last produced in 2000 as a limited edition offering. This award-winning[1] liquid is composed of three exceptional whiskey styles, spanning 15 to 17 years of maturation in carefully selected American bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. This single pot still whiskey raises a glass to history by featuring a significant contribution of sherry casks, paying tribute to traditional whiskey making in Bow Street Distillery.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller, takes guardianship of the new release in which he masterfully combined the original distilling methods with modern-day techniques. Whilst retaining a clear reference to Jameson’s unmistakably smooth DNA, the sherry casks bring together rich and fruity notes, paying homage to Ireland’s history, heritage and craftmanship whilst staying true to the original and remaining in tune with today.

The distinctive packaging of Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still is set to appeal to the nostalgia of Jameson fans across the globe, taking them on a journey from past to present. The bottle is wrapped in newspaper, with one side uncovering Jameson’s heritage and the other marking the present day and comes in recyclable honeycomb cardboard packaging.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “It’s been more than two decades since the last Jameson 15 Year Old was created and it has been a great opportunity to remaster this classic whiskey.

“For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to combine the traditional single pot still style with the strong influence of the sherry casks, which was integral to historic whiskey production. We’re confident to have developed a contemporary iteration of Jameson 15 Year Old that pays tribute to the torch bearers who put Irish whiskey on the map, whilst nodding to the current generation of talented craftspeople at Midleton Distillery. We can’t wait for Jameson fans to sip, savour and enjoy it to the very last drop.”

Blender Deirdre O’Carroll adds: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the team to bring Jameson fans a new 15 Year Old that has been remastered for the modern day. The inclusion of the sherry casks creates incredibly rich flavours and an extra-long fusion of fruits and spices, in line with traditional pot still flavours that are known and loved. We’re looking forward to continuing to delight fans with more to come within The Jameson Anthology, which we hope will be music to whiskey fans’ ears.”

Bottled at an ABV of 56.4%, Jameson 15 Year Old Single Pot Still comes in a 500ml bottle and will retail at €300 with a limited quantity of 2,220 bottles available through two online ballots.

The first ballot will open to members of Barrel Club Midleton Distillery at 9am Irish Saving Time (IST) on Monday 4^th April and the second ballot will open to all other whiskey fans at 2pm (IST) on Friday 8^th April. Shipping to successful whiskey fans will take place from the end of April.

For the chance to get your hands on this unique bottle of Jameson 15 Year Old and to enter the ballot, visit https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en/our-whiskey/jameson-15-year-old-single-pot-still/ballot and sign up now.

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Rich nutty tones, dark berries and ripe orchard fruits mixed with sweet woodland spices. Underlying hints of oak combined with dried herbs and traditional pot still flavours, all wonderfully balanced and complex.

Taste: Robust and spicy with the pot still influences to the fore accompanied by the oak’s tannins alongside silky, textured layers of sweet dairy fudge and vanilla. Soft fruit notes of cherry are intertwined with fig and plum.

Finish: A rich and lasting finish with the duo of fruit and spices lingering before the toasted oak’s drying tannins have the last word.

@JamesonWhiskey 

Notes 

Please note, shipping of Jameson 15 Year Old is only available to the following counties: Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, China, New Zealand, and Japan. Where we state Great Britain, this refers only to England, Scotland, and Wales only. Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to ship to Northern Ireland. A small quantity is coming to specialist NI whiskey retailers. Please contact your local premium Irish Whiskey retailer to enquire. 

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] IWSC 2022 95/100 Gold Medal

BUFFALO TRACE NAMED THE GLOBAL

DISTILLER OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Blanton’s Named World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon

A Buffalo Trace Distillery advertisement with no bottles and no words intended for media kit usage.

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 29, 2022) – The National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery, has claimed the coveted global title of Distiller of the Year at the 2022 Icons of Whisky awards presented by Whisky Magazine.

After being named the American Distiller of the Year in February, Buffalo Trace went on to compete against distilleries from all over the globe to receive this honor. Similarly, the Distillery’s Blanton’s Bourbon was named the World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon by Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards held at the same ceremony. These awards were presented March 24 in London at the competition’s first in-person ceremony in three years.

Buffalo Trace, which is undergoing a $1.2 billion expansion to make more whiskey, continues to underscore its commitment to quality despite the growing demand for its whiskeys.

“Everyone on our team plays an important role in ensuring total quality, and these awards speak to that dedication,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said.  “We are absolutely thrilled to receive these awards and feel honored that our commitment to producing top-quality spirits is being recognized internationally.”

The Distillery, which welcomed more than 340,000 visitors in 2021, is also a big community supporter. In 2021, Buffalo Trace donated a half million dollars to local and statewide initiatives such as its annual Great Buffalo Chase 5k, in which more than $21,000 went to the city of Frankfort, Kentucky’s VFW Post 4075, which used it to fund the annual July 4^th community fireworks show, and $15,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community. The Distillery also donated $80,000 to local non-profit organizations at its annual Contribution to the Community ceremony and raised funds through an auction of some of its most rare bottles for The Red Cross Ky Region for Western Kentucky after tornados ravaged the state.  These donations were among a number of other community programs the Distillery supported in 2021.

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 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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Raises nearly $65k for Kentucky Tornado Victims through Online Auction

Monies Raised support American Red Cross KY Region tornado relief efforts

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 23, 2022) – The teams at the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery, like so many others locally and across the world, were devastated to hear of the losses and damages caused by the tornadoes that tore through the Midwest and South in early December.

To help raise funds, the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery teamed up to provide disaster relief to Kentuckians affected by the tornados. Through an online auction, $64,432.33 was raised.  All proceeds are being distributed by the Red Cross KY Region for Western Kentucky disaster relief.

Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkle family partnered with Menish Productions to auction two very rare and unique whiskey flights, which included a complete set of Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. Two rare Van Winkle decanters were also donated by a private individual, which were included in the auction.  The online auction went live Monday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. and ran through Thursday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.

“I am so thrilled with the generosity of Buffalo Trace Distillery and our outstanding partnership,” said Lynne Washbish, executive director of the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter. “What a difference we made together to help many that have lost everything.”

Sara Saunders, vice president for whiskey and consumer marketing at Buffalo Trace stated, “Some of our team members’ extended families were affected by these tornadoes, including loss of life. We are fortunate and thankful our 2,300 area team members and 10 local operations were spared. We are pleased to partner with Red Cross and humbled to play a role in raising money for the victims of this disaster.”

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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, is a National Historic Landmark, and 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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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.

Grown, Malted, and Distilled in Northumberland – The Perfect Provenance for Northumberland’s Ad Gefrin Whisky Distillery

Ad Gefrin is delighted to announce that the inaugural barley growers for making its Northumbrian Whisky, will be farms all within 10 miles of the Distillery itself.   The barley will be stored locally, and malted in Berwick Upon Tweed, by Simpsons Malt, before delivery to Wooler. Fully traceable the whole operation is happening within a 20-mile radius of Ad Gefrin!

Northumberland is renowned for producing the very best quality  barley and it is in demand throughout the world.  The type of barley chosen for Ad Gefrin is Diablo, the highest yielding spring barley on the market.  The four farmers selected to grow in the region of 400 tonnes between them for Ad Gefrin, are Tom Jackson, growing at Northfield Farm, Lowick, George Farr of Pallinsburn, David Warcup of Letham Hill Farm, Etal and Cameron Shell of Brandon near Powburn.

Ben Murphy, Head Distiller at Ad Gefrin said, “It is so exciting to be able to produce a malt which will be grown by local farmers, and malted by Simpsons Malt, who are literally just up the road.  The relationship with growers will be collaborative, as the barley is grown and malted specifically for us.”

Barley is not the only ingredient that will be entirely local – perhaps the most important by volume is the water.  This will be drawn from a borehole on site which will deliver its ancient waters from a depth of 200m which has come directly from the nearby Cheviot hills themselves.  Keen to do all they can to  help the environment, energy for the process will also be sourced locally, with electricity generated from Ad Gefrin’s extensive rooftop solar panels.

Ben concludes: “A whisky is of course not just about the barley; the barley is just one of many factors.  There is the water, and the years required for maturing, the wood chosen for the casks, and of course the careful handling by the stills’ team.   Ad Gefrin will be a Northumbrian Whisky, through and through, grown, distilled and nurtured in the shadow of the Cheviot Hills.”

The relationship with Simpsons Malt is also vital to Ad Gefrin, as the fifth-generation, family business has the infrastructure in place – through its position as both a malting and agricultural merchanting company – to connect the grower to distiller, showcasing supply chain traceability from seed to spirit. It has formed this partnership for supplies to Wooler’s new distillery that helps guarantee their local provenance and quality throughout the world.

“It is really exciting to be part of such a major milestone for Wooler and north Northumberland.” enthused grower Tom Jackson, “Normally our malting barley goes to Scotland, so we are pleased and proud to be part of this new enterprise to produce a genuinely local product.”

Tim McCreath, Simpsons Malt Managing Director, added: “It has been fantastic to work so closely with Ben as the exciting developments at Ad Gefrin have progressed over the past 12 months.

“The distillery’s high-quality Northumbrian spring barley has been sown at farms less than 10 miles from the site and we’re now counting down the days until harvest. From there, we will collect and store the barley before transporting it to our Tweed Valley Maltings for malting and subsequent delivery, passing a couple of the farms during the 17-mile journey.”

Ad Gefrin will be the first ever commercial whisky distillery in Northumberland and will be opening its doors to the public in the Autumn of this year.  As well as creating the first Northumbrian Single Malt Whisky, and in the region of 50 jobs, this £10.4m development will include a world class cultural visitor experience celebrating Northumbria’s Golden Age.

Ad Gefrin opens in Autumn 2022.

Ad Gefrin Single Malt Whisky will mature from 2025 onwards.

For more information visit adgefrin.co.uk.

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £10.4m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council. 

About Yeavering (the archaeological site of Ad Gefrin) 5 miles from Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery

Internationally renowned, Yeavering is the most thoroughly excavated Anglo Saxon palace complex in Europe and the only archaeological site to have evidence of a timber grandstand and gathering place. This was the 7^th Century royal summer residence of early Anglo-Saxon kings and queens including Aethelfrith, Edwin and Aethelburga, the saintly Oswald and his younger brother Oswy.  Discovered in 1949 through aerial photography, and excavated by Brian Hope-Taylor in the 1950’s and 60’s, the scheduled archaeological site is today under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust. The Trust  was formed to ensure the future preservation of the site through sympathetic management, conservation and investigation. Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery is working in partnership with The Gefrin Trust to further illuminate the importance of the archaeological site within the exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

LinkedIn: @adgefrin

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

Speyside Distillers launches Speyside’s Artist Trio of SPEY single malts for spring 2022

A trio of limited edition single malts has been launched by a multi-award-winning Speyside distillery to celebrate the arrival of spring, each featuring specifically commissioned artwork.

Speyside Distillery, operated by Speyside Distillers, has announced the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio in conjunction with artist-in-residence, Joanna McDonough. The packaging and bottles will feature artwork that reflects the character of each expression, taking inspiration from the worlds of whisky, art and music.

The new range was launched last night with a tasting and art exhibition at the distillery’s visitor centre in Aviemore, The Snug.

Artist Joanna McDonough said: “I was delighted to be asked to develop paintings for Speyside’s Artist Trio to complement the Tenne, Trutina and Fumare SPEY single malt whiskies.

“While preparing to start work, I realised that artists, musicians and distillers are all working towards a very similar – if not identical – goal in their art and craft.

“My goal in my work is to express myself, my feelings and my emotions – and create art which, in turn, then causes an emotional reaction. Musicians, too, create an emotional reaction with their work.

“Similarly, distillers are masters at crafting whisky that creates an emotional reaction in the taster – taking the drinker on a journey of sight, smell and taste. We are all artists in our own way.”

The Speyside’s Artist Trio is limited to 1,500 numbered 70cl bottles of each expression, with some 20cl bottles also available.

The launch is the latest in a series of exciting announcements and achievements by the artisan distillery, including plans for a new distillery in the Speyside region; the creation of three new distiller positions; and SPEY being named the world’s best single cask single malt at the 2021 World Whisky Awards.

Speyside Distillers chief executive John Harvey McDonough said: “I am very proud to introduce the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio to our SPEY Collection. My wife Joanna has previously created stunning labels for our SPEY single malts and Byron’s Gin, but these new artworks truly encapsulate the joy of whisky.

“Our distillers have lovingly crafted these whiskies, and we are delighted to have collaborated with Joanna on artwork that has had equal love poured into it.”

Managing director Patricia Dillon added: “Joanna’s art has inspired me for many years and to see her representing the aromas, colours and flavours of our award winning single malts with this stunning new art collection makes me proud to be part of the SPEY family, and what we can achieve together.”

Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin. Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, in Aviemore.

For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk and www.thesnugspeysidedistillery.co.uk or follow the distillery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For trade enquiries, please contact karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk.

Notes

Trutina Melody
Joanna McDonough: “My Trutina melody painting is like its accompanying whisky. The melody is the true tune of this spirit: it is honest and, like the tune, is a linear succession of notes which the listener perceives as the ‘music’ – the whisky is also a succession of tastes resulting in a ‘whole’ taste experience. The painting is honest and clear.”

Tasting notes: Pale gold / white wine appearance. A light nose, with an initial savoury top-note on a fruity base (white grapes, apple blossom, lychees in syrup), developing floral notes, with a hint of boiled sweets. Light texture, with a sweet start leading to crisp acidity and notes of scented sweets, with a finish of white chocolate.

Tenne Rhapsody
Joanna McDonough: “Tenne is more flamboyant in style, so it most naturally became my ‘rhapsody’. A rhapsody features intense variations of mood, colour and tonality. It is free flowing but with some structure. I aimed to reflect this nature in my painting, which is slightly freer in form – and like Tenne has my own touch of sweetness with its ruby hues and vibrancy.”

Tasting notes: Copper / rose wine appearance, with notes of faint raspberry jam and rose wine, pot-pourri and pale fruits on the nose. Light in texture, sweet & faintly fruity, before drying slightly, leaving a trace of almonds in the finish

Fumare Overture
Joanna McDonough: ”As Fumare was Speyside Distillery’s first peated whisky, naturally it was an overture, i.e. ‘an introduction to what is to come.’ The palette of this painting is taken from the tasting notes – in particular barley, caramel, orange and honey whisky – showing a gentle warmth which is given in the end notes of its special taste.”

Tasting notes: Light gold appearance, with a subtle nose. The smoke slowly builds in intensity, but with minimal medicinal notes, and increased sweetness. The addition of a few drops of water increase the complexity, and enhance the sweetness & vanilla notes that combine so well with the long, smoky finish

The Whisky Exchange introduces an exclusive, extra special whisky for April Fool’s Day. And like the best jokes, it may look simple upon first glance, but there’s a lot going on underneath…

The spirits retailer is keeping key elements of this limited-edition whisky hidden until 9.00am on Friday 1 April when all will be revealed. Maintaining the mystery, the label of the bottle has been printed with an ink sensitive to UV light, hiding details until a torch, included with every purchase, reveals the hidden text.

A visible statement declares ‘Extremely old, I wish I were younger’ as a tactic to retain the illusion, everything about the whisky is old yet the liquid is just 5 years old (embargoed until 9am 1^st April).

The Whisky Exchange has worked with one of the oldest names in Scottish distilling and so, despite its comparative youth, this fruity and very special April Fool’s 2022 whisky is wise beyond its years. The distillery is celebrated as one of the most up-to-date in Scotland, marrying traditional production with green technology to create the country’s greenest operation.

The spirit was distilled at Ardnamurchan – owned by whisky veterans Adelphi – under the watchful eye of Alex Bruce – descendant of Andrew Usher, the father of modern blended whisky. Alex and his team selected five casks for us, bringing together old-fashioned smoke with bright, unpeated spirit to create a truly modern and fruity whisky.

Details that can be communicated now:

• 53.2% ABV
• Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Available to purchase from thewhiskyexchange.com on Friday 1 April 2022, from 6am, while stocks last
• https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/aprilfools
• Priced at £74.95
• 5 years old
• Just 1600 bottles are available to buy
• Matured in first-fill Bourbon casks

ABOUT THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and three shops located in the heart of London at Covent Garden, Great Portland Street and London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people and is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.
The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 600 rums; 300 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; three shops.

London Shops: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH, Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7NT and London Bridge, London, SE1 1LL / Tel: 020 7631 3888
Online : https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ Tel: 020 8838 9388

STAGG JR. BOURBON AND COL. E.H. TAYLOR, JR. STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY AWARDED GOLD AT 2022 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Twenty-six Buffalo Trace spirits honored in total

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 6, 2022) – The 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition awarded 26 spirits produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery with medals. Honors included three Gold medals, 16 Silver medals and seven Bronze medals.

Gold medals went to:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 128.7 Proof
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Silver medals were awarded to:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Single Barrel Kentu8cky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Charter French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze medals went to:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“We are excited that so many of our products were honored among this year’s competition,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The IWSC follows a rigorous judging process, so we are very pleased with these results.”

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 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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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

Aberlour A’bunadh vertical sold back to Aberlour Distillery 

Cheshire based whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler LTD has sold a unique vertical of Aberlour A’Bunadh back to the Aberlour Distillery.  Despite the sale completing in 2021, the details have only just been made public as the distillery announce their plans as part of the Spirit of Speyside Festival.

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch Whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, has unveiled its line-up of events at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival between 27th April – 2nd May 2022. The vertical sold by Mark Littler is front and center of one of the main events hosted in Speyside.

Aberlour is offering festival-goers the first-ever opportunity to taste a flight of the rarest and finest whiskies from the Aberlour A’bunadh (“Original”) collection. Aberlour A’bunadh is a cult classic among whisky fans and a full collection of all 71 A’bunadh expressions released to date was recently brought home to Aberlour thanks to Mark Littler Ltd.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans back to our distilleries for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022 to celebrate Scotland’s national drink. This year’s festival is extra special for us, as we finally get to share the only known full Aberlour A’bunadh collection for Scotch fans to taste.” Graeme Cruickshank, Aberlour Master Distiller.

Watch the YouTube video to learn more.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES PEATED WHISKY EXPRESSION: ALINTA

Bladnoch Distillery adds peated expression to their ‘Classic Collection’ of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

[For immediate release] BLADNOCH DISTILLERY, SCOTLAND – 204-year-old Lowland distillery, Bladnoch, are delighted to announce the latest addition to their ‘Classic Collection’ of Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Alinta. Alinta will be the first peated whisky to be added to their range since the distillery was taken over by David Prior in 2015.

‘Alinta’, an indigenous Australian word from several Southeast Australian language groups means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of Campfire Embers found in each sip. As Bladnoch look to develop their portfolio and provide an even wider variety of options and experiences, this expression that utilises PX Sherry and ex-bourbon casks combined together with a sweet smoky peated spirit, sets Alinta apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.

Bladnoch’s Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage who carefully hand selects each of the casks says, “Alinta is the first peated expression from Bladnoch within our core range and will become an established part of our ongoing whisky releases. Focusing on a very small annual peat production campaign, only a small volume will ever become releases. The exquisite combination of the PX sherry and Bourbon casks give Alinta an amazing balance of rich raisin-like sweetness and smoky campfire”.

This carefully selected marriage of casks is what helps bring this superbly flavourful expression to life. The 1^st fill ex-bourbon barrels highlights the refreshing, citrus sweetness and floral notes of the whisky whilst the 1^st fill PX Sherry casks add a subtle rich body and mouthfeel to the experience. This rousing cask duo holds its own with the peated spirit without the delicate notes being lost.  On the nose, you can expect notes of smoky ice cream, delicately florals and sweet oak. Across the palate you’ll get campfire smoke, almonds, raisins, and white chocolate. The finish is luxuriously long with a sweet smoke.

Bottled at 47%, and without chill-filtration and with natural colour, Alinta will be available online on Bladoch’s website and in our Visitor Centre in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway from late February and will be sold around the world through Bladnoch’s network of distributors in the coming months. 

Link for Purchase: The Whisky Exchange

Bladnoch Whisky is exclusively distributed in the UK by S.E.A. Spirits.

Contact info@bladnoch.com for availability in other markets.

RRP: £79.95

Images: Dropbox link here.

Technical Details

Cask type: 1^st fill ex-Bourbon barrel and 1^st fill ex-Sherry cask matured

Strength: 47%

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds, raisins with a white chocolate body

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke

Non-chill filtered, natural colour

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest working Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Lowlands. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand crafted using only the finest local ingredients such as the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery and British barley to create a rich, flavourful whisky that is best savoured. Bladnoch Single Malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived by Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage, formerly at The Macallan, and owner David Prior, a whisky connoisseur who is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch Whisky distillery. Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in the iconic distillery.

For more information and the latest on our range of award-winning single malts, visit www.bladnoch.com