SOCIETY LAUNCHES WHISKY TALK PODCAST SERIES WITH DJ VIC GALLOWAY

Famous faces of Scottish culture and arts including crime writer Ian Rankin to feature on The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s new podcast series

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has partnered with Vic Galloway for a special podcast series dedicated to great music and stunning whisky.

Since collaborating with the Society in May 2021 to match music with the 12 SMWS flavour profiles, BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway is taking his passion for Society whisky to the next level, with his Whisky Talk: Malts & Music podcast series.

Across the series, Vic will sit down in the Tasting Room at The Vaults, the Society’s spiritual home in Leith, for a whisky-fuelled chat with well-known whisky fans from Scottish cultural life.

Along with a tasting pack of five Society single cask malt whiskies, each of Vic’s guests will explore their creative loves, their passion for whisky and most importantly, how each of the five Society drams has inspired a favourite piece of music.

Whisky Talk: Malts & Music kicks off on Thursday, 7 October with crime writer Ian Rankin, who pairs his Society drams with tunes from John Martyn, James Yorkston, Karine Polwart, The Skids and The Blue Nile.

The podcast series will continue with Norman Blake from Teenage Fanclub, writer Val McDermid, Justin Currie from Del Amitri and Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood.

BBC Scotland DJ, writer and whisky enthusiast, Vic Galloway said: “Good whisky and good music go hand in hand. I had such a great time pairing 12 music genres with the 12 Scotch Malt Whisky Society flavour profiles earlier this year, and that gave us the idea for Whisky Talk: Malts & Music.

“Asking a whisky-loving creative person to match five malts with five pieces of music and chat to our guests about the experience was a huge amount of fun. As the whisky flows, we go off on unexpected tangents about creative work, opinions and life in general. I hope the Whisky Talk: Malts & Music interviews give listeners and viewers a new insight into these creative minds and some of the finest whisky on the planet. Join us for a good chinwag and spectacular drams!”

Whisky Talk: Malt & Music with Vic Galloway launches on Thursday, 7 October on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts and Stitcher, or simply search for ‘Whisky Talk podcast’.

You can watch the videos of the conversations on the SMWS YouTube channel at: https://cutt.ly/4ERQC4R.

For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

f: https://cutt.ly/8ERQ0SF

i: https://cutt.ly/AERQ3mu

t: https://cutt.ly/lERQ4WH

Yt: https://cutt.ly/4ERQC4R

#SMWS

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/VERWwBs
•   For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/zERQK7W
•   Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

– New Make Spirits – Holyrood Distillery –

Before single malt develops, a clear, flavorful liquid called new make is produced. More and more distilleries are choosing to share their aromatic and complex new make spirits with an intrigued public. Post pandemic consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous in their drink choices, playing with new flavours and focusing on drinks with more provenance and the addition of a new spirit to this category is being welcomed by whisky drinkers and beyond. At the forefront of this trend, Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery has just launched its Brewer’s Series of new make spirits.

Established in 2019, Holyrood is Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in almost a century. Built with a vision to create a new kind of whisky distillery, one that would reflect the dynamic and diverse, modern city of Edinburgh. The distillery’s new make spirits range, titled the Brewer’s Series is inspired by Edinburgh’s illustrious heritage as the historic brewing capital of Scotland. Each new make spirit draws upon a different element of the brewing process, from yeast selections to specialty malt ratios. Holyrood are proud to be creating a historically inspired, yet innovative range of liquids, that reflect their working style and ethos, which for whisky fans will prelude the brands inaugural single malt release.

Nick Ravenhall, Managing Director, commented: ‘We have been floored by the response. We initially thought we might sell 500 bottles to die hard whisky geeks and so far we have sold ten times that. We have orders from the Far East, Australasia, Europe, and across the major whisky retailers in the UK. At the request of some of our export partners we put together a release of Aged New Make which showed the development work we’ve been doing on heritage barley varieties such as Maris Otter and Plumage Archer and the work we are doing on yeasts such as US05 the American IPA yeast that helped launch the current IPA trend. That aged new make series sold out in five days.’

The Brewer’s Series comprises four distinct liquids, all of which echo different flavours from beer and distilling processes and methods. ‘Brewers X Distillers Yeast‘ focuses on the yeast selection, fermenting Distiller’s Malt for 111.5 hours, with a combination of M-strain distiller’s yeast and US05 brewers yeast. The ‘Crystal Malt’ spirit replaces 10% of the distiller’s malt, which in beer creates a clean, nutty, caramel flavour. While the ‘Chocolate Malt’ edition is a spirit rich with chocolate, dark fruit and roasted coffee flavors.

A culmination of the team’s explorative attitude and a symbol of their innovative style of whisky making, the final liquid from the range ‘Made By Edinburgh New Make Spirit’ draws on all other three new-make bottlings, combining crystal and chocolate malts alongside their distiller’s malt in the mashbill recipe, adding Edinburgh Ale yeast.

The New Make Brewer’s Series is available to purchase at Royal Mile Whiskies and is priced at £34.95. Please do let me know if you need any further information, or if you’d like to speak to Nick Ravenhall for any further comments.

INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN A NIGHT ON EARTH IN SCOTLAND –

CAPTURING THE JOY OF CELEBRATING NEW YEAR

The Macallan has unveiled A Night On Earth In Scotland single malt whisky, which reveals the story of Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay festivities and captures the universal joy of celebrating the change of year.

The first in a new limited edition gifting series, A Night On Earth In Scotland is a collaboration with acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn, whose artwork has featured in leading director Wes Anderson’s films. She has also previously created designs for some of the world’s leading luxury brands.

Presented as part of innovative multi-layered packaging that provides an exceptional unboxing experience, Erica Dorn’s playful abstract illustrations are inspired by the historic fire rituals dominant in New Year celebrations around the world.

They also reveal some of the distinctive customs of Scotland’s Hogmanay, including the tradition of first footing when it is good luck for a dark-haired visitor to be the first person to enter your home after midnight, bearing symbolic gifts – whisky, coal and Scottish shortbread – that aim to bring comfort and happiness in the year ahead.

Other design elements focus on the flavours found within the remarkable whisky crafted by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker, Sarah Burgess, who drew on fond family memories of Hogmanay to create a rich, evocative single malt.

Sarah Burgess said: “Crafting A Night On Earth In Scotland has been an extremely personal experience for me, which took me back to growing up in our family home in Speyside, just across the river from The Macallan Estate.

“The whisky’s vanilla sweetness references the rich Scottish shortbread traditionally gifted and eaten at Hogmanay, while notes of dried orange and spice recall the flavours and aromas that filled our house through the festive season.

“Encapsulating the hopes and dreams of Hogmanay celebrations past, present and future, it also conveys the unwavering human desire to spend special times with loved ones.”

Erica Dorn said: “Fire plays a significant role in New Year celebrations around the world. Around its warmth we gather our families, friends, and loved ones to share past memories and future hopes. Through its purifying qualities we release the past to clear the way for the future. In its dancing light we find solace from cold winter nights, as we have done since the dawn of time. Though the fire rituals may differ from culture to culture, fire is universal in its ability to unite us and bring us ‘home’.

“The colours for this presentation box were selected with a particular journey in mind: first, red for merriment, vitality, good fortune and joy; blue to remind us of a winter evening in Scotland, in all its peace and stillness; and finally, amber – in tribute to the sweet aroma of soft butter and freshly baked shortbread, which were an inspiration for Sarah Burgess in the creation of this whisky.”

This very special single malt was created from a selection of The Macallan’s exceptional sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, along with American ex-bourbon barrels to deliver its rich, sweet shortbread-like character. With a soft, velvety mouth-feel, it showcases the skill of the whisky maker, and The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and uncompromised excellence.

A Night On Earth In Scotland has an RRSP £75 and is available in The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop and other luxury & specialist retailers.

For further information, visit www.themacallan.com.

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

ABV: 40%

Aroma: Vanilla, butter rich, baked apple, baking biscuits, plum and almond

Taste: Soft velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread with that rich mouth coating, vanilla sweetness, with lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig and cinnamon

Finish: Medium finish with sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Foundry Distilling Co. and Confluence Brewing Co. Team Up To Make Des Moines Malt Whiskey

West Des Moines, IA (September 24, 2021) – When the inventive West Des Moines distiller, Foundry Distilling Co., and renowned Des Moines brewery, Confluence Brewing Co., join together to make a one-of-a-kind spirit, the result is the exceptional Des Moines Malt Whiskey. Set to be released on October 30th, 2021, this Brewer-Distiller Alliance spirit is bound to delight whiskey enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors alike.

“Des Moines Whiskey started and ended right here in central Iowa with a whiskey which captivates the senses,” Scott Bush, owner of Foundry Distilling Company. “Whiskey and beer lovers won’t want to miss out on this creation.”

This identifiably unique whiskey is made from the wort of Confluence’s signature beer, Des Moines IPA. Foundry Distilling Co. turned the wort into whiskey by fermenting, distilling, and barrel-aging the product at their world-class distillery in Historic Valley Junction. The distillery is producing only a few hundred cases for Des Moines Malt Whiskey’s inaugural run.

“This has been a great partnership that’s captured the essence of our beer in whiskey form,” said John Martin, President, Co-Founder of Confluence Brewing Co. “I think that Confluence fans, beer lovers, and whiskey enthusiasts are really going to enjoy this special creation!”

Des Moines Whiskey has a unique aroma that consists of mellow tangerine, sweet bread, light-red fruits, and green earth. When tasting this whiskey, drinkers will experience light and mellow notes of orange citrus and sweet bread. The overall finish will leave a lingering sweetness that delivers an incredible experience to the tastebuds. Those looking to secure a bottle of this one-of-a-kind whiskey before the launch date can do so by ordering online at FoundryDistillingCompany.Square.Site or FoundryDistillingCompany.com/Des-Moines-IPA.

The general public is encouraged to attend a release party with Foundry Distilling Co. and Confluence on Saturday, October 30th. This event will be hosted by Foundry Distilling Co. at their distillery in Historic Valley Junction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Release party event tickets can be purchased by going to Foundry Distilling’s Eventbrite page at bit.ly/DSMwhiskey.

Attendees will be able to sample Des Moines Whiskey and purchase Des Moines IPA while having the chance to meet both teams that made this malt whiskey possible. The first 100 guests at the event will receive a free branded rocks glass. The event will also feature Foundry cocktails, music, local food, and a caricature artist doing free drawings of you or your group.

This local Iowa collaboration is made possible by Foundry Distilling Co.’s Brewer-Distiller Alliance initiative, which aims to work with outstanding breweries across the nation to produce remarkable, distinctive whiskeys from their beer recipes. The breweries produce the wort using their beer recipes, and Foundry then ferments, distills, and barrel-ages the spirit to create whiskey. Foundry Distilling Company and its partners have generated a diverse collection of exclusive limited-edition whiskeys.

For more information about the Des Moines Whiskey or the Brewer-Distiller Alliance, visit BrewerDistillerAlliance.com.

About Foundry Distilling Company

Foundry Distilling Co. strives to be one of the most innovative distilleries in the world by providing unique products, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like the company’s Private Barrel Club, and collaborating with an alliance of nationally recognized breweries, known as the Brewer-Distiller Alliance. Their flagship product, The Real Stuff, is made from a mash of grain and cane and aged in charred-oak kegs, and is an attempt to recreate the actual process used to make the legendary “Off-the-Farm” spirit of rural Iowa farmers. To learn more, please visit FoundryDistillingCompany.com.

About Confluence Brewing Company

After years of hobby brewing and an increasingly ardent interest in brewing as a profession, John Martin and fellow home-brewer and co-founder Ken Broadhead launched Confluence Brewing in 2012. John left his construction management day job to pursue Confluence and his passion for beer making full time. The brewery is itself a confluence of John and Ken’s love for Iowa and craft beer. The result is a microbrewery that shares Iowa’s attributes of honesty, humility, hard work, and a sense of humor. Confluence also has Iowa’s knack for being a delightful surprise to those who actually experience it. To learn more, please
visit ConfluenceBrewing.com.

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY COMPLETES WAREHOUSE EXPANSION

            BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (Sept. 23, 2021) – Barton 1792 Distillery just wrapped up its $25 million warehouse expansion, an investment which increases barrel storage capacity by 25 percent.

For this expansion the Distillery constructed three new warehouses, the first built onsite at the historic distillery since 1963. Warehouse 33 was the first new warehouse to be built. It was completed in February and is now nearly filled with new barrels of whiskey. Warehouse 34 was built this summer and is already about 70 percent filled with barrels, and Warehouse 35 was just completed. The first new barrels of whiskey will be rolled into Warehouse 35 in the coming weeks.

These warehouses are made of traditional wood floors and wood storage ricks with metal siding. Warehouse 33 holds 33,500 barrels, and Warehouse 34 and 35 hold 58,800 barrels each. For reference, the existing warehouses on the Distillery’s property hold 19,600 barrels each. These three warehouses were built on the hillside behind the Distillery.

Throughout the expansion, Barton 1792 Distillery continued to offer complimentary tours and tastings for visitors to explore decades of bourbon making history and sample award-winning products, but with appropriate safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and government recommendations.

Barton 1792 Distillery is open for tours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Registration for the Barton Tradition Tour can be made at www.1792Distillery.com. All tours and tastings remain complimentary.

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.

1792 FULL PROOF BOURBON WINS DOUBLE GOLD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOURBON & WHISKEY COMPETITION

10 Whiskeys from Barton 1792 Distillery Honored

BARDSTOWN, KY (Sept. 16, 2021) – 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a Double Gold medal at the 2021 North American Bourbon & Whiskey competition (NABWC). Nine other Barton 1792 Distillery whiskeys were awarded medals, including four Gold medals, four Silver medals and one Bronze medal.

Double Gold medal went to

• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Gold medals went to

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon Casks

Silver medals went to

• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Casks
• Early Times Kentucky Whiskey
• Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze medal went to

• Thomas S. Moore Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Chardonnay Casks

The NABWC, which was founded in 2014, promotes excellence in bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine through a double-blind competition and is based on a 100-point scale. The spirits are judged by styles and price categories.

For more information about the 2021 NABWC, visit http://whiskeycomp.com/. For more information about Barton 1792 brands, 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.

BARTON 1792 BOURBONS WIN FIVE GOLD MEDALS

AT 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Ten Distillery Whiskeys Receive Medals

             BARDSTOWN, Ky (Aug. 31, 2021) – Judges awarded a total of 10 medals to whiskeys from Barton 1792 Distillery at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge (ISC), including five Gold medals for products in the Distillery’s growing bourbon lineup. Products were scored during 12 days of blind tastings where panels of experienced judges evaluated aroma, appearance, taste and finish. Five Silver medals were also awarded.

Gold Medals:

• 1792 Small Batch
• 1792 Single Barrel
• 1792 Bottled in Bond
• 1792 Full Proof
• Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished

 Silver Medals:

• 1792 Aged 12 Years
• Thomas S. Moore Port Finished
• Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished
• Early Times Bottled in Bond
• Early Times Kentucky Whiskey

For a full list of results from the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, visit https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/live/en/page/isc-2021-winners.

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.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY RECEIVES TWO GOLD MEDALS AT 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sep. 1, 2021) – Four spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery received medals at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge (ISC), including two Gold medals for top quality bourbons.

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey took home Gold medals from the competition, which took place in the United Kingdom. Both products also received Gold in the 2020 ISC.

Silver Medal winners included Isaac Bowman Port Finished Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Deep Run Small Batch Vodka.

“We were thrilled when we received the results,” said Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. “It’s great to know that our hard work has once again been recognized.”

Judging panels at the 2021 ISC were made up of industry professionals who evaluated products’ aroma, appearance, taste and finish during 12 days of blind tastings. For a full list of results from this year’s competition, visit https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/live/en/page/isc-2021-winners.

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 was named America’s Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon at the 2020 American World Whiskies Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Unveils New Brand to Celebrate Kentucky’s Legacy as the World’s Authority on Bourbon

FRANKFORT, Ky. — With all eyes on Kentucky during Bourbon Heritage Month, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association today unveiled a new brand that ensures the state’s unrivaled legacy in Bourbon only grows deeper.

The new “Kentucky Bourbon” brand and its official slogan, “The Proof Is Here®,” builds on the unparalleled, centuries-old reputation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit and strengthens Kentucky’s position as the world’s official authority on all things Bourbon.

“Throughout time, there are certain brands that are inextricably linked with their homeplaces,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “Georgia peaches. California raisins. Maine lobsters. Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon, synonymous with whiskey excellence and elegance, and that will never change.”

The “Kentucky Bourbon” identity offers a fresh take on the Commonwealth’s $8.6 billion homegrown industry that is hailed around the world for its time-honored traditions and incomparable craftsmanship. Features include a new logo, website and digital campaigns to reach both consumers and industry audiences.

The new kybourbon.com website invites enthusiasts to explore and celebrate Kentucky Bourbon, learn the basics, try recipes and food pairings, dive deep into its rich history and read stories about everything related to America’s only native spirit from a diverse perspective.

The blue in the flagship logo is based on the color of the Kentucky flag, Gregory said. The flag also features the state’s official motto – United We Stand, Divided We Fall – which was a founding principle when the KDA was created in 1880 by early distilling pioneers who championed unity and camaraderie.

Distillers, the media and other associated businesses benefit from the industry side of the site, which highlights economic impact, advocacy efforts, the growing KDA membership, responsibility and sustainability initiatives, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® and more.

“People love Bourbon and their fascination is only getting deeper. Millions of visitors to the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour have shown us that,” said Pauline Rooney, Chairwoman of the KDA’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Distillation and Maturation for Diageo North America.

“But visiting Kentucky’s iconic distilleries is only the beginning. The experiences, culture and lifestyle of it all tell a story far greater than just what’s in your glass — and that’s what Kentucky Bourbon is all about.”

Chris Morris, the Hall of Fame Master Distiller for Brown-Forman and Secretary-Treasurer of the KDA Board, said, “While Bourbon can technically be made anywhere in the United States, any Bourbon lover will tell you it’s just not Bourbon unless it’s made in Kentucky.

“This brand will drive Kentucky’s stake in the global whiskey industry even deeper, reminding the world that there is only one true and authentic home of Bourbon,” he said. “It’s a tremendous milestone for our members, business partners, families and friends.”

Bourbon is a cherished economic and tourism engine in Kentucky, generating more than 20,100 jobs with $1 billion in payroll. The Commonwealth has more aging barrels of Bourbon and other spirits than any other state in the Union. Global exports have historically surpassed more than $500 million a year.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences hosted nearly six million tours over the past five years with total attendance in 2019 at nearly two million, the highest number since KDA founded the KBT™ tour in 1999.

Louisville Tourism President and CEO Cleo Battle attested to the impact Bourbon tourism has had on establishing Kentucky as a brand destination.

“Since Louisville leaned into its Bourbon heritage over a decade ago, the city has enjoyed explosive growth in distillery experiences, international brand recognition and a record number of visitation in 2019,” he said. “I applaud the effort to keep the world spotlight on our shared treasured asset of Kentucky Bourbon.”

Amir Peay, owner of James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington, said when people hear the word Bourbon, it is not a coincidence that they automatically think of Kentucky.

“Kentucky is not only the birthplace of Bourbon, but for hundreds of years the art of making fine Bourbon has been perfected in Kentucky and that wisdom, craft and pride has been ingrained in the people and culture who make it there every day,” Peay said.

“This brand will reinforce for the world the quality, provenance, history and authenticity of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the depth of meaning that lies within those four words.”

To create and develop the brand, the KDA engaged an entirely Kentucky-based, multi-disciplinary team that integrated their various expertise with decades of industry knowledge to ensure that the story of Kentucky Bourbon would be told in the most authentic way.

The team included marketing agency Balance Creative, branding and design house Onefold Creative, marketing and copywriting company Squiggl, digital identity outfit Mediocre Creative, digital marketing firm McBrayer Digital and social media consultant Brand Vixen.

David Caldwell, Principal Partner of Balance Creative — and project manager for the new brand — drew on nearly 15 years of work with the KDA as the team collaborated to certify Kentucky’s amber nectar as the world’s preferred Bourbon.

“It’s been astounding to see what the KDA and its members have accomplished,” Caldwell said.

“Kentucky Bourbon has an extraordinary legacy of quality products, storied tradition, venerable lore and colorful characters. The exciting part is the world has only heard a small part of that success, and we are thrilled to be part of the team welcoming all to Kentucky Bourbon and sharing that story.”

KDA President Gregory said the six-figure campaign will bring the Kentucky Bourbon brand to life by building a global community of ambassadors and advocates through social media and digital platforms, along with the broad reach of its member brands.

“Above all, Kentucky Bourbon is about bringing people together and sharing in the celebration,” he said. “The culture, lifestyle and community that’s been built is truly remarkable — and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”

To find out why The Proof is Here® visit kybourbon.com.

Follow Kentucky Bourbon on Facebook and Instagram.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, 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. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Make It Memorable – Enjoy Responsibly

SPRINGBANK DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES IT’S ADAPTING TO HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.

In an industry-leading move, Springbank Distillery has announced with immediate effect plans to adapt its product packaging and review some of its working processes in order to minimise the effect it has on the environment and the global climate emergency.

From this week, the distillery’s core range single malts – Springbank 10, 12 and 15, Longrow Peated and Hazelburn 10yo – along with the Kilkerran Single Malts from the company’s second distillery, Glengyle, will be shipped and begin to appear on shelves without any unnecessary external packaging such as a cardboard box or tube.

The company had previously announced plans to repackage its entire range in cardboard tubes but, in the wake of discussions around climate change, the environment and the COP26 event in Glasgow this year, it has decided to take a different approach.

Ranald Watson, Director of Sales and Marketing of Springbank’s parent company J&A Mitchell & Co Ltd said: “It is our intention to reduce the amount of packaging we use across our group of companies, from Springbank and Kilkerran to William Cadenhead Ltd, and that any we do use is produced and procured as sustainably as possible.

“Springbank 10, Kilkerran 12 and our other core whiskies will now appear ‘naked’, which we believe makes us amongst the first, if not the very first, distilleries to present our products in that way. We will also be reviewing our more rare and exclusive whiskies to make sure that any exterior packaging for those is sourced as locally as possible and is either from sustainable, reused, recycled or reusable materials. Due to the nature of the supply chain, we can’t make all the changes we want to immediately but we hope to implement them as soon as materials can be found and produced.

“Springbank distillery has been a fixture in Campbeltown for almost 200 years and if it is to be here for 200 more and beyond, there has to be an environment and a planet to host it. We are confident that the changes will not have a negative effect amongst Springbank drinkers – I’m sure they’ll agree that it’s what’s inside the bottle that counts rather than what the bottle comes in.”

It is not only the packaging that is changing at the distillery. The company is also reviewing its operations from an eco-perspective.

Director of Production Findlay Ross explained: “Whilst there are certain aspects of our production we regard as sacrosanct in order to preserve the character and quality of our whiskies, we are also aware that this distillery operates in the modern world and that we must ensure that we consider the social and environmental aspects of how we do things as well. The distillery was built when water and energy were cheap and readily available, and there was little regard for the wider impact of distilling operations. That is to say that the place was never designed with efficiency and environmental impact in mind, and so trying to ‘reverse engineer’ that into the site is very challenging.

“We are looking at tackling areas that will have no direct impact on the spirit itself, the most prominent of these being our impending switch from using red diesel as our primary fuel source to the more efficient and less polluting LPG. We have also recently undertaken a water mapping study, and are in the process of looking at where we can reduce our water consumption for areas that aren’t directly involved in our final product.

“We know there is a long road ahead and a number of opportunities are still to be fully mapped out, but we aim to make sure that we play our part in a sustainable future for the distillery, Campbeltown and the wider world. Springbank drinkers can rest assured that the drams they love will remain as they always have, but we’ll aim to ensure to leave as delicate a footprint as possible in the process.”

The move was announced at the opening of the distillery’s new Washback Bar, which will provide an opportunity for distillery visitors to fully explore the company’s range of whiskies. It was also announced at the event that the company, through its local marketing vehicle Explore Campbeltown, will be donating £1,000 each to the town’s three schools to help them develop and expand on existing eco-friendly projects.

For more information, contact Ranald Watson (ranald@springbank.scot) and Findlay Ross (findlay@jandamitchell.scot)

SPRINGBANK DISTILLERS LTD

9 Bolgam Street
Campbeltown
Scotland
PA28 6HZ
www.springbank.scot