WEMYSS MALTS LAUNCH LIMITED-EDITION

EXPRESSION: SMOKY SHORES

SMOKY SHORES, THE BRAND-NEW RARE RELEASE PACKS A POWERFUL PUNCH

OF PEATED MALT, JUST IN TIME FOR BURNS NIGHT

Scottish independent whisky bottler Wemyss Malts launches Smoky Shores, a brand-new limited-edition blend. The non-age statement expression is released as just 5,526 bottles, bottled at 46% ABV and priced at £50 available globally here: https://wemyssmalts.com/

Smoky Shores delivers notes of snuffed smoke, salted lemons and sweet cured bacon on the nose, followed by notes of wild oats, orange peel, and malted bread toasted over embers of heathery peat on the palate.

The limited expression is packaged in an intricately foiled gift carton, inside a bespoke decanter bottle, with an illustrated label design that takes inspiration from the barley malting process.

Smoky Shores is a sister whisky to Peat Chimney, a popular choice among smoky whisky fans from the core range of Wemyss Malts. Flavour-wise, the new limited release has the characteristics of Peat Chimney, with an extra blast of punchy peated malt.

Wemyss Malts core range also includes The Hive, a Speyside blend with honey-like sweetness and flavours of citrus zest, and Spice King, a complexly sweet yet salty expression, an ideal alternative to rye or spiced rum.

Commenting on the release of Smoky Shores, Isabella Wemyss, owner and Director of Production, said: “We’re delighted with our new Smoky Shores bottling. Our existing smoky favourite from the core range, Peat Chimney, is already a big hit among our peat fans, and Smoky Shores has an even more intense, delicious smoky flavour, a real treat for peated whisky enthusiasts.

“Adding to the all-round flavour experience, you’ll find hand-crafted illustrations on the packaging inspired by the malting process. These really bring to life the tasting notes and flavour within the bottle, transporting you to coastal seashores.

“On 25th January, we’ll be raising a glass to our smoky whisky fans around the world – Smoky Shores is the perfect accompaniment to a Burns Night supper.”

The packaging derives inspiration from the barley malting process, where the peat is added to develop the smoky flavours found in this whisky. The name is acquired from the long, salty finish reminiscent of bonfires ablaze seashores.

FULL TASTING NOTES

NOSE

Robust peaty smoke mingles with intense aromas of crushed mint leaves that fuse with aromatic rosemary.

PALATE

A sudden and explosive mouthfeel comes to the fore with earthy white pepper and zesty lemons. 

FINISH

Bitter espresso sinks into the palate before a long salty mouth-coating finish drifts away.

Notes

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts falls under the company Wemyss Family Spirits Ltd. and is a family run company operated by brother and Sister William and Isabella Wemyss. The Wemyss family Castle has been home to the family since the 1300s and is featured in the company logo.
• The Wemyss Malts Cask Club, launched in 2019 offers members access to exclusive bottlings, previews of new releases, competitions and the latest news. Membership is free and can be joined via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club
• 2020 marked the 20th Anniversary of the launch of Wemyss Malts and the occasion has been marked with the launch of several limited-edition releases such as Velvet Fig Aged 25 Year and Black Gold 30-year-old Bowmore single cask.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Kingsbarns Single Malt; Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

George Remus Bourbon celebrates National Bootlegger’s Day with the Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set

Limited-Release showcases the award-winning series of bourbons

St. LOUIS (Jan. 17, 2022) – In celebration of National Bootlegger’s Day (Jan. 17), the brand team at George Remus Bourbon has developed a memorable collection highlighting some of its best bourbon offerings: the Limited-Release Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set.

The unique collection of limited-release bourbons is housed in a false-front book set fit for a 1920s speakeasy and features four 375 ml bottles of Remus Repeal Reserve – one each from Series I, II, III, and IV. 

The Remus Repeal Reserve Collector’s Box Set is limited in quantity to 600 sets and is available beginning January 2022 at a suggested retail price of $599.99. 

“What better way to celebrate National Bootlegger’s Day than by offering a special collection inspired by the King of the Bootleggers himself, George Remus,” said Shanae Randolph, Brand Manager for George Remus Bourbon. “The Remus Repeal Reserve Series has become a highly anticipated release for consumers. We are pleased to offer this unique, one-of-a-kind box set featuring this award-winning series of bourbons.” 

About Luxco 

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery, where George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is Welcoming 2022 by Donating 2022 Bottles Including its First NFT with Unique OFC Vintage 6 Liter Bottle

The Distillery Asks Nonprofits to Join in the Quest to Raise Over $2 Million This Year Globally

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 12, 2022) Buffalo Trace Distillery realizes so many charitable organizations across the world need assistance, so it has decided to help by donating 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies in 2022 in hopes of raising record-breaking donations for nonprofits around the world.

While the Distillery has a robust database of charities, it would like to grow the potential range of recipients to impact more nonprofits. 501(c) (3) organizations and registered charities are encouraged to register for a chance to be awarded a bottle which the nonprofit can then use for fund raising. Buffalo Trace will take care of sending the bottle to the selected organization, the only thing asked in return is for the recipient to report back on how much money it raised. 

Included in the offering of 2,022 bottles will be the world’s first six liter bottle bourbon non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which contain bourbon distilled in 1982 in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s O.F.C. line.

Other bottles in the 2,022 lineup being donated for selected nonprofits to use for fundraising include:

• 300 375ml bottles of The Single Oak Project Bourbon, a very limited release from the most extensive bourbon experiment ever undertaken
• Weller vertical consisting of Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 year old, Weller Full Proof, Weller Single Barrel and Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon (CYPB)
• Blanton’s vertical with Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, Blanton’s Gold and Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbons
• E.H. Taylor, Jr. special release collection consisting of  E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18 Year Marriage; E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth; E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain; and E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Bourbons
• Five bottles (each six liters in size) of the aforementioned O.F.C. Bourbon, distilled in 1982, available via NFT in mid-February, more details coming
• And many more whiskies from the world’s most award-winning Distillery

“We really want to make an impact in 2022,” said Sara Saunders, vice president, bourbon, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We’ve got a wonderful database so far of nonprofit organizations, but we encourage others from across the U.S. and the world to register their charitable organization, as we know the need is great.  We’ve handpicked some of the best whiskies from across our portfolio, in hopes they garner top dollar for the recipients.”

Interested nonprofits can register their organization here. Buffalo Trace is looking for a diverse group of charities to donate to, comprised of various audiences, locations, and impact in the community.  All entries must be received by March 31, 2022 for consideration; winning charities will be notified of their status by April 29, 2022. Bottles to selected recipients will begin shipping in May 2022 and recipients need to hold their event and report back their monies raised by Nov 30, 2022.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has a history of conducting similar fundraisers, but nothing of this magnitude.  In 2019 it gave away nearly 400 bottles from its 6 Millionth Barrel, a milestone barrel commemorating the 6 millionth barrel produced since Prohibition. Those bottles raised over one million dollars for various charitable organizations.    Similar offerings ran in 2016, with over a million dollars raised, and also in 2011.

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.

Dunphail Distillery appoints Matt McKay as Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach

Dunphail Distillery today announced that it had appointed Matt McKay as the distillery’s Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach. Matt, who has previously been closely involved with the development and promotion of London’s Bimber Distillery, will take up the newly created position in March 2022.

Dunphail Distillery aims to shift the perceptions of what Scotch can be – crafting the finest spirits the way they used to be made through time-honoured processes such as on-site floor maltings, long fermentations and direct-fired distillations. Matt joins the distillery in a varied role which will see him working alongside Founder and Master Distiller Dariusz Plazewski to define and develop Dunphail’s wood policy, create and manage the site’s cask inventory and shape the profile and quality of all spirits bottled under the Dunphail Distillery brand. In addition, Matt will manage the production of whiskies sourced from the finest distilleries across the world for a new independent bottling operation, the details of which will soon be announced. He will also lead on all marketing and communications activities for both Dunphail and Bimber (as Director of Marketing and Communications).

“Over the last two and a half years, Matt has become an integral part of our team,” said Dariusz. “His passion, knowledge, palate and pursuit of excellence marks him out as a rising star in the whisky world and it is therefore my great pleasure to welcome him into this new role supporting both the creation and the promotion of world-class whiskies.”

Matt has been a leading voice in whisky communication for a number of years, writing the popular website www.thedramble.com. He holds the IBD General Certificate in Distilling and is a Founding Chartered Practitioner and Chartered Assessor at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Speaking of his appointment Matt said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as Director of Whisky Creation and Outreach for Dunphail Distillery. I am truly excited to have the opportunity to explore my passion for cask experimentation and to be able to develop and deliver new exceptional whiskies. I’m honoured to be continuing to work alongside Dariusz and to assist with defining and developing what we believe will in time become an iconic distillery house style.”

About Dunphail Distillery

Our firm belief in the importance of high-quality barley and the use of onsite traditional floor malting and kilning ensures that Dunphail’s spirit is a product of uniqueness, shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – by hand and by heart.

EXPERTS RECOGNIZE CANADA’S BEST WHISKY

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 13, 2022 /CNW/ – Nine independent whisky experts have named Crown Royal Nobel Collection Winter Wheat, Canada’s best whisky and Canadian Whisky of the Year at the twelfth annual Canadian Whisky Awards.

From among well over 150 Canadian whiskies tasted, Crown Royal also took top honours for Best Blended Whisky and Sippin’ Whisky of the Year.

“This is a truly stunning whisky,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, head judge and founder of the awards. “Incredibly complex, flavourful and well-balanced.”

Other major winners include Pendleton Director’s Reserve 20-Year-Old which was named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in the multi-market category.

J.P. Wiser’s Red Letter 15-Year-Old, is the Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Canada Exclusive, and Best Line Extension, while Royal Canadian Small Batch is 2022’s Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Export Exclusive.

Black Velvet Original took home accolades as Best Whisky Value in the export market, and Canadian Club 100% Rye was named Best Whisky Value in multiple markets. Innovation of the Year went to the truly original and delicious Forty Creek Master’s Cut. Vancouver’s Odd Society Spirits won Best New Whisky with its Maple Whisky.

As enthusiasm for Canada’s single malt whiskies grows world-wide, the Canadian Whisky Awards acknowledged Smoke Point 3 from Shelter Point Distillery as Single Malt of the Year.

Diageo Global Supply – Gimli is the 2022 Distillery of the Year, while Okanagan Spirits in Vernon, British Columbia earned notice as Artisanal Distillery of the Year. Crown Royal blender, Joanna Zanin Scandella was acknowledged for Lifetime Achievement.

“The judges’ results are confirmed every day on liquor store shelves across North America and around the world,” said de Kergommeaux.

The winning whisky was distilled at Diageo Global Supply distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, and blended in Diageo’s blending lab in Montreal.

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually since 2010, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky experts selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

For full results: canadianwhisky.org

FIRST CASKS AT NEW ARDARA DISTILLERY FILLED WITH SPIRIT 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Hackstons

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

General Enquiries: info@hackstons.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mazurak said he looks forward to the opportunities ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE®are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

Gordon & MacPhail toasts Young Person’s Guarantee Employer status

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Gordon & MacPhail

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

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