Brand New Whisky Advent Calendars Launched & Shipping Now!

The Really Good Whisky Company are excited to launch their 2021 Whisky Advent Calendar alongside a new upscaled ‘Premium Version’. After last years resounding success, both calendars will once again contain 25 drams and include whisky from a range of distilleries with an emphasis on single malt Scotch. There’s a large range of whisky ranging from NAS, peated, cask strength, sherry cask, wine casks, bourbon, single grain and going all the way up to 29-year-old liquid in both versions.

Each day of December, The Really Good Whisky team will go live on Facebook and YouTube with a tasting of the days drams and these will be available on the website along with written tasting notes and information in case you miss it live.

Managing Director, Shelley Kelaty said, “We are very excited to release two new calendars this year! We love introducing people to new whiskies and believe that the Advents are a great way to sample lots of different drams in an affordable way. We can’t wait for December to start and look forward to broadcasting live everyday and hearing everyones feedback and comments on the drams – it’s what makes it so enjoyable for us!

This will be the fourth consecutive year we are bringing out a calendar and after a tough year of lock downs and then a severe flood in our warehouse, we absolutely cannot wait to share our latest creation with our whisky friends. ”

The calendars are available from reallygoodwhisky.com for £149.50 and £239.99 respectively and shipping is available all over the world.

Reviews of previous RGW Advent Calendar:

The range and quality of these whiskies is exceptional… There genuinely isn’t a dull of duff product among them.

H – Two Thirsty Gardeners

The Really Good Whisky Company is a specialist online retailer for rare, collectable and drinkable whiskies. Along with its vast selection of bottles, it also carries its own line of miniature tasting packs and products, under its brand ‘Malt Teasers.’ The Really Good Whisky Company is based in London and ships product worldwide.

Whisky broker Mark Littler sells largest rare whisky collection yet – a unique 66-bottle
vertical collection of Aberlour A’bunadh 

The collection which took 10 years to create is on sale for £15,884 

 Leading whisky broker Mark Littler Ltd is selling its largest rare whisky collection yet – a unique vertical collection of 66 bottles of Aberlour A’bunadh whisky.

The collection, which is on sale for £15,884, was built up over 10 years by Jon O’Connell from York who first discovered the renowned Speyside single malt whisky after a chance encounter on a fishing trip in Scotland.

O’Connell, a biologist, first fell in love with the Aberlour A’bunadh whisky, which was introduced in 2000 and released in limited-run batches, after enjoying a dram with a fellow fishing enthusiast on the banks of Rothiemurchus Lochs near Aviemore. He then spent 10 years collecting a bottle from every batch ever made from auctions and whisky shops across Europe.

The 66-bottle vertical collection is now on sale at £15,884 on the online marketplace of leading whisky broker, Mark Littler Ltd. Littler specialises in helping people sell rare whisky bottles and collections – in 2020, he helped Matthew Robson from Taunton sell his 28-bottle collection of Macallan single malt for over £40,000.

Aberlour’s A’bunadh range owes its origins to a bottle buried in the foundation of its still room dating back to 1898. The bottle was found in 1973 by workers who were said to have drunk half the bottle before its remaining contents were sent to the Aberlour laboratory for analysis. The A’bunadh whisky is a loving recreation of this lost single malt.

The collection of A’bunadh – which means ‘the original’ in Gaelic – contains two highly sought-after special edition batch bottlings; the A’bunadh Silver Label Millennium Edition, bottled in 1999 in preparation for the millennium celebrations, and the Silver A’bunadh, an extremely limited collection consisting of only 37 bottles.

Mark Littler, whisky broker and founder of Mark Littler Ltd, said of the collection: “This vertical collection of A’bunadh whisky is the largest whisky collection that we have ever sold – having a bottle from every batch ever produced makes this truly unique. Jon’s decision to start collecting bottles of whisky was a great one and we are seeing more people invest in whisky the way that Jon has. If you can amass a collection like his then it can be extremely rewarding indeed.”

In 2020, Mark Littler launched its online marktplace as a place for individuals passionate about whisky to buy and sell it at a fair price. He said: “We have seen many occasions where rare whisky collections and bottles sell at auctions for far less than they are actually worth, so in a bid to offer our clients auction beating prices, we launched the Mark Littler Ltd marketplace to enable individuals with whisky collections to earn more for their bottles – and their hard work.”

Mark Littler will soon be launching an in-depth Whisky Bottle Investment Guide, which will provide an introduction into the world of whisky investment, while offering practical advice to readers to help them understand the market and industry.

O’Connell said: “What a day it was meeting that fisherman and sharing a dram of Aberlour A’bunadh. I’d never seen anything like it before so I decided to buy myself a bottle and from there, I set myself a challenge to collect a bottle from every batch ever produced.”

“It took 10 years to track all the bottles down, with batch 15 being undoubtedly the most difficult. When I finally got my hands on the last bottle to complete my collection, I felt a real sense of achievement. I’ve decided to put them up for sale because I think they would make for a wonderful present for someone – certainly for that fisherman that inspired me all those years ago!” 

About Mark Littler Ltd 

Mark Littler Ltd uses its extensive industry knowledge to sell rare whisky bottles, collections and casks strategically in a private sale or auction. Dedicated to helping individuals achieve the best price for their whisky, Mark Littler Ltd launched its own online marketplace in 2020 as a place for individuals to buy and sell rare whisky online.

https://www.marklittler.com/

E.H. TAYLOR RYE, WELLER FULL PROOF NAMED CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY RECIPIENTS AT 2021 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

21 Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits recognized 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 3, 2021) Two Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies received prestigious Chairman’s Trophies at the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and seven other spirits were named Chairman’s Trophy Finalists. Col. E.H. Taylor Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Weller Full Proof claimed the Chairman’s Trophies. Additionally, six Buffalo Trace spirits were deemed a Great Value, nine received Tried & True designations, and two were included in the competition’s Top 100 Spirits.

Those awarded the distinction of “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” were:

• E.H. Taylor Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

• • • Chairman’s Trophy
    • Top 100 Spirits

• Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • Chairman’s Trophy
    • Top 100 Spirits
    • Named a “Great Value”

• Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • Wheatley Vodka

• Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award

“Excellent, Highly Recommended” honors went to:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • “Tried & True” Award

• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Named a “Great Value”
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award

• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • “Tried & True” Award

• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • • “Tried & True” Award
  • Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • • Named a “Great Value”

• L. Weller CYPB Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • “Tried & True” Award

• L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• • • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • W. L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy

• • • “Tried & True” Award

Awarded “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” was:

• Old Charter Oak French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream

This competition, in its 12th year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc-2021/2021-spirits-results.

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.

STAGG JR. NAMED BEST BOURBON WHISKEY IN INAUGURAL ASCOT AWARDS 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 13, 2021) Stagg Jr. 131.1 Proof from Buffalo Trace Distillery was recognized as the Best Bourbon Whiskey in the “Best in Class” category of the inaugural 2021 ASCOT Awards.

Introduced in 2013 and named after George T. Stagg, Stagg Jr, is a robust uncut and unfiltered bourbon with tasting notes of rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors balanced with bold rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.

“We are humbled to be recognized in the debut of the Ascot Awards,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “This award would not be possible without the hard work of such a dedicated team at the Distillery.”

The ASCOT (American Spirit Council of Tasters) Awards is an international spirits competition created by spirits personality and veteran tasting judge, Fred Minnick. The competition, in its debut year, provided a unique opportunity for distillers to have their products recognized through various media outlets and platforms. Entries were blind-tested and graded on a 100 point scale based on a series of criteria relating to appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. Top scores in each class advanced to a championship round where Fred and a second expert blind tasted them.  After two months of blind tasting more than 600 spirits samples with a team of 27 spirits industry professionals, he announced the 2021 winners in honor of National Bourbon Day. The top tier of the categories then faced off in a playoff style to determine their Best in Class. For more information on the ASCOT Awards, visit ascotawards.com.

About Stagg Jr. Bourbon

The Stagg line is named after George T. Stagg, one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, who was responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19^th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.  Like the man it honors, the Stagg line is bold and robust, consisting of uncut, unfiltered whiskies –  Stagg Jr. and George T. Stagg, part of the Antique Collection.

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.

BRUSH CREEK DISTILLERY EXPANDS FIRST LINE OF SPIRITS INTO TEXAS AND COLORADO

Four Ultra-Premium Products Introduce True Spirit of the American West to First Markets Outside of Wyoming

(Saratoga, Wyo.) – August X, 2021 – Brush Creek Distillery, a small-batch distiller set in the one-of-a-kind epicurean center of world-renowned Brush Creek Ranch, announced today the launch of its first line of Brush Creek spirits into Texas and Colorado – the first markets outside of the Distillery’s home state of Wyoming. The spirits are distilled and crafted on-site at The Farm at Brush Creek, embracing Wyoming’s local and natural resources and using the finest ingredients. The first batches of Brush Creek Straight Bourbon, Brush Creek Straight Rye can now be found in liquor stores, restaurants and bars across Texas and Colorado.

“The heart of our vision has always been to share the inspiration and pioneering spirit of the West with others,” said Andrew Wason, Managing Director of Brush Creek Distillery. “Due to the small-batch nature of our system, these spirits are very unique and exclusive, and we are elated to launch them in the first two markets outside of Wyoming.”

Wason helped launch Brush Creek Distillery in 2019, fulfilling a long-held vision to produce spirits at Brush Creek Ranch. Earlier this year, the Distillery appointed Philip Mundt as Head Distiller and Production Manager. A native of Colorado and previous Production Manager at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, Mundt brings more than a decade of industry experience to Wyoming where he oversees all operations at the Distillery. Wason, meanwhile, will spearhead traditional product expansion in Indiana and Kentucky later this year with additional e-commerce market expansions in California, Florida, New York and Illinois.

The team at Brush Creek Distillery looks to their environment and the Western landscape for inspiration and collaborates with The Farm at Brush Creek to foster sustainability, promote innovation and produce spirits using mountain water and sustainable practices. Spent grains from the production of bourbon and rye are shared with local ranchers and Brush Creek Ranch where Executive Pastry and Bakery Chef, Keisha Sanderson, uses the grains in the creation of “Spent Grain Bread.” Empty barrel char is used in the cheese and ice cream making process at Medicine Bow Creamery.

The four ultra-premium products now available in Texas and Colorado include:

• Brush Creek Straight Bourbon: A unique four-grain blend, showcasing the beauty of multiple straight bourbon whiskeys from storied programs born in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, matured at high elevations under Wyoming’s bluebird skies. The product and its unique mash bill are the result of over two decades of industry experience, strong friendships, a passion for excellence and the pursuit to celebrate the American West.

• • Tasting Notes: Bold aromas of malt and dried cherries mingle with hints of new leather and thyme. A well-balanced combination of vanilla, fresh caramel, bakery spices and toasted oak delight on the palate. A long, rich finish with hints of cinnamon will call you back again and again.
  • Retail Price: $59.99

• Brush Creek Straight Rye: Inspired by the colorful and bold moments of life and richly populated with flavor, this straight rye whiskey born in Indiana and matured in Wyoming has a spicy aroma of fruit and floral that is followed by butterscotch and vanilla flavor. It’s delivered in a smooth, creamy body that’s immensely tasteful, providing for a unique whiskey experience.

• • Tasting Notes: Rich and robust, our rye exudes spice on the nose, caramel, candied fruit and light citrus round out the palate. Refined flavors of hickory and roasted pecans compliment the spice that lingers on the finish.
  • Retail Price: $49.99

“Our products promote innovation and collaboration combined with the pioneering spirit that Brush Creek is known for,” said Wason.

Brush Creek Distillery’s very own Wyoming-distilled and aged Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye and American Single Malt Whiskey will continue to mature and age in the years ahead, preparing for future release. The Distillery also plans to collaborate with other storied wine and spirits programs to produce a series of innovative spirit releases in the months and years ahead.

Brush Creek Distillery products can now be found in liquor stores, restaurants and hotels across Texas including The Austin Shaker, Twin Liquors, Spec’s Liquors, Acre 41,  Otopia Rooftop, Upstairs at Caroline and Stella San Jac in Austin; Alamo City Liquor, Otro Bar and Domingo Restaurant in San Antonio; Liquor Source, Liquor Hub, Longhorn Liquor and Lys Liquor in Houston; Greenville Stop and Longhorn Liquor in Dallas; Liquid Town and Rockets Whiskey Bar & Saloon in Corpus Christi; and Spanky’s Liquors in Aransas Pass.

Traveling a shorter distance to Wyoming’s neighboring state, Brush Creek spirits can be found in Colorado bars, restaurants and retail stores including 54thirty Rooftop, Elevated Rooftop Bar at Halcyon Hotel and Highlands Wine & Liquor in Denver; Whiskey Star Smokehouse in Breckenridge; Greeley Chophouse in Greeley; St. Julien Hotel in Boulder; Boone’s Wine & Spirits in Eagle, Evergreen Discount Liquors in Evergreen; Sheridan Fine Wine & Spirits in Lakewood; Sopris Liquor & Wine in Carbondale; Chambers Liquors in Aurora; Total Beverage in Westminster; and Saddle Up Liquors in Fort Collins.

About Brush Creek Distillery

Brush Creek Distillery is a small-batch distiller uniquely set on a working cattle ranch in the one-of-a-kind epicurean center of world-renowned Brush Creek Ranch. Brush Creek Distillery’s on-site distilling and blending processes allow for singular small batch crafting of a variety of spirits including Brush Creek Straight Bourbon, Brush Creek Straight Rye, Brush Creek Vodka and Brush Creek Gin. Each batch is crafted in Wyoming using the finest ingredients local products whenever possible. More information can be found online, by calling 307-327-5284 or on Instagram and Facebook.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Makes Headway on $1.2 Billion Expansion 

Expansion Critical to Increase Bourbon Supply For the Future

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 10, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to make great strides with its $1.2 billion expansion, including more barrel warehouses, construction of an additional still, additional fermenters, expanding the dry house operation, and much more over the past year.

While the Distillery continues with its $1.2 billion expansion, unfortunately it will still be a few years before bourbon supply catches up with demand.  Buffalo Trace recognizes this is not the news its fans want to hear for the next few years but making great whiskey does take time and the Distillery is not prepared to cut quality corners to increase short term supply.  In the meantime, it is committed to supplying every drop of high-quality whiskey at fair prices until it can supply more.

“The bourbon category continues to grow at a rapid rate, and while we have been increasing production across our portfolio for the last several years, we are still catching up to consumer demand,” said Sara Saunders, vice president of marketing, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “While we are producing and shipping a record amount of product, we understand the frustration from fans that our brands aren’t easy to find or readily available. We take pride in the quality of our product above all else, and we believe that there is no substitute for aging. Unfortunately, this lengthens the lead time of getting product into consumers’ hands.”

In the past year, this National Historic Landmark made headway on a number of projects, including a second still house, located adjacent to Buffalo Trace’s existing 1930’s still house. The addition of a second still house will double the production capacity for the Distillery, with a duplicate still standing 40 feet tall and having the capacity of 60,000 gallons.

Eight additional fermenters were added and went online in January 2021, joining the four new fermenters added in December of 2019 and bringing Buffalo Trace’s total fermenter count to 24.  The new fermenters are 93,000 gallons each, slightly larger than the twelve older fermenters Buffalo Trace still uses, which have been in place since 1933.

One of the more interesting construction projects started in the past year involves repurposing the oldest aging barrel warehouse on property, Warehouse B, to a new dry house.  Warehouse B was built in 1884 but has sat empty for two decades after it was determined that it was not ideal for aging the quality whiskey Buffalo Trace requires with today’s rigorous standards.  An all-brick warehouse, its location at the back of the distillery near the cookers and fermenters made it an ideal location for drying spent mash to sell to farmers for livestock feed and it allows the Distillery to repurpose the building while maintaining its historic integrity. Buffalo Trace’s existing dry house will continue to operate once the new dry house is complete, but the additional dry house is necessary for the increased production.  The Distillery’s dry house operations ensure that none of the Distillery’s byproduct goes to waste.

A new cooling system is also underway, which includes mash coolers, chillers and cooling towers, all necessary to cool the mash down after cooking so it can be transferred to fermenters as needed.

The Distillery has broken ground on a $40.0 million wastewater treatment facility, allowing it to be self-sufficient in its treatment of wastewater.  Comprised of a moving bed biofilm reactor, the new treatment facility will allow wastewater to be treated efficiently and maintain water quality standards. Wastewater will be treated and disinfected clean enough to release into the Penitentiary Branch, which leads to the Kentucky River —ensuring both remain high-quality waters.

New barrel aging warehouses HH, II, and JJ have also been added in the past year and LL and MM are under construction now.  Warehouses KK and NN are in the planning stages.    Since most of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons age eight to 10 years, more warehouses continue to be built as production increases.  A total of 10 new barrel warehouses have been built to date since 2017, each holding 58,800 barrels and costing about $7 million each to build and another $21 million each to fill with barrels.

The progress made over the past year joins previous expansion items as part of Buffalo Trace’s $1.2 billion investment, such as four new 22-foot tall cookers, four new fermenters, a 110,000 square foot bottling hall, and an expanded Visitor Center which triples the size of the former retail, tasting and event space.  Buffalo Trace resumed tours over a year ago after a brief shut down due to COVID-19 and visitation has rapidly picked up pace, while maintaining safety protocols.  Since re-opening last July, Buffalo Trace has seen more than 235,000 visitors, despite some capacity restrictions still in place.

Upcoming infrastructure projects for this 246-year-old Distillery in the near future include a new mill house, which will be located close to the original location of the hammer mill from 80 years ago.  The mill house will increase the grain grinding capacity to match new distillation capacity by replacing the current hammer mills.  Corn, wheat, rye and barley are trucked into Buffalo Trace from various non-GMO farmers in the region, but then must be ground on site before the grains can be used to make bourbon.

More barrel aging warehouses are also planned for the future, as well as another craft bottling hall which will allow Buffalo Trace to produce more single barrel and small batch bourbons.

“We’ve made great strides in our expansion so far, but we still have a long way to go in order to meet the needs of our fans,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “We continue to take all the proper steps to ensure every barrel is of the highest quality as we increase supply.”

To see photos of the progress Buffalo Trace has made on its $1.2 billion expansion in the past year, click here.

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.  To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit

BUSHMILLS^® IRISH WHISKEY ANNOUNCED AS POETRY PARTNER AND LEAD SPIRIT SPONSOR FOR NEW EVENING STANDARD STORIES FESTIVAL IN ASSOCIATION WITH NETFLIX

-Storytelling festival will take place from 24^th-26^th September with tickets available from:

 https://www.picturehouses.com/stories 

London, August 2021:  Bushmills^® Irish Whiskey, the pioneers of Irish single malt whiskey, from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, have partnered with the Evening Standard and Netflix to support the brand-new Stories Festival.The three-day event will see distinctive festival programming, established narrators and fresh voices tell compelling stories across written word, audio and screen from 24^th-26^th September at London’s Picturehouse. Bushmills has recently launched the Singular Tales campaign in partnership with George the Poet, to toast the unique tales that make up our lives and encourage people to reconnect as they share their own stories, over a bonding glass of award-winning handcrafted Single Malt Whiskey.

Bushmills will be serving up bespoke cocktails for celebrities, participants and distinguished guests at the Stories Festival launch party on 23^rd September. The Irish Whiskey brand will then be the solus spirits sponsor for the dedicated poetry section on 26^th September with a Single Malt tasting – during the adults only time. The session will be supported with a screening of George the Poet’s new evocative poem inspired by Bushmills’ rich history in storytelling, craft and sense of community, while people enjoy their whiskey.

A stellar cast of famous speakers will also be sharing their musings, from Will Young on his memoir How to be a Gay Man to Line of Duty writer, Jed Mercurio on his latest graphic novel, Sleeper. Other highlights of the festival include Ed Balls, former model Jack Guinness and author Daisy Buchanan. More names to be announced.

The Singular Tales campaign was born from Bushmills’ passion for sharing experiences and stories. Each cask of Single Malt Whiskey tells its own tale with remarkable flavours and different levels of maturation, that are only bottled when they have reached a harmonious perfection. Bushmills whiskey balances artistry and craft informed by days gone by and the desire to push boundaries and innovate.

Facebook & Instagram: @BushmillsUK

#BushmillsWhiskey 

Tasting notes

A fresh, fruity whiskey: BUSHMILLS 10 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT

Nose: Fresh and zesty, honey, ripe fruit, vanilla and milk chocolate

Taste: Soft vanilla, milk chocolate, toasted wood

Finish: Crisp, clean and gently drying

RRP £35, 70cl, ABV 40%

A bold and spicy dram: BUSHMILLS 16 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT

Nose: Big, robust, treacle toffee and sweet spice

Taste: Concentrated, full bodied, caramelised fruits and toasted nuts

Finish: Deep, jammy berries, milk chocolate

RRP £85, 70cl, ABV 40%.

A complex and rare treat: BUSHMILLS 21 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT

Nose: Honey, ripe fruit and sweet hazelnuts

Taste: Rich, dark chocolate notes, vanilla and toasted wood

Finish: Long and delicate

RRP £165, 70cl, ABV 40% 

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey

Bushmills® Irish whiskey is crafted with care and passion at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery. Bushmills has more than 400 years of whiskey-making

heritage, which has been passed down through generations. The brand’s award-winning triple distilled single malt whiskey is renowned for its signature smooth taste. www.bushmills.com

Accolades for our Single Malts

Bushmills® Irish whiskey 10 Year Old – Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2019

Bushmills® Irish whiskey 16 Year Old – Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015

About PROXIMO

PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey and Boodles® British Gin. www.proximospirits.com

©2021 PROXIMO. Please drink responsibly 

About George the Poet

George the Poet is a London-born spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and social commentator and seen his work broadcast to billions of people worldwide. In summer of 2018, he opened the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with his poem ‘The Beauty of Union’, and in 2019, his audio offering ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’ won a prestigious Peabody Award, 4 Radio Academy Awards and 5 Gold British Podcast Awards, including the highly-coveted Podcast of the Year. The podcast was described by BBC R4 as “a story that could change the world”.

As well as performing and broadcasting, George is a proud ambassador to Sentebale (the charity founded by Prince Harry which helps support young people affected by HIV & Aids in southern Africa), and is a trustee of Arts Council England.

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2021 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

15^th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is an 11-Year-Old Heavy Char Wheat Whiskey, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care

This edition continues the award-winning series of heavy char releases, exploring how a more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave and the effects on the resulting flavor. Comprised of 75 barrels charred for one minute and 30 seconds (Level 5), as opposed to the traditional 40 second char (Level 3) for Heaven Hill, the Wheat Whiskey reached peak maturation after 11 years on the sixth floor of Rickhouse Y. The heavy char allowed Heaven Hill’s traditional Wheat Whiskey mashbill of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley to interact more with the oak, extracting a mix of sweetness, filled with hints of molasses and butterscotch. This release is only the second time the Wheat Whiskey mashbill has been featured in the Parker’s Heritage Collection, with the first released in 2014 as an Original Batch Cask Strength.BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2021 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection 11-Year-Old Heavy Char Wheat Whiskey. The 15^th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $139.99.

The third heavy char edition of the series advances the study of premium innovation at Heaven Hill Distillery through the Parker’s Heritage Collection. The 14^th edition featured Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill aged in a heavy char for ten years, garnering “Best Small Batch Bourbon” in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 2021 ASCOT Awards, as well as receiving the “Innovation Star” from the SIP Awards. The 13^th edition featured Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey Mashbill aged in heavy char barrels for eight years and was named a “Top 100 Spirit” rated at 96 points from 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Bottled at 122 proof (62% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, this Whiskey showcases the broad range of Heaven Hill Distillery’s 1.9 million barrels of aging inventory.

“The Parker’s Heritage Collection is a testament to the distilling legacy at Heaven Hill Distillery and the detailed attention each step of the process receives,” said Susan Wahl, Vice President, American Whiskies at Heaven Hill. “We are excited to release the third mashbill in this heavy char series, showcasing the consistency of quality throughout our innovation pipeline. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this collection.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past eight editions from 2013-2020, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, and Heavy Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, respectively, have raised more than one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2021 Heavy Char Wheat Whiskey edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous fourteen editions, but with a taupe label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

First annual batch release of Benromach 40 Years Old single malt Scotch whisky released 

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has unveiled the first annual batch release of its 40 Years Old, with just over 1,000 bottles available worldwide.

Bottled at a cask strength of 57.1%, this rare single malt whisky is natural in colour and was laid down in 1981 before spending four decades maturing in the finest first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. The result is an exquisite single malt and the oldest expression released in Benromach’s new look line up which was launched in June 2020.

Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery owned by a family intent on producing single malt using time honoured methods. Its small team of distillers rely entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky. A small number of casks maturing in its dunnage warehouses were selected for this first annual batch release, with a further release planned each year.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “This is the first time we have added a higher aged expression into our portfolio as an annual batch release. Each batch will be bottled at natural strength and will reflect the nuance and character of the casks selected for bottling each year.

“Our first Benromach 40 Years Old displays rich ginger and stewed fruit aromas, Seville orange, red apple and demerara sugar flavours before finishing with citrus zest and a subtle hint of charred oak. It truly is something special.”

The single malt is displayed in a striking black stained solid oak wooden box with copper- coloured detailing and printed metal plaques. The deep amber single malt is presented in the bespoke Benromach bottle which features a heavily embossed and gold foiled label to complete the quality feel.

Benromach 40 Years Old is priced at £1,500. Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Benromach 40 Years Old is available online and at selected retailers worldwide from 16 August. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach 40 Years Old is natural in colour, non-chill filtered and is bottled at cask strength – 57.1% ABV.

• • Colour: Deep Amber
  • Aromas: Rich ginger and stewed fruit aromas followed by citrus, cinnamon, toffee and beeswax polish.
  • Palate: Intense Seville orange flavours with red apple and demerara sugar
  • Finish: Citrus zest and a touch of charred oak
  • Maturation: First fill Oloroso sherry hogshead casks
  • RRP: £1,500

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. Its five-star visitor centre is currently closed but is planned to reopen in the spring of 2022 for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

BENRIACH KEEPS TRADITION ALIVE WITH FIRST EDITION OF MALTING SEASON

Celebrating traditional methods dating back to the earliest days of Benriach Distillery, Benriach Malting Season will be the first expression in a century to be produced entirely using barley malted from the Speyside distillery’s historic floor maltings.

The floor malting method is a highly skilled process requiring the delicate and skilled hand of Benriach’s team of dedicated craftspeople. After being steeped in water, the barley is spread across the malting room floor and turned by hand over several days to allow for optimum germination of the barley. Using their keen eye, the malting team decides when the barley is ready to move to the kiln and the iconic pagoda shaped chimney comes alive.

The first edition of Benriach Malting Season is two-cask matured in bourbon and virgin oak barrels to bring out the wholesome, creamy flavour we find in the distillery’s floor malted spirit, giving a beautiful barley gold colour to the liquid. The expression boasts a rich aroma of barley sugar, almond fudge and poached orchard apple with smooth, rounded flavours of vanilla and honeyed pear, with a lasting nuttiness of slowly kilned malt.

For each new edition of Malting Season, Master Blender Rachel Barrie, will carefully select the type of barley and bottling strength, making each annual edition a truly unique expression in its own right. This inaugural release is made from concerto barley and has a bottling strength of 48.7% ABV.

Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador at Benriach, commented:

“Passed from distiller to distiller throughout the generations, the floor malting process keeps a traditional part of the whisky making process alive with Benriach being one of only seven distilleries in Scotland to continue the practice of floor malting. Distilling spirit from barley malted here on site is a true labour of love and something we are passionate about keeping alive here at Benriach as an ode to our creative whisky making heritage.”

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach Distillery, said:

“At Benriach, we never stop exploring how fruit, oak and barley flavours intertwine and mature in our broad range of eclectic casks. The unique process behind Malting Season allows the cereal flavour from the concerto barley to pull through and when married with the creamy, wholesome flavour from being two-cask matured in bourbon and virgin oak barrels, creates a truly unique expression.”

The first edition of the small batch release is comprised of 23 barrels, all distilled on 2nd November 2012, yielding 6672 bottles in total. Timing of product availability will vary by country.

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NOTES

UK RRP: £99 (Global Markets may vary)

Benriach Malting Season will be available in the US from October 2021.

Timing of product availability will vary by country.

For more details on our full portfolio please visit www.benriach.com 

About Benriach Distillery

A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.

Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.

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