EDRINGTON UK TO HOST A MONTH OF EVENTS FOR THE TRADE AS PART OF LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK 

As the hospitality industry continues to open back up, Edrington UK and London Cocktail Week will host a series of unique events dedicated to the hospitality industry throughout October.

London, UK., Tuesday 14^th September 2021 – Edrington UK has announced a series of unique workshops and events dedicated to the trade across London this October as part of London Cocktail Week. With the hospitality industry continuing to open, the workshops and events have been designed for those working at the forefront of the bar and hospitality industry. The programme will champion the incredible world-class skill at the heart of UK bartending, host training sessions and insights from industry experts, and provide support during what continues to be a tricky time in hospitality.

Events include:

Tending to the Tenders: Lyaness

This year, Tending to the Tenders will move from Shoreditch to the South Bank, but the message to the trade remains the same – ‘come hang out!’. Maker’s Mark and the team at Lyaness, Sea Containers London, have partnered to create a community space that’s focused on great food, delicious cocktails, wellness, and mental health.

Overlooking the Thames in the heart of the city, Tending to the Tenders will offer a beautiful setting to escape, relax and recharge during this hectic month. And, most importantly, it’s all FREE; the cocktails, the food, the massages, the interactive sessions, the yoga and the cinema nights.

Open every Monday from 12pm to 4pm throughout October, guests are encouraged to swing by to grab some lunch, a drink and a chill at any time. There will also be different activities taking place in the hotel throughout the month which are bookable via the London Cocktail Week website.

Location:                      Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD

Dates:                           1^st October – 31^st October, every Monday 12-4pm

Booking link:               https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35954/tending-to-the-tenders-at-lyaness-trade-only/

Laphroaig at The Gibson

Since 1815, Laphroaig has cemented its place as one of the world’s most iconic single malts, epitomised by its intensely smoky characteristics and legions of steadfast fans.

Laphroaig’s no.1 fan and all-round whisky specialist, David Miles, will be talking all things Peat, Heat, Sour and Sweet alongside Marian Beke at the world-famous The Gibson bar. Guests will taste delicious Laphroaig drams and cocktails paired with some of the world’s weirdest tropical fruits for an intense and interesting tasting experience.

For the duration of each tasting, Marian will impart knowledge and answer questions about his role heading up this world-famous cocktail bar.

Location:                      The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ

Dates:                           1^st October – 31^st October, every Tuesday 12-2pm

Booking link:               https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35859/peat-heat-sour-sweet-laphroaig-at-the-gibson-trade-only-05-oct/

Maker’s Mark x Tayēr + Elementary Workshops

Tayēr + Elementary, a bar of two halves from a world-famous duo, will be joined by Maker’s Mark over the course of London Cocktail Week to provide unique, one-off trade workshops.

Starting with a masterful workshop on Wednesday 6 October, guests will be able to purchase tickets and join the world-renowned bar team at Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark to introduce how to use the rotary evaporator and learn first-hand how to achieve more delicate flavour profiles and aromas.

The following week, a practical workshop on how to upcycle glassware. This workshop will offer trade tips and tricks on the best way to fix glassware in a mission to reduce waste. For businesses looking to make moves towards becoming more sustainable, this session, hosted on Wednesday 13 October between 1-3pm, is not one to miss.

With an optimistic look ahead for the hospitality industry, during the third week of London Cocktail Week, bartenders are invited to introduce bar economics. From costing to price strategy and bar finances, this insightful workshop is geared towards helping the trade prepare for a normal return.

Rounding off the four-week event, Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark are offering an introduction to fermentation. With the ability to change and preserve ingredients, this workshop will demonstrate the most common methods used for drinks and showcase how fermentation can transform flavours.

Location:                      Tayēr + Elementary, 152 Old St, EC1V 9BW

Dates:                           Wednesday 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th October, 1-3pm

Booking links:   https://resy.com/cities/ldn/tayer-and-elementary?date=2021-09-09&seats=2

London Cocktail Week is running from Friday 1 – Sunday 31 October.
For more information or tickets, visit londoncocktailweek.com. 

About Edrington UK

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

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

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

Buffalo Trace Distillery Warns Fans

Of Potential Online Scams

 Online Sites Taking Money, No Bourbon in Return

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 16, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery is warning fans of an increasing number of consumer frauds that are making their way across social media and the internet.

Several disappointed fans have contacted the Distillery letting them know they ordered some of Buffalo Trace’s premium whiskies online from various sites, were charged for the transaction, and then received nothing, or in some cases empty bourbon bottles, many of which were counterfeit and included plastic toppers on the bottle instead of the metal toppers used on legitimate bottles.  Although various brands from Buffalo Trace’s portfolio have been targeted, its Blanton’s and Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbons are being attacked particularly hard by these scam artists.

Many fans see ads on social media promising them Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskeys at low prices, but are disappointed when nothing arrives, or the bottles are empty and not legitimate. “We’ve had fans from across the U.S. contact us to tell us they’ve been duped.  We’ve taken legal action to have the sites shut down and also sent notices to the social media companies asking them to take action, but unfortunately the situation persists,” said Mary Tortorice, general counsel, Sazerac Company.  “In all but six states plus the district of Columbia, it is illegal to ship alcohol directly to consumers,” continued Tortorice.  “One of the tip offs is if the website will process your order with shipment to your state, if you are located in one of the 44 states where shipping alcohol directly to your home is illegal.  Another red flag is if the website is located in another country, as the majority of the scams we have seen have been located overseas.”  Tortorice also warns of prices that seem too low, the old adage of “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” applies here.  The sale of counterfeit alcohol, which claims the lives of thousands of people a year, has long been a global problem and is now becoming a problem in the United States as the market deregulates the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Fans are advised Buffalo Trace Distillery does not sell its whiskies online, and to check out any site very carefully for its legitimacy if it is legal to receive distilled spirits in your state.  If you feel you have been duped, you can report the site to the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorneys General office and contact your credit card company about its fraud protection policies.

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.

LINEUP REVEALED FOR SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL
LIMITED EDITION

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced their dram-packed lineup for Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition, taking place 3rd to 8th November 2021.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which is enjoyed by whisky novices, budding master blenders and everyone in between is back for an in-person Limited Edition event this November. 

Whether it’s having exclusive behind the scenes access to distilleries not usually open to the public, taking part in tastings with some of the best known whisky brands in the region, or a guided running tour through the heart of whisky country, attendees will have plenty of events to choose from during the six-day festival.

Programme highlights include:

• Origins of Glenlivet: A rare opportunity to delve into the history and the process behind The Glenlivet Distillery with Distillery Manager Trevor Buckley. Archivist Chris Brousseau will discuss iconic founder George Smith, a visionary unafraid to break tradition. Followed by a tutored tasting of Glenlivet whiskies through the years.
• Create your Own Benriach with Dr Rachel Barrie: Join Master Blender Rachel on a creative journey into the world of flavour at Benriach distillery. Discover flavours and create your own unique dram.
• Drams in the Dark: Offering a unique night time tour of Glen Moray Distillery followed by some fireside drams and toasted marshmallows while Stephen Woodcock, Head of Whisky Creation, and Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador, share stories about Glen Moray’s more unusual history
• Dinner with the Dram Queens: Join Ann Miller, the Dram Queen, and Martine Nouet, the Queen of the Stills, for an evening at the Dowans. Filled with wonderful conversation as well a four-course whisky and food pairing menu.
• RunSpeyside – Craigellachie Trail Run: Learn about distilleries, landmark bridges and local history as well as blowing away some cobwebs.

George McNeil, chairman designate at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: 

“Nothing beats being together to celebrate the world’s largest producing whisky region and that’s why we decided to create The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition, a one-off Autumn edition of our Speyside celebration.

“It’s been a tough year for the people and businesses of Speyside, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Limited Edition, aims to bring local communities and nearly 140 business members in the region together to celebrate Scotland’s national drink, while providing the ultimate opportunity for travellers, whisky lovers, outdoor activity enthusiasts and the local community to explore, taste and learn about the world-famous Speyside region.”

More information can be viewed on the Spirit of Speyside website. Full programme can can be found here – https://tickets.spiritofspeyside.com/

Tickets are on sale from 12pm (GMT) on 17th September 2021 on the Spirit of Speyside website.

About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. The Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Over the past 20 years, festival events have taken place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness.

Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

The company is limited by guarantee, it runs the festival with a voluntary board of directors drawn from key areas of the whisky industry along with other local businesses and tourism organisations.

For further information please visit:

Website:  www.spiritofspeyside.com 

Facebook: WhiskyFestival

Instagram: spirit_speyside

Twitter:  spirit_speyside

Remus Repeal Reserve Series V now available at retailers

New varietal offers rare medley of five bourbons ranging 

 from 2005 to 2008

St. LOUIS (Sept. 9, 2021) – Luxco’s Remus Repeal Reserve Series V Straight Bourbon Whiskey is now available at retailers. Series V is the fifth edition of the award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. It showcases a medley of five bourbons ranging from 2005 to 2008, offering a rare taste of the finest cask bourbon selections available from one of the oldest distilleries in the country. A limited annual release, this bourbon is produced to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.

Remus Repeal Reserve is an annual series from George Remus^® Bourbon, crafted by the expert distillers and blenders at MGP’s 174-year-old distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Made in the distillery’s signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year, allowing the team to experiment with their various mash bills. Remus Repeal Reserve Series V is comprised of 9% 2005 Bourbon (21% Rye), 5% 2006 Bourbon (36% Rye), 19% 2006 Bourbon (21% Rye), 13% 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 54% 2008 Bourbon (36% Rye).

Series V leads with dried fruit, rich caramel, maple syrup, roasted nuts and leather. The beginning includes rich toffee and vanilla, followed by chocolate, glazed nuts and oak. The finish offers candied fruit, caramel, baking spice and a lingering oaky rye spice.

“The Remus Repeal collection is all about showcasing the incredible range of aged reserves and medley combinations we can work with in Lawrenceburg,” said Master Blender David Whitmer. “In Series V we have created another exceptional bourbon that is sure to be a fan favorite. The limited number of bottles won’t stay on store shelves for long.”

Remus Repeal Reserve Series V retails for a suggested $89.99 per 750-ml bottle and is now available on retail shelves. Series V is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV.

Remus Repeal Reserve was recently awarded bourbon Gold, Best in Class at the 2021 Whiskies of the World Awards.

About George Remus^® Bourbon

George Remus, a Bourbon brand named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” is crafted at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-rye blend of Bourbon whiskies, aged over four years, with a hint of vanilla, a maple aroma, and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor (SRP: $39.99/750-ml). Remus Repeal Reserve Series V is crafted from 2005, 2006 and 2008 reserve Bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $89.99/750-ml bottle). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com, @GeorgeRemusBourbon (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and @GeorgeRemus (Twitter). G. Remus Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, IN, 47% ALC/VOL & 50% ALC/VOL. Be Legendary. Sip Responsibly.

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; MGP’s historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, 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.

Sotheby’s to Offer the Only Complete Collection of The Dalmore Decades

– A One of a Kind Set of Six Vintage Single Malts Spanning 1951 to 2000 –

Direct from the Distillery

 Single-Lot Auction in Hong Kong on 8 October

LONDON & HONG KONG, 17 September 2021 – An icon of the whisky world, The Dalmore Highland Single Malt proudly displays its 180-year-old heritage with the twelve-point stag on each of its bottles. This autumn, Sotheby’s will offer the only complete collection of The Dalmore Decades – a one of a kind set of six vintage single malts spanning 1951 to 2000 – direct from the distillery. A culmination of his 50-year custody of exceptionally rare casks, the six-bottle collection was created by Richard Paterson, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller. The set, including one of the oldest liquids ever to have been released by the distillery and the first Scotch whisky created in the new millennium, comprises Paterson’s personal selection of single malts from 1951, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, 2000. Encapsulating sixty years of whisky making, The Dalmore’s latest release is made unique by a number of distinguishing features: the inclusion of the coveted 1951 vintage – representing the only opportunity to acquire a decanter of this 60-year-old whisky; the bespoke silver collars on each of the decanters; and the individual display pedestals topped with black oak.

The Dalmore Decades will be offered in a dedicated 1-lot auction in Hong Kong on 8 October 2021, with an estimate in excess of HK$4,000,000 / US$500,000 / £350,000, as part of Sotheby’s Hong Kong autumn sales series.  A percentage of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to V&A Dundee, following The Dalmore’s announcement in 2020 of a four-year partnership with Scotland’s first design museum and the first Victoria & Albert museum to open outside of London.* This long-term commitment will allow V&A Dundee and The Dalmore to nurture and champion Scottish culture and creative talent on a global stage.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “We are thrilled to partner with The Dalmore Distillery once again, to auction the exclusive six-bottle Decades Collection in Hong Kong. This new release encapsulates everything that The Dalmore is so well known for, from the quality of its liquid, to its ability to age and, of course, its exquisite presentation. Our offering presents a one-time only opportunity to acquire the complete set – including the inimitable 1951 vintage – making this unmissable for any dedicated collector of whisky.”

Richard Paterson, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, said: “Over the past 50 years, I have kept a watchful eye over our superlative inventory of rare whiskies, giving them the guidance to mature and reach their full potential in the finest casks sourced from around the world. Each bottle marks a very special milestone in the brand’s history and has a unique story to tell, which I hope the lucky collector will enjoy with those closest to them. This collection is a memento of our 180-year history in the making. We are proud to share the pinnacle of six decades of whisky making, the result of potential earned and honed over time.”

Paul Wong, Head of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits Auction, Asia, said: “We are seeing strong demand for top whisky in Asia and no doubt this one-of-a kind collection from a 180-year-old iconic distillery will cause great excitement amongst collectors.”

The one of one, six bottle collection

The Dalmore Decades 1951 60 Year Old – Bottled in 2011

One of the oldest single malt whiskies ever to have been released by The Dalmore, this single malt was distilled and placed into casks under the watchful eye of Colonel Hector ‘HAC’ Mackenzie, who took over management of the distillery from his father in April 1946. It was matured in twin sherry casks that were the last remnants from the Mackenzie era, brought together after spending 60 years side by side.

The Dalmore Decades 1967 53 Year Old – Bottled in 2020

The 1960s was a transformational decade for the distillery, with 1967 a landmark year, when the number of stills was increased from four to eight – expanding The Dalmore’s whisky-making potential. Their expert orchestration was a vital component in the composition of the final spirit which completed its maturation process in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine barrique from Château Mont-Redon.

The Dalmore Decades 1979 40 Year Old – Bottled in 2020

The 1970s paved the way for a number of exceptional milestones in the history of The Dalmore distillery, not least the arrival in 1970 of Richard Paterson who would work with the Mackenzie family to unlock the secrets of The Dalmore and the maturation process. This single malt ended its maturation journey in an exceptionally rare Graham’s Port Pipe Vintage 1952 – a year of post-war austerity when only tiny quantities of vintage Port were made.

The Dalmore Decades 1980 40 Year Old – Bottled in 2020

In a demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit, the maturation journey for this whisky was spun on its head: instead of providing only a foundation, the ex-Bourbon cask used in the first maturation process was also used as a finish for more than five years, before bottling.

The Dalmore Decades 1995 25 Year Old – Bottled in 2020

The iconic ‘bell shaped’ Dalmore bottle was first introduced in 1994, its sinuous curves echoing the shape of the stills through which the distillery’s spirit runs. It provided the ideal frame for a more prominent Royal Stag. During this decade, Richard Paterson would lay down a succession of casks from sherry bodegas in Spain and Portugal, and some of the world’s great wineries in France and California. Aged initially in ex-Bourbon casks, this whisky was then transferred into a Graham’s vintage Port Pipe from 1994 before spending more than five years in a barrique used to mature Tintilla de Rota, sweet fortified wine from southern Spain. 

The Dalmore Decades 2000 20 Year Old – Bottled in 2020

The Dalmore distillery was the first distillery in Scotland to run off the “New Spirit” at 12.02am on Saturday, 1st January 2000. In a radical departure from the distillery’s practice, the 2000 has spent all 20 years of its life maturing in a Matusalem sherry butt, as opposed to an initial period in ex-Bourbon casks.

Notes 

*The Dalmore will donate 15% of the hammer price to V&A Dundee.

On 16 September, The Dalmore and V&A Dundee unveiled their commission of a short film celebrating the first realisation of their four-year partnership. Kengo Kuma, architect of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games National Stadium and V&A Dundee, features alongside Richard Paterson, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, in Decades in the Making. Framed by a collage of evocative archive images and a bespoke commissioned soundtrack, the six-minute film by Scottish film-makers STROMA Films explores creative inspiration and the development of potential over time, coinciding with seminal career moments for both masters in their respective fields.

Every year – the most updated whisky book on the market!
Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022 will be published 1st October

This is the 17th edition of a book that whisky enthusiasts look forward to every autumn. The main part of the book (200 pages) covers no less than 727 malt whisky distilleries around the world with all the facts updated. New exciting articles by distinguished writers such as Charles MacLean, Gavin D Smith, Ian Wisniewski, Neil Ridley, Joel Harrison and Stefan van Eycken.

More than 200 tasting notes, including independent bottlings. New feature – meet the Trailblazers of Malt Whisky who pioneered malt whisky making in their respective countries. A listing of more than 150 of the world´s greatest whisky shops. The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you´ll find of the news and trends in the industry. An entire chapter about the world´s leading independent bottlers. All the latest info on bottlings and web sites as well as the latest statistics and figures. 3 More than 500 colour photos.

The Malt Whisky Yearbook is the brainchild of editor Ingvar Ronde and was first published in autumn 2005. Since then a new and completely revised edition has been published yearly. What started out as a go-to book for whisky enthusiasts wanting to keep abreast of the ever-changing malt whisky world, soon became a tool also for the whisky industry. Many producers now buy it for their staff (brand ambassadors, tour guides, sales people etc.) to keep them informed about the latest developments.

The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2021 is sold through www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com for £14.95 plus shipping. Available for preorder now with shipping starting 1st October.

Ingvar Ronde – Editor Malt Whisky Yearbook and Keeper of the Quaich
ingvar.ronde@magdig.com

Caskshare Launches New Signature Series in collaboration with Mark Reynier

Online cask spirit platform Caskshare is set to launch its new Signature Series, an extended collaboration with prominent industry figures and cask owners, which enables privately owned casks to be shared and sold amongst a community of fellow whisky lovers.

Caskshare is delighted to be partnering with whisky maverick, Mark Reynier, to launch this new element of their industry leading platform. The casks listed as part of this series are Reynier’s rare and exclusive laddie selection. Reynier’s passion for innovation led to the development of Additional Cask Enhancement, and these casks demonstrate the remarkable results that can be achieved by the application of this process.

To maximise balance and harmony, Reynier undertook a complex operation pooling three casks, two Bourbon and one Oloroso cask matured whiskies, one from 2008 and two from 2010 through a journey of maturation to August 2018. Then the three casks (two years) were vatted together and filled back into Andean, Amarone (French oak) and Oloroso wood for a further 18 months. They were then revatted again, and the whole was filled into a first-fill American barrel (Cask R190410003), a Virgin American barrel (Cask R190410002), and a first-fill Oloroso hogshead (Cask R190410001).

The older 2008 cask is subsumed into the 2010’s making 2010 the AYS relevant year. Each will have the same complex flavour profile, and will be bottled in consecutive years showing more age and further cask emphasis throughout the series.

These are experimental bottlings exploring oak influences and incorporate new oak from the Andes (Quercus Humboldtii), which is an oak high in eucalyptoides. Reynier through this partnership with Caskshare is giving like-minded whisky lovers the chance to share this experience with him.

The casks will be bottled starting in March 2022 and present a chance to experience a totally unique triple racked journey in oak. They are available to reserve now on Caskshare website.

“What we have here are what some might say are the extreme end of whisky making, and represent my journey in finding true individuality in the whisky industry. Working with Caskshare has given me the chance to let others experience my journey through the years, and to hold a share of this maturing whisky alongside me.”
Mark Reynier

For too long there has been a confusion about what happens to privately owned casks when they are ready to be enjoyed. Owners have a dilemma as to whether to sell the cask to the original producer, brokers or independent bottlers; which can only be done as a sealed cask; or to bottle the whole cask, which results in a large amount of whisky, more than anyone would ever need. Caskshare Signature Series is the solution to that conundrum in a way that allows cask owners to enjoy some of their own whisky, bottled at a time that suits them, and to share the remainder with fellow whisky lovers.

“Mark has been a leading light in the whisky industry for over two decades and we are delighted to be working with him to bring these casks, innovative techniques and experimental bottlings to market. Caskshare Signature Series provides a groundbreaking solution, assisting cask owners with the best option for the final phase of cask ownership – the bottling, sharing and enjoying.”

David Nicol

Prices range from £100-£120
www.caskshare.com/signature-series/mark-reynier
@caskshare

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY PROUDLY INTRODUCES

YAMAZAKI^® 55 YEARS OLD^™ 

From the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, Yamazaki^® 55 – now available in select global markets – honors the legacy of three generations of Master Blenders and celebrates its harmony with nature with a donation for every newly released bottle to The White Oak Initiative.

LONDON, UK (September, 2021) – In the much anticipated first-ever global release of the Yamazaki® 55, the House of Suntory pays tribute to the passage of time and the legacy of the founding family of Japanese whisky. Bottled in 2020, Yamazaki 55 – the House of Suntory’s oldest release in its history – celebrates the Japanese “Showa” era of the 1960s that represented a major period of change for the House of Suntory.

Extremely limited quantities of Yamazaki 55, of which 100 bottles were initially released in Japan in 2020, will reach select global markets including the United Kingdom, United States, Mainland China and Taiwan later this month. Yamazaki 55 will be available to purchase in Harrods, Claridge’s and The Arts Club.

To honor its ongoing commitment to give back to society, Beam Suntory, will donate $5,000 USD for every bottle released in this year’s 100-bottle collection, totaling $500,000 USD, to The White Oak Initiative, a group committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests.

Yamazaki 55 is a blend of precious single malts featuring components distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii and then aged in Mizunara casks; and in 1964 under Suntory’s Second Master Blender Keizo Saji and then aged in White Oak casks. Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with Third-Generation Master Blender Shingo Torii in deploying their signature art of blending to properly reveal the exceptional depth, complexity and wisdom that is Yamazaki 55. The resulting expression features a deep amber color; robust aroma redolent of sandal wood and well-ripened fruit; sweet, slightly bitter and woody palate; and slightly bitter yet sweet and rich finish.

“Throughout the process of blending Yamazaki 55, I used as inspiration the passage of time and ‘Wabi-sabi’ – the Japanese belief that imperfections can help to ultimately contribute to perfection,” said Fukuyo. “While I often view other extra aged whiskies as art, I consider Yamazaki 55 to be more like a Buddhist statue: calm and mysterious, requiring time to truly enjoy the inner beauty.”

Yamazaki 55 is presented in a crystal bottle with the word “Yamazaki” carefully engraved in calligraphy using the technique of sandblasting and featuring real gold dust and lacquer on the age marking. The bottle’s opening is wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and bound with a Kyo-kumihimo plaited cord, a traditional craft from Kyoto. Each bottle is delivered in a bespoke box made from native Japanese Mizunara wood and coated with Suruga lacquer.

Tasting Notes – Yamazaki 55, 46% ABV

Color:  Deep amber distinctive of Mizunara casks.

Nose:   A robust aroma redolent of sandal wood. A sweet, mature bouquet like well-ripened fruit.

Palate: A soft, smooth first sip that blossoms in the mouth with flavor. A mixture of sweet and slightly bitter, followed by a woody note from the Mizunara cask.

Finish: Slightly bitter, a fragrance like scented wood and a hint of smokiness. A sweet, rich, lingering finish.

Yamazaki 55 will be available in extremely limited quantities starting this month at a suggested retail price of $60,000 USD excluding VAT and duties. Yamazaki 55 will be available to purchase in Harrods, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt.

Yamazaki 55 will also be available in The Arts Club, Annabel’s and Claridge’s. This limited-edition expression joins Yamazaki’s portfolio of award-winning whiskies including Yamazaki® 12, Yamazaki 18® and Yamazaki 25®.

From Yamazaki. Birthplace of Japanese whisky.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery, built starting in 1923 by Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky. It is the birthplace of Japanese Whisky.

Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment, both of which are ideal for whisky making. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, the area around Yamazaki Distillery has been long referred to as “Minaseno” famous for its exquisite natural water, even mentioned in the Man’yoshu, the ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. Home to Sen no Rikyu, Master of “The Way of Tea” and his renowned “Rikyu no Mizu” (water of the imperial villa), the waters of Yamazaki are selected by the Ministry of Environment as one of Japan’s one hundred best natural mineral waters.

Yamazaki lies in a misty valley between Mt.Tennozan and Mt. Otokoyama, where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers converge. Blessed with Japan’s rich four seasons, the diversity of this region’s temperature and humidity align to create the perfect conditions for the making of whisky.

ABOUT SUNTORY WHISKY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki—Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki.

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ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com