June 30, 2021 (Hawthorne, NY) – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), since 2010 the world’s most prestigious global spirits competition, today releases the results of the 2021 Challenge. With an increase in entries this year of 30%, 2021 was the twelfth consecutive year of record submissions. Entries arrived from more than 52 spirit-producing nations.

The judging, held throughout May and June, determined 56 Chairman’s Trophy winners, 301 Finalists, 208 Great Values, and 96 Tried & True Award winners. As always, USC was conducted at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center, located in Hawthorne, NY.

Says UBC Co-Founder and Judging Director F. Paul Pacult, “Aside from being by far the largest USC ever, this year’s Challenge was likewise the most global, with an impressive array of quality distillates from places as far away from New York as China, Croatia, and Chile. Virtually all categories saw healthy gains in submissions, most notably gin, Ready-to-Drink cocktails, hard seltzers, craft spirits, mezcal, rum, and all whiskey and brandy categories.

“Since producers enter their top-shelf marques into USC, it’s clear that they look to us for the most accurate and unbiased data in the industry. We already look forward to USC 2022!”

WHISKY – CANADA

Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye

WHISKEY – IRELAND

Blended: The Legendary Silkie

Single Pot Still: Redbreast Cask Strength 12 Years Old

Single Malt: Waterford Dunmore Single Farm Origin Addition 1.2

WHISKY – SCOTLAND

Blended: Dewar’s Double Double 32 Years Old

Single Malt-Highland: Glenturret Peat Smoke 10 Years Old

Single Malt-Island: Talisker 18 Years Old

Single Malt-Islay: Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength

Single Malt-Speyside: Mortlach Distiller’s Dram 16 Years Old

WHISKEY – USA

Bourbon/Bottled-In-Bond: Old Fitzgerald VVS 2020 16 Years Old Bottled-in-Bond

Bourbon: Weller Wheated Bourbon Full Proof

Rye: Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Rye

Single Barrel/Bourbon: Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel

Single Malt: Westland

Small Batch Bourbon: Black Bourbon Society’s Maker’s Mark Private Selection: Recipe 2

Tennessee: Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel 11 Years Old

Wheat: Bainbridge Battle Point Two Islands Islay Cask Barrel Proof

Other: Mammoth Distilling Infinity

WHISK(E)Y – WORLD

Matsui Shuzo Sakura Single Cask

WHISK(E)Y FLAVORED – WORLD

Tom Bullock’s Burnt Orange Bourbon

After undergoing careful analysis through multiple panels, all products are rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges including buyers, journalists, educators, and bar owners.

Spirits scoring 85+ points receive a detailed tasting note. All spirits scoring 80+ points receive an individual results page, which provides all downloadable marketing material.

USC results are promoted globally and on social media. 

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of spirits for producers, importers, and marketers through its innovative annual competition: Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot.

HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM LED BY UK BRAND AMBASSADOR JAMES BOWKER 

The DOJO program will return for a second year and aims to educate select bartenders on the art of Japanese bartending 

London, 2^nd July 2021 – House of Suntory has announced the return of its advocacy programme which will educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of craft spirits Toki Whisky and Hibiki Whisky.

DOJO, which translates as ‘a place to master the way’, is a first-of-its kind program that seeks to engage with bartenders to not only improve their skillset, but deepen their understanding of the philosophy and customs that embody The House of Suntory’s roots in Japanese craftsmanship.

Led by House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, James Bowker, the DOJO programme will be supported by traditional Japanese Craft Masters. Together they will provide best-in-class education in Japanese culture, craft and bartending, centring on the three key pillars of House of Suntory: Hibiki, Omotenashi and Monozukuri.

Between June and September, the Japanese Craft Masters will each present an online masterclass with James Bowker.

Hosted by renowned Ikebana Artist, Keiko Smith, the Ikebana Masterclass took place on 21st June 2021, focusing on Japanese aesthetics and beauty.

On the 19th of July 2021, Master Sushi Instructor Izumi Nakamura and Japanese seasoning expert Stuart Turner will host a Sushi Masterclass exploring balance and seasoning.

23rd August 2021 will see Sake Sommelier, Erika Haigh, owner of Bar Moto, and Head Sommelier of Restaurant Story, Jonathan Kleeman, combine forces to teach the art of flavour matching during the Pairing Masterclass, which will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki

To conclude the DOJO Masterclass Series on 20th September 2021, House of Suntory are collaborating with leading Urasenke Tea Master, Genshitsu Sen, to curate a Tea Ceremony Masterclass, centering on hospitality and guest experience. In addition, James Bowker and Zoran Peric will host a tasting of Hibiki components following an advanced ice carving tutorial.

In addition to this and in the spirit of traditional DOJO training, participants will also be able to take part in Kaizen Challenges, inspired by the idea of Kaizen – continual refinement – wherein participants will demonstrate their newfound skills and apply them to a classic cocktail. The participants who display the most commitment and personal development will be invited to a grand finale where House of Suntory will select the strongest DOJO apprentices to join them for a one-of-a-kind trip to Japan.

Commenting on the re-launch, James Bowker, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory said: “We are extremely proud to bring back DOJO for a second year. The programme is a great opportunity to engage with bartenders across the country and share with them the three pillars behind the House of Suntory brand that makes it so unique. Educating bartenders on Japanese culture has always been a passion of mine and I cannot wait to welcome the next cohort of Dojo ambassadors.”

For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com  

Notes

The three pillars of House of Suntory include:

Hibiki – being in harmony with Japanese nature

Omotenashi – the enjoyed experiences of Japanese Hospitality and culture

Monozukuri – elevated Japanese Craftsmanship; and this programme will educate bartenders on all of these principles

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing, and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Bowmore)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

ABOUT SUNTORY 

Suntory was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki. Nestled in the outskirts of Kyoto, this region was the birthplace of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is known for the purity of its waters. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high-quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps with the goal of producing malt whiskies distinct from those made at Yamazaki. Its high altitude and lush environment are what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

At each of these distilleries, a diverse array of whiskies are produced through various fermentation techniques, shapes and sizes of giant copper pot stills, and the wide variety of cask types used. Today, roughly 1,200,000 casks of whisky are quietly maturation in Suntory’s aging cellars. This tsukuriwake—variety in the making—allows for the blending opportunities that are essential to achieving the subtle, refined yet complex taste signature to Suntory Whiskies.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded house of Japanese Whisky. 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).

The House of Suntory portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki – the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu – verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; a single grain whisky: Chita—sublimely smooth, versatile and complex; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki – Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, and Suntory Whisky Toki – ideal for Japanese highballs.

More than one million Jameson employee records spanning 100 years now available to search for free on Ancestry.ie  

More than one million digitised wage book records from Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery in Dublin are now available on Ancestry and free to search throughout July  

01 July 2021: Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys, and Ancestry, the global leader in family history, are working together to share 100 years of Jameson employee records online.   

The historic Jameson Distillery Bow Street records, which are part of the Irish Distillers archive, contain detailed weekly wages books and include the employee names, as well as occupation, hours worked, and wages paid, spanning over 100 years from 1862 to 1969 (with records holding personal information available to view until 1937)^[i]. The collection, which contains over one million indexed records, is now available to search on Ancestry and will be free of charge to access for the month of July^[ii].  

The records belong to Irish Distillers and the digitisation project with Ancestry will make them accessible to the public for the first time.    

Every bottle of Jameson Irish whiskey features an emblem known as the ‘Barrelman’ which was first produced almost 100 years ago and symbolises the passion and team effort that goes into making every bottle of whiskey. The Jameson Distillery at Bow Street closed as an operational distillery in Dublin in the 1970s and production moved to Midleton, but today, the lives of its ‘Barrelmen’ can be explored through these digitised wage books – a potential treasure trove of information for those researching their Irish family history.    

Additionally, the records show further insight into life in Ireland within the period covered. During the Easter Rising in 1916, the distillery on Bow Street was taken over by the rebels which meant no staff could get to work. By law, that meant the employer did not have to pay them. However, there is a note in the wage book to say: ‘Rebellion in Dublin, all employees paid full week’.   

Carol Quinn, Archivist at Irish Distillers said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Ancestry and bring these archives to a global public audience for the first time. These records are important for many reasons, but mainly because for many listed in the earlier volumes, there is no other surviving administrative record of their lives. Civil registration of births only began in 1864, so many may not have had birth certificates, and later records were destroyed in the bombing of the Four Courts in 1922.”   

“While the archive is an internal resource for Irish Distillers and is not open to the public, I have always tried to answer any genealogical query that I receive. However, physically looking through the volumes – some of which are half a metre in size – isn’t good for the longevity of the records and leads to damage. Thanks to Ancestry and the team who came to Midleton to digitise the volumes, all of the records are available online and people can look up the records themselves and find out if their relatives worked at Jameson Distillery Bow Street and what their working life was like.”    

Rhona Murray, Senior Content Acquisition Manager from Ancestry adds:    

“Occupation records can be a key resource for those researching their family history as they often provide more detail and context on how their ancestors lived day-to-day. The Jameson Distillery Staff Wage and Employment Books are particularly important as they bring to life a time when the Jameson distillery played a vital role providing employment for the local community – and potentially your ancestors – in Dublin City. We are delighted to be working with Irish Distillers to preserve and provide online public access to this valuable collection, for people in Ireland and those with Irish heritage all around the world.”  

Records in the collection span from 1862-1969, but in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), records that hold personal details are only available to view up to 1937, to protect the privacy of any living people.    

To access the records, click here. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Ancestry®

Ancestry®, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, empowers journeys of

personal discovery to enrich lives. With our unparalleled collection of more than 30 billion records and over 20 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding about their lives. For over 30 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

[I] Records in the collection span from 1862-1969, but in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to protect the privacy of living people, records that hold personal details are only available to view up to 1937

[II] Free access ends 31 Jul 2021 at 11:59 p.m. To view these records, you will need to register for free with Ancestry with your name and email address. We will then send you a username and password to access the records. After the free access period ends, you will only be able to view the records in the featured collection using an Ancestry paid membership.

Scallywag Whisky – The Ultimate Chocolate Companion

World Chocolate Day is just around the corner (Wednesday 7^th July) and to commemorate the indulgent occasion, Douglas Laing’s Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky reveals its annual special bottling: Scallywag Chocolate Limited Edition #4.

The fourth release is a marriage of 100% Sherry matured Single Cask Single Malts only from Speyside. Each cask is said to have been hand-selected for its “cocoa-rich tasting notes”. The resulting spirit unveils a “natural burnt sienna colour” with delectable notes of “creamy chocolate icing, juicy dates and rich red fruits”. This full-bodied dram has been bottled at a high alcohol strength of 48%, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration.

The series has gained significant traction since the inaugural bottling in 2018, and with only 3,000 bottles of the latest edition available globally, those who have been patiently waiting in anticipation of the 2021 release are advised to snap one up quickly to avoid disappointment. The limited edition is packaged in a premium, gold-foiled gift tube and is expected to retail at £55.00/€64.00 from good specialist retailers.

In tandem with the new launch, the award-winning Speyside Malt has partnered with luxury Chocolatier – Sugarsnap – to create a set of bespoke Scallywag Whisky infused chocolates boasting decorative colourways inspired by Scallywag packaging. The partnership is set to elevate Scallywag’s positioning as “the ultimate chocolate companion” by showcasing how first, the chocolate inspired the Whisky, and now, how the Whisky has come full circle to inspire the chocolate. Scallywag’s “Small Batch, Big Flavour” ethos is said to have been “honoured” throughout the entire chocolate-making process. This mouth-watering collaboration is set to be dripped out on World Chocolate Day (Wednesday 7^th July) before flowing into a full month of tempting social media activity, mainly on Instagram (@scallywagwhisky).

Commenting on the new release, Cara Laing, Director of Marketing at Douglas Laing & Co, said: “We have been delighted to watch this delicious, melt-in-the-mouth limited edition release grow by popular demand since 2018. It’s a joy being able to taste and hand-select the darkest, fruitiest and most cocoa-rich Single Cask Single Malts that Speyside has to offer. This special bottling is certainly one that we have a lot of fun with year after year as we strive for chocolate perfection! We can’t wait to share more delicious details about Scallywag’s partnership with Sugarsnap on World Chocolate Day too – keep your eyes peeled on Scallywag’s social channels!”

About Scallywag

Facebook: /scallywagwhisky
Instagram: @scallywagwhisky

A marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from the Speyside region of Scotland, Scallywag is matured predominantly in Sherry casks, affording the spirit a rich, dark colour and a deliciously fruity, chocolatey flavour profile. The multi-award winning Scotch Whisky belongs to Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts -“the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions” – also encompassing The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

About Douglas Laing:

www.douglaslaing.com

Twitter: @DLaingWhisky
Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Announcing The Launch Of

Douglas Laing’s “Double Barrel” Rebrand

The award-winning family Scotch Whisky firm Douglas Laing & Co. today reveal the rebrand of their Double Barrel Malt Scotch Whisky.

With Double Barrel, Douglas Laing’s Master Blender carefully combines just two Single Malts from two very different Distilleries to create one exceptional experience. The range features two core bottlings – Islay / Highland and Speyside / Lowland – both are proudly bottled 46% strength and without colouring nor chill-filtration.

The Company chose to invest in the Double Barrel refresh following continued year on year growth since 2013 alongside recognising real opportunities in the brand due to the unique proposition and positioning it enjoys.

The rebrand features a premium gift carton and heavy-weight square bottle with intricate, hand-drawn illustrations bringing to life Scotland’s Whisky Regions. The Islay / Highland illustration depicts an Islay mermaid holding a single Highland thistle while the Speyside / Lowland packaging reveals a griffin – a symbol of power in Scottish mythology – entrusted with guarding the sleeping casks as the spirit matures over time.

Cara Laing, Marketing Director at Douglas Laing said: “Our investment in this brand refresh allows us to take Double Barrel to the next level. We passionately believe in the spirit quality first and foremost but also in its unique positioning where opposites really do attract – sweetness and smoke, honey and heat, citrus and spice. We hope with this engaging new-look, Whisky enthusiasts around the world will be intrigued and enthused by this fusion of Single Malts from two very different Regions.”

Double Barrel Malt Scotch Whisky is available from Specialist Whisky retailers with an RRP of £45.00 / €52.00.

Tasting Notes:

Islay / Highland: Opens on the nose with a sweetly smoked character, developing to well-fired toast and honey. The palate carries notes of smoke and ashes, balanced with a sweet Malt character. The finish is long, carrying charred nuts with a marzipan sweetness.

Speyside / Lowland: This Double Barrel marriage of Speyside and Lowland Whiskies offers a nose that is fragrantly fresh, carrying a fruity quality plus a sweet gristy character. Enjoy a sweet palate that remains fruity with both honey and vanilla. The finish is softly spiced with an orange zest kick.

Wyoming Whiskey raises over $120K for national park foundation

JACK DANIEL’S NAMED MOST PATRIOTIC SPIRIT BRAND IN AMERICA

Tennessee Whiskey Brand Returns to the Annual List in the 13^th Overall Spot, Sole Representative for Spirits Industry

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (July 1, 2021) – Jack Daniel’s has been ranked among the 2021 Most Patriotic Brands in America, rising one spot since last year to #13 and representing the only spirits brand on the list. Brand Keys’ annual survey of iconic American brands identifies those which consumers believe best embody the value of “patriotism.”

“Founded more than 150 years ago in Lynchburg, Tennessee, we couldn’t be prouder to be an American company and one that has tremendous respect for our country and its people. Every drop of our Tennessee Whiskey is crafted with pride here in the U.S., and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Matt Blevins, Jack Daniel’s Vice President and Global Brand Director. “We’re honored to have a place on this year’s list alongside some of the most influential brands in the country.”

Jack Daniel’s shares the 13^th spot with American fashion brand Ralph Lauren—in between Apple and Twitter, which are ranked #12, and Harley Davidson and USAA, which are ranked #14.  The list was determined through a survey by Brand Keys, Inc. to a national sample of 5,804 consumers, 16 to 65 years of age, balanced for gender and political affiliation and drawn from the nine U.S. Census Regions. Consumers assessed 1,172 brands in 131 B2C and B2B categories as to their resonance for the single value – “patriotism.” Brands were identified and ranked based on how they have best met the challenge that patriotism plays in today’s marketplace.

For more information, visit: brandkeys.com/americas-most-patriotic-brands/.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

ONE OF THE UK’S BIGGEST CASK TRADERS OPENS IN ASIA

Increased demand from the East sees London-based Cask Trade Ltd open in Hong Kong

The trusted stockist showcasing the largest inventory of cask whisky on the market announces the opening of an office in Hong Kong this week servicing the whole of Asia.

For the first time, bottlers, investors and avid whisky enthusiasts in Asia will be able to buy casks at UK prices, significantly lower than anyone has been used to, and with the same seamless service afforded to hundreds of investors and bottlers for Cask Trade UK.

Director of Cask Trade HK, Sir Colin Hampden-White, says: “For many years I have had the pleasure of helping customers from all over Asia who appreciate cask strength whisky to taste and purchase,” says Hampden-White who is a Keeper of the Quaich, who adds: “I’m very excited Cask Trade is opening an office in Hong Kong where I can personally host tastings and be a part of our customer’s journey in selecting and buying cask whisky.”

Masters of whisky appreciation

Managing Director of Cask Trade, Simon Aron, says the opportunity for growth in Asia is unprecedented. Cask Trade has seen a 25% increase of their existing business in Asia already and expect to see further increase of a minimum of 25% in sales for the entire business by having a physical presence in the region.

“By opening in Hong Kong, we are addressing a demand from existing and potential customers throughout Asia offering direct access to casks for whatever purpose, at competitive UK prices with complete transparency and a seamless service,” says Aron, who adds: “Our company is all about an authentic marketplace for buying and selling casks of whisky. We have multiple exit strategies, including our online auction for casks – auctionyourcask.com. We want to supply all bottlers, investors and of course, whisky lovers! I think the Asian market will be both surprised and delighted with our competitive prices.”

John Wong

The new office based in the Admiralty District of Hong Kong will be headed up by John Wong.

A self-confessed whisky geek, Wong says, whilst the whisky scene is relatively new in the region, the level of expertise, passion and enthusiasm is remarkable.

“Drinkers from Greater China and Asia-Pacific are always seeking a diverse range of taste and flavour profiles in whisky. They look for rarity and investment opportunities with stories behind the liquid. With me on the ground in Hong Kong, I can immerse myself into the whisky community because there is nothing better than meeting face to face with a dram in your hand,” says Wong, who explains the demand isn’t just coming from Hong Kong. “The East Asian market is unique and our highly skilled and educated customers like to discuss whisky and learn from each other. It’s so much more than just buying and selling; we are embarking on a journey together.” 

Whisky investment done properly

Cask Trade has one of the largest and varied stock lists anywhere in the world. The team sample, taste, health check every cask and only sell stock that they own. It holds its own insurances and licenses and is not affiliated to any third party. Cask Trade HK enjoys all of the relevant licences direct with UK. This includes all of the UK HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) licences required to trade, store and bottle whisky (WOWGR, AWRS and Duty Representative).

Mirroring what Cask Trade has achieved in the UK, the new business in Hong Kong is looking to build a reputation as the go-to cask company in Asia.

Whisky on the rise in Asia

According to the Euromonitor report, by 2022 the value of whisky sales in China is expected to reach around £2.2 billion, 38.6% more than in 2018 and the volume of whisky sales is to reach 23.65 billion litres.

Direct exports increased from around £1.4 million in 2000 to around £89 million in 2019, reaching an annual growth rate of over 24% (CAGR 2000-2019). Around 25 bottles of Scotch whisky are exported to China every minute.

ABOUT CASK TRADE: 

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy market place for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.

• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.
• HMRC-issued AWRS Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme: Licenced to wholesale, bottle and retail.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade. It also offers…

• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated whisky investment guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.

Cask Trade has started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy. – Wherever possible. We validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee we can offer you the actual hammer price. Our low buyers’ fee of 15% will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com

https://www.auctionyourcask.com

#Ardbeg #Untamed Islay #ArdbegCommittee #Ardbeg8YearsOld #8ForDiscussion #Smoky #Whisky 

BORN OUT OF A WHISKY CREATOR’S HYPOTHESIS,

ARDBEG LAUNCHES THEIR NEW COMMITTEE ONLY WHISKY:

ARDBEG 8 YEARS OLD FOR DISCUSSION 

The Ardbeg Distillery invites its weird and wonderful Committee to join the conversation on their youthful new malt…

This month, Ardbeg will launch a brand new Committee only bottling – Ardbeg 8 Years Old. A Committee Exclusive, 8 Years Old is a big, youthful whisky, sure to excite the smoke-loving and insanely committed Ardbeg Committee.

This ‘For Discussion’ release started out as a thought experiment by Master Distiller Dr Bill Lumsden. As he sampled Ardbeg casks at different ages, he found new dimensions of smoky flavour in the spirit. He asked himself: What if, in an alternative universe, Ardbeg Ten Years Old was not the Distillery’s ‘flagship’ aged expression?  Perhaps a new whisky, smokier, but balanced by ex-Sherry casks, could be a worthy centrepiece to the Ardbeg core range?

This hypothesis is what gave birth to Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion. So now the time has now come for the Distillery to pose a question to their Committee Members… How does it taste? Ardbeg wants to hear what their fans have to say. So, they’re inviting Members both old and new to buy, try, then hop online to kickstart the conversation about their new malt. 

Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “Ardbeg 8 Years Old is a delectable, young and curious whisky – I like to think of it as the ‘alternative universe’ version of Ardbeg Ten Years Old. An aged ex-Sherry whisky is new territory for us, so naturally, we want some thoughts! We’re sharing this with the Committee’s experienced palates to help us find that smoky sweet spot. With notes of bold peat smoke, creosote, charcoal and salted caramel, it’s more than guaranteed to provoke discussion among those privileged enough to taste it.”

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “If there’s one thing we know about Ardbeggians, it’s that they’re an eclectic mix of people – whisky-mad and up for anything. But they’re all bonded by one shared passion – smoky Ardbeg malt. We look forward to hearing their thoughts on our latest expression.  And, to anybody not already part of the family, we invite you to join the Ardbeg Committee… and join in the conversation!”

To celebrate the launch of Ardbeg 8, Distillery Manager Colin Gordon will host a private online tasting for Committee Members only on 30^th July 2021. The Ardbeg Committee is free to join at Ardbeg.com/committee.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

TASTING NOTES:

Colour

Pale Straw

Nose

Intense with a burst of charcoal, creosote, tar and treacle toffee, with curious hints of something vegetal, like fennel, celery and green peppers. Once these subside, there are hints of milk chocolate, aniseed and wood smoke. With a little drop of water, some more herbal notes appear, like fennel, coriander and lavender, along with some characteristic Ardbeg aromatic wood smoke and a hint of fresh, salty sea spray.

Taste

A distinctively peppery mouthfeel eases into a complex symphony of flavours; treacle toffee, aniseed, salted caramel chocolate, eucalyptus, menthol and briar wood, to name but a few. The ‘tingling’, peppery sensation on the palate continues, with the sweeter flavours giving way to more savoury notes like charcoal, smoked bacon, burnt toast and tar.

Finish

The aftertaste is long and lingering, with a suggestion of peppermint and clove.

ABV: 50.8%

RRP: £57 

NOTES  

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Luxco announces fifth-anniversary release of Remus Repeal Reserve for September 2021

Remus Repeal Reserve Series V offers a rare medley of five bourbons ranging

 from 2005 to 2008 from its 174-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery

LAWRENCEBURG, IN (June 29, 2021) – Luxco will debut Remus Repeal Reserve Series V Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. A limited annual release, Series V is the fifth edition of the award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Produced to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Series V 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.

“Remus Repeal Reserve has been such an amazing journey for our distillery team, and we wanted to do something extraordinary for our fifth-year anniversary,” said Master Blender David Whitmer. “Series V exemplifies what our Remus Repeal collection stands for: to showcase the incredible range of medleys and aged reserves we work with in Lawrenceburg. Whether this is your first taste of our Remus Repeal collection or your fifth, Series V represents a particularly special opportunity for us to show you what great bourbon can be.”

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

Highly anticipated, previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including a Gold-Best in Class in the 2020 World of Whiskies Competition and 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine for Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series V retails for a suggested $89.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities in September 2021 to coincide with National Bourbon Heritage Month. Series V is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV.

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.