COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION WITH A WORLD’S FIRST FOR WHISKEY

-Blacks Launch 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish-

Just as 18 is a monumental age in a young person’s life, opening the doors to adulthood, it also holds a very special significance in the whiskey world, indicating a level of maturity and commitment to patience and craft.  For whiskey connoisseurs, in order to curate the perfect collection, they are constantly on the hunt for that special spirit which is rare and unique – a one of a kind.  The newest addition to the Blacks Brewery & Distillery portfolio, 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish, answers this brief.

Over the years Blacks have become accustomed to setting the industry trends and securing their place in history books with a number of firsts.  Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kinsale, Blacks are Ireland’s first co-located brewery & distillery. In 2018, husband and wife duo of Sam and Maudeline Black launched Ireland’s first-ever spiced rum, Blacks Spiced Rum, made entirely from start to finish in Ireland. Continuing to expand their offering Blacks Golden Rum hit the shelves and in 2020 took home the coveted gold award at the World Rum Awards.

With one simple mission, to escape the mundane of the mass market by producing beers with passion, personality and lots of hops, while also pushing the boundaries of flavour when crafting their range of award-winning spirits, Blacks are once again bringing us a world’s first.

Securing a limited amount of aged Single Malt that would complement the characteristics of their rum casks, which previously held their award-winning liquid gold, Blacks began the process of maturing a single malt whiskey with a unique twist.  After continuous sampling and endless hours of profiling, in April 2021 this treasure had reached peak maturation.

It is a whiskey lover’s dream come true! A world’s first for Irish Whiskey – an Irish Rum Cask finish. There are only 563 bottles of this limited edition 18 Year Old Single Malt, each individually numbered. For many whiskey collectors their collection remains unopened for many years, and so with every purchase Blacks are providing these whiskey fanatics with a free 20ml spirit sample so that they can also sip and enjoy this new Irish spirit.

Speaking in relation to this exciting new launch, founder Sam Black commented, “The idea stemmed from our desire to push the boundaries for Irish spirits and continue to bring about new and innovative releases.  We are very familiar with this rum cask style here at Blacks, but it is something completely new to even the most renowned whiskey connoisseurs.”

Presented in a bespoke treasure chest style box, this cask strength beauty comes in at 56% ABV and will transport you to a world never explored before by a whiskey drinker.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Opens with confected aromas of vanilla maple syrup, sticky toffee pudding and candied fruit. Slight hints of coffee beans are set aside by the oak wood undertones before being reminded of banoffee pie and tropical desserts.

Palate: A velvet soft, toffee rich mouthfeel gives way to notes of caramel coated nuts and butter baked biscuits. Sweet malt and rum spices then demand your attention, as exotic fruit notes push to the forefront of your palate.

Finish: An amazingly complex finish with lingering nutmeg spices and dried sultanas fading out before being left with the oak wood undertones that characterised this whiskey for the first 18 years of its life.

Retailing at €500 per bottle, this matured one-of-a-kind whiskey is available exclusively through the Blacks online store, www. blacksbrewery.com/shop/

To find out more about Blacks award-winning spirits and craft beers, or for more brewery and distillery offers and exclusives follow Blacks online at Facebook/BlacksOfKinsale, Instagram/blacksbrewery and Twitter @BlacksBrewery

New Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide Offers Visitors The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Experience

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour is celebrating its 22nd birthday with a new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide to help visitors plan and prepare for the ultimate journey behind America’s only native spirit.

The comprehensive guide contains 150 pages of information about the attraction, from maps and suggested itineraries to cocktail recipes, helpful tidbits, tasting notes and, of course, key data about participating distilleries on the KBT® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

And here’s the best part — Passport stamps now unlock access to special collectible bottles and private barrel selections, souvenir barware, tastings and other unique rewards at the 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail® participating distilleries.

“This new guide is a must-have resource for Kentucky Bourbon tourists as they explore the rich history and heritage of our signature spirit,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure in 1999.

“We’re really excited about all the rewards that now come with your Passport stamp. Visitors are clamoring for distinct bottles and exclusive souvenirs that they can only get in Kentucky. We listened, and our distilleries have worked hard to elevate their Kentucky Bourbon voyage.”

Adam Johnson, Senior Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences, said Passport owners will be able to register their Field Guide online to receive the latest news and events happening at their favorite distilleries.

The guide also has detailed information about each distillery that will help visitors tailor their trip, such as whether the distillery has an on-site restaurant or cocktails available, accepts online reservations, produces other spirits besides Bourbon and more.

“The KBT program has evolved so much over the last 22 years,” Johnson said. “It’s more about savoring the Bourbon journey than a race to complete your Passport. This new book is a perfect companion piece that allows guests to celebrate our legendary Bourbon culture with ease.”

The new Passport & Field Guide is for sale starting Thursday at participating distilleries for the suggested retail price of $5.99. Passport & Field Guides also can be ordered now at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® online shop at https://www.kybourbontrailshop.com.

“We are pleased to share with you an easy-to-use, fit-in-your-pocket, guide where you will discover Kentucky Bourbon is more than just a drink. It’s a way of life,” said Dee Ford, Chairwoman of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Advisory Panel.

“This has been a year in the making and we appreciate all the passion and energy that KDA members have devoted to making it come true,” said Ford, who is Brand Home Manager at Angel’s Envy in Louisville . “We can’t wait for you to meet our makers and be our tasters.”

Proceeds from the sale go directly to KDA responsibility and sustainability initiatives. The Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide emphasizes the KDA’s commitment to responsible consumption with transportation tips, tasting guidelines and visitor best practices.

“The KBT may have just come of legal age, but our industry has a long-standing commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of alcohol,” said Sara Barnes, KDA Director of Industry Responsibility and Sustainability.

“Visitors can purchase one of our new guides knowing that proceeds will help continue that pledge and also fund research and initiatives to ensure the sustainable stewardship of wood, water and grains that are vital to our communities and our future.”

The new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide also features the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the KDA created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the state’s flourishing boutique distilleries.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® includes 19 participating distilleries, with many more on the way. Visitors who complete each of its four territories earn a collectible challenge coin.

Fans who tour all stops get a custom barrel stave to display their coins.

“The new Passport & Field Guide also will serve as a go-to planning tool for our Craft Tour visitors as well,” Johnson said. “The challenge coins have been very popular for people who are taking the deeper dive into our craft distilleries.”

Johnson said visitors have until Dec. 31 to use old Passports to both the KBT® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences. For more information on the Passport programs, go to https://kybourbontrail.com/field-guide/.

KDA President Gregory said look for more news soon as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tours continue to expand with more stops, more merchandise for visitors (and finishers) and more benefits for Passport holders.

“There are so many ways to enjoy Kentucky Bourbon and even more to experience our culture and craft. As Adam said, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a journey, a quest. And there’s only one true and authentic home for Bourbon – Kentucky. The proof is here.”

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

JUDGES AWARD BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY SPIRITS WITH THREE DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AT WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 25, 2021) – Three spirits produced at Barton 1792 Distillery were awarded Double Gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, meaning each spirit received Gold medal ratings from every member on the judging panel during the judging process. Out of a record-breaking 3,500 entries from all corners of the world, ten Barton 1792 Distillery spirits were awarded medals. Each entry was subject to rounds of blind tastings and individual evaluation on both taste and design by judges.

“We are humbled to receive recognition for our spirits,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “These awards would not be possible without our team’s unwavering commitment to top-quality whiskey.”

Double Gold Medals went to:

• 1792 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Gold Medals went to:

• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver Medals went to:

• 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bronze Medals went to:

• Early Times Kentucky Whiskey

For more information on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit sfspiritscomp.com.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

DISCOVER LAIR UPON LAIR OF FLAVOUR IN ARDBEG SCORCH – THE DISTILLERY’S LATEST LIMITED EDITION 

The Ardbeg Distillery invites its noble fandom to join them for an online extravaganza and uncover the ‘lairs’ of flavour in their latest limited edition.

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg, which this year will take place entirely online. The Distillery invites smoky malt whisky lovers and fantasy buffs everywhere to join them on Ardbeg.com and social media, as fans come together to uncover the myth and the malt behind their new limited edition, Ardbeg Scorch.

Islay folk have long told tales of the island’s dragon, bravely slain by a heroic warrior many moons ago. And on 5 June 2021, Ardbeggians around the world will celebrate Ardbeg Day with a new whisky created in homage to this ‘true myth’. It is said this fiercely delicious dram is the mouthwatering product of Ardbeg’s own flavour-breathing beast, who dwells in Dunnage Warehouse No. 3, scorching staves and burning barrels…

Ardbeg Scorch has been matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks – heavily charred by the fiery exhale of Warehouse 3’s definitely-real-and-totally-not-made-up dragon*. Intense aromas of soot and smoke lie in wait, while grilled fare and black liquorice mingle with bold notes of medicinal lozenge. This truly is a dram of fantastical proportions.

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “This year will be my first Ardbeg Day ever: a baptism of fire! It’s a shame we Ardbeggians can’t enjoy it together in person, but the online event is shaping up to be tremendous fun. With a whole virtual world to explore, including fantasy inns, campfire tales, medieval feasts and live tastings, there’s plenty for people to be excited about this year.”

Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “Ardbeg Scorch is our tribute to the legendary dragon of Islay. By using our most heavily charred casks, we’ve created a fire-breathing beast of a dram!”  

Ardbeg Scorch will be available to buy from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre from 25^th May. For more news on this event and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at Ardbeg.com.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

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

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

ARDBEG DAY LINE UP:

All events will be virtual and hosted on Ardbeg.com and social media – Twitter: @Ardbeg and Instagram: @ardbeg

 ARDBEG SCORCH TASTING NOTES:

 Colour Bright brushed gold

Nose On the nose, frighteningly intense aromas of soot and smoke lie in wait. Hints of aniseed and fragrant patchouli interlace with bold notes of quenched steel and saddle soap. With a drop of water, herbal top notes of briar wood, sage and pine wisp their way to the fore.

Taste Take a sip and experience lair upon lair of flavour. An oily mouthfeel grips the senses. Billowy clouds of sweet smoke and dragon charred oak permeate the palate, while grilled fare and black liquorice weave between notes of medicinal lozenge.

Finish A long and heroic finale, with a subtle tarry aftertaste. A finish that will drag on, well into its happily ever after.

ABV: 46%

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 has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards in 2010, and 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.

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.

Evan Williams Bourbon Announces Major Redesign of

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

Bourbon returns to original proof with new, premium packaging

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon in the world, today announced a major redesign of Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. Named after the year Evan Williams first opened his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River, the Bourbon’s new, premium package celebrates Kentucky Bourbon’s first licensed endeavor. Returning to the original 90 proof, as denoted on the new bottom face label, the small batch Bourbon is the second highest proof in the Evan Williams Bourbon family.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch will be relaunched in a new proprietary glass bottle with the Evan Williams signature blown in across the top. ‘1783’ is prominently displayed in gold foil accent across the top label, as well as ‘small batch’ to signify the Bourbon inside is a mingling of 300 barrels or less. The bottle is crowned by an upgraded capsule finish featuring the same Evan Williams signature repeated in the background. Crafted with Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, Evan Williams 1783 also retains an extra-aged quality as it is a marriage of barrels aged six to eight years, providing a smooth, rich, and bold flavor.

“Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch pays homage to some of the earliest years of licensed distilling in Kentucky, and an important year for Bourbon and the Commonwealth’s signature industry,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager. “With a return to the original 90 proof, the award-winning mashbill of Evan Williams 1783 is full-flavored and works both as a cocktail base and stand-alone sipper. We are excited to bring more focus to what is known as the ‘best kept secret’ in the Evan Williams Bourbon family.”

Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783. As the first licensed commercial distiller in Kentucky, Evan Williams laid the initial groundwork of entrepreneurial success for the Kentucky Bourbon industry. The award-winning Evan Williams Bourbon Experience invites hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Louisville each year to walk through the same hand-crafted process Evan Williams began in 1783.

The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch relaunch will feature a new commercial called “Our Kind of People,” premiering this fall on national broadcast TV and connected TV. New point-of-sale will also feature the tagline, “When you do Bourbon right, people notice,” highlighting recent awards, including the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Consumers’ Choice SIP Award, winning Gold the first year and Double Gold the two consecutive. The brand will also be prominently featured in digital, social media and in-game advertising for the brands Major League Baseball post-season partnership. The new Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch ships nationwide in May with an SRP of $19.99.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past seven years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Douglas Laing Unveils Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” Series 

Leading independent bottler, Douglas Laing & Co, today reveals their Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” mini-series; comprising of a Jura 12 Years Old Single Malt, Port Dundas 16 Years Old Single Grain, Linkwood 12 Years Old Single Malt and a Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; each from just one Single Cask.

The family firm says its Cheers to Better Days Series has been bottled in “celebration of a brighter future ahead.” All four of the limited edition bottlings are noted to be “bursting with summer time character”. The bottles are visually-led by a “striking” orange label that features a bespoke, hand-drawn illustration which is intended to signify “joy, warmth, health and success.” The set is described as having “distinct, different and divine” flavour profiles; the Jura release with notes of “sea-salt, rich toffee and charred oak”, the Port Dundas revealing a palate of “freshly baked pancakes, toasted nuts and juiced pineapples”, the Linkwood with hints of “tangy green fruits, thick cream and buttery oat biscuits”, and the Bunnahabhain balancing a “melody of zesty citrus juices and sweet spices.”

Bottled at a punchy alcohol strength of 48.4% and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration, the collection is said to represent Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets”.

Cara Laing, Douglas Laing’s Director of Whisky, commented: “The light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all so desperately craving, has been truly and beautifully represented by this mini-series. The vivid orange label design is intended to stand on consumer’s shelves at home as a promising reminder that brighter days are just around the corner. The unique flavours that are encapsulated inside each and every one of these bottlings represent warmth, comfort and vibrancy – a taste of what’s to come.”

All four of these limited editions will be packaged in a premium gift tube. The Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” Jura 12 Years Old Single Malt and Port Dundas 16 Years Old Single Grain releases are expected to retail at £65/€75.50 and £85/€99 respectively, from good specialist retailers. The Linkwood 12 Years Old Single Malt bottling will retail at £75/€87.50 exclusively on douglaslaing.com and the Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Single Malt edition is expected to retail at £70/CN¥640 exclusively in Asia.

About Douglas Laing:

www.douglaslaing.com
Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Twitter: @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”.

SLÀINTE! NEW LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY CELEBRATES SCOTLAND’S TOURNAMENT RETURN AFTER 23 YEARS

Whisky lovers will soon be raising a glass to a new limited-edition single malt that has been specially ageing for nearly 23 years – and has only been released to mark Scotland’s reappearance at a major men’s football tournament.

Released by the Gleann Mòr Spirits Company, the Rare Find whisky has been produced in a unique partnership with the Scotland National Team.

The dram was first poured into its cask on 24 June 1998 – the day after Scotland went out of the World Cup to Morocco, losing 3-0 in St Etienne, France.

After decades of hurt, it will now be bottled the day before Scotland’s opening fixture of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic on 14 June 2021 at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Karin Mair of Gleann Mòr Spirits said: “We are delighted to finally be able to share this special edition with Scotland’s long-suffering football fans.

“During the almost 23 years that it’s been ageing, Scotland may have endured football heartache, but this sublime single malt has been waiting patiently, developing its distinctively divine character.

“Along with the rest of the nation, we’ve also waited patiently, but the time has finally come to crack open this whisky and toast Scotland’s return to the major football stage.”

Only 280 individually numbered bottles will be made available, giving aficionados an unrivalled opportunity to own a unique piece of Scottish footballing history.

Karin added: “This whisky is a truly historic collector’s item that no fan of football or fine malt will want to miss.

“Its creation has been a long time coming and we know there will be plenty to celebrate on and off the pitch when it’s finally poured.”

Tasting notes

Big, bold and salty on the nose with a hint of sweet autumnal peat and baked apples in the mouth, the sweet peat develops into a sugary cereal layer with a softly spice, gentle ash and a dulcet phenolic finish.

How to buy

The limited-edition Rare Find, which originated from Cask 353892 at the Bowmore distillery, is the star player in a glittering line-up of Scottish National Team whiskies.

Only available to pre-order online, its team-mates in the Gleann Mòr squad are:

• Glen Elgin 20-year-old single malt – a smooth and classy dram combining sweetly satisfying Scottish honey, warm spice and butter toffee.
• Scottish National Team Blended Malt Whisky – a mix of select Speyside single malts, rich in lemon shortbread, dried fruit and toasted oak flavours.
• Scottish National Team Blended Whisky – a winning combination of strength and style, with warming tones of toffee, vanilla, pears and spiced oak.

To find out more and order, please go to http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt.

NOTES:

The Gleann Mòr Spirits Company was founded in 2013 by Derek and Karin Mair. Born from a passion for rare find whiskies and single cask editions, it has quickly become known as the place to go for a unique and hard-to-find dram. For further details about Rare Find, or to explore any of its other premium spirits, please contact:

E: hello@gmspirits.com

W: http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt

WATERFORD DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTIST LEAH HEWSON FOR THE LAUNCH OF ITS FLAGSHIP WHISKY: THE CUVÉE

Leading Irish visual artist, Leah Hewson, has released her latest work, but you won’t find it in a gallery or exhibition.

Partnering with Waterford Distillery, Hewson has created Binary Assimilation – an original artwork for the bottle label of the distillery’s flagship single malt whisky coming this autumn: The Cuvéee.

Hewson’s aim was to celebrate the ‘many layers and complexities within Waterford’s distillation process and the immense sensory experience of consumption’.

Waterford’s unique methodology is terroir-driven. The concept, which is commonly practised by the world’s greatest winemakers, is based on the principle that factors such as weather, soil, and microclimate influence the flavours found in barley and the whisky made from it.

To make its multiple award-winning Single Farm Origin whiskies, Waterford Distillery maintains the integrity of each crop of barley by harvesting, storing, malting and distilling it separately. Each Single Farm Origin has been produced separately using barley grown only on individual terroirs throughout the South of Ireland.

This individuality can be celebrated in its own right, but the ultimate aim is to layer these component spirits together – in precisely the same manner as a Grand Vin in Burgundy, or Grand Cuvée in Champagne – for ultimate complexity. The whole, greater than simply the sum of its parts.

This means – for the first time in whisky production anywhere – Waterford Distillery is assembling 23 different Single Farm Origin component single malts to create the definitive Waterford Whisky: The Cuvéee. It is a lodestar for the brand and a milestone bottling.

Leah Hewson’s original artwork reflects the intricate nature of such a milestone product. Two computer-generated images that are depicted in paint have been divided into strips and overlaid with opaque and transparent red and green stripes, and a neon squiggle in to create ’ambiguity and illusion’.

Leah Hewson said: ”Binary Assimilation celebrates the many layers and complexities of Waterford’s approach to whisky production. The brand’s scientific and methodical approach reflects my own and this provided an inspiration to sync art, flavour and character into something visually striking. By building the piece in layers through colour, I was able to create new dimensional effects to match the concept of The Cuvéee.”

Mark Reynier, Founder and CEO of Waterford Distillery said: “This is no ordinary whisky – it’s our lodestar, a key milestone on our terroir-driven journey – our raison d’etre. Its vision, evolution derived from unprecedented logistics, merits an equally outstanding label. We commissioned one of Ireland’s leading artists, Leah Hewson, to create a contemporary image that was unlike another whisky label. One that shared the elemental construct, evoking vibrancy, a bold statement and a multi-layered feel. A label unlike any other, for a whisky unlike any other.”

ABOUT WATERFORD DISTILLERY 

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited-edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, one place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

ABOUT LEAH HEWSON

Hewson has a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from IADT. She has accomplished four solo exhibitions, the most notable of which were ‘Ammo Veil’ at The Hillsboro Fine Art gallery in July 2018 and ‘Scintilla’ at The Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin in February 2017. This was the culmination of work produced during a six-month residency at The Royal Hibernian Academy School.

Other residencies include a six month residency at the NARS Foundation in Brooklyn New York in 2018, SIM Residency in Berlin in 2019 and Wilton Park Studios Residency, Dublin in 2019/2020.

Hewson won the Whyte’s Award for painting at the 190th RHA Annual Exhibition, was shortlisted for the Hennessy Craig Biennial Award in 2019, is accredited with the Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Travel Bursary Award 2018 and won the ‘Special Prize for Contemporary Art’ at the ‘Biennial of Humour and Satire in Art’, Bulgaria in 2017.

Her work continues to be internationally collected by private collectors in New York, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, and Spain. Public collections include The Trinity College Dublin History of Art collection, The Office of Public Works, Dublin, The Law Society of Ireland, and the Microsoft Collection. Other recent activity includes the commissioning of ‘Abiding Traces’, by IPut. This 8 x 27 metres piece was exhibited on Sir John Rogersons Quay from May 2019 to August 2020. Hewson was also in the group exhibition ‘Assemble’ at Atelier Maser in August 2020.

Two New Collections Land At Mark Littler LTD

Mark Littler LTD continues to bring to market unique collections and verticals and this month have listed two new collections, each offering the buyer a unique collecting or drinking opportunity.

The first collection contains something for everyone, featuring bottlings and vintages from a wide range of distilleries. Comprising 44 bottles dating from the 1980s to the 2000s the collection includes a mix of discontinued and now scarce bottlings, with the majority enjoyed by whisky lovers when they were first released. With many of these bottlings produced as the whisky industry sought to revive itself following distillery closures during the 1980’s ‘Whisky Loch’, production from the majority of distilleries was small scale using traditional floor-malting methods and high-quality casks for maturation. A number of these classic bottlings are either early vintage expressions or the inspiration for now renowned single malt whiskies, released at a time when the historic blending powerhouses of Scotland slowly adapted to the newly buoyant single malt market.

The collection features a selection of bottlings from ranges including the Classic Malts of Scotland and the Flora & Fauna collection introduced by blending groups and spirit companies to promote single malts to the mass market. Introduced in 1988, the Classic Malts of Scotland was a selection of six single malt whiskies released by United Distillers (later Diageo) to showcase the range of flavours available in single malts whiskies produced across Scotland’s whisky regions. The Cragganmore 12-Year-Old and Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old representing the Speyside and Highland whisky regions respectively, are vintage expressions of popular single malts still widely available today. The Glenkinchie 10-Year-Old which originally represented the Lowland region was discontinued in 2007, and replaced by a 12-Year-Old expression.

In the early 1990’s, United Distillers released a new range to showcase whiskies from its lesser-known distilleries whose output was normally destined only for blends. The Flora & Fauna range, nicknamed by the late whisky writer Michael Jackson, was a themed series of single malt releases each depicting the image of a local animal or plant on the label. Gradually as distilleries were commercialised, closed or sold, the Flora & Fauna range contacted with discontinued bottlings becoming increasingly collectable. The collection features two Flora & Fauna early vintage bottlings distinguished by their wooden presentation boxes depicting the same label images, the Dailuaine 16-Year-Old and Bladnoch 10-Year-Old. The Dailuaine 16-Year-Old is one of the few official bottlings released from the distillery, and while still popular amongst whisky enthusiasts later batches are sold without the presentation box. The Bladnoch 10-Year-Old was the only bottling the distillery produced under the ownership of United Distillers, who acquired Bladnoch in 1989 and decommissioned the distillery in June 1993. Depicting a Broad Leaved Helleborine wild orchid on the label which grow behind the Bladnoch distillery, this vintage expression represents a past incarnation of whisky from a distillery which has redefined its malt style since revival under new ownership.

Echoing the Flora & Fauna range, the collection also includes bottlings from independent bottler Signatory’s Scottish Wildlife series. Released in collaboration with the Scottish Wildlife Trust from the early 1990’s to 2000, bottles from each distillery depicted images and descriptions of Scottish wildlife with a donation from each sale going to the Trust. The collection features bottlings released as part of this series from the Strathmill, Balmenach, and Mortlach distilleries all with an age statement of 10 years. Scottish wildlife depicted on these bottles are the Red Squirrel, the Capercaillie, and Hen Harrier bird of prey respectively.

Available now for £4,618

Buy here: https://shop.marklittler.com/product/44-bottle-collection/

This second collection features a number of limited and commemorative bottlings from Islay’s Ardbeg and Kilchoman distilleries, and Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery. Individual special releases from distilleries including Ben Nevis, Glenfiddich and Talisker, ensure this collection offers the opportunity for any whisky collector to acquire bottlings from a diverse group of renowned distilleries.

The Ardbeg bottlings include the first release following Ardbeg’s revival in 1997 when the distillery was purchased by Glenmorangie for £7 million, a 17-Year-Old bottling. As Ardbeg was refurbished to resume full production, Glenmorangie sought to re-establish the Ardbeg brand creating this 17-Year-Old expression from the existing maturing whisky stock distilled prior to Ardbeg’s closure. Ardbeg Renaissance is a conclusion of the Very Young, Still Young, and Almost There series, a quartet of commemorative limited bottlings following the maturation of Ardbeg’s malt first distilled after the distillery revival. Released in 2008 the Ardbeg Renaissance was the first 10-Year-Old bottling of the distillery’s ‘new’ spirit, and the basis for popular core range Ardbeg 10-Year-Old.

A Committee Release bottling, Ardbeg Rollercoaster commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, a worldwide group of fans and enthusiasts officially founded on the 1st January 2000. The Committee’s aim is to ensure Ardbeg never closes again, with members promoting knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg amongst whisky drinkers. The Committee Releases are highly sought bottlings of Ardbeg’s rare or experimental casks only available to members. First released on 15th February 2010, Ardbeg Rollercoaster was meet with considerable excitement as 50,000 Committee members attempted to purchase the limited release of 15,000 bottles, crashing Ardbeg’s website for hours. Ardbeg Rollercoaster was created using a portion of Ardbeg’s malt distilled every year between 1997 – 2006.

The collection features the four earliest bottlings from Kilchoman distillery, which first began production in December 2005. Kilchoman is unique for completing all aspects of the whisky making process, from growing and malting barley to distillation and maturation on Islay. Initially a small-scale artisan distillery with a production capacity of 90,000 – 100,000 litres, the success and demand for Kilchoman’s early bottlings have prompted an expansion to increase capacity. Kilchoman Anticipation was released in 2006 aged 2 years as a new make spirit, as the minimum maturation period for Scotch whisky is 3 years Anticipation cannot legally be termed as whisky. The first Kilchoman single malt bottling is the Inaugural Release, released in 2009 and matured for up to 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in a sherry cask for 6 months. Kilchoman’s following Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010 releases were both released with 3-Year-Old age statements, and further experimented using ex-bourbon casks for maturation and oloroso sherry casks for finishing.

The Springbank bottlings featured in this collection both date from 1989, the year Springbank resumed full production after being mothballed for much of the 1980s during the ‘Whisky Loch’ period. The Springbank distillery actually produces three contrasting styles of whisky, including the medium-peated Springbank and heavily peated Longrow. An Islay style malt, Longrow was first distilled at Springbank distillery in 1973 and is named after the neighbouring Longrow distillery which closed in 1896. Springbank’s Wood Expressions series experiments with a mix of cask and spirit types on the distillery’s three styles of whisky for maturation to produce a range of limited editions. Springbank 1989 12 Year Rum was matured in a combination of rum hogsheads and barrels, with 5700 bottles filled in April 2002. Longrow 1989 13 Year Sherry Wood was matured in ex-sherry casks, with 2350 bottles filled in November 2002.

The collection features a number of individual limited distillery bottlings, each with distinctive vintages and stories. Ben Nevis 1984 25-Year-Old originates from the Ben Nevis distillery which sits at the base of its namesake, Scotland’s highest mountain. First distilled in December 1984 this limited edition Highland single malt was double matured, firstly in an ex-bourbon barrel for 14 years and re-racked into a sherry cask in October 1998 for a further decade before being bottled in January 2010.

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix is the commemoration of an extreme weather accident at the Glenfiddich distillery. In 2010, heavy snow caused the partial collapse of Glenfiddich’s warehouse roof exposing maturing casks to the elements, and -19°C temperatures. Glenfiddich staff worked around the clock to save the casks, leading the Malt Master to select and marry oloroso and American oak from amongst the rescued casks to create Snow Phoenix.

A mysterious bottling from Douglas McNiven & Co 80/20 Scotch Whisky is the result of a mistake from Glenmorangie. In 1999, a blending error led to casks of Glenmorangie 21-Year-Old getting accidentally mixed with an undisclosed 3-Year-Old blend at the bottling plant. The proportions were 80% Glenmorangie to 20% mystery whisky.

An annual release from Talisker the oldest distillery on Skye, the Distillers Edition is double matured for up to 6 months in ex-amoroso sherry casks. Diageo’s Distillers Edition range showcase regional whisky styles presenting a new perspective of single malts from popular distilleries through cask finishing, giving a new dimension to well loved drams. As just one batch of each Distillers Edition is produced annually, this Talisker which was distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2001 represents a vintage expression.

Available now for £5,125

Buy here: https://shop.marklittler.com/product/18-bottle-collection/

ABOUT MARK LITTLER LTD

Mark Littler LTD are whisky brokers based in the North West of England.  With a wealth of expertise of the secondary market they are able to provide their clients with the insight and analysis they need to make informed purchases and sales.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS RECOGNIZED WITH 25 AWARDS AT TASTING COMPETITION 

12 of the Award-Winning Whiskeys Produced at the Distillery Receive Double Gold Medals 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 20, 2021) Twenty-five whiskeys produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery were awarded medals at the 2021 San Francisco Spirits Competition Awards. Out of those whiskeys, 12 were awarded Double Gold medals, meaning each whiskey received Gold medal ratings from every member on the judging panel during the judging process. Each entry was subject to rounds of blind tastings and individual evaluation on both taste and design by judges.

“We are proud to be recognized out of over 3,500 entries,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “These awards would not be possible without the hard work of such a dedicated team at the Distillery.”

Double Gold Medals went to:

• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Sazerac Thomas H. Handy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur

Gold Medals went to:

• W. L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey
• Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver Medals went to:

• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

For more information on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit sfspiritscomp.com.

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.