THE DUBLINER IRISH WHISKEY COLLABORATES WITH RASCAL’S BREWERY

FOR LIMITED-EDITION BEER CASK SERIES

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey has launched The Dubliner Smoked Stout Whiskey, the first release from the brand’s latest limited-edition collection, The Dubliner Whiskey Beer Cask Edition Series, following a collaboration with one of Ireland’s leading craft brewers, Rascal’s Brewing Company.

The Dubliner Smoked Stout Edition is a whiskey packed with personality and flavour, bottled at 40% ABV. If freshly baked oat cookies, honeyed sweetness and fresh cinnamon spice, followed by big creamy maltiness and subtle toasty smokiness floats your boat, this is one whiskey you’re going to need in your life. 

You’ll need to be quick though -The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Smoked Stout is a limited edition with fewer than 2000 bottles on sale, available to customers in Ireland now online from www.thedld.com for €35.

This latest collaboration saw the award-winning Dubliner Irish Whiskey share their ex-bourbon whiskey casks with fellow Dublin neighbour and independent Irish craft brewer, Rascal’s, with the brewers filling the casks with their high quality, unfiltered and unpasteurised beer.

Following bottling, the casks were returned to the Dubliner team, with each cask refilled with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, allowing the flavours of the beer, having soaked into the casks, to seep into the three-year-old whiskey, creating a delicious blend that’s set to excite whiskey and beer fans alike.

“We are excited to launch the Dubliner Smoked Stout Irish Whiskey in Ireland. This is the latest in our flavour work on the brand. Dubliner Irish Whiskey is committed to making whiskey accessible for anyone to try. Big on flavour, it is sure to appeal to whiskey and beer drinkers alike.” Bronagh Hunt, Global Brand Director, Irish Whiskeys at Quintessential Brands.

There will be more releases from The Dubliner and Rascal’s in the coming months so keep your eyes peeled for more news soon – top tip: you’ll hear of the latest releases first by following the brand on Instagram so check out The Dubliner Irish Whiskey (@dublinerwhiskey).

ABOUT THE DUBLINER

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic distillery team located at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties, the old whiskey district of Ireland; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production. The Dubliner range is available to purchase at www.theDLD.com . 

ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

Established in 2011, Quintessential Brands Group is one of the most successful spirits companies to emerge from the UK in the last decade. The company offers a complete range of services and products to its customers across the world; producing and distributing some of the world’s most-loved spirits brands, including Greenall’s, the Original London Dry Gin, Opihr Spiced Gin and BLOOM Gin, as well as developing and producing some of the most commercially successful retailer brands of recent years for trade customers, and co-packing for some of the world’s most well-known spirits brands.

Recognised by the industry as International Spirits Challenge Gin Distiller of the Year five times in the last six years, Quintessential Brands is renowned for its unrivalled gin distilling capabilities heritage dating back to 1761 and is emerging as one of the most dynamic new entrants in the Irish whiskey market with the Dublin Liberties Distillery. With world-class product development and manufacturing at four world-class production sites across Europe and an award-winning premium brand portfolio comprised of English Gins, Irish Whiskeys, Irish Creams and Liqueurs, Quintessential Brands is committed to being the indispensable spirits partner of choice to its customers across the world, with customers and insights at the heart of everything we do.

Headquartered in London, Quintessential Brands Group distributes its brands and services through regional business units and distributors internationally.

For more information, visit the Quintessential Brands website: https://quintessentialbrands.com

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS WELCOME DELAY ON DOUBLING OF E.U. WHISKEY TARIFFS

For Immediate Release – May 17, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The historic Kentucky Distillers’ Association today applauded the joint U.S. and E.U. decision to delay the doubling of tariffs on Bourbon and American whiskey that were set to automatically increase June 1.

“This is welcome news as distillers in Kentucky and across America were perilously close to a crippling blow on European exports,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “This gives both sides some breathing room to return to free and fair trade and once again level the playing field for Kentucky’s signature spirit.

“We deeply appreciate the leadership the Biden Administration, Congressmen John Yarmuth and Andy Barr, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and all global leaders who are working to resolve this ongoing trade dispute that has slashed exports and jeopardized the certainty of our largest overseas markets.”

Tariffs imposed on U.S. spirits slashed Kentucky Bourbon exports by 35% in 2020, with shipments to the European Union plummeting by nearly 50%. Sales to the U.K., formerly Kentucky’s largest market in the EU, also have been decimated by 50%.

Distilleries in 36 states exported whiskey in 2020, with Kentucky ranking second behind Tennessee. Total American Whiskey exports reported a similar downturn, declining 29% from 2018 to 2020. U.S. whiskey exports to the EU fell sharply 37% in that time and sank 53% to the U.K.

“We are obviously thrilled that discussions have started and both sides are committed to resolving this issue by the end of the year,” Gregory said. “We look forward to getting back to zero tariffs and what we do best – crafting the finest Bourbon for all the world to enjoy.”

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 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian — Responsibly.

THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO.’S FIRST RELEASE STRIKES GOLD IN THIS YEAR’S GLOBAL AND HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL A’ DESIGN AWARDS

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. wins the highest scoring Gold award in ‘Packaging Design Category’ for The Devil’s Keep Experience Box

12^th May 2021, London The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. achieved Gold in the ‘Packaging Design Category 2020-2021’ of the A’ Design Award for The Devil’s Keep experience box, which was the luxury Irish whiskey’s first release. The A’ Design Award and Competition is the world’s most prestigious and influential design accolade, which acknowledges the best design and most innovative products from international brands and designers.

With over 4,000 entries submitted from the world’s top designers, the competition is judged by over 200 jury members from the International Design Academy, to form The Grand A’ Design Award Jury Panel, including design professionals, press and academics, who award brands across five categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron. The award-winning products and designs will be formally announced at the official A’ Design Award Gala-Night and Exhibition in Italy, which will take place later this year.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was the highest scoring Gold Award, achieving 9.9 within the top 2% of the category, missing out on Platinum to Pepsi Co’s redesigned packaging. It was the only whiskey brand to be awarded ‘Gold’, within the ‘Packaging Design Category’, alongside over 20 innovative brands awarded Gold in the A’ Design Award. It marks The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s third win of the year after being awarded ‘Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack’ for the design of The Devil’s Keep experience box at The Luxury Packaging Awards 2020 and Highly Commended for the design of The Devil’s Keep bottle in the ‘Luxury Drinks Primary Pack’ award in February 2021.

The Devil’s Keep is a rare triple distilled, 29-year-old single malt whiskey and one of the finest whiskies that Ireland has ever created. It was the first release from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., making this accolade a moment of particular significance for Founder, Jay Bradley, and Design Director, Tiago Russo. The launch of The Devil’s Keep in November 2020 saw just 333 bottles released – with an additional 333 expected later this year. It was the most expensive inaugural first release in history, which sold at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros), and the oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey in existence, only to be topped by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s second release in February 2021 of the 30-year-old The Emerald Isle Collection.

The Devil’s Keep was designed to be a multi-sensorial experience, which engages all five senses. The Devil’s Keep bottle is encased in an experience box made up of two custom-locked cases, secured by bespoke brass Japanese style locks. The minimalist outer case of the experience box has a dark stained oak finish and a bolt of geometric gold detailing, while the burgundy leather walls that line the inner case help to refract the colours of the whiskey. Housed inside the box are the exquisite whiskey accessories: two uniquely designed glasses, an atomiser, a measure of barley, a carafe of water, a pipette and whiskey stones. To protect the main packaging, a structural transit box was designed in two parts, allowing a vertical extraction which makes the experience as effortless and ergonomic as possible.

No detail was overlooked in its creation, from the vial of barley sourced from the same malting house that housed the original barley for the whiskey, through to the carafe filled with water sourced from the Antrim hills which was also used for the original whiskey. A custom-designed pipette enables water to be applied precisely to release the micelles and the flavours, while obsidian whiskey stones can be used in place of ice to prevent the dilution of the whiskey. A special ‘angels’ share’ atomiser has been designed by expert perfumer Sarah McCartney, which is unique to The Devil’s Keep. It captures the unmistakable aroma of walking through the halls of a whiskey warehouse full of maturing whiskey, evaporating into the ether. Bespoke glasses, a custom numbered whiskey certificate and a detailed booklet which tells the story of The Devil’s Keep are housed in each door.

Tiago Russo, Design Director at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., said: “It is a huge honour for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. to be recognised amongst some of the most well-established brands in the world. The A’ Design Award is the highest achievement in design, celebrating exceptional work from some of the most renowned names in the industry. Through the power of design, I was able to create a product that brings to life the story of The Devil’s Keep and celebrates Irish heritage and whiskey through a multi-sensory experience. The accolade is particularly special as The Devil’s Keep is the brand’s first release, and it now sets the benchmark for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. in the future as one of the brands to watch in the luxury whiskey space.”

Jay Bradley, Founder at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., commented: “I am so proud that we have been recognised in the A’ Design Award for The Devil’s Keep. It has taken our team years of dedication, craftsmanship and passion to create a unique whiskey experience. To be recognised in such a prestigious category is a huge achievement, which has allowed us to take centre stage alongside some of the most exceptional products in the world. Through the launch of The Devil’s Keep, my mission was to challenge global perceptions of Irish whiskey by creating the most luxurious drinking experience – ultimately filling the gap in the market for ultra-luxury Irish whiskey.”

Following the success of The Devil’s Keep and The Emerald Isle Collection in partnership with Fabergé, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. will announce its third release in June 2021.

For further information about The Devil’s Keep, please visit: https://www.craftirishwhiskey.com/the-devils-keep/ Instagram: @craftirishehiskeyco

Website: https://www.craftirishwhiskey.com/the-devils-keep
Video: https://vimeo.com/473493966 (password: watch)

Notes:

Price: 10,000 Euros

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.:

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is different. This is not mass-produced whiskey, but an attention to detail and crafting processes that create the very finest craft Irish whiskey.

The company sources rare whiskey and uses ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature its whiskey due to the high quality of the wood and previous spirit or wine that helps deliver complex flavour profiles. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., knows that a premium level of spirit stored in this type of barrel adds deep and complex flavours into the finish which produces a phenomenal Irish whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. uniquely cask their whiskey at 52% ABV. Adding water in at the start allows the water and whiskey to marry over time creating a far smoother whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of the The MICHELIN Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021.

https://vimeo.com/457863988

History of Irish Whiskey

 It is little known that Ireland invented whiskey in the 14th century and dominated the sector. By the 1800s, a group known as the ‘Dublin Whiskey Masters’ brought the art of whiskey making to its zenith with iconoclastic disruption. However, although Irish whiskey suffered a dramatic decline due to an unfortunate set of geopolitics, it is now being reborn and today, clawing back past glories. Ireland’s emerging, small-scale but disruptive distilleries have the talent and freedom to innovate whiskey on a scale not seen since the 19th century. The Devil’s Keep sees the age-old secrets of Ireland’s whiskey masters re-imagined with the launch of the oldest ever released triple distilled Irish whiskey and the most expensive first release in the history of whiskey.

About the A’ Design Award:

The A’ Design Award and Competition is for designers, innovators and companies that want to highlight themselves to attract the attention of media, publishers and buyers. In a world where there are millions of products and designs launch each year, the award was born out of the desire to underline the best designs and well-designed products. The award-winning products and designs are highlighted to the international public via the A’ Design Award Gala-Night and Exhibition in Italy and they are communicated to all relevant press across the world.

 For 2020 – 2021 there are 211 Jury Members forming the International Design Academy – The Grand A’ Design Award Jury Panel, composed of design professionals, press members and academics.

The full list of winners (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) can be found here: https://competition.adesignaward.com/winners.php

Waterford Distillery awarded Best Irish Whiskey and Best Irish Single Malt in World Spirits Competition.

Thursday, 6^th May 2021: Barley forward Terroir-driven producer, Waterford Distillery, has won best in class and five medals at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the industry’s most influential and prestigious global tasting events.

Leading the way was Waterford’s Single Farm Origin: Hook Head, which won not only the “Best Irish Single Malt” title but also picked up the overall award for the “Best Irish Whiskey”.

The Waterford whiskies received high praise from the judging panel, adding to Waterford’s flurry of prestigious industry awards wins this year, firmly establishing the new boy on the block as one of the world’s leading distillers.

Established in 2000, the annual SFWSC event revealed its winners across a range of sectors, judged by some of the most respected and experienced experts in the spirits industry. All entries are judged via controlled blind tasting to determine the best in class amongst some of the world’s most premium spirits.

Waterford collected the following titles:

• BEST IRISH WHISKEY & BEST IRISH SINGLE MALT: Single Farm Origin – Hook Head Edition 1.1.

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Hook Head: Edition 1.1
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Dunmore: Edition 1.2
• GOLD MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Dunbell Edition 1.2
• GOLD MEDAL: Organic – Gaia: Edition 1.1
• SILVER MEDAL: Single Farm Origin – Lakefield: Edition 1.1

Mark Reynier, CEO of Waterford Distillery, commented: “We entered five whiskies and came away with seven awards, including “Best Irish Whiskey” of all.  At a mere four years of age, perhaps proof that fancy age statements don’t necessarily equate to quality in the eyes of competition judges. There’s no secret to making Ireland’s best whisky: Ireland’s best barley; fermenting cool and controlled; distilling low and slow; and the finest good wood.

“To win the two main category prizes at the world’s most prestigious competition in our first year is indeed humbling – but imagine how good these whiskies will be with a few more years of maturation.”

Unlike other producers, Waterford Distillery’s focus is on exploring barley grown on the diverse terroirs of the South East of Ireland, and ultimately how these influence the flavours of single malt whisky – as proven in their pioneering academic paper, published in the top peer-review journal Foods earlier this year. The concept, which is commonly practiced among the greatest wine producers, is the principle that factors such as weather, soil, and microclimate influence the flavours of found in barley to create truly authentic flavours of a place.

To show its terroir-driven approach, Waterford Distillery has a unique a digital logistical system to keep track of each farmer’s crop – how it is harvested, stored, malted and distilled separately – guaranteeing the integrity of each Single Farm Origin – this is shown to drinkers on every bottle of whisky via their pioneering TEIREOIR code.

Notes 

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, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s ultimate aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

For more information, visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/

Shene Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky Takes Home Five Double Gold and 1 Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco from April 1st through April 20th, with Shene Distillery taking home prestigious Double Gold medals for Shene Elixir of Life Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 49% abv, Shene Solera Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 49% abv, Shene Mackey Trinity Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 49% abv, Shene Trinity Enigma Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 49% abv, Shene Mackey Triple Distilled Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 63.3% abv, and a Gold medal for Shene Cognac Release Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky 49% abv.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. This year the competition was another record-breaking year that more than 3,500 entries from all corners of the world.

“Each year’s results are closely followed, both by consumers eager for the expert judgements and more importantly by the trade, especially the distributor community. Many a craft distillery startup has found that recognition by the SFWSC is the golden key to unlocking broad national, and often, international distribution. Even established producers look to the SFWSC for confirmation of their core ranges, as well as validation of new products and new production techniques.” – Joseph V Micallef in a 2021 Forbes Article.

The 30+ judges of the 2021 Competition are established spirits industry experts, including Anthony Dias Blue (Executive Director), author, editor, publisher, and one of the most influential food, wine,and spirits writers and lifestyle personalities in the U.S.A and Jeffrey Morgenthaler (Director of Judging), of Clyde Common at Portland’s Ace Hotel, named America’s Bartender of the Year and the country’s Best Cocktail and Spirits Writer at the 2016 Spirited Awards.

The SFWSC is a blind-tasting competition considered one of the most reliable indications of spirits excellence globally. The judges determine which entries are worthy of Gold, Silver or Bronze based on tasting alone. “Double Gold—Awarded to the entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world.” San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Shene Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is proudly milled, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured and bottled onsite.

Shene Distillery
www.shene.com.au

Evan Williams Bourbon Announces 2021 American-Made Heroes

American-Made Hero Foundation Fund 2021 grant applications now open

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery. This special edition label of Evan Williams Black Bourbon celebrates the heroic stories of military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad (bios included below). New for this year, invitations to be featured as an American-Made Hero were extended to veterans whose affiliate organization applied through the American-Made Hero Foundation Fund grant process. The 2021 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes were selected from more than 472 grant applications and are featured on more than 474,000 bottles available nationwide.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced the 2021 class of veterans selected as American-Made Heroes. Each veteran’s picture and story of service in their active duty and civilian life will be featured on the side of the special-edition Evan Williams Black Bourbon label. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, now in its second year, will award support through the 2021 Veteran Community Action grants.

The 2021 American Hero edition packaging received the same new look as the Evan Williams Bourbon family, first announced in September 2020. The new signature bottle is complemented by a curved blue label adorned with red and white stripes and stars, and blue capsule featuring “Evan Williams” on the bottle neck. Proudly displayed on the side of each bottle is one of the brand’s key taglines “American Owned, American Made, American Proud” celebrating Evan Williams’ legacy as Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. Each Evan Williams American-Made Hero embodies Evan Williams’ values: hard-working, humbly confident, reliable, and imbued with American spirit, with their stories prominently featured on the side of the label along with their picture, name, and military title.

“We are honored to share the stories of this diverse group of veterans who have upheld the American spirit through extraordinary acts of service,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Senior Brand Manager. “Through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund we are humbled to offer help to organizations that support veterans and lift up these communities.”

Applications are now open from May 17, 2021 through June 18, 2021 for the 2021 Veteran Community Action Grants through the American-Made Hero Foundation Fund. Grant applications are open to a variety of projects that help veterans including, but not limited to, initiatives in education, employment, the arts, recreation, housing, health, and human needs. Each project makes a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and improves the enjoyment and quality of life for veterans. Full grant eligibility, rules and application details can be found here. First announced in April 2020, the fund focused its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awarded more than $70,000 to over 30 nonprofit organizations that supported veterans who were impacted by COVID. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 42 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and donated more than $375,000 to nonprofits including FOB Hope, Backpacks for Life, Combined Arms, Hero’s Bridge, and more.

The Evan Williams American Hero Program will be supported this year with a new brand commercial, ‘Tried & True,’ that emphasizes the brand’s continued support and admiration of military veterans and their service to both country and community. The commercial will be featured through digital and social media. The brand has also launched an updated website, which highlights the new class of American-Made Heroes featured on the bottle and the American-Made Heroes Foundation.

The 2021 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

Roman Baca, New York, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps: Roman enlisted before 9/11 and went from performing classical ballet to serving with the 25th Marines. His dance training and military training come together at Exit12: a dance company that shares veterans’ stories of survival through powerful performance art. To learn more about Exit12 Dance Company, visit https://exit12danceco.org/.

Rita Aragon, Oklahoma City, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.): As a young single mother, Rita made the decision to enlist in 1979. She retired after a decorated 28-year career, becoming the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Today she continues to serve as Board President of Honoring America’s Warriors. To learn more about Honoring America’s Warriors, visit https://honoringamericaswarriors.org/.

Antione Hines, Chesapeake, Va., Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Ret.): Antione served as a Submarine Nuclear Electrician for 10 years and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. He is the Founder and CEO of Veteran’s HomeFront – a nonprofit organization supporting homeless, at-risk and disconnected veterans since 2016. To learn more about Veteran’s Homefront, visit https://www.veteranshomefront.vet/.

Michael Delancy, Pinellas Park, Fla., Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps: While serving with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in Iraq, Mike came under enemy fire and was awarded the Purple Heart. In 2015 he founded the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch – a wheelchair-accessible sports park designed to inspire veterans to go out and be active. To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, visit https://woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org/.

Joshua Perschbacher, Waterloo, Ill., Petty Officer, U.S. Navy: During his four years in the Navy, Josh completed two deployments to the Middle East as an Operations Specialist. He has dedicated his post-military career to helping veterans access education and professional networking opportunities through his nonprofit, The Vetwork. To learn more about The Vetwork, visit https://www.thevetwork.org/.

Monique Brown, Tacoma, Wash., Staff Sergeant, U.S. Arm, Army Reserves, and National Guard (Ret.): Monique’s decorated military career included service in the Army National Guard, the Army Reserves, and 13 years of active duty. She retired after 26 years and founded FOB Hope – a nonprofit organization supporting homeless and vulnerable veterans in Washington State. To learn more about FOB Hope, visit https://www.fobhope.org/.

The Evan Williams American Hero Edition bottle is available nationally in a 1.75L for a suggested retail price of $24.99 and is bottled at 43 percent alcohol by volume (86 proof). To learn more about each of the 2021 American-Made Heroes and to apply for funding through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/.

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.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND: Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans through a specialized grant program.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

On Burns Night (January 25th) we were delighted to announce that Locogen’s client, the Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery, had won Phase 1 funding from the Green Distilleries competition run by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to investigate switching from gas oil to hydrogen for their primary process fuel.

So it’s fitting that, on World Whisky Day, we can announce that after a successful Phase 1 feasibility study, Arbikie are applying for Phase 2 funding – and a share of a £10 million funding pot – to implement zero-carbon green hydrogen as their primary process fuel.

The Green Distilleries fund aims to help distilleries cut CO2 emissions by one million tonnes, contributing to Scotland’s national target to be carbon neutral by 2045, with each distillery deploying innovative green solutions in order to achieve these ambitious goals.

Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery are determined to find a low carbon alternative to gas oil to further improve their already impressive sustainability and environmental credentials.

Renewable energy specialist Locogen and hydrogen technology expert Logan Energy are therefore partnering with Arbikie to deliver an innovative solution, using green hydrogen produced onsite using electrolysis from wind and solar generation as the zero-carbon fuel for the distillation process.

Currently, the Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery operates a sustainable, field-to-bottle model, with all ingredients grown, distilled, matured and bottled onsite. Even the mountain-filtered water used in Arbikie spirits is taken from an underground lagoon.

The project will enhance these credentials, helping to create a low-carbon distillery that has been converted from fossil fuel dependence. It is hoped that this will become a model that can be rolled out across the distillation sector and other industries.

Andy Lyle, CEO of Locogen, said: “It’s great to see one of Scotland’s most traditional industries adopting innovative new technologies to help us reach our net-zero targets. Now there’s another reason to raise a glass on World Whisky Day.

Bill Ireland, CEO of Logan Energy, said: “Scotland’s whisky sector is world-renowned, and it is fitting that we are finding innovative ways to decarbonise this industry as we continue to trailblaze hydrogen technologies with a global impact. I look forward to sampling the new generation of hydrogen-powered whisky.”

Iain Stirling, Director at Arbikie Distillery, said: “Arbikie is focused on becoming one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries, and as both farmers and distillers we are in an ideal position to grow & distil our field-to-bottle whiskies. Sustainable products are undoubtedly the future, especially in this year of the UN’s COP26 and they will be the major economic driving force in the years to come across the world. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful environment on Scotland’s east coast from which we can grow and distil the highest quality of barley and rye, and we’re proud to play a part at the vanguard of what is becoming a global sustainable spirits movement”.

Notes

About Locogen

The Locogen Group is an award-winning specialist in the renewable energy sector. The company works across technologies, independent of any vendor, deploying experience and expertise to identify the best-fit solution for clients and partners. Locogen has extensive experience in developing, constructing and operating ground-mounted solar farms, hydroelectric schemes and wind farms, and advises clients on emerging technologies, such as local energy networks, hydrogen and energy storage.

Locogen also delivers community renewables projects, roof-mounted solar projects and renewable heating solutions, including district heating, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps.

About Logan Energy

Logan Energy specialises in the delivery of engineering solutions for integrated hydrogen technology systems, including hydrogen supply, refuelling, and fuel cells. It offers a full turnkey service from project inception & feasibility, design development, manufacturing, installation, and operation and maintenance.

Logan Energy has built up fifteen years of knowledge in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. To date, it has installed, commissioned, and maintained over 1MWe of fuel cells providing heat, power, and cooling in landmark buildings in the UK. It has designed, built, and commissioned four hydrogen refuelling units in the UK and is currently constructing three further stations for export to Tenerife, Germany, and Northern Ireland.

Logan Energy continues to provide independent advice and expertise to a wide range of clients.

NEW “NAKED MALT” IDENTITY AND PACKAGING REVEALED

Blended malt credentials boosted by fresh identity & packaging, showcasing ‘Naked’ first-fill sherry casks to appeal to a new generation of whisky drinkers

Ultra-premium spirits company, Edrington, is re-presenting its Naked brand with a new identity. Embracing its independent spirit and honouring the liquid by placing a first-fill sherry cask centre stage on the bottle, the brand will also evolve to Naked Malt to reinforce its quality credentials and reflect the blend of some of Scotland’s finest single malts.

The launch of Naked Malt, formerly Naked Grouse, will see no change to the award-winning liquid. However, the brand is revealing a new, contemporary design and 100% recyclable packaging. The bottle – which remains transparent to showcase the liquid – will now be embossed with a stunning “Naked” first-fill sherry cask, a homage to the unique process and the delicious flavour it embodies. Each bottle will also carry a signature from Naked Malt Master Blender, Diane Stuart, to acknowledge the meticulous blending, care & craftsmanship that goes into every specially selected cask.

Comprised of world-renowned single malts, Naked Malt’s exceptional flavour is enhanced when the unique blend is extra-matured in first-fill (or naked) Oloroso sherry casks for at least six months. As they’ve never held whisky before, this imparts the best flavour and cask character to create a distinctive taste that is rich and fruity yet versatile for any preferred serve. The brand wants to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers to celebrate the freedom to drink whisky their way, and ultimately Live Naked, free from traditional constraints.

The finished Naked Malt blend features hints of buttery toffee and sweet spice on the nose, notes of vanilla, stewed fruit and raisins on the palate with a rich and sherried spice finish, creating a contemporary spirit that gives consumers the freedom to enjoy their way – whether that be neat, on the rocks or as part of a cocktail. The brand’s signature serve is a simple Naked Sour which reflects the versatility of the liquid.

The first Naked Malt bottles will be available from June 2021.

Elaine Miller, Global Brand Controller at Naked Malt, said: “For our consumers, the whisky category can be difficult to navigate and bound with conventions they don’t want to be constrained by, so for us, it’s about making whisky more accessible. We want to give a new generation the freedom to try whisky their way, whilst providing the reassurance of a great quality, versatile liquid.

“The new bottle design reinforces our ‘Naked’ cask story, and our ‘Naked’ bottle itself is stripped back because we want to liberate the whisky and let the quality shine through. We also took this opportunity to ensure that all packaging components are 100% recyclable, a key consideration for our consumers.”

Diane Stuart, Naked Malt Master Blender, added: “Naked Malt is blended using some of the finest Scottish single malts, each selected for its quality and individual flavour. Every cask of Single Malt Scotch whisky selected for our blend is nosed to ensure it meets our exacting standard.

“By extra maturing Naked Malt in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, we deliver quality and intensity of flavour enviable in the contemporary whisky category. We create the perfect balance of sweet, fruity character from the American oak with the rich, dried fruit and spicy notes from the European oak to produce Naked Malts signature flavour. But what matters most is that you enjoy it whichever way you like.”

Naked Malt is available in 70cl at 40% ABV

In the US & S Africa its available in 75cl at 43% ABV

Since 2017, Naked Malt has become the fastest growing contemporary whisky* with consecutive years of double-digit growth and is currently distributed in 74 markets globally. It has a strong ambition to double the brand by 2025. (*IWSR 2020)

About Naked Malt

Naked Malt is a blended malt whisky produced in Scotland by ultra-premium spirits company Edrington.  It initially launched as a blended Scotch under the name Naked Grouse in 2011 before relaunching as a blended malt in 2017, in line with the increasing popularity of contemporary whiskies. In 2021, a new brand name of Naked Malt was revealed to cement the brand’s place as the drink of independent and freedom-seeking consumers with a revised bottle design including a portrait of the first-fill casks against a sleek, modern glass bottle.

The 40% abv liquid comes in a 700ml bottle and is comprised of a selection of Scotland’s finest single malts, including The Macallan, Highland Park and Glenrothes. The blended malt is matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry oak casks and it is from these “naked” casks that have never held whisky before that Naked Malt takes its name and its distinctive flavour. The ageing process, along with the blend of single malts, results in a rich and fruity whisky with a soft spice finish.

Diane Stuart, Master Blender, tasting notes:

• Nose: Buttery toffee, apples, sweet spice
• Taste: Vanilla custard, stewed fruit, raisins and sultanas
• Finish: Rich sherried spice

Award wins

Ultimate Spirits Challenge – Chairman’s trophy 2018; Greatest value 2018; 96 points 2018 (Extraordinary Ultimate Recommendation)

San Francisco World Spirit competition – Gold for Malt whisky 2018; Double gold 2019 (All 40 judges awarded a gold)

Bartenders Brand Awards – Gold Taste 2018; Silver design 2018; Gold value 2018; Silver design 2019; Silver Taste 2019; Gold Value 2019
International Spirits Challenge – Gold 2020

BIG PEAT REVEALS “PEATRICHOR” LIMITED EDITION

IN LINE WITH NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Big Peat, the award-winning Islay Malt Scotch Whisky brand from family-owned Douglas Laing & Co, today unveils “his” special bottling for Summer 2021: Big Peat “Peatrichor” Limited Edition.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 53.8% alcohol, Big Peat’s latest bottling celebrates the Islay rainfall – after all, today’s rain is tomorrow’s Whisky! The word Peatrichor (or petrichor) describes the earthy scent produced with rain falls on dry earth / soil.

Packaged in a premium gift tube, the packaging depicts Big Peat himself in a yellow rain jacket as the heavens open on his island home of Islay. Just over 5,000 bottles of this special commemorative bottling are available globally. In line with the Big Peat philosophy, the new release is proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration.

This bottling coincides with the brand activating a new, multi-faceted campaign which aims to bring to life Big Peat’s positioning as the “ultimate taste of Islay”. The activity includes sampling initiatives throughout Asia and Europe as well as an interactive, virtual range tasting and a ramping up of their digital marketing via their social media channels coupled with global influencer collaborations.

Chris Leggat, Douglas Laing’s CEO comments: “As a brand, Big Peat is obsessed with both spirit quality and provenance. This latest release and accompanying marketing campaign brings to life the ultimate distillation of Islay and is definitely unmistakably Islay in style with notes of peat smoke, damp earth and a leathery charm.”

Big Peat’s “Peatrichor” Limited Edition will be available from specialist spirits retailers globally from May 2021.

ABOUT BIG PEAT

Instagram: @bigpeatwhisky

Facebook: /bigpeat

Established in 2009 by Douglas Laing & Co, Big Peat has amassed a somewhat cult following throughout his tenure in the world of Whisky. The multi award-winning small batch Scotch is a marriage of Single Cask Single Malts distilled only on Islay, including those distilled at Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen Distilleries, amongst others. Celebrated for “his” trademark smoky, sooty, ashy and sweet flavour profile, Big Peat is proudly offered at high alcohol strength and always without colouring or chill-filtration.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, 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 Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Stewart Buchanan, Benriach Global Brand Ambassador

Stewart Buchanan, Benriach Global Brand Ambassador

GLOBAL WHISKY FANS LOG INTO CELEBRATE SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE

From Turriff to Tokyo, 688 guests from 15 countries from around the world logged into Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s first online event, which took place last week.

Benriach’s World of Flavour proved to be the top pick of the festival, with Global Brand Ambassador, Stewart Buchanan, leading a tasting of their core range, giving a sneak peek behind the scenes of their new visitor centre in Elgin. Virtual distillery tours were also high on the agenda for visitors, with tours of Benromach and Tamdhu distilleries being the second and third most popular events.

In addition to the main festival events, guests were invited to join virtual booths hosted by distillery managers, brand ambassadors, and whisky experts to chat with like-minded whisky lovers. The festival saw 2,877 visits to the 20 available booths, with guests using a total of 2,254 emojis and enjoying drams from 836 tasting kits.

James Campbell, Chairman at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said:

“This year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival might have been very different from years gone by, but the distilleries rallied to create one of our most engaging and internationally visited events in our 21 year history.

“With guests from every corner of the globe from Australia to The Philippines, Canada, Germany, Mexico and across the UK, whisky lovers rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the whisky industry.

“But nothing beats being together to celebrate the world’s largest producing whisky region. We have our fingers and toes crossed that we can welcome back whisky explorers in person to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 3-8 November 2021, subject to government guidelines”

Updates on the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will be posted on https://www.spiritofspeyside.com and across social media. This will be subject to government guidelines and may be subject to change.

The 2022 festival will take place 27 April to 2 May 2022.

Notes 

About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

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

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

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