Jodie Clayton (Left) and Tony Brown (Right).
Gordon & MacPhail donate to Outfit Moray for their annual charitable donation.
Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Gordon & MacPhail raises £5,000 for Outfit Moray

Colleagues from family-owned Scotch whisky and premium spirits specialist Gordon & MacPhail have helped raise £5,000 for Outfit Moray, an outdoor learning and adventure charity based in Lossiemouth, through a series of digital initiatives.

Outfit Moray aims to make a difference to the lives of others by actively developing the potential of young people, their families and communities through accessible, affordable outdoor learning and adventure. Such activities encourage life skills and improve physical and mental health.

The funds will help Outfit Moray continue to deliver its comprehensive programme of outdoor learning activities for young people in Moray, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

Employees at Elgin-headquartered Gordon & MacPhail adapted their usual annual fundraising efforts to meet lockdown restrictions. They held a series of virtual events and activities, including virtually walking from Elgin to Jerez in Spain, virtual escape rooms and quizzes to help raise funds for this year’s chosen charity.

Jodie Clayton from Gordon & MacPhail said: “We are honoured to have supported Outfit Moray as our charity of the year. We’re delighted to have done our part to raise £5,000 which will be used to help the charity offer its wide range of outdoor learning activities for young people in the area.

“This has been a year like no other, given the impact of Covid-19, but we were determined to continue to raise funds in these unusual circumstances. Colleagues at Gordon & MacPhail are committed to fundraising for a different charity annually and enjoy making a difference to local organisations and helping to support members of our community.”

Tony Brown, CEO at Outfit Moray, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Gordon & MacPhail’s generous support. We have been providing outdoor learning opportunities for young people in Moray since 2003 and funding like this is vital for our continued work.”

New Bottle Sharing Project Seeks To Unite Online Whisky Content Creators 

Cheshire-based whisky brokers Mark Littler LTD are looking for UK based whisky bloggers, reviewers or vloggers to be part of a new bottle sharing project.

The concept behind the project is simple: Mark produces a history or guide about the particular bottle in question on his YouTube channel, and then posts the bottle to another creator to pour themselves a dram and review.  They then sign the bottle and it gets posted to another reviewer who does the same.  When there is only one dram left in the bottle it is returned to Mark to enjoy.

The first bottle used for this ‘round robin’ series is a Macallan Edition 6 and has so far been enjoyed by Vin PF from No Nonsense Whisky (YouTube), Anthony from New Dram Drinker (YouTube), Etienne from themaltcask (Instagram) and is currently with Angus MacRaild from WhiskyFun.

Mark Littler LTD are now looking for more UK-based reviewers, bloggers and vloggers to join in the project.  Mark says “The creative community dedicates so much time and energy to the content they produce and can be quite isolating.  This project is a way for us all to be part of a collective experience at a time when we can’t meet at festivals, or anywhere for that matter.”

Although some reviewers receive free samples from companies, many pay for the bottles which they review which limits what whiskies they are able to try.  This project is a way for creators to review bottles and make content around bottles that would not otherwise be available to them.  Future bottles set to be part of the series include bottles of Macallan 2018 Sherry Oak, a 1980s Yamazaki 12 Year Old, and a Midleton Very Rare 2021 poised to send to those lucky enough to be part of the project.

If you are a blogger, vlogger or reviewer based in the UK and want to part of the series contact Mark Littler via mark@marklittler.com

Glen Scotia reveals 2021 Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition  

Independent distiller, Glen Scotia, has released its keenly anticipated Campbeltown Malts Festival release for 2021, which this year takes the form of a very special 10 Year Old Limited Edition Single Malt with a Bordeaux red wine cask finish.

The expression has been created under the watchful eye of Distillery Manager and Master Distiller, Iain McAlister, using a series of exclusively unpeated distillations from 2009 to 2011, before being matured in first fill bourbon barrels. The casks have then been vatted together before finishing in hand-selected first fill Bordeaux red wine casks from the Medoc region, for a period of five months.

The Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2021 Limited Edition has been bottled at cask strength and is non-chilled filtered. With an ABV of 56.1%, the expression offers notes of classic fruits and spices.

On the nose the scent of crushed red berries can be detected, along with floral notes of rose and violet, heather honey and a maritime breeze. On the palate there is a honeyed sweetness with vibrant strawberry and apple, toasted vanilla and a hint of lime citrus. The finish is long, with the warming spice of cinnamon and aniseed.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival is an annual event that celebrates Scotland’s fifth and smallest whisky region. Once home to over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown is recognised as the ‘whiskiest’ place in the world. As with last year’s event, due to the ongoing pandemic the festival will be hosted virtually and will take place online from 7^th June 2021.

Last year, the virtual whisky festival was extremely well received, with Glen Scotia’s programme of online festival events attracting more than 10,000 whisky fans from across the world.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager and Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “The release of our Glen Scotia Festival Limited Edition have become a keenly awaited fixture on our calendar, and I’m very confident that this year’s expression won’t disappoint. The 2021 Campbeltown Malts Festival Limited Edition perfectly encapsulates Glen Scotia’s signature style, taking influence from both its rich history and coastal location, while the deliciously warming flavours from the Bordeaux casks add a unique twist to this exceptional single malt. I’m confident that this expression will sit proudly in any whisky lover’s collection.

“The Campbeltown Malts Festival is the highlight of our events calendar, and although we are disappointed that the festival can’t go ahead in its physical form as we had hoped, we are really looking forward to celebrating the whiskiest place in the world once again with our fans across the world as they join us online, whilst raising a dram to Campbeltown.”

For more information, visit www.glenscotia.co.uk

About Glen Scotia

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded a coveted Platinum medal at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Whisky Writer Delivers Virtual Tasting Class With Paired Cheeses To Your Door 

Author, whisky writer, and spirits competition judge Felipe Schrieberg is hosting regular online whisky tastings four times a week, with packs sent to attendees’ homes. A pack of three delicious cheeses is now being offered as an optional add-on to pair with the whiskies, the first time this has been offered on a regular basis in the UK.

From April 15^th, just over a year after first launching his online whisky tastings, whisky writer and tastings host Felipe Schrieberg is introducing an optional selection of three cheeses to pair with six phenomenal whiskies featured in a new tasting pack this spring.

Running 4 tastings a week, Thursdays through Sundays, Schrieberg will lead groups of guests through a selection co-curated and delivered by whisky subscription service The Dram Team, while the cheeses have been specially selected by Bristol cheesemonger Two Belly to pair with the whiskies. The new tasting pack includes:

• Compass Box Spice Tree
• Glenturret 12 Year Old
• Jura Seven Wood
• Lakes Distillery The ONE Sherry Limited Edition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana
• Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Finish

Schrieberg, who has now hosted over 200 online tastings for over 3000 guests over the last year, is excited to showcase the new offering.

“The whiskies are excellent, and this particular pack features really lovely full bodied whiskies that will be a perfect pairing with the cheese selection we have available. We’re also pleased we can offer the whiskies at a cheaper rate by the dram than what you’d pay at any bar, making great liquid accessible to anyone who’s interested in whisky.”

The tastings are hosted on Zoom, with tickets and vouchers available to purchase on event ticketing platforms Designmynight.com. They are also perfect presents for loved ones, friends, colleagues, and for anyone that would like to get together and have a drink, no matter how far apart they may be to each other.

£1 from each ticket or voucher purchased on Designmynight.com will also be donated to the Trussell Trust, a UK food bank network providing food for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

Tasting participants will also be able to sign up for a subscription to The Dram Team’s subscription service, enjoying a 20% discount on their first box. 

Event Information

Event: The Virtual Whisky Tasting Masterclass

Price: £39/£75 for two (excl. booking fee)

£64/£125 for two including cheeses

Ticket link: https://tinyurl.com/umnd86o

Voucher link: https://tinyurl.com/qsjhje3

Times:

Thursdays-Fridays: 6:00-8:00pm

Saturdays: 7:30-9:30 pm,

Sundays: 4:00-6:00pm

Website: www.virtualwhiskymasterclass.com

About Felipe

Felipe Schrieberg is a London-based drinks writer, author, tastings host, and co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia. He is a senior contributor for Forbes.com, writing about spirits, and he is also a judge for the World Whisky Awards amongst other spirits competitions.

About The Dram Team

The Dram Team are a whisky box subscription service, offering tasting packs of curated whiskies for subscribers and as gifts. The tasting packs are delivered right to your door, containing 6 different whiskies, deluxe tasting note cards, and a guided tour of the flight.

Crowdfunding: New Distillery on Remote Islands

A new craft distillery is starting up on the tiny Faroe Islands in the middle of the North Atlantic, and the islanders are looking for whisky enthusiasts all over the world to become investors.

The salty, windy, and humid climate on these isolated islands is optimal for whisky maturation. Using the design of the old traditional food drying houses “opnahjallur” for their warehouses, whisky will be matured the way meat and fish has been fermented and dried for centuries on the islands. It utilizes the special humid and salty atmosphere, which is caused by the passing North Atlantic Current that also ensures the very stable year-round temperature.

Faer Isles Distillery will be one of the most northerly whisky distilleries in the world.

The crowdfunding campaign started locally on 15. March and immediately raised €600,000. 500+ new shareholders had signed up within 2 weeks. Now they are inviting people around the world to join as well. Although not promoted yet outside the islands, already people from 25 different countries have bought shares.

Behind the project are local whisky enthusiasts and business people, including Heini Zachariassen, founder and CEO of Vivino, the world’s largest online wine marketplace. But they are also backed by a strong advisory board manned by international industry specialists.

The whisky distillery is commissioned from reputable Scottish LH Stainless (Speyside Copperworks).

The perfect location for the future distillery is found next to the old Viking village of Kvívík. 24,000m2 of land is purchased that will house the production, warehouses, and visitor center.

Faer Isles Distillery is allowing cryptocurrencies as payment for company shares, probably making them the first whisky distillery in the world to be funded this way. The company is also disrupting the whisky business by using blockchain technology. The plan is to later turn the company shares into security tokens and make them tradeable on various crypto exchanges.

Read more on www.faer.io/invest-in-faer

Skene Scotch Whisky Releases two Single Cask Malts

Skene Scotch Whisky has released  two affordable single cask malt whiskies.   Both are in Skene’s “aged in a American oak” range. 

The first is a single cask Glenrothes 11 Year Old  fully matured in a hogshead.  Just 388 bottles were filled at an ABV of 48% with natural colour and no chill filtration.  The price is only £45.80 for a 70cl bottle. 

The second is a single cask Braeval 2014.  Only 327 bottles were filled at a punchy ABV of 50%, again with natural colour and no chill filtration.  The price is just £35 a 70cl bottle. 

These two new releases (together with earlier Skene bottlings) are now available from Skene Scotch Whisky’s online shop at https://www.skenewhisky.com/shop/   Also from selected retailers.

Notes about Skene Whisky – After a few years away from bottle sales, Skene Whisky plans to release bottles in a number of ranges through 2021.  “Skene Reserve” will be single cask premium bottlings of vintage malt whisky (eg Macallan 30yo).   “Skene Sherry Editions” will be sherry-matured single malts ( normally at 48% ABV) aimed squarely at drinkers.  “Skene American Oak “Editions” will normally be ex-bourbon single malt bottlings (again normally at 48% ABV).  “Skene Peated Malt Editions” will be peated single malt expressions (yet again normally at 48% ABV).

SPECIALITY BRANDS RELEASES UK EXCLUSIVE WATERFORD GRATTANSBROOK 1.1 

Speciality Brands, the premium spirits agency, is capitalising on Waterford’s successful introduction to the UK and launching Grattansbrook 1.1, the first Single Farm Origin whisky available exclusively in the market.

The whisky is the first release from the 2015 harvest of Taberna barley from Grattansbrook farm in Co. Kildare. Situated on a flat, fertile flood plain of the River Barrow, Andrew Bergin’s family have farmed here for nine generations. The farm follows the ‘Farming for Nature’ protocol, managing the land to bring biological benefits to its limestone soil.

Grattansbrook 1.1 is non-chill-filtered and has been aged for over three years and ten months in multiple casks including first-fill, virgin US & French oak. It shows great depth of flavour with an ever-evolving complexity.

Chris Seale, Managing Director, Speciality Brands says “Waterford launched to great acclaim last year as the quality of the spirit and its modern, disruptive approach have both resonated with British whisky enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to be releasing the  first UK exclusive, Grattansbrook 1.1. This is an exceptional whisky which really stood out for us and we’re hoping its distinctive character will appeal to whisky drinkers across the country”. 

The new whisky will be available at specialist retailers and selected on-trade outlets from this month. The launch will be supported by dedicated tastings run by Speciality Brands’ team of whisky ambassadors.

Waterford’s Single Farm Origin series explores Irish “teireoir”, focusing on different types of barley, grown in different areas of Ireland with various microclimates and growing conditions to demonstrate how it affects the flavour of the whisky.

In an effort to encourage drinkers to further explore their whiskies, each Waterford bottle carries a unique digital number – the TÉIREOIR code – which introduces the Irish farm and its farmers, the casks used to compose the whisky and an array of media. Grattansbrook 1.1 code can be seen here.

Waterford Grattansbrook 1.1 is available from 6 April 2021 via Speciality Brands RRP:  £70

For sales inquiries please contact sales@ specialitybrands.com

Notes: 

Tasting notes: Waterford Grattansbrook 1.1 Single Malt has a rich texture with a dry and oily finish. Notes of raisins, cocoa powder, marzipan, green tea, white grapes and brown sugar can be found on the nose, accompanied by citrus zest, toffee, exotic spices and banana on the palate.

About Waterford:

There’s been a brewery here on the banks of the River Suir since 1792. Today’s Waterford Distillery, the technological marvel we call the Facilitator, enables us to create elite whisky. State-of-the-art equipment marries with ancient knowledge, local Irish barley with extended fermentations, unhurried distillation with a spectrum of exceptional oak. Thus we can reveal the ultimate expression of terroir, farm by farm, harvest by harvest. Unique distillates, new starting points, & beguiling expressions of place. After maturing for several years in the best of French and American oak, we believe these component “single”, single malts – a solo voice, a solo terroir – each one exhibiting its own nuances, will come together a chorus of flavours layering on top of each other, the total sum of its parts, making what we humbly believe to be most profound single malt whisky ever created. It is this whisky that we are striving for – our ambition, our destination, our raison d’être.

This year, Waterford was awarded with the prestigious Global Icons of Whisky Brand Innovator of the year for 2021. 

About Speciality Brands:

Speciality Brands is a premium drinks agency representing some of the world’s finest spirits, including Nikka, Kavalan, Michter’s, Diplomático, Cocchi, Beluga, Black Tot rum and Tapatio. A dedicated team of well-respected drinks industry personalities including award-winning mixologists, top brand ambassadors, experienced account managers and marketing experts is led by Managing Director Chris Seale. The agency’s passion is delivering first class products, in-depth educational trainings and impeccable service levels to the premium on-trade and retail sectors.

https://specialitybrands.com/

SAP56 Honors Canada’s History of Whisky and Maple

March 2021, Montreal, Canada

The next generation of whisky is here and it is winning the world over! According to the World Whiskies Awards SAP56 was named Canada’s Best in the Flavored Whiskey category for 2021. SAP56 is the product of grade A maple syrup and exquisitely aged Canadian whisky. Crafted using traditional techniques and steeped in a deep-rooted tradition and heritage, SAP56 embodies the origins of maple sugaring and high-quality whisky. Welcome to the launch of SAP56 Maple Whisky!

With the utmost respect for our legacy, from the great Canadian maple trees of Quebec, SAP56 is 100% natural with 50% less sugar than a traditional flavored whisky. Which is great news considering the folks at The Whisky Wash explain “Flavoring agents and specifically natural ones have an expected market growth at over 5% from 2019 to 2025 including those used for alcoholic beverages and flavored whiskey.

Canadian Whiskies have a rich history that dates back to the 18th century which, as Davin De Kergommeaux, best-selling Author and Whisky Aficionado states, “It’s a sad fact that Canadian whisky doesn’t get its due. I am committed to changing that by correcting misconceptions with facts.” https://canadianwhisky.org/about Davin has authored three books currently in circulation, Canadian Whisky, the Portable Expert, Canadian Whisky, the New Portable Expert and The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries.

SAP56 is a 5 year Canadian Whisky with a mash bill of 85% corn, 10% rye and 5% barley. The flexibility with grains makes for an adaptable style that allows for creativity, mixability and innovation. It ranks in the category of high-end flavored whisky and appeals to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. This product launch is perfectly timed as the trend for flavored whiskey and demand for natural organic product offerings is on the rise. Comments from Forbes Magazine indicate, “Canadian whisky remained the best-selling imported whisky by volume with 17.9 million cases/$2.13 billion.”

Adam Duhamel, the owner and creator behind SAP56 says, “For me, the greatest memories of my childhood are when my dear family friends would bring me to their sugar shack. I felt so privileged to be able to contribute and have so much fun making the maple syrup. It was unforgettable.” Fast forward 35 years and SAP56 was finally realized with profound heart and soul by a born and bred Québécois. Duhamel will tell you that, “As part of SAP56’s special formula, our passionate artisans oversee a 56-day harvesting and processing period of pure maple water, resulting in a Grade A maple syrup with a robust taste and deep amber color.” In a blind tasting Adam can easily pick out which maple syrup he selected for his recipe vs any other Quebec maple syrup on the market.

Adam Duhamel feels fortunate to have grown up in an environment where morals and honest values were the norm.” SAP56’s has been a labor of love, and we are excited to introduce our passion to the US market and global retailers in 2021”.

More about SAP56 Maple Whisky: Proud to be launching with Mash and Grape and is available direct to consumer in states where legal (or delivery where applicable) by ordering with www.sap56.com.

Contact Speakeasy Wine & Spirits, LLC

Trade Inquiries: Alicia Vargo speakeasywineandspirits@gmail.com Distribution Inquiries: Chris Stevens speakeasyws@gmail.com

Instagram: sapfiftysix

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

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BRENDAN BUCKLEY JOINS THE WHISKY MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME  

Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame – a permanent tribute honouring individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the world of whiskey. He was presented with the distinguished honour in recognition of his personal contribution to the growth of the Irish whiskey category on the global stage at the 2021 Whiskey Magazine Awards this evening.

Buckley joined Irish Distillers in 2001 and since then has been instrumental in the development of its leading portfolio of Irish whiskey brands as well as innovation across the business. His marketing leadership and approach to brand building has played a key role in the development of Jameson into a global top 10 spirit brand and to place it among the top 5 whiskeys in the world.

While Jameson might garner the international headlines, one of Buckley’s most notable achievements has been born from his passion for Irish whiskey and his crusade to revive Ireland’s unique whiskey style – single pot still Irish whiskey.   Working with the Masters in Midleton Distillery, over the past decade Brendan has spearheaded the rejuvenation of this category and of brands such as Redbreast, The Spot Range and Midleton Very Rare. Positioning these brands amongst the very top echelon of world whiskeys, today they are firmly placed alongside the finest Scotch, bourbon and Japanese whiskeys.  Further evidence of the renaissance of this whiskey style can be seen in the number of new Irish distilleries who produce, or who plan to produce single pot still Irish whiskey.

In partnership with his colleagues in Midleton, Brendan has overseen the development of new expressions such as Redbreast Lustau Edition, Redbreast 27 Year Old, Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach and the rebirth of the historic Spot Range. In the past six months, he oversaw the re-introduction of Blue Spot, re-uniting the legendary Spot Family for the first time in over half a century. Additionally, Brendan inspired the introduction of the pioneering Method and Madness brand which has sought to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through the generations of expertise of the Midleton Masters in conjunction with the inquisitive minds of Midleton’s apprentice whiskey makers.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to join the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,” comments Buckley. “It has been a pleasure to play a part in helping Irish whiskey regain its rightful place among the world’s leading spirits, and to see Jameson recognized and loved the world over. Having the opportunity to revive single pot still Irish whiskey and breathe new life into brands such as Redbreast or to create new brands such as Method and Madness, has also been a professional and personal achievement for which I consider myself very lucky.  I want to thank the devoted production, marketing and innovation teams at Irish Distillers, both past and present, whose dedication to craft and brilliance has contributed to the expansion of the category. While I look back on the past decades with immense pride, I am also extremely excited about what the future of Irish whiskey holds.”

Conor McQuaid, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at Irish Distillers, adds: “It is an absolute pleasure to offer my congratulations to Brendan upon his induction to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. This honour demonstrates his role in strengthening the Irish Distillers’ portfolio, through ground-breaking marketing and innovation over the years. From his stewardship of Jameson toward being a global icon to the resurrection of the single pot still category which has changed the Irish whiskey landscape, to the birth of the experimental Method and Madness brand, Brendan’s marketing vision continues to shape the Irish whiskey category’s reputation for excellence.”

The 2021 Whisky Magazine Awards, which also recognise the most exquisite whiskeys from across the globe, saw Redbreast 21 Year Old being crowned World’s Best Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The accolade is a testament to the consistency in quality of single pot still Irish whiskey craftmanship at Midleton Distillery and further strengthens Redbreast’s position as the most decorated pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

Notes

About Irish Distillers

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

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

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

About Pernod Ricard

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

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

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES BROUGH BROTHERS DISTILLERY AS NEWEST MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Brough Brothers Distillery in Louisville is the newest and 42nd member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Brough Brothers Distillery is the first and only African American-owned, licensed and operating distillery in the state of Kentucky. It was founded by Victor, Bryson and Christian Yarbrough, three brothers who were born and raised in Louisville.

The distillery, located at 1460 Dixie Highway, opened in December 2020. The brothers chose the Park Hill community location as a way to support local businesses and economic growth in the historically underserved area of Louisville’s West End.

Brough Brothers Bourbon is currently available on shelves, an 82-proof whiskey with a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye and four percent malted barley. The sleek bottle features drawings of Kentucky’s vibrant culture: Bourbon, basketball, boxing, horse racing and Louisville’s iconic skyline.

“The KDA congratulates Brough Brothers for their vision and perseverance in an industry that has largely remained inaccessible to minority entrepreneurs,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “Their success as the state’s first African American-owned, licensed and operating distillery is a long-overdue step for our industry.”

Brough Brothers Distillery CEO Victor Yarbrough said, “It is an honor to be recognized and accepted as a KDA member. We thank the KDA and its members for their tremendous support as we strive to build a legacy that Kentucky will be proud of.”

Pauline Rooney, Chairwoman of the KDA Board of Directors, said, “This is a welcome and significant breakthrough in the history of Kentucky Bourbon. Our members offer their full support as Brough Brothers expands its operations and provides tourism and employment opportunities as they help revitalize local businesses and the proud heritage of Louisville’s West End.

“We are honored to welcome them to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” said Rooney, who is Vice President of Distillation and Maturation for Diageo North America.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Brough Brothers Distillery is the KDA’s 24th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of flourishing distilleries in the Louisville area, including Angel’s Envy, Brown-Forman, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Heaven Hill, Michter’s, Old Forester, Rabbit Hole, Stitzel-Weller, Barrell Craft Spirits, Copper & Kings, Kentucky Peerless and Moonshine University.

For more information, visit Brough Brothers Distillery website at https://broughbrothers.com.

Jessica Pendergrass, KDA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Panel Co-Chair and General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Heaven Hill Brands, said the addition of Brough Brothers brings much needed perspective to the industry.

Victor and Christian serve on the KDA DEI Advisory Panel, a group of community and business leaders that steer and guide initiatives for the industry. “African-Americans have helped to build and shape our industry, and we need these resilient, entrepreneurial, and empowered voices at the table,” Pendergrass said.

“It has been inspiring getting to know the tremendous men behind Brough Brothers Bourbon. Victor and his brothers came together on this project with purpose and passion – to connect the Black community to economic opportunities in the Bourbon industry, to find ways to elevate and educate the community, and to give back to the community they know and love.

“We can all take a lesson from the intentionality behind their business.”

In addition to the DEI Advisory Panel, the KDA is taking steps to cultivate a culture of diversity, inclusivity, meaningful engagement and collaboration within the industry.

Last year, the KDA created the Lifting Spirits Foundation to fund scholarships at the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Kentucky State University’s distilling and fermentation programs to benefit Black, LGBTQIA, women, people of color and other minority and underrepresented groups.

The scholarships, coined “KDA Scholars,” will be funded for many years to come at these flagship institutions. The non-profit group also is working to build similar scholarships at other Kentucky educational institutions in an effort to expand opportunities for traditionally underrepresented, young professionals to launch meaningful careers in Kentucky’s Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.6 billion economic engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and is one of the state’s main tourism drivers through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventures.

“We are committed to these initiatives and doing more to create long-term, permanent and historic change in our industry,” Gregory said. “We have a lot of work to do – but we can and will do more to lead our industry, and we are grateful to Brough Brothers for their leadership and support.”

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