W.L. WELLER C.Y.P.B. AWARDED BEST KENTUCKY BOURBON, NAMED CATEGORY WINNER AT AMERICAN WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbons Also Receive Nine Medals 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 23, 2021) –The 2021 American World Whiskies Awards honored W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) with two of its highest accolades – Best Kentucky Bourbon and Category Winner.

This bourbon resulted from the Distillery launching an interactive website (www.yourperfectbourbon.com) in the fall of 2015 designed to encourage its fans to share their favorite ideas about a perfect bourbon whiskey. Two years later, 2017, more than 100,000 fans had participated in crafting their perfect bourbon and the results were amazingly similar. In response, Buffalo Trace released a new product to offer fans what they were asking for, a wheat recipe bourbon, aged 8 years on the top warehouse floors and bottled somewhere between 90-99 proof. This crowd-sourced brand, called Weller C.Y.P.B., is short for Craft Your Perfect Bourbon.

Bourbons from Buffalo Trace Distillery also received nine medals at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards, including two Gold medals, two Silver medals and five Bronze medals.

Bourbons receiving Gold medals:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbons receiving Silver medals:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbons receiving Bronze medals:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“We are honored to accept these medals and thrilled our Weller C.Y.P.B. was awarded so highly,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “As a crowd sourced bourbon, what this tells us is that our fans have great taste! The feedback we receive from our fans is taken very seriously, so it’s great to see that effort rewarded.”

Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  The winners from the World Whiskies Awards America 2021 will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, and global winners will be announced in March. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.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

Tullibardine enhances its award-winning whisky line-up with The Murray Double Wood Edition

Tullibardine is expanding its collection of award-winning whiskies as it reveals The Murray Double Wood Edition.

The new single malt, available in 70cl, is the eighth edition in the brand’s much-celebrated Marquess Collection and has been expertly crafted at Tullibardine’s Perthshire distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The Murray Double Wood is aged in first-fill Bourbon casks before being transferred into first-fill sherry casks for a second period of maturation.

On the nose, the expression boasts a delightful, rich honey sweetness layered upon vanilla ice cream, hints of dark chocolate and dried figs. Over time, subtle sherry aromas, combined with citrus fruits and freshly washed peaches, drift upwards leaving a delicate, oaky fragrance lingering.

To taste, gentle notes of honey, sherried fruits and cinnamon with hints of espresso and fresh strawberries drizzled with cream. The soft-spiced sherry flavours linger on the tongue to create a smooth and exceptional finish.

Michael Elliott, Tullibardine Distillery Manager, said: “The Marquess has been one of our finest collections to date and The Murray Double Wood is a fantastic addition to its line-up.

“We aimed to create a whisky that offered a unique and special experience for drinkers, and with the combination of rich aromas and flavours married with the expertise of our distilling team, we believe we have created something really exceptional.”

The Marquess Collection, launched by the Perthshire whisky brand in 2016, is a nod to famous historical figures who bore the Marquess of Tullibardine title in Scotland for centuries, and the rich history of the Tullibardine region.

The Murray name derives from the 2nd Marquess of Tullibardine, Sir William Murray, who fought for the Jacobites at the Battle of Sheriffmuir on the hills above the Tullibardine distillery. In 1745, he was chosen by Bonnie Prince Charlie to unfurl the Royal Standard at Glenfinnan, announcing the Prince as the rightful King.

Tullibardine has a proud history of award-wins including the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the International Spirits Challenge (UK) and the World Whisky Masters Asia.

The Murray Double Wood is available worldwide and has an ABV of 46%. Please visit the Distillery HERE for further information.

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY CONSTRUCTS, BEGINS FILLING FIRST NEW WAREHOUSE SINCE THE 1960s

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (March 2, 2021) – Barton 1792 Distillery just finished construction of Warehouse 33, the first warehouse built on the historic site since 1963. The first barrels of whiskey were rolled into this warehouse on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021.

This warehouse, which was constructed on the hillside behind the Distillery was built as part of a $25 million warehouse investment at the Bardstown facility, and will be soon joined by two more warehouses. Warehouses 34 and 35 are under construction now and are expected to be complete later this summer and fall. These warehouses are made of traditional wood floors and wood storage ricks with metal siding. Warehouse 33 will hold 33,500 barrels, and Warehouse 34 and 35 will hold 58,800 barrels each. For reference, the existing warehouses on the Distillery’s property hold 19,600 barrels each. This investment will increase barrel storage capacity by 25 percent.

Amid this expansion, Barton 1792 Distillery continues to offer complimentary tours and tastings for visitors to explore decades of bourbon making history and sample award-winning products, but with appropriate safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and government recommendations.

Barton 1792 Distillery is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Registration for the Barton Tradition Tour can be made at www.1792Distillery.com. All tours and tastings remain complimentary.

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.

Statement from Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, DIAGEO plc, on UK-US tariff suspension:

“Today is a very good day for Scotch and Scotland. We recognise the Government’s tireless efforts, using the UK’s newly independent trade policy, to deliver the suspension and hopefully in time, a permanent end to these punitive tariffs. We pay particular thanks to the Prime Minister, Liz Truss, Alister Jack and their teams for speedily negotiating this truce with the new US Administration. Final resolution of the aerospace dispute, combined with the announcement of a continued freeze on spirits duty in yesterday’s Budget, will safeguard thousands of jobs across Scotland and the UK.”

4th March 2021

anCnoc’s Gordon Bruce tells tales of craft in new podcast

A new monthly podcast series from anCnoc whisky is set to lift the lid on the passion, process and personalities that go into making some of the world’s most expertly crafted products.

Knock Tales Whisky Podcast with Gordon Bruce will hear the Knockdhu Distillery Manager enjoy a dram and a bit of ‘craic’ with fellow makers and craft obsessives from around the world, getting to the bottom of Gordon’s favourite topic: making things well.

Listeners will hear Gordon fire up the mic from his distillery desk in Knock, Aberdeenshire on the first #WhiskyWednesday of every month, chatting to a different guest in each episode.

They’ll be exploring what drives people to make things the traditional way, with no compromise or shortcuts – including tales from Gordon’s own life dedicated to making anCnoc whisky.

The first episode will be available from Wednesday 3^rd March on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others, and will feature Gordon discussing all things single malt with Texan and fellow distiller Jared Himstedt from Balcones Distillery in Waco. 

Founded just 12 years ago and leading the new wave of American single malts, Jared shares the story of what drew him to whisky, building Balcones Distillery from scratch, his love of recycled kit and what inspires him to make the very best whisky every day in the heart of Texas.

Their conversation is revealing. Whilst Knockdhu and Balcones Distilleries couldn’t be more different, when it comes to what matters as whisky makers, Gordon and Jared are of one mind: it’s all about community, collaboration, creativity and the huge kick they get out of producing a product that goes out into the world for people to enjoy.

Gordon says: ‘I find it fascinating to talk to people who, like me, are obsessed with the detail of how things are made and what makes a great product that stands the test of time. This podcast is all about my curiosity in how that’s done, and the little things that make a difference, and not just when it comes to whisky.  I’ll be telling my own tales from Knockdhu, and chatting to people who put their heart and soul into making crafted products, whatever they may be, and the people who appreciate and celebrate them around the world. 

‘Jared was a brilliant first guest, a man who shares so many of my beliefs when it comes to the importance of tradition, technique and the people at the heart of your production community. Anyone with an interest in whisky, creativity and what it takes to start distilling whisky from scratch is going to love hearing his story.’

The themes of craft and creativity continue into the artwork anCnoc has commissioned to accompany the new podcast: drawings of Gordon (accompanied by one of his beloved distillery dogs) plus each of his guests, captured by New York-based Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle.

Likewise, the podcast soundtrack features a special track that’s close to Gordon’s heart: ‘Wet Field Day’ by award-winning Scottish indie folk band Elephant Sessions, in which his son Mark Bruce plays guitar.

Listen to the trailer for Knock Tales Whisky Podcast with Gordon Bruce on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 

ancnoc.com/knock-tales/podcast 

ABOUT ANCNOC

anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery, which sits in the shadow of the ‘Black Hill’ (Knockdhu in Gaelic) near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was established in 1894 by the pioneering John Morrison, after he spotted an abundance of the natural resources needed to make fine malt whisky in the area: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of peat and barley.

Today, Knockdhu is known as one of the smallest and most enchanting distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, producing a refreshingly modern single malt whisky with the most traditional skills and processes. The Black Hill continues to supply pure water for the whisky making process. The distillery’s two copper pot stills replicate the original 1894 design, their bulbous bases giving anCnoc its light, fresh, fruity flavour. Old fashioned worm tubs are used to condense the vaporised alcohol. And Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce, and his team, make up one of the smallest workforces in any distillery (including many dogs!)

ABOUT GORDON BRUCE

Born and raised in Wick, Gordon started working for Inver House Distillers in 1988 as a Mashman in his hometown’s Pulteney Distillery.  Whilst there, he progressed to Stillman, Under Brewer and then Brewer before moving to Balblair distillery in 1994. In 2006 he became Manager of Knockdhu Distillery.

Drawn to the business by Inver House’s distinctive quality and diversity of whiskies, his career highlight is seeing drinkers enjoy anCnoc whiskies whilst knowing that he had a hand in their production. His day-to-day role involves a varied mix: whisky making, welcoming visitors from around the world, engineering and working alongside the enthusiastic and dedicated team that is based at the small, traditional, hands-on distillery.

A particular fan of anCnoc’s bourbon matured 16 Years Old and its 125^th anniversary cask strength 16 Years Old, the brand’s popular peated variants are also a firm favourite, especially when drinkers “who don’t like peated whisky” are converted to a subtly smoked anCnoc expression.

His qualifications include a General Certificate and Diploma in Distilling and he is currently part way through a Master Distiller programme.  A proud Keeper of the Quaich, he loves spending time with his wife, three brilliant kids, his new grandchild and his dogs.

ABOUT BALCONES DISTILLERY

Driven by a passion to create remarkable and authentic experiences, Balcones Distilling marries centuries of distilling tradition with the bold flavors of Texas. Balcones is synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, known for emphasizing high-quality ingredients and drawing influences from all over Texas to provide a dynamic and striking experience for all who engage with the whisky. Balcones distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco. At the heart of the distillery are four copper pot stills built by Forsyths, considered some of the best artisans in Scotland. To date, the distillery has earned over 350 national and international awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits. Balcones will be available in 50 states by the end of 2021 and is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the country. https://balconesdistilling.com

ABOUT JARED HIMSTEDT, HEAD DISTILLER, BALCONES DISTILLERY

Jared whetted his appetite for distilling first as a home brewer and a manager of Dancing Bear pub, a craft beer bar in Waco, Texas. He is the creative force, product developer, and head blender at the distillery, overseeing everything from label design to barrel selection since Balcones’s inception in 2008. Being involved in an industry steeped in both rich tradition and explorative innovation is part of what keeps Jared committed to the creation of fine whiskies—that, and “getting to work alongside some wonderful, thoughtful, diligent, and creative people.” When he can get away from the distillery, Jared can be found spending time outside with family, friends, good music, and good drinks, particularly the #1 Texas Single Malt, which is still an enduring favourite.

Glen Scotia distillery launches worldwide search for Campbeltown photography 

One of Campbeltown’s three surviving single malt Scotch whisky distilleries, Glen Scotia, is calling for people around the world to share photography of the town which captures the peak of the whisky industry during the mid-19^th and early 20^th centuries.

During the Victorian era, Campbeltown, which lies at the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and is the most remote mainland town in Scotland, was known as the whisky capital of the world and was home to more than 30 working distilleries.

Since 1832, Glen Scotia has been shaped by the people, time and events; as well as the history of Campbeltown itself and the distillery is searching for photographs which bring its unique whisky history and heritage to life.

A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia reflects centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region and is renowned for its distinct maritime influence and Campbeltown character.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller and Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “The contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch is incomparable and we are proud to continue to fly the flag for the region around the world.

“Whisky was a way of life in our coastal town for over 100 years and over time, all that experience, craft and passion has been poured into Glen Scotia. Now we are looking for photography that will help us uncover what makes Campbeltown the ‘whiskiest place in the world’.”

Digital or print photographs can be submitted via email to glenscotia@bigpartnership.co.uk or by post to Glen Scotia, BIG Partnership, Fountain House, 1-3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow, G3 7UL, alongside contact details of the sender by 31^st March 2021.

Credit Stenlake Publishing

Selected images may feature as part of this year’s virtual Glen Scotia Whisky Festival, which will welcome thousands of whisky fans from across the globe to experience a range of online tours and tastings from the distillery. The photographs may also be showcased through Glen Scotia’s marketing activity to further raise awareness of the distillery and Campbeltown around the world.

Campbeltown is the forgotten giant of the Scotch whisky industry, once known as “Spiritville” or “Whiskyopolis”. At its peak in the Victorian era, there were around 30 legal distilleries operating in a town with a population of only 9,000 people.

Credit Stenlake Publishing

The search for photography follows in the footsteps of Glen Scotia’s campaign in 2019 which aimed to recognise Campbeltown as the ‘whiskiest place in the world’, and successfully reached the UK Parliament. The motion acknowledged the region for playing a significant part in the history and development of whisky distilling in Scotland and congratulated Glen Scotia distillery manager, Iain McAlister on helping to raise awareness of Campbeltown’s whisky heritage.

For further information about Glen Scotia, visit www.glenscotia.com

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 Years Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded the coveted Platinum award at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition which recognises a brand that has won a Double Gold medal or Best in Class for three consecutive years.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019 and a Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia 18 Years Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018 and a Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia 15 Years OId received a Gold medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2020.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Releases Annual Limited-Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

The 2013 Vintage, 115 proof Bourbon is dipped in hot pink wax and features the 2021 Pegasus Pin on the bottle neck

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the fifth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 2021 Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a unique hot pink wax, the bottle features a special face label with the gold and teal Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2021 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau, and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson, unveiled the official 2021 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping two of the limited-edition bottles.

This product will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $74.99 beginning Thursday, March 11 and at select Kentucky retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2013 vintage is bottled at 115 proof, commemorating both the 66^th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 49^th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner yet again with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit of hospitality, entertainment and resiliency,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau. “Join us as we raise a toast to all of those in the Bluegrass state who have supported our industries over the past year and look forward to a time of celebration during 2021 Kentucky Derby Festival.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has become a whirlwind of special events leading up to the big race in May. Each year, the Pegasus Pins are a signature of spring in the Derby City and a key fundraiser for the not-for-profit Festival. The 2021 pins can be purchased exclusively at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience through March 1, prior to being available at other local retailers.

“Our partnership with Evan Williams celebrates two of Kentucky’s favorite things – the Derby Festival and bourbon,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Although 2021 will be different, Pegasus Pins are still a great way to share the Derby Festival spirit and support your favorite events.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.8 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Great News for Ad Gefrin and the People of Wooler

Plans for Northumberland’s major new tourism experience gets go ahead

from central Government with final funding approval. 

Today the team behind Ad Gefrin announce that they have now received the final go ahead for the highly anticipated visitor experience and bespoke whisky distillery development in North Northumberland. There could not be a better start to 2021 for all involved and the Wooler Community!

Despite all that has happened in the past year, the core Ad Gefrin team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that when this moment came, they could hit the ground running. This means that work on Ad Gefrin can start immediately, and North East contractors Brims Construction Ltd, have now moved onsite.

This will make Ad Gefrin the first project in the Borderlands Programme for Northumberland to break ground. Ad Gefrin has received £3m from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal which is funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and has also received £1m from the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF) through the North East LEP, and £600k through Northumberland County Council.

These successful funding bids show the project has gained supporters with the promise of a resurgence to Northumberland tourism, an exporter trade boost, and environmental considerations integrating the site into the surrounding landscape.

Located in Wooler on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, this exciting and innovative multi-million-pound regeneration project plans to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Those living within, passing through or visiting this outstanding area of the county will see the new visitor experience start to take shape during 2021 with the opening expected in Autumn 2022.

The Team

Commenting on the exciting news, Eileen Ferguson said, “We have never doubted that we could fulfil our vision to create a world class visitor destination in this beautiful county. The people of Glendale haven’t doubted either. Throughout everything we have continued to be overwhelmed by everyone’s good wishes – even when it looked on the surface as if progress was slow to the point of coming to a halt. We can’t thank everyone enough.

“We really want to thank all those who have worked so hard to get us to this point. We especially wish to thank Northumberland County Council and their officers who have given so much support to the development of Ad Gefrin. We hope this news lifts everyone’s spirits and means we can all start 2021 on a real high looking forward to much better times ahead.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said:

“It’s fantastic that work can now begin on a new multimillion pound visitor centre and distillery at Ad Gefrin – a hugely important site showcasing Northumberland’s heritage.”

“The new centre and distillery, backed by £3 million investment from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, will provide a magnet for tourism as well as an important export boost for the region.”

“We’re levelling up across the country by investing in projects which create jobs and drive economic growth, making our regions great places to live, work and visit.”

Also delighted, Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council commented: “This is extremely welcome news which will bring more jobs, investment and visitors to this beautiful part of our county. We’ve worked so hard behind the scenes to support this fantastic project and we’re looking forward to seeing construction start imminently and hopefully open for business by the end of next year.”

With the ambition to create upwards of 50 FTE new jobs, this funding approval will help revitalise the rural economy in the Glendale valley and couldn’t have come at a better time to support a COVID-19 recovery. Tourism is a key economic driver for Northumberland and will likely be boosted by the expanding market for UK staycation tourism.  Ad Gefrin will showcase Northumberland’s unique Anglo-Saxon heritage and celebrate its ancient hospitality alongside the very best arts, crafts and produce the county offers today, as well as re-awakening a 200-year-old local tradition for whisky distilling, bringing a much-needed boost to the valley’s economy and wider region come 2022.

Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Ad Gefrin is one of the most important economic and tourist developments for many years in North Northumberland and will undoubtedly boost economic activity in Wooler and the wider Glendale community.

“I am delighted that funds from our Local Growth Fund have been invested by the Rural Growth Network into a second iconic development on the fringe of Northumberland National Park, complementing The Sill, on Hadrian’s Wall. The development team are congratulated on their vision and commitment to deliver this unique scheme on this highly visible gateway site into Wooler and The Cheviots.

Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park, responded to today’s announcement: “This is exciting news for North Northumberland and for tourism and heritage in the county more generally.

“To have a new visitor destination which will foster rural economic growth and which reflects the rich heritage of our landscape at a key gateway to Northumberland National Park is a significant boost for the area. The Ferguson family’s vision and passion for the landscape and heritage of Glendale will come to life at Ad Gefrin, symbolising the unique qualities of Northumberland in more ways than one. I wish the project every success and we in Northumberland National Park look forward to working closely with Ad Gefrin to showcase the best of this special place.”

NOTES:

• The Ad Gefrin visitor destination and whisky distillery will be a major new cultural asset and business opportunity that will accelerate regeneration and economic growth, and boost productivity, in an important part of North Northumberland’s rural economy.

• The new cultural centre will offer an immersive AV and museum interpretation of the Northumbrian royal capital of Ad Gefrin and the Golden Age of the Kingdom of Northumbria. It will link with the landscape, archaeology, and stories of the area, as well as trails through the Northumberland National Park, encouraging visitors to explore and spend time and money across the wider Borderlands area.

• It will be a significant new business for Northumberland, creating a distinctive visitor destination celebrating Northumberland’s unique culture and heritage, alongside the first whisky distillery in the area for 200 years, reviving a long tradition of whisky making in Northumberland.

• The distillery will produce a new and distinctive Northumbrian whisky product, creating new wealth and jobs through sales in UK and international markets.

• Ad Gefrin will become a long-term employer in Wooler (creating up to 50 FTE jobs by Year 5), supporting training and employment across the hospitality, visitor engagement and spirit production sectors.

• The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is progressing towards the final Deal sign off, due in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million.  More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com 

• About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

LinkedIn: @ad-gefrin-distillery

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

SAZERAC HOUSE WINNER OF TWO “ICONS OF WHISKY” AWARDS

IN NATIONAL COMPETITION FROM WHISKY MAGAZINE

The immersive spirited experience in the heart of New Orleans was recognized for excellence in visitor experience and management

NEW ORLEANS, La (February 18, 2021) – The Sazerac House was recognized for its unique visitor experience and exceptional general manager during an online awards ceremony for the “Icons of Whisky, America” on February 1, 2021. The awards, which recognize excellence in the whisky industry across the United States, are presented by Whisky Magazine, which is the industry’s leading publication on the subject of whisky. Sazerac House won the “Visitor Attraction” category and General Manager Miguel Solorzano won “Visitor Attraction Manager.”

“In our first year of operation we have been so thrilled to welcome happy guests both in-person at the Sazerac House and virtually through our tastings and events online,” said Miguel Solorzano, general manager of the Sazerac House. “We are honored to be recognized for the creativity and ingenuity represented in our visitor experience, and for the team we have created here to tell the story of New Orleans through our cocktails.”

The awards come in the midst of a very challenging year for the industry, and honor those who have worked tirelessly for the growth of the industry, celebrating the best and brightest people and places in the sector. The winners of the Icons of Whisky awards for America, will go on to compete in the Icons of Whisky Global competition, held virtually in Spring 2021.

About Sazerac House

Standing proudly in a historic building at the corner of Canal and Magazine, and just a short stroll from the original 1850s era Sazerac Coffeehouse, the Sazerac House is an immersive exploration of the spirited culture of New Orleans. Featuring three floors of interactive exhibits across 48,000 square feet, including private event venues, an on-site Sazerac Rye distillery, and Peychaud’s Bitters production facility, the Sazerac House welcomes visitors to experience New Orleans history through the stories of its cocktails. For more information on the Sazerac House, please visit www.sazerachouse.com

About the Icons of Whisky

First introduced by Whisky Magazine in 2007, the annual Icons of Whisky awards aim to celebrate the achievements of outstanding people and places in the global whisky industry, including distilleries and staff, retailers, bars and industry communicators. The awards are now split into five regions: America, Australia, Scotland and Rest of World. The Icons of Whisky form part of the annual Whisky Magazine Awards, along with the World Whiskies Awards and Hall of Fame.