THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS: THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO. STRIKES GOLD AT THE LUXURY PACKAGING AWARDS 2020

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Wins ‘The Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack Award’ for the design of The Devil’s Keep Experience Box

23rd February 2021, London The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has been crowned the winner of the ‘Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack’ award at The Luxury Packaging Awards 2020 for the design of The Devil’s Keep experience box.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. follows in the footsteps of Irish whiskey brand, The Macallan®, who won the corresponding award in 2019. This year, eight other well-established whiskies were also competing for the title, including Redbreast 27-year-old, Maison Ruinart ‘Second Skin’, Glenfiddich Grand Cru and the Macallan Gifting Range. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. also won Highly Commended for the design of The Devil’s Keep bottle in ‘Luxury Drinks Primary Pack’ award, which was announced yesterday.

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 earlier this month of the 30-year-old The Emerald Isle Collection.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of The Michelin Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021. The primary concept for The Devil’s Keep was inspired by Jay Bradley’s desire to create the perfect whiskey to be enjoyed after dinner, with the ultimate aim of creating the best and most luxurious Irish whiskey. With this in mind, Tiago Russo wanted to ensure that the design of The Devil’s Keep would create 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 the creation of this multi-sensory experience, 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 ‘angel’s share’ atomiser has been designed by expert perfumer Sarah McCartney, which is unique to The Devil’s Keep. It captures the unmistakable aroma one gets as you walk through the halls of a whiskey warehouse full of maturing whiskey. When the angel’s share has evaporated, it leaves the whiskey for the devil which is stored within the bottle, also designed by Tiago Russo, that sits centre stage within the experience box. The bottle is held by a chain which must be unleashed, meaning only the rightful owner can unlock The Devil’s Keep.

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. Érimón glass – rather than traditional crystal – has been used for the two specially designed glasses, which allows the whiskey notes to be experienced like never before. Inspired by traditional Turkish tea glasses, their shape encourages the dispersion of ethanol, ensuring that only the whiskey notes reach the nose and palate.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Design Director, Tiago Russo, said: “It is a huge honour for myself and everyone at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. to win this award. For us as a brand, it symbolises the return of Irish whiskey to its rightful place as an ultra-luxury product on the world stage. To me, this a triumph of design, demonstrating how it can empower and elevate a product, bringing to life the story of The Devil’s Keep and the history of Irish whiskey through a multi-sensory experience.”

Jay Bradley, Founder at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., commented: “I am so proud that we have been recognised in the Luxury Packaging Awards 2020. It has taken our team years of dedication and passion to create such a unique whiskey experience. To be nominated in this distinguished category, amongst the very best in luxury design, is a huge accomplishment and has allowed us to fill the gap in the market for ultra-luxury Irish whiskey and redefine global perceptions of luxury. The Devil’s Keep was just the start for us: with the recent launch of The Emerald Isle Collection in partnership with Fabergé and some exciting new releases in the pipeline, I am excited for what the future holds for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.”

For further information about The Devil’s Keep, please visit  Instagram: @craftirishehiskeyco

Website

Video: (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 Luxury Packaging Awards 2020:

Winners for all categories will be announced through a series of video releases between 22nd – 26th February 2021.

The full panel of judges can be viewed here

The full shortlist can be found here

The Dram Team Partners With 6 Inspirational Whisky Women for Charity Tasting Event

The Dram Team, a Bristol based leading whisky tasting subscription company, has teamed up with six inspirational women from the whisky industry to host a one-of-a-kind virtual whisky tasting. In celebration of International Women’s Day falling on the 8^th of March, this special whisky tasting set features 6 whiskies where women played a key part in their creation. Tasting set boxes will be available throughout March, and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

The Women in Whisky virtual tasting will take place on Wednesday 10^th of March at 8pm on The Dram Team’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Dram Team Head of Marketing Harri Sharman will host the event and be joined by an impressive array of (female) representatives from Nc’nean, Compass Box, Tamnavulin, J.J. Corry, Penderyn, and Cardrona.

The tasting offers participants a rare chance to meet a wide range of whisky pros, ask questions, and taste six high-quality whiskies, all from the comfort of their own home.

Not only that, but everyone who takes part will be supporting two charities tied to the Women in Whisky theme, with the Dram Team donating proceeds equally to Bristol Women’s Voice – an equality focused charity local to their offices in Bristol – and The Drinks Trust – an industry charity supporting hospitality workers throughout the pandemic.

One of the tasting panel guests is Annabel Thomas, founder and CEO of Nc’nean Distillery. She says, “I’m so excited to be participating in this event – both to be supporting two fantastic charities and to be part of an awesome line up of whiskies. Looking forward to sharing some stories and a dram!”

Chris Borrow, founder of the Dram Team, believes whisky should be enjoyed by anyone: “People who work in whisky know that women are very much at the heart and soul of the industry, but a lot of daft, sexist myths still persist despite this. The Women in Whisky box aims to dispel these myths and send a clear message that whisky is for everyone.”

Harri Sharman, who will be hosting the event, agrees. “This event, to me, is not just about recognising and celebrating some of the amazing work that women are doing in the whisky industry, it’s also a fantastic whisky tasting in its own right. I was so excited to work on this project because of the great quality of the whiskies, the variety of flavours, and the talent of the women involved, and I think the two charities we’ve chosen do so much to support all types of people in both the whisky industry and the wider world.”

The tasting is open to all, but those interested in tasting the whiskies as well can pre-purchase their whisky tasting boxes for £34.99. They’ll also have the option to make an additional donation to these charities should they wish.

While this special edition tasting box is available as a one-off whisky box, participants can also opt to join The Dram Team’s whisky tasting club, saving £5 off subsequent whisky tasting boxes. For the full list of tasting panel guests and the whiskies included, visit The Dram Team’s website.

Event Information

Event: Women in Whisky – Virtual Live Charity Tasting

Time: Wednesday 10^th March 2021, 8pm – 9:30pm

Price: £34.99 (with whisky box)

Ticket link: www.thedramteam.co.uk/iwd

Event link: www.thedramteam.co.uk/iwdtasting

Canada’s Best Whisky Is Canadian Club

It is official: Canada’s oldest whisky is also its best. On February 25, 2021, nine independent whisky experts named 43-year-old Canadian Club Chronicles as Canadian Whisky of the Year at the eleventh annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Canadian Club 43 also took top honours as Connoisseur Whisky of the Year.

“This is truly a remarkable whisky, so deserving of the accolade,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, head judge and founder of the awards. “Canadian Club has been shortlisted for best whisky in past years, and for 2021, the judges awarded Canadian Club 43-year-old the highest overall score among over 130 Canadian whiskies entered in the competition.”

Other major winners include Pendleton Director’s Reserve which was named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in the multi-market category. J. P. Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye, which is a US exclusive, took home Sippin’ Whisky of the Year in the export-only category, while Gibson’s Finest Bold was named Sippin’ Whisky of the Year for the Canadian market.

J.P. Wiser’s 22-Year-Old Port Cask Finished claimed Cask Strength Whisky of the year, and the sensational Lot No. 40 Dark Oak was named Best New Whisky.

Windsor’s Hiram Walker Distillery is the 2021 Distillery of the Year, while Devine Distillery and Winery in Saanich, British Columbia was awarded Artisanal Distillery of the Year. Devine distiller, Ken Winchester received accolades for Lifetime Achievement in distilling. Shelter Point Distillery from Campbell River BC and Two Brewers from Whitehorse Yukon tied for Best Single Malt.

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards: The annual Canadian Whisky Awards, broadcast online in 2021, are normally held in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival. The awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies, and are intended to encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, each whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada.

An independent panel of whisky experts selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. In keeping with current trends in whisky connoisseurship, the jury includes both women and men tasters, who have made significant contributions to understanding Canadian whisky.

Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

For further information please contact:

Davin de Kergommeaux (613) 563-0254 or davindek@gmail.com.

For full results https://canadianwhisky.org/

Photo caption: The 43-Year-Old Canadian Club Chronicles has been named Canada’s best whisky at the eleventh annual Canadian Whisky Awards.

Photo Credit: Canadian Club

MIDLETON VERY RARE 2021 USHERS IN A NEW ERA FOR THE PINNACLE OF IRISH WHISKEY  

First Midleton Very Rare vintage from Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman is unveiled  

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has opened a new chapter in Irish whiskey as they reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 – the 38^th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range and the first in the series to be masterfully created by Irish Distillers’ new Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman.

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.  In keeping with tradition, Midleton Very Rare 2021 is a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s extensive inventory. It includes whiskey aged between 15 and 36 years and matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

Making his first selection as Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory as he sought to put his own mark on this eagerly awaited annual limited-edition release. Drawing on his experience in both distillation and maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain whiskey contribution for the 2021 vintage to create a delicate and elegant whiskey. In order to maintain a luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile, O’Gorman selected a perfect mix of first fill and second fill casks to enhance the wood contribution while allowing the pot still component to express itself.

The result is a whiskey of great finesse, with a floral, perfumed character. The higher selection of grain whiskeys extends the spectrum of flavours and aromas to include baked orchard fruits, lime zest and kiwi, perfectly rounded off with mild pot still spices and soft waves of vanilla from the exceptional bourbon casks.

Celebrating the launch of Midleton Very Rare 2021, O’Gorman comments: “It is a great honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage.

“The journey to launching this vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within the family.

“I am particularly proud to have been able to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have learned so much.

“For me, this vintage adds a new dimension and elegance to the style and quality for which the range is renowned. I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller.”

Beginning a new tradition under the guardianship of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year, in response to consumer demand. As the new Midleton Very Rare calendar establishes this year, Ireland, online platforms and select markets will retain an allocation for a second sales period in late autumn to ensure availability before the festive period, in keeping with customer expectations.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany, France and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

#MidletonVeryRare2021

IG: @MidletonVeryRare

Shop online: https://www.midletonveryrare.com/en-EN/midleton-very-rare-vintage-release 

Tasting Notes 

Aroma
Opens with a delicate floral perfume closely followed by roasted coffee beans, salted caramel and honeycomb coming to the fore. Hints of nectarines that linger in the background evolve over time along with freshly grated ginger and nutmeg spice. The American oak provides structure throughout, ranging in depth from fresh woodland notes to aged charred oak.

Taste
Baked orchard fruits with a touch of lime zest and kiwi. Mild pot still spices continue to build along with soft waves of vanilla, sweet coffee liqueur and cocoa powder. The texture initially round and full, gains additional wood spices with a delicate touch of clove oil and nutmeg adding a mild heat, giving balance to the sweetness.Finish
Lingering finish with the pot still spices and soft fruits eventually fading, allowing the oak to have the final say, highlighting the many years of maturation.

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier 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 up to 2019 and hitting sales of 7.6m cases in 2020. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

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.

BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES ITS “TIMELESS SERIES” AND REFRAMES THE LEGACY OF TIME

 Two Exclusive New Single Malts – Bowmore® Timeless 27 Year Old and Bowmore® Timeless 31 Year Old – Inspire a Captivating Collaboration with Award-winning Filmmaker Thomas Van

Islay, Scotland (February 22, 2021) – Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is pleased to unveil the Bowmore Timeless Series, which will feature masterpieces of whisky beautifully crafted and shaped by time. This month, Bowmore introduces two new additions to this older age range of whiskies: Bowmore Timeless 27 Year Old (introduced worldwide) and Bowmore Timeless 31 Year Old (exclusive to Global Travel Retail). Each bottling is a limited edition of just 3,000 bottles.

For more than 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and to be savored in the present. The Bowmore Timeless Series reflects this legacy and will celebrate the timeless creations of Bowmore. This combination of patience, dedication and unwavering attention to detail results in the most sophisticated and coveted of single malts that reflect Bowmore’s signature taste – a perfect balance of smoke, exotic fruit and sea salt.

Ron Welsh, Bowmore Master Blender, says, “For the Bowmore Timeless Series, the key is the careful selection of the right casks at the right time.  This enables us to determine when the spirit has reached its peak or if it should be left longer to develop its character further. This careful balance is vital to ensuring the optimal character of our whiskies, promising exceptional flavor delivery.”

To celebrate the launch of Bowmore Timeless Series, Bowmore has collaborated with independent French film director and artist, Thomas Vanz, to pay homage to the artistic craft of creating Bowmore’s iconic whiskies. Vanz has produced a short film that illustrates the power of time as expressed in the evolution of whisky. The immersive and abstract film sparks intrigue and interest in this Series, while telling the story of Bowmore more broadly. The film is a journey from the beginning of time itself, unfolding moments of cosmic beauty within the creation of our timeless single malt whisky.

Commenting on the collaboration, Vanz said: “The artistry involved in the whisky making process is fascinating and provided me with rich and vivid inspiration to create my own unique interpretation.  Through my work, I focused on capturing a galaxy of beautiful chemical reactions to represent the whisky-making process, which is made up of complex movement and colors. This is my interpretation of the Bowmore universe, from where it begins to the final character.  To collaborate with a single malt with such a remarkable legacy and from an awe-inspiring place is a first for me, and I relished the opportunity to explore Bowmore in my own way.” 

Bowmore Timeless 27 Year Old

Matured in Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks for 15 years before being carefully moved into first-fill Oloroso butts for a further 12 years, Bowmore Timeless 27 Year Old is bottled at cask strength. With the distinctive Bowmore character, this single malt offers up fruity flavor, combined with rich sherry and a nod to fresh leather, tobacco and beeswax. 

Color:      Auburn

Nose:      Fruity cooked plums and prune jam. Corinth raisins and sultana notes with a strong Oloroso influence. Toffee and maple syrup, licorice, grilled orange peel and smoked seaweed.

Taste:      Sweet with chestnut honey and strong bee’s wax, fresh leather and Montecristo cigar tobacco, roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate with a hint of oak tannins.

Finish:     Long with scented burnt wood notes, dry fruits and a touch of frankincense 

SRP:         $1,525 USD

ABV:        52.7%

Bowmore Timeless 31 Year Old

Exclusive to Global Travel Retail, Bowmore Timeless 31 Year Old has been nurtured in ex-Bourbon casks, selected at their peak, for 29 years. This was then followed by two years in Spanish Oak Matusalem Sherry seasoned butts to ‘finish’ and enhance the flavors; defined by floral notes, with honey and vanilla sweetness and a touch of peppermint.

Color:    Deep gold

Nose:    The floral scent of lilies of the valley, gardenia, freesia and a hint of Jasmine, with an almond and vanilla character, acacia honey sweetness, light dry grass and a touch of peppermint

Taste:    Floral and delicate with sweet notes of magnolia, lilac and sweet pea flowers combined with creamy cookie dough and a hint of salted seaweed

Finish:   Sweet and subtle with chalky mouthfeel and acacia honey and mint candy notes. 

SRP:       $2,100 USD

ABV:      45.4%

The Bowmore Timeless Series is housed in a distinctive black box, inspired by the classic hourglass shape. Inside, the bottle sits alongside an hourglass, which once turned allows nature’s gravity to release the grains of sand into the base of the hourglass giving three precious minutes to enjoy the nose of this beautifully balanced masterpiece that has taken decades to perfect.

Explore the world of Bowmore; become immersed in the Timeless Series and truly connect with artist Thomas Vanz by visiting https://bowmore-experience.com/ 

www.bowmore.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram — BOWMORE

ABOUT BOWMORE®

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay.  Our maturation warehouse is the oldest in the world and our handcrafted single malt whisky is defined by time and inspired by its home place.

Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River. Bowmore® Distillery’s proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses, is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall. Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavors until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.

Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began.  This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.

ABOUT THOMAS VANZ

Born in 1991, Thomas Vanz is a French director who started making films in 2014, telling tales of the Cosmos’s History by producing only practical FX with inks, pigments and many other chemical products. Focused on the macroscopic aspect, he tries first to illustrate a Supernova, blending art and science with his first short “Novae” in 2016, the film is awarded by the quantum festival first prize. In 2017, his second film “Intra” goes further by telling the infernal journey of a fall into a black hole, with a real visualization of what a spinning black hole could look like and an aesthetic vision of the white hole theory. In the meanwhile, he directed “Bright Side,” the second clip of the talented composer Darius, for his new album “Utopia”, focusing this time about what the birth of the light would look like, and how brightness is defeating the night in the cosmos. In 2019, Atelier Des Lumières, first immersive museum based in Paris, asked him to create a unique piece in a 270° format called “Verse,” broadcasted for one year to thousands of visitors.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.  Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

GreatDrams wins Small Business of 2020 competition and launches exclusive subscription service

GreatDrams has been named a winner in the Lloyds Bank Small Business of 2020 awards, which celebrate small and local businesses across the UK and their inspiring energy and resilience in meeting the challenges of 2020.

Almost 900 businesses up and down the country were nominated by their local communities and 24 winners were picked based on how creatively and quickly they adapted to events since March, and how they went over and above expectations.

Gareth Oakley, Managing Director of Business Banking at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “GreatDrams is creating a premium-quality product in the great tradition of Scottish whisky making.

“But Greg and Kirsty are also using modern technology in a really creative way to create new markets and share the infectious passion they have for whisky. It’s a business with exciting international potential and this award is well deserved.”

With our virtual tastings now being one of the most important and biggest things we do, it made sense to answer customer requests for something special and unique that builds on our range in a very different way, so we put together the GreatDrams Whisky Subscription, delivering bottles only available to subscribers every two months, with options for everyone.

“We have been blown away by the popularity of our virtual whisky tastings – both the public ones and the private ones where we host anything from corporate events to birthdays and even whisky clubs looking to get together virtually for a few drams. I have truly loved how our business has evolved and grown over the last year against the odds – who knew we would quadruple the amount of tastings we are doing… without leaving the house!” – Greg Dillon, co-founder of GreatDrams.

Key details:

• These bottles cannot be bought outside of this subscription; not on our store, not in shops, any surplus is made available to subscribers in case they want to top up their cabinets.
• Each release costs two month’s payments and are dispatched every two months
• You can stop your subscription at any time
• Private virtual tastings take place a week after each release is dispatched to give the post enough time to deliver

Its all very simple:

We utilise our knowledge, experience, skill and network to source members of The GreatDrams Subscription exclusive whisky bottlings from casks of ours that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Each is selected by Greg & Kirsty for a variety of reasons; interesting flavour profile, unique cask maturation, interesting back story, rare distillery and many more. Our reasoning and journey to selecting each cask will be communicated with each bottle you receive.

Each subscription level includes a virtual whisky tasting for all subscribers every two months.

“Starting at £30 per month for our Bronze package, and topping out at  £75 per month for the Gold package, each with a bi-monthly private virtual tasting, there is something for everyone with bottles that are not ever made publicly available making it extra special. Our customers have asked for access to even more exclusive bottlings and over the last few months we have been busy putting together something really cool that we think they will love” – Kirsty Dillon, co-founder of GreatDrams.

GreatDrams has also launched three new single casks too, one full term sherry matured single cask single malt, one 9-month sherry cask finish and one heavily peated Islay.

Tamdhu 8 Year Old sherry cask matured single cask single malt 

Tamdhu, now one of the industry’s gems, has had a tumultuous past having been shut for 20 years between 1927 and 1947 as well as being earmarked for decommissioning in 2010 before being sold to its current owners who have built it up again to be an unsung hero of the whisky industry. This release has been matured in a single sherry cask, giving it those lovely winter fruit and spice notes along with notes of apple and honey from the distillery character too.

Benrinnes 9 Year Old, 9 month first fill Oloroso sherry cask finish 

A rather meaty whisky this one, with a thick, creamy mouthfeel owing to the wormtubs used in the process increasing the copper contact with the spirit. This was matured initially in a second fill Oloroso sherry cask for over eight years then finished for nine months in a first fill Pedro Ximénez cask to amp up the spiciness and the deep, dark winter fruity notes too.

Islay 7 Year Old single cask single malt 

We have always wanted to bottle an Islay whisky, and our awesome customers have been pestering us to do so for a long time… finally it is here! A heavily peated whisky from the mystical island of Islay, matured in First Fill Bourbon Barrel and laden with beautifully balanced, classic Islay peated whisky notes as well as lovely soothing vanilla and citrus fruit notes along with cinnamon and warming spice notes too.

In addition to new releases, GreatDrams will continue to take bookings for private virtual whisky and gin tastings

To get in touch and talk whisky contact info@greatdrams.com or to buy limited edition whisky www.greatdrams.com/whisky-shop

ABOUT GreatDrams

www.GreatDrams.com
www.twitter.com/GreatDrams
www.Instagram.com/GreatDramsGreg
www.Facebook.com/GreatDrams

GreatDrams is all about raising spirits

Award-winning from our first dram, we will introduce whisky drinkers to their next favourite. GreatDrams is a family business bringing great quality, limited edition whiskies and whiskeys to the people, all at a fair price. Never repeating our products, and never compromising on flavour.

We are experts in finding incredible tasting rare casks of whisky.

GreatDrams was launched with the aim to make great whisky more approachable & available.

With eighteen awards under our belts, we have a proven track record for producing great tasting whiskies that are recognised and awarded by both consumer and industry judging panels… that sell out every single time as well, which tells us all we need to know.

Some recent highlights:

2021 – to Feb 2021
Winner of Lloyds Small Business of the Year (national award)
Winner of the People’s Choice Spirits Awards
Liquid Gold Award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

2020
Greater Manchester Business of the Year 2020
Gold & Double Gold at the UK Great Taste Awards
Silver at the Independent Bottlers Challenge
Bronze at the Scottish Whisky Awards

Alba-Collection Verlag, February 2021

We proudly announce the new publications of Alba-Collection Verlag:

Maps “Scotland’s Distilleries” updated edition in the format 15 x 24 inch and 27,5 x 39,5 inch 

Prompt with the beginning of 2021 our maps „Scotland‘s Distilleries“ in the formats 15 x 24 inch (Medium) and 27,5 x 39,5 inch (Large) are published as revised edition. Despite the pandemic, the construction boom for Scotland’s whisky distilleries seem to remain strong, so that you will see numerous changes in the new editions.

Also the booklet included into the Premium Edition had to be updated. So the 36-page booklet has now became a handbook / a guidebook for whisky travelers. The distilleries are sorted by whisky regions and separated by active and closed distilleries. And it also contains maps sorting distilleries to the respective whisky regions. Beside important facts about the distilleries themselves the reader also finds the postal code for their navigation device together with information about available Visitors Centres and in advance required booking conditions.

Maps and booklet show 148 active whisky distilleries, 30 new construction projects and numerous closed distilleries.

Information about the maps:

“Scotland‘s Distilleries“ (Medium).

– size: 15 x 24 inch

– rolled in poster tube

– ISBN 978-3-944148-16-8 (Standard Edition); retail: 10,95 €

– ISBN 978-3-944148-00-7 (Premium Edition); retail price: 17,95 €

  (incl. 36-page booklet & poster clips)

– available in whisky and bookshops or directly from the publishing company (www.alba-collection.com)

“Scotland‘s Distilleries“ (Large)

– size: 27,5 x 39,5 inch

– rolled in poster tube

– ISBN 978-3-944148-67-0 (Standard Edition); retail: 17,95 €

– ISBN 978-3-944148-66-3 (Premium Edition); retail price: 25,95 €

  (incl. 36-page booklet & poster clips)

– available in whisky and bookshops or directly from the publishing company (www.alba-collection.com)

CASKSHARE: Single Cask Whisky for All

Caskshare is an industry-first platform that is transforming the way consumers engage with distilleries to buy single cask whisky. Created with an emerging generation of whisky lovers in mind, Caskshare offers the unique anticipation that comes with whisky’s distilling and ageing processes, without the limitations of having to outlay and invest in a whole cask. Instead, whisky fans can build a diverse portfolio of whiskies, each differing in flavour, maturation time and style, location and date of bottling.

Founder David Nicol created Caskshare out of a desire to bring single cask whisky to a wider audience. Having already launched the successful whisky subscription service, Craft Whisky Club, David recognised within the online whisky community a growing interest in a whisky’s provenance and the journey from distillery to dram. His vision was to lower the barrier of entry into the world of cask ownership, and to help customers connect with their favourite distilleries from the get-go, whilst also allowing distilleries to engage with whisky fans in a real and tangible way with whisky straight from the cask.

The new online platform offers a bespoke service with an accessible and easy-to-use customer experience, that offers a guide through methods, age, styles and provenance. Buyers can choose from a wide range of casks, from ex-Bourbon to old sherry casks, all of which will impart a distinctive flavour and nose. They can then explore different tastes, distilleries and maturation dates to create a tailored whisky portfolio that suits their individual tastes. Once a share is reserved, a certificate will be issued and the distillery will keep in touch with progress and updates. The cask steadily matures, taking on all of all the rich flavours and aromas of its environment and, upon maturation, bottles can be sent directly to a home address. For an extra special treat, bottle owners may also be invited by distilleries for special events and bespoke tastings.
Caskshare partners with the finest distilleries and sellers in Scotland, building relationships with some of the country’s most noted master distillers and exciting producers to give whisky lovers unprecedented access to single cask Scotch whisky. Casks already available on the Caskshare platform include Isle of Raasay Distillery, Ardnamurchan Distillery and BenRiach Distillery, as well as a cask distilled at the long lost Cambus Distillery being sold by current cask owners, R&B Distillers.

Caskshare is opening up the often intimidating world of single malt whisky and making cask owning available to all. A share in a cask is an investment with character, whether this is an emotive connection with a distillery, a nest egg for the future, an anticipated treat to savour, or simply a unique gift for a loved one.

Bottle prices currently range from £49 to £139

www.caskshare.com
@caskshare

ANOTHER MILESTONE HIT AS B CORP CERTIFIED BRUICHLADDICH URGES THEIR SHOPPERS TO GO ‘ONE TIN LIGHTER’

Single malt whisky, now with no tin? Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malts, made at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, are known for their modern packaging design and convention challenging spirits. Their bold type and eye-catching colour palettes have helped distinguish the Scotch brands from the traditional designs expected from the category.

Ensuring their actions are as progressive as their packaging, Bruichladdich have launched a new initiative that urges customers to leave the tin out of their baskets and ‘make the world of whisky one tin lighter’. Across their online shop (www.bruichladdich.com) and in their visitor centre, preferences will be set to ‘no tin’ as a matter of default. Customers will purposefully have to select for a tin to be included.

In a bid to eliminate secondary packaging overall, this slow but steady approach to reducing demand will eventually see one less tin produced, one less transported and one less tin at risk of going to landfill.
Ambitious plans have been set to roll the initiative out globally. The volume of tins reduced from the web-shop and visitor centre could potentially reach ~15,000 tins annually, saving approximately ~17 tonnes of CO2e1. While it is a relatively small proportion of Bruichladdich’s overall business, the project is an immensely important ‘incubator’ phase that will seed long-term intentions with customers and help shape recommendations on how to reduce packaging universally.

Speaking on the matter, CEO Douglas Taylor: “As a business that places social and environmental progress at the heart of our decision making, we have an obligation to reduce our footprint and cut our carbon emissions wherever possible. While we are tackling the most impactful alternatives in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the marginal gains matter. A tin is an inevitable luxury that emits over 1kg of CO2e in its creation alone. It is our duty to phase them out wherever we can – producing less, transporting less and risking less packaging going to landfill.

“We are determined to lead from the front; to use less, use better, and take small steps towards significant milestones. We trust that our customers will support us as they always have done, knowing their choices will help us fuel investment into the long-term sustainability projects that reduce our impact and drive positive change.

“To date, we’ve purchased 30 acres of croft land that is designated for agronomical R&D. We’ve planted ~7,500 trees and invested in biodiversity through a pollinator project and wildflower conservation. We’ve installed a circulatory heating system to recycle our hot wastewater and have switched to 100% renewable electricity, sourced within the UK. For the community, we’ve based our warehousing, bottling and in the future, a proportion of our maltings on the island, to keep career benefits here. Decarbonising our stillhouse’s steam requirement is also within our future ambition. It’s a challenge that has seen us assess the feasibility of green hydrogen technology, as well as the potential of biomass, electrification, wind, solar and fuel-switching.

“We will continue to scrutinise packaging and waste under this wider sustainability program, taking a holistic view for the betterment of our people and our planet. We’ll learn from our community, share progress along the way, and no doubt urge and inspire others to join us on this journey.”

1 The creation of one Classic Laddie 70cl tin is estimated at 1.13kg CO2e. This calculation does not account for transportation of the outer packaging and is a minimum estimate.

Notes:

On Bruichladdich Distillery:

Bruichladdich Distillery is situated on the southwestern tip of the Hebridean island of Islay.

Bruichladdich Distillery crafts four different spirits:

• Bruichladdich, unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky
• Port Charlotte, heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky (40PPM)
• Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated Scotch whisky series (80+PPM)

The distillery was first established in 1881 by the Harvey brothers. It survived through periods of closure including world wars and economic uncertainly, only to be closed for 7 years in 1994. The closure left all but two redundant.

The distillery was reopened by Mark Reynier, Simon Coughlin and Jim McEwan in 2001. The team have breathed new life into the community by keeping as much of their operations on Islay as possible. They installed a bottling hall in 2003, first grew Islay barley in 2004 (now 52% of production) and have since added additional warehousing to ensure all single malts are conceived, distilled, matured and bottled on the island. They are one of only two distilleries on the island (9 total) to make those claims.

The independently owned Bruichladdich was purchased by luxury spirits company Remy Cointreau in 2012. They continue to invest in the values of the business, in being Islay-based, and in the local community.
In 2020, Bruichladdich became one of the only distilleries in the world to be B Corp certified. They are the first gin and whisky distillery in Europe, and one of two globally, to be recognised for balancing profit and purpose.

On Sustainability at Bruichladdich Distillery:

The distillery’s sustainability strategy is organised around four key pillars; Agriculture and Biodiversity, Energy, Packaging & Waste and Islay & Community.

Key milestones achieved to date, arranged under each pillar, can be found in the additional support material.

The Water of Life Film & independent bottlers, The Single Cask, announce a unique collaboration. 

Pairing an exclusive 2009 Bruichladdich cask bottling and the Water of Life Film for an evening celebrating Scotch Whisky 

LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 8, 2021 – Producers Blacksmith + Jones and The Single Cask today announce a collaboration which brings the story and heavenly taste of Scotch Whisky together into an exclusive event.

“Following  the successful Burns Night Celebration, we want to continue to bring our story to the whisky world through unique experiences,”  said The Water of Life Director Greg Swartz. “It’s important to us that we help our audience engage all their senses when seeing the film and this collaboration with The Single Cask is a natural fit with that desire.”

The Blacksmith + Jones are pairing that bottle with a screening event followed by a tasting session and Q&A between Pillai, Swartz, and the audience.  Oh, and a visit from the man who distilled the whisky in the bottle: Jim McEwan.

This event will be exclusive to those who purchase the bottle – because, what’s a tasting session without the bottle! The full experience, film screening, bottle, tasting session and Q&A costs £149 and this Experience can be purchased through https://www.wateroflifefilm.com/ or https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

Bottles go on sale today and the The Single Cask Experience event will be held on the 5^th March (to allow enough time for everyone to get their bottle delivered prior to the event).

“Jim McEwan era Bruichladdich casks are becoming impossible to find and the prices of those casks have gone through the roof in the past few months, “Ben Curtis, Owner of the Single Cask said. “Working together with Water of Life team to find a whisky to compliment the Film, this specific cask was a no brainer as it’s a beautiful expression of the whisky at its purest”. 

Brendan Pillai, from The Single Cask added “This expression, Cask #3615, was distilled on the 12th of October 2009 at the Bruichladdich Distillery and matured in a first fill Bourbon cask for 11 years. It has been bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, at cask strength of 61.3%. The cask yielded 247 bottles and is a wonderful full bodied decadent example of Bruichladdich and will give the audience a true glimpse into a classic from that era.”

Tasting Notes: Bruichladdich 2009 #3615 (61.3% ABV) – 247 bottles

Nose: macadamia, sea salt, malt, honey, cacao, light hay

Palate: An immediate rush of liquorice, lemon, key lime and fennel which took the tongue a few minutes to process before it leads on to green apple, pineapple, cinnamon and mint on second taste before it exits and leaves you salivating with malt powder and sencha rice tea. Full-bodied and decadent.

Finish: Dries off into malt, white pepper, coriander seeds

 For more information about the film and the bottle https://www.wateroflifefilm.com/

Click on Link to see the trailer

Click here for stills from the Film

Click here for Film Poster

About The Water of Life

The Water of Life is a feature documentary that focuses on the craftsmen, chemists, and renegades at the heart of the whisky revolution that turned the stagnant scotch whisky industry of the 1980s into the titan it is today.

Starting behind the locked gates of an abandoned distillery, Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier share their personal experiences of the risk-taking and wild experimentation they used to turn Bruichladdich into a creative and financial powerhouse.

The film also takes you on the journeys of visionaries like Gordon & MacPhail, Billy Walker, Rachel Barrie and David Stewart, whose mixture of talent, chemistry, hard work, grit, and a little sprinkle of magic paved the way for the next generation of innovators like Adam Hannett, Kelsey McKechnie, Liam Hughes, Iain Croucher, and Eddie Brook.

The Water of Life is a uniquely personal perspective on the evolution of whisky by those who lived it – the story of those who played a key part in rediscovering the crafting of the ancient spirit.

About Blacksmith + Jones

Blacksmith + Jones is a media production company that puts story first. Their primary focus has been in documentary style television and short form projects.  Principals Trevor Jones and Greg Swartz have decades of experience and have produced shows for NatGeo, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. They have been partners for more than 10 years. The Water of Life is their first feature documentary.

About The Single Cask

Founded by Ben Curtis, The Single Cask was built on the belief that the search for the perfect dram never ends. Every cask we come across in our work is in some way unique, the best of them being well worth searching for. We have made it our mission to seek outstanding individual casks and bottle them as naturally as we can, without filtration, dilution, or colouring. Sometimes a rare cask from a lost age will catch our attention, or it might have been left to mature for longer than usual. Most important to us however is that each whisky is something we’d be happy to have at home simply because it tastes exceptional.