Heaven Hill Distillery Fills Nine Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today filled its nine millionth Bourbon barrel. Heaven Hill is the only local, independent, family-owned and operated company to reach this historic benchmark.

“In a year defined by teamwork and perseverance, today we celebrate another historic Heaven Hill milestone as we fill the nine millionth barrel of Bourbon,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill. “This nine millionth barrel, a rare achievement in the industry, is a testament to Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality and consistency since 1935.”

The milestone wraps up a banner year of Heaven Hill’s continued investment in the future of American Whiskey. Now aging more than 1.8 million barrels across 63 warehouses, Heaven Hill’s Bernheim distillery produces 1,300 barrels per day as the largest single-site Bourbon distillery in American Whiskey. The new Bourbon Heritage Center tasting rooms and retail store were completed and a grand opening of the entire new center is on track for early summer 2021. The launch of Larceny Barrel Proof, Elijah Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-Year-Old Heavy Char showcased the depth of premium innovation across diverse portfolio of award-winning mashbills. Recognized by industry professionals and consumers alike, the award season culminated with Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon named as Whisky Advocate’s 2020 Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years.

The nine millionth barrel will be put up to age in Rickhouse Y, where it will be displayed amongst Heaven Hill’s other milestone barrels.

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.”

Upgraded James B. Beam Distilling Co. Visitor Experience to Open Summer 2021

Drammer Releases a New Whisky App

Three years after its first release, the Drammer whisky app got renewed. The user interface got a modern look and feel and speed improvements were implemented. Many features, like collection and review management, barcode scanner and taste filters remained unchanged. After this update, whisky lovers have faster access to their digital whisky world. Drammer whisky app is freely available for Android and iOS
via https://drammer.com

The popularity of whisky becomes bigger and bigger, and so does the Drammer user base. The modern look and feel makes the Drammer future ready. With this growth came the need for faster approval of newly added whiskies. As a result the moderation dashboard got an overhaul for a better approval process.

All-in-on whisky app

With its extensive feature list, Drammer is one of the most feature complete apps around. Drammer allows you to manage your collection and reviews, read the latest whisky news and discover new whiskies by their tasting profile. Besides this you can scan the barcode of every whisky to read detailled bottle information. If the bottle is not yet listed in Drammer’s database, you can easily add it with a few clicks.

Social whisky network

In the world of whisky there is lots to learn. Drammer want to stimulate this by enabling to share whisky experiences. Reading what other users are buying or tasting helps to discover new bottles. All users with a Drammer account can become friends. A personal timeline helps to track your friends’ activities.

New whiskies are added to the database every day. To avoid database pollution, each newly added bottle will be checked by hand. This way duplicates and inconsistencies are being avoided.

The Water of Life Film launches with a unique virtual online celebration of Scotch Whisky

Burns Night Celebration January 22 – 27, 2021 – A weeklong online celebration of film, whisky, and the personalities who have made scotch what it is today

LOS ANGELES – DECEMBER 21 2020 – Producers Blacksmith + Jones today announced a unique six-day Burns Night Celebration January 22nd – 27th, 2021 to launch the film THE WATER OF LIFE – A WHISKY FILM (https://www.wateroflifefilm.com/ )

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 — “the most unlikely partnership in the history of whisky” — 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.

Blacksmith + Jones is launching the film alongside Burns Night, which has long been a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Traditionally held on Burns’ birthday (January 25th), it is a gathering of friends celebrating good food, stories, poetry, and of course a few wee drams of whisky. What better way to celebrate all things Scottish then by celebrating all things whisky!?

The Burns Night Celebration will kick off on the 22nd January and run through the 27th January and will offer whisky fans a unique way to experience Burns Night 2021. The virtual online program will include a screening of the film followed each night by a unique hour-long session featuring the stars of the film. There will also be an option to purchase a limited-edition one-off tasting kit specifically curated to accompany the film and take viewers on a taste journey while they watch the movie (where licensing laws permit).

“Our biggest challenge, as with any food or drink film, is you can’t taste the screen. When putting this event together it was important that we found a way to bring not just the story to the screen but to engage the audience in a way whisky does,” said Director Greg Swartz.

“When you take that first sip your senses are bombarded not only with the smell and taste, but it taps into your memories, feelings, and emotions if you let it,” Swartz continued. “Our Burns Night Celebration will bring all the senses together through watching the movie, pairing that with the tasting kits, and offering the opportunity to join the stars to hear them talk more about their passions.”

Executive Producer Brittany Curran said, “We shot, scored, and paced the film purposely to bring the audience on a sensory journey as they watch the story unfold. And we think that that’s pretty unique. We’re excited about it as filmmakers and as whisky geeks.”

“Burns night has always been a night for friends and family together. Since this year that is not an option for so many, we hope that we can provide an opportunity for communal experience. You can watch the film, hear the amazing stories, incredible score and all while having the world’s best whisky. Even if you can’t be in the same room, you can share the same experience,” Producer Trevor Jones said.

For tickets, tasting kits and other offers please go to https://www.wateroflifefilm.com/
Click on Link to see the trailer

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.

DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED TASTE OF SAILOR’S HOME,
MADE IN IRELAND AND SHAPED BY THE WORLD

INNOVATIVE NEW BRAND SETS OUT TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF
IRISH WHISKEY, LAUNCHING ACROSS THE ON AND OFF-TRADE AND AVAILABLE NOW FROM HIGHBALL BRANDS

December 2020, Limerick: Sailor’s Home, an innovative, contemporary and premium new Irish whiskey brand hailing from Limerick, has launched its first range of three truly unique expressions in the UK; The Haven, The Journey and The Horizon. Crafted by legendary master whiskey maker Dr. Jack Ó’Sé; Sailor’s Home’s distinct flavours have been shaped by an adventurous approach to blending, ageing and finishing. Sailor’s Home seeks to take drinkers on a new journey, with flavours that push the boundaries of what is expected of a premium Irish Whiskey.

MADE IN IRELAND, SHAPED BY THE WORLD

Inspired by the rugged and untamed Wild Atlantic Way on the Western coast of Ireland and the original Sailor’s Home, a shelter built for the international community of seafarers travelling through the port of Limerick from Spain, America and the Caribbean in the 1800s; Sailor’s Home and Dr. Jack Ó’Sé’s approach to making whiskey is clear – to respect tradition and paths well-travelled, whilst forging a new and innovative approach to Irish Whiskey that places taste above all.

Using his 40+ years of experience blending Irish whiskey and his insatiable thirst for learning and innovation, Dr. Jack has brought this vision to life and pushed the boundaries of traditional Irish Whiskey with three distinctive expressions, created to be enjoyed by adventurous drinkers and bartenders seeking out new flavour experiences, in great places and great serves:

The Journey Irish Whiskey (The Explorer Series) is the go-to whiskey for adventurers. The liquid’s journey is remarkable – from an initial ageing in virgin American oak, followed by recasking into American bourbon barrels before being blended with malt Irish whiskey that has been matured in American bourbon and finished in Jamaican rum casks. The resulting liquid has tropical fruit and rum notes with sticky toffee pudding and malty depth before a long, almost sweet finish. Explorers can stir The Journey Irish Whiskey into an Old Fashioned or enjoy neat.

Nose: Butterscotch, toasted oak, dark rum notes
Taste: Sticky toffee, rum roundness perfectly balanced with malt depth
Finish: Ripe banana, molasses & vanilla
ABV:43% RRP: £41.95

The Haven Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is Sailor’s Home first release of the unique single pot still Irish Whiskey style – created with both malted and un-malted Irish barley and oats that is then triple pot distilled resulting in a rich, creamy and smooth distillate. The new make spirit is initially matured in American bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, giving the liquid a flavour full of pot still spices, roasted
almonds and vanilla notes whilst the finish is long with brown sugar and ripe black fruits. The Haven Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or in a well-balanced Manhattan cocktail.

Nose: Green grapes, warm spice & honeyed oak.
Taste: Captivating creamy mouthfeel, pot spices, roasted almonds & vanilla notes.
Finish: Brown sugar, ripe black fruits.
ABV: 43% RRP: £52.95

The Horizon 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey (The Islands Series) is crafted from exceptional Irish malt and grain whiskeys that have been matured for at least 10 years in American bourbon barrels. The remarkable whiskey is then filled into carefully selected Barbados rum casks for a finishing period of 6 months introducing lush, refined flavour twists typical of Caribbean rums like caramelised banana and rich brown sugar. The Horizon 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey should be experienced neat.

Nose: Mouth-watering brown sugar and ripe tropical fruits.
Taste: Melting pot of malted honey, oak depth, silk rum, vanilla and caramelised banana.
Finish: Buttery toffee with orange zest.
ABV: 43% RRP: £58.95

Dr. Jack Ó’Sé, Sailor’s Home’s Master Whiskey Maker commented: “We’ve created a range of three truly distinctive whiskeys made in Ireland but shaped by the world. It’s been amazing to work with these liquids, being adventurous with flavours is what Sailor’s Home is all about. We look to explore and go beyond, so that a new generation of Irish whiskey drinkers can join us along this journey of discovery.”

Fabrice PM Limon, Co-Founder & Director Highball Spirits, commented: “Sailor’s Home is not what you’d expect from Irish whiskey. It’s inspiring. It’s progressive, contemporary and flavour-rich and will appeal to bartenders and connoisseurs that are looking to discover new depths and flavours. It’s exciting to consider their applications in cocktail culture and we look forward to working with our partners in the on-trade to offer consumers distinctive and delicious experiences.”

The full Sailor’s Home range is available from https://www.masterofmalt.com/ and https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/. For further information on stocking Sailor’s Home please contact Highball Brands.

https://www.sailorshomeirishwhiskey.com/
Instagram: @sailorshomeirishwhiskey

NOTES 

COCKTAIL RECIPES

Whilst all three Sailor’s Home expressions can be enjoyed neat, why not explore The Journey and The Horizon with the following classic whiskey cocktails?

The Journey Old Fashioned

Ingredients
50ml The Journey
10ml 2:1 sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Method
1. Build in a rocks glass with a large cube of ice and stir
2. Garnish with a twist of orange
The Horizon Sweet Manhattan
Ingredients
60ml The Horizon
30ml Sweet Vermouth
2.5ml Luxardo maraschino
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash Angostura orange bitters
Method
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
3. Garnish with a fresh cherry and zest of orange

ABOUT SAILOR’S HOME

Sailor’s Home is an innovative, contemporary and premium new Irish whiskey brand whose purpose is to reward those who explore. Consisting of three distinct expressions linked by the desire to explore the boundaries of flavour. The Journey Irish Whiskey, The Haven Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and The Horizon 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey have been sourced, distilled, aged to perfection, blended and finished under the watchful eye of maker, Dr. Jack Ó’Sé. Jack himself is inspired by the beautiful Sailor’s Home built in 1856, to reward seafarers on their journeys with the experience of home away from home.

ABOUT DR. JACK Ó’SÉ

Dr. Jack Ó’Sé is one of the most respected names in Irish Whiskey. He has a lifelong love of learning and passion for the industry, having distilled his first batch of spirit in 1979 and earning his Doctorate in fermentation in 2020. During the course of his 40-year career, Dr. Jack has been involved in all aspects of alcohol production – from commissioning and designing pot stills for the likes of Pearse Lyons Irish Whiskey, Achill Distillery and The Burren Distillery; to learning from expert coopers, such as John Neilly and holding the position of Master Distiller for award-winning whiskeys – Dr Jack is embedded in all elements of production with a focus on innovation and taste. Jack’s approach to making Sailor’s Home whiskey is clear – to respect tradition and paths well travelled, whilst forging a new and innovative approach to Irish Whiskey, that places taste above all.

Please enjoy Sailor’s Home Irish Whiskey responsibly.

Col. E.H. Taylor Jr., Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey and
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Awarded Gold Medals in
The Fifty Best American Rye Whiskey Tasting

             FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 17, 2020) – Col. E. H. Taylor Jr., Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey and Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey were awarded Gold medals in the distinguished “Best Rye Whiskey” awards for 2020, hosted by The Fifty Best. These awards are granted to whiskeys that perform exceptionally during a blind tasting process.

The tasting consisted of 27 American rye whiskies with a panel of 14 judges and strict tasting rules. The rye whiskies were poured into fresh glasses from new, sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Judges were even limited on how they could cleanse their palates. Each whiskey was judged and scored separately on a 5-point scale, with Double-Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded according a set of final point scores.

Col. E.H. Taylor Jr., Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey is a small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey that pays homage to the former Distillery owner, made with only rye and malted barley. Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is known as a spicy and assertive rye who made its name in New Orleans.  Both whiskies are well-known for their impeccable taste and rich history, playing unique roles among the Sazerac brands.

The 2020 results are published on TheFiftyBest.com and can be found at: www.thefiftybest.com/spirits/best_rye_whiskey/. 

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

HUNTER LAING LAUNCHES NEW EIDOLON SERIES TO CELEBRATE RARE PORT ELLEN SINGLE MALT 

Hunter Laing & Co. reveals the limited edition 36 Year Old whisky, the first in a series of three.

The family-owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. introduces the brand-new bottling series Eidolon. This release is the first in a three-part series of Port Ellen limited-edition bottlings.

Distilled in 1983 shortly before the legendary Islay distillery was to close, only 638 bottles of the limited-edition Port Ellen Islay Single Malt Whisky will be available to purchase. As with all of Hunter Laing’s rarest independent bottlings, the Eidolon series is presented at natural cask strength and without artificial colouring or chill-filtration. The 53.5% ABV Eidolon first release can be found at specially selected whisky stores worldwide and on the Ardnahoe Distillery online shop, ardnahoedistilleryshop.com.

Hunter Laing & Co. is known for its cask stocks of rare aged whiskies, particularly from Islay. Founder Stewart Laing’s own father was particularly fond of Port Ellen Distillery whilst it was in operation and took care to lay down casks of its spirit for long-term maturation.

Stewart Laing said, “We are pleased to offer Islay enthusiasts this exceptional malt whisky in our new Eidolon presentation, which will only feature whiskies from Port Ellen Distillery. It is without doubt a whisky of contrast – both a testament to historic wisdom and a celebration of modern whisky expertise. The Eidolon casks were carefully set aside some years ago for additional aging and we now believe they have reached the peak of their complexity and character.”

Brothers Scott and Andrew agreed, “A new generation of whisky perfectionists have, in turn, been fortunate to taste this increasingly rare spirit over the years, continuing to protect and nurture the casks across seasons and time.

“We have spent a great deal of time in designing the presentation and we believe that it does justice to the quality and rarity of the whisky inside. We are now thrilled that this exceptional malt can be experienced as the first bottling under the Eidolon series.”

In ancient Greek literature an eidolon is a recollection of something memorable from history – Hunter Laing’s Eidolon is being launched in anticipation of the closed Port Ellen distillery being “brought back to life” as distillery owners Diageo plan to resume production in the near future.

Facebook: @Hunterlaingwhisky

Twitter: @hlaingwhisky

Instagram: @hunterlaingwhisky

Notes

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott.
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• The Laing family are the owners of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay, which began distilling in 2018.
• Ardnahoe Distillery has welcomed over 34,000 visitors to the distillery since 2018.

Benromach virtual tour opens distillery doors to global audience 

— Benromach reveals details of its unique handmade approach to whisky making in new online experience — 

Whisky enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about the whisky-making process can now tour Benromach Distillery from the comfort of their home.

The Speyside distillery has launched an interactive, virtual tour using 3D technology to provide a step-by-step guide to Benromach’s handmade approach to whisky making.

In a typical year, Benromach welcomes over 15,000 visitors from 70 countries to its distillery and visitor centre but had to close its doors to the public at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.

In a bid to welcome back visitors, albeit digitally, Benromach has partnered with Scottish virtual technology specialists, View360, to create the immersive tour of its Forres distillery which can be accessed through its website.  Virtually hosted by the Benromach Brand Home Manager, Susan Colville, the tour offers visitors the opportunity to learn about some of the specifics involved in the crafting of Benromach and how it is made by hand for genuine character

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “We have always enjoyed welcoming visitors and whisky enthusiasts to our distillery to meet the team and learn first-hand about our unique, handmade approach to whisky making.

“For those who are unable to visit in person now or for whatever reason in the future, we hope you will enjoy being able to experience the distillery for yourselves regardless of where in the world you are.”

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director for Moray Speyside, said: “Being home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, Speyside is famous for its wonderful whisky. This makes it the ideal place to discover more about Scotland’s famous drink but unfortunately visitors from around the world have been unable to experience it for the most part this year.

“It’s great to see Benromach look at innovative new ways of welcoming visitors through its doors, albeit virtually, and help tell the story of the craftsmanship that goes into every dram.”

To take the virtual tour visit: https://www.benromach.com/tours-tastings/tours

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com