EXTREMELY RARE GLENCRAIG WHISKY COMPLETES GORDON & MACPHAIL’S 125^TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES

— 44YO Glencraig is final of four ‘last cask’ whiskies —

The much-anticipated final whisky in a series commemorating 125 years of whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been revealed.

The Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery is the last of four extremely rare and unique whiskies, each from the last remaining casks from lost or closed distilleries matured within Gordon & MacPhail’s famed warehouse.

The 44-year-old whisky was distilled in Lomond Stills, which operated within Speyside’s Glenburgie Distillery, before production ceased after just 23 years.

The majority of the Glencraig whisky was destined for blended malts, with the scarcely seen light and fruity single malt becoming a prized addition to any whisky collection.

Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery [RSP £1500*]

Matured in cask number 9686, a refill American hogshead, under the watchful eye of generations of family members at Gordon and MacPhail, the light and fruity new make spirit has developed into a warming, citrusy single malt with a delicate herbal edge.

Just 110 bottles are available of the Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery, which was laid down on Thursday 30 October 1975 and bottled on Thursday 28 May 2020 at 54.2% ABV.

The golden-hued whisky offers aromas of honey, coconut and oak. The taste brings flavours of rich nectarines, white pepper, lime and cocoa beans, with a soft herbal edge. A medium finish follows, embodied with citrus and lingering floral notes.

Stephen Rankin, a fourth-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family and the company’s Director of Prestige, said:  “While it’s bittersweet to share the last remaining drops of these ultra-rare whiskies, they embody a fitting tribute to 125 years spent in pursuit of perfection. These four releases provide a personal legacy for all who have worked at Gordon & MacPhail over the decades culminating in these exquisite and unique drams found nowhere else.”

Alongside the four commemorative whiskies, Gordon & MacPhail has also launched a new film serialisation charting the company’s story of 125 years in the industry. The ‘Chapters’ series of five short films includes personal reflections from over 20 contributors, with appearances from whisky writer Charlie Maclean and Ryder Cup golfer Stephen Gallacher among others.

The series is available to watch now at www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Stephen Rankin added: “In our anniversary year, the ‘Chapters’ series gives the viewer behind the scenes access to our 125 years in the industry, as told by those who know us best.”

#GordonandMacPhail       

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes – Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery

Matured in cask 9686, a refill American Hogshead, and bottled at 54.2% ABV. Outturn of 110 bottles. 

COLOUR Golden 

AROMA Fragrant HONEY and DESICCATED COCONUT aromas lead to CITRUS BLOSSOM. MALTED CEREAL notes come to the fore alongside tart GRAPEFRUIT with soft GINGER and subtle OAK. 

TASTE Rich NECTARINE flavours and mouth-warming WHITE PEPPER give way to refreshing LIME ZEST. COCOA BEANS and CRYSTALISED VIOLET complement ripe APPLE with a soft HERBAL edge. 

FINISH Medium-bodied with fresh CITRUS and lingering FLORAL notes on the finish.  

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.

Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks.

It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery’–This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’–A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ –The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’–Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family
• ‘Generations’–A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces

SCARABUS ISLAY SINGLE MALT

LAUNCHES TWO BRAND-NEW EXPRESSIONS 

Hunter Laing & Co. reveals the latest additions to their newest brand from the famed whisky island,

Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength, will join Scarabus Specially Selected

The family owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. introduces two brand-new bottlings to the Scarabus Islay Single Malt Whisky range. Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength will be available to buy worldwide from 26^th November 2020. 

Scarabus 10 Year Old is priced at £45 for 70cl, bottled at 46% ABV and Scarabus Batch Strength is £49 for 70cl, bottled at 57% ABV. Both expressions will join Scarabus Specially Selected, available to buy at Ardnahoe Distillery and online at https://ardnahoedistilleryshop.com/.

The Scarabus 10 Year Old has the distinguished Scarabus profile of sweet Islay peat smoke but with extra complexity; every drop of Scarabus 10 Year Old is aged for a minimum of ten years in refill, ex-bourbon and virgin American oak casks.

To create the Scarabus Batch Strength edition, a small selection of Scarabus Islay single malt casks are chosen to be bottled at a higher strength of 57% ABV. The result is the signature sweet, peaty profile found in Scarabus, but with extra intensity, mouth feel and an even more lingering finish.

Scarabus, meaning ‘rocky place’ in Nordic, is named after a mystical area of Islay and is a whisky range for those with a curious mind and an eye for detail. The brand is bold and honest about its origins, and just a little mysterious about everything else.

Commenting on the release of the new expressions, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said: “Following the success of the brand’s launch at Feis Ile 2019, it’s very exciting to add two brand-new expressions to the range. Scarabus is a brand which we are incredibly proud of, and to see Scarabus grow and develop like this is really wonderful.”

Adding to his father’s comments, Scott Laing, Business Development Director, said: “It’s always exciting when a new Islay expression launches and we are particularly proud of our Scarabus brand.

The flavour is unmistakable, the Islay peat, smoke and sea salt on the nose, followed by warming leather notes and a delightful vanilla sweetness in the mouth, leads to a rich, lingering finish, culminating all the elements which Islay whisky enthusiasts adore.

We’re very excited to see our ever-loyal Islay whisky fans react to both Scarabus 10 Year Old and Scarabus Batch Strength.”

The Scarabus range will be available to purchase online at https://ardnahoedistilleryshop.com/ from Ardnahoe Distillery, which is currently open to the public and hosting socially distanced tours.

Facebook: @Hunterlaingwhisky / @scarabuswhisky

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.

WELCOME THE WHISKY SEASON WITH MEMBERSHIP TO THE WORLD’S LEADING WHISKY CLUB 

The gift of membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society offers your loved ones the chance to discover new flavours and experiences with fellow whisky-lovers across the globe 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) opens up a whole new world of adventures for the whisky-lover in your life. Unique whisky experiences that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home are at the heart of this colourful whisky club, and annual membership starts from just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

The Society offers an ever-changing range of one-off whiskies, released each month in a new Outturn across the complete spectrum of flavour profiles. Membership includes access to these whiskies and tickets to a calendar of exciting and informative virtual events.

Every Society single malt whisky is hand-picked for its exceptional quality and intriguing character. Distinctive, diverse and strictly limited to the contents of one cask, each bottling is a case study in flavour and a precious opportunity to experience whisky in its purest form, straight from the cask.

But being part of its ever-growing community of over 27,000 whisky fans goes beyond the Society’s outstanding single-cask spirits. Membership provides exclusive access to Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow as well as a calendar of UK-wide virtual tasting events.

FESTIVE HOME ENTERTAINMENT WITH SMWS

The Society has adapted to its members’ needs with an extended programme of at-home entertainment over the festive period. The SMWS gives festivities a twist with virtual tastings, masterclasses, live music, podcasts, video content, music playlists and much more, all available to members at: https://smws.com/events 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP  

A year’s membership to the Society costs £65 and provides whisky-lovers with benefits throughout the year, including access to the multi award-winning monthly Outturns of around 20 new single cask whiskies; free subscription to digital magazine Unfiltered, its award-winning monthly digital members’ magazine; and a calendar of colourful events and intriguing whisky experiences to share alongside other like-minded members.

Tailor your membership with a choice of extras:

• HAPPY HAMPER: SOCIETY HOSTING KIT (+£90): The brand new Society Tasting Kit, bringing you everything you’ll need to host a whisky tasting in the comfort of your own home: 2 Society glasses, whisky journal, water jug and pipette, tasting mat, 3 x 10cl Society whiskies.

• FLAVOUR FUN: BOTTLE OF THE MOMENT (+£45): Whatever your home entertainment plans, you’ll need some great whisky to see you through. Delve straight into the Society’s unique flavour spectrum of flavour, add your first 70cl bottle to your membership.

• EXPLORE: FIVE-DRAM DISCOVERY PACK & VIRTUAL TASTING (+£25): The perfect pack for self-exploration in the comfort of your own home. Kick-start your membership and take part in your first Society tasting online, where you’ll be guided through five 25ml drams by Society ambassador Bob Wenting. 

• CURL UP: THE FOUNDER’S TALE (+£14.99): Going hand-in-hand with a great whisky is a good read. Society founder Pip Hills has written a book about the Society’s origins and how it grew into the world’s leading whisky club.

To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as a gift this Christmas, visit: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership 

VENUES

The SMWS has its spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh as well as a Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in the city centre. Non-members can also experience a range of single cask whiskies and other spirits at Queen Street’s Kaleidoscope Whisky bar, as well as a selection of fantastic food in the renowned Dining Room.

As well as locations in Edinburgh, the SMWS has an exclusive Members’ Room at 19 Greville Street in London’s Farringdon district, and opened a new Members’ Room at 38 Bath Street in Glasgow in early 2020, providing a perfect place for the high number of dedicated members in and around the city to share a dram.

SMWS Partner Bars are every bit as extraordinary as the Society’s malts. With nearly 100 worldwide locations, they’re ideal for experiencing a one-off single malt Scotch whisky.

https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

#SMWS 

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 138 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Bimber Distillery reveals Re-charred single casks 

Re-charred Oak Casks #68, #143 and #144 will be available to purchase directly from the distillery from Thursday 10^th December 2020 

Concluding release of 2020 marks the end of highly successful first year for London craft distillery For Immediate Release

London’s award winning Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of three single cask single malt whiskies drawn from the distillery’s remaining stock of re-charred oak casks.

Three exceptional casks from Bimber’s small inventory of hand-charred casks were reserved during the creation of the distillery’s popular maiden Small Batch release in October 2019. Following an additional year of maturation, these casks are now being made available as cask strength, single cask expressions.

The three new releases will be available to purchase directly from Bimber’s website from Thursday 10^th December. They are limited to one bottle per person and priced at £85.

The casks were hand charred by Bimber’s on-site coopers to level #4 char – also known as ‘alligator char’. This deep charring process caramelises the wood sugars, promotes greater interaction between the spirit and the oak and adds a layer of filtering carbon to the internal surfaces of the barrel.

The influence of this intense char has imparted incredible richness and distinctively sweet notes into these single malt whiskies. All of which perfectly marry with Bimber’s fruit-forward, spice-led house style.

Speaking of the upcoming release, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “We’re delighted to end what has been a tremendous year for Bimber with these very special single cask whiskies. The Small Batch edition of our Re-charred Oak Casks released last Autumn was a first taste of our single malt for many whisky lovers. Over the months since, we’ve received many requests to produce more of this popular expression – and so we’re now truly excited to unveil these three single cask editions.

He added: “It has been a challenging year for everyone involved in the industry and so we’re eternally grateful for all the support that the whisky community has shown us. We’re very eager to see how the growing cohort of Bimber fans react to these final releases of 2020.”

Notes

Re-charred Oak Cask – Single Cask Releases December 2020 

Tasting notes (for Cask #144)

NOSE: Flambe orange peels, bruised apples and pineapple juices mingle with split vanilla pods and singed honeycomb. Cracked black pepper and oak smoke are tempered by rich toffee and creamy nougat.

PALATE: Jammy hedgerow berries, red apples and banana peels are combined with burnt toffee and butterscotch sauce. Prominent, characterful nutmeg and pepper wood spice runs through delivering both impact and a lively freshness.

FINISH: Sustained char and spice balances perfectly against lingering fruitiness and unctuous vanilla.

Cask #68 

70CL/58.1%ABV

1. OF BOTTLES 295

RRP £85

Cask #143 

70CL/58.4%ABV

1. OF BOTTLES 299

RRP £85  

Cask #144 

70CL/57.9%ABV

1. OF BOTTLES 303

RRP £85

Release date: Thursday 10^th December. Available directly via www.bimberdistillery.co.uk  

About Bimber  

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Whyte & Mackay invites whisky fans into the sample room with new podcast 

A new whisky podcast from Whyte & Mackay granting exclusive access to the people, places and stories behind some of Scotland’s top distilleries has gone live today, with world-renowned master distiller Richard Paterson featuring as its first guest.

Live From the Sample Room explores the remarkable careers, and groundbreaking techniques used by the people responsible for crafting Scotland’s most loved whiskies.

Hosted by food and drink columnist Abbie Moulton, the first season will see the release of a series of episode specials, each focusing on an inimitable guest who has made a lasting impact on the whisky industry. Guests will bring on a whisky of their choice for a tasting to finish each podcast.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making credentials are unrivalled, with prized single malt’s The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin, the shining stars in its portfolio.

The podcast’s first episode will feature one of the world’s best known whisky personalities – the prolific master distiller of The Dalmore, Richard Paterson.

The debut episode takes a rare deep dive into Richard’s five-decade strong career as a whisky maker and explores how his passion for the spirit has led to him becoming one of the most recognisable faces in the industry. 

Kieran Healey-Ryder, Head of Whisky Discovery from Whyte and Mackay, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch Whyte & Mackay’s first ever podcast. In this production, we are bringing whisky enthusiasts into the sample room to meet the personalities behind Scotland’s most famous export. The first series is bursting with never-heard-before content which casts light on the stories and personalities behind our whisky making.”

Podcast host, Abbie Moulton, said: “So often, whisky is something we only get to enjoy from afar and for that reason it can, at times, feel quite mysterious. It’s been a real joy to be able to delve deep into the casks for the stories and the secrets behind each of these highly respected distilleries, and to uncover the personal stories behind the processes that make their quality so admired around the globe. From the forward-thinking innovations of Gregg Glass, to the jewels of wisdom shared by Richard Paterson, and all of the journeys in between, I hope this series opens up the world of Scotch and all of its pleasures.”

Other episodes in the first series include an intimate look at life on the Isle of Jura – with Brand Home Manager Mark Bruce talking about the logistical challenges of making whisky on one of Scotland’s most remote islands.

The series will also feature Fettercairn distillery manager Stewart Walker who will sample a cask that he laid down over a decade ago live on the podcast; experimental pioneer and blender, Gregg Glass talks about the Scottish Oak Programme and how he is innovating the category using wood in entirely novel ways; and Joanne Reavely, distillery manager of Speyside’s Tamnavulin, explains how a previously silent distillery rose to meteoric levels of popularity.

This series has been produced by Rethink Audio, makers of a wide portfolio of award-winning podcasts including Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place, The Week Unwrapped with Olly Mann and Tales of Silicon Valley with The Sunday Times.

The first episode is now available to download from Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts:

• Spotify – HERE
• Apple – HERE
• Google – HERE

Notes:

Whyte & Mackay was founded in Glasgow in 1844, and today celebrates its 175th anniversary with a multi-award-winning portfolio of brands which includes The Dalmore, Jura, Tamnavulin and Fettercairn whiskies alongside its namesake Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky.

Recent years have seen the addition of several new to world spirit brands to the Whyte & Mackay portfolio, including Shackleton Blended Malt, The Woodsman Blended Scotch, Wildcat Gin and the independent experimentation arm of the business, Whisky Works.

The global spirits business is headquartered in the heart of Glasgow, and employs over 500 people around the globe, across five international offices, five distilleries and a state-of-the-art bottling plant in Scotland.

Today, with the support of its owners Emperador Inc,. Whyte & Mackay is building a progressive, passionate and ambitious company for the future. Emperador is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc (an international conglomerate listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange).For more information, please visit www.whyteandmackayltd.com 

About Live from The Sample Room

Live From The Sample Room is a new podcast from Scotch Whisky makers, Whyte & Mackay, exploring the people, places, and passions behind their Scotch Whisky. Join drinks columnist, Abbie Moulton, on a journey to unveil the stories and secrets of the whisky makers shaping the industry today – and crafting the whiskies of tomorrow. The podcast is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts from November 2020. Follow Live From the Sample Room on Instagram for the latest updates.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery Receives Tasting Awards
at 2020 International Spirits Challenge 

FREDERICKSBURG, KY (Dec. 1, 2020) – Seven of A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s spirits took honors at the 2020 International Spirits Challenge, receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. The list of winners includes four whiskeys, three of which are bourbon whiskeys, and a gin, vodka and rum.

The three Gold Medal winners include Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Virginia Whiskey, Bowman Brothers Small Back Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey and John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Silver Medal honors went to Isaac Bowman Port Finished Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Sunset Hills Small Batch Gin and Deep Run Small Batch Vodka. George Bowman Small Batch Dark Rum took home a Bronze Medal.

“We are thrilled to have such a variety of spirits recognized by such well-respected judges across multiple categories,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “We strive to produce the highest quality spirits across the board and feel honored that our commitment was evident to the judges.”

The International Spirits Challenge launched in 1995 to promote spirits from across the globe, offering five medals per category. The ISC Tasting Awards establish their winners based on a rigorous judging process involving over 12 days of blind tastings by panels of more than 50 industry professionals. Complete results for the 2020 International Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/2020/en/page/2020-results.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the

Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain

from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which was named America’s Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon at the 2020 American World Whiskies Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Named 2020 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate

Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey also awarded #7 for 2020

BARDSTOWN, KY – Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon was named Whisky Advocate’s 2020 Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey was also named #7 in the 2020 lineup. Both products join previous, recent Heaven Hill Distillery winners — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof was named the 2017 Whisky of the Year and Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond was named #4 in 2019 on Whiskey Advocate’s renowned and highly anticipated top 20 yearly listing.

As noted in the Whisky Advocate Fall 2020 Buying Guide, “Larceny’s barrel proof expression…is a treat worth waiting for.” Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 are chosen each year from a collection of the highest-rated whiskeys nominated by the Buying Guide reviewers, and ranked based on quality, value, and availability. Heaven Hill Distillery has received top ten recognition for four whiskeys across three different mashbills since 2017, showcasing the consistency across a diverse portfolio of products. Read about and watch the full reveal on Whisky Advocate’s website for Larceny Barrel Proof here and Elijah Craig Rye here.

“For 85 years the Heaven Hill Distillery team’s commitment to quality and perseverance has set the course for our historic brands to thrive,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “Rooted in a storied brand, Larceny’s relatively new appearance to the category has inspired our innovation process. For two of our mashbills to receive the highest Whisky Advocate recognition in their purest, barrel proof forms is a testament to Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy.”

Larceny Barrel Proof launched in January 2020 as the first line extension for the brand, offering whiskey fans an opportunity to taste Larceny as Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller does, straight out of the barrel. Descendant of the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise acquired by Heaven Hill Distillery in 1999, the non-chill filtered bottlings are released three times per year. While the top award for Larceny Barrel Proof was for the B520 release, Whisky Advocate Executive Editor David Fleming notes “you’d be wise to give any of them a try.”

Continuing the tradition of Old Fitzgerald using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mashbill, Larceny uses more wheat than any of its competitors for a softer, rounder character. The brand is inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses. With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. Larceny Barrel Proof is released three times per year in limited quantities nationwide for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

While Larceny Barrel Proof is released in limited quantities, it’s mainline brand Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $24.99. First launched in 2012, Larceny Small Batch is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade.  At 92 proof, Larceny Small Batch has also enjoyed both critical and consumer acclaim, receiving Gold from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 93 rating and Tried and True Award from the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and a Consumers’ Choice ranking from the 2020 SIP Awards.  Learn more about Larceny at larcenybourbon.com.

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 62 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 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year and previously held the titles of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, 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.”

Uhuru Scotch Whisky Supports Conservation Charity Tusk

Ethical spirits brand released from the wild to support conservation charity

If you missed all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday noise and have still to start your Christmas shopping, but want to find gifts that are kind to the planet then look no further. Boutique bottling and spirits business, Young Spirits have launched its first single cask whisky, Uhuru, which means freedom in Swahili. They have partnered with leading conservation charity, Tusk, to support their efforts to protect African wildlife including African elephants, with 10% of the purchase price (£42.99) being donated to the organisation.

Co-founder, John Ferguson fell in love with Kenya as a child and spent many summers there soaking up the beauty of the country, as well as being surrounded by its incredible wildlife. From this early age he formed a special attachment with Africa and in particular its majestic elephants. However, his wildlife companions have become increasingly at risk of extinction from issues including habitat loss and the illegal ivory trade. This led to John’s vision to create Uhuru as a new spirits brand with a charitable and ethical difference, offering exceptional liquid and founded upon strong philanthropic values.

The first single cask release selected for the Uhuru range is a 10-year-old blended malt Scotch whisky from Ailsa Bay Distillery. It was chosen as an ideal introduction to malt for newcomers to the spirit, with its enticing fragrance of light smoke and cinnamon, entwined with caramelised almonds creating a gentle, soft honeyed experience on the palate.

Whilst our travel plans might be on hold for the remainder of 2020, if you want to create that safari experience from the comfort of your own living room this festive season, then try out the Uhuru Campfire Old Fashioned cocktail.

Uhuru can be purchased for RRP £42.99 for 70cl bottle/55% ABV via our Shop [www.14serves.co.uk]

NOTES 

Young Spirits

Young Spirits was established in June 2019 by co-founders John Ferguson and Alex Harrison as a boutique bottling and spirits business. They identified a gap in the market to provide bottling services with short lead times to meet the demand of the growing craft spirits market. The business began as a team of two and within 18 months rapidly expanded to 19 employees. Young Spirits is a young, innovative company with great ambitions to help the planet through its progressive, sustainable business practice.

Tusk

Tusk was established in 1990 in response to the poaching crisis of the 1980’s, since when the charity has become a highly effective and efficient force in African wildlife conservation. Tusk’s success is rooted in the understanding that the interests of both people and wildlife are inextricably inter-twined, and that both must be served if conservation achievements are to last and Africa’s unique wildlife and habitat are to survive.

Foundry Distilling Company’s Private Barrel Program Becoming Big Hit

West Des Moines, IA (November 25, 2020) – For the general public, making your own hard liquor at home is just not a possibility or legal. But Foundry Distilling Company in West Des Moines, Iowa, has developed a unique and engaging Private Barrel Program that allows both alcohol enthusiasts and inquisitive peoples alike to create their own one-of-a-kind signature spirit. Since its inception in 2018, Foundry’s Private Barrel Program has boomed in popularity, with numerous customers returning to concoct new creations and forge lasting memories.

To date, Foundry has made over 100 private barrels and counting for a very diverse set of clientele. From farmers and families to construction companies and country clubs, each of their barrels of spirit is made with a custom recipe that they determine and is distilled and aged at Foundry Distilling Company. Some customers’ recipes have even included grain that was raised on their family farms. This incredible experience makes for a great opportunity to learn more about distilling, commemorate special occasions, and bring people together.

“The amount of interest for our Private Barrel Program and the distilling process has been astounding,” said Scott Bush, Foundry Distilling Co. Founder and CEO. “It is a truly unique, collaborative experience that has a way of bringing people together around spirits they designed, and our fantastic team here helps make their creations a reality.”

Iowa-based Heartland Companies was an early adopter of the Private Barrel Program and still continues to utilize the process as a team-building exercise for its employees.

Scott Turczynski, COO of Heartland, said, “We were the second to sign up, but the first to actually make our barrels [of whiskey].”

“We did an American single malt whiskey and a bourbon. In fact, we’ve signed up for a third! Scott [Bush, Foundry Founder] is one of the great group of people there; the leadership team is great. We’ve got nothing but great things to say,” added Scott Bleich, CEO of Heartland.

The Private Barrel Program is a very hands-on process. Customers work together with the Foundry team to decide on a recipe and choose the mash bill. After the distilling begins, customers can taste their spirits as they age. Two barrels are used, a five-gallon barrel and a 30-gallon barrel. The five-gallon barrel (called a “pilot barrel”) makes approximately 30 bottles worth of liquor and is aged six to nine months. The 30-gallon barrel generates around 150 bottles and is aged for two to three years. The exact number of bottles depends on the proof level, and in-barrel evaporation–called the “angel’s share.”

Overall, what the customer gets out of the program includes the following:

• A customized spirit production experience, including a hosted Whiskey Seminar for your group
• Photos capturing their craft time at Foundry’s historic facility
• Graphic design support to help put together a label that meets all regulatory requirements
• Quarterly updates and samples

• Bottle for a personal display that contains your mash bill (grains), yeast selection, and other production notes
• 30-gallon barrel and 5-gallon “pilot” barrel yielding approximately 200 bottles of premium, custom spirit
• Your custom-stenciled barrels after bottling
• Foundry Distilling will handle ingredient sourcing and barrel sourcing, production and barreling (under the customer’s direction), barrel storage, label approval, packaging, and excise taxes

Those interested in exploring the possibilities of Foundry’s Private Barrel Program can begin by filling out the online “Plan Your Experience” form at FoundryDistillingCompany.com/PrivateBarrel.

About Foundry Distilling Company

A one-of-kind craft distillery located in Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa, Foundry Distilling Co. strives to be one of the most innovative distilleries in the world by producing unique products, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like our Private Barrel Club, and collaborating with an alliance of nationally recognized breweries, known as the Brewer Distiller Alliance. Foundry Distilling Co. also offers Private Party Rentals, Daily Tours (M-SA), and a variety of interesting products, including custom-label spirits for businesses, groups, and organizations.

Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery Releases Inaugural Whiskies

Victoria, Canada, 3^rd December 2020:  In time for whisky enthusiasts in Canada to enjoy a dram over Christmas, Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery will release their inaugural single malt whiskies on December 3. Fewer than 2,000 bottles will be available in three expressions created from the distillery’s world award-winning new make spirit.

The Victoria-based distillery, one of the largest craft distillers in N. America, is releasing 1,276 bottles of their Glenloy, a classic style single malt whisky matured in ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks, plus two versions of their Invermallie single cask single malt whisky: an ex-bourbon cask expression with 171 bottles and a Portuguese re-charred red wine barrique expression with 374 bottles. All are naturally coloured and non-chill filtered.

Bespoke etched bottles showcase the distillery’s pot stills while labels and cartons show distinctly Vancouver Island images to evoke the whiskies’ island provenance. Each bottle is individually numbered and labelled with the cask number, batch number, bottled date and whiskymaker’s signature. Bottle numbers 1 through 10 will be auctioned for charity.

Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery began production in 2016, under the direction of ex-DIAGEO Scottish Master Distiller Mike Nicolson, the legendary Scotsman Dr. Jim Swan (‘the Einstein of Whisky’), and founder-whiskymaker Dr. Graeme Macaloney who has a PhD in fermentation engineering.

The distillery’s spirits have won several awards including ‘World’s Best New Make’ and ‘Best Canadian Single Cask Single Malt’ at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards. These award-winning spirits are the foundation of the inaugural releases.

The Glenloy retails for $124.99 while the Invermallie single cask ex-Bourbon and Invermallie single cask Portuguese red wine barrique limited releases are $129.99. All three releases are available at select liquor stores through out BC and Alberta as well as directly from the distillery with shipping across Canada.

About us: Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery is a destination craft distillery & brewery crowdfunded by Canadian single malt whisky & beer enthusiasts from coast-to-coast. The Visitor Centre gift shop is open 7 days a week and under normal circumstances offers kilt-clad guided tours & tutored tastings.

Contact: Katya@MacaloneyDistillers.com or ph. 250 418 0221 to arrange media interviews with our President-whiskymaker or Robin@MacaloneyDistillers.com for trade inquiries. Web URL: www.MCaledonian.com