Loch Lomond Whiskies mark The 149^th Open with two limited editions

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled two new special limited edition single malts to mark The 149^th Open at Royal St George’s, which will take place this July.

The Loch Lomond “Open Course Collection Royal St George’s 2021” and “The Open Special Edition 2021” have been specially crafted by master blender Michael Henry, to celebrate Loch Lomond Whiskies’ first visit to England as the Official Spirit of The Open.

The Loch Lomond Open Course Collection 2021 has been created using specially commissioned English Virgin Oak casks, to celebrate Loch Lomond Whiskies’ first visit to Royal St George’s famous links.

Bottled in a traditional non-chill filtered manner, the 20-year-old expression has been created in partnership with Open Champion, Darren Clarke, Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador, and bears his signature on the carton. The expression joins a collection of expressions created by Loch Lomond Whiskies to mark previous Open Championships in 2018 and 2019.

Bottled at an ABV of 50.2% and priced at £160, the Loch Lomond Open Course Collection has a rich mouth feel and showcases complex flavours including spiced apple, elderflower and caramel, before a long, dry finish of lime citrus, cumin and ginger.

The Open Special Edition 2021, created in partnership with European Tour Legend and Loch Lomond Whiskies’ ambassador Colin Montgomerie, uses a combination of spirits from both Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique straight neck and traditional pot stills, delivering a delicious and fruity single malt of exceptional quality.

As with all Loch Lomond Single Malts, the underlying fruity character of the distillery shines with a gentle hint of smoke on the finish. The spirit has been matured in three types of American oak casks, managed by our onsite cooperage. Michael Henry then marries the casks together before a final finish in Virgin American oak.

Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered to keep things as nature intended, The Loch Lomond Open Special Edition 2021 has an RRP of £40 and is a perfect dram for any golf or whisky lover.

Loch Lomond Whiskies’ became The Official Spirit of The Open in 2018. The 149^th Open was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The championship will be played at Royal St George’s this July, with The 150^th Open at St Andrews taking place in 2022.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Like all golf enthusiasts across the world, we were disappointed to learn of the postponement of The Open last year, but we are very much looking forward to the championship returning in the summer.

“We are very proud of our partnership with The Open, which has allowed us to showcase the very best of the Loch Lomond Whiskies range among golf and sport fans across the world. Both our Special Edition and Open Course Collection expressions are very special limited editions and are emblematic of the true diversity and distilling expertise we have at our Loch Lomond Distillery, and mark Loch Lomond Whiskies’ first trip to Royal St George’s as the Official Spirit of The Open perfectly.”

Michael Henry, Master Distiller added: “It has been a real pleasure crafting these limited editions to mark this year’s Open Championship. We’re thrilled that The Open will be returning this year, and both The Open Special Edition and the Course Collection expressions are a fantastic tribute to the 2021 Championship, each expression showcasing Loch Lomond Whiskies’ character wonderfully.”

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based in Alexandria near Loch Lomond, agreed a five-year partnership with The R&A, organisers of The Open, in February 2018.  Known as “The One”, The Open has the widest international reach of the major championships with qualifying events taking place across five continents.

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Loch Lomond Whiskies’ special edition products have already proven to be a big hit with fans of The Open, bringing together two of Scotland’s greatest exports beautifully: golf and whisky.

“Following an unprecedented year, we are very much looking forward to Royal St George’s this summer. Both golf and whisky fans alike will be able to enjoy a taste of The Open and raise a dram to our championship returning.”

The Loch Lomond Open Special Edition 2021 and The Loch Lomond Whiskies Course Collection are now available to purchase from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and selected retailers.

Tasting Notes

Loch Lomond Open Course Collection 2021 Royal St George’s

Nose: Spiced apple, elderflower and vanilla

Taste: Opens with a caramel sweetness, green apple and honeydew melon, before mellowing into toasted oak and spiced cloves

Finish: Lingering with lime, cumin and ginger.

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition

Nose: Caramel and toffee, poached pear, red apple with fresh vanilla.

Taste: Chewy toffee with green apple, apricot jam and lemon citrus.

Finish: Toasted oak, a gentle smokiness then warming oak spice of cinnamon and clove.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
  • PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
  • GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old
• Loch Lomond Whiskies signed a five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open in February 2019. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150^th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.
• For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Gordon & MacPhail appoints new distributor in South Korea

Family-owned premium spirit specialist Gordon & MacPhail has appointed Allied Young Fortune Brands (Allied Young) as distribution partner for the South Korean market.

The agreement covers the entire range of unique and rare whiskies under the Gordon & MacPhail marque, in addition to Benromach, the company’s own distillery brand.

Allied Young have been building prestigious fine wines and premium spirits brands in South Korea since 1987 and the addition of Gordon & MacPhail’s range to its portfolio signals the next growth stage for single malts development in this market.

Mr David King, Sales Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “We recognise the long-term potential of our brands in South Korea where consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their choice of high quality, ultra-premium international spirits. I am confident that together with the market expertise and brand building capabilities of Allied Young we will jointly unlock the growth opportunity that lies ahead”.

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Allied Young, Mr Kiho Byun added: “We are honoured and delighted that the fourth-generation family business Gordon and MacPhail, with such distinguished heritage, has entrusted our company to represent and launch their brands in South Korea. The two organisations share similar values and a long-term commitment to the market, which we believe provides a solid foundation for a successful partnership”.

The new distribution arrangements take effect from April 2021.

Notes

About Gordon & MacPhail:

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

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.

New Littlemill release is a testament to the past

Limited release of 250 Littlemill Testament decanters launched globally

Four unique decanter sets complete the collection

Littlemill Testament, the oldest Littlemill expression to be released to date, has launched.

The new release celebrates Littlemill’s legacy as Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery and is contained in a luxury decanter which skilfully incorporates treasured remnants of the original distillery manager’s house giving collectors the opportunity to own a true piece of Scotch Whisky history. These pieces, which date back to 1772, include reclaimed glass, slate, wood and stone sourced from the roof, windows, walls and floors of the building, allowing Littlemill collectors to possess their very own piece of history.

The liquid for the release has been taken from a single distillation date, on 4^th October 1976. It was re-casked in 1996 into American oak Hogsheads, before Master Blender Michael Henry matured this liquid further in first-fill Oloroso sherry hogsheads for a final four-month maturation before bottling.

Littlemill Testament – Limited Edition release (Recommended Retail Price £8,000, ABV 42.5%)

Fitting for such a rare and important single malt, exceptional attention to detail has been given to the presentation of the whisky, which comprises a total of just 250 decanters. Each is crafted in hand blown Glencairn crystal, which have been facet cut at the base, mirroring the style of glass cutting during the Georgian period, and housed in a bespoke handmade cabinet.

Each cabinet comes complete with a dress stopper made from the sandstone taken from the remains of the Littlemill distillery. Finally, for collectors who wish to leave the decanter untouched, each comes with a unique code allowing the owner to claim a 5cl of the precious liquid. An additional 5cl can be claimed at a future date, using the same code, protecting the investment by allowing a second owner to claim their 5cl to enjoy.

Littlemill Testament – Four unique decanters

These limited release decanters are joined by four unique decanters, which are all accompanied by a pair of specially sourced Georgian glasses, dating back to the 18^th century with the facet cut on the stems of each pair and unique engraving around the bowl, replicated on each decanter.

The dress stoppers within the limited editions are equally as unique, each crafted from one of the materials salvaged from the original distillery building, giving collectors the chance to become custodians of a rare piece of Scotch whisky history.

The first decanter’s dress stopper is completed with slate sourced from the roof of the distillery manager’s house, the second with glass from the window, the third with wood from the floor, and the final stopper with stone from the building itself. Each special decanter contains a wooden disc cut from a stave from the Littlemill barrel, which conceals a unique code which can be used to request two 5cl samples of the Littlemill Testament liquid.

The first of the four unique decanters was auctioned in China in January, reaching a price of £19,000.

Colin Matthews, CEO, Loch Lomond Group commented: “Littlemill Testament is a fitting tribute to the rich heritage that this exceptional whisky enjoys, allowing whisky lovers to own a piece of history. I would like to congratulate our Master Blender Michael Henry for crafting such an exceptional liquid which perfectly reflects the Littlemill’s signature floral style.

“In addition to our Limited Edition release, it is a pleasure to also reveal our four unique Littlemill Testament decanters, which offer the ultimate tribute to Littlemill’s fascinating past.”

Michael Henry, Master Blender commented: “It is an honour to have been able to play my part, as current custodian of the remaining casks from the original Littlemill Disitillery, and release Littlemill Testament, which pays homage to this whisky’s unrivalled history. I’m very proud of the result, which perfectly capture Littlemill’s signature style.

“On the nose there is crisp green apple and zesty grapefruit with notes of fragrant elderflower and ginger. Then, when you taste it delivers a vibrant fruity flavour, with hints of tangy pineapple and juicy peach overlayed with a lime citrus which is complemented by a melted brown sugar sweetness and creamy vanilla, giving way to a deliciously long finish with mouth-watering fruit, gooseberry and watermelon, and a gently warming cinnamon and nutmeg spice.”

Littlemill Distillery has long laid claim to an extensive and fascinating history. For over 220 years a date stone on the gable end of one of the distillery’s warehouses carved with 1772 offered the best suggestion as to the age of this world-renowned distillery. In 2019, the discovery of the local Justice of the Peace’s records for Dumbarton, dated 2 November 1773, which states that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’ was granted the first ever license by the Government of King George III to “retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors”, conclusively proved that it was the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland.

Available to purchase at specialist retailers including www.whiskyshop.com

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning scotch whisky and other spirits brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt scotch whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• lochlomondgroup.com

About Littlemill:

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @LittlemillwhiskyE

Littlemill Testament tasting notes:

Nose:

Crisp green apple and zesty grapefruit with fragrant elderflower and ginger

Palate:

Fresh, vibrant fruit, tangy pineapple and juicy peach with lime citrus. There is a melted brown sugar sweetness, some dried peel and creamy vanilla

Finish:

Long with mouth watering fruit, gooseberry and water melon, then gently warming cinnamon and nutmeg spice

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2021 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the spring 2021 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at eight years old. Comprised of barrels produced in spring of 2013, and bottled in spring of 2021, the seventh national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the spring edition denotes a green label, consistent across all spring releases. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond spring edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $85.

The spring 2021 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first 8-year-old of the nationally released series and features Bourbon pulled from three different rickhouses, on different floors, and two different production dates. As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

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.”

GLENALLACHIE RELEASES NEXT BATCH OF

WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT 

Batch 5 of the distillery’s acclaimed 10-year-old Cask Strength marks latest addition to core range 

The GlenAllachie Distillery today unveils a fifth batch of its cask strength 10-year-old single malt. The release follows the success of previous batches, most notably the fourth instalment which last week was awarded one of the most competitive and prestigious accolades: World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021.

Held by Whisky Magazine, the World Whiskies Awards recognise the very best expressions from across the globe. An international judging panel carry out blind tastings to award the best whiskies within each category. Once these winners are determined for each region, they go head-to-head in the ‘World’s Best’ final judging. The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Batch 4 outperformed all of the competition to be named the World’s Best Single Malt in March 2021, just as the next instalment is launched.

Batch 5 (UK RRSP £58.99), which is a limited release of 4,500 cases worldwide, is a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons, Rioja barriques, and a small quantity of Virgin Oak casks expertly selected and blended by industry veteran and Master Distiller/Blender of the Year (World Whiskies Awards, 2020), Billy Walker.

Presented at natural strength of 55.9% ABV, without added colour or chill filtration, the punchy spirit promises waves of warming mocha, tangy orange zest, and winter spices, all alongside archetypal GlenAllachie sweet honey notes.

Commenting on the latest decade-old release, Walker revealed:

“It has been a true joy of mine to concoct every new batch of our 10-year-old, bottling each at cask strength to let the natural character and charm of the spirit reign supreme.

“Previous batches of our 10-year-old have set a high bar to meet, particularly the fourth batch which I am thrilled has been awarded World’s Best Single Malt – a long-held ambition of mine – but we’re excited to share this latest batch which delivers a moreish combination of freshly baked almond croissants, dark chocolate, and spicy cinnamon… a real treat!”

With the first batch revealed in November 2020, The GlenAllachie 21-year-old Cask Strength had been the latest addition to the core range, with hotly anticipated annual batch releases in the pipeline.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 5 is available from specialist retailers globally, with a UK RRSP of £58.99.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts an almost 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2021 stands at an eye-watering £1m/$1.2m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol, and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie

Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie

Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask Strength Batch 5 – 55.9% ABV

• Colour: Rich Mahogany.
• Nose: Lashings of heather honey, dark chocolate and mocha, with almonds, cinnamon and orange peel.
• Taste: Waves of dark chocolate, raisins, treacle, almonds and heather honey, with orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg on the finish.

“The 2021 World Whiskies Awards saw Vancouver Island’s Shelter Point Distillery win Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky in Canada for their ‘Single Cask Peat Finish’. The distillery also won Best Canadian Grain whisky in Canada for ‘Smoke Point Batch 2’. These, along with a win for Shelter Point Artisanal Single Malt picking up Best Canadian Single Malt 12 Years and Under, means the 2021 WWA’s turned out to be an amazing event for Shelter Point!

‘Single Cask Peat Finish’ is the Fourth Edition in a series of Single Cask expressions from Shelter Point Distillery. A single grain expression of 100% unmalted barley grown on-site at Shelter Point, the Fourth Single Cask Edition was matured for 5 years in an ex-bourbon American oak barrel, before an 18-month finishing in an ex-Islay cask from the favourite distillery of the Prince of Wales. While this award-winning expression is sold-out globally, an incoming parcel of casks fresh from a neighbouring Islay distillery is now en-route to Shelter Point. For further details on a chance to get in on the ground floor for this historic event, contact distillery manager Jacob Wiebe jacob@shelterpoint.ca

Shelter Point’s World Whiskies Award-winning ‘Smoke Point Batch 2’ was matured for 5 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks, before spending more than a year and a half in ex-Islay casks. Our Artisanal Single Malt is distilled batch-by-batch in traditional copper pot stills from two-row barley, and aged for 5 years in American oak barrels and matured in our oceanfront warehouse

For all the latest news and information visit our website at www.shelterpoint.ca and follow us on Facebook @shelterpointdistillery, Instagram @shelterpoint and Twitter @shelterpoint”

Dubliner Whiskey Partners with Irish Hip Hop Duo Tebi Rex

to Celebrate its Contemporary New Design 

The Dubliner is rolling out a new design and marketing campaign set to breathe fresh life and style into the Irish Whiskey category 

Watch Tebi Rex launch video here: Tebi Rex – The Auld Triangle – YouTube                      

Distilled in the heart of the Liberties district of Dublin, the award-winning Dubliner whiskey isn’t changing what’s inside the bottle. The new logo and bottle design forgo traditional packaging in favour of an updated contemporary look and feel.

Created by an all-Irish team, the new design puts the focus squarely on the brand’s distinct personality and provenance, while the simplicity of the new packaging aims to reflect the straight-talking style for which Dubliners are renowned for.

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic team are hard at work to at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production. The Dubliner range is available to purchase at www.theDLD.com  for €28.00 for 70cl bottle.

The new Dubliner Irish Whiskey look will be introduced across the brand’s core range: The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, a 3-year-old blended whiskey aged in bourbon casks; and The Dubliner Whiskey & Honeycomb. The new look packaging will be available in Ireland and the US from this month [March], with an introduction to other key markets later in the year. In addition, refreshed brand creative is being rolled out across the globe in 2021 – including a new website, advertising campaign and new communications on social media channels.

Bronagh Hunt, Global Brand Director, says; “Irish Whiskey is one of the most dynamic categories in the world currently, enjoying significant growth in the last year, but we believe there’s a great deal more growth yet to be unlocked by appealing to Gen Z and millennial consumers with The Dubliners distinct Bourbon Cask finish. The Dubliner offers outstanding quality and with its eye-catching new look, it is the complete package and really stands out on shelf. We’re excited to see how the new look is received by customers old and new, and while this year won’t be your usual St. Patrick’s Day, we do hope they’ll join us in raising a glass to Ireland. Here’s hoping we’re all back celebrating together next year”. 

Global Brand Manager, Darren Mooney, states, “Paying homage to our hometown, this fresh design aims to reflect the vibrant modern Dublin we know and love. Our aim was to create something bold, bright, and beautiful that can also be accessible. Whiskey is a great vehicle for bringing people together and, too often, old school tactics like confusing jargon and secret clubs can exclude people. Whiskey isn’t just for old, rich guys.”

NOTES

ABOUT THE DUBLINER

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic distillery team are led by Distillery Manager John Park and located at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production. The Dubliner range is available to purchase at www.theDLD.com. More information at: Dubliner Irish Whiskey – Dubliner Irish Whiskey (dublinerwhiskey.com) 

ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

Established in 2011, Quintessential Brands Group is one of the most successful spirits companies to emerge from the UK in the last decade. The company offers a complete range of services and products to its customers across the world; producing and distributing some of the world’s most-loved spirits brands, including Greenall’s, the Original London Dry Gin, Opihr Spiced Gin and BLOOM Gin, as well as developing and producing some of the most commercially successful retailer brands of recent years for trade customers, and co-packing for some of the world’s most well-known spirits brands.

Recognised by the industry as International Spirits Challenge Gin Distiller of the Year five times in the last six years, Quintessential Brands is renowned for its unrivalled gin distilling capabilities heritage dating back to 1761 and is emerging as one of the most dynamic new entrants in the Irish whiskey market with the Dublin Liberties Distillery. With world-class product development and manufacturing at four world-class production sites across Europe and an award-winning premium brand portfolio comprised of English Gins, Irish Whiskeys, Irish Creams and Liqueurs, Quintessential Brands is committed to being the indispensable spirits partner of choice to its customers across the world, with customers and insights at the heart of everything we do.

Headquartered in London, Quintessential Brands Group distributes its brands and services through regional business units and distributors internationally.

For more information, visit the Quintessential Brands website: https://quintessentialbrands.com

WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS 2021

 Best Japanese Blended Malt awarded to Kurayoshi 18 years

On March 25th, the results of the “World Whiskies Awards 2021” was announced.

“Pure Malt Whisky Kurayoshi 18 Years” was awarded Best Japanese Blended Malt.

“Pure Malt Whisky Kurayoshi 18 Years” only uses malt whisky matured in American white oak barrels. The sweet taste of honey, the delicate and savory vanilla notes, the smoky and spicy multi-layered flavor, and the deep rich fragrance of this aged whisky confirms its maturity.

“Pure Malt Whisky Kurayoshi 12 Years” was awarded Category Winner in the Japanese Blended Malt 12 Years and under category.

“Pure Malt Whisky Kurayoshi 12 Years” highlights the aroma of nuts and almonds with hints of vanilla and raisins, with a faint smoky flavor. This vintage as the perfect balance of sweet, bitter and acidity.

The World Whiskies Awards select, reward, and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. They are the global standard for selecting the very best in all internationally recognized styles of whiskies. We were awarded out of the many high-profile entrants within the Japanese whisky category.

Both products are widely available in Japan and overseas. Please get in touch with us from our website and we will glad to guide you to a store near you through our international distributors.

Official Website: https://matsuiwhisky.com/en/

Product Inquiry: https://bit.ly/3n9NcXI

Mail Chimp: https://bit.ly/3o7G4LU

Contact: info@matsuiwhisky.com

Facebook: Matsui Whisky

Instagram: matsuiwhisky

Twitter: matsuiwhisky

Weibo: 松井酒造

INTRODUCING METHOD AND MADNESS MULBERRY WOOD

WORLD FIRST IN IRISH WHISKEY JOINS THE EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has unveiled a new single pot still Irish whiskey finished in virgin Mulberry Wood into its celebrated and innovative METHOD AND MADNESS range.

In a world first for Irish whiskey, the limited-edition release has been finished in White Mulberry Wood felled in central Hungary, where the local climate creates the perfect growing conditions. The wood is then harvested and air-dried for two years at the Kádár sawmills in Tokaj before being transferred to a cooperage in Budapest. The relatively high porosity and medium toasting of the exceptional Mulberry Wood casks impart elevated flavours of wood spices and enhanced toffee sweetness, along with a natural golden hue to the whiskey.

The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first fill and re-fill American Oak barrels, before being left to finish in 50-litre Mulberry Wood casks. Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whiskey is wonderfully complex with notes of smoked paprika, flavours of sweet toffee apple and a freshly cut wood character imparted from the virgin Mulberry Wood.

First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS continues to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases by harnessing the experience and creativity of the masters and fresh thinking of the apprentices at Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery. Just as the spirit of exploration and experimentation has guided the collection to date, this new release was born out of trials dating back to 2019, when Midleton’s Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, Finbarr Curran, sourced the rare Mulberry Wood casks from Budapest.

Back in Ireland, the team at Midleton experimented with different whiskey styles and maturation times for the perfect marriage between liquid and cask. Just 50 litres in size and conducive to accelerated maturation, given the large surface-to-volume ratio, the Midleton Masters and Apprentices kept a close eye on the whiskey before finally settling on a finishing period of between three and eight months for a perfectly balanced wood contribution.

Finbarr Curran, Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, comments: “We are delighted to launch our limited-edition Mulberry wood finish, a world first for the category and the third world first in the METHOD AND MADNESS range. So far, our commitment to wood experimentation and maturation has taken us all over the world and led to the development of some of the most exquisite Irish whiskeys. It’s been a joyous journey of discovery and we look forward to continuing this exploration as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey.”

Anna Lazaridou, Maturation Research and Innovation Technologist adds: “With its unusual wood structure and small cask size, there’s no doubt that Mulberry Wood presented its challenges, with early trials failing. But in the ethos of the METHOD AND MADNESS range, our relentless dedication to trial and error has produced a beautifully balanced whiskey. And it’s with great pride that we share this with the world today.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95.

https://www.methodandmadnesswhiskey.com/en

@METHODANDMADNESSWHISKEY

#MMETHODANDMADNESS

#MulberryWood

Tasting Notes

Aroma:

Caramelised Toffee Apple.

Freshly Cut Wood.

Toasted Pine Nuts.

Taste:

Sweet Pear.

Green Apple.

Smoked Paprika.

Finish:

Deep & Mellow.

Lingering Fruits

Intense Wood Spice.

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.