Skene Whisky has just released Black Tartan 88,  a premium blended malt whisky.   Way back in 1988, three Highland malt whiskies (rumoured to be Macallan, Highland Park and Glenrothes) were ‘married at birth’ and filled into a single hogshead where they matured for 31 long years.  Then, earlier this year, the cask’s remaining contents were filled into just 337 Ibisco-style 70cl decanters at an ABV of 48% with natural colour, no chill-filtration and an RRP of only £248.

On the nose, Black Tartan 88 is very smooth, with sweet vanilla and tropical fruit.  The taste is of spiced butterscotch with balanced oak.  The finish is again vanilla, warming, long and to the rear of the palate.

In his Whisky Bible 2021, world-renowned whisky critic Jim Murray scored Black Tartan 88 at 94/100 (ie in his “superstar whiskies” banding).  Jim commented “This is an old dram which retains a marvellous zest for life but piles on the malt in spades”.

This expression (together with the Skene’s everyday Black Tartan blend) is now available from Skene Whisky’s online shop HERE

Bottle Name Black Tartan 88. Bottler Black Tartan Whisky Ltd. Bottler’s Website www.skenewhisky.com . Category Single Cask Blended Malt. Cask Number 16. Cask Type Hogshead. Size 70cl. Strength 48.0%. Number of Bottles 337.  Distilled / Vintage 1988. Bottled 2020. Age 31 year old. Release September 2020.  Unchillfiltered & Natural Colour. Region Highlands. Retail Price £248.

Where available  SKENEWHISKY

Nose Very smooth, sweet vanilla with tropical fruit
Taste Spiced butterscotch with balanced oak
Finish Vanilla, warming, long and to rear of palate
Comments Three Highland malts blended at birth – Macallan, Highland Park & Glenrothes

Notes about Skene Whisky – After a few years away from bottle sales, Skene Whisky plans to release a number of new ranges later this year.  “Skene Reserve” will be single cask premium bottlings of vintage malt whisky (eg Macallan 30yo).   “Skene Sherry Editions” will be sherry-matured single malts (48% ABV) aimed squarely at drinkers.  “Skene American Oak “Editions” will be ex-bourbon single malt bottlings (again at 48% ABV).  “Skene Peated Malt Editions” will be peated single malt expressions (yet again at 48% ABV).

Elijah Craig Bourbon Launches Old Fashioned Week in Partnership with PUNCH

Inaugural celebration pledges up to $100,000 to Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Elijah Craig and the Old Fashioned embody the centuries-old histories of Bourbon and classic cocktails. Today, the two pair together not only for a great cocktail, but for an even greater cause. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig Bourbon is launching the inaugural Old Fashioned Week from Oct. 16 – 25, 2020.

In 1789, Rev. Elijah Craig did not set out to become the Father of Bourbon when he first charred oak barrels, but his ingenuity proved a pivotal moment for Bourbon. Less than twenty years later, a spark ignited with what was first known as ‘the whiskey cocktail,’ paving the way for cocktail culture. The renaissance of classic cocktails over the last two decades rejuvenated desire for spirit-forward cocktails that are both balanced and complex, a setting ripe to celebrate an Elijah Craig Old Fashioned. Two classics in their own right, Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a 94-proof Bourbon canvas with a signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor that complements the sweetness and spiciness of the Old Fashioned’s key ingredients.

“We are inspired by the lengths at which the hospitality industry is joining together to support each other,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “For ten days we are raising a glass for the greater good by celebrating one great cocktail to lift up one great community through Elijah Craig’s Old Fashioned Week.”

The initial philanthropic goal for Old Fashioned Week will be donating up to $100,000 for the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF), an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers. Donations will go toward direct financial assistance, grants to non-profit partners, and to a zero-interest loan program for small businesses. Starting on Oct. 16, Elijah Craig will host a lineup of live activations designed to be both educational and entertaining in support of RWCF. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig will also highlight bartenders’ unique stories and signature Old Fashioned cocktails on www.punchdrink.com.

A national sweepstakes that offers a chance to win one of 500 home bar kits will also run from Sept. 1 – Nov. 15. Elijah Craig will match $1 for every online submission at OldFashionedWeek.com or match $5 for every social media submission by posting an image of a ‘virtual cheers’ using the hashtags #OldFashionedWeek or #Sweepstakes and tagging @ElijahCraig. To get involved, donate, or enter to win, consumers are encouraged to visit OldFashionedWeek.com for more information.

To enjoy the Old Fashioned in its purest form, start with the below cocktail recipe:

Ingredients

2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

.25 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Dashes of Bitters
Orange Swath
1 Brandied Cherry (optional)

Instructions

In a mixing glass add bitters, simple syrup, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a swath of orange and an optional brandied cherry.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.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 1.7 million barrels aging in 60 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 and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

RARE FINDS WORLDWIDE EXPANDS WHISKY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST TEAM WITH RECENT APPOINTMENT

HONG KONG, September – Global whisky expert and spirits writer, George Koutsakis, has been appointed as Rare Finds Worldwide’s new Investment Specialist and Marketing Director. Based in Taiwan, Koutsakis will spearhead Rare Finds Worldwide’s industry webinars, influencer partnerships and branded content.

As a half-Greek Scotsman who previously worked in Japan’s whisky industry for years, Koutsakis is involved in most sectors of the whisky and spirits industry, from social media and marketing to product development and rare whisky trading. He has hosted and launched several expressions for Highland Park in Hong Kong and written for over 20 world-renowned spirits and lifestyle publications. His in-depth features have been published in top lifestyle publications such as Forbes, Financial Times, Wine Enthusiast, Japan Times, and South China Morning Post.

Among his accomplishments in written works, George also collaborates with renowned organisations; he worked as a spirits specialist with Spink Auctions Hong Kong and hosted the opening ceremony at Whisky Live Hong Kong 2019, while also hosting a masterclass. Koutsakis shared more insights as a TEDxTalk Speaker in 2019, and was featured in “The Most Expensivest” TV Show alongside 2Chainz.

Acting as Whisky Expert for the brokerage, George will share his wealth of experience in the whisky industry to effectively cater to the business’ growing clientele, and also be involved in the fund’s expansion across Asia. With Hong Kong as its headquarters, Rare Finds Worldwide comprises a team of experienced banking and alternative investment professionals with a passion for whisky, serving a unique customer journey from sourcing and building premium collections to providing exit strategies, which includes bottling.

For a one-on-one consultation with our whisky investment specialists or to find out about our rare whisky casks and collections, please fill in this form.

About Rare Finds Worldwide

Rare Finds Worldwide is a tailored whisky brokerage that offers collectors and investors the opportunity to increase wealth with rare Single Malt Scotch Whisky. We offer our private client’s exclusive access to some of the oldest and most prestigious single malts in the world as well as taking advantage of ultra – premium cask procurement from Tier 1 distilleries such as Macallan, Dalmore and Bowmore to name a select few. Our team comprises of experienced investment banking professionals and alternative investment specialists, whose passion for whisky has evolved into a consultancy that focuses on delivering only best in class product, with authentic provenance to our family of whisky investors and collectors.

SLIABH LIAG DISTILLERS TURNS THE SOD ON THE ARDARA DISTILLERY SITE 

Tuesday, 15^th September: Members of The Ardara Town Traders’ Association gathered in the Showfield today with the founders of Sliabh Liag Distillery to turn the sod on the site of the new Ardara distillery, which will open in 2021. The turning of the sod culminates in a busy period for the Donegal distillery, which over the last two weeks has raised €1.5 million via crowdfunding to fuel the next phase of its expansion.

James Doherty, who founded the distillery with his wife Moira, said, that following the huge response to the investment raise, plans for construction are full steam ahead: “We’ve been a little overwhelmed by the response to our crowdfund with over 800 new investors becoming part of the Sliabh Liag Distillers’ family in the past two weeks. Our funding took yet another giant leap forward this week with the announcement that three of our existing shareholders have committed an additional quarter of a million euros to the business; seeing existing investors of such industry standing confidently expand their stake in our company is a fantastic endorsement of what we are aiming to achieve by reclaiming Donegal’s distilling heritage.”

Moira Doherty, co-founder, went on to say: “It feels like this day has been a long time coming and we wouldn’t have got here without the support of our architects, Gavin and Michael of Corner Stone Associates, Hugh Gavigan for the land and the enthusiastic welcome of the Ardara community. So, we say a big thank you to all our supporters near and far for helping us get to this momentous point.”

Demand for the distillery’s brands is gathering international momentum, says James: “Over the past week, we’ve taken a raft of new orders from existing customers for products across our range. Russia, Finland and Germany have submitted orders with Italy and Australia expected this week – Dark Silkie and An Dúlamán are proving particularly popular and make up 90% of the volumes ordered. Production at our Carrick Distillery has stepped up another gear and the bottling line is busier than ever.”

Stephen McCahill is Chairperson of the Ardara Town Traders’ Association and he says the community in Ardara is delighted that Sliabh Liag Distillers has begun construction of its new distillery: “This is an exciting day for the town and we look forward to supporting founders, James and Moira Doherty, as they seek to reclaim the distilling heritage of Donegal and make the Sliabh Liag peninsula to Irish whiskey what Islay is to Scotch. James tells me his grandfathers were poitín men, so it’s in his DNA, but his and Moira’s passion for sharing Donegal’s distilling heritage with the rest of the world has driven this project forward time and again! Sliabh Liag Distillers’ new state of the art facility will offer an industry-leading visitor experience to sit alongside all that Ardara town has to offer on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, placing Ardara at the centre of Donegal and Ireland’s growing and vibrant whiskey tourism scene.”

Gavin Shovelin one of the architects said: “this is an iconic project for Donegal and to be able to design these buildings for my hometown is really special. We have designed the still house to be modern, practical and sympathetic to the area reflecting the vision Moira and James had and I am looking forward to the benefits that this project will bring to our local community”.

In August, Sliabh Liag Distillers reclaimed Donegal’s whiskey heritage with the first legal distillation of whiskey in nearly 200 years. The company also bridged the Atlantic and 200 years of history with the arrival of its spirts in the United States last month, marking the first time in almost 200 years that a batch of spirits from Donegal was dispatched to the United States.

Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival to return in 2021

The whisky event that brought whisky drinkers together during Lockdown is to return in 2021.

The first Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival was the first full-scale whisky event to adapt to the challenging circumstances we currently face, and in the process created a fantastic new event, uniting whisky fans around the UK & Europe to take part in the largest whisky show of the year so far.

The response to the first virtual festival has been so positive that the Summerton Whisky Club have been convinced to hold a second, which will take place March 2021.

This second festival will build on strengths of the first event, creating a day of digital entertainment and most importantly the festival pack for everyone to take part, as well as adding new elements that will see it become a three-day affair.

Speaking of the Virtual Festival, Summerton Whisky Club Founder Dan Humphrey said, “It’s been a very difficult year for the entire whisky industry and wider community, and we have already seen the benefit of having some whisky fun to look forward to.

The response to our first virtual whisky festival was fantastic and it’s wonderful to see the industry and community all coming together to raise our spirits. With the turmoil set to continue this Winter, we wanted to do our bit again.

The Summer Virtual Whisky Festival aims to create not only an event that we can all look forward to, but one in which the attendees can actively participate in, engaging directly with whisky makers whilst still enjoying a dram”.

Due to take place in March 2021, with more details to follow, the Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival main event will once again combine a whole-day live stream with a home-delivered pack (containing drams, mixers and snacks) to create an event which whisky enthusiasts can not only look forward to, but also actively take part in whilst in the comfort of their homes.

In addition to brand presentations, cocktail masterclasses, Q&A sessions and insightful talks from prominent industry insiders are also scheduled to take place during the event. The festival will be supported by live entertainment and a wide variety of well-known industry figures, whisky writers and presenters.

Dan again, “This new format of festival has presented some interesting opportunities, such as every attendee can now visit every brand at the event, attendees can return the festival afterwards by re-watching and we get to talk in-depth to the people who make the whisky, something that doesn’t normally happen. Instead of thinking this as a replacement to our normal activities, I feel that the virtual event is something that we can add to our diary to offer different experiences to drinkers”.

Notes  

About Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival

Ticket details and brands attending will be released December

Key Stats from Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival 2020:

• 1,074 viewers on the day
• 3% Satisfied, 77.7% Very Satsifeid
• 9% wish to participate in our next event
• 33% of attendees had not been to a whisky event before
• Attendees were from:
  UK, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden

THE DALMORE RELEASES ITS BEST KEPT SECRET TO GLOBAL AUDIENCES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, PARTNERING WITH HARRODS

Introducing The Dalmore Distillery Exclusives

Vintage 2003 And 2006 

London, September 2020: For the first time ever, The Dalmore Highland Single Malt is releasing two extremely rare limited edition Distillery Exclusives, outside of the distillery, in partnership with Harrods. To date, the Single Malt maker has released prized Scotch whiskies once a year direct from its distillery to those in the know. However, in response to the shifting landscape, The Dalmore will join forces with the leading luxury emporium to bring not one, but two new cask releases, usually reserved only for those who visit The Dalmore in Scotland, to audiences worldwide. But you’ll have to act fast – only 100 bottles of the 2003 Vintage and 450 of the 2006 Vintage will be made available and collectors are sure to be eager to acquire the latest Distillery Exclusives from the Highland distillery.

A sweet richness is to be discovered in both Vintages, due to the finishing in magnificent Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux wine barriques for the 2003 Vintage, and the finest Marsala Casks for the 2006 Vintage. From the enticing aromas to the delicious toffee and coffee finishes, these whiskies speak to all the senses and are an exceptional gift from The Dalmore distillery.

2003 Vintage

A magnificent whisky matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks finished in sumptuous Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux wine barriques. Natural colour and offered at cask strength.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Creamy caramel, sweet figs, Bakewell tart and banana bread

Palate: Sanguinello blood oranges, heather honey and vanilla panna cotta

Finishing Notes: Raspberry coulis, roasted coffee and glaced black cherries

RRP £1,500  ABV 55.2%  70cl  100 Available

2006 Vintage

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and the finest Marsala casks available. Natural colour, non-chill filtered and offered at cask strength.

Tasting Notes 

Aroma: Tangerine, cotton candy, honey-suckle and demerara sugar

Palate: Vanilla pod, toffee and soft liquorice

Finishing Notes: Ginger spice, sticky toffee pudding and Swiss white chocolate

RRP £200  ABV 55.8%  70cl  450 Available

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, The Dalmore commented: “I cherish my visits to our magical distillery in the Scottish Highlands. For 50 years I’ve been keeping a watchful eye over the alchemy of our whiskies as they mature and harmonise in the finest casks from around the world. Each one carries the spirit of the relentless creators of The Dalmore before me, bowing to nature and always striving to create the best. These whiskies are offered at cask strength – they are our gift to you and I hope you choose to enjoy them with those who matter most – time with loved ones has never been so important.”

Both Distillery Exclusive releases will be available to purchase online Harrods.com and in-store from Monday 14th September, until stocks last. For more information, please visit www.thedalmore.com.

About The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive Series

Since 2012, The Dalmore has released an annual Distillery Exclusive from its Highland boutique,  situated on a beautiful stretch of the Scottish coastline. Eagerly anticipated, the extremely limited edition releases sell out quickly as visitors to The Dalmore’s home are keen to add exceptional Single Malts to their collections.

About The Dalmore

For 180 years The Dalmore has been a masterpiece in the making. A Single Malt Whisky like no other, overseen by an unbroken chain of visionary whisky makers whose entrepreneurial spirit and restless pursuit of the perfect whisky endures today. Current Master Distiller, Mr. Richard Paterson, celebrates his sixth decade at The Dalmore in 2020. Richard Paterson continues to hand-select rare casks from the world’s finest bodega and wineries in which to mature the carefully composed sprit. This commitment is at the heart of our exceptional whiskies.

When asked what the greatest Dalmore he has ever made is; our Master Distiller, Richard Paterson responded: “We haven’t made it yet”.

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky is available worldwide in the finest outlets, from Harrods, London, Galleries La Fayette of Paris, Beverly Wilshire of Los Angeles, and Shangri-La, Shanghai. For those that enjoy fine travel, The Dalmore is now available at 40,000 feet with Emirates First Class, and onboard Queen Mary II of Cunard.

Worldwide demand for The Dalmore by consumers and collectors alike has continued to grow. The Dalmore is now the fastest growing single malt whisky worldwide and a Top Three Whisky Investment.*

(*Citation 1: IWSR 2011-17, Cohort: 20 single malts CAGR 11-17 26% or % change 11-17 304%. Citation 2: Rare Whisky 101: The 2016 Collectors and Investors Single Enjoy responsibly, Malt Scotch Review).

ABOUT HARRODS

Harrods began as a wholesale grocer and tea merchant in east London, first opening its doors in 1834. Since then, it has grown to become the world’s most famous department store, known for its unrivalled range of luxury merchandise. As well as exclusive brands and myriad departments, one of Harrods’ most renowned attributes is its unparalleled service. Harrods continues to be guided by its philosophy of “anything is possible”, and, to this day, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do.

BIG PEAT ANNOUNCES “HIS” 10th CHRISTMAS

LIMITED EDITION AT CASK STRENGTH

Whisky Distiller, Douglas Laing & Co, today launches the Big Peat Christmas 2020 bottling, a punchy Cask Strength Limited Edition release that joins the award-winning Islay Malt Scotch Whisky range.

The Glasgow-based family business, released Big Peat’s first Christmas bottling in 2011. Since then, the iconic Ileach fisherman has enjoyed exponential growth the world over, with a number of market-exclusive bottlings, aged limited releases, innovative cask finishes and a cult following on social media contributing to his success.

This 10^th annual festive bottling, depicts Big Peat sporting a Santa Claus hat reflected in a bauble nestled deep within the Christmas tree. As is tradition for the Christmas Edition, “he” is bottled at a winter-warming Cask Strength of 53.1% and happily offered without colouring or chill-filtration.

Fred Laing, Chairman of his family’s firm, comments:

“Established, indeed “born”, in 2009, my boy Big Peat is a unique marriage of 100% Single Malts from our preferred Islay distilleries. Accordingly “he” has many loyal fans of the phenol around the world. In the cask strength Christmas Limited Edition we certainly get to see his more robust and intense side. This year, using our regularly selected Single Cask Single Malts but always in different percentages, expect an amplification of peat-smoke, dried seaweed and coal dust with an underlying sweetness to his feisty spirit. Big Peat’s Christmas bottling has become synonymous with the festive season and I always look forward to enjoying a dram with him over the holidays.”

Big Peat Christmas 2020 will be available from September from specialist Scotch Whisky retailers in key markets globally, including Europe, North America and Asia. It is expected to retail at €57.00 / £52.99 / $69.00.

First Light Coffee Whiskey Combines Two Iconic Flavors for an Unforgettable Whiskey Experience 

San Diego Based Spirits Company Introduces Two New Flagship Whiskeys Now Available Nationwide 

SAN DIEGO (August 20, 2020) – First Light Coffee Whiskey, the trusted three-time award winning and Original Coffee Whiskey brand, has unveiled their flagship blends, First Light Original Coffee Whiskey and First Light Dark Roast Coffee Whiskey. Both spirit options fuse together two familiar flavors creating a premium whiskey experience for those seeking to elevate any adventure.

The Original Coffee Whiskey features organic raw agave and all-natural coffee extract that blend seamlessly with the smooth warmth of premium corn whiskey. The Dark Roast Coffee Whiskey blends similar high quality ingredients as the original, while showcasing bold, deep coffee notes with hints of chocolate and caramel.

“We wanted to create quality spirits that weren’t filled with artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup,” said Ryan Espinoza, Co-Founder of First Light Coffee Whiskey. “We are excited to introduce First Light to the industry and offer consumers whiskey made of real ingredients to take on their next summit climb or to a family BBQ.”

First Light recently secured three notable accolades at the 2020 SIP Awards, the world’s only internationally recognized consumer judging spirits competition. First Light Original Coffee Whiskey won Double Gold while the Dark Roast Coffee Whiskey achieved a Platinum honor and 2020 Innovation Award.^[1]

“Taking home multiple awards from an international consumer tasting competition was a big win for our team,” said David Elizondo, Co-Founder of First Light Coffee Whiskey. “We are listening to our consumers and will continue to deliver unforgettable products aligned with our founding principal: quality without compromise.”

First Light’s DNA embodies the thrill seeker ready for anything, from surf to snow, dusk till dawn and everything in between. First Light was intentionally created for the adventure enthusiast raising a toast to the planet and exploring all it has to offer. First Light is joining the fight for a better future by donating one percent of all proceeds back to the 1% For The Planet network and partnering with San Diego founded company, Topiku who utilizes components of upcycled and recycled waste materials to create hats handmade by artisans in Indonesia.

First Light Original Coffee Whiskey and First Light Dark Roast Coffee Whiskey are now available for $27.99 respectively online and in select retailers. To learn more, visit www.firstlightwhiskey.com.

About First Light Coffee Whiskey

Founded in 2019 by Ryan Espinoza and David Elizondo, First Light Coffee Whiskey is a San Diego based company that empowers the adventure that awaits. Fight Light has expanded their Coffee Whiskey distribution to local in-store retailers and three successful online retail partnerships: Sip Whiskey, Del Mesa Liquor and Keg N Bottle. The company is a member of the 1% For the Planet network donating 1% of all sales back to the environment. In 2020, their first year entering the SIP Awards, First Light won double gold, platinum, and innovation awards for their Original Coffee Whiskey and Dark Roast Coffee Whiskey.

First Light Contact
Ryan Espinoza
ryan@drinkfirstlight.com

^[1] https://sipawards.com/entryform/2020brandresults.php

VAN WINKLE SET FOR BYRES ROAD OPENING

Glasgow’s go-to bourbon bar Van Winkle has announced it will open a second branch on Byres Road on Thursday, 24 September.

Currently located opposite the iconic Barrowland Ballroom in the city’s east end, Van Winkle has Scotland’s largest selection of bourbons and now plans on bringing its signature American-style food and drink to the west end.

To mark the opening, Van Winkle is allowing anyone who has US Dollars lying around from a summer holiday that didn’t happen, to spend them at the new eatery.

Visitors to the new Byres Road location will have more than 50 bourbons to choose from, as well as a wide selection of American whiskeys, cocktails, beers and wine.

The menu will boast a variety of mouth-watering wee plates, burgers and sandwiches, not to mention a five-cheese macaroni and the Van Winkle buffalo chicken wings.

A perfect spot for dog lovers, Van Winkle also has a special nutritious dog-friendly menu, developed by BBC Scotland’s resident vet Ross Allan from Pets’n’Vets.

Situated at the former site of The Hill, the opening will create 10 jobs, with staff trained in-house and by industry experts to grow their knowledge of the bar’s extensive drinks list, and to ensure a safe environment for all its guests.

Van Winkle will extend the Eat Out To Help Out scheme until the end of October, giving people who have booked in advance a 50% discount of up to £10 per person between Monday and Wednesday. Anyone taking advantage of the scheme will also have the option to eat as many wings as they can in 90 minutes for just £10.

Derek Mallon of Van Winkle said: “Van Winkle is all about sharing a flavour of the USA and we’re incredibly excited to be opening up our second bar on Byres Road. Our aim is to bring real quality products, delivered by genuine people, in an atmosphere that transports you to Kentucky.

“The last few months have been undoubtedly tough for the hospitality industry, so it feels very positive to be opening new premises, creating jobs and bringing something new to the food and drink scene in the west of the city.

“For anyone whose holiday to America has been cancelled this summer, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a bourbon and a burger, and we’re even accepting US Dollars as a method of payment.

“There will of course be all the expected COVID-19 safety measures in place to keep our guests safe. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our west end bar on 24 September.”

Derek’s passion for bourbon blossomed when he travelled to Louisville, Kentucky in 2015 and rediscovered his love for the spirit. A tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort from bourbon industry legend Freddie Johnson spurred Derek on to open Wan Winkle on the Gallowgate in November 2017.

The bar quickly became renowned for its bourbon tasting evenings, pairing great bourbons with some fabulous sharing plates. These nights will be a weekly event at the Byres Road branch for anyone looking to get clued up on the American export.

Van Winkle also has its very own Bourbon Bible to help visitors find their perfect pour. This alphabetical anthology showcases the bar’s growing range of bourbons in its entirety, which includes the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle range and exclusive Antique Collection.

Van Winkle opens at 94 Byres Rd, Glasgow on Thursday, 24 September. It will be open for dining inside and out and available for takeaway and home delivery.

For more information go to: www.vanwinkle.co.uk

Address: 94 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8TB

Facebook @VanWinkleBar / Instagram @VanWinkleGlasgow / Twitter @VanWinkleBar

Matsui Whisky awarded “Best Japanese Single Cask Of The Year 2021”

On September 16th, the results of the “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” was announced. “Single Malt Whisky The Matsui Mizunara Single Cask -Cask#318-” from the Kurayoshi Distillery, was chosen as “Best Japanese Single Cask Of The Year 2021” by Jim Murray for his Whisky Bible 2021.

This international whisky competition is organized by one of the most renowned whisky journalists, Jim Murray, who is described as “The man who has visited more distilleries globally than any person”. Only the finest whiskies in each category are awarded. 2021 marks the 18th publication and this year, more than 30 countries and over 4500 brands were submitted to be judged by Jim Murray. The book is named “Whisky Bible, it is described as:

“This is the most comprehensive, internationally influential and thoroughly researched guide to all the world’s whiskies. In terms of whisky, this is the gospel“

With his superbly unique expressions in his tasting notes, the Whisky Bible has become an event where the international spirits industry pays close attention.

Excerpts from the tasting notes

━ “a nose to melt a thousand hearts… So soft…and has the magical ability to allow both the oak and the malt itself to express themselves individually and then together.”

━ “The most Japanese of Japanese malts with its own unique signature.”

━ “The most complex whisky I have sampled this year so far (and this is number 1,058 – and took me over 90 minutes to nose and taste!) – and a definite contender for World Whisky of the Year.”

This award-winning Japanese whisky “Matsui Mizunara Single Cask” is matured and bottled from one single Japanese Mizunara oak barrel, which makes this significantly rare.

It scheduled to go on sale as a limited release with limited quantity. More information will be announced on our official website and social media accounts.

Official Website：https://matsuiwhisky.com/

Contact：info@matsuiwhisky.com

Facebook: Matsui Whisky

Instagram: matsuiwhisky

Twitter: matsuiwhisky

LINE@: matsuiwhisky

Weibo: 松井酒造