375 PARK AVENUE SPIRITS AND THE RENOWNED JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY OF MICHIGAN FORGE PARTNERSHIP IN THE U.S. MARKET

Louisville, KY (August 20, 2020)—Superior brand specialist, 375 Park Avenue Spirits, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a supply and distribution agreement with Journeyman Distillery effective January 1, 2021.  Under this agreement, 375 Park Avenue Spirits and Sazerac Company’s Bond and Royal craft division will assume responsibility for all sales and operational functions and will support the brand’s marketing efforts.

“When we explore potential strategic partners, it goes without saying that we evaluate the brand proposition, but we also want to ensure that we share a common vision with the owners and that they’re a good cultural fit for what we’re building.  I can honestly say unequivocally that’s the type of long-term partner we’ve found in Bill and Johanna Welter from Journeyman,” said Jason Schladenhauffen, president and CEO of 375 Park Avenue Spirits.  “From the history surrounding the building that now serves as the distillery, to the brand being 100% grain to bottle and certified organic, the unique points of difference and authenticity permeate from this brand like very few in the industry.  Couple all of that with the award-winning liquids that Bill and his team cultivate and our team feels poised to deliver big things for this portfolio in the years to come.”

Founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Bill and Johanna Welter, Journeyman Distillery opened its doors to the public in 2011. There was no great fanfare in the early days, setting the tone for business on the tail end of the Great Recession, at a time when few even recognized what craft distilling was. The Welters and three employees, bursting with entrepreneurial spirit and the American dream of creating their own startup, had high hopes and aspirations of owning and operating a multigenerational business.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with a world-class organization in 375 Park Avenue Spirits,” said Bill and Johanna Welter.  “In an effort to maintain one of our core visions of creating a multigenerational, family owned and operated business, we feel that the collaboration, with the like-minded 375 Park Avenue Spirits, will advance that mission. With the 375 Park Avenue Spirits expert sales team and guidance, we embrace the challenge for our authentic brand story, heritage, and carefully handcrafted artisan spirits, to reach a wider audience in the US. We are ready to embark on this ‘Adventure of Spirit’ together.”

About Journeyman Distillery:

Journeyman takes its place as one of the first to fire up its stills, during what would later be known as the craft distilling renaissance. Journeyman has focused on a grain to bottle process, creating award winning, certified organic and kosher spirits. We proudly reside in Three Oaks, a town of 1,000 people in the great state of Michigan. Journeyman Distillery is located in an 1800s corset and buggy whip factory once owned and operated by E.K. Warren a: visionary, philanthropist, industrialist, and prohibitionist. The distillery now attracts over 200,000 visitors a year.

Welter, having spent time living in St. Andrews Scotland, fell in love with Scotch whisky. That passion and entrepreneurial spirit would later translate into following his grandfather Bill and father, Chuck in the pursuit of a new kind of family business. Journeyman was born out of the idea of, creating hand crafted spirits, an authentic story, and a passion to take a small company and build it into much more.

With a focus on quality, locally sourced organic and kosher ingredients, and the signature inclusion of wheat across the product line, the once small startup, now boasts over 150 employees and distribution in 19 states and Europe. The family feeling and pride remains strong, as the Welter’s are still active in many facets of the business, in conjunction with building a management team that is an integral part of the evolving scene and growth.

Journeyman is now venturing into a new phase, embarking on a collaboration and partnership with the 375 Park Avenue Spirits team. Together we will work to make Journeyman a household name across America.

 About 375 Park Avenue Spirits

375 Park Avenue Spirits specializes in the premium- to luxury-spirit categories and our portfolio includes numerous expressions from leading international & domestic producers.  Founded as Luctor International, LLC in 1981, 375 Park Avenue Spirits joined the Sazerac Company in early 2015 to act as an independent, yet fully integrated sales and marketing affiliate. The company is known today for creating an environment of growth for supplier partners in the domestic market for renown brands like Van Gogh Vodka from Holland, Sobieski Vodka from Poland, Cutty Sark Blended Scotch, J.P. Wiser’s Canadian Whisky, Paul John Single Malt Whisky from India, Scapegrace Gin from New Zealand, Novo Fogo Cachaca and many others. For more information on 375 Park Avenue Spirits, please visit www.375park.com.

Tobermory, Deanston and Bunnahabhain Distilleries unveil stunning new collection of limited-editions

Eight exceptional new limited-edition expressions have been unveiled across Distell’s Single Malt Scotch Whisky portfolio – Tobermory, Deanston and Bunnahabhain distilleries

The new expressions promise to appeal to all whisky-lovers – with an array of cask finishes to suit every palate

Mini sample kits will also be available to purchase, for those who want to join in a Global online tasting event with the distillery team later this year

Distell’s award-winning collection of Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilleries, Tobermory, Deanston and Bunnahabhain, are proud to introduce eight exceptional new expressions to the Global market.

The limited edition expressions across the three distilleries each bring unique new colour to the iconic Distell portfolio, with a rich combination of diverse and traditional cask finishes.

The artisan Tobermory Distillery on the island of Mull, known for its ties to art in nature and colourful island influences, has revealed three vibrant new expressions. First off is the Tobermory 2007 Port Pipe Finish (ABV 55.8%), matured first in refill hogsheads before transferring to Port Pipes for its final four years, followed by two of the distilleries Ledaig peated expression; the Ledaig 1998 Marsala Finish (ABV 58.6%), matured for 21 years with four of those spent in Marsala wine casks, and the third and final Collectors Edition 2007 Pedro Xeminez Finish (ABV 55.5%).

Deanston Distillery, hailed for its industrious spirit and sustainable production processes, has also introduced three distinct new expressions. A 2002 Organic Pedro Ximenez finish cask strength (ABV 49.3%); a Deanston 1991 Muscat Finish (ABV 45%), and finally, the Deanston 2002 Pinot Noir (ABV 50%).

Finally, to round off the collection, global favourite Bunnahabhain Distillery, the most northerly of the Islay distilleries, looking over the Sound of Islay, has unveiled two stunning new expressions. First is the Bunnahabhain 2008 Manzanilla Matured (ABV 55.4%), boasting a unique marriage of coastal infused flavours after carefully maturing in former Manzanilla sherry casks for 11 years, alongside the Bunnahabhain Moine 1997 Pedro Ximenez Finish (ABV 50%), – a peppery peated cask-strength single malt.

All of the new expressions are natural in colour and non-chill filtered so their full flavours can be enjoyed as nature intended.

Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender at Distell, said: “Our annual collection of limited-editions always bring the distillery team’s talent and craft to the forefront, with unique takes on our beloved core classics. And this year’s expressions are truly special.

Having been slumbering away in their casks at our distilleries around Scotland, these stunning malts are finally ready for our loyal fans to experience them. With a combined age of nearly 150 years across the eight expressions, we’ve been waiting a very long time to hear what you think.”

The distilleries will be debuting an online tasting of a selection of limited editions exclusively with TopWhiskies on Instagram in the autumn, with a unique IGTV tasting experience with Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, Distillery Manager Andrew Brown and Visitor Centre Manager Dr Billy Sinclair. These limited-edition bottlings will be available for purchase worldwide.

For more information on the new limited-edition expressions, you can visit the distillery websites at:

www.tobermorydistillery.com

www.bunnahabhain.com

www.deanstonmalt.com

Notes: 

About Tobermory Distillery

Established in 1798, Tobermory is the Isle of Mull’s only whisky distillery and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. It sits at the centre of the vibrant island community from which it takes its name. Under the Tobermory distillery name, the artisan Hebridean Distiller produces Tobermory Whisky and Ledaig Single Malts and, for the first time in its history, Tobermory Gin. Today, it is a thriving, expressive and unique distillery, true to its idyllic location on the Hebridean island of Mull.

Inspired by the expressive nature of Mull, a splash of spirit from the Tobermory whisky stills is added to Tobermory Gin to create a unique character. Distilled on the island with a rich palate of hand-selected botanicals including juniper, tea, heather, elderflower, sweet orange peel, and just a little bit of knowledge from 220 years of history. Best served in a balloon glass, with copious amounts of ice, chilled tonic water, and garnished with a sprig of thyme, a slice of fresh red blood orange, and a dash of dried hibiscus flowers.

www.tobermorydistillery.com

About Deanston:

In 1785, the Adelphi Cotton Mill was established. Employing nearly 1,500 people at its peak, the mill founders saw an opportunity in the trade boom of the 1800s and seized it. With success came expansion, their own currency, and – in 1830 – a lade and one of the biggest waterwheels in Europe were installed, before being replaced by electrical turbines in 1949 – the same turbines we’ve come to rely on today.

When in 1965, the cotton mill of Deanston town closed for good, it seemed the community’s days of trading were over. Enter Brodie Hepburn and his entrepreneurial partners. Seeing potential, where others only saw challenges, the industrious consortium identified a new use for the building, lade, and weaving shed. And so, in 1966, Deanston Distillery opened for business, with the very first bottle of Deanston produced 8 years later, in 1974.

www.deanstonmalt.com

About Bunnahabhain:

Established in 1881 and situated on Islay’s most northerly point, Bunnahabhain is the island’s most remote distillery, overlooking a notorious passage of ocean known by seafarers as the sound of Islay. It has long established links to the sea, previously only accessible by boat – with ships loaded up daily before transporting their important whisky cargo back to the mainland for sale.

The word ‘Bunnahabhain’ is Gaelic for ‘mouth of the river’ referring to the Margadale River, its source of pure spring water which is distilled in the island’s tallest stills, creating the renowned malts. It’s the use of pure spring water that is piped to the distillery which gives it its unique light colouring setting it apart from other darker liquids on the Islay landscape. The distillery goes against the grain – quite literally – with a portfolio made up of broadly non-peated expressions, however, its peated Toiteach A Dhà expression recently won in the Scotch Islay: No Age Statement category at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. Bunnahabhain took home a further four titles in the 2020 awards ranging from silver to gold certificates – showcasing the calibre of its range.

www.bunnahabhain.com

PADDY IRISH WHISKEY NAMED BEST BLENDED WHISKEY

Paddy Irish Whiskey Wins Two Medals at 2020 International Whisky Competition

LOUISVILLE, KY (Aug. 12, 2020) – Paddy Irish Whiskey placed in two categories at the 2020 International Whisky Competition, earning a gold medal and was named the Best Blended Irish Whiskey. The whiskey also earned a silver medal and second place for the Best Irish Whiskey at the IWC.

Founded by Paddy Flaherty in 1779, the whiskey is triple-distilled from the finest barley and water from County Cork’s Irish countryside. Paddy’s matures in three types of oak casks. Hints of spice, honey and vanilla along with a gently fading sweet finish denotes a bottle of Paddy Irish Whiskey.

“We are very honored to receive the title of Best Blended Whiskey,” Marketing Director Tiffany Wilburn said. “Both of these awards are testaments to the efforts by our partners at Cork Distilleries.”

The International Whisky Competition launched in 2010 with a vision of creating a true competition, offering just three medals per category, like the Olympics. The IWC brings the best whiskies from around the world to be tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel. Complete results for the 2020 International Whisky Competition can be found at https://www.whiskycompetition.com/2020-results.

For more information about Paddy’s Irish Whiskey please visit https://www.paddywhiskey.com/.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Sotheby’s to Hold its Largest Online Spirits Sale

Over 250 Lots, with Whiskies from Scotland, Japan and India

First Offering at Auction of Set #1 of the First Release of

The Prima & Ultima Collection

The New Series of Single Vintage Malt Scotch Whiskies

*Proceeds from the Sale To be Donated to Diageo’s Charity Partner WaterAid*

 Open for Bidding from 26 August to 1 September

The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection

“We are thrilled to present our second spirits auction of the month and our largest online auction, with over 250 lots. The quality and variety of bottles offered in this sale are a testament both to the strength of the current whisky market and of our success in developing our online auction format throughout 2020.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist

LONDON, 25 August 2020 – From The Macallan’s most sought after releases to an array of rare Italian import Scotch, including the highly acclaimed Samaroli Laphroaig 1970, and the first full set of the new Prima & Ultima Collection, Sotheby’s online Distilled sale features some of the very rarest whiskies to be offered at auction. Comprising 267 lots with a combined pre-sale estimate in excess of £850,000, the auction will open for bidding at 2pm BST on 26 August and run until 1 September. 

MACALLAN 

“At Sotheby’s we have enjoyed a great relationship with The Macallan Fine & Rare series, setting the record for the highest value ever achieved for a bottle of whisky at auction with the Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.”

Jonny Fowle 

The sale includes 94 Macallan lots, with a combined pre-sale estimate of £619,460 – 840,450, led by The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection featuring the most iconic whiskies from The Macallan distillery. The collection includes vintages spanning 1940 to 1976, with estimates ranging from £10,000-14,000 to £35,000-48,000 per bottle. In addition, a selection of the 5cl press release samples from the original launch of the Fine & Rare Collection, which were sent out to journalists together with the press release, are estimated at £800-1,200 each.

The Macallan Fine and Rare 56 Year Old 51.5% 1945, est. £35,000-48,000

This Macallan Fine and Rare 56 Year Old is the second oldest age statement in the Fine & Rare Collection after the record-breaking 60 year old 1926. Macallan was one of the only distilleries to operate during World War II. It was forced to use local peat in their production, due to the rationing of commercial coal use. As a result, this distillate represents a very different character to modern Macallan, and with only 152 bottles of this whisky known to exist, this sale presents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire such a highly prized bottle.

PRIMA & ULTIMA

As well as the Macallan Fine & Rare set, this Distilled sale also marks a momentous occasion in the world of collectable whisky, by featuring Set #1 of the first release of The Prima & Ultima Collection, following the inaugural launch of a new series of single vintage malt whiskies that has only just been announced by distillery owner Diageo. With purchase only  through appointed agents, and with pre-order registrations looking to far outstrip the available 238 sets, Sotheby’s sale of set #1 – signed by Dr Jim Beveridge OBE, one of the world’s most respected whisky makers – is the first opportunity to acquire this collection at auction (est. £16,000-28,000). The winning bidder will also secure an exclusive whisky tasting experience with Dr Jim  Beveridge.

The sale marks Sotheby’s first ever collaboration with Diageo for charity, and proceeds will be donated to Diageo’s charity partner WaterAid.

Each rare Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the collection is “the first and the last” of its kind, drawn from a small number of casks from celebrated distilleries including Port Ellen, Cragganmore, Mortlach, Singleton of Dufftown, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Talisker and Clynelish. These eight bottles are the first in an on-going series of single vintage malts, with further editions of Prima & Ultima to be made available in the coming years.

INDEPENDENT BOTTLES

The sale is distinguished by a number of independent bottlings, including three bottles of Laphroaig Samaroli 16 Year Old 1970 (est. £9,000-13,000). The whisky was scored 95 points by Serge Valentin, a well-known name on the whisky scene, one of the highest ratings he has ever given.

Emmanuel Dron, Sotheby’s Whisky Consultant, owner of The Auld Alliance whisky bar and author of Collecting Scotch Whisky, commented: “Silvano Samaroli’s bottles are among the most legendary ever produced and this 1970 Laphroaig is undoubtedly my number 1 whisky of all time. It is so rare to see three bottles of this whisky in a single auction”.

Two exquisite releases from Gordon & MacPhail comprise Glen Grant Gordon & MacPhail 62 Year Old Mr. George Centenary Edition 1956 (est. £5,500-7,500, illustrated far left), one of the oldest Glen Grant whiskies ever released, and Longmorn Gordon & MacPhail 53 Year Old Private Collection 1966 (est. £4,300-5,500, illustrated left).

BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE WHISKIES

The sale features an exceptional selection of Japanese whiskies, not least 28 Karuizawa lots with a combined pre-sale estimate of £79,300 – 104,100, made up of Single Cask bottlings and vattings from Japan’s most popular closed distillery. Earlier this year in London, Sotheby’s set the record for the most valuable Japanese Whisky ever sold when a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 achieved £363,000.

Stand-out highlights include Karuizawa Sapphire Geisha 36 Year Old Cask #5077 (est. £11,000-15,000, illustrated left) and The Yamazaki LMDW Private Cask #3T70070 (est. £7,000-9,000, illustrated right).

FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Eleven Port Ellen lots, with a combined pre-sale estimate of £28,950 – 39,250, led by Port Ellen 1979 40 Year Old Casks Of Distinction #1883 (est. £20,000-26,000, illustrated far left).

The Original Balvenie “Tun 1401” – The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch #1 (est. £4,000-6,000, illustrated left).

SMWS 26 Malts Collection (est. £4,500-6,000)

Notes 

Auction World Record Prices for Spirits 

After launching our Spirits business last year this segment of the market saw the fastest growth with three new auction world record prices.

AUCTION WORLD RECORD PRICE FOR A BOTTLE OF JAPANESE WHISKY

London, March 2020

Karuizawa 52 Year Old Zodiac Rat Cask #5627 1960, $435,273

AUCTION WORLD RECORD PRICE FOR ANY BOTTLE OF THE DALMORE

London, May 2020

Two bottles of The Dalmore 62 Year Old, $324,445 (per bottle)

AUCTION WORLD RECORD PRICE FOR A BOTTLE OF COGNAC

London, May 2020

The Gautier Cognac 1762, $144,525

Sotheby’s holds producer records for: Bowmore, Springbank, Brora, Samaroli and Glenfiddich.

SOTHEBY’S ALSO HOLDS THE AUCTION RECORD FOR THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BOTTLE OF WINE OR SPIRIT

London, October 2019

The Macallan Fine & Rare 60-Year-Old 1926, $1.9 million

Irish Whiskey Distillery LAUNCHES €1.5m crowdfund
for next phase of growth

Award winning Sliabh Liag Distillers to build new distillery as sales grow 50% YoY

Product range expanding, including new whiskeys

Donegal’s place on the fast-growing Irish whiskey market to emulate Islay’s in Scotland

DONEGAL, 18/08/20: Sliabh Liag Distillers, (pronounced Sleeve League, meaning ‘mountain of flagstones’) today announces it is seeking €1.5m in investment via crowdfunding to fuel the next phase of its expansion. The Crowdcube campaign will launch on Wednesday 26^th August and run for four weeks, pre-registration is now open at www.sliabhliagdistillers.com/crowdfunding.

This fundraising round will allow Sliabh Liag Distillers’s growing band of followers to join a select group including a drinks industry multinational (Asahi), sophisticated investors and Donegal locals as investors in a sector that has doubled in size over the last decade. The investment will be eligible for EIS tax relief in the UK (EIIS tax relief in Ireland) and will come with a range of rewards from having your name etched on a copper still for all time to receiving a bespoke Donegal ‘Silkie’ fishing fly. The opportunity is set to attract many sophisticated investors from amongst the Irish diaspora, drinks enthusiasts and others looking for interesting long-term investments.

Sliabh Liag Distillers was founded by two Irish ‘scatterlings’ (returnees) with a simple aim: to reclaim the distilling heritage of Donegal and recreate the rich authentic spirits of the area from a time before the industrial revolution. Its husband and wife founders, James and Moira Doherty, want to make the Sliabh Liag peninsula to Irish whiskey what Islay is to Scotch.

Since inception, Sliabh Liag Distillers has grown from strength-to-strength, meeting demands from the international premium drinks sector for a better selection of authentic Irish whiskeys. The sector has been dominated by a handful of mainstream brands for a century, but in the last decade, a renaissance of unique, small-batch spirits, has seen it double in size.

Sliabh Liag Distillers is creating a new area of growth with its distinctive tasting products that are gaining cachet among Ireland’s most renowned food critics, chefs and restaurateurs, alongside a sizable social media following and international press coverage.

It is this hard-earned prestige and following that will, by Autumn 2021, see Sliabh Liag Distillers commence its phased move to Ardara, its new headquarters and future home of its current five exciting brands, and many new ones to come. Work on the site is already underway, and will increase the Company’s production capacity to 500,000 litres of alcohol per annum with room for expansion, as it anticipates growing international demand.

Accompanying the renaissance of Irish whiskey has been a resurgence of whiskey tourism. In time, the site at Ardara will feature tiered levels of tours that will take visitors through the distillery, the distilling process, the history of whiskey and local poitín-making, alongside the heritage of the area.

James Doherty, Managing Director of Sliabh Liag, said: “We are reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal and in doing so we have founded the first legal whiskey distillery in the county for over 175 years. Both my grandfathers were illicit poitín men. This is in my DNA.  It is my legacy and one that I think my grandfathers would be proud of.

“I want to share this legacy – this opportunity to cement artisan Irish whiskey as the world’s best – with those who want to come along with us on this exciting journey through Ireland’s long, almost lost distilling heritage. Join us, or as we say in Irish, ‘Bigi Linn’.”

Moira Doherty, Director of Sliabh Liag, said: “It’s been an interesting year to say the least. On one hand we pivoted into making hand sanitiser for the community here in Donegal, while on the other we laid down the first barrel of smoky single malt Irish whiskey in the county since 1841.  

“The Ardara Distillery is the natural next step in our journey to revive the Irish whiskey tradition; to bring it back to the communities while taking the name of Donegal to the furthest reaches we can. After a century where a few big players have dominated, this is a real chance for you to get involved in bringing it back home where it belongs – it will be a part of your story and legacy as much as it is our own.”

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Shares are priced at £75.00.  Total valuation of Sliabh Liag Distillers is £14,988,300.

The share class offered to investors on Crowdcube are A Ordinary Shares with pre-emption and voting rights. The shares will be issued to Crowdcube Nominees Limited to hold the shares on behalf of investors. Five share classes exist:

Founder Ordinary, two votes per share, pre-emption rights over all classes of shares

A Ordinary, one vote per share, pre-emption rights within own class

B Ordinary, no votes, pre-emption rights within own class, put call agreement

C Ordinary, no votes, pre-emption rights within own class

5% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares

Specific advice should be sought prior to making any investment in Sliabh Liag Distillers DAC, based on the particular circumstances of a prospective investor.  This is not a regulated investment and investment is only appropriate for investors who have a high attitude to risk.  For investors in Ireland this is not an offering for the purposes of Section 68 of the Companies Act 2014.

Notes

• Sliabh Liag Distillers (pronounced ‘sleeve league’) is independently owned.
• SLD is committed to reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal. In addition to An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin, the company also produces the blended Silkie Irish Whiskey, Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey and Assaranca Vodka.
• SLD has begun construction of its new distillery at Ardara, co Donegal. The state-of-the-art facility will combine the latest distilling technology and a unique “all grains in” process with ancient Donegal distilling knowhow to create a whiskey unlike that found in the rest of Ireland.
• On Wednesday 26^th August, the company launches its €1.5m fundraising campaign on Crowdcube.com. (NB: it will only be live on the Crowdcube website to non-registered users on 28^th August).
• Silkie, Dark Silkie, An Dúlamán and Assaranca are all distributed by Vine Distribution Services in the UK. Established in 2000, Vine Distribution Services (VDS UK Limited) are importers and distributors of premium drinks and other FMCG brands in the UK. Founded by Steve Brown and Paul Macgregor, VDS is a sales, marketing and distribution company that specialises in the development of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands.

**NEWSFLASH** NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A BOTTLE OF JAPANESE WHISKY SET AT BONHAMS HONG KONG

The Oldest Japanese Whisky – Yamazaki-55 Year

Sells for HK$6,200,000 (US$795,000) 

More Than Ten Times the Pre-sale Estimate &
Far Exceeding Previous Records

Hong Kong – At Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky Sale in Hong Kong today, Yamazaki-55 Year, the oldest Japanese whisky in history, commanded the price of HK$6,200,000 (US$795,000), establishing a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky. It had a pre-sale estimate of HK$580,000 – 780,000.

The single-malt blockbuster was freshly released in June this year by Suntory, via a customer lottery system applicable only to residents from within Japan. Yamazaki-55 Years was distilled in the 1960s and produced in an exceedingly-limited edition of 100 bottles.

Daniel Lam, Director of Wine and Whisky, Asia, commented: “The stunning price sets a new milestone for the market of Japanese whisky, testament to collectors’ desire and determination to acquire the very best the market has to offer. We are pleased to see a keen demand for Scotch whisky in today’s sale as well.”

This new record far exceeds the previous records, set respectively in March 2020 for GBP363,000 (US$475,000) and in May 2019 for NT$13,512,500 (US$459,000).

The Yamazaki-55 Year Old was matured in both Japanese Mizunara oak cask from 1960 and white oak cask from 1964, the year of the previous Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Distilled to 46% ABV, it has a deep reddish amber colour with a complex agarwood and sandalwood nose, rich in fruity scents with a sweet aftertaste. The gold-dusted bottle is housed in a black Mizunara oak box with Suruga lacquer. The bottle mouth is wrapped in handmade Echizen Washi and tied with a traditional Kyoto braided cord.

Bonhams currently holds three world auction records in the whisky category, namely:

World auction record for a Japanese whisky collection

Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series (in 54 bottles)

Sold for of HK$7,192,000 (US$ 922,000)

August 2019

World auction record for a whisky cask

Refill European Sherry Hogshead Cask from Macallan Distillery

Sold for HK$4,464,000 (US$572,000)

November 2019

World auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky

Yamazaki-55 Year

Sold for HK$6,200,000 (US$795,000)

August 2020

Sale: Fine and Rare Wine & WhiskyDate: 21 August (Friday)

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

Gentleman Jack Celebrates National Whiskey Sour Day with Release of Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mixer

National Whiskey Sour Day Is Celebrated August 25

Lynchburg, Tenn. (August 25, 2020) – Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey, in partnership with Whiskey Barrel Foods, introduces its newest product, Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mixer. The new product is available beginning today, August 25, “National Whiskey Sour Day.”

This Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Cocktail Mix has been crafted with just the right balance of sweet and sour to perfectly complement Gentleman Jack’s extra smooth Tennessee Whiskey.

“The classic Whiskey Sour popularity has continued to grow and is the #3 selling cocktail in the world in bars and restaurants,” said Mary Beth O’Mara, Gentleman Jack Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to celebrate National Whiskey Sour Day with the launch of this new cocktail mixer perfectly crafted to work with the flavors of our ultra-premium Gentleman Jack. It’s the perfect whiskey for the perfect whiskey cocktail.”

Gentleman Jack’s Whiskey Sour Mixer is sold online at WhiskeyBarrelFoods.com and JackDaniels.com for a suggested retail price of $15.99 for a 16oz bottle.

About Gentleman Jack 

Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey is charcoal mellowed twice – once before it goes into the barrel and again after it fully matures. The result is an exceptionally smooth whiskey with a rich, rewarding taste. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentlemanJack.

JACK DANIEL’S GENTLEMAN JACK DOUBLE MELLOWED TENNESSEE WHISKEY is a registered trademark of JACK DANIEL PROPERTIES INC. ©2020. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, 40% ALC./VOL.(80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.

Amrut Triparva

India’s first ever foray into Triple Distilled Single Malts

Amrut Distilleries are on the cusp of releasing the Triparva, a triple distilled limited edition single malt whisky with a total bottling of 5400 bottles worldwide. Of the global allocation, 600 bottles will be made available in Bangalore to meet the demands of Indian whisky connoisseurs and collectors. This is the first time triple distilled single malt whisky has been produced in India, and perhaps even Asia.

Quote from Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller, Amrut:

“Amrut has pretty much produced a range of uncompromisingly innovative single malt whiskies such as the Amrut Spectrum (multiple oak wood barrel single malt), Naarangi (a single malt with orange influence) , Rye Single Malt to name a few.

This latest addition of Triparva, triple distilled single malt, kind of completes the course. I think, for any distillery to come and do what Amrut has done in India will take a long time and the depth and variety of what Amrut has is unmatched. We are proud of what we have done so far and cemented our position as the ‘pioneers’ of single malt making in India.”

Tasting notes of Triparva

Colour: Golden Brown
Nose: Salted Caramel and coconut-vanilla custard work in tandem and there is a whisper of peach and melon. That whisper become a shout of plantain and sweet oranges complemented by subtle oak notes.
Taste: Fruit cocktail, creamy peach and melon, in syrup followed by plantain, orangey citrus and vanilla custard. The whole experience is a kind of sweet soup with a rich texture shouldered by honey and sherbet.
Finish: That honey and plantain refusing to go away and joined by a mild spice dust.

Further info:
info@amrutdistilleries.com

SAZERAC WHISKIES SWEEP CANADIAN WHISKY CATEGORY AT INTERNATIONAL WHISKY COMPETITION 2020 

MONTREAL (Aug. 13) – The three medals in the Best Canadian Whisky category were awarded to Royal Canadian Small Batch, High River Canadian Whisky and Caribou Crossing Single Barrel, during the International Whisky Competition 2020.

The first place, Gold Medal went to Royal Canadian Small Batch with 85.7 points. Second place, Silver Medal was delivered to High River Canadian Whisky, and Caribou Crossing Single Barrel earned the third Place, Bronze Medal.

The International Whisky Competition launched in 2010 with a vision of creating a true competition, offering just three medals per category, like the Olympics. The IWC brings the best whiskies from around the world to be tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel. Complete results for the 2020 International Whisky Competition can be found at https://www.whiskycompetition.com/2020-results.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

THREE A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY BOURBONS RECEIVE AWARDS AT AMERICAN WHISKEY MASTERS 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Aug. 19, 2020) – Three of A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s bourbons were honored at the 2020 American Whiskey Masters. Isaac Bowman Port Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey and John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey were awarded Gold medals. Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a Silver medal.

“We feel honored to be presented these awards,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “These medals serve as a testament to our team’s hard work, and our continuous commitment to producing quality spirits.”

The American Whiskey Masters is chaired by The Spirits Business and a panel of leading spirits specialists. Spirits are judged in a blind taste test and awarded by category.

For more information about A. Smith Bowman Distillery whiskies, visit www.asmithbowman.com.

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 received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.