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

Mithuna by Paul John awarded as

One of the Top 3 Whiskies in the World

by  World Whisky Awards 

Bengaluru, India (Sept. 16, 2020) Paul John Whisky’s soon to be launched Mithuna by Paul John has been declared the 3rd Finest Whisky in the World by esteemed whisky reviewer Jim Murray in his acclaimed “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021.” Set to be released worldwide in November, Mithuna by Paul John is the second expression of the Zodiac series of Paul John Indian Single Malt from John Distilleries Pvt Ltd (JDPL). JDPL is a leading Indian spirits company, in which Sazerac Company, the largest family-owned distilled spirits company in the United States, is an active stakeholder.

Stagg Jr. (128.4 proof) from Sazerac has been named the second finest whisky in the world. In total, nine whiskies from Sazerac received top honors in their category.

Mithuna by Paul John scored a 97 and has also been awarded Asian Whisky of the Year 2021, while its predecessor in the Zodiac series, Kanya by Paul John, was named Asian Whisky of the Year in the 2018 edition of “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible” with a score of 96.

In describing Mithuna for his 2021 Whisky Bible, Murray says, “If Mithuna means “Ultimate,” then it is the perfect name. Or maybe Mithuna means “Perfect,” then it is pretty close. It is that very rarest of things. And, if nothing else, announces Paul John Distillery on the world stage of truly great distilleries. This is a whisky to devour…while it devours you.”

“For our whisky to be declared the world’s 3^rd finest whisky in the world is perhaps the greatest achievement a whisky maker could possibly dream of and this speaks especially of the passion and dedication of our Master Distiller, Michael D’Souza. For an Indian whisky to attain such an honour has proven that India is on par and even better in terms of quality with other international whiskies. It marks a turning point in the emergence of India as a serious player in the world of single malt. We are humbled and honoured to have received this award and we will continue to dedicate our efforts to further improve our quality to the highest possible standards,” said Paul P John, Chairman and Managing Director, JDPL.

Murray tastes more than 4,700 whiskies for his yearly edition, and in Murray’s ranking system, any whisky which scores in the 94-97.5 range is deemed by him as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

            Jim Murray is a legend and leading player on the world’s whisky stage. It is now over 25 years since he became the world’s first-ever full-time whisky writer. The 2021 edition of his Whisky Bible marks the 18th year of annual publication. “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/ 

Mithuna by Paul John 

Mithuna by Paul John, of the Paul John Zodiac series, is named after the Indian counterpart of the zodiac sign Gemini.

Sophisticated aromas of liquorice with gentle beeswax lead to a luxuriant delivery of ulmo honey on crisp toast, and tender notes of vanilla. Chewy flavours of coffee mocha, orange peel and delicate spice float on active tannins while gentle oils enjoy a gist of dark cocoa tones. The finish is gratifyingly long and complex with multi-toned sugars and delicate honeys.

Renowned for contradictive strengths, the characteristics of Gemini are epitomized by this Indian single malt as mesmerizing layers of austere, dry tannins are challenged in equal measure by resplendent sugars and mocha on delicate oils.

Big, beautiful, and always measured for balance. 

About Paul John Indian Single Malts 

The Paul John Single Malts were launched in the UK in 2012 and were soon acclaimed to be equal to or even better than single malts produced elsewhere. Approval from single malt enthusiasts and innumerable global awards further proved our excellence and encouraged us to take our single malts across the world.

Craft, skilfully chosen indigenous ingredients, and the warm environs of Goa create the magic that is Paul John whisky.

A conscious decision was taken to create high quality single malts at affordable prices allowing us to introduce many more to the flavourful taste of single malts.

The range of Paul John Single Malts include an entry level expression, 3 flagship expressions, 2 select casks, and the occasional limited or special editions.

Today, the Paul John Single Malt is present in over 40 countries.

Two Whiskeys from Sazerac Company Receive Top Spots

in World Whiskey Awards

Second Year in a Row Sazerac Brands Receive Highest Honor 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Sept. 16, 2020) Two whiskeys produced by the Sazerac Company, Stagg Jr. (128.4 proof) and Paul John Mithuna, have been named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, by esteemed whisky reviewer Jim Murray in his “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2021.” In total, nine whiskeys from Sazerac received top honors in their category, including eight produced at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky.

These awards follow a momentous win last year in which three whiskeys from Sazerac were named the top three whiskeys in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020,” the first time any one company has accomplished this feat.

The 2021 second finest whiskey in the world, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Stagg Jr., was first introduced in 2013 and has won countless double gold, gold and various other accolades, but has never placed in the top three in the prestigious “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  Its forefather however, George T. Stagg, is well known to Whiskey Bible fans, having been named the finest or second finest whiskey in the world a staggering four times since the Whiskey Bible started in 2004, holding the top spot more times than any other spirit in the world.

In describing the Stagg Jr. second finest whiskey in the world, and bourbon of the year for 2021, Jim Murray scored it a 97.5 and called it “Spectacularly mind-blowing!”  Murray tastes more than 4,700 whiskies for his yearly edition, and in Murray’s ranking system, any whiskey which scores in the 94-97.5 range is deemed by him as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

Sazerac’s third finest whiskey of the world comes from India, at its Paul John Distillery and is Mithuna, which scored a 97. Mithuna is part of Paul John’s Zodiac series. Mithuna will be released worldwide at the end of 2020, and will be available in the United States in Spring 2021.  Mithuna’s predecessor in the Zodiac series is Kanya, which was named Asian Whiskey of the Year in the 2018 edition of “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible” with a score of 96.

In describing Mithuna for his 2021 Whiskey Bible, Murray says, “If Mithuna means “Ultimate,” then it is the perfect name. Or maybe Mithuna means “Perfect,” then it is pretty close. It is that very rarest of things. And, if nothing else, announces Paul John Distillery on the world stage of truly great distilleries. This is a whisky to devour…while it devours you.”

“To have our whiskeys be named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world is astonishing, especially following last year’s three top spots in the Whiskey Bible, said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company.  “It is truly a testament of the skill and dedication of not only our Master Distillers Harlen Wheatley at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Michael D’souza at Paul John Distillery, but to all of our team members at Sazerac. We could not be happier and motivated to continue our quest to create the world’s best whiskey.”

The complete Sazerac whiskeys winning awards in “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” are:

• Second Finest Whisky in the World – Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof) 

• Third Finest Whisky in the World – Paul John Mithuna

• AMERICAN WHISKEY WINNERS

• • Bourbon of the Year – Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof)
  • Second Finest Bourbon of the Year – William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bourbon No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels) Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof)
  • Bourbon No Age Statement (Single Barrel) – Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Rye of the Year – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye No Age Statement – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye 11-15 Years – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye Over 15 Years – Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

• Asian Whisky of the Year
  • Paul John Mithuna

Jim Murray is a legend and leading player on the world’s whisky stage. It is now over 25 years since he became the world’s first-ever full time whisky writer. The 2021 edition of his Whisky Bible marks the 18th year of annual publication. “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2021” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/

 About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ITS

MUCH ANTICIPATED 2020 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 9, 2020) Just in time for the fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2020 Antique Collection of whiskeys (BTAC). The highly regarded collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs.  Here’s what fans can expect:

George T. Stagg

The proverbial powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, George T. Stagg, comes in at 130.4 proof this year.  Last year’s release was awarded 97 points in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Collection, and fans will find the familiar Stagg taste profile they know and love with cinnamon, caramel and cherries on the nose, and a creamy vanilla with lightly smoked oak on the palate.  The finish is black coffee, dark cherries and herbs.

This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2005.  Storage location of these barrels varied across warehouses L, K and Q. The evaporation loss for this year’s batch was 59%, a bit higher than the last few year’s releases.

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including the 2019 release receiving a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and also named 2^nd finest whiskey in the world in the esteemed “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  The 2020 release was distilled in the winter of 2008 and aged in Warehouses I and C.  This bourbon registers at 134.5 proof.  Flavors of a soft caramel chew, spearmint and cinnamon can be found on the palate in this year’s offering.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Last year’s release earned The Chairman’s Trophy, scoring 99 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and was also named 3^rd finest whiskey in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2014; aged in warehouses K, M, and N, and weighs in at 129.0 proof.  The flavor profile includes cinnamon, anise and honey.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

This 101 proof whiskey was distilled in Spring of 2002 and aged on the first floor of Warehouse P.  The 2019 release of this bourbon was named “Best of Category” at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.  This bourbon has a nose of ripe cherries, vanilla cream and oak, followed by a taste of caramel and coffee and a long finish of oak, pepper and fresh herbs.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The previous edition of Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old was named “Best Rye Whiskey Aged 11 Years and Over” by “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”  This 2020 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of oak, caramel and dark chocolate, with a finish of coffee, black pepper and cherries. The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2002 and it rested on the third floor of Warehouse K.  It is bottled at 90 proof.

The Antique Collection was introduced two decades ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”

The 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October.  Suggested retail price is $99 each.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com