SPIRIT WORKS DISTILLERY NAMED “2020 DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR”

American Distilling Institute (ADI) Awards Spirit Works distillery with Prestigious Bubble Cap Award for Excellence, Innovation and Community Leadership

(Sebastopol, CA, July 14, 2020) – Spirit Works Distillery has been named “2020 Distillery of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute (ADI), winning its prestigious national Bubble Cap Award.

Established by ADI in 2010, when the industry reached 400 craft distilleries, the annual Bubble Cap Award for “Distillery of the Year” (named for a device utilized in distillation) is given to “the one distillery of the year that represents the very best in the world of artisan distilling: excellence in quality of spirits, innovation, transparency, authenticity of approach, sustained company growth, community involvement, and embodying the ethos of craft.”  By ADI’s definition, a craft distillery must produce less than 100,000 proof gallons per year, be independently owned and operated, and must actually distill their own products.

“Timo and I are truly blown away to receive this national award recognizing Spirit Works Distillery as this year’s leader in the growing craft spirits industry,” stated Ashby Marshall, Co-owner, Founding Distiller, Brand Director at Spirit Works. “We strive every day to maintain our principles surrounding environmental stewardship, transparency in our grain-to-glass process, commitment to creating high-quality spirits, fostering local community and industry relationships, and creating a safe and supportive working atmosphere for our incredible team here. This acknowledgment is a fantastic reinforcement from our industry peers that we are on the right path.”

Spirit Works Distillery is highly respected as one of California’s first grain-to-glass craft distilleries, handcrafting an array of high quality spirits in the heart of Sonoma wine country, including Vodka, Gin, Sloe Gin, Barrel Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Straight Wheat and Rye Whiskeys and most recently, a Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey. As the only producers of traditional Sloe Gin in the U.S  (a gin-based liqueur traditionally made in the UK using tart sloe berries, a tiny relative of the plum), for which it has garnered two national Good Food Awards since 2018, the team at Spirit Works Distillery consistently leads with diligence, creativity, and intention.

“As a distillery deeply committed to quality and innovation in making and serving the best grain-to-glass spirits in the world, Spirit Works continues to raise the bar,” said Erik Owens, President of the American Distilling Institute. “But the Bubble Cap award isn’t just about great spirits: it’s about celebrating distilleries that contribute to the craft community. In this area, Spirit Works is also a leader: women-lead, family-run, inclusive, diverse, accepting and supportive of everyone in the community. Ashby and Timo’s previous lives were in environmental justice, and they brought that philosophy to their new endeavor. They not only wanted to make spirits, but wanted to make sure everything they did was giving back to the process. Every decision was looked at from multiple angles, and the decisions they made had to reflect their goal of trying to make the world a better place by their participation in it. We acknowledge and celebrate that leadership!”

ABOUT SPIRIT WORKS

Founded in the heart of Sonoma County, California in 2012 by husband and wife team Timo and Ashby Marshall, Spirit Works Distillery is a craft spirits producer which handcrafts Straight Wheat and Rye Whiskeys and a new Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey onsite using the grain-to-glass method of milling, mashing, fermenting and then distilling organic grains onsite. Timo and Ashby bring years of environmental stewardship to every process and remain one of the few female-lead distilling teams in the US.

ABOUT AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE (ADI) The American Distilling Institute is the oldest and largest organization of small-batch, independently-owned distillers in the United States. Founded in 2003, the organization has grown from a few dozen distillers to more than 1,000 paid members. Each year they support the industry in fostering relationships on their forums, recognizing top spirits with their annual spirits competition, and providing educational conferences.

10th Street Distillery Releases Distiller’s Cut Peated Single Malt — Find 10th Street’s boldest whisky yet at California retailers

San Jose, CA (July 13, 2020) — San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery announces the release of their Distiller’s Cut, an exceptional peated single malt whisky that has already distinguished itself by winning Gold at the Whiskeys of the World competition.

The first release of 1000 cases is available now throughout California at all Total Wine & More stores; The Whisky Shop in San Francisco; Ledger’s Liquor in Berkeley; Willibee’s in Petaluma; and Southgate Liquors in San Jose among others. Visit retailers’ web sites for hours and availability.

It is double distilled using all copper pot stills, and aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, just like the Distillery’s flagship peated single malt; however, the unique Distiller’s Cuts during distillation create a bolder and smokier, yet smooth single malt, designed to appeal to malt and peat lovers This expertly crafted whisky has hints of citrus and berry with strong woody, earthy, and smoky statements.

An independent review by the Whisk(e)y Apostle says, “If you’re a whiskey geek and looking to try something unique…, I’d definitely look to try this one.”

10th Street Distillery combines old-world tradition and modern ingenuity to make super-premium small-batch whiskies at San Jose’s first craft distillery. In just two years since opening, 10th Street has earned significant industry recognition for its Peated Single Malt, including Best in Class Gold at the 2019 Whiskies of the World and Double Gold at the 2019 N.Y. World Spirits Competition. Its STR Single Malt recently won a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits competition.  The award for Distiller’s Cut further establishes 10th Street’s reputation as a top-shelf American maker of exceptional single malts.

As co-founder Virag Saksena explained to the East Bay Express, custom Scottish peat and local microflora interact with water from the Sierra Nevada snowmelt and grains to create “a complex sourdough flavor” that “lends a unique Bay Area terroir.” The hot San Jose weather imparts its own unique aging properties.

DISTILLER’S CUT TASTING NOTES

Nose: Sour nose with bright citrus, vanilla, and peat; heavy mesquite smoke

Color: Golden

Palate: Sweet high notes of blackberry, brown sugar, honey, and molasses; bran cereal, burning chocolate.

Finish: Smooth and lingering on the sides and back of the tongue

ABV: 44%

MSRP: $65

About 10th Street Distillery:

San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

Vintage release champions Glenmorangie’s experimental ways 

– Intensely creamy limited edition is oldest whisky aged in Distillery’s bespoke casks –

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers go to extraordinary lengths on their quest for delicious single malt. Luscious and creamy, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996 showcases the wondrous tastes their methods bring. Aged 23 years, this limited edition is the oldest whisky matured in their bespoke casks, dreamed up to reveal new levels of creaminess in Glenmorangie.

Years before this intensely rounded single malt was created, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers began to imagine the perfect casks in which to age their signature spirit. Distilled in Scotland’s tallest stills, with necks as tall as a giraffe, it is uniquely delicate and ripe for experimentation. Believing that wood could unlock new depths of flavour in this spirit, they vowed to create the casks of their dreams.

So began an epic journey, which led those Highland whisky makers to the forests of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, in the U.S. There, where trees grow slower, they handpicked American white oaks that would naturally bring more creaminess to Glenmorangie. Then, with astonishing attention to detail, they carefully air dried the oak, handcrafted it into casks made to their exact specifications, and seasoned it with select bourbon, to bring the wood to its best. Finally, by 1996, some of the first bespoke casks were ready. Filling them with Glenmorangie’s spirit, they left time to do its work.

Each year since, under Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, Glenmorangie has crafted these bespoke casks in small numbers, creating two coveted releases of the limited edition Glenmorangie Astar, and the heart of Glenmorangie Original. Meanwhile, the spirit of 1996 lay undisturbed, gaining even deeper, even more rounded flavours. Finally, Dr Bill was inspired to celebrate these casks, and their longest maturation yet, in a whisky with an unique creamy depth and fruity, floral intensity. Aged entirely in first-fill casks, it’s the sixth release in the Bond House No. 1 Collection.

Dr Bill said: “Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996 wonderfully demonstrates how we can bring our most extraordinary dreams to life. The oldest whisky we have ever aged in our bespoke casks, its fresh, floral aromas and luxuriously creamy tastes are gloriously enhanced by age. A delicious step on from Glenmorangie Astar, this limited edition will be adored by whisky lovers old and new.”

The whiskies of Glenmorangie’s Bond House No. 1 vintage series are created from some of the Distillery’s most prized parcels of aged whisky, for particularly delicious results. The series is named after the largest of Glenmorangie’s 19^th century Bonded Warehouses. For generations, Warehouse No. 1 was home to casks of maturing spirit until in 1990, it was transformed into a majestic new still house. Today, Bonded Warehouse No. 1 is the heart of the Distillery’s wondrous whisky creation.

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage 1996 will be available in the UK from whisky specialists and fine wine merchants from the end of July, RRP: £635.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangiecom

NOTES TO EDITORS: 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996 is bottled at 43% ABV.

Colour: Bright sunburst gold

Nose: Fresh, floral and perfumed, with hints of roses, carnations, jasmine and a curious herbal note like coriander. Luscious mandarin orange and pear follow, with a beautiful candy sweetness, reminiscent of mixed fruit jellies. A splash of water releases even more floral notes of carnation and geranium, along with some soft, buttery vanilla.

Taste: A zesty, citrus mouthfeel leads into a powerful burst of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, kept under control by the thread of soft, sweet vanilla and fudge. The finesse for a whisky of this age is quite remarkable, with gentle spices, such as ginger and sweet chilli and subtle oaky notes.

Finish: Delicate and dancing with almonds, pear and cake mix. 

RRP & stockists:

Available from whisky specialists and fine wine merchants from the end of July, RRP £635.

About the Bond House No.1 Collection:

The Bond House No.1 Collection’s vintage expressions are all exceptionally fine and smooth. The series celebrates Glenmorangie’s most prestigious aged whiskies with particularly delicious results. It is named after Bonded Warehouse No. 1 – the largest of Glenmorangie’s traditional 19^th-century warehouses – transformed into the Distillery’s majestic new still house in 1990. The Bond House No. 1 whiskies have all been lauded at prestigious industry competitions for their delicious tastes:

• Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990, released in 2016, won first place at the International Whisky Competition (IWC), in the category Single Malt Whisky (Highland) and gold medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1989, released in 2018, was rewarded with a gold award at the International Spirits Challenge. At the IWC, it won Best Single Malt Scotch 25 Years and Over.

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1993, released exclusively in Travel Retail in 2018, was awarded gold at the 2018 Global Travel Retail Spirits Masters.

• Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1991, released in 2019, was named Whisky of the Year by the IWC in 2019.
• Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1995, released exclusively in Travel Retail in 2020, scored 89 points out of 100 in world whisky expert Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. Known as the Distillers of Tain, they’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. In Scotland’s tallest stills, whose necks are as high as a giraffe, they produce a light and fruity spirit, ripe for experimentation. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout his 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), a long balmy day in Madeira (Glenmorangie Bacalta), a beautiful barley field by the Distillery (Glenmorangie Allta) and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he is a new entry in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

About Glenmorangie’s bespoke casks:

To create the perfect casks for its lighter spirit, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators handpick slow-growth American white oak trees from the Ozark Mountains, in Missouri. These oaks tend to grow on north-facing slopes, where there is less light, more shade, and less moisture in the soil. As a result, their wood has a particularly tight-grained structure, with higher concentrations of the naturally-occurring compounds which bring the whisky silky, creamy textures and flavours of vanilla, coconut, almond and honey. The slow-growth trees which Glenmorangie selects have an abundance of early wood (formed from spring growth). Although late wood (grown in summer and autumn) typically makes up most of a tree, early wood is more porous. And so, it allows more contact between spirit and wood, bringing more wood flavours to the whisky. When cut into staves, the wood is air-seasoned for about two years. This breaks down the internal structure of the wood to release softer, sweeter flavours than the more bitter, astringent notes that can come with quicker kiln drying. The staves are then handcrafted into casks, lightly toasted and heavily charred to Dr Bill’s precise specifications, and filled with bourbon for at least four years, for seasoning. Only then, are the casks ready to make the journey to the Glenmorangie Distillery, where they bring a sweeter, richer, smoother, more rounded profile to the whisky. Glenmorangie began its search for the perfect wood in the mid-1980s, later developing its bespoke casks programme. These casks have been used to create two limited releases of the sought-after Glenmorangie Astar. They also form the heart of the Distillery’s signature whisky Glenmorangie The Original.

About Glenmorangie Astar:

In 2008, Glenmorangie created The Astar (Scots Gaelic for “journey”). Entirely matured in bespoke oak casks this limited whisky was much coveted for its smooth, creamy depths. Dr Bill longed to revisit The Astar’s unique character, but as Glenmorangie’s bespoke casks are rare, it took almost a decade for this whisky to return. In 2017 Glenmorangie revealed a second limited-edition release, bringing a new richness and complexity to The Astar’s celebrated flavours. 

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers
savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines
for alcohol consumption.

FETTERCAIRN DISTILLERY ADDS 22 YEARS OLD TO PORTFOLIO

The new addition celebrates the distillery’s distinctive tropical flavour profile and sees core range expand to six expressions

Fettercairn Distillery has announced a further permanent addition to its core range of Highland single malt whiskies, Fettercairn 22 Years Old, following the recent release of its new 16 Years Old. The latest addition now means a considerably bolstered core offering, from four to six whiskies, ranging from 12 to 50 Years Old.

Matured for 22 years in first fill American ex-bourbon casks, this single malt showcases the signature tropical character derived from the ingenuous copper cooling ring distillation process unique to Fettercairn, setting it apart from other single malt distilleries by drenching the stills in crystal clear mountain water to ensure only the purest vapours rise to create the new make spirit.

Laid down in 1996, this majestic spirit was recasked 13 years later in specially selected distillery run bourbon barrels to optimise its distinctive character development.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of International Malts at Whyte and Mackay, said, “In adding a further expression to the core range, we have significantly enhanced the flavour experience on offer at Fettercairn.  We’ve also expanded consumer choice and demonstrated the exceptional quality of our aged stock at Fettercairn.  Growing from four to six expressions reflects feedback we have received on the core range and the clear need to bridge the gap between the 12 and 28 Years Old. We are working hard to create a range of whiskies which honour the approach at Fettercairn, but also provide whisky drinkers with single malts showcasing the special character which sits at its heart.”

Bottled at a high strength of 47% ABV, Fettercairn 22 Years Old is amber gold in colour with a nose defined by banana, citrus fruit and plum combined with raisin, fig and gingerbread.  The palate is tantalised with spiced pear, caramelised orange and coffee, tempered by liquorice which gives way to Morello cherry, plum and treacle.  The release is offered with natural colour and is non-chill filtered.

From today, Fettercairn 22 Years Old is available exclusively in the UK from The Whisky Shop www.whiskyshop.com until the end of July, thereafter via global whisky specialists, at an RSP of £200.

www.fettercairnwhisky.com

Facebook @fettercairnwhisky

Instagram @fettercairnwhisky

Twitter @FettercairnWh

About Fettercairn

Located in the picturesque village of Fettercairn at the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, this hidden gem is found among some of the finest and most fertile farming land in the North East of Scotland. With the purest of mountain water as an ingredient, it is almost no surprise that when the distillery was established by Sir Alexander Ramsay in 1824, the enterprising pioneer chose this location.

In the mid-1950s, the whisky-makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection. With this knowledge they fashioned a unique copper cooling ring around the neck of the stills drenching them with crystal clear mountain water – an ingenious and practical solution to creating their exceptional whisky, a technique which remains unique in Scotch whisky-making to this day. 

Product Information:

Fettercairn 22 Years Old

ABV: 47%

70cl

Colour: Amber gold

Nose: Banana, citrus fruit and plum, combines with raisin, fig and ginger bread

Finish: Spiced pear, caramelised orange and coffee, tempered by liquorice that then makes way to morello cherry, plum and treacle

About Whyte & Mackay Group Ltd.

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

The whisky maker are proud partners of Flor de Caña, Camus and RumChata distributing their distinctive brands in the UK, while in recent years a focus on pioneering innovation has seen a number of brand extensions and new to world brands.

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

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

#ardbeg #scotch #smokesessions #djbbq #bbq 

ARDBEG AND DJ BBQ TURN UP THE HEAT THIS SUMMER TO LAUNCH

ARDBEG SMOKE SESSIONS

 Ardbeg team up with DJ BBQ to celebrate big, smoky flavours

with online series and Insta-grill-along

ISLAY, UK – 21 JULY 2020 – Ardbeg, the world-renowned Islay Distillery, is joining forces with DJ BBQ this summer to bring big, smoky flavours to backyard barbecues around the globe.

Fuelled by their shared obsession with smoke, Ardbeg has partnered with the ‘catertainment’ star and certified pitmaster to create The Smoke Sessions – an online series which offers a guide to mouthwatering barbecue serves, and smoky whisky cocktails.

Giving Ardbeggians everywhere the chance to take their BBQ to the next level, The Smoke Sessions will see DJ BBQ (aka Christian Stevenson) apply the fundamental Laws of Smoke, Wood & Heat to perfect BBQ dishes and drinks created using Ardbeg Ten, An Oa and Wee Beastie. 

Ardbeg and DJ BBQ will kick off the series this July by hosting the UK’s smokiest virtual barbeque on Instagram Live. The grill guru will share one of his favourite recipes and show off his expert cocktail making skills, whilst at the same time spinning the decks. Joining in the fun will be Brendan McCarron, the Distillery’s Head of Maturing Whisky Stocks.

DJ BBQ commented: “My smoky barbeque recipes share so many characteristics with the flavours of Ardbeg whisky, and they complement each other perfectly. The laws of wood, heat and smoke are so important to barbecue and single malt alike, and once mastered, you’ll become a barbeque boss!

“The taste of braided beef fillet alongside an Ardbeg Ten Old Fashioned is just awesome, and a sip of hot Wee Beastie punch with a slow smoked pork shoulder is unrivalled!”.

“Remember, patience is key to maximise that wonderful flame-grilled flavour, it’s only done when it’s done. The Ardbeg Smoke Sessions series will show you that it’s easy to go beyond the realms of basic barbecue burgers with a little creativity and a ton of smoky goodness!”

Grillers and whisky lovers can tune in to Ardbeg’s Instagram Live on Friday 24 July at 8pm BST to watch DJ BBQ kick off Ardbeg Smoke Sessions with the UK’s smokiest virtual BBQ.

Cocktail fans will also be able to order DJ BBQ’s Maple and Bacon Old Fashioned for delivery across the UK, via Mothership on the Drinks At Home platform, for a limited period from 21 July 2020.

The Ardbeg Smoke Sessions will launch on Ardbeg’s social channels (YouTube, Instagram & Facebook) from 21 July 2020. Links to watch each episode are available below: 

Law of Heat – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCib5a1KcyU

Law of Smoke – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJp01otyQg0

Law of Wood – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY47ta_lsu4

Follow Us On

Website: www.ardbeg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

DJ BBQ: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djbbq/

DJ BBQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/djbbq

DJ BBQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dj_bbq

Tag us: #Ardbeg 

NOTES 

BBQ FOOD & COCKTAIL RECIPES 

DJ BBQ has created the following dishes and serves, using the Ardbeg range: 

• 18-Hour Whisky-Smoked Pulled Pork with Ardbeg Wee Beastie Hot Apple Cider
• Coal-Roasted Beef Plait with Ardbeg Ten Maple & Bacon Old Fashioned
• Whisky Planked, Pit-Smoked Salmon with Ardbeg An Oa Bloody Mary 

Full recipes available on request. 

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Most recently, at the 2019 World Whisky Awards, Ardbeg Ten Years Old triumphed in the 12 Years and Under category, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan in the Non-Age Statement section. In the International Whisky Challenge 2019, Ardbeg was named Distillery of the Year and Ardbeg An Oa took home three awards, including best Islay malt.  Meanwhile, Ardbeg Uigeadail was handed a rare platinum medal by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 (SFWSC) – an award reserved for a handful of spirits, deemed near the pinnacle of achievement.

The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches 2020 Edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition

This year’s edition also highlights a new upgraded look for the brand 

(Lebanon, Ky.) July 15, 2020 – The 2020 edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be on shelves in September, just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month. This year’s edition features a seven-year-old straight bourbon finished in French Armagnac barrels. The new release brings a soft leather aroma with hints of honeydew melon, vanilla notes on the palate with hints of burnt orange and dried plum. The finish is toasted coconut with lingering oak making for a well-rounded, deeply satisfying bourbon.

“When I began working on this limited edition, I knew I wanted to finish our bourbon in a cask and I was looking for one that would add complexity and a dimension that expands the flavor profile,” says Steve Beam, master distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “Armagnac is a rustic, full-bodied spirit that contributes dark fruit notes, complementing the vanilla notes in the bourbon. Just like a chef adds spices to enhance flavors, I believe cask-finishing should be similar, where it simply enhances the natural flavors in the bourbon.”

Beam also notes that the French brandy, which uses several different grape varietals each with their own flavors and characteristics, creates a rich flavor and packs a bit more punch than cognacs.

The 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition also boasts a stunning new bottle, which feels timeless and vintage, similar to Yellowstone Bourbon, which has been around since 1872. The new premium bottle, designed by David Cole, also highlights the year more prominently for collectors.

Approximately 5,000 cases of this bourbon are being produced at Limestone Branch Distillery, bottled at 101 proof in 750ml bottles. The suggested retail price is $99.99.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone Limited Edition, and Minor Case Rye Whiskey, as well as the newest addition, Bowling & Burch Gin.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

Two 1792 Bourbons Receive First Place Honors

at 2020 International Whisky Competition

Four Whiskies From Barton 1792 Distillery Receive Medals

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (July 16, 2020) – Two 1792 Bourbons earned first place titles at the 2020 International Whisky Competition. With 91.2 points, 1792 Full Proof was named the Best Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, and with 90.3 points, 1792 Single Barrel was named Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.

Two more 1792 Bourbons were honored at the IWC. With 92.8 points, 1792 12-Year-Old came in second place for Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Best Bourbon Whiskey and for Best Kentucky Whiskey. With 92 points, 1792 Bottled-in-Bond came in third place for Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Best Bourbon Whiskey and for Best Kentucky Whiskey.

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 Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

‘Dial a Dram’ for Glen Moray’s new 2020 Distillery Edition

Glen Moray has today (15^th July) unveiled three new limited edition ‘wine-finish’ expressions for its annual Distillery Edition release – which this year will be available to buy through a ‘Distillery dial-in’ service, especially for fans who can’t visit the whisky’s Elgin home in person.

Whisky enthusiasts will be keen to get their hands on the trio of single cask malts – the oldest wine-finished whiskies the Distillery has ever released, each one bursting with the flavours of full maturation in hand-selected Chardonnay, Burgundy and Chenin Blanc casks respectively.

The Distillery Edition is usually reserved exclusively for Distillery visitors, and isn’t sold in shops or online. Whilst Glen Moray is re-opening to visitors today, the team is aware that the ongoing effects of lockdown mean some may not be able to make the trip.

To ensure whisky fans don’t miss out, Glen Moray will offer personal phone consultations over peak visitor season in July and August, where four members of their team – all with a serious passion for whisky – will guide callers through the range, make recommendations, answer questions and take orders in person.

Brand Ambassador and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Iain Allan will lead the effort alongside Hannah Levy (Assistant Manager), Ieva Hancock (Visitor Centre Assistant) and Laurie-May Macdonald (Café Supervisor). Iain came up with the idea as a contrast to all the virtual, online whisky events that have been taking place during lockdown, and as a way to deliver a personal touch during the buying process. He commented:

‘Buying a bottle of Glen Moray from our annual Distillery Edition is as much about the experience of a visit to the Distillery as it is about buying a wonderful new whisky. For the many people who would normally make the trip and take away one of these special bottles, we wanted to find a way to make the range available but avoid making it just a basic transaction over email or the internet. Everyone working at the Distillery enjoys nothing more than talking about whisky with fellow enthusiasts, answering questions and sharing behind the scenes stories of how Glen Moray is made. So if you can’t make the visit in person this year, please just pick up the phone and dial our distillery team.’

The three expressions in the 2020 Distillery Edition range have been fully matured in ex-wine casks for between 16 and 17 years, after being laid down between 2003 and 2004 in the Distillery’s Warehouse 1 – home to Glen Moray’s curious casks and maturation experiments.

Chardonnay Cask (cask 7670)

Colour: Tawny

Nose: Opens with sweet freshly cut pineapples drizzled in toffee sauce then sprinkled with white pepper.  A very sweet and enticing aroma.

Taste: Raspberry jam and freshly buttered warm toast, followed by hints of bubblegum and citrus.  A flavour which is subtly complex.

Finish: Drier wood spices coming to the fore and leaving you wanting more.

Burgundy Cask (cask 213)

Colour: Auburn

Nose: Aromas of almond and marzipan are at the forefront, covering over lighter notes of fresh orange peel and pine resin.

Taste: A first sip brings out flavours of chocolate coated cherries with a slight earthy note hiding in the background. With the slightest drop of water this is allowed to become more pronounced along with a previously hidden tang of lemongrass.

Finish: The grand finale of this whisky is a crescendo of spices filling the palate with a glorious warmth.

Chenin Blanc Cask (cask 341)

Colour: Auburn

Nose:  A delightful combination of pear drops and freshly made camomile tea.  A robust honeycomb and apple pairing completes the wonderful flavours exuding from the glass.

Taste: Ginger and Seville orange create the opening salvo of a flavour laden explosion on the palate. Tropical fruits mingle with camomile notes, with almonds following the strong opening.

Finish: With all its opening intensity this whisky softly fades into a whisper of ginger, floral hints and a mineral finale.

All three expressions are non-chill filtered, bottled at cask strength and with natural colour. They are available to buy at the distillery, or by calling Iain and the team at Glen Moray Distillery to chat or book a phone consultation on 01343 550900, 9am and 5pm.

Glen Moray Distillery will re-open today (Wednesday 15^th July), Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm (not weekends) will a full list of health and safety measures in place. Visitors are asked to pre-book tastings and café visits due to limited numbers. Distillery tours are not currently available.

www.glenmoray.com

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www.instagram.com/glen_moray_whisky

www.twitter.com/glenmoraydist

GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

NORTH UIST DISTILLERY ACQUIRES HISTORIC BUILDING 

NUNTON STEADINGS WILL BECOME BASE FOR WHISKY PRODUCTION 

North Uist Distillery today (16th July 2020) announced the acquisition of the iconic Nunton Steadings on the Isle of Benbecula.

Nunton Steadings was the scene of several important chapters in island history and is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Western Isles.

Now the local landmark is set to be the site of another historic development, as the base for production of the first whisky to be legally distilled in the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Jonny Ingledew, Master Distiller, and Kate MacDonald, Creative Director, are delighted to have completed the purchase of the steadings, which will be redeveloped as a distillery and visitor centre, and give the couple the space to distil whisky and build on the success of their popular range of premium ‘Downpour’ gins launched in 2019.

“Our main goal has always been to put the islands on the whisky map and therefore we are incredibly excited to have secured Nunton Steadings which will allow us to fulfill our whisky dream,” commented Jonny.

Kate and Jonny plan to make whisky using a grain that local crofters produce, Bere barley, which is one of the oldest cereals grown in the UK.

“At one time all whisky would have been made from Bere barley but it was changed out for higher yielding barleys. Bere tastes incredible and is not mass produced, so it retains a remarkable flavor that we want to harness,” explained Jonny.

Jonny and Kate are keen to work with crofters to create a supply chain of Bere barley on the islands with the intention of one day being able to malt the barley, allowing for full grain to glass production in the new premises, Nunton Steadings.

Nunton Steadings was constructed in its current form in the early 1700s on the site of a nunnery dating back to 1300. Bonnie Prince Charlie took shelter there while on the run in the aftermath of Culloden.

Built on what was then a substantial farm, the structure was seized with the land when crofters raided Nunton in the aftermath of the Great War. Local crofters housed cattle and stored animal feed inside the building until it fell into disrepair and was transferred to the Uist Buildings Preservation Trust, later renamed Nunton Steading Trust, which saw the building renovated in the late 1990s. Nunton Steading Trust placed the building on the market earlier in 2020.

Kate MacDonald commented: “Nunton Steadings has beautiful original features, such as the cobbled floors on the south side of the building, which will be the perfect home for our whisky casks during maturation.

“We will be providing tours which will cover the whisky and gin production process and also share the stories of this historic building and the surrounding areas.”

North Uist Distillery is now working on ambitious plans to bring Nunton Steadings back into use as a hub for the community and visitors with pop up events and a visitor centre.

Kate and Jonny are keen to give the community ownership of this venture and will be running a crowdfunder later in the year to raise money to procure whisky equipment, which has been sized to create a single cask with each production run. It is anticipated the kit will be purchased in March 2021, once finance is secured, with production commencing in 2022.

IMAGES:

Images credit Am Pàipear)

Aerial shots of Nunton Steadings credit Richard Davis

NOTES

Nunton Steadings, a u-shaped building and prominent local landmark, is set in an ideal location, close to the main centre of population, Balivanich, on the Isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

Studio Hebrides architecture firm and Allen Associates process engineers are now working with the North Uist Distillery team to redevelop Nunton Steadings into a distillery and new visitor centre on Benbecula.

North Uist Distillery started to trade in 2019 with ‘Downpour’ dry Scottish gin, described as a strong and bold-flavoured premium gin, drenched in extra-strength botanicals, crafted to capture the spirit of life in the Hebrides.

Later in 2019, North Uist Distillery launched ‘Downpour Sloe and Bramble’, which uses local heather and brambles as the main botanicals, making the product a real taste of North Uist.

Both the ‘Downpour’ gins are available to purchase from the website (www.northuistdistillery.com).

Earlier this month (July 2020) North Uist Distillery won ‘Gold’ in the Spirits Business Gin Masters 2020 for both the original ‘Downpour’ and ‘Downpour Sloe and Bramble’.

Having been awarded Visit Scotland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ stamp of approval, we are thrilled to announce that we will reopen our distillery doors to visitors from Saturday 1st August 2020.

This means we are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and have the required processes in place to reopen safely and with confidence.

The distillery’s popular  Glengoyne Tasting Experiences will return, and can be attended by a maximum of 20 people from ten households. While the unique Malt Master experience will be available to book for up to four people from a maximum two households.

Each experience will allow visitors to enjoy in-depth insights into Glengoyne’s history, and of course taste our award-winning whiskies.  Tickets must be booked in advance, with up to five sessions available per day.

Protecting our colleagues and visitors continues to be our top priority, so we are asking our visitors to wear masks or face coverings on arrival and while moving around on site. There will be dedicated hygiene stations, with readily available hand sanitizer, around the site.

Access to the stills is prohibited; however, guests are welcome to enjoy our Tasting Experience whilst we share the wonder-filled tales of Glengoyne and our award-winning range. All whiskies will be served in sealed containers for guests to pour themselves.

A video showing the distillery’s revised measures is available to watch.

Glengoyne’s distillery shop will also reopen, with guests being asked to register on arrival for contact tracing before being able to browse and purchase Glengoyne’s range of whiskies and other gifts.

For more information, or to book an experience visit www.glengoynewhisky.com. Alternatively, you can email reception@glengoyne.com

A warm welcome awaits you.

Sláinte!

Glengoyne Distillery

GET IN TOUCH

Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB
Tel. +44 (0)1360 550 254

Email: reception@glengoyne.com

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