DIAGEO CELEBRATES ‘2015-2020 SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY’ ACHIEVEMENTS

Greenhouse gas emissions halved across our own business (50% absolute reduction)[1]

Improved water efficiency by 46%[2]

Achieved zero waste to landfill at all production sites and offices[3]

Over 99.5% of packaging now recyclable

435,000 women empowered through our community programmes

229.2m people reached with moderation messages from our brands

Diageo, maker of Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Guinness, has today celebrated the conclusion of its highly ambitious 2020 Sustainability and Responsibility Goals. Originally set in 2008, and refreshed in 2015, the goals were among the most ambitious and stretching in the industry. Diageo was among the first companies to set its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in line with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative and an early adopter of absolute, rather than relative, GHG reduction targets.

On water stewardship, in 2019 Diageo was appointed a Global Goals Business Avenger[4] as the business champion for UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. This financial year[5], Diageo has replenished 1,400,000m3 of water, the equivalent of 560 Olympic sized swimming pools[6], in water-stressed areas.

Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “As we close our 2020 targets, we are incredibly proud of the progress we have made and grateful to our employees and selected partners who have helped us deliver transformational progress. Through our programmes, we have made a positive impact on millions of people, in communities all around the world. We have been agile and moved quickly to adapt to the global changes around us. We are excited about the decade of action ahead and will continue to lead the way, driven by the knowledge that our future success is intertwined with the success of the living planet around us.”

The 2020 targets were selected to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and designed to cover Diageo’s three main focus areas: reducing environmental impact, building thriving communities and promoting positive drinking. Key highlights delivered include:

• Cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from direct operations by 509,000 metric tonnes, delivering on its commitment to reduce absolute emissions by 50%[7].
• Reducing emissions by over a third (33.7%) across its total value chain, going beyond its original 30% target[8].
• In water stressed areas, replenished 100% of the water used in our final product.
• Ensured that over 99.5% of its packaging is recyclable and achieved 45% recycled content in its packaging.
• Achieved zero waste to landfill in all operational sites and offices.
• Supported more than 250,000 people through its projects focused on clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 2020.
• Empowered 435,000 women to date through its community programmes.
• Championed diversity such that 39% of leadership positions are now held by women, going beyond its original target of 35%.

The full report can be accessed here.

Diageo has also long supported the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing harmful drinking by 10% across the world by 2025 and has set itself stretching targets to reach in this area over the next five years. So far, it has reached over 229 million people with moderation messages via its brands and helped educate 1 million young people, parents and teachers about the dangers of underage drinking.

Despite this significant progress, however, Diageo has not quite achieved all its ambitious goals. As reported in 2019, it has not met the full improvement it wanted in the quality of wastewater it discharges, with 90% of its operational sites meeting the stretching target (noting it remains within consent levels granted by local regulators). However, Diageo did deliver a 46.3% improvement in water use efficiency against a target of 50%, only missing the goal due to delayed water recycling projects in Africa and lower packaged volumes in some markets both as a direct result of COVID-19 impacts. It has also found reducing the overall weight of its packaging by 15% more challenging than expected, still delivering a strong 11% reduction with the starting point on lightweight glass making it a tough challenge. Having delivered the goal of 80% of raw materials sourced locally in Africa 2 years early it slipped to 79% over the last quarter of the year, as a direct result of COVID-19 volume impacts.

Over the last decade pursuing its sustainability and responsibility goals, Diageo has adapted its programmes to improve their impact and has seen the benefit of an increased holistic and aligned approach within the business and with our vital third party partners. No business can deliver meaningful targets alone and it will be crucial that this focus and partnership approach is maintained as the world continues to combat both climate change and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflections from the last five years of working towards these goals are:

• The importance of linking sustainability to core business strategies.  Diageo’s clean water, sanitation and hygiene programme is an integral part of its water strategy, focusing on communities directly connected to its core business while supporting Diageo’s successful drive to replenish water in water-stressed areas.
• How important it is to have total alignment within the business and strong sponsorship from leaders, as well as effective execution monitoring.
• Inclusion and gender equality should be built into every community programme, rather than treated as a separate objective.
• Early investment in infrastructure and a process of continuous improvement are key to success.
• It is possible to increase Diageo’s impact through long-term, strategic NGO partnerships with organisations like CARE International UK and WaterAid. Diageo benefits from its partners’ in-depth knowledge of local contexts and programme design, so that together we can address issues such as inequality, water stress and climate change.

In the coming months, the company will also be announcing a new set of targets to help further support in the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals over the critical decade to 2030.

[1] Baseline year is 2007

2 Baseline year is 2007

3 By 30.06.2020

4 https://business.globalgoals.org/business-avengers

5 1.07.2019 to 30.06.2020

6 One Olympic swimming pool contains 2.500 m3 water

7 Baseline year is 2007

8 Baseline year is 2007

About Diageo 

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

[1] Baseline year is 2007

[2] Baseline year is 2007

[3] By 30.06.2020

[4] https://business.globalgoals.org/business-avengers

[5] 1.07.2019 to 30.06.2020

[6] One Olympic swimming pool contains 2.500 m3 water

[7] Baseline year is 2007

[8] Baseline year is 2007

Ogden’s Own Distillery Embraces Flavor Innovation with Launch of Porter’s Peanut Butter Whiskey

The Newest Member of the Ogden’s Own Portfolio Delivers an Irresistible Fan-Favorite Offerings to its Porter’s Lineup of Flavored Whiskeys

(Ogden, UTAH – August 11, 2020) – Ogden’s Own, an award-winning leading distiller of craft spirits and the largest independently owned distillery in the state of Utah, is pleased to officially introduce the newest offering to its fan-favorite line of Porter’s flavored whiskeys: Porter’s Peanut Butter Whiskey. Serving as a prime example of Ogden’s Own’s willingness to take risks through experimentation with bold, unconventional flavor profiles through its beloved Porter’s line, Porter’s Peanut Butter is now officially available for sale at the Ogden’s Own Distillery Store at 615 W. Stockman Way, and will soon become available to Ogden’s Own customers nationwide via the brand’s retail and online partners.

Porter’s Peanut Butter captures the unmistakable, one-of-a-kind essence of peanut butter and balances it with a hint of rich chocolate flavor, delivering a familiar yet subtle peanut butter presence that avoids coming across as artificial or overpowering. Instead, the gentle nuttiness and comforting warmth of the peanut butter elevates the whiskey itself, creating a balanced 66.6-proof blend of smooth Canadian whiskey and tantalizing peanut butter flavor. Porter’s Peanut Butter is an ideal candidate for any consumers looking to indulge their curiosity in the unexpected sipping experience of a peanut butter spirit, as it is completely safe to drink for those with peanut allergies and available at a cost-friendly price point of $19.99, making it hard to resist as one of the most affordably-priced peanut butter spirits on the market.

Porter’s Peanut Butter will seamlessly slot into the Ogden’s Own family of Porter’s whiskeys, which also includes Huckleberry, Peach, Apple, and Cinnamon Fire varietals, along with the limited-edition Porter’s Small Batch Rye, released in 2019. Over the years, Porter’s whiskeys have garnered significant popularity and grown into a cherished choice for consumers in both Ogden’s Own’s home state of Utah and in several states across the country. Named after Orrin Porter Rockwell, an iconic enforcer of the Old West, the hallmark of Porter’s whiskeys is their sweet-but-not-sugary flavor profiles, which make the expressions perfect for enjoying in a wide variety of forms, ranging from seasonal craft cocktails to on-the-rocks or neat sipping.

“Our top priority at Ogden’s Own has always been listening and catering to the feedback of our customers, the loyal community that has embraced our distillery and grown it into what it is today,” said Steve Conlin, CEO and Co-Founder of Ogden’s Own. “Those who know us know that we’re not afraid to take risks and think outside of the box when it comes to our products, and Porter’s Peanut Butter represents our willingness and desire to provide our fans with a unique offering that not only taps into a burgeoning consumer trend, but slots in seamlessly with our existing Porter’s whiskey portfolio. We couldn’t be more excited to see the response. After all, who doesn’t love peanut butter?”

Porter’s Peanut Butter is the first expression released at the brand-new, state-of-the-art distillery facility that Ogden’s Own cut the ribbon on in April 2020. The massive, 32,000 square-foot multi-purpose facility was constructed from the ground-up with the primary goal of helping Ogden’s Own continue to scale the distillery’s growth fueled by massive regional popularity. With a 10-fold increase in production, the new home of Ogden’s Own serves as an ideal environment for expanding the distillery’s product offerings and creates an incubator environment for innovative new expressions that push the envelope of traditional spirits while meeting the demands of Ogden’s Own’s loyal fans, much like Porter’s Peanut Butter.

Porter’s Peanut Butter Whiskey is now officially available for purchase at the Ogden’s Own Distillery Store, 615 W. Stockman Way, Ogden, Utah 84401, for the price of $19.99 per 750ml bottle. For more information regarding Porter’s Peanut Butter Whiskey, future availability of the product, and updates on all of Ogden’s Own brands, please visit www.ogdensown.com.

About Ogden’s Own

Ogden’s Own is based in Ogden, Utah and gained notoriety for its unique expressions and its often-satirical playfulness on stereotypes in its home state. Founded in 2009, Ogden’s Own’s first product was Underground Herbal Spirit, which was met with immediate acclaim, winning a Double Gold Medal from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012. The distillery then released Five Wives Vodka, which the brand is perhaps best known for today due to the national notoriety it received upon hitting the market. The name “Five Wives” was such a topic of controversy within the conservative-leaning Utah and surrounding states that Idaho refused to sell the product, prompting a national lawsuit where Ogden’s Own ultimately prevailed. Today, Ogden’s Own remains devoted to championing freedom of expression and offering its handcrafted, gluten-free products at an accessible, affordable price point. Their wide portfolio of expressions ensures that any customer can find a product that is suitable to his/her palate.

Diageo North America launches 100% recycled plastic bottle

Seagram’s 7 Crown American whiskey will move its PET formats to 100% recycled plastic bottles

A reduction of virgin plastic that is the equivalent of removing 100 million 500ml plastic bottles, which, if laid out in a row, would represent 11,957 miles (almost 5 trips between New York and Los Angeles)

Plainfield, Illinois, June 2020 – Today Diageo North America announces that its iconic blended American whiskey Seagram’s 7 Crown bottles will be made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET). The move is a first for the brand and for Diageo.

Building on a decade long commitment to making its packaging more sustainable, Diageo North America will remove virgin plastic from Seagram’s 7 Crown bottles across all its PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) formats: 1.75l, 750ml, 375ml and 200ml. This change will reduce the use of virgin plastic by almost 1000 tons annually – the equivalent of removing 100 million 500ml plastic bottles, which, if laid out in a row, would represent 11,957 miles (almost 5 trips between New York and Los Angeles).

The new bottles will be on shelf across the Seagram’s 7 Crown range in the United States from the end of June 2020. A variety of the brand’s formats in glass bottles will remain alongside the new recycled PET bottles. As stated on the product’s label, Diageo encourages consumers to recycle so the material can be used again for bottles or other purposes.

“Great packaging is essential for our brands. Consumers expect our packs to be of the highest quality, while also being functional and sustainable,” said Jason Sorley, Brand Director, Diageo North America. “We are very excited to have Seagram’s 7 Crown move to 100% recycled PET, reinforcing our commitment to both innovation and minimizing its environmental footprint.”

Ronald Holmes, Packaging Director, Diageo North America added: “We continue to take an innovative approach towards delivering sustainable packaging designs and are proud that this move supports our goal to increase recycled content across our brands globally to 45%. Using recycled materials to make packaging reduces the carbon footprint of our brands, raises awareness with consumers, and encourages the industry to follow.”

Last year, Diageo announced an investment to reduce the amount of plastics used in its beer packaging operations. It was followed by a Guinness Open Gate Brewery announcement that all Baltimore-brewed limited release canned multipacks available for purchase at the brewery will be sold in ecofriendly carriers as an alternative to the standard plastic rings typically used for beer.

These innovations bring Diageo closer to its ambitious targets for use of plastics. In 2018, Diageo announced new plastics targets for 2025 and beyond. Its targets aim to ensure that 100% of plastics used are designed to be widely recyclable, or reusable or compostable, and made from recycled material. In December 2017, Diageo committed to phasing out the use of plastic straws and stirrers from its offices, events, promotions, advertising and marketing globally – and advocates the same to its partners and customers. Diageo is pleased to be a signatory to Ellen MacArthur New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

DIAGEO’S GLOBAL PLASTICS TARGETS FOR 2025

Ensure 100% of our plastic use is designed to be widely recyclable (or reusable/compostable), using plastics that allow for increased consumer recycling rates
Achieve 40% average recycled content in our plastic bottles – and 100% by 2030
Continue to invest in circular economy opportunities and other sustainable packaging breakthroughs
Accelerate our support for recycling by increasing collaboration, particularly where we have influence, and engaging with Governments, peers and consumers to facilitate improved recycling.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo NA.

About Seagram’s 7 Crown

Seagram’s 7 Crown is an American icon with a rich heritage dating back to the 1930s. A blended American whiskey, Seagram’s 7 Crown has a legacy of bringing people together through its easy-to-drink, smooth liquid. Seagram’s 7 Crown is casual, approachable and has a taste profile that stands the test of time on its own and in its signature drink, the 7 & 7. For more information, visit seagrams7.com and follow us on Instagram @seagrams7. Seagram’s 7 Crown encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

Kamiki Sakura Wood Whisky is awarded with “91 POINTS” from Ultimate Spirits Challange 2020!

Osaka, JAPAN, 01th August 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge United State’s most prestigious and progressive international spirits competition, Kamiki Sakura Wood Whisky was awarded with “ 91 POINTS ” Excellent Highly Recommended within overall entrants.

About.Kamiki Whisky:

Kamiki Sakura Wood is a new premium expression of multiple award winning Kamiki whisky with a unique maturation of first in Japanese Cedar and later Japanese Cherry Wood – Sakura for a final note. Kamiki Sakura Wood has already won 8 awards. Kamik Sakura Wood is ; “THE FIRST WHISKY IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR and SAKURA CASK FINISH”

www.kamikiwhisky.com

About the Ultimate Spirit Challenge

Ultimate Spirits Challenge is the definitive spirits evaluation company today. Ultimate Spirits Challenge provides unparalleled value, offering results that are reliable and easily understandable in today’s marketplace, creating opportunities for the industry, and establishing the platinum standard that defines what beverage evaluation should.

www.ultimate-beverage.com

SMOKEHEAD WHISKY RELEASES REBELLIOUS NEW EXPRESSION ON INTERNATIONAL RUM DAY 

Ian Macleod Distillers’ brand-new Smokehead Rum Rebel, Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky finished in rich Caribbean rum casks, arrives on UK shores for International Rum Day on August 16^th 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky unleashes brand-new bottling Smokehead Rum Rebel for International Rum Day August 16^th. The rich, smoky, salty Islay whisky rebel is finished in spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks creating culture colliding carnage and a melding of mouth-watering tastes.

Bold and boisterous as ever, Smokehead is disrupting International Rum Day with a tantalising twist on the humdrum for rum fans, beckoning them to the Smokehead whisky dark side.

Priced at £54.99 with an ABV of 46%, Smokehead Rum Rebel will be available to buy from www.smokehead.com and many UK specialist and online retailers.

As a toast to International Rum Day, Smokehead are ripping up the rulebook and careering away from convention by crafting a brand-new, bold cocktail that will not be for every rum fan:

THE SMOKITO

Fans of rum are in for a shocking surprise with the new Rum Rebel Smokito. The warm dried spices and fruity sweetness come thundering through with Smokehead’s signature extremes of peat and punch. A confounding twist on their favourite drink that’s unlike anything they dared to try before.

Ingredients

• 50ml Smokehead Rum Rebel
• 25ml lime juice mixed with 25ml water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Fresh mint
• Few flakes smoked Maldon sea salt

Method

Add mint and sugar to the glass and stir for 2 minutes. Add the lime and water and stir for a further minute until all the sugar has dissolved. Add ice and pour the Smokehead into your highball glass. Sprinkle with a few flakes of smoked Maldon sea salt and enjoy!

SMOKEHEAD TV

Sunday 16^th August will see Smokehead brand ambassador Mikey Sim host an episode of Smokehead TV on the brand Instagram and Facebook channels (@smokeheadwhisky). During the episode he will taste Rum Rebel, as well as show Smokeheads how to craft the Smokito signature cocktail and showcase a special boilermaker serve.

Commenting on the new expression, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We are overwhelmed by the boldness of flavour in our new bottling and can’t wait to see our Smokeheads’ reaction. When our rich, smoky, salty Islay Smokehead collides with spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks, carnage is inevitable.

“We’re encouraging all our Smokeheads and rum fans alike to stir up a Rum Rebel Smokito and raise their glass high this International Rum Day.

Like all our Smokehead whiskies, Rum Rebel is not for everyone. This whisky is for the fearless.”

Smokehead Rum Rebel joins the family of Smokehead Original, Smokehead High Voltage and the latest release Sherry Bomb, a smoky Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. 

*Smokehead always encourages responsible drinking* 

Media information:

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES:

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and smoky taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

Jack Daniel’s Launches “Stand By Your Bar” T-Shirt Program

All net-proceeds from campaign will benefit United States Bartenders’ Guild

Lynchburg, Tenn. (August 11, 2020) – Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is launching a new philanthropic initiative called “Stand By Your Bar” which allows fans to purchase a customized t-shirt in support of their hometown bartenders. All net proceeds will benefit the United States Bartenders’ Guild National Charity Foundation. 

Beginning today, everyone can visit https://www.customink.com/fundraising/jackdaniels where they can choose from over 225 customized t-shirt options varying from city nicknames to hometown area codes across the US. 

“The folks behind the bar have long supported us at Jack Daniel’s and are the face and voice of our brand to so many of our friends around the world,” said Grant Adams, Jack Daniel’s Brand Manager. “Join Jack in leaving a tip that means the world to these individuals who are facing difficult times with the financial challenges of being out of work for an unknown period of time.”

T-shirts can be purchased through September 30 by visiting https://www.customink.com/fundraising/jackdaniels. 

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

About the USBG National Charity Foundation

The USBG National Charity Foundation was put together to help advance the lifelong stability and wellbeing of service industry professionals through education & charitable activities. This is done through three programmatic pillars: Social Responsibility  (Health & Wellness: physical, financial, and mental), Community Service, and Philanthropy. More information can be found at https://www.usbgfoundation.org. 

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

WONDERLAND DISTILLING COMPANY’S FIRST SPIRIT RELEASE

IS DISTILLED FOR THE ADVENTUROUS MICHIGANDER

Muskegon Craft Distillery’s Blend of Straight Whiskeys Available This Month

MUSKEGON, Mich., Aug. 5, 2020 – Muskegon-based craft distillery Wonderland Distilling is launching its very first product, a Blend of Straight Whiskeys, for retail sale this month. Created from individually- aged rye, corn and wheat whiskeys, the blend is expertly crafted by the Wonderland team for a truly unique, Michigan-inspired profile and taste.

Wonderland’s Blend of Straight Whiskeys is blended using the traditional Canadian method, with each grain—corn, wheat and rye—distilled on its own. By distilling, barreling and aging them separately, then blending them after maturation, Wonderland whiskey is blended with purpose to create a consistent flavor profile with every bottle. Every sip of Wonderland whiskey begins with a sweet nose of dark caramel, brown sugar, brioche and raisins, this blend has a long, caramel finish with a hint of fresh mint.

“Michiganders know what they’re going to get when they wake up every morning – a beautiful place to live, surrounded by the greatness of our lakes, the specter of our seasons and an adventure so close they can taste it,” said Mark Gongalski, CEO of Wonderland Distilling Company. “Wonderland Blend of Straight Whiskeys is distilled for the adventurous soul, an ode to this place that formed us. We crafted our whiskey as a reflection of our connection to Michigan’s great outdoors.”

Designed to celebrate Michigan’s abundant natural wonders, the bottles feature a picturesque woodland scene, while the neutral color palette invokes hues found in nature and brings to mind an outdoor lifestyle aesthetic. Displayed prominently on the bottle is Wonderland’s product commitment:

Wonderland was born in Michigan. Made from the desire for adventure, appreciative of all the splendid lands and waters surrounding, it embodies the passion to live a life untethered. We set out to create the best lifestyle spirits brand, one distilled for the adventurous soul.

“Wonderland consumers deserve the very best our state has to offer, which is why we have been intentional with every aspect of our whiskey. From sourcing local ingredients as much as possible and developing local partnerships, to our Michigan-made distilling equipment, every bottle is crafted to be authentically Michigan,” added Gongalski.

Wonderland’s first Blend of Straight Whiskeys was created primarily from individually aged, Michigan-distilled rye and wheat whiskeys from partnering distilleries across the state, hand-blended with purpose to create a specific taste profile. Wonderland also began distilling its own whiskey in early 2020.

The distillery’s tasting room, located at 1989 Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon’s Lakeside neighborhood, is currently under construction. When it opens in late summer, it will offer spirits, cocktails, a bar, patio and a private room for events. Wonderland is currently handcrafting additional spirits, including vodka, gin and rum, which will be available in the tasting room and on retail shelves later this year. 

ABOUT WONDERLAND DISTILLING

Wonderland Distilling creates handcrafted spirits from Michigan ingredients – grains, fruits, botanicals and wood, combined with fresh Lake Michigan water and distilled through stainless stills with care and attention to detail. Wonderland was born in Michigan, made from the desire for adventure to embody the passion to live a life untethered. Wonderland is creating the best spirits, distilled for the adventurous soul – an ode to the woods, water, fields & manufacturing history that makes Michigan great. More information at wonderlanddistilling.com.

Kamiki Original Whisky is awarded with “2 SILVER MEDALS”

One of is at the Spirits Business The World Whisky Masters and the second one is at the London Spirits Competition 2020!

Osaka, JAPAN, 01th August 2020 Kamiki Whisky was awarded with the “SILVER” medal at the The World Whisky Master 2020 competition and one more “SILVER” Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2020– these are one of the world’s most progressive international spirits competitions.

About.Kamiki Whisky:

Kamiki is a new expression super premium Japanese Whisky with a unique second maturation technique, blend is rested for a second time in Yoshino Sugi –Japanese Cedar- casks to capture a perfectly smooth taste, a scent of sandalwood on the nose and a zest of green tea in the finish. Kamiki Original Whisky has already won 9 awards. Kamiki is “THE FIRST WHISKY IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH”

www.kamikiwhisky.com

About The World Whisky Masters 2020:

In July 2020, The Spirits Business organized The World Whisky Masters competition in a drive to find and reward the finest World Whisky brands on the world stage. www.thespiritsbusiness.com

About The London Spirits Competition 2020:

The London Spirits Competition looks to recognise, reward and help promote spirits brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific spirits drinker. www.londonspiritscompetition.com

MISUNDERSTOOD WHISKEY BECOMES FIRST DOMESTIC BRAND TO JOIN SAZERAC’S GROWING

375 PARK AVENUE SPIRITS PORTFOLIO 

Louisville, KY (August 5, 2020)— 375 Park Avenue Spirits, a division of the Sazerac Company, is pleased to announce its national partnership with Misunderstood Whiskey as they expand distribution across the U.S. beginning October 1^st, 2020. The partnership comes on the heels of Misunderstood Whiskey’s success in its hometown market and growing national demand for its Ginger Spiced Whiskey. Under this agreement, 375 Park Avenue Spirits and Sazerac Company’s Bond and Royal craft division will assume responsibility for all sales, distribution, and will support the brand’s marketing efforts. This partnership marks the next phase of growth for Misunderstood Whiskey and adds another innovative brand to 375 Park Avenue Spirits as they strategically scale their portfolio of premium spirits.

“Misunderstood is a brand that’s in the early stages of its life cycle and that youthful exuberance permeates from the brand and is central to what creates such a loyal base of consumer evangelists. The success that Chris and JD have been able to achieve in that brief window is a testament to the strength of the brand and the stewardship they’ve provided,” said Jason Schladenhauffen, president and CEO of 375 Park Avenue Spirits.  “The meteoric rise of the category is well documented and we feel strongly that this brand is ripe to become one of the next rising stars.”

Misunderstood Whiskey started as a kitchen recipe by childhood friends, JD Recobs and Chris Buglisi. The duo quickly realized how unique their product was as it drew growing attention from a widely diverse audience, many of whom were newly converted whiskey drinkers after trying their Ginger Spiced Whiskey. Misunderstood is an American whiskey blended with all natural ginger for a mellow finish while maintaining the integrity of the whiskey. In addition to being enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Misunderstood Whiskey’s early success can be attributed to its versatility in premium cocktails and regard as a fun tool for bartenders.

“We’re extremely humbled to join Sazerac’s 375 Park Avenue Spirits Portfolio,” said JD Recobs, Co-Founder of Misunderstood Whiskey. “We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with and are confident that 375 Park Avenue Spirits and Bond & Royal will play a major role in the continued success of Misunderstood. We’re thrilled to take our brand to the next level and share Misunderstood with the rest of the Nation. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

“We’re excited to have partners who understand and align with our company’s vision to create the whiskey for everyone,” added Chris Buglisi, Co-Founder of Misunderstood Whiskey.  “With 375 Park Avenue Spirits and Sazerac’s infrastructure behind Misunderstood, we can focus on product innovation, brand strategy, and connecting more with our amazing customers who are the backbone of the brand.”

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 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.

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.

About Misunderstood Whiskey: 

Starting from a kitchen recipe by two childhood friends, JD Recobs & Chris Buglisi, Misunderstood Whiskey is an American Whiskey, aged in American oak barrels, blended with all natural ginger, and bottled at 80 proof in Bardstown, Kentucky. Misunderstood Whiskey’s award winning Ginger Spiced Whiskey is approachable for rookies, yet complex enough for whiskey connoisseurs. With a refreshingly smooth ginger finish, Misunderstood Whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail.

For more information about Misunderstood Whiskey, follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram (@misunderstoodwhiskey) or contact the team directly at info@Misunderstoodwhiskey.com.

Caskshare allows whisky lovers to reserve ‘shares’ of whisky casks from their favourite distilleries, choosing between a wide variety of wood types and ages as the whisky matures. Single cask bottles will then be sent directly to buyers upon maturation, or even traded between them on this new leading-edge technology platform. Described as ‘crowdfunding for whisky’, the aim of Caskshare is to allow whisky-lovers the chance to experience different cask variations by lowering the financial barrier to cask-ownership.

New casks

The new casks range from a 31 year-old cask, from Cambus which is now no longer even a distillery to the deep red of the Glen Moray, a 1st fill red wine barrique. The new range of casks allow customers to sample whiskies of different ages and finishes from the world’s oldest and newest whisky regions.

Cambus – Cask number 41752 – Refill bourbon hogshead, filled 12/06/1989.

Rich & Complex: 3

Fruity & Floral: 7

Sweet / Aperitif: 8

Spice: 2

Smokiness / Peaty: 0

Est. ABV of Bottling: 52.0%

Price per Bottle: £139

Expected # of Bottles: 277

Tullibardine – Cask number 800165 – 2nd fill Jim Beam Rye cask, filled 07/06/2007

Rich & Complex: 1

Fruity & Floral: 7

Sweet / Aperitif: 6

Spice: 4

Smokiness / Peaty: 0

Est. ABV of Bottling: 60.0%

Price per Bottle: £49

Expected # of Bottles: 148

BenRiach – Cask number #293/2013 – Bourbon matured, Marsala finish (from June 2019), filled 09/09/2013

Rich & Complex: 1

Fruity & Floral: 7

Sweet / Aperitif: 8

Spice: 2

Smokiness / Peaty: 0

Est. ABV of Bottling: 60.0%

Price per Bottle: £69

Expected # of Bottles: 298

Glen Moray – Cask number 2956- 1st fill red wine barrique, filled 01/07/2018 

Rich & Complex: 4

Fruity & Floral: 6

Sweet / Aperitif: 8

Spice: 6

Smokiness / Peaty: 0

Est. ABV of Bottling: 60.0%

Price per Bottle: £57

Expected # of Bottles: 158