TOURS AND VISITATION TO RESUME AT BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ON JULY 1

Distillery to Create Safe Haven Bourbon Experience

Through Sanitization Measures and Limited Tours Sizes 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (June 22, 2020) – Buffalo Trace will welcome guests back to the National Historic Landmark Distillery on July 1 with a distinct focus on offering visitors the safest possible environment for their bourbon encounter. Visitors can expect to experience the same rich history and to see the oldest continually operating Distillery in action, but with new measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and government recommendations.

Guests will be required to register for a tour or event in advance of their visit in order for the Distillery to efficiently manage tour and group sizes with respect to social distancing. The Distillery grounds and playground will only be available to guests who have registered and checked-in. This includes usage of the grounds for photography.

Arriving guests will need to check in, where their individual contact information will be recorded in the event contact tracing needs to be performed, and have their temperature taken. Guests will also be asked to wear a face mask. For anyone who forgets theirs, one will be provided. Visitors can take comfort in knowing that all employees at the distillery will also be wearing face masks and will have had their temperatures taken upon entrance.

Tours and events will be kept to small, comfortable groups to allow for social distancing, and protective shields have been installed at the bars and cash registers. Gift Shop capacity will also be limited to allow for safe, enjoyable shopping experiences.

To make social distancing a little easier, Buffalo Trace will be reopening with a newly expanded Visitor Center, which triples the size of the original Visitor Center, and will allow ample space and comfort for guests exploring the Gift Shop or tasting in the new expansive tasting rooms.

With all of these safeguards, as well as the expanded Visitor Center, guests can expect to explore decades of bourbon making history, sample award-winning products, and experience the charm of this National Historic Landmark, as in the past. All tours and tastings remain complimentary.

“We are taking every step we can to address the health, safety and comfort of our guests to ensure the best experience possible,” Homeplace Development Director Meredith Moody said. “Our goal is to create a safe haven for all visitors while providing the same rich history and experiences for which we’re known. We can’t wait to reopen to the public and show guests our expanded Visitor Center and tasting rooms.”

Operating hours for Buffalo Trace Distillery will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Registrations for the Trace Tour, Old Taylor Tour, Bourbon Barrel Tour and Expansion Tour can be made at https://tours.buffalotracedistillery.com/. Curbside sales will also continue. To place an order visit https://buffalotracegiftshop.com/.

A complete list of new safety procedures, along with information about enacted sanitation measures and protective equipment in use can be found here. Full details about what to expect will be provided to guests upon registration.

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 1773 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

Katherine Condon is appointed Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Midleton, June 22^nd, 2020 – Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Katherine Condon as Distiller at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. Katherine will report to newly appointed Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman, with responsibility for the production process from brewing to distillation. Tasting all distillates daily, Katherine will oversee the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton, to ensure the correct balance of flavours are present, before being matured and bottled.

A chemical engineer, Katherine joined Irish Distillers in 2014 as part of the Graduate Distiller Programme. Upon successful completion of the programme, Katherine was appointed Distiller at the Micro Distillery in Midleton, Irish Distillers’ hub for innovation and experimentation with new distillate styles. From there she moved to the main distillery as a process technologist and, most recently, production supervisor.  During her time with Irish Distillers, Katherine has played a vital role in the production of many new innovations, including the Method and Madness range.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Process and Chemical Engineering from University College Cork and a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Katherine was awarded “The Worshipful company of Distillers award” in 2018 and 2019 for outstanding achievement by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, added: “Katherine has consistently demonstrated a passion and exceptional skillset for the art of distillation. Her inquisitive nature and constant pursuit of excellence has made her one of the rising stars of world distilling and we are delighted to announce her appointment as Distiller at Midleton Distillery. I look forward to continuing to with work with her as she joins a lineage of the great Distillers who have gone before her.”

Katherine Condon, Distiller at Irish Distillers, said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Distiller. This role represents a time-honoured craft and it has been a privilege to learn about the art and science of distilling from icons of world whiskey like Brian Nation and Kevin O’Gorman. I look forward to using the wisdom and experience I have inherited to continue their legacy of quality, while driving innovation as I continue my career in Midleton.  I am incredibly excited about the future of Irish whiskey and role I can play in it.”

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company Announces Launch and Introduces Brian Nation as Master Distiller

Former Jameson Whiskey Master Distiller brings deep experience and an exciting vision to the new family-run company

Honoring its family legacy as Irish-American immigrants, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company officially marks its operational beginnings today with the hire of a renowned and skilled Master Distiller—former Midleton Distillery Master Distiller Brian Nation.

The O’Shaughnessy family left their ancestral home of Ireland during the Potato Famine of 1847 in search of a better life. Almost two centuries later, two cousins—Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy—seek to honor their Irish-American heritage through the unveiling of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company.

The O’Shaughnessys, as Irish-Americans, are inspired by the great, long-standing tradition of Irish whiskey and look to build on that tradition as they embark on their new craft spirits journey. With an eye on the past and a vision for the future, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company will deliver unique and innovative whiskey offerings for people to enjoy.

To help drive this vision, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Chairman and Co-founder of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Nation, noting, “Brian will add immeasurable experience through technique and artistry to our brand. He’s a person of impeccable character and absolutely the right partner to lead the creation of our whiskeys.”

Co-founder Michael O’Shaughnessy adds, “O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company was created to bring our family together in a collaborative enterprise filled with creativity, passion and celebration. We found that Brian holds these same values and we knew he would be the perfect addition to our family business.”

Nation joins O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company from Irish Distillers, where he was the Master Distiller at the Midleton Distillery for all of Irish Distillers’ brands, including the iconic Jameson, Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare. He served as Master Distiller for the last seven years, with a total tenure of 23 years spent at Irish Distillers.

At O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, Nation’s key responsibility is to create world-class whiskeys that will bring the O’Shaughnessy spirit to the U.S. and around the world.

“I have gained years of distilling experience with some of the best names in the industry and am very grateful for that; but joining the O’Shaughnessy family to build this new brand is the opportunity and adventure of a lifetime for me and my family,” noted Brian Nation, Master Distiller for O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company. “I look forward to melding my Irish lineage with a new American experience and crafting a unique collection of whiskeys that people can share and experience together.”

O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company is also building a distillery in Minneapolis, slated to open in summer 2021. The first spirits are anticipated for tasting also in summer 2021.

Loch Lomond Whiskies agrees an exciting new partnership with the European Tour

Award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller Loch Lomond Whiskies has agreed an exciting new partnership with The European Tour, becoming the first Official Partner of the innovative new UK Swing.

The partnership with the European Tour means that the distiller’s innovative and exciting range of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies will become “The Spirit of the Tour” throughout the duration of the UK Swing. Loch Lomond Whiskies have been “The Spirit of The Open” since 2018.

As part of the new relationship, Loch Lomond Whiskies’ hand sanitiser will be available on every tee during each of the six UK tournaments when the European Tour returns to action in July.

Loch Lomond Group were one of the first spirits companies in the world to utilise their existing resources and infrastructure to make hand sanitiser, so as to help and support those in need across the country throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. As the European Tour resumes, Loch Lomond Whiskies will help ensure good hygiene at all six UK tournaments as part of the European Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy.

As an Official Partner of the European Tour’s UK Swing, Loch Lomond Whiskies will also support the launch of the new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative which will underpin all European Tour events in 2020 by  making a positive impact in the communities where the European Tour plays – and the wider world of golf – rewarding heroes of the pandemic such as front line workers, and promoting the many health benefits that golf offers to everyone.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “The European Tour is one of the most internationally recognised and respected golf bodies in the world and we are delighted to become a key partner of the UK Swing. This new association further extends our already very successful association with the game of golf through our existing sponsorship agreement with The R&A for both The Open and The Women’s British Open and The PGA and allows us to support the launch of the European Tour’s excellent “Golf for Good” initiative.”

Max Hamilton, the European Tour’s Head of Commercial Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to welcome Loch Lomond Whiskies and their award-winning brands as the first Official Partner of our new UK Swing. This innovative stretch of six events marks the start of our new Golf for Good initiative, enabling us to give back during these unprecedented times.  Our health strategy is vital to this and Loch Lomond Whiskies will also contribute to that through the provision of hand sanitiser. This is a great example of how brands can work together in different ways at the moment.”

Following the suspension of the season due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, the European Tour will return to action initially behind closed doors in July with two events in Austria – the Austrian Open and Euram Bank Open – immediately followed by the UK Swing. The first tournament in the UK Swing is the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood, which will be played at Close House, from Wednesday July 22nd to Saturday July 25th.

It will be followed by the English Open at the Marriott Forest of Arden and the English Championship at Marriott Hanbury Manor, before The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport hosts back-to-back European Tour tournaments. The UK Swing will then conclude with the UK Championships at The Belfry.

All tournaments will be subject to stringent safety and testing protocols set out by the Tour’s comprehensive Healthy Strategy which will continue to evolve, aligned with international Government guidance and health guidelines.

Founded in 1814, Loch Lomond Whiskies can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire on the banks of Loch Lomond, were built in the 1960s and are among only a few in the industry to maintain an onsite cooperage. The malt distillery at Alexandria also features a unique combination of traditional swan neck and distinctive straight-necked pot stills, enabling it to produce a diverse range of flavour profiles.

In 2018, the group secured its first major golf partnership, agreeing a prestigious five-year deal with the R&A, as sponsor of both The Open and AIG Women’s British Open. In February 2020, Loch Lomond Whiskies also concluded a new agreement with the Professional Golfers’ Association (The PGA) to become a ‘PGA Partner’ and the title sponsor of the Scottish PGA Championship.

For further information, visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram @lochlomondmalts and search for Loch Lomond Whiskies on Facebook. To find out more about Loch Lomond Group please visit www.lochlomondgroup.com.

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller, blender and bottler of some of the finest scotch whisky brands in the world.  Based in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire, close to Glasgow it is home to several multi award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries across the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. www.lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
  • PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
  • GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old

New November Date for
Scottish Whisky Awards

The national competition for Scotch Whisky has pledged to make every effort to stage its second annual awards programme as normally as possible in 2020.

Plans are now underway for the judging panel to meet and assess entered product in the week commencing Monday 24 August 2020 in a newly designed tasting session which observes health and safety rules and social distancing measures.

The hugely successful Scottish Whisky Awards celebration has now been scheduled for Thursday 19 November 2020 at the Hilton Doubletree in Glasgow.  Last year, over 400 guests gathered in a sold out event to celebrate the wide-ranging competition which assesses both taste and business performance.

Over 100 whiskies were tasted and scored by a 32-strong judging panel from the UK, Europe and Asia.  The Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year 2019 was presented to The GlenAllachie Distillery in recognition of an outstanding year of business and after winning five medals in the blind tasting competition.

Entries now have an extended period to register for the competition and deliver product for the tasting.  For information and advice on entries, product deliveries and the event, please email Kirsten or Pippa.

Registration and entries close on Friday 14th August 2020.

The 2020 awards will be raising funds for The BEN, the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland.

Enter Now

View the 2019 Scottish Whisky Awards Video

Meet the Judges

Book Your Table

REGISTER YOUR CASKS NOW FOR THE WORLD’S ONLY LIVE, ONLINE WHISKY AUCTION DEDICATED TO CASKS

Auctionyourcask.com is now inviting people to register their casks for auction by 31^st July 2020.

The auction, hosted by Cask Trade via its online auction website auctionyourcask.com, will go live on 14^thAugust and run until 23^rd August 2020.

Following the successful first auction in January, the world’s second live, online auction dedicated to casks of whisky is expected to attract even more sellers and bidders from around the globe.

Those looking to register casks are urged not to delay as they need to be re-gauged, undergo a full health check, document check and a sample sent for entry.

Auctionyourcask.com allows private owners and investors to sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world.

Forgotten fortunes

Do you own a cask? Did you or a member of your family purchase a cask 20 years ago? Perhaps you have an heirloom asset. In the first auction, a 1995 Springbank sherry hogshead which was originally bought for £800 in 1995 sold for £45,000.

Trading assets and releasing equity

In these uncertain economic times some people might be looking to trade up their casks, release some equity from their assets, others might have inherited casks and are not sure how to sell them. Sellers have the peace of mind that the process will be handled smoothly and efficiently with a personal point of contact along the way. Sellers also benefit from a 0% seller commission rate on all lots being sold.

Owner of Cask Trade, Simon Aron, says many people are looking to release maturing cask assets. “More and more people are waking up to whisky as a safe haven for investment amid global market chaos,” he says adding: “I am very excited for our second auction following the success of the first when 300 whisky lovers registered and we sent out more than 100 samples around the world.”

Those looking to register their cask for sale should complete an online form to request a valuation. https://www.auctionyourcask.com/request-a-valuation

To sign up to bid in the live auction, register here: https://www.auctionyourcask.com/members/login

The auction, which will go live on 14^th August will run until 23^rd August (ending 8pm GMT), will feature a wide selection of casks at different price points.

All casks will need to have had a recent re-gauge ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity, wherever possible, to try the whisky before they buy. Auction your cask validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee Cask Trade can offer bidders the actual hammer price. Their low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

Hosted four times a year the next auction will take place in November 2020.

NOTES:

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy market place for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.

• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.
• HMRC-issued AWRS Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme: Licenced to wholesale, bottle and retail.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade. It also offers…

• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated whisky investment guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties      (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.

Cask Trade has started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy. – Wherever possible. We validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee we can offer you the actual hammer price. Our low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com

https://www.auctionyourcask.com

Whisky Price Growth

Results of the recent Knight Frank Wealth Report’s new unique luxury investment index revealed whisky was one of the most coveted objects of desire in 2019.

The report out in February 2020, says Rare Whisky has grown in value the most over the last 10 years at +564% and increased by +5% in the past 12 months; and states casks remained in huge demand. By comparison cars have seen an increase of 194%, art by 141% and wine by 120%.

https://www.knightfrank.com/wealthreport

Data collected by Rare Whisky 101 suggests the four-year growth from December 2014 in rare whisky has increased over 160%, compared to just 2.47% for the FTSE 100. https://www.rarewhisky101.com/indices

The same report by Rare Whisky 101 claimed via the BBC that they had performed a controlled test of 55 rare bottles, of which over a third were fakes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-4656670

Photo Credit Steve McCurry

STEVE MCCURRY CAPTURES THE MACALLAN’S EXTRAORDINARY WOOD JOURNEY

Spanning two continents and thousands of miles, the incredible wood journey undertaken to create The Macallan’s hand-crafted, sherry seasoned oak casks has been chronicled in extraordinary new detail by iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry.

His exclusive photographic journal, which is revealed in full for the first time, showcases the people, places and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oaks casks.

Crafted to unique specifications, The Macallan’s oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan’s peerless single malts.

The images also provide a compelling new insight into the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been renowned since 1824.

Steve McCurry said: “The thing I admire about The Macallan is their passion for craftsmanship, their excellence and their integrity for their processes.

“Sometimes you have to choose a different path – the one less taken – to go beyond hardship, to reach excellence.”

Firstly, the photographer, recognised as one of today’s finest image makers and synonymous with evocative colour photography, made the trip to the vast green forests of Northern Spain, the source of European oak for The Macallan casks. Then he journeyed to Jerez, Southern Spain where The Macallan’s casks are hand-crafted and seasoned with sherry – one of The Macallan’s defining strengths.

McCurry also travelled to Pennsylvania to discover the influence of American oak.  Grown in the lush forests in the North East of the US, it is key to the unique flavour of The Macallan’s highly successful Double Cask range that balances both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. After leaving America, these casks are also shipped to Jerez to be crafted into casks and filled with sherry, using the same traditional processes applied to the European oak.

When fully seasoned, each cask is transported to The Macallan Estate home to the award-winning Distillery on Speyside. It is then filled with the finest quality, new make spirit ready to be matured under the watchful eye of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team.

As well as evoking the sights, sounds and even the smells of the forests where the oak trees that form The Macallan’s casks are grown, McCurry also reveals the mastery and commitment of those who craft The Macallan’s casks, including the coopers – professional cask makers – who spend many years learning and perfecting their art.

Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood, The Macallan, said: “Steve McCurry is one of the world’s greatest documentary photographers and we are privileged that he has expertly captured The Macallan’s wood story through his incredible lens.

“Our people and their craftsmanship have defined The Macallan for almost 200 years and Steve’s outstanding images provide a unique insight into the intensive process of sourcing, crafting and seasoning our exceptional oak casks.

“With up to 80% of The Macallan’s final flavour and character determined by cask quality, Steve has recorded the painstaking commitment and attention to detail that we uphold to deliver the uncompromised excellence that lies at the heart of our brand.”

Steve McCurry’s interpretation of The Macallan’s wood journey is his latest partnership with The Macallan. It follows his previous work with the brand to document the build of The Macallan Distillery, alongside fellow Magnum photographers, in 2018.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Notes

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt. 

About Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name.

Born in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; McCurry studied film at Pennsylvania State University, before going on to work for a local newspaper. After several years of freelance work, McCurry made his first of what would become many trips to India.

Travelling with little more than a bag of clothes and another of film, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the country with his camera. McCurry brought the world the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan, putting a human face to the issue on every masthead. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl so powerful.

He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986. McCurry has been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, National Press Photographers Award, and an unprecedented four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest, to name but a few.

https://www.stevemccurry.com/

Glen Moray Launches Virtual Whisky Series to Encourage Flavour Exploration

Glen Moray has announced a new series of online whisky events in a bid to take UK drinkers on a virtual journey of discovery, one delicious dram at a time.

Glen Moray’s monthly ‘Whisky Surgeries’ will be hosted on Zoom by the company’s very own doctor and Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Kirstie McCallum, gathering curious drinkers who are missing out on their usual distillery visits and festivals this year.

The first ‘after hours’ surgery will take place at 8pm on Tuesday 7^th July and will put the world of unusual cask maturation under the microscope. Participants can enjoy a virtual tasting and discover the hidden gems found in Glen Moray Distillery’s ‘Warehouse 1’, where unusual casks and maturation experiments are housed.

Throughout the event Dr Kirstie will share her decades of knowledge and experience as one of Scotch whisky’s leading creators, answering questions and revealing the secrets behind Glen Moray’s adventurous approach to flavour
Glen Moray’s first Whisky Surgery is now available to book on Eventbrite. To book a place visit here  

50 spaces are available for this free event, and the first 20 people who sign up will each receive a complimentary Glen Moray tasting kit, which contains the new Madeira Cask Project and Rhum Agricole Cask Finish Project expressions to enjoy during the event. Further session will be announced over the coming months.

Dr Kirstie McCallum commented: ‘I’m really looking forward to presenting our first Whisky Surgery session as there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing a dram with enthusiasts and chatting about one of my favourite subjects – whisky exploration.

‘Glen Moray has a unique history of cask experimentation and I have a good few anecdotes to share on the discoveries that have been made in our distillery. Bringing people who are interested in whisky together to share knowledge is another passion of mine so this new series provides a great platform to do this.’

Crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, Glen Moray distillers have been curious about flavour throughout their history. Surviving handwritten ledgers show that a wide variety of casks were used to mature new make spirit back in those early days, which was an unusual practice for the time. A deep knowledge and expertise of wood has developed at Glen Moray through generations of distillers, resulting in today’s exceptional range of whiskies with a style to suit everyone.

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ABOUT 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.

ABOUT LA MARTINIQUAISE-BARDINET

Founded by Jean Cayard in 1934, La Martiniquaise is an independent French spirits group with a large portfolio of international brands. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 100 countries with 38 subsidiaries and production sites. The Group’s four pillars are Scotch whiskies, ports, brandies, wines, rums and craft spirits from France.  www.la-martiniquaise.com

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery 

Midleton, Wednesday, 10th of June 2020 – Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin takes on the role from Brian Nation, who has served as Master Distiller since 2013. Brian is set to take on the role of Master Distiller at a startup distillery in the US.

Kevin will take on one of the most coveted positions in world whiskey. As part of his new role he will be responsible for protecting the rich heritage of the world’s most famous Irish whiskeys, ensuring the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton while supporting future innovation.

A Cork native, Kevin is a Technology graduate from The University of Limerick and holds a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is a master craftsman having started his career in Midleton in 1998, working as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett. From there he moved to Maturation where he honed his skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks before assuming the role of Master of Maturation on Brendan’s retirement in 2007.

Kevin successfully continued the ongoing innovation in maturation that has made Midleton famous, while working with the team in facilitating spirit options for new brands like Method and Madness and brand extensions in the Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare and Spot range. In his previous role, Kevin spent much of his time travelling the globe to source only the highest quality casks from world renowned cooperages, while overseeing the full maturation process across the portfolio.

Commenting on the appointment, Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: “I am delighted to announce Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin’s exceptional leadership and talent as Master of Maturation has impressed the whiskey world ever since he took on the role in 2007. We know that he will continue to impress as Master Distiller, an evolved role which will see him lead both distillation and maturation at Irish Distillers. I am looking forward to working closely with Kevin as he drives the constant pursuit of excellence and innovation that has been exemplified by the entire team in Midleton for centuries.

“We are immensely grateful for everything Brian has done for Irish Distillers, and the entire Irish whiskey category, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors as he passes the baton to Kevin”.

Kevin O’Gorman added: “Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass. Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery. I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.”

Commenting on the succession, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “As I step down from the position of Master Distiller, I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to hold this role. I have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team at Midleton for the past 23 years and have experienced enormous change, development, and innovation, from the recent expansion of our distillery to the development of new distillate styles in the Micro Distillery. I am delighted to see Kevin take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that, under his leadership, the quality and reputation of Irish Distillers’ portfolio will continue to flourish long into the future.”

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.