IRISH DISTILLERS NAMED IMPORTER OF THE YEAR AT  

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2020

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has been named Importer of the Year honour at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

The accolade follows a stellar year for the world’s leading distiller of Irish whiskey, with brands across its portfolio achieving an outstanding 25 medals.

The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe.

In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals – including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal.

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength also received Double Gold, testament to the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Newcomer Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was also highly commended, achieving a Double Gold medal on its first outing at the competition, reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle expression of Irish whiskey.

The Redbreast portfolio continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey as Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21 and Redbreast Lustau Edition were presented with coveted Gold medals. The bold and distinctive taste of the Powers range was also recognised, with the judges awarding Powers John’s Lane, Powers Three Swallow and Powers Gold Label with Gold Medals. The accolades follow a dynamic new bottle design for Powers, announced earlier this year, as part of a bid to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

Irish Distillers’ intrepid step into the modern premium gin market was also rewarded, with its METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin taking home a Gold medal after being unveiled last year as the first release from Irish Distillers’ new Micro Distillery in Midleton. The award acknowledges the commitment to experimentation and innovation within the METHOD AND MADNESS range, which continues to push the boundaries and re-write the future of modern Irish spirits.

Commenting on the strong start to the 2020 awards season, Tommy Keane, Production Director at Irish Distillers, explains: “We are delighted to have received such a fantastic range of honours from one of the world’s leading tasting competitions, and one of the ultimate accolades for any distiller to win – Importer of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud that our whiskeys continue to impress both whiskey experts and connoisseurs around the world. These awards are a true testament of the passion, creativity and commitment of the world-class production team who make Midleton Distillery a special place to work.”

Now in its 20^th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

Notes 

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

• Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – Double Gold Medal
• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest  -Double Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Single Malt – Double Gold
• Green Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Yellow Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Red Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin – Gold Medal
• Jameson Crested – Gold Medal
• Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Jameson Coopers Croze – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold Medal
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Gold Medal
• Powers Three Swallow – Gold Medal
• Powers Gold Label – Gold Medal
• Midleton Very Rare 2019 – Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Single Grain Irish – Silver Medal
• Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver Medal
• Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
• Jameson Distillers Safe – Silver Medal
• Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver Medal

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.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

RELEASING WELLER SINGLE BARREL BOURBON 

New Addition to Wheated Bourbon Line to be Annual Release 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 19, 2020) A Weller Single Barrel offering is the latest addition in the storied Weller bourbon line from Buffalo Trace Distillery.  Bottled at 97 proof, the Weller Single Barrel will be an annual release, starting this Summer.

“Many of our Weller fans have been asking for a single barrel bourbon for quite a while, and we’ve planned for this addition for a number of years, so we’re excited to be able to make this happen, said Joshua Steely, marketing manager, bourbon. “Our rye bourbon mash bill has a variety of options, like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Stagg Jr. George T. Stagg and E.H. Taylor, Jr. bourbons, so it’s nice to be able to offer some variety in our wheated bourbon mash bill as well.”

            Tasting notes for the new expression describe the new Weller Single Barrel as having a nose of cherry and mint, fading to vanilla.  Caramel and baking spices with hints of cocoa explode on the palate, with a finish of cinnamon, coffee, and a hint of pepper.

            Weller Single Barrel joins the Weller line up of Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 years old, Weller Full Proof, Weller Craft Your Perfect Bourbon, and William Larue Weller, which is part of the Antique Collection, released each fall.

The Weller Single Barrel will be available starting in June this year, and although the offering will be limited, it will be released once per year.  The packaging will contain a cork stopper, like the Weller Full Proof Bourbon released last year.  Suggested retail pricing is $49.99.

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

Cask Trade reports best month ever and increased interest from Asia as investors seek a safe haven amid market chaos

Global markets have suffered huge losses and as the COVID-19 epidemic continues, assets across the investment spectrum have depreciated ahead of what is likely to be a global recession.

In these uncertain times, investors are looking for a safe haven. Cask Trade, a London-based business selling whisky by the cask, has reported a huge increase in demand and recorded its best month ever in March and has had a big uptake in interest from Asia, in particular Hong Kong and Singapore.

Owner of Cask Trade, Simon Aron, says casks of whisky are fast becoming the investment choice for people looking for an alternative that is less uncertain. “Whisky is one of the only assets that appreciates the older it gets and it is still completely detached to financial markets, which makes it a safe haven for investors.”

“Asia has really woken up to whisky, especially since the economy in Hong Kong, Singapore and China gets back to some sense of normality,” says Simon, who adds: “Our new Asian customers are very enterprising. They have a love of whisky so they keep some, bottle some of the casks they are buying and generally trade others. They enjoy our keener prices and transparent way of business, as well as our excellent stock which I believe is the best in the world.”

Whisky on the rise 

In the last 10 years, whisky has far outstripped the more established alternative assets such as art, cars, wines, watches and jewellery and is now one of the most coveted objects of desire. Last year, whisky was one of the top performing luxury investments.

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

The report 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%.

Aron, who has received calls from hedge fund managers in New York looking for financial modelling on large portfolios of cask whisky, adds: “Through any economic downturn alcohol sales remain constant and even go up.”

Ten reasons to invest

• Cask Trade boasts the strongest stocklist of cask whisky on the market
• Confident enough in the appreciation of whisky that Cask Trade has bought even more casks than ever before
• With the markets down, currency favours the euro (€) and dollar ($). Simply speaking, casks of superb single malt whisky are the most fantastic way to balance your medium and long-term investment
• Almost 100 casks in stock
• 22 different distilleries from all regions
• All budgets and styles catered for
• 14 sherry butts from 5 different distilleries
• Younger maturing cask
• Old and rare casks
• Vintages from 1978 to 2016

As well as buying and selling casks to private owners, investors and bottlers, Cask Trade also hosts quarterly online auctions via its online platform auctionyourcask.com. The next auction goes live on 14^th August and will run until 23^rd August. To register your interest as a bidder visit https://www.auctionyourcask.com//members/login to sign up.

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

‘BLAAACK SHEEP’ OF ISLAY ROUNDS UP FANS FOR VIRTUAL ARDBEG DAY

Celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee and this year’s Limited Edition, Ardbeg Blaaack

Usually held on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global, annual celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, with the festival sadly cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Ardbeg is taking its celebrations online, and inviting malt whisky lovers everywhere to join them as they toast two incredible decades of the Ardbeg Committee.

The Ardbeg Blaaack Whisky Trials will be broadcast on 30 May 2020 via Facebook to Ardbeg fans around the world. The two-hour programme of tastings, games, and entertainment is in celebration of the Ardbeg Committee’s 20^th Anniversary (founded in the year 2000). It takes as its theme the Limited Edition bottled in their honour, Ardbeg Blaaack: a single malt which knits together flavours of velvety summer fruit pudding and bitter cherry, with a deeper edge of soot and Ardbeg’s hallmark smoke.

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “We were looking forward to marking Ardbeg Day this year with our dyed-in-the-wool fans here at the Distillery, and at celebrations around world. Sadly, global events overtook us.

“However, we’ve put our heads together and come up with a back-up plan to keep our Committee Members entertained, safe at home. I’ll be shepherding the Ardbeg team in an online extravaganza instead – expect tastings of some much-loved whiskies, fun, blether, and maybe even a few Blaaack-inspired surprises.”

You can tune into the Ardbeg Blaaack Whisky Trials from 7pm BST on Ardbeg’s Facebook page, with content available to watch later on Ardbeg.com, Instagram and YouTube. Ardbeg Blaaack will be available to buy from www.ardbeg.com, Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, and online retailers around the world from 30 May 2020, although distribution may be a bit delayed in some markets due to the current Coronavirus restrictions.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg

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

NOTES:

What is a Whisky Trial?

We’ve taken our inspiration for the Ardbeg Blaaack Whisky Trials from the rural tradition of Sheepdog Trials. A Sheepdog Trial is a competitive dog sport in which herding dogs move sheep around a field, fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers. We won’t be herding any whisky lovers, but we may have some tests of agility as part of our programme of events…

Aroma: On the nose baked fruit pudding knits together seamlessly with cedar wood and aromatic cigar box. Oak tannins and rich truffles then break away to reveal subtle notes of smoky jam tart.

With a splash of water, intense aromas of bitter cherry and a curiously zesty note emerges. Naturally, this dram then travels in a different direction with lovely fragrant violet notes.

Taste: A velvety and surprisingly furry mouthfeel drives your palate into a complex symphony of contrasting flavours. Aniseed, soot and summer fruits – such as cherries, strawberries, apricots and pears – give way to crumbly pastry, dark chocolate, coffee and almonds.

Finish: A long, lingering sooty finish.

Casks:             Pinot Noir

ABV:                46%

Colour:          Deep cherry blossom

RRP: £94 

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 (1 January 2000).  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:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  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.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery was declared the Distillery of the Year 2019.

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.

JAPANESE WHISKY SETS TOP BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY SALE

First Auction in Hong Kong Behind Closed Doors
Live Biddings via Online, Phone and in Written Form

Young Collectors Go From Strength to Strength
Nearly Half the Bidders Under 40 Years Old, Winning Top Lots of Sale

Strong Global Participation From 22 Countries
Spanning Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Americas

Top Lot: The ‘Ghost Series’ Whisky Collection (11 bottles)

Sold for HK$ 967,200

Estimate: HK$ 820,000 – 1,000,000

Commenting on the result, Daniel Lam, Bonhams’ Director of Wine & Spirits, Asia, said: ‘We are pleased to see that the market is active. Japanese whisky, a category already trending over the past few years, shows strong resilience under the current climate, commanding prices in line with high estimates. This solid sale was encouraged by strong, global biddings from 22 countries, especially those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China. Meanwhile, young collectors under 40 years old continue to increase, in terms of both numbers (they account for nearly half of the sale’s bidders) and buying power (the top two lots of the sale – both Japanese whisky sets – sold to young collectors).’

Notable highlights:

Japanese Whisky

• Lot 475  The ‘Ghost Series’ Whisky Collection (11 bottles)

Sold for HK$ 967,200

Estimate: HK$ 820,000 – 1,000,000

• Lot 449  Yamazaki & Hakushu Vintage Malt – 1979 – 1994 (16 bottles)

Sold for HK$ 682,000

Estimate: HK$ 600,000 – 800,000

• Lot 505  Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Joker ‘Monochrome’ and Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Joker ‘Colour’

Sold for HK$ 446,400

Estimate: HK$ 350,000 – 450,000

• Lot 439 Hibiki ceramic – 35 year old – Tokuda Yasokichi III

Sold for HK$ 347,200

Estimate: HK$ 180,000 – 240,000

• Lot 511  Karuizawa – 1964 – #3603

Sold for HK$ 322,400

Estimate: HK$ 260,000 – 300,000

• Lot 287  Hibiki ceramic-35 year old-Sakaida Kakiemon XIV

Sold for HK$ 248,000

Estimate: HK$ 180,000 – 240,000

Please click here to find out further details of the auction result.

Specialist: Daniel Lam, Bonhams’ Director of Wine & Spirits, Asia

NOTES

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

Orkney Island Distillery Joins Remote Tasting Collaboration 

One of the UK’s northernmost whisky distilleries, Highland Park based in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, is collaborating for the second in a series of remote, online island tastings with Isle of Lewis ‘wild water’ business, Larkfire. 

Last month, James McIntosh, the founder of Larkfire, launched an online tastings series, sending free packs of its wild water and samples of whisky to islanders in the Outer Hebrides with the aim of keeping spirits high while businesses and communities are on lockdown and tourism is on hold.

At the end of this month, the second free ‘Whisky + Wild’ tasting will launch to communities in Orkney, with Highland Park providing samples of three of their limited edition whiskies: 13-year-old Saltire Edition 2, Ness of Brodgar’s Legacy 12-year-old and Scottish Ballet 50.

The interactive, online Zoom event, which encourages islanders to connect and communicate during lockdown, will be hosted by whisky evangelist Eddie Ludlow, founder of The Whisky Lounge.

James McIntosh, whose Larkfire business donates a percentage of sales to The Stornoway Trust, hopes to build on the success of last month’s event which saw 30 local people and businesses connect via its first live tasting.

He said: “We’re keen to support communities and businesses throughout Scotland and the idea for these online tastings came about as we were mulling over what we could do to help, just to raise spirits a little.

“Building on last month’s event – which was so successful, the tasting event was followed by an impromptu online ‘after party’ – we are collaborating with Highland Park, a distillery with a close affinity to one of our founders.

“We are inviting members of the local communities across the Orkney islands to join our free online ‘Whisky + Wild’ event and hope to unite many people in raising a glass during lockdown, supporting each other and promoting local businesses across the islands and beyond.”

Graham Bruce, Visits and Retail Operations Manager, Highland Park, said:  “We are delighted to be collaborating with Larkfire’s online tasting event and hope that everyone will enjoy sampling some of our limited edition single malts.”

Larkfire – a natural ‘wild water’ that brings out the full flavour of whisky – is stocked by prestigious venues including Boisdale Group sites in Mayfair, Belgravia, Canary Wharf and Bishopsgate. Soho Whisky Club also uses Larkfire for its tasting events, and Islington restaurant Frederick’s offers Larkfire alongside its range of world whiskies.  It was named Best Premium Drink at the World Beverage Innovation Awards.

Larkfire’s Whisky + Wild tasting with Highland Park is on Friday 29th May at 6.30pm.  To enquire about future ‘Whisky + Wild’ online tastings email James@larkfire.co.uk

Notes

About Larkfire

A percentage of Larkfire sales flow back into the Outer Hebrides via a partnership with The Stornoway Trust – a community landlord that looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis, where the water is sourced.

Larkfire was launched after a study by Swedish chemists Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman in the Scientific Reports journal helped prove that water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of whisky, enhancing the flavour.

Top five whiskies for dad this Father’s Day

Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond Whiskies raise a dram to dad

Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond Whiskies have unveiled this year’s range of Father’s Day expressions, perfect for whisky-loving dads across the country, with all available to order online either from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com or www.glenscotia.com.

For dads who enjoy their history, Glen Scotia is the perfect choice. Known as the ‘whiskiest place in the world’, Campbeltown was once home to over 30 distilleries. Now, only three remain. Glen Scotia, whose range of exceptional single malt whiskies perfectly encapsulates the essence of the region, reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with the region.

Those looking for innovation should look no further than Loch Lomond Whiskies. The award-winning independent distillery features expressions created by the distillery’s unique combination of straight neck and swan neck stills. And for those ordering from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com all purchases over £50 will receive a complementary pair of limited edition Loch Lomond Whisky glasses, the perfect finishing touch to your gift.

A variety of expressions have been crafted, ranging in flavours from light and floral to heavily peated, to suit every dad’s taste on Sunday 21 June 2020.

Glen Scotia Double Cask – £40 – 46% ABV – www.glenscotia.com 

Glen Scotia Double Cask is a classic Campbeltown malt representing a pedigree of whisky-making since 1832.

The whisky is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before being finished in Pedro-Ximenez sherry casks, providing the perfect balance of spicy fruits, sea spray and vanilla oak.

One of the sweetest Glen Scotia expressions, on the nose, you will detect crème caramel, caramelised fruit sugars, toffee and fudge before scents of apple and peach come through.

The single malt has been recognised for its distinctive flavours across the globe, scooping gold medal awards at the San Francisco Spirits Competition and the Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Glen Scotia Victoriana – £65– 51.5% ABV – www.glenscotia.com

Initially released in 2015, the award-winning Glen Scotia Victoriana is bottled straight from the cask, creating a smooth single malt.

A full-bodied whisky, it showcases subtle flavours of wood and vanilla, with a spicy fruit and smoky aftertaste. Finished in deep charred oak, the aromas and flavours work in harmony together to create an exceptional finish.

Glen Scotia Victoriana has been recognised with a number of awards, including a Double Gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition and Best Campbeltown Scotch at the World Whiskies Awards.

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old – £40 – 46.0% ABV www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old is a beautifully balanced whisky with a deep fruity character and hints of peat and smoke.

Matured in three different cask types – bourbon, refill and re-charred – the expertly crafted single malt delivers notes of crisp green apple, ripe pear and refreshing lemon while the taste is fruity, vanilla and biscuit.

The finish is gentle wood smoke with a lingering peaty tang, sure to leave a lasting impression on your dad this Father’s Day.

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – £42 – 46.0% ABV www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

The enchanting isle of Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands and its natural characteristics shine through in this exceptional single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as the ‘Grassy Isle’ the island is soft, rounded and wonderfully wooded, just like the whisky itself.

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old is aged in hand selected bourbon, refill and re-charred casks and then married together to create a lighter whisky with grassy notes and floral hints of pear drops, crème caramel, soft fruits, vanilla and fudge.

Inchmoan 12 Year Old – £45 – ABV 46.0% – www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

 Inchmoan 12 Year Old is born from a combination of malt whiskies from the distillery’s traditional swan neck and unique straight neck pot stills, to create a peat character of exceptional depth, marrying smoke and spiciness perfectly.

Matured for 12 years in a combination of re-charred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks, it imparts sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond’s unique still set up.

Notes

Tasting Notes 

Glen Scotia Double Cask

Nose: Amber, very sweet. Flavours of creme caramel, toffe, camerelised fruit and fudge.

Palate: Sweet start and though the alcohol gives a little tongue-tingling buzz, the result is a good mid-palate weight.

Finish: Deep and dark.

Glen Scotia Victoriana

Nose: Dark with hints of oats and polished oak.

Palate: Sweet and concentrated with blackcurrant fruitiness.

Finish: Clean and initially sweet with green bean and cocoa.

Loch Lomond 12 year old

Nose: Crisp green apple, ripe pear and citrus lemon. Background notes of golden cereal

Palate: Orchard fruits and lemon meringue. Light biscuit sweetness.

Finish: Medium length with gentle wood smoke and a lingering peaty tang.

Inchmurrin 12 year old

Nose: Fruity with pear drops and toffee sweetness.

Palate: Seville orange citrus notes before mellowing into peach, apricot, fudge and vanilla

Finish: Medium length with peppery finish.

Inchmoan 12 year old

Nose: Dry, peaty smoke with vanilla syrup ad black pepper.

Palate: Sweet, peaty with notes of coffee bean, clove and star anise.

Finish: Long, waxy pear with citrus and gooseberry. 

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 

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded a Platinum medal at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Almost 30,000 spirits were judged by the competition, the largest number of entries in its 19-year history. A Double Gold Medal is awarded when every judge on the panel gives a Gold medal to the expression.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

WATERFORD DISTILLER Y UNVEILS ITS SINGLE FARM ORIGIN SERIES

 BARLEY- FORWARD 
TERROIR – DRIVEN NATURAL WHISKIES

Terroir-driven whisky producer, Waterford Distillery, unveils its highly anticipated first commercial releases since it began distillation in 2015. Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology & rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its new Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.

The distillery’s ultimate aim is that these component single malts come together create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky. But as part of this new series they mark the distillery’s first commercial steps to showcase barley-forward, terroir-driven natural whiskies.

THE  P R E C I S I O N  O F  P L A C E

The first two Single Farm Origin editions use barley originating from unique corners of Ireland: Bannow Island: Edition 1.1 – distilled from barley grown by Ed Harpur on the extreme southern coast of Co. Wexford, where salt-laden Atlantic winds and sandy soils create a unique, if challenging, terroir.

Ballykilcavan: Edition 1.1 – distilled from barley grown by David Walsh-Kemmis west of the Barrow in Co. Laois in the barley heartlands, where his fertile fields are sheltered by ancient woodland.
Bottled at 50% ABV without colouring, chill-filtration or any additives – totally natural – each Single Farm Origin has a RRP of between €70-79/£70 (depending on location) and will be available in specialist whisky retailers from the end of June 2020.

Different Single Farm Origin bottlings, equally unique, will be released to the US and other overseas markets later in the year, whilst Single Farm Origin: Ratheadon: Edition 1.1 will follow exclusively online and from the distillery itself.

Waterford Distillery Founder and CEO Mark Reynier says: “I’ve spent a lifetime in the top end of drinks industry – half in fine wine, half in single malt – and Waterford is the culmination of this rather unusual journey. It’s rare one has the chance to breathe life into to such a provocative concept, one of such of precision, challenge and originality.

“For years folk have been hoodwinked on where whisky’s quality truly lies – once stills, then water, now wood. We want to shine the light on what really makes malt whisky the most complex spirit in the world, the primary source of all that extraordinary flavour: barley.

“I can safely say no stone has been left unturned. No challenge unmet. Thanks to unparalleled logistics, great teamwork, and singleminded focus we can now share our inspiration, this vision, that will one day rebalance the way we look at and enjoy this fine spirit. And this is just the beginning.”

C O M PA R E  &  C O N T R A S T

All of Waterford’s whiskies use 100% demonstrably Irish-grown barley – one farm, one terroir, at a time – without adding any imported grains to meet specifications. Following a strict methodology that originates in the greatest vineyards of France, each farm’s crop is kept separate from field to barrel.

Using a mash filter instead of a mash tun, minimum 120-hour fermentations, and exceptionally slow distillations, Waterford produces the most natural and respectful expressions of barley possible. Throughout the entire process, the distillery keeps track of thousands of data points.

TÉIREOIR : TOTALLY TRACEABLE & TRANSPARENT

Every bottle features its own pioneering TÉIREOIR code, which once entered on the website from the end of June will reveal a host of unprecedented and engaging content related to the release. Using rich photography, and drawing upon the distillery’s unrivalled digital logistics systems, drinkers will be able to explore the place, the harvest, the grower, distillation details as well as view the full spectrum of wood.

N O T E S 

FOUNDER & CEO MARK REYNIER

2020 sees Waterford founder and CEO Mark Reynier reach 40 years in the drinks industry – 20 years in wine, and 20 years in spirits. A maverick entrepreneur who has done perhaps more than any other figure
to apply the rigours of terroir to the spirits world, he began his career in the London wine trade in 1980, formed La Réserve – one of London’s premier wine & spirit merchants – before resurrecting the mothballed Bruichladdich Distillery at the end of 2000. After introducing pioneering cask finishing policies that went on to change the whisky industry, and launching The Botanist, one of the world’s bestselling gins, Bruichladdich was sold to Rémy Cointreau for £58 million in 2012. Reynier then bought the former Guinness brewery in Waterford in 2014 – transforming a state-of-the-art brewery into a modern distillery, and in July 2018 commenced building the game-changing US$30 million Renegade Rum Distillery in Grenada.

SINGLE FARM ORIGIN – THE SOLO VOICE

Barley is the source of malt whisky’s complex flavours. Those flavours are shaped by the place where barley grows, by the soils that nourish its roots. By the microclimate in which it ripens. By terroir. In Ireland’s Sunny South East, warmed by the Gulf Stream, temperate, moist air crosses fertile soils to produce a verdant landscape – & the world’s finest barley. Our Single Farm Origin editions explore this premier region one terroir at a time. Each exclusive bottling represents the precision of place.

THE VI SI O N

There’s been a brewery here on the banks of the River Suir since 1792. Today’s Waterford Distillery, the technological marvel we call the Facilitator, enables us to create elite whisky. State-of-the-art equipment marries with ancient knowledge, local Irish barley with extended fermentations, unhurried distillation with a spectrum of exceptional oak. Thus we can reveal the ultimate expression of terroir, farm by farm, harvest by harvest. Unique distillates, new starting points, & beguiling expressions of place. After maturing for several years in the best of French and American oak, we believe these component “single”, single malts – a solo voice, a solo terroir – each one exhibiting its own nuances, will come together a chorus of flavours layering on top of each other, the total sum of its parts, making what we humbly believe to be most profound single malt whisky ever created. It is this whisky that we are striving for – our ambition, our destination, our raison d’être. Watch this space.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THREE LIMITED RELEASES TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THEIR ONLINE STORE.

MAY 20th: 203 year old Bladnoch Distillery has announced the launch of their UK online store this month by releasing three limited bottlings. These releases are the amongst the first to come from Bladnoch’s new
Master Distiller, Nick Savage since he joined in July last year.

Bladnoch Single Cask 01 is the first in an annual five-part series of single cask bottlings hand-selected by Nick Savage. Cask 01 is a UK online exclusive and all 295 bottles were distilled in January 2008 and matured in an ex-red wine hogshead. Bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered, the expression shows notes of red berries with floral honey, sweet oak and dark chocolate. The other four Single Cask bottlings for 2020 will be released in select markets worldwide.

Bladnoch’s 2020 release from the Talia range of rare, aged Single Malt will also be available via the UK online store. This year’s release is a Talia 26 Year Old Red Wine expression. Bottled at cask strength, the Talia 26 Year Old was pulled from the rarest barrels resting in the Bladnoch warehouses. This truly memorable malt shows notes of dark red berries, mature oak and sweet florals.

For the first time outside of their Visitor Centre, Bladnoch will be releasing their New Make Spirit exclusively on their UK online store. A look into the early stages of life of the Bladnoch Single Malts, the distillery’s New Make combines British barley and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch making it a beautiful expression of the region in which it was crafted. The New Make Spirit is fresh and creamy with notes of pear
drops and fresh cut grass.

To learn more about these new Bladnoch releases, visit www.bladnoch.com. Bladnoch Distillery will be offering free shipping across the United Kingdom while their Visitor Centre remains closed due to the
country’s lockdown.

Notes

Bladnoch Distillery is Scotland’s southernmost distillery, and one of a handful that remain independently owned. Since being purchased in 2015 by Australian entrepreneur David Prior Bladnoch has enjoyed a renaissance, launching their line of award-winning Bladnoch Single Malt Whiskies and Pure Scot, their contemporary Blended Scotch Whisky, in over 30 countries. In 2017, Bladnoch Distillery celebrated its 200 year anniversary making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in Scotland. In June 2019, Bladnoch Distillery’s state-of-the-art visitors centre was opened, welcoming visitors to the distillery once again after its significant renovations. Acclaimed Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage joined the Bladnoch team in July 2019.

Visit www.bladnoch.com or @bladnochwhisky for more information.

TOMATIN’S LOCKDOWN WHISKY FESTIVAL RAISES VITAL FUNDS FOR MAGGIE’S HIGHLANDS
Popular event raises over £8,000 for cancer charity Maggie’s

18th May 2020 – Tomatin hosted its second virtual whisky festival on 9th May to raise much-needed funds for its charity partner, Maggie’s Highlands.

The event, which was live-streamed on Tomatin’s own YouTube channel, saw over 5,000 individuals tune in across the globe. The Highland distillery partnered with several other whisky brands, with a view to giving back to the community as they share their expertise and insights, and managed to raise over £8,000 for Maggie’s through the virtual event.

Maggie’s, a charity which provides free practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, is currently unable to see people face to face at their 26 centres across the UK and abroad, including its centre in Inverness, close to the Tomatin distillery, which offers support across the Highland’s region.

Maggie’s experts are now supporting people by phone, email and through their online community as they live with the added stress and anxiety of living with cancer, plus changes and delays to treatment and self-isolation.

Jennifer Masson, Head of Brand for Tomatin Single Malt commented: “We were so disappointed to not be able to support Maggie’s Highlands with their golf day last month, which usually raises around £60,000 in one day and unfortunately had to be cancelled. They require over half a million pounds a year in donations to operate so it really was a no-brainer when it came to who we would support.

“This event and the funds it has raised has made a huge difference to them, as well as providing entertainment to whisky fans the world over. We were amazed by the generosity shown by our viewers on the day, and beyond. We aimed to raise £5,000 and this was achieved during the live stream, and the donations continued to come in until today.”

Andrew Benjamin, Centre Manager of Maggie’s Highlands, added: “We feel very lucky that, even with everyone’s attention turned to other issues, Tomatin and other whisky brands have chosen to continue to show support. We have been humbled at how much of the support has come from Tomatin’s global audience, and we can’t thank them enough for doing this. It’ll go a long way to helping us to support people with cancer and their families over this difficult time. “

The recorded streams of both Lockdown Whisky Festivals are available to watch on the Tomatin Distillery YouTube channel.

Maggie’s Highlands are continuing to raise money to fund their online support capabilities, donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/maggieshighlands.

Notes:

• Donations were received until 12 noon on Friday 15^th May here: www.justgiving.com/tomatinformaggies
• The total amount raised at 12 noon Friday 15^th May was £8,144.57

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). In the last ten years, Tomatin has secured over 60 prestigious awards in a variety of categories, and in 2019 the distillery celebrated its most successful year ever at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, securing seven Double Gold awards and four Gold awards.

Participating brands:

Blanton’s
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Douglas Laing
Glengoyne
Mackmyra
Old Pulteney
Raasay
Tamdhu
Tomatin Highland Single Malt