Glencairn launches The Glencairn Glassroom: 

A sneak behind the doors of some of the US’s most trailblazing distilleries with the world’s favourite whisky glass…

As part of this year’s Glencairn Glass 20^th Anniversary milestone, the award-winning family owned Glencairn Crystal has launched The Glencairn Glassroom: a compilation of behind-the-scenes Q&A conversations with some of the most innovative and trailblazing American distillers.

The series offers Glencairn’s partner distillers the opportunity to talk candidly about their businesses, backgrounds and personal insights into their whisky journey. From across the US, Glencairn has spoken to some of the most exciting and high profile distillers, as part of the company’s desire to support and promote their much-valued international customers.

Throughout the summer months, interviews will be appearing on a regular basis at www.whiskyglass.com/glassroom/ showcasing a different distillery, their team and their insights every week. Each interview will be supported through a social media campaign via The Glencairn Glass.

Jason Kennedy, Sales Director at Glencairn Crystal, heads up the US sales side of the business and commented: “In these challenging times, we are very keen to work together and support fellow businesses within the spirits industry. We are proud of our relationships across the world and wanted to highlight these through The Glencairn Glassroom – starting with our friends and counterparts in the US. It provides a chance for the people behind some of the world’s most innovative distilleries to talk openly about their business journeys, whilst wearing their hearts on the sleeve.”

Distilleries that have taken part to date include: Garrison Brothers, Few, Nelsons Green Brier, Balcones Distilling, Heaven Hill, Ironroot, Journeyman and Copperworks.

Interested distilleries wanting to work with Glencairn Crystal and feature in The Glencairn Glassroom should contact Marty Duffy at: marty@glencairn.co.uk

The Glencairn Glassroom is just one of many initiatives being run by Glencairn Crystal this year, as the company celebrates 20 years of The Glencairn Glass. Others include The Glencairn Podglass – a podcast series showcasing the history of the Glencairn Glass, the people who made its creation possible and insights into the whisky industry. The company will also be announcing more initiatives later in the year to mark the momentus occasion for the world’s favourite whisky glass.

Notes 

The Glencairn Glass is endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official tasting glass for whisky. Glencairn Crystal makes over 3 million glasses every year, distributed to over 140 countries worldwide.

Glencairn’s clients over the last 20 years include leading drinks companies, brands and other organisations, including: Liverpool FC, BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament and Scottish Parliament, Muller, Google and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers and distillers.

SIX MILLIONTH BARREL RAISES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR CHARITIES

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Bottles from the Six Millionth Barrel Exceed $500,000 Goal

FRANKFORT, KY (July 07, 2020) – In May 2019, Buffalo Trace Distillery chose 378 charities to receive special edition bottles from the six millionth barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The whiskey filled 375ml bottles was exclusively distributed to non-profit organizations in the United States to raise funds for charities.

To date, 332 non-profit organizations have raised $1,145,162 for charities of their choosing, while 56 others have had to reschedule or postpone fundraising efforts due to Covid-19. This number exceeds the original goal of raising $500,000 and is expected to grow as non-profits come up with creative ways to safely raise funds in the next few months. Causes that have benefitted include education services, ecological foundations, leukemia and lymphoma, arts foundations, veterans, animal rights and many more. The full list of charities can be found online at www.6millionthbarrel.com.

Each organization that was chosen received a bottle with a beautifully handwritten description on the glass. The bottles were packaged in a hardwood showcase box that included a piece of the charred oak stave from the historic barrel and a small brochure that explained the significance of this collector’s edition.

The top fundraiser, Bourbon Charity, raised $69,125 from a donor base of bourbon enthusiasts through their Six Millionth Barrel to Give Thanks event. The fundraiser was set up as online sweepstakes which allowed donations starting at $10.

Behind them was the Wood River Community YMCA in Ketchum, Idaho. Their annual Y Classic event helped raise $39,000 toward scholarships and programs for the organization. In total, $225,000 was raised for the Wood River Community YMCA.

The Lovely Project in Orlando, Florida raised $24,000 with their efforts. The Lovely Project exists to provide girls with tools, education and peer-mentorship to live a purposeful, productive life. The Lovely Project held its second annual Pappy & Friends event, a rare whiskey tasting and dinner experience, that concluded with an ask for donations. The highest donor received the limited edition bottle, which resulted with two individuals matching donations and sharing the bottle.

This is the third time Buffalo Trace Distillery has offered commemorative bottles for non-profits to use for fundraising purposes. In 2011 the Distillery offered its Millennium Barrel of bourbon, put up to age on Dec. 31, 1999. That effort raised more than $150,000 for various charities across the U.S.  In 2016, its inaugural O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey from 1980, 1982 and 1983 were released in the same manner, and non-profits reported back they had raised more than a million dollars for charitable causes.

Buffalo Trace is not currently offering any bottles for charity fundraising, but in order to keep potential partners informed of periodic charitable offerings, non-profits can register their causes through a form on the Distillery’s Contact Us page of its website at https://buffalotracedistillery.com/content/charity-sign.

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.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY BRINGS FORWARD NEW SINGLE FARM ORIGINS AFTER SELL-OUT DEBUT

After the dramatic success of its first commercial bottlings, which sold out within a matter of hours in major retailers across Europe, terroir-driven producer Waterford Distillery has brought forward four new whisky bottlings to meet demand.

The Single Farm Origin whiskies form part of Waterford’s highly sought-after range of uber-provenance, natural single malt whiskies, which explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time.

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology & rigour to single malt whisky. For the first time the focus is on barley, the origin of whisky’s complex flavours. Irish barley is widely considered to be the world’s finest.

Waterford’s Single Farm Origin whiskies are expressions of precision and purity showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.

THE PRECISION OF PLACE  

The debut of two entirely new Single Farm Origins editions are:

Ballymorgan: Edition 1.1 – grown by Robert Milne on one of Ireland’s premier malting barley terroirs – the famous Clonroche Series in Co. Wexford, with its loamy, clay soils derived from slate and granite.

Sheestown: Edition 1.1 – grown just outside the historic town of Kilkenny on an undulating, well-drained, lowland terroir predominantly derived from limestone, by Phil O’Brien, father of one of our distillery workers.

In addition, a reprise of the original two sold out bottlings, slightly older second editions, has been brought forward to meet demand:

Bannow Island: Edition 1.2 – the second release, now 3 months older, was 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 1.2 – the second release, now 3 months older, uses 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 bottle is priced at €70-80/£70 and will be available from specialist retailers from the end of July 2020 onwards.

9,300 bottles of each whisky will be available throughout Europe, Taiwan and Japan, with totally unique Single Farm Origins coming to the US in September.

Supporting the unparalleled provenance is the full disclosure on each whisky, including barrel breakdown, barley agronomy, farm origin maps, distillation data, farm photography and field audio accessed via each bottle’s unique TÉIREOIR Code.

Waterford Distillery Founder & CEO Mark Reynier says: “We knew there was great interest from the inquisitive, curious and open-minded in our unique philosophy but we were totally unprepared – and mighty humbled – by such an enthusiastic reception. We know this has meant some frustration for people getting their hands on a pair, but please bear with us.

“Our distributors say this is the most successful launch of a new distillery brand they have ever seen, and we have all been taken off guard. Everyone associated with Waterford Whisky from farmers to maltsters to distillers to warehousemen should be very proud. Sure, it’s early days, but our novel, traceable, transparent, terroir approach seems to have found a niche appreciated by today’s enlightened consumers.”

BELGIAN OWL WHISKY LAUNCHES SALES IN THE USA

NOW AVAILABLE FOR AMERICAN WHISKY LOVERS

[Liège, Belgium]: DEXOWL S.A. today announced a new partnership with Lion Imports LLC. This partnership will initiate the distribution of Belgian Owl Whiskies throughout the United States.

“We are absolutely delighted with this partnership with Dexowl, exclusive worldwide dealers of Belgian Owl Whiskies. The utmost quality of these premium whiskies will please the most demanding palates.” say Cameron KATLIN, CEO and son Kadin, COO at Lion Imports LLC.

“We are extremely pleased with this new partnership, a new fundamental step in the journey Belgian Owl have made towards becoming one of the most prestigious Single Malt Whisky brands. Lion Imports LLC have demonstrated an excellent professional standing for long and this partnership fast appeared as being a major strategic move” says Frédéric SENET, SVP Global Sales & Marketing at Dexowl.

The United States are a key market within the scope of Dexowl worldwide development, with some other important deals to be announced soon in several whisky fans’ countries.

Being awarded several times as Single Malt Whiskies of the Year by Jim Murray (the Whisky Bible), the Belgian Owl non-aged spirit and whiskies will fulfill the most demanding expectations of whisky connoisseurs.

Dexowl are the exclusive dealers of the premium Belgian Owl Whiskies, which have already conquered Europe with their exceptional quality.

Lion Imports LLC, based in Oklahoma City (OK), are dedicating their business to importing exclusively high-end alcoholic beverages, backed by a large network of first-class distributors.

GLEN LUSS DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Glen Luss Distillery is excited to announce the appointment of Gary Deans and Brian Woods as Non-Executive Directors, effective from the 1st July 2020.

Gary Deans, a former KPMG partner brings over 35 years of experience advising privately held businesses and his work at Glen Luss will focus on raising finance and the business’s growth strategy. Deans, who established Strathblair Associates in 2016, works with a number of growing businesses and is a Director of HALO Kilmarnock, Indinature and social enterprise Freedom Bakery. He was also appointed Chairman of Falkirk Football Club in December 2019.

Deans said: “I am delighted to be joining the team. This is an exciting and unique opportunity and I am looking forward to helping establish Glen Luss Distillery as a premium brand.

Brian Woods brings significant drinks industry experience to the team. He recently founded Alexander David & Co, a vehicle to advise businesses on their route to market, marketing, fundraising, brand development and export markets. He is also a Director of Cane & Grain International, an independent bottler of single casks of Scotch whisky and rum. Prior roles include founder & CEO at Crucial Brands Holdings, where he developed a global spirits portfolio, as well as positions at Paragon Vintners, Angostura, Maxxium UK & Beam Suntory (After Shock) and at Diageo (Smirnoff).

Commenting on his appointment Woods stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with such talented entrepreneurs as Trystan, Patrick and Dan. Their concept of creating an Experimental Craft Distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond is both disruptive and compelling. I am excited to play a part in developing their proposition and seeing it come to life.”

Glen Luss Distillery, which plans to open in May 2021, will be the first craft brewery and distillery on the shores of Loch Lomond and the first within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The craft brewery and distillery will host visitor experiences and produce a range of experimental premium drinks, including a single malt Scotch whisky, locally sourced botanical infused gin, aged and new make rums, small batch vodka and a collection of craft beers.

NOTES 

Glen Luss Distillery has been founded by Trystan Powell, Patrick Colquhoun and Daniel Lewis, graduates of the University of Strathclyde MBA. They bring together over forty years of combined industry and business experience to this project across operations management, customer experience and sales.

Luss is a picturesque village in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, in the Highlands of Scotland. Luss is the historic home of the Clan Colquhoun and the Glen Luss range will take inspiration from the history of the area and the heritage of the clan. Glen Luss itself rises to the west of the village of Luss and is surrounded by six bens, most of which are over 600m high. These are Beinn Eich, Beinn Lochain, Cruach-Ant-Sithein and Beinn Mhanaich. The Glen is one of the sources of freshwater flowing into Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond itself is the largest body of freshwater (by surface area) in the UK.

RELATED LINK: www.glenluss.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 15 YEARS OLD AND 18 YEARS OLD – THE PERFECT HARMONY OF AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN OAK

The Macallan has released Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old in a significant expansion of the highly successful range.

First introduced in 2016 with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the enticing collection is formed from a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks. Together they combine to create a perfectly balanced single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive warm character that is punctuated with a contemporary soft sweetness.

Double Cask tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds. The voyage begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are hand crafted into casks that are filled with sherry.

Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate on Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team use their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask.

The result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavours of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakeable spice and classic style of The Macallan.

The incredible wood journey which underpins Double Cask was recently showcased by a collaboration with iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry, who travelled across continents to witness The Macallan’s decisive story unfold. His exclusive photographic journal documents the people, places, skills and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks.

The new expressions will significantly enhance the existing Double Cask range, which lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio of single malts and is a popular choice with whisky lovers around the world.

Displaying a golden butterscotch hue, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old imparts aromas of dried fruit, toffee and vanilla, and delivers a warming finish with a creamy mouthfeel.

The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has a rich amber honey tone, and imparts notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee. A warm oak spice finish is balanced by citrus flavours of sweet orange.

Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “Bringing together American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to achieve the perfect balance of flavours is incredibly exciting for the Whisky Mastery Team, and we are proud to offer two new expressions to this distinctive range for The Macallan Double Cask fans to explore.

“With Double Cask 15 Years Old, the delicate and indulgent flavours of American oak including honey, citrus and chocolate balance The Macallan’s more traditional characteristics of rich fruits, sherry and wood spice. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old offers slightly more complexity, with rich raisin and sultana subtly balanced by warming oak spice.

“Oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of The Macallan’s single malts.”

The new Double Cask expressions demonstrate The Macallan’s enduring desire to go beyond the ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old has an RRP of £100 and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has an RRP of £250.  They will be available from specialist retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com 

Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old

ABV: 43%

Colour: Golden butterscotch.

Aroma: Dried fruits, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple balanced with notes of honey and chocolate.

Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus.

Finish: Warm ginger turning to caramel and citrus with a creamy mouth feel.

Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old

ABV: 43%

Colour: Amber honey.

Aroma: Dried fruits, ginger and toffee with rich orange and hints of clove with nutmeg.

Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.

Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger turning to sweet orange.

Notes 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ 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 Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK 

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)

Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)

Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Toki and Chita)

Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)

Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

Gin (Roku and Larios)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard vodka, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

Evan Williams Bourbon Announces 2020 American-Made Heroes

Select class of veterans chosen to be featured on special edition labels and receive $5,000 donation from American-Made Heroes Foundation to charity of their choice

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced the veterans selected as the 2020 American-Made Heroes. Each veteran will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice through the recently launched American-Made Hero Foundation, as well as their picture and story on the side of the special-edition label.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery. This special edition label of Evan Williams Black Bourbon celebrates the heroic stories of military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad (bios included below). The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes were chosen from over 6,500 nominations and are featured on more than 360,000 bottles available nationwide.

The 2020 American Hero edition label features bold red and white stripes framing a blue background featuring subtle star imagery and “American Hero Edition” in bold red font on the face. Proudly displayed on the side of each bottle is one of the brand’s key taglines “American Owned, American Made, American Proud” signifying the brand’s American heritage as the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world. Each Evan Williams American-Made Hero is prominently featured on the side of the label with their picture, name, military title and distinguished story.

“We are proud to kick off the sixth year of the Evan Williams American-Made Hero program by lifting up these extraordinary veteran stories and support veteran-related causes through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “We are honored to celebrate veterans who uphold the American spirit.”

Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund focused its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awards donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran communities negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

Media and advertising support for the 2020 program include national digital and social media campaigns, a website, off-premise display pieces, and point of sale featuring the veteran stories and the new American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.

The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

• Robin Harder, Mico, TX, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.): As a Cryptologic Linguist, Robin’s 20-year career took her everywhere from Germany to Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Women Veterans of San Antonio: a non-profit group that serves, honors, and empowers women Veterans in her community. Robin has chosen to donate to ReGroup Foundation. To learn more about their mission, visit https://regroup4vets.com/
• John “JC” White, Martinsville, VA, U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms (Ret.): J.C. first served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm and re-enlisted after 9/11. He went on to complete five more tours of duty. Over the years, he has volunteered as a Special Olympics coach, provided services to the homeless, and mentored at-risk youth. J.C. has chosen PAWS for Purple Hearts as his charity. To learn more about their mission, visit https://pawsforpurplehearts.org/.
• Jonathan Hiltz, Marion, IL, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal: Jonathan served as a Nuclear Biological & Chemical Defense Specialist in Iraq. Today, he serves other veterans as a Peer Support Specialist. He established two non-profits, the Arise Veteran Foundation and Love Goes, to help alleviate poverty and support the homeless. Jonathan has chosen Love Goes as his charity.
• Mary Tobin, Atlanta, GA, U.S. Army Captain (Ret.): Mary began her 10-year military career at West Point, deployed twice to Iraq, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge. As regional Executive Director of The Mission Continues, she helps veterans take charge of community service and revitalization projects across the U.S. To learn more about The Mission Continues, visit https://missioncontinues.org/.
• Eduardo “Eddie” Ramirez, Fairfield, CA, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.): Always driven to serve, Eddie capped off his decorated, 22-year military career by going to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His experience led him to establish OneVet OneVoice: a veteran advocacy group focused on healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Eddie has chosen OneVet OneVoice as his charity. To learn more about their mission, visit https://onevetonevoice.org/.

The American Hero Edition bottle is available nationally for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75L and $12.99 for the 750ml, and is bottled at 43 percent alcohol by volume (86 proof). To learn more about each of the 2020 American-Made Heroes and to apply for funding through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past five years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND: Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families through a specialized grant program. Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will focus its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awards donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran communities negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

Fund invests more into Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Howard Cai and his investment management has successfully deployed fund assets into a range of single-cask whisky casks produced in Scotland. Following a thorough examination of the industry fundamentals, long-term considerations and insights, the investment decisions take into account the persistent scarcity of high-grade single cask whiskies as well as changes in demand.

The Fund continues to seek out high potential casks from various distilleries and vintages to maximize investment returns. And even though production in Scotland is all but shut down, investors will be invited to the second round of funding late 2020 as we all wait for restrictions to be lifted.

About Howard Cai 

Established in 2009, Howard Cai Select is China’s first independent Single Malt Whisky bottler. A life member of The Keepers of the Quaich and renowned whisky expert, Howard has made it his mission to broaden people’s appreciation for fine Scotch Whisky in China. Howard successfully pairs these whiskies with Nouveau-Chinese cuisine in his exclusive fine-dining establishments. Each hand-picked cask is aged and bottled in Scotland at its original strength. Then detailed information of when the whisky was distilled and bottled is provided, guaranteeing provenance. Each batch is a truly unique experience.

For more information about Howard Cai Select Single Cask and the investment opportunity please contact: HowardCaiSelect@gmail.com

Bimber partners with Selfridges to launch

González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of an exclusive single malt whisky created in partnership with high-end department store Selfridges.

The Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in an outstanding 2010 vintage oloroso sherry butt from renowned Spanish sherry producer González Byass.

936 bottles have been produced and will be available directly from Selfridges (both in all stores and online) from Monday 6^th July. Retailing at £79.99, the limited edition release is adorned with artwork inspired by the work of Dutch artist and sculptor Eelke van Willegen.

The expression was crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings, before being fermented for seven days in bespoke on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light, fruit-forward, layered new make spirit.

The spirit was initially matured in four 1^st fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. These casks were then expertly married and finished in a single oloroso sherry butt from González Byass – one of the most renowned and celebrated Spanish bodegas. The result is an adventure through richness and spice with layers of jammy red berries and plump raisins enlivened by delectable cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
Speaking of the release, Bimber Distillery spokesperson Matt McKay said “We’re extremely proud that our first retail partnership is with a brand of such high esteem. As a London-based distillery, we’re thrilled to be working with a retailer whose history has been inherently tied to our capital city for over a Century.

The Selfridges exclusive Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish showcases our versatile fruit-forward single malt, whilst celebrating our shared London heritage.”

Notes

Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish

Nose: Bright, jammy red berries sit with gingerbread and a slice of rich fruit cake, whilst stewed apples and pear juice are lifted by cinnamon and nutmeg spices

Taste: Velvety in texture with pineapple cubes and sliced bananas served alongside plump raisins, sultanas and fig rolls. Vanilla cream is enlivened by piquant pepperiness, stem ginger and cinnamon sticks with a perfect balance throughout

Finish: Enduringly rich with opulent fruitiness tempered by aromatic oak

936 bottles

70cl

51.5%

RRP £79.99

Available exclusives from Selfridges (in stores and online) from 6^th July 2020

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Loch Lomond Whiskies pay tribute to 149^th Open

Independent distiller adds special edition to range

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled a new special edition single malt to mark the Championship that was due to take place in July this year.

The Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 was created to celebrate The 149^th Open at Royal St George’s in Kent, which has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the first time since WWII that the Championship will not be played.

The special edition, crafted by master blender Michael Henry, showcases Loch Lomond’s unique straight neck pot still, and is created from a Chardonnay wine yeast, a fermentation process that’s rarely used in whisky distilling as it requires greater time to achieve the final liquid. Full of lively flavour, hints of grapefruit and vanilla syrup are balanced with cinnamon and lime juice.

Priced at £50 RRP with an ABV of 46%, 3,000 limited-edition bottles will be released globally in early July, giving both whisky and golf fans the opportunity to experience The Open in spirit from their homes.

Loch Lomond Whiskies’ became The Official Spirit of The Open in 2018, and although the Championship will not be played as planned in 2020, Loch Lomond’s Open Special Edition pays tribute to golf’s original championship. The 149^th Open will now be played at Royal St George’s in July 2021, with The 150^th Open at St Andrews moving to 2022.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Of course we, like thousands of golf enthusiasts around the globe, were disappointed to learn of the cancellation of The Open this year, but given the current circumstances, it’s absolutely the right decision.

“Our Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 is a very special limited edition, showcasing Loch Lomond’s style beautifully, and will allow thousands of golf and whisky fans around the world to raise a dram during these difficult, unprecedented times.

“We are very proud of our partnership with The Open, allowing us to raise awareness of the Loch Lomond Whiskies range among golf lovers all over the world. We are very much looking forward to visiting Royal St George’s for the first time as the Spirit of The Open next year.”

Michael Henry, Master Distiller added: “It has been a real pleasure crafting this limited edition to mark The 149^th Open. We are one of very few distilleries

currently using wine yeasts in the fermentation process, which brings a unique and vibrant flavour to the finished liquid. As a distillery we are perfectly placed to be able to develop these rare expressions, which is ideally suited to our preference for longer fermentation times, combined with the control we have over the final character using our straight-necked stills.”

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based in Alexandria near Loch Lomond, agreed a five-year partnership with The R&A, organisers of The Open, in February 2018.  Known as “The One”, The Open is the most international of the major championships with qualifying events across five continents.

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Loch Lomond Whiskies’ special edition products have already proven to be a hit with fans of The Open, bringing together two of Scotland’s greatest exports beautifully: golf and whisky.

“Although we will have to wait until next year to visit Royal St George’s, fans will still be able to enjoy a taste of The Open from home until we all meet again at the famous Kent links in 2021.”

The Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 will launch for sale in early July. For more information, please visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Tasting Notes:

Nose – Grapefruit, apple and vanilla syrup

Taste – Lively almost effervescent mouthfeel. Honey sweet, green fruits – apple, pear and kiwi, gentle cinnamon spiciness

Finish – Long finish with powdery sherbet and lime juice 

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
• Loch Lomond Whiskies signed a five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open in February 2019. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150^th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.

• For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.