Golden Moon Distillery Launches Two New Single Malt Whiskies in Colorado and New York

Denver Colorado – 13 April 2010 – Golden Moon Distillery is proud to announce the release of two new Colorado Single Malt Whiskies in the Colorado and New York Markets.

Golden Moon Distillery, located in Golden Colorado, was founded in 2008 by Distiller Stephen Gould and Dr. Karen Knight.  Golden Moon currently produces over 20 award-winning products including single malt whiskies, gins, absinthe and a variety of brandies, liquors, liqueurs and other whiskies.

The new releases are Golden Moon Principium, A Colorado Single Malt and Golden Moon Triple, an Irish-Style Colorado Single Malt.

According to Mr. Gould …

We’re really excited to release these two new uniquely Colorado single malt whiskies.  Both are made from 100% two-row Moravian barley, grown in Colorado and the surrounding states and malted right here in Golden Colorado.  Both are milled, mashed, fermented, distilled and cask-matured here at Golden Moon Distillery. We use a unique mashing procedure and a proprietary strain of yeast for fermentation for all our single malts whiskies.

Principium is a double-distilled single malt whiskey that is matured in charred white American oak casks. It is a smooth, approachable whiskey, full bodied with a malty character and nice caramel notes. It is bottled at 46% ABV / 92 Proof.  It took a Gold Medal this past year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Triple is a limited release (allocated) triple-distilled single malt whiskey that is also matured in charred white American oak casks.  We’ve only produced 500 bottles of this whiskey.  I have been a consulting master distiller in Ireland for the last couple years, and that work has inspired me to play around with traditional Irish-style whiskey production techniques here at Golden Moon. This is one of the results.  It is a light and friendly whiskey with a wonderful mouthfeel, slightly sweet with a touch of brown sugar character.  It is bottled at 46% ABV / 92 Proof.

Golden Moon Distillery’s products are distributed in Colorado by RNDC and New York by Blue Print Brands.

CAMPARI CANADA ADDS TO ITS ONGOING SUPPORT FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Premium Spirits Company Donates $50,000 to Canada’s Bartenders Benevolent Fund

May 14, 2020 (Toronto, ON) – Campari Canada yesterday announced a $50,000 donation to the Bartenders Benevolent Fund, a Canadian non-profit organization that is raising much-needed funds for bartenders, servers and other hospitality staff who have fallen under serious financial hardship. The hospitality industry continues to be one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

This latest donation is part of the #ShakenNotBroken initiative that Campari Group has undertaken globally during the ongoing crisis. Campari Group’s #ShakenNotBroken campaign has deployed various initiatives to support the hospitality industry around the world.

Campari Canada’s first initiative to support the hospitality industry launched on March 27. The Campari Stir Crazy program, in collaboration with Bartender Atlas, engaged over 130 bartenders to create cocktails and content. Through this program, Campari Canada paid over $35,000 directly to some of Canada’s most creative bartenders. The company has also partnered with Longslice Brewery and The Aviary Brewpub to buy meals for those in need. With the latest donation, Campari Canada is totaling over $85,000 in support to the hospitality industry.

Campari Canada has also produced high-alcohol sanitizer at its Grimsby-based Forty Creek Distillery, which was delivered to local community organizations including the Canadian Red Cross and St Catharines Hospital Niagara.

“Our company, globally and locally here in Canada, has always made community involvement a core principle of our organizational efforts. Our #ShakenNotBroken initiatives around the world are meant to support our friends and peers in the hospitality industry who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic,” said Melanie Batchelor, President, Campari Canada. “We understand that as the majority of bars and restaurants have been closed by order of provincial governments for safety reasons, the financial impact on those employed in this sector has been immense. We are also aware that even as some regions prepare to slowly and responsibly reopen, some of the challenges faced by these dedicated professionals will remain. Through this donation and other initiatives, Campari Canada will continue to do everything possible to support the Canadian hospitality industry in their time of significant need,” concluded Batchelor.

About Campari Canada:

Campari Canada serves as the nationally-focused extension of global beverage leader Campari Group. Designed to fortify the Campari Group legacy across the national landscape, Campari Canada serves as owner, importer and marketer of a diverse portfolio of over 30 internationally-recognized brands spanning across all fine spirits categories. Among them is Canadian spirits company, Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., known for its award-winning range of complex, yet approachable whiskies. With the Grimsby, Ontario-based Forty Creek location serving as the company’s bottling plant and warehouse, and corporate office headquartered in Toronto’s bourgeoning Liberty Village, Campari Canada continues in the Group’s steadfast commitment to building lifestyle brands and people with passion. Its portfolio of internationally-renowned brands includes Aperol, Appleton Estate, Bulldog Gin, Campari, Cinzano, Forty Creek, Grand Marnier, Glen Grant, SKYY Vodka, Espolòn Tequila and Wild Turkey.

For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en.

Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

About Campari Group:

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities. Global Priorities, the Group’s key focus, include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group’s growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand-building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses.

Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group owns 21 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 21 countries. The Group employs approximately 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.

For more information: www.camparigroup.com/en.

Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

About the Bartenders Benevolent Fund:

Created in 2013, the Bartenders Benevolent Fund is a non-profit financial resource for bartenders, servers and front-of-house support staff working in the hospitality industry in Canada. They provide funding for those who have fallen under serious financial hardship, and their mission is to work in earnest to ensure that those in need can make ends meet. The Bartenders Benevolent Fund’s mandate is to offer support to the hospitality industry, by the hospitality industry: funds are awarded anonymously by local hospitality professionals from each market.

New Online Tool to Stop £23m Whisky Scam Market

Cheshire based whisky broker Mark Littler Ltd has released a Cask Calculator to help stop the £23m global whisky scam market.

The increase in fraud during the Covid 19 outbreak has been well documented but fraudulent activity isn’t just limited to pandemics. Since the 1990s, globally over £23 million pounds has been pumped into fraudulent whisky cask ventures; and that is just the ones that have been shut down.

Mark Littler developed the Cask Calculator as a straightforward way to show all the costs involved in bottling a cask of whisky including, duty, VAT, uplift, bottling and shipping. The calculator gives an equivalent per bottle cost that can be cross referenced against bottle value prices to verify the cask price and prevent fraud.

‘Until now there has been no resource available to verify whisky cask prices like there is for property or shares (e.g. Zoopla or Morning Star). However prices for whisky bottles are widely available, so if you can turn a cask cost into a true per bottle cost then you can start to verify the price of a cask,’ explains Mark Littler, founder of Mark Littler Ltd and creator of the Cask Calculator. ‘By simply adding the details of a cask into the Cask Calculator it generates a realistic figure for a per bottle cost, which can then be compared to publicly available per bottle prices.’

The free calculator has been used more than 2,000 times in the last month alone.

Whisky cask scams are an issue in the unregulated industry. The Napier Spirits Company was set up in 1995 and alone sold £3.2million of casks to the unsuspecting public. In some instances Napier sold casks that were worth £500 for £3,500.

Napier Spirit Company was eventually shut down but cask mis-selling still happens today.

‘One of the worst instances I have encountered was just a few months ago at the start of 2020,’ says Mark Littler. ‘The asking price on a cask was so inflated it would have been cheaper to purchase comparable distillery bottled product at full retail price including shipping and taxes and decant those bottles back into a cask than pay the asking price for the cask. We want to make that kind of price disparity impossible.’

Alongside the cask calculator Mark Littler Ltd. have released a large number of other educational tools to help potential cask buyers purchase a whisky cask at a fair price. Resources include a 10 part video guide series, a 52 page printed or PDF Cask Buying Guide and dozens of blogs that cover everything from avoiding scams to everything you could possibly want to know about a cask.

Mark Littler Ltd is an independent antiques consultant and whisky broker with over 300 five star reviews of their services. They have sold everything from medieval rings, classic Porsche, vintage Rolexes and casks of Macallan. They also provide a cask brokering service with the ethos of helping their customers buy quality whisky casks at a fair price.

Contact:

Mark Littler

casks@marklittler.com

01260 218 718

REDBREAST REVEALS ITS THIRD DREAM CASK

Introducing Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

Limited edition whiskey released to celebrate World Whisky Day 2020  

Today, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork, announced the release of its third limited edition Dream Cask to mark World Whisky Day. Inspired by the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the first Redbreast expression to be fully finished in a single port cask, taking whiskey drinkers on a journey from the home of Irish whiskey to Portugal’s wine region.

The inspiration for the 28-year-old Dream Cask began during trials for Redbreast 27 Year Old – the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family. During this time, the Midleton Masters discovered a liquid worthy of the Dream Cask name which uniquely comprises both a ruby port cask component and finish.

Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the culmination of four extraordinary whiskey journeys dating back more than 30 years, which were set aside during the crafting of Redbreast 27 Year Old. Aged for a minimum of 28 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, an oloroso sherry butt and a ruby port seasoned cask, these exceptional liquids were then married in the ruby port cask to mature further as a single Dream Cask.

The result is a smooth and silky Irish whiskey with notes of assertive spices, dark chocolate and cinnamon which slowly reveal a luxurious layer of sweet ripe plums and exotic fruits reminiscent of the signature Redbreast style. Bottled at 51.5%, the ruby port cask finish further contributes notes of raisins, sultanas and berries, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. It is this final marrying phase which also gives the expression an intense mahogany colour.

Master Blender Billy Leighton explains: “It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask 2020. I’m delighted to be able to share its creation with whiskey lovers around the world.

“Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with port.”

Blender Dave McCabe adds: “Because a Dream Cask is not constrained by volume, we have great licence to select a unique expression with a bold flavour which couldn’t be replicated in a permanent offering. Thankfully, Billy and I were in absolute agreement that this was the right time to release this year’s Dream Cask.”

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse. The ballot will be live from 15:00 (GMT+1) on Monday, May 25^th until 14:59 (GMT +1) on June 2^nd when successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a 500ml bottle for €490.

Tasting notes                                

Nose: Initially abundant with herbs and spices, some lighter notes of rosemary and garden mint combining with cedar and red peppers. Some zesty citrus notes develop into a rich compote of ripe fleshy fruit, melon, kiwi and black cherry on top of marcona almonds. The spicy sweetness of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg acknowledge the contribution of the oak cask.

Taste: A very rich silky mouthful of assertive spices combined with sweet ripe plums. Dark chocolate and cinnamon notes slowly reveal a luxurious layer of ripe dark fruits which combine with raisins, sultanas and exotic fruits and berries which are typical of the Redbreast style.

Finish: The signature Redbreast mix of fruit and spice is slow to fade. 

Additional production information:

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition represents four unique whiskeys which were aged for a minimum of 28 years and then vatted together and left to marry in the ruby port pipe cask. These include:

• Cask 1- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1989, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a ruby port cask in 1995.
• Cask 2- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
• Cask 3- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
• Cask 4- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a sherry butt in 2011.

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.

One Small Step Bowmore 17 Year Old

Wednesday the 20th of May, 2020, Fife, Scotland

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release an exclusive single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Bowmore Distillery to mark the 51st anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing in 1969. Following on from the 2019 Deanston, One Giant Leap (SOLD OUT) and 2020 Highland Park, Houston We’ve Had a Problem (SOLD OUT) whiskies.

One Small Step
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore 17 Year Old, 2002 Vintage

On the 20th of July 1960 Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon in what was one of the most historic, scientific and culturally significant events of the 20th Century. Those famous words spoken by Armstrong really do sum up the event – “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” And fifty years on, we’re all still talking about it.

To mark the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, TheWhiskyBarrel.com has selected a single cask of Bowmore single malt Scotch whisky. Distilled in October 2002, this whisky has been aged for 17 years before bottling in March 2020 at 54.6% ABV. Matured in a single first fill Oloroso hogshead (cask reference #TWB1010), this whisky is limited to just 270 numbered bottles.

Available exclusively from TheWhiskyBarrel.com, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan.

‘One Small Step’ Bowmore 17 Year Old | 2009 | TheWhiskyBarrel.com | 54.6%

Tasting notes
Colour: Deep sherry.
Nose: Galactic quantities of rich dark sherry, Meteoric spiced ripe pears in a crater of hot chocolate.
Taste: Solar summer fruits dusted in a smokey nebular.
Finish: Light years of sweet oak on a supernova finish.

Price: £150 GBP inc VAT / $150 USD (+ P&P) *

The Whisky Barrel    E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com
T: +44 (0)845 2248 156
Find us on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Notice for Editors:-
Q) What is the product called?
A)  ‘One Small Step’ Bowmore 17 Year Old 2002 Exclusive.

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) Wednesday the 20th of May 2020.

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) £150 GBP / $150 USD (+ P&P)

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) How many bottles are there?
A) 270 bottles from a single cask limited to one bottle per customer.

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A) 54.6% ABV natural cask strength.

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Limited Edition single cask exclusive for TheWhiskyBarrel.com whisky shop.

Notes

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. In 2019 The Whisky Barrel won The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade. The Whisky Barrel is also a winner of the Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

*N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

Bunnahabhain helps whisky lovers celebrate Fèis Ìle in spirit

Virtual ‘Feis at Home’ celebrations keep the festival spirit thriving for 2020

Tasting kits allow whisky fans to join in from the comfort of their own home

Exclusive distillery news and competitions revealed to those who tune in

It’s one of the most anticipated calendar dates for the whisky fans who descend on Islay’s shores years after year, but the cancellation of this Spring’s world-famous Feis Ile festival won’t stop Bunnahabhain from throwing its (virtual) doors open to all.

While physical celebrations are on hold due to social distancing guidelines, Bunnahabhain is inviting whisky fans from across the globe to ‘Feis at Home’ and transporting them to the shores of Islay via a special live tasting of not one, but two exceptional new festival editions.

Hosted by renowned whisky expert Dave Broom*, Bunnahabhain Distillery Manager Andrew Brown will be joined by Master Blender Julianne Fernandez, Master Distiller Stephen Woodcock and Visitor Centre Manager Dr Billy Sinclair for the live stream on Friday 29^th of May from 8pm (BST). The group will lead whisky fans through a tasting and take part in a panel discussion about the two limited-edition expressions being released to mark the occasion.

Tasting kits available to purchase from the Bunnahabhain website will allow people to follow along from the comfort of their home. And it wouldn’t be Feis Ile without a few surprises…with exclusive details on a new product to be revealed live during the tasting.

Ahead of the tasting, Visitor Centre Manager, Dr Billy Sinclair will take friends of Bunnahabhain on a Facebook Live tour around the distillery and island – a chance to get the full Feis Ile experience from afar. Eagle eyed viewers will also have the chance to win a trip to the world-famous festival in person in 2021, with competition details announced on the first ‘tour’ to go live on Bunnahabhain’s Facebook page at 10am (BST) on Friday the 29^th of May.

Bunnahabhain Distillery Manager, Andrew Brown, said: 

Our world famous ‘Music and Malt’ festival here on Islay is a pilgrimage for many a Bunnahabhain fan and we love greeting them here at the distillery. We’ll miss seeing some familiar faces in person, but Feis Ile is always warm and welcoming, so we’re embracing the fact that live streaming technology will allow even more people to join in this year.” 

We’ve got a great panel of experts on board to talk through our wonderful new festival editions, and anyone who’s visited Feis Ile before will know that’s not all we’ve got up our sleeve. You’ll have to tune in to find out more, but we can guarantee a memorable festival, even if it’s not running exactly as we had planned.” 

On sale information on Bunnahabhain’s new festival editions will be announced later this week. 

Bunnahabhain’s virtual ‘Feis at Home’ events will take place on Friday the 29^th of May 

A virtual tasting and panel discussion of two new festival editions will take place at at 8pm (BST) 

Live streams from the distillery on Islay will take place at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6.30pm (BST) 

Join in on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bunnahabhain 

Tasting kits can be purchased from, priced at £16.50: www.bunnahabhain.com/ 

Please ensure orders are placed by 25th of May (UK) or 18th of May (rest of world) to avoid disappointment

For more information please contact Fiona Hayes, WIRE: fiona@wearewire.co / 07837000900

NOTES:

About Bunnahabhain:

Established in 1881 and situated on Islay’s most northerly point, Bunnahabhain is the island’s most remote distillery, overlooking a notorious passage of ocean known by seafarers as the sound of Islay.

It has long established links to the sea, previously only accessible by boat – with ships loaded up daily before transporting their important whisky cargo back to the mainland for sale.

The word ‘Bunnahabhain’ is actually Gaelic for ‘mouth of the river’ referring to the Margadale River, its source of pure spring water which is distilled in the island’s tallest stills to create the renowned malts. It’s the use of pure spring water that is piped to the distillery which gives it its unique light colouring which sets it apart from other darker liquids on the Islay landscape.

The distillery goes against the grain – quite literally – with a portfolio made up of broadly non-peated expressions, however, its peated Toiteach A Dhà expression recently won in the Scotch Islay: No Age Statement category at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. Bunnahabhain took home a further four titles in the 2020 awards ranging from silver to gold certificates – showcasing the calibre of its range. 

*About Dave Broom:

Dave Broom was born in Glasgow and has spent the past 30 years writing about alcohol. He spent 7 years as features editor on a UK drinks trade weekly then, after working a stage in an Australian winery, returned to the UK to specialise as a freelance writer on spirits.

He has written 12 books, two of which [Rum and Drink!] won the Glenfiddich Award. ‘Whisky: The Manual’ was awarded Best Spirits Book at the Spirited Awards in 2015 and the ‘World Atlas of Whisky’ has been called “a landmark publication”.

His most recent book, “The Way of Whisky: A Journey into Japanese Whisky’ appeared in 2017 and was awarded the John Avery prize at the Andre Simon Awards in 2018.

As well as regular radio and TV work, in 2018/9, he wrote and presented the whisky culture documentary ‘The Amber Light’ (directed by Adam Park).

He has been contributing editor at both Whisky Magazine and scotchwhisky.com and continues to write for a large number of international titles. He launched his new website thewhiskymamual.uk in 2020

The other part of his life is involved with training and speaking. He regularly gives talks at international whisky events. He designs in-house training courses for distillers, and was one of the team which developed (and continues to maintain) the Single Malt Flavour Map.

He has been a tutor on Diageo’s influential Malts Advocates Course for 20 years. He also advises on spirit quality and new product development for a number of distillers around the world.

In 2013, he was awarded the Communicator of the Year at the ISWC awards and in 2015 was voted Best Spirits Writer at the Spirited Awards. He is a Master of the Quaich.

About Andrew Brown, Bunnahabhain Distillery Manager

Andrew Brown’s Bunnahabhain journey began in May of 1988, when the distillery found itself short staffed for unloading malt boats coming into its famous pier. After helping out on a few occasions, he was given a full time role as a warehouseman, and joined the small, hardworking team, of Bunnahabhain Distillery.

He quickly moved on to work in the warehouse and mash house, as the relief mashman, learning the ropes from the team around him on running the still house & boilers. In 1997 he took on the role of Assistant Team Leader, progressing to become the Bunnahabhain Distillery Manager in 2010

It’s a position he has proudly held for over 10 years and has seen the production at Bunnahabhain increase substantially in that time.

Finding it impossible to choose one whisky as a favourite, he opts for three, all Bunnahabhain (of course) – 40 year old, Auld Acquaintance then after this the 18 year old.

About Julieann Fernandez, Blender

Julieann Fernandez’ whisky journey started while she was at university with a placement at Chivas Brothers. Working in the Kilmalid lab doing analytical chemistry and new product development created a true passion for whisky and following her graduation with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, Julieann joined the Scotch Whisky Research Institute as an Analytical Research Scientist.

From there, Julieann returned to Chivas Brothers, moving around the business and learning all aspects of distilling; from grain and malt to developing her organoleptic skills.

She joined Distell in 2017 as Blender and works alongside Senior Blender, Kirstie McCallum, on the single malt, blend and limited-edition portfolios. Julieann is currently studying towards her Diploma in Distilling.

About Billy Sinclair, Bunnahabhain Visitor Centre Manager

Biologist, geneticist, conservationist, diving instructor and commercial coxswain – Billy Sinclair has packed a lot into life. He holds an honours degree in Biology and Biochemistry, and a PhD in Biochemistry and Genetics. He also has more than 50 scientific papers to his name. If you want to know about antibiotic resistant bacteria in remote Australian communities, the evolutionary history of Scotland’s pine forests, paternity testing in rare pigs, or survival strategies in ancient, deep-sea cousins of the octopus, Billy’s your man. In his 25-year career, he’s travelled the globe, working in Scotland, Ireland, England and Australia. He’s also led student field trips in Egypt, Australia and The Gambia. And in 2015 he embarked on a new adventure, when he moved with his family to Islay and added a new passion — serious Scotch whisky — to his long, long list.

His favourite dram (if he’s forced to choose) is the Bunnahabhain 18-year-old.

About Stephen Woodcock, Master Distiller

Stephen Woodcock started his career in chemistry, managing chemical plants to create coloured pigments for the paints, inks and plastic industries.

With parents working in the drinks industry, his father owned a pub and mother worked for Allied Distillers – so maybe it’s not surprising that he ended up there too. He joined Diageo in 2009 as the business leader responsible for pre-distillation. It’s a chemical process after all, just like any other. But a last-minute change of plan saw him take on the management of Dundashill Cooperage in Glasgow instead, where he simultaneously took on a General Certificate in Distillation. It wasn’t until the Dundashill site (sadly) closed in 2010 that he had the chance to put that knowledge into practice.

He moved to Speyside to take charge of the multi-million-pound upgrade and commissioning of Inchgower Distillery in Buckie. Following that Stephen worked in seven different Speyside distilleries, learning more about predistillation and distillation processes with each move. In a bid to understand this further from a more academic perspective he completed the IBD Diploma in Distilling in 2017, and in June 2016 he joined Distell as Distilleries Manager and Master Blender. His role is to protect age old traditions, while working to refine and improve the processes of the distilleries he takes charge of, so they can keep creating the finest whiskies in the world.

Glen Scotia unveils Limited Edition 14 Year Old Tawny Port Finish for Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020 

Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has released a new limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky, the Glen Scotia Limited Edition Tawny Port Finish to celebrate this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival.

The festival was originally planned for 19-21 May, but due to the impact of Covid 19, the Glen Scotia Distillery will now be holding the majority of the Glen Scotia festival itinerary online at www.glenscotia.com/festival from 18 May. The programme includes a special tasting video of the Glen Scotia Limited Edition 14 Year Old Tawny Port Finish hosted by acclaimed whisky author and historian, Charles MacLean.

Distilled in 2006, this wonderfully peated 14 year old single malt has been matured in a combination of refill American oak hogshead casks, medium char American oak casks and first fill bourbon barrels, before being finished in first fill Tawny Port hogshead casks.

The resulting whisky delivers blackberry, floral aromas and ocean spray on the nose, with notes of crisp green apple, peach syrup and vanilla with a honey sweetness developing on the palate, before delivering a gentle peat smoke and spice finish.

Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, this cask strength single malt has been bottled at 52.8% ABV with natural colour and is priced at £75, and available to buy online now from specialist whisky outlets. A total of 15,000 bottles will be available in markets across the world including Germany, the USA and Taiwan.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “We hope that by taking much of our festival itinerary online we can share a little of the magical Campbeltown whisky history and heritage with those who had hoped to visit the festival this year, and also to those who maybe wouldn’t ordinarily be able to make the journey to Campbeltown.

“We’re are looking forward to sharing the very special video tasting created by Charles MacLean, introducing our new Glen Scotia Limited Edition 14 Year Old Tawny Port Finish single malt, which provides a perfectly balanced combination of the maritime influences associated with Campbeltown along with the soft smoky peat and blackberries from the Tawny Port finish.”

Campbeltown was known as the whisky capital of the world during the Victorian era and was home to over 30 working distilleries. Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia reflects centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with the region and its award-winning whiskies are renowned for their distinctive maritime influence and Campbeltown character.

For further information about Glen Scotia, visit www.glenscotia.com.

Notes

Tasting Notes 

Glen Scotia 14 Year Old Tawny Port Finish

Nose –  Blackberry, floral notes of rose and ocean spray

Taste – Silky mouthfeel, crisp green apple, peach syrup and vanilla with a honey sweetness

Finish – Gentle peat smoke with blackcurrant, raspberry and clove spice

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 coveted Platinum medal at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• 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.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

The Epicurean Unveils Edition No.2 in its Wood Series

Douglas Laing & Co has today launched a Cognac Finished Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky as part of The Epicurean Wood Series.

Following 2019’s Côte-Rôtie Cask Finish, this latest Single Cask release in The Epicurean’s Wood Series is bottled at a high alcohol strength of 48%, and offered without chill-filtration. The 100% natural, golden colour of the spirit is imparted by the Cognac-seasoned Single Cask used for maturing the award-winning Lowland Malt. With this series, Douglas Laing seeks to demonstrate the significant impact the cask can have on the Whisky.

Chris Leggat, Managing Director, led the cask selection process and said: “After many trials, blind tasting and careful planning, the casks selected for this experiment were the perfect representation of a 5-star Cognac cask. We’ve paired with our Epicurean Lowland Malt Whisky to produce this resulting limited edition: A rather exciting – certainly distinguished – addition to the family”.

Director of Whisky in her family’s firm, Cara Laing commented: “We continue to seek to open up the world of Scotch Whisky to new audiences and offer innovative experiences – our Epicurean Malt is best placed to do this. The core expression is fresh and zesty yet very light in style, accordingly the spirit lends itself exceptionally well to experimentation – be that in cocktails, or indeed with unique cask finishes, such as this latest release.”

With only two Single Casks of this specialist Malt released, the spirit is said to have overriding tropical style with lychee, fiery ginger, sandalwood and coconut as a result of the finishing in two specially selected French Cognac casks.

Packed in a premium gift tube, The Epicurean Cognac Finish Limited Edition is expected to retail at £59.99.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dltheepicurean

Twitter: @remarkablemalts

Instagram: @theepicureanwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky company, specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Old Particular Single Casks, XOP and Provenance, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Whiskies for a World Whisky Day with a difference

Saturday 16^th May marks the ninth World Whisky Day which happens every third Saturday in May. However this year our World Whisky Day celebrations will be different and most likely from the comfort of our own homes, so here’s some ideas for some great whiskies to try.

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old, £52

A popular whisky in Glenmorangie’s extra mature range and two years older than its predecessor, Quinta Ruban is a bold and velvety 14-year-old Highland whisky, with flavours of Seville orange and dark chocolate shining through stronger than ever. Glenmorangie is renowned for pioneering the art of extra-maturation. For this single malt, the whisky is first aged in bourbon casks, then finished in ruby port pipes and barriques from Portugal. Enjoy neat, with a little water or 2-3 large rocks of ice, for the perfect serve.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com

Ardbeg An Oa, £49

An Oa – part of Ardbeg’s core range of whiskies – is named after the Mull of Oa in the south west of Islay where the distillery is situated. The whisky is singularly rounded due to time spent in the bespoke oak Gathering Vat where whiskies from several cask types – including; sweet Pedro Ximénez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others, mingle unhurriedly. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness and a truly untamed single malt. Ideal for those whisky lovers who prefer a more peaty, smoky dram.

Available through www.clos19.com.  www.ardbeg.com

Glenmorangie Signet, £168

For the ultimate indulgent treat, Glenmorangie Signet is the richest whisky in Glenmorangie’s range. Released in 2009 as the world’s first single malt whisky made with dark roasted chocolate malt barley, it’s unique fusion of scarce and exceptional whiskies make it one of the most prestigious drams available. Perfect for pairing with dark chocolate.

Available through www.clos19.com.   www.glenmorangie.com

Responsible Drinking:

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

TINCUP^® Whiskey celebrates category boom ahead of World Whisky Day

Follow your adventurous spirit this World Whisky Day,Saturday 16^th May, by enjoying a dram straight from the Colorado mountains to experience why American Whiskey has continued to grow in popularity.

The American Whiskey category is as popular as ever and has seen further growth in the last year (Source: Forbes), so this World Whisky Day is the ideal time to celebrate with a TINCUP^® Whiskey, the perfect example of this exciting and flavourful spirit.

TINCUP^® Whiskey is a celebration of the rugged spirit of the Colorado mountain lifestyle. It is named after Tincup, an old mining town set on the Western Slope of Colorado, which itself was named after the tin cups from which the miners drank their daily whiskey following a shift in the depths of the Rocky Mountains. TINCUP honours this heritage with its rugged hexagonal bottle that is deeply embossed with mountain references. The bottle is also topped with a traditionally styled tin cup that can be used for sipping and sharing the whiskey.

TINCUP^® Whiskey was created by distilling legend and true American mountain man Jess Graber, it is made from a unique blend of Mid-Western rye, corn and malt. Its unusually high rye content at 32% provides a bolder, spicier flavour profile compared to ordinary bourbons, and preferred by leading bartenders for its strength of flavor when mixed in cocktails.

Aged in new charred American white oak barrels, it is bottled at 42% abv in Colorado using pure Rocky Mountain water. On the nose, TINCUP evokes notes of citrus, black pepper and ginger snaps. On the palate, TINCUP brings rye spice, cinnamon and caramel.

TINCUP is best enjoyed with friends for the perfect ending to any adventure or recently, as part of your virtual social catch ups while you’re planning the next one. Sip neat or with a few ice cubes, or use as a base for classic whiskey cocktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. TINCUP is also perfect as part of a Boilermaker serve – paired with a quality IPA or lager.

TINCUP^® Whiskey is available from Asda or online at Amazon, Master of Malt and The Whiskey Exchange.

Notes 

About TINCUP^® American Whiskey

TINCUP^® American Whiskey is the creation of distilling legend Jess Graber, founder of Stranahan’s^® Whiskey, Colorado’s first (legal) whiskey. Made from a unique blend of corn, rye and malt, its high rye content provides a bolder, spicier flavor profile compared to ordinary bourbons.  Aged in new charred American white oak barrels, TINCUP^® is bottled in Colorado using pure Rocky Mountain water. For more information, please visit www.tincupwhiskey.com.  On social media, please like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TINCUPWhiskeyUK, follow us on Twitter at @TINCUPWhiskeyUK and Instagram @TINCUPWhiskeyUK.