Worlds northernmost Whisky to be released

After 3 years of production, Aurora Spirit Distillery, launches their first ever Whisky in May 2020. This will be the northernmost Whisky in the world and is named “Bivrost® Niflheim – Arctic Single Malt Whisky”.

Bivrost® Niflheim Single Malt Whisky is made from Nordic barley, pilsner malt and brewer’s yeast. The water is sourced from the local spring, which receives melted glacier water from the Lyngen alpine range. The Whisky was stored in carefully selected sherry casks, virgin oak and bourbon casks. It has been allowed to mature for the required three years in underground storage vaults, which were previously part of a network of tunnels in a Cold War NATO base.

The Whisky is made by Aurora Spirit Distillery, which has established a unique distillery that attracts international attention with its spectacular location. The distillery is the world’s northernmost, situated far beyond the Arctic Circle in Norway. Bivrost products are based on local herbs, berries and melted glacier water. Aurora Spirit has an award winning visitor centre which offers guided tours for visitors.

Until Aurora Spirit scale up Whisky sales with their “standard” Bivrost Whisky (Estimated release 2025) they will be releasing 2 limited editions each year as a “collectable series”, related to “the nine worlds of Norse mythology”. First one out is Niflheim (“world of fog”). This world is the homeland of darkness, cold, mist, and ice by ancient Viking beliefs. The brand name Bivrost® is more than 1000 years old. The producers’ Viking ancestors named the northern light “biv rost” (shaking path) – they thought it was a magical bridge between the worlds.

The different Whisky releases will have different taste impressions. Niflheim is fruity and sweet on the nose. On the palate it has a nice balance of sweetness, wood and spiciness, with a long and sweet finish. The use of small casks has enabled this whisky to mature beyond its youth. (Also see Whisky Author Blair Bowman’s opinions below).

The first 20 Whiskies will go on auction late April (www.whiskyauctioneer.com). The producer will arrange an online streaming event on the 23. Of April, with digital tasting, presentations and live music. Find out more on their Facebook page.

Whisky Author Blair Bowman’s words:

I feel incredibly lucky to have visited Aurora Spirits two times in the last few years. My first visit was in January 2018 and I was blown away by the whole experience. It was my first time in Norway and I felt an instant and very strong connection to the distillery and the team. The generosity and warmth from the Northern Norwegians was genuine and heartfelt. Their passion for their distillery is truly palpable. 

The distillery is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The Lyngenfjord area is truly breathtaking and the fact that they are in the Arctic Circle, on a former NATO base and using the old tunnels to mature their whisky is completely unique. Their use of a wide variety of interesting casks and the various casks experiments they are running is exciting to see too. 

I first got to taste their spirit when it was just over one year old and it was already showing great promise at that very early stage. I also then tried the spirit again at around two years of maturation and it had developed very well and was clearly well on its way to being an excellent whisky when it reached its 3rd birthday and legally became whisky. 

Now that the Bivrost Nifilheim Whisky is ready to be released I’m incredibly excited for others to get a chance to taste whisky from the most northerly whisky distillery in the world!

Tasting Notes: 

Nose: Initially lots of deliciously juicy dried fruits and sweet toasted nuts. Dried cherries, sultanas, raisins, figs. Then sweet caramelised peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts with a hint of black pepper.  A rich spiced malt note comes later like toasted malt bread with Nutella. 

Palate: A lovely balance of sweet and woody spice with hints of dried fruit. Like balsa wood shavings on a woodburner in a sauna that has maple syrup on the wooden benches and then a few black peppercorns and dried fruits are thrown into the burner. 

Finish: Long and sweet with hints of spice. 

Overall: A deliciously drinkable whisky with a very chewy and juicy mouthfeel and finish that makes you come back for more. 

An incredible achievement for a group of friends who were inspired to build their own distillery in the Arctic Circle after a trip to Islay in Scotland. This whisky really shows their dedication to the quality of the ingredients, the distillation and maturation. 

Blair Bowman, March 2020

http://www.blairbowman.com/

Osaka, JAPAN, 4th April 2020– Yoshino Spirits Co. has launched “World’s First Sakura & Yoshino Sugi Cask Finish Whisky Brand’ under Kamiki Whisky portfolio firstly in U.K. market and now available for global export this month.

 Following on from the acclaimed Kamiki and Kamiki Intense expressions – the first whiskies matured in Japanese Cedar wood – this exciting new expression takes the brand an innovative step further, this time with a finish in Sakura wood, or Japanese Cherry Blossom as it is more commonly known.

 This new expression is finished in Japanese Cedar wood, just like the two before it, before being transferred to casks made from the famous Sakura tree for further finishing.

 Kamiki Sakura Wood already picked up awards, winning a Gold Award at the China Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Double Gold at the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Platinum Award at SIP Awards 2019, a Double Gold from Las Vegas Spirit 2019 Awards, Double Gold at Cigar & Spirits Magazine 2019, Innovation and Consumer Choice Awards at SIP Awards 2019.

 About Yoshino Spirits Co. Yoshino is a private company based in Osaka, exporting finest Japanese whisky, wine and spirits to the world. For more information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

GLEN LUSS DISTILLERY CROWD-FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LOCH LOMOND PROJECT

Glen Luss Distillery has announced an initial round of crowdfunding. Investors will become members of the Founders’ Club and receive a range of benefits including private tours, distilling masterclasses, early access to new products, inaugural first releases, and an invitation to an annual private members’ event.

The micro distillery, which plans to open in May 2021, will be the first distillery and brewery on the shores of Loch Lomond and the first within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Using existing vacant premises in the village of Luss the distillery will provide a year-round visitor experience.

“We are excited to develop a sustainable visitor experience for the estimated million tourists who visit Luss each year,” said Trystan Powell, Director of Visitor Experience for Glen Luss Distillery.

Glen Luss Distillery will produce a range of premium drinks. These will be available through the visitor attraction, as well as wholesaled to on-trade and off-trade domestically and through the export market. Initial product development is underway for a single malt Scotch whisky and other products,

“The Scottish food and drink industry is world renowned for its focus on quality and provenance. At the distillery we will utilise locally sourced ingredients to create a range of drinks inspired by Luss’ history and heritage,” said Daniel Lewis, Director of Operations for Glen Luss Distillery.

Glen Luss Distillery has held initial positive consultations with several groups and stakeholders in the development of the business plan including local community representatives, politicians, tourism bodies, local businesses, and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

It is estimated that twenty-six jobs will be created, and the aim is to draw a significant number of these personnel from the local community. Modern Apprenticeships will be provided to support the development of skills within this local workforce.

“With community benefit at the heart of our vision, the distillery will also commit 5% of profits annually, for an initial period of ten years, to a Community Development Fund for projects in the Luss and Arden area,” said Patrick Colquhoun, Sales Director at Glen Luss Distillery.

The initial round of crowdfunding closes on the 4th May 2020. Glen Luss Distillery are inviting interested parties to become part of their exclusive Founders’ Club. Further details can be found at www.glenluss.co.uk

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-An-t-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

OURWHISKY LAUNCHES VIRTUAL WHISKY FESTIVAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY

OurWhisky is set to launch its first virtual whisky festival, connecting lovers of a good dram with their favourite distillers and blenders around the world while raising money for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Running online over four consecutive Thursday evenings from 30th April-21st May, the festival will welcome some of the world’s greatest whisky makers as they guide visitors through a curated selection of drams.

Each week ticket holders will be sent a pack containing five unmarked whisky samples and invited to join a live-streamed tasting hosted on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. To retain the element of surprise, the style, region and age of the whiskies be kept a secret until the tasting itself.

Becky Paskin, co-founder of OurWhisky and Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year 2020, said: “We wanted to recreate the curiosity and excitement you get with real life whisky festival masterclasses. While our guests won’t know the identity of their whiskies, or the personalities who will be introducing them until the tasting, we promise they’ll be in for an unforgettable experience.

“We’ve approached some of the biggest names in whisky, who will be joining us direct from their own living rooms to share some of the liquid they’ve created.

“This is a rare chance for whisky lovers to discover new bottles they may otherwise have overlooked, while connecting with the whisky makers themselves.”

Guests will be given the chance to ask questions in a live Q&A compered by Becky Paskin.

Tickets will be available to purchase for £30 each from ourwhisky.com, with just 50 tasting packs available for each session.

All proceeds from the festival, which is also being sponsored by the featured brands, will be donated to The Drinks Trust, formerly known at The Benevolent.

Paskin added: “The hospitality industry is on its knees. We wanted to find a way to support the bartenders and other professionals who are personally struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is also a way for whisky lovers to support the industry – by continuing to try new expressions, communicate with each other and buy bottles, they will be helping distillers and blenders navigate this period of uncertainty.”

Ross Carter, CEO The Drinks Trust, said: “We have been so impressed by the diversity of the fundraising initiatives set up during this difficult time by all our supporters and this one emphasises exactly what The Drinks Trust is all about; championing education and community whilst raising money for the charity. We are very grateful to OurWhisky for setting it up and hope it is a great success.”

The festival also marks the start of a new phase for OurWhisky. Launched in 2018 as a social media movement to challenge the outdated perception that whisky is a ‘man’s drink’, OurWhisky is evolving into an educational platform.

While continuing to represent the face of the modern whisky drinker, OurWhisky’s new website and social channels will also be dedicated to helping curious consumers navigate the world of whisky in an accessible, easy-to-follow and fun way, providing all the tools and knowledge they need to find whiskies they’ll love.

The new website is set to launch later this year.

The OurWhisky Virtual Whisky Festival will run at 6pm GMT on 30th April, 7th, 14th and 21st May. Due to current logistical challenges, tasting packs can only be sent to UK addresses.

The festival will be live streamed on OurWhisky’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels, as well as at ourwhisky.com.

Notes:

About OurWhisky

OurWhisky was launched in March 2018 as a global campaign to highlight the diversity of the whisky industry, its inclusiveness and the variety of its drinkers through a photographical social media series. Co-founded by leading whisky writer Becky Paskin and global whisky ambassador Georgie Bell, OurWhisky aims to inspire people all over the globe to explore whisky further. In 2020, OurWhisky will evolve to become an educational platform designed to help all curious drinkers navigate the world of whisky in an accessible, easy-to-follow and fun way, providing all the tools and knowledge they need to find whiskies they’ll love.

About Becky Paskin

Becky Paskin is a well-known whisky writer and former editor of online magazine Scotchwhisky.com. She was named 2020 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year, and was the first journalist to gain a General Certificate in Distillation with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling – a qualification usually reserved for distillery operators. Becky has been writing about drinks for over 10 years, is a member of exclusive society Keepers of the Quaich, and is an expert in all manner of spirits. She regularly presents educational whisky seminars at global drinks shows including Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and The Whisky Show in London.

About The Drinks Trust

Since 1886, The Drinks Trust (formerly The Benevolent) has provided care and support to the people who form the UK drinks industry workforce, both past and present. The Drinks Trust is managed by drinks industry professionals, funded by drinks industry partners and supported by thousands of drinks industry fundraisers, volunteers and contributors. The Trust provides individuals with services across vocational, well-being, financial and practical support. These services are intended to assist with and improve the circumstances of those who receive them, to help its community thrive, to upskill, to broaden their knowledge, to network and learn from one another.

Since the beginning of March, demand for the Trust’s services has increased significantly and many individuals are now in desperate need. In response, the Trust has launched the Covid-19 Emergency Fund. Find out more at drinkstrust.org.uk/coronavirus.

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY EXPANDS ITS BARTENDER ADVOCACY PROGRAMME, JAMESON HOSTS,

TO SUPPORT GLOBAL BAR COMMUNITY THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES 

The world’s favourite Irish whiskey has launched an online platform to support, inspire and engage the international bar community through an unprecedented period of uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The culmination of more than three decades of pioneering bartender advocacy, Jameson Hosts, Jameson’s trade engagement platform, has launched an online space where the bar community can come together to connect, learn and share in the wake of the pandemic. As bars, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs across the globe have been forced to close their doors, Jameson Hosts provides a space for members of the bar trade to receive wellbeing support, enhance their technical knowledge and collaborate from the comfort of their home through video content.

The newly launched Jameson platform follows a $500,000 financial donation from the Irish whiskey brand to the United States Bartenders’ Guild which supports on-trade members affected by Coronavirus. Through Jameson Hosts, Jameson will also widen its practical support of the industry by offering financial compensation to those creating videos for the platform.

The online videos will cover a range of topics designed to educate and inspire the bar community including cocktail masterclasses, wellbeing sessions, career coaching and whiskey tutorials. It will also feature advice from bar teams around the globe which are pulling together to adapt to the current challenges and better equip themselves for the future when businesses reopen.

Beyond the virtual platform, Jameson Hosts will shortly announce a live event in late 2020 or early 2021 where the extensive global bar community, including bartenders, bar owners, brewers, waiters and more, will be invited to take part in a three-day festival at Midleton Distillery, the home of Jameson. Much like its online counterpart, the festival will invite attendees to host their own workshops to share their knowledge and expertise with fellow participants and inspire new ideas among the community. The festival will also offer visiting ‘hosts’ a chance to immerse themselves in the production of Jameson Irish Whiskey with exclusive access to the Old Midleton Distillery and Blending Lab at Midleton.

Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, says: “The global bar community has dedicated its life and career to the service of others.  Now, more than ever, this community needs a new place to come together and share inspiring stories, real-world guidance and encouraging words to help each other overcome the challenges they face today and those that lie ahead.

“We hope this will offer both practical and emotional support through this challenging time and we very much look forward to celebrating with all our hosts at Midleton soon.”

Join the Jameson Hosts community by heading to:

Instagram: @jamesonhosts

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. 

Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival to raise spirits 

Summerton Club has announced a first of a kind whisky festival which will deliver both digital entertainment and physical enjoyment from the comfort of attendee’s homes.

Taking place 12:30 to 22:00 on the 30^th May, the Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival is the first event to combine a whole-day live stream with a home-delivered pack (containing drams, mixers and snacks) to create an event which whisky enthusiasts can not only look forward to, but also actively take part in whilst in the comfort of their homes.

Distilleries set to appear and include their whiskies in the festival pack include: Bimber, Glenfarclas, Glen Scotia, The Lakes Distillery, Mackmyra and Wolfburn (additional brands TBC).

In addition to brand presentations, cocktail masterclasses with leading bar professionals, Q&A sessions and insightful talks (both live and pre-recorded) from prominent industry insiders are also scheduled to take place during the event. The festival will be supported by live entertainment and a wide variety of well-known industry figures, whisky writers and presenters.

Speaking of the Virtual Festival, Summerton Club Founder & Director Dan Humphrey said “It’s been a very difficult few weeks for the entire whisky industry and wider community. With a raft of popular festivals and tasting events all being cancelled, distilleries and producers have lost an invaluable channel to reach whisky enthusiasts. At the same time, whisky lovers have similarly had to forgo much loved social gatherings and opportunities to engage with distilleries and bottlers under a single roof. The Summer Virtual Whisky Festival aims to create not only an event that we can all look forward to, but one in which the attendees can actively participate in, engaging directly with whisky makers whilst still enjoying a dram. The response to the event has been fantastic and it’s wonderful to see the industry and community all coming together to raise our spirits.”

Notes 

About Summerton Virtual Whisky Festival 

www.summertonwhiskyfestival.com

30^th May 2020

12:30 – 22:00

Virtual tasting room provided by private live stream via YouTube

Private members group to continue conversation after the event 

Tickets cost £38 and include:

• Expertly curated whisky samples
• Mixers
• Snacks
• Complementary promotional items

Participating distilleries include (as of 14^th April 2020)

• Bimber
• Glenfarclas
• Glen Scotia
• The Lakes Distillery
• Mackmyra
• Wolfburn

Guest speakers include (as of 14^th April 2020)

• Colin Hampden-White, The Three Drinkers
• Amy Seton, Birmingham Whisky Club
• John McCheyne, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
• Matt McKay, The Dramble
• Vin Perry-French, No Nonsense Whisky
• Anthony & Nicky Manton, New Dram Drinker
• Andy Duckworth, Malt Box
• Ian Wisniewski, Whisky Author

Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Receives Double Gold Medal at 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Four More Whiskies From Barton 1792 Distillery Receive Medals

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (April 9, 2020) –Barton 1792 Distillery’s 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded the prestigious Double Gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Additionally, three 1792 bourbons received Gold medals and one received a Silver medal.

Double Gold

• 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Gold

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver

• 1792 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Spirits entered into the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are judged over four days of highly controlled blind tastings by a panel of more than 40 judges made up of respected, experienced industry experts. Complete results for the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/results/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Wild Turkey Longbranch has won the coveted DOUBLE GOLD at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is one of the most influential awards in the world, and one of the oldest of its kind. Established 20 years ago, the SFWSC is a universally recognised indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This year’s competition had over 3,000 entries, judged by all 51 members of spirits-industry expert judging panel, including:

● Anthony Dias Blue (Executive Director), author, editor, publisher, and one of the most influential food, wine, and spirits writers and lifestyle personalities in the U.S.A.
● Tony Abou-Ganim (Director of Judging), the Master-Mixologist, one of the leading pioneers of America’s craft cocktail movement.
● Julie Reiner, the renowned bartender who brought New York’s Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club rave reviews and top rankings among the best bars in the world.
● Jeffrey Morgenthaler, of Clyde Common at Portland’s Ace Hotel, named America’s Bartender of the Year and the country’s Best Cocktail and Spirits Writer at the 2016 Spirited Awards.

Quote from Nick Williamson – Campari UK Marketing Director:

“Campari are extremely proud to have been honoured with this year’s 2020 medal for not one but two of our prestige spirits. In these times, one thing we can be sure of is our commitment to quality and craftsmanship”.

WILD TURKEY: Instagram: @wildturkey_uk
Stockists: The Whisky Exchange , Master Of Malt , DrinkSupermarket

Notes

For more information about all the SFWSC 2020 judges please visit the official website

About Wild Turkey

The Distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have nearly 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery. The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born. Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavour, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 “alligator” char), imparts a smooth flavour and deep amber colour to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For more information: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

ABOUT CAMPARI UK

Campari UK is Campari Group’s subsidiary in the UK market, headquartered in London. A multicultural and dynamic team, Campari UK comprises of more than 50 ‘Camparistas’ from over 10 different nationalities. At the heart of Campari UK are three main portfolio offerings. The first is the Aperitivo Champions portfolio, led by the iconic Italian brands Aperol and Campari. The second is the Urban Disruptors portfolio, featuring distinctive brands like Wray & Nephew Rum, BULLDOG Gin and Magnum Tonic Wine. Finally there is the Prestige Challengers portfolio, including exquisite brands such as Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum, Wild Turkey Bourbon and Grand Marnier. In total, the company is proud to offer an unrivalled portfolio of more than 40 distinctive and desirable premium spirit brands. Visit www.campariuk.com to find out more about the company and range of brands or follow Campari UK on Instagram or Twitter at @CampariGroupUK . Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

Yoshino Spirits Co.’s KAMIKI Sakura Cask Finish – Launch

Osaka, JAPAN, 4th April 2020– Yoshino Spirits Co. has launched “World’s First Sakura & Yoshino Sugi Cask Finish Whisky Brand’ under Kamiki Whisky portfolio firstly in U.K. market and now available for global export this month.

Following on from the acclaimed Kamiki and Kamiki Intense expressions – the first whiskies matured in Japanese Cedar wood – this exciting new expression takes the brand an innovative step further, this time with a finish in Sakura wood, or Japanese Cherry Blossom as it is more commonly known.

This new expression is finished in Japanese Cedar wood, just like the two before it, before being transferred to casks made from the famous Sakura tree for further finishing. Kamiki Sakura Wood already picked up awards, winning a Gold Award at the China Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Double Gold at the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Platinum Award at SIP Awards 2019, a Double Gold from Las Vegas Spirit 2019 Awards, Double Gold at Cigar & Spirits Magazine 2019, Innovation and Consumer Choice Awards at SIP Awards 2019.

About Yoshino Spirits Co.
Yoshino is a private company based in Osaka, exporting finest Japanese whisky, wine and spirits to the world. For more information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

LOCH LOMOND GROUP GOES PLATINUM AT

2020 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 

• Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt both receive platinum honour at prestigious awards
• Loch Lomond Group records twelve separate medals in total

Loch Lomond Group has enjoyed one of its most impressive sets of results at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year, receiving twelve separate awards, including two coveted platinum medals for its Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt.

This was the 20th San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most respected and influential awards in the industry, which this year received over 3,000 entries.

The platinum medals were introduced last year and recognise brands that win a Double Gold or Best in Class for three consecutive years. This year only seven platinum medals were awarded across the entire Scotch category. To date only 17 platinum medals have been awarded across all categories in the competition.

Ten further awards were collected, including Double Gold for both Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old and Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; four gold awards for Glen Scotia Double Cask, Glen Scotia Victoriana, Glen Scotia 18 Year Old and Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; and four silvers for Glen Scotia 15 Year Old, Loch Lomond Original, High Commissioner Blended Scotch and Ben Lomond Gin.

John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer, Loch Lomond Group commented: “We are extremely proud to have received such a strong set of results at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year, and we’re especially pleased to have received two platinum awards for Loch Lomond 12 Year Old, such a central expression in our Loch Lomond Whisky range, and for our Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt. It’s a real testament to the skill of the team, headed up by our Master Distiller Michael Henry, who work so hard to ensure that our range consistently delivers whiskies of the very highest quality.

“In these challenging times for everyone, it’s a very welcome boost for the whole team to receive this level of recognition from such a prestigious awards body.”

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.  Visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com for more information.

Glen Scotia 25 Year Old is gently matured in our finest American oak barrels before being married in first fill bourbon before bottling. The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with the subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. Visit www.glenscotia.com for more information.

For more information about The Loch Lomond Group visit www.lochlomondgroup.com.

Notes:

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond Group brands include Loch Lomond Whiskies, Glen Scotia, Littlemill, High Commissioner, Glen’s Vodka and Ben Lomond Gin.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

• The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 as a way to recognise exceptional products in the spirits industry and is considered to be one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world.
• The 51 judges of the 2020 Competition are established spirits-industry experts, including:
• Anthony Dias Blue (Executive Director), author, editor, publisher, and one of the most influential food, wine, and spirits writers and lifestyle personalities in the U.S.A.
• Tony Abou-Ganim (Director of Judging), the Master-Mixologist, one of the leading pioneers of America’s craft cocktail movement
• Julie Reiner, the renowned bartender who brought New York’s Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club rave reviews and top rankings among the best bars in the world
• Jeffrey Morgenthaler, of Clyde Common at Portland’s Ace Hotel, named America’s Bartender of the Year and the country’s Best Cocktail and Spirits Writer at the 2016 Spirited Awards
• More information about all SFWSC 2020 judges can be found at sfspiritscomp.com/about/judges/