Iron Smoke Distillery Launches Drink Recipe & Tipping Website to Support Bartenders Globally

‘SmokeOutCovid19.com’ will support bartenders across the world affected by the Coronavirus

Fairport, NY — Iron Smoke Distillery launched a new website aimed at helping out-of-work bartenders affected by the Coronavirus. SmokeOutCovid19.com is a portal/host for instructional drink-making recipes and videos uploaded by bartenders. Site visitors can donate directly to out-of-work bartenders and service industry workers.

Since the site launched on March 26th, nearly 100 bartenders from states across the country have joined to share their specialty drinks, connect with others, and receive tips from grateful (and thirsty) patrons,

Iron Smoke Distillery created the site in partnership with Managed Services Team as a way to offer support and assistance to people who have lost their livelihood during the difficult times created by the Coronavirus. The restaurant and beverage industry has been disproportionately hit as measures are implemented to reduce the risk and curb the spread of the virus. SmokeOutCovid19.com’s mission is to help supplement lost income, perhaps teach people a new skill, and allow them to continue to enjoy one of life’s best pleasures– a properly made cocktail.

CEO and Founder, Tommy Brunett said “To address the new catchphrase – ‘We’ll all get through this together’ – we as a company wanted to create a united front of friends, families, regular guests and fans of each and everyone of these champions of the service industry to help support them in this time of desperate need for a financial life jacket. This will also be glorious for people who are stuck at home for awhile and need cocktail ideas as well.”

Bartenders who are interested in participating can upload recipes and/or videos by making a free account and connect their Venmo or PayPal account to receive donations. All proceeds will go directly to the participating bartenders. Those looking to help can visit SmokeOutCovid19.com to look for drink recipes and videos and “tip their bartender” by donating to their individual page.

The new website comes in conjunction with the announcement that Iron Smoke Distillery will pivot to hand sanitizer production. In conjunction with Rochester Midland Corporation, they will produce hand sanitizer en masse for communities where it is most needed. 2,000 bottles of the first production will be donated to local first responders, and each subsequent batch will have a portion earmarked for community donations.

About Iron Smoke Distillery

Based in Fairport, NY Iron Smoke Distillery produces distinct world-class bourbons and whiskeys that can be enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails. They produce the multiple award-winning whiskeys, including Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke CASKet Strength, Iron Smoke Single Barrel Special Reserve, Rattlesnake Rosie’s Apple Pie Whiskey and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey in their 21,000-square foot facility. As a New York State small-batch farm distillery, Iron Smoke uses local ingredients from Finger Lakes family farms within a 50-mile radius of our distillery. The stripped mash from production is returned to the farms to be used as feed for their livestock. Their tasting room, the “Watering Room and Sideshow” features a fully licensed bar with all New York State Wines, Beers, and Spirits as well as weekly live music and world-class entertainment. Winners of the prestigious Double Gold in last year’s North American Bourbon & Whiskey competition, recipient of a 95.5 rating in the 2018 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and named Forbes Magazine one of the “10 Best Bourbons Outside of Kentucky.”

“UMIKI – Ocean Fused Whisky From The Heart of Japanese Pine” by Yoshino Spirits Co.

Osaka, JAPAN, 20th March 2020– Yoshino Spirits Co. has added UMIKI Whisky – “World’s First Ocean Fused Whisky” to its portfolio, initially available in North American, Asian markets in April and rest global markets after May and onwards.

The ocean is known as the source of life and the ever-green pine tree is known as the symbol of life in Japan.

To honor the life-giving ocean and the long-living pine tree that graces the coasts of Japan, filtered desalinated ocean-water from depths of Pacific ocean is blended with Japanese ocean-side distilled malt whiskies and grain whiskies in reserve after the curation is finished in Japanese Pine barrels.

This unique production process gives UMIKI its name; whereby UMI means OCEAN and KI means TREE in Japanese.

UMIKI is “World’s first Japanese Pine barrel aged whisky” and “World’s first ocean water fused whisky that uses only renewable water source for blending”

This sustainable process brings an exceptional smoothness with sea-breeze on the nose, rounded floral taste on the palate and a soothing freshness in the finish to UMIKI.

UMIKI has already picked up awards, winning Double Gold Awarded from China Wine & Spirits Awards 2020 and Gold Medal from World Spirits Award 2020.

For more information please visit www.umikiwhisky.com

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

John Distilleries Manufactures Hand Sanitizers to Combat COVID -19

India’s leading alco-bev establishment – John Distilleries Pvt Ltd announces the production of hand sanitizers at its distilleries in Bangalore, Davanagere and Goa. These supplies will be donated to healthcare institutions in India to help overcome the shortage of hand sanitisers due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

John Distilleries is joining hands with the Government to combat the shortage of hand sanitizers by using the extra neutral alcohol (ENA) at its facilities to manufacture Alcohol Based sanitizers.

‘The demand for sanitisers especially in healthcare institutions is growing rapidly, and we would like to provide our facilities and services to assist the Government in overcoming this short supply. During these critical times, we believe it is our duty to do what we can to help authorities fight this pandemic successfully,’ said Paul P John, Chairman- John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd.

While John Distilleries is taking on this social responsibility in India, The Sazerac Company, North America’s largest producer of distilled spirits and investor in John Distilleries, is taking on massive production of hand sanitisers to combat demand across America. John Distilleries still recommends that washing your hands exhaustively with soap and water is the best way to clean hands. Hand sanitizers are suitable in the absence of water.

About John Distilleries

Established in 1996, John Distilleries grew to be a leading spirit company in less than a decade, not just in India but across the globe. With a dedicated team of nearly 2000 employees working across 10 manufacturing units spread over 7 states across India, John Distilleries has a strong portfolio of brands in various liquor categories including the globally renowned Paul John Single Malts. For more details, please contact publicrelations@jdl.in

Canadian craft distillery wins World’s Best

and Canadian Best at World Whiskies Awards 

Saanich BC, Canada, March 27, 2020: Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery’s peated single malt whisky new-make has been named Worlds Best Whisky New Make at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards, UK (http://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/). These prestigious annual awards are the most competitive, attracting top international whisky brands. The Vancouver Island based distillery claimed several top WWA’s including:

• World’s Best New-Make, gold medal for its Peated Single Malt Whisky New-Make.
• Canadian Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky, gold medal for its STR Red Wine Barrique Single Cask Single Malt Whisky.
• Bronze medal for its Glenloy Classic Single Malt Whisky.

This Scottish influenced distillery & brewery uses traditional distillation techniques, copper potstills, and BC-grown barley to make surprisingly smooth, and remarkably fruity and complex single malts.

Dr. Graeme Macaloney, President & Whiskymaker said of the awards: “It’s a truly amazing accomplishment for our young distillery. There are some really fantastic distilleries, years and decades older, with more mature whiskies who regularly compete for these awards. These awards are a testament to our world class expertise including the late-great Dr. Jim Swan, ex-DIAGEO Master Distiller Mr. Mike Nicolson, and the rest of our team who focus on quality every day.”

The Best in World New-Make has since been matured into Macaloney’s Peated Mac na Braiche, the first ever peated single malt whisky in Canada to be peat-smoked at the distillery using Canadian barley and local peat in a combined soaker-smoker. It is available at top liquor stores, the distillery Visitor Centre, and online via the distillery’s website.

The other Gold and Bronze medal whiskies will be part of Macaloney’s ‘inaugural whisky launch’ being planned for the near future. Pre-orders for these limited release, numbered bottles may be made by contacting the distillery shop on a first-come basis.

About us: Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery is a destination craft distillery & brewery funded by Canadian single malt whisky & beer enthusiasts from coast-to-coast via an on-going Frontfundr equity crowdfunding campaign. The Visitor Centre gift store is open 7 days per week and under normal circumstances offers kilt-clad guided tours & tutored tastings.

Contact:

For media or trade enquiries:

Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com

To reserve inaugural whiskies or for private cask:

Shop@MacaloneyDistillers.com

For online ordering of current whiskies:

htps://victoriacaledonian.com/product-category/whisky/

For equity crowdfunding:

https://www.frontfundr.com/Company/caledonian-brewery-distillery

Favourite Whisky Returns to Boost Spirits

Available April 23rd

There is nothing more reassuring in any down time than to see an old favourite back on the shelf. Originally known as chapter 7, and these days quite a bit older and far more refined, the Small Batch Rum Cask single malt whisky from The English Whisky Co. has been lovingly created by the team to keep you company in these trying times.

Bottled by the expert team at The English Whisky Co.; The Rum Cask release is available in two options: 156 bottles of 59.9% Single cask, cask strength (RRP £75) and 300 bottles at 46% strength Small Batch rum cask whisky. (RRP £47.50).

The English Rum Cask single malts have arrived just in time to toast St George’s Day on 23^rd April.

Distilled in March 2014 and produced in rum casks, The English Rum Cask whiskies are sweet, soft and slightly spicy on the nose, with a mixture of vanilla and rum and raisin ice cream. They are fresh and citrusy with notes of tropical fruits, oaky and slightly nutty with a hint of marzipan.

On the palate the rum cask is soft, oily and spicy, again with citrus notes. The spice is slightly peppery with a hint of raisins, malty with fresh oak and salty and dry on the finish.

“We are very pleased to be able to reintroduce The English Rum Cask editions, which are a huge favourite and remind me of rum and raisin ice cream!” explains Andrew Nelstrop, managing director at The English Whisky Co. “At times like these, it’s nice to be able to do something positive and give whisky fans something to enjoy whilst spending more time at home. We’ve also launched them just in time for us to all raise a glass to St George on 23^rd April,” he adds.

A family-owned and run business, The English Whisky Co. was the founder of English whisky when it opened its doors 14 years ago. As the industry leader it uses locally sourced ingredients to produces the finest English Single Malt at its distillery in Norfolk.

The English Cask Strength Rum Cask and 46% strength small batch rum cask are available to order online from www.englishwhisky.co.uk,

PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENTS, HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands announced today the commitment of financial and physical resources against COVID-19 in recognition of the need of employees, the communities in which they work and live, and the greater hospitality community.

“With facilities in the United States, Canada and Ireland, and as a family owned and operated company for 85 years, Heaven Hill has a long history of supporting our employees and their families. As part of our long-term core mission, we also take great pride in our local communities and at a time like this want to provide assistance to those in need,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We particularly share a sense of community with those affected in the hospitality industry. As a result, our sales teams are championing that effort at the local level in partnership with organizations that support our hospitality family.”

Philanthropic Commitments:

Heaven Hill Brands is pledging $400,000 across two main priorities – employee communities and hospitality professionals. Recognizing the effect of coronavirus on so many individuals, Heaven Hill will distribute donations across the following community partner funds:

• Louisville, Ky. – One Louisville
• Bardstown, Ky. – Tri-County United Way
• Austin, Texas – Stand with Austin
• Lethbridge, Canada – United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
• Dublin, Ireland – Community Foundation of Ireland

In support of the hospitality professionals that partner with Heaven Hill day-to-day to support business, Heaven Hill will contribute donations directly to local market charitable organizations. The Heaven Hill sales team will mobilize efforts across their local communities to assist local non-profits directly supporting industry professionals and their families.

Hand Sanitizer Commitment:

In addition, Heaven Hill is committing parts of operations to the production, bottling and distribution of hand sanitizer. These efforts will support healthcare facilities, first responders, and high-risk populations in cooperation with local and state government. Production of hand sanitizer will shortly be underway at the following facilities:

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky.
• Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Canada

Social distancing and sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure employees are protected while assembling a critical product to combat the spread of coronavirus. All hand sanitizer formulas follow the approved Federal Drug Administration guidelines.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd, creators of Kalak Single Malt Vodka and Ornabrak Single Malt Gin are pioneers in avant-garde single malt spirits. Following the same ethos, Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a true innovation in the whisk(e)y world, and the first whisk(e)y to be finished in seaweed charred casks – Currach’s first expression with Irish Atlantic Kombu Kelp will be released in March 2020. 

Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Atlantic Kombu Cask 

A fusion of tradition and innovation, Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey celebrates one of the oldest and most venerable boats in the world. The Currach was a vessel of knowledge that enabled the early Irish monks to explore distant lands while harvesting expertise. Handcrafted like the whiskey, these boats played a pivotal role in Irish life and commerce.  

Using the finest of Irish malted barley, this contemporary single malt whiskey is triple distilled before being aged in ex-bourbon casks and is then finished in unique seaweed charred virgin oak casks. It’s this perfect union of the Irish land and sea that creates a rich multi-layered whiskey with a delicate umami character. 

The story…. 

Currach Boat

The currach is the traditional Irish boat made from wicker, animal skins and tar. It is one of the oldest types of boat in the world, possibly going back to Neolithic times. It played a significant role in the development of human civilization, from the spread of farming to carrying early Christian saints all over Europe. It was said to be the vessel used by Irish monks to discover the world and bring back religious artefacts and foreign technology, such as the alembic, to Ireland. The currach was used to transport whiskey across the Irish sea to Scotland (first exports of Irish whiskey), and is still used today to harvest seaweed in Ireland.

Malted Barley

Irish malted barley is recognized as being the best in the world. The fertile soils and mild, oceanic climate of Southern Ireland make it an ideal place to grow malting barley. The barley is non-GMO and sourced from local farmers who utilize eco-friendly growing methods. This produces a crop unlike any other and, once malted, creates a unique taste profile and character indigenous to the Irish terroir.

Distillation

Distillation takes places in the tranquil West Cork town of Skibbereen, nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here the Irish malted barley is milled, mashed and fermented. Using traditional Irish distillation techniques, it is then triple distilled in copper pot stills to create a smooth and flavorsome liquid. The single malt new make spirit is then filled into ex bourbon casks and aged. 

Seaweed

Sustainably hand harvested off the wild Atlantic coast of Co. Clare, the seaweed is 100 % naturally grown and organically certified. Kombu is located in the extreme lower part of the shore. It can be sustainably harvested during low spring tides throughout the year. Fourth Generation Seaweed Harvesters, The Talty Family ensure only the finest seaweeds are selected for Currach Single Malt Whiskey.

Mildly salty and subtly sweet, Kombu is rich in umami, the fifth human taste. It has been used as a stable food source and ingredient in European and Asian cuisine for over 2000 years.

Cask Charring

The Atlantic Kombu seaweed is traditionally charred in small batches inside virgin American oak casks to impart a delicate and uniform umami fragrance into the wood. Once ready, these casks are filled with single malt Irish whiskey and allow to finish for three months.  The result is a magical fusion of two terroirs – Land and sea. 

Patrick Shelley, Founder of Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd. said;

“With Kalak Single Malt Vodka and Ornabrak Single Malt Gin, we adopted an avant-garde approach to producing world class single malt spirits, using the best of Irish ingredients and our tradition of distilling. Each of our products share the same DNA – Irish malted barley and copper pot distilled”

“Our vision on Currach was to create a single malt Irish whiskey based on various elements of the Irish terroir. Our land produces some of the best malted barley in the world and our seas yield wonderful organic and sustainable seaweed. Never before have these two elements been brought together in a whiskey and we are proud that this is a world’s first”. The union of land & sea has become the backbone of Currach, and gives it such a uniquely rich, multi layered and complex character” 

Tasting notes

Colour:            Amber Gold

Nose:               Toffee and raisins with hints of almond, backed by a roasted kombu aroma.

Palate:            Arabic roast coffee fused with salted caramel and dark chocolate 

notes complemented by nutty, earthy, lightly smoked and umami undertones.

Finish:              Dark and rich flavours fade to leave a persistent and delicately sweet

maritime finish. 

RSP:                 55 €

Availability:     Online: www.celticwhiskeyshop.com, www.irishmalts.com

Leading independent retailers (Celtic Whiskey Shop, Mulligans, Bradley’s, Ardkeen, World Wide Wines) 

For further information, contact Patrick Shelley  pshelley@originspirits.ie or Stephen Randles stephen@originspirits.ie 

Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @currachwhiskey

ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY CALLS LAST ORDERS ON

WHILE WE WAIT SINGLE MALT SERIES 

Isle of Raasay Distillery today unveiled the fifth and final instalment of its While We Wait single malt Scotch whisky series, ahead of the island’s highly anticipated inaugural Isle of Raasay Single Malt release later this year.

Raasay While We Wait – Last Orders ends the distillery’s five-year countdown towards the releasing of the first legal single malt Scotch Whisky from an island rooted in centuries of expertise.

The Last Orders release combines peated and unpeated spirit expressions to provide discerning whisky drinkers with an accurate representation of the tastes and flavour to expect from the Isle of Raasay’s inaugural spirit. Matured in bourbon barrels and finished in first and second fill Tuscan red wine French oak casks for 18 months, Last Orders imparts a bounty of dark fruit flavours and character. This lightly peated, fruity single malt offers smokiness on first nosing, a dry peatiness on the palate, and a dash of orange zest from the nose, with an oaky and buttery finish.

Co-founder Alasdair Day said: “This fifth and final release of our While We Wait series is a highly significant step forward for our distillery. Our team are constantly looking to push the boundaries of whisky making, exploring the effect that different finishes and casks have on the flavour profile, and this spirit is the perfect embodiment of our ethos.

“Raasay While We Wait – Last Orders marks the last opportunity to purchase a piece of history, to be a part of our journey and to enjoy the final release of something we are very proud of as we look forward to bottling our inaugural Isle of Raasay Single Malt later this year.”

Isle of Raasay Distillery is one of Scotland’s newest, pioneering distilleries. Located between the Isle of Skye and Scotland’s spectacular west coast, Isle of Raasay Distillery’s vision is to create the finest Hebridean single malt Scotch whisky and fully immerse whisky lovers in the Raasay experience at its five-star visitor centre and Victorian guesthouse with spectacular views of Skye’s Cuillin peaks.

Raasay While We Wait: Last Orders is priced at £45 and available to purchase on raasaydistillery.com and Master of Malt. Customers can also pre-order the Inaugural Isle of Raasay Single Malt via https://raasaydistillery.com/product/raasay-single-malt-inaugural-release-70cl/

Raasay While We Wait Tasting Notes

Nose:
A welcome smokiness on first nosing, mixed with red berries, lemon and grassy notes. With more time; pear, tangerine and melon.

Palate:
Dry peatiness on the palate, mixed in with red wine notes. A good dash of orange zest from the nose.

Finish:
Oaky and buttery finish.

Food Pairings:
Pairs well with Sconser scallops, smoked salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

About Raasay:

With its sweeping views of the Isle of Skye’s Cuillin peaks, stunning forest trails, secluded beaches, and iconic flat-topped peak offering dramatic views of Skye’s famous vistas, Raasay is best known as the birthplace of celebrated Gaelic poet, the late Sorley MacLean, and Queen Victoria’s first piper, Angus Mackay.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery is producing island single malt Scotch whisky.

• Capacity: 188,000 LPA
• Mash Tun: 1 Tonne
• Washback Size: 6 x 5,000 L
• Fermentation Time: up to 118 hours

• Wash Still: 5,000 L
• Spirit Still: 3,600 L
• Maturation: All maturation takes place on the Isle of Raasay.

Raasay Distillery, Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB raasaydistillery.com
Instagram/ Facebook: @raasaydistillery, Twitter: @RaasayWhisky

A first look at the new creative spot Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is releasing today. It marks the first work to come from Brown-Forman’s new creative agency partner, Energy BBDO.

The spot shares the new reality we are all facing as humanity and how our friends around the world are adapting. It shows the genuine moments that people are having to continue to feel connected.

The spot is titled “With Love, Jack” and will be launched digitally across Jack Daniel’s social platforms beginning March 26. You can take a look at the work here.

The video was created from user-generated footage of real human interactions that were filmed authentically, and safely, from home. It features a new rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” which was also recorded from home by the singers featured in the video.

“Showcasing how our friends around the world are rallying and uniting together during these times was our goal,” said Matt Blevins, Jack Daniel’s Global Brand Director. “It was about capturing real moments that are helping folks find social connection, which is something Jack Daniel’s celebrates.”

“We’ve all had to rapidly adapt to this new reality, and we discovered this magical thing where people are finding really creative and beautiful ways to stay connected during this time of social distancing,” said Josh Gross, Co-Chief Creative Officer of Energy BBDO. “This idea is a celebration of humanity at its best. It’s a timely message of optimism and hope,” added Pedro Pérez, Co-Chief Creative Officer of Energy BBDO.

Jack Daniel’s parent company Brown-Forman has been doing its part to help in these unprecedented times. Last week the organization announced a $1 million donation to COVID-19 response funds and the Jack Daniel Distillery has begun aiding production of hand sanitizer for first responders.

English Whisky Co. Turns Focus to Online Sales as Shop Closes

The English Whisky Co. took the very hard decision last week to close to visitors, lunch goers and shoppers to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

With its shop and restaurant closed, tours on hold and forthcoming events cancelled, the team at St George’s Distillery in Norfolk is now turning its focus to online retailing as the main method of delivering sales of its world-class whisky to those looking for a treat during the hard weeks ahead.

“We are absolutely devastated by what is happening. Closing St George’s Distillery to visitors was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make, but it was the right thing to do at the right time,” says Andrew Nelstrop, Managing Director at The English Whisky Co. “However, with many people now confined to their homes, we’re using this opportunity to promote the fantastic range of products we have on offer on our online shop.”

The distiller’s full range of whisky is available to purchase online, including its The English Original and Smokey, liqueurs, whisky cream and a range of gift ideas for people looking for presents for family and friends over the coming months. “We are putting a lot of emphasis on driving sales through our website at this current time and trying to give people something they can enjoy during this difficult time. It’s going to be a tough few months, but we’ll do all we can to continue offering people our award-winning, hand-crafted whisky,” adds Andrew.

The website also sells other whiskies, gins, vodkas, both local and from around the world. For more information on The English Whisky Co. visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk