Ardbeg Distillery Production Manager

The Glenmorangie Company Isle of Islay, Scotland, United Kingdom

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type

  Full-time

• Job function

  Production

• Industries

  Wine and Spirits

#ardbeg #untamed smoky #islay #bggg2020 #brewgooder 

IT’S ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP, AS ARDBEG LAUNCHES A LIMITED EDITION BEER IN SUPPORT OF BREWGOODER’S GLOBAL GATHERING 

All profits from the Scottish whisky maker’s first ever beer to be donated to charity supporting clean water projects in Malawi 

ISLAY, UK – 10 March 2020 – Today, Ardbeg, the world-renowned Islay Distillery, announced the release of its first ever beer – The Shortie Smoky Porter. Named after Ardbeg’s beloved canine mascot (Shortie the Jack Russell), this limited edition will be launched in partnership with Brewgooder as part of their Global Gathering campaign.

The brain-child of flatmates Alan McIntyre, Global Brand Manager at Ardbeg, and Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder, the beer has been produced in aid of World Water Day (22 March 2020) with all profits from The Shortie Smoky Porter donated to support clean water projects in Malawi.

To produce this one-off beer – which will be available exclusively in the UK for a limited time only –  Ardbeg has joined forces with Williams Bros. Brewing Co. The Shortie Smoky Porter is made using the same peated malt as the award-winning Ardbeg Ten Years Old whisky, capturing the Distillery’s signature smoky character with notes of bitter dark chocolate, malty biscuit, dry espresso coffee and a hint of liquorice.

Ardbeg is the only spirits brand alongside around 250 craft brewers from around the world, all releasing their own unique, one off-brew in aid of the Global Gathering. A coordinated release of the beers will take place over the weekend of World Water Day – March 20^th – 22^nd 2020.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks commented: “We all dig Ardbeg, and no more so than Shortie. So for this life-saving, well-digging clean water brew, it was only fitting that our canine mascot should represent Islay. As with most porters, this beer is smooth and creamy. However our malt has helped make it distinctly smoky – the way we imagine an Ardbeg beer is meant to taste!”

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “Not only is this a hugely important cause – that we’re delighted to be a part of – but The Shortie Smoky Porter is of course a first for the Distillery. Helping brew a beer may seem like unchartered territory for Ardbeg, but as any whiskyphile worth their malt will tell you, beer and whisky share the same DNA. Just like brewers, we ferment our malt. The only difference being, we hold on to the hops. We hope that Ardbeggians and craft beer lovers alike will enjoy this extra special limited edition.”

Alan Mahon, founder of Brewgooder, commented: “This collaboration is particularly special for me. To create an incredible beer that helps empower people’s lives is one thing, to do it with one of the world’s best whisky brands is another, but to bring it to life with my best friend: there are few things I have been prouder of in my life. I look forward to working with the team at Ardbeg to turn the profits from this beer into life-saving clean water wells for those who need them.”

The Shortie Smoky Porter will be available to purchase exclusively in the UK from the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre, online at Ardbeg.com, in select stores and Ardbeg Embassies across the UK from Tuesday 24^th March – priced at £14 for a four-pack.

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NOTES:

Tasting Notes 

ABV: 6.2% 

Colour:

Dark peat bog brown

Nose:

On the nose, Ardbeg’s distinctive peat gives rise to more oily notes intermingled with sour cherries, rich coal tar and pine. Ardbeg’s malt then begins to reveal itself, with aromas of toasted nuts and sweet lemon and lime.

Taste:

On the palate, this smoky porter boasts a typically creamy texture, with bitter dark chocolate, malty biscuit, dry espresso coffee and a hint of liquorice.

Finish:

In a finish that lingers long beyond the can, delicious and distinctively smoky notes guide the palate towards the bitter end. 

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Brewgooder Global Gathering Campaign

The Scottish craft beer brand, Brewgooder, has attracted more than 240 brewers from around the world to its biggest campaign to date. The Global Gathering is a collaborative brewing project on a mission to provide clean water for 100,000 people in developing countries. The campaign aims to partner with hundreds of breweries in the UK and around the world to brew unique, small-batch beers. A coordinated release of the beers will take place over the weekend of World Water Day – March 20-22^nd 2020. To find out more and join the movement, visit www.brewgooder.com/gathering 

Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Most recently, at the 2019 World Whisky Awards, Ardbeg Ten Years Old triumphed in the 12 Years and Under category, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan in the Non-Age Statement section. In the International Whisky Challenge 2019, Ardbeg was named Distillery of the Year and Ardbeg An Oa took home three awards, including best Islay malt.  Meanwhile, Ardbeg Uigeadail was handed a rare platinum medal by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 (SFWSC) – an award reserved for a handful of spirits, deemed near the pinnacle of achievement.

The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking

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

Heaven Hill Statement Regarding Visitors Center Closures Due to Coronavirus

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Effective close of business today, March 13, 2020, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Kentucky and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville will temporarily suspend all tours and retail sales. Heaven Hill will continue to assess the public health situation and will reopen at a future date that is to be determined. Heaven Hill is taking this measure as a safeguard to protect its employees and guests and the action comes in the wake of recommendations by Federal and State health officials and by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association to take all necessary precautions to help reduce the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). All previously scheduled tours will be refunded – visitors with questions please visit https://heavenhilldistillery.com/visit-us.php for contact information.

There are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at any Heaven Hill facility. Coronavirus has not impacted production. Additionally, all production facilities are operating as usual with added health and safety protocols.

After a special meeting on Thursday, the KDA Board of Directors recommended that members take all necessary precautions to reduce the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some KDA members are implementing strict measures to safeguard visitors, including enhanced sanitation procedures and reduced tour and tasting group sizes, or scaling back tours of sensitive areas, while others are choosing to suspend tours temporarily.

Heaven Hill is committed to protecting the health and safety of its most valuable asset, the employees, and is taking this mitigating action to support broader initiatives across the Commonwealth and ensure general public safety. Through the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and state health department, Heaven Hill will continue to update health and safety protocols as necessary.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.6 million barrels aging in 58 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY INTRODUCES ITS OLDEST EVER PERMANENT EXPRESSION, 27 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has introduced Redbreast 27 Year Old, the oldest permanent expression in the beloved Redbreast series. An iconic addition to the collection, Redbreast 27 Year Old includes whiskey matured in ruby port barrels from Portugal’s Douro Valley to bring a new complexity and depth to the Redbreast collection.

Redbreast 27 Year Old will join Redbreast 12, 15, 21 Year Old and Lustau, taking its position at the head of the family with its distinguished age statement. Spending 27 years maturing under the watchful eyes of the Midleton Masters, it was Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe who set their sights on building further on the celebrated foundation of bourbon and sherry casks so synonymous with Redbreast with the addition of a ruby port cask.

For over 30 years the team at Midleton has travelled to the Douro Valley in Portugal where port has been produced for two thousand years, to discover the finest caves in the region in a quest to provide drinkers with a truly unique taste experience. Having sourced ruby port casks, the masters filled them with pot still distillate before leaving them to mature. The ruby port barrels impart fleshy fruit characteristics with notes of toasted oak which complements the rich and robust style of the distillate. 

Master Blender Billy Leighton comments: “It gives us great pleasure to reveal the latest member of the Redbreast Irish Whiskey family. In creating this whiskey, Dave and I drew on our experience of working with sherry and other wine casks over the years as we have evolved the range. This time, we wanted to push the boundaries and yet create an expression that would seamlessly take its place at the head of the family.  Nearly three decades in the making, we are incredibly proud to present Redbreast 27 Year Old – a cask strength Redbreast expression that is a joy to behold in each and every sip.”

Blender Dave McCabe adds: “Bottled at 54.6% cask strength, the ruby port barrels contribute notes of mango, pineapple and berry to the robust flavour of Redbreast 27 Year Old, clearly distinguishing it from the previous expressions in the collection, treading a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation.”

Produced in limited quantities on an ongoing basis, Redbreast 27 Year Old is available in 11 markets from March 2020 at RRP€495.

Redbreast 27 Year Old tasting notes by Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe:

Nose: A mix of exotic fruits and red berries, complemented by fresh herbs and wood spices. Vanilla sweetness and treacle toffee combine with the nuttiness of toasted oak.

Taste: Incredibly rich in texture with a luxurious combination of ripe stone fruits and summer berries, balanced by the prickle of a hint of chilli oil. Cherry menthol, vanilla and cinnamon sweet spices complement red pepper, nutmeg and toasted oak.

Finish: A satisfyingly long balance of ripe fruit and wood spices, worthy of a journey of nearly three decades.

NOTES Redbreast is the world’s bestselling and most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey.

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.

KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY 

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still features a rare oats-based mash inspired by late-1800’s recipes

Chicago, IL (February 6, 2020) – Kilbeggan Distilling Company continues to revive Irish whiskey history and tradition with the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still, a mixed mash whiskey featuring oats, which were used at Kilbeggan Distillery in the 19^th century. Pot Still whiskey is significant, as it is the traditional and distinctive style of Irish whiskey that was first produced in Ireland. The limited-edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish whiskey will be available in the United States starting February 2020 with a suggested retail price of $44.99 (750ml).

“This remarkable whiskey is a glorious tribute to the traditional Irish pot still style and the community that kept Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery alive over centuries of trial and triumph,” said Michael Egan, U.S. Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador for Kilbeggan Distilling Company. “It is a truly unique spirit, with a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

Featuring a unique mash of malted barley, raw barley and 2.5 percent oats, the whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s. In those times, oats were grown across the Midlands Region of Ireland and were commonly used by distillers like the Locke family at Kilbeggan for filtration purposes. The grain also imparts a unique flavor and creamy texture not typically found in Irish whiskey. The subtle influence of oats in this Kilbeggan Single Pot Still expression results in a whiskey that is soft and mellow, with a fresh, fruity palate. It has a light, lingering spice and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s old copper pot stills – one of which is the world’s oldest working whiskey pot still today – the new spirit is the second limited release to be 100 percent distilled and matured at Kilbeggan Distillery since its restoration in 2010. Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its soft and round character. It follows the release of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, another groundbreaking release and the first modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash.

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL | 43% ABV

AROMA: Initial fresh crisp aroma followed by apple, pear, and melon. Jasmine and hazelnut notes combine with a hint of honeycomb sweetness. 

TASTE : Spice becomes apparent, but not overbearing, with summer fruits and citrus. Warming mid palate with a fresh mint leaf flavor leading on to a rich creamy mouthfeel.

FINISH: Initially soft, mellow, and smooth, with a creamy finish. Lingering spice and a dryness as the oat influence become evident.

Limited Edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).

Note to Editors: What is Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey?

A single pot still Irish whiskey is produced only in Ireland, at a single distillery that is double- or triple-distilled in copper pot stills from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and up to 5% of other grains.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

WHISKY CONNOISSEURS INVITED TO EXPLORE THE GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY WITH NEW VISITOR CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.

Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

The GlenDronach Distillery is pleased to announce the completion of its newly renovated prestige visitor experience at the heart of the Highland Single Malt’s historic distillery in Aberdeenshire.

Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, The GlenDronach distillery has long been established as the home of the rich and full-bodied Single Malt Scotch Whisky, slowly matured in Spanish sherry casks. Inspired by a rich heritage and craftsmanship, the enhanced visitor’s centre offers a new tasting room, whisky bar, lounge area and retail space.

The design draws inspiration from the distillery’s historic buildings, some of which date back as far as 1771, as well as the rich colour and flavour profiles of The GlenDronach itself. The original natural stone walls are complemented by rich wood tones, marble, leather, understated brass accents and warm lighting; creating an inviting environment in which to explore and enjoy The GlenDronach.

The elevated visitor’s centre also displays a rich collection of both rare and historic GlenDronach expressions, including the distillery’s oldest bottle which was bottled in 1913 just before the outbreak of WWI.
Visitors will be able to explore the new tasting bar, which will offer a selection of GlenDronach flights and drams, alongside tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic refreshments. The distillery-exclusive Hand Fill gives GlenDronach connoisseurs a rare opportunity to fill, seal, label and sign their own cask strength bottle of The GlenDronach from a choice of two sherry casks.

This is the first refurbishment of the visitor’s centre since Brown-Forman purchased The GlenDronach distillery in 2016. This recent investment has created six new jobs in the Scottish Northeast region, to  welcome the growing number of whisky tourists to the historic Huntly-based distillery in the Highland whisky region. The space has been designed by expert brand home designers 1751, alongside Ross McNally from Glasgow-based design consultancy, Scarinish Studio.

Welcoming the opening of the enhanced visitor centre experience, The GlenDronach Distillery’s Homeplace Manager, Jennifer Proctor, said:

“James Allardice was both a visionary entrepreneur and a warm and welcoming host, often inviting friends and neighbours into his home to share a dram of his ‘guid GlenDronach’.

Our vision was to carry forth his hospitality and to bring the traditional craftsmanship of The GlenDronach to life, creating the perfect experience for our visitors to immerse themselves in the distillery’s rich heritage and our Highland Single Malts. Everything has been designed around the guest experience, from the striking circular table in our tasting room to the comfortable leather lounge area. With a range of tours also available, we look forward to welcoming everyone from the whisky curious to experienced aficionados to fully explore the home of The GlenDronach’s rich and full-bodied Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.”
Visit The GlenDronach Distillery visitor centre and gift shop, with guided tours running regularly throughout the day or enjoy a dram at the whisky tasting bar. The Visitor Centre is open from 10am – 4:30pm, 7 days a week.

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk
Facebook: /TheGlenDronach
Twitter: @Glendronach
Instagram: @Glendronach

PLANNING PERMISSION SECURED FOR SCOTLAND’S NORTHERNMOST MAINLAND WHISKY DISTILLERY

Local husband and wife team behind new micro-distillery set for John O’Groats

A new micro Scotch whisky distillery is set to open in John O’Groats in 2021, following planning permission secured yesterday (2 March 2020) for a 32,670 square foot site which will house a distillery, visitor centre and bonded warehouse.

The micro-distillery will become Scotland’s most northernly mainland whisky distillery, thanks to its location near to the coastline of John O’Groats. The ‘end of the line’ distillery will have the capacity to produce up to 60,000 litres of whisky each year and will be the first Scotch whisky distillery in John O’Groats since 1837¹.

The distillery is the brainchild of local husband and wife team Derek and Kerry Campbell and to help bring their vision to life £198,000 of funding has been secured from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Situated in the heart of the area on a disused plot adjacent to the main car park, alongside producing whisky the venture will also offer a new visitor attraction to tourists and provide those travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats with an opportunity to toast their journey with a dram of Scotch whisky. It is estimated that six new jobs will be created during the first year, including a Master Whisky Maker and Visitor Centre Manager.

The new distillery and visitor centre will encompass one large building which has been designed to showcase the two copper stills and traditional whisky making process, while making the most of the fantastic views across the Pentland Firth through large glass windows placed along the front of the building. A 1,500 square foot dunnage warehouse will also be built on the site to mature and store the Highland spirit.

Founder Kerry Campbell said: “With a longstanding interest in the whisky industry, I began to truly appreciate quality Scotch whisky around 12 years ago and since then have developed a growing passion for Scotland’s national drink. After many conversations with my husband around the idea of building our own distillery and creating our own whisky, I’m delighted that we are now one step closer to making these plans a reality having secured planning permission on our dream site at John O’Groats.

“We believe the whisky we will produce will be unlike that from any other distillery, due to our coastal location in John O’Groats and the impact the local climate will have on our spirit as it matures. With traditional methods at the heart of our plans and an ambition to showcase whisky distilling in John O’Groats to the world, we are looking forward to opening the doors to our micro-distillery in due course.

“The support we have received from the local community and business owners to date has been fantastic and we can’t wait to welcome them to our distillery in 2021.” 

Commenting on the funding provided by HIE, Keith Muir, HIE’s head of business growth for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “Tourism and food and drink are two key industries in Caithness, and this project features both. As well as producing a brand-new whisky, it will enhance the area’s wider visitor offering, notably around the North Coast 500. All of this encourages visitors to stay in the area longer, which benefits all local businesses and communities.

“We particularly welcome the improvement it will make to the look and feel of the John O’Groats end of the road attraction, in bringing a long disused site back into productive use. We are very pleased to support this venture and look forward to seeing it taking shape.”

Andrew Mowat, manager at the Seaview Hotel in John O’Groats, added: “The development of the new distillery and visitor centre is really exciting for the area and is another great example of the ongoing development of John O’Groats.

“It will complement the plans for the mill and brewery in the area. It will also help increase dwell time in John O’Groats, attract more visitors, increase employment and utilise a currently undeveloped site.

“We are now getting closer to achieving our aim of making John O’Groats a world class destination, with the community trusts and business community working hand in to realise this goal.” 

Work on the distillery is due to begin in summer 2020, with the aim of opening the visitor centre to the public in summer 2021.

Notes 

Records from the National Archive of Scotland show that a whisky distillery founded by James Sutherland and John Gibson in 1826 operated in John O’Groats until 1837.

Limited-edition Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve released in

Glencairn Crystal decanters embellished with rubies

Glenfarclas has globally released it’s much awaited limited-edition Pagoda Ruby Reserve. The distillery’s oldest whisky released to date has been aged for 62 years and is beautifully presented in a stunning Glencairn decanter featuring hand-mounted precious rubies.

The Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve joins the critically acclaimed Pagoda Reserve Trilogy, that comprises extremely rare whiskies aged 43, 48 and 59 years old. A further addition to the Pagoda Reserve Series will be released later this year with the Pagoda Sapphire Reserve 63 years old.

The Ruby Reserve is available in two editions:

• Limited Edition Silver, just 180 bottles (700ml) and 62 magnums available
• Collector’s Edition Gold, only 50 bottles (700ml) and 50 magnums available.

Prices range from £22,716 (ex VAT) for the Limited Edition Silver 700 ml decanters, to £53,546 (ex VAT) for the Collector’s Edition Gold magnum decanters (1.5 litres)

Scottish family business, Glencairn Crystal, specially created these luxury decanters to contain the rare whiskies for the Pagoda Reserve Series produced from the highest quality hand blown 30% lead crystal, renowned for its ultra-clarity.

The Pagoda Ruby Reserve decanter is a showcase of Glencairn’s bespoke craftsmanship, as their first decanter ever to encase hand-mounted precious gemstones. The front age statement features 34 hand-picked and colour matched rubies to construct the number 62, to highlight the significance of the age of the whisky.

The sides of the decanter feature Chinese Guardian Lions in a carefully selected deep red to compliment the red crystal Pagoda shaped stopper. The solid silver and gold plated collars of the two editions are both individually numbered and infilled with a unique design and the Pagoda top is also engraved representing the Silk Road. The total effect is to provide flowing movement across the decanter from base to top.

With exceptional attention to detail from the outset, The Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve Series features some of the most exclusive whiskies ever to reach the market. George Grant Glenfarclas Distillery Director (6th Generation) along with Scotland’s Ambassador to whisky in China and Keeper of The Quaich, Stephen Notman, carefully selected the very finest, super premium timeless casks. Distilled in three iconic whisky making decades of the last century, each special vintage predates the 1972 decommissioning of the famous Pagoda shaped kiln at Glenfarclas.

Glencairn Crystal was commissioned to produce its finest crystal cut decanters to house these exquisite whiskies. Finished with valuable gemstones and precious metals, each decanter is a work of art and embraces the pagoda symbol of Scottish whisky production and the quality and rarity of the whiskies within.

George Grant of Glenfarclas Distillery commented: “I take great pleasure in releasing this extremely rare 1954, single sherry butt cask 62 year old. The Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve is a rare piece of Scotch whisky heritage and one of the oldest whiskies on the market today”.

Scott Davidson, Glencairn’s New Product Development Director, commented: “It has been an honour to create some of our finest ever decanters to pay homage to and celebrate the exceptional whiskies in the Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve Series. We’re especially proud of the Ruby Reserve decanter as it has enabled us to showcase the talent of our craftspeople, some of whom have over 30 years experience in working with crystal. It has been a huge developmental project for us in aspects such as developing the tall, intricate, magnetic Pagoda top and a first for us in using precious rubies to embellish the decanter. We look forward to revealing the Pagoda Sapphire Reserve decanter to the whisky world alongside Glenfarclas later in the year.”

For further information visit

 www.glenfarclaspagodaseries.com and www.glencairn.co.uk

Notes:

About Glencairn Crystal:

• In the past year alone Glencairn Crystal has been commissioned by over 30 different brands to create hand-crafted bespoke packaging for some of the oldest and most luxurious spirits ever released.
• The Glencairn Glass, created in 2001, is endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official glass for whisky. Glencairn make over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 90 countries worldwide.
• Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers.

About Glenfarclas:

• Since 1865 Glenfarclas has been owned and managed by just one family, the Grants of Glenfarclas. Now in the hands of the fifth and sixth generation of the family, to this day Glenfarclas is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to remain family owned and managed. The Grants remain committed to the vision of creating the best quality Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, in the traditional Speyside style.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY AND FRANKFORT PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST 21^st ANNUAL EASTER EVENT

Registration is required for participation in complimentary event

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 26, 2020) – Buffalo Trace Distillery and the City of Frankfort Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites is egg-cited to host its 21^st annual Easter event this April. “Easter at the Trace” is a festival-like event, comprised of music, refreshments and other Easter activities, including photos with the Easter Bunny.

Among these activities, children ages 0-11 are invited to participate in this year’s updated egg hunt, with a different format from previous years’ hunts.  This year’s egg hunt will be scavenger-hunt style. To participate, children will collect eggs from five different festive stations, and receive stamps on their hunt card. In addition to the eggs collected from the stations, participants will receive a special prize egg in exchange for the completed stamped hunt card. This updated format is a fun, safe alternative to traditional egg hunts, and means there are no age-specific hunt times, and lots of treats to go around.

This relaxed family event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5 in the Buffalo Trace Distillery gardens.

Registration for Easter at the Trace is complimentary and begins March 5. Visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/events and click on the “Register Now” link in the Events Stampede Calendar.  Space is limited, and registration for this highly anticipated event is expected to fill up quickly.  Early registration is recommended.

All families interested in participating must register online ahead of the event and present an original digital or printed ticket at the check-in. Every individual in attendance, parents and children, must be registered. Only original, authentic tickets will be accepted at check-in. Tickets may not be transferred, and the resell of tickets is strictly prohibited. Authentic tickets will only be available through the Buffalo Trace Distillery website. Tickets acquired through other means are not legitimate and will not be accepted. This remains a complimentary event for children and families to attend, but due to growing interest, and in order to manage crowd size and ensure a safe event for everyone, registration is required.

Buffalo Trace is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky. Visitors are asked to enter at the main Distillery entrance and follow event parking signs. Please allow ample time for parking. In the event of rain, the Easter Bunny will greet the children for photos and pass out treats in the Buffalo Trace Clubhouse.

            Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.  No pets please, except for service animals.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Goldfinch whisky merchants launch very rare own bottling

– a double matured single cask Macallan aged 26 Years 

Scottish whisky merchants Goldfinch have released a very rare and exclusive own bottling of a single cask 26 Year Old Macallan.

Only 100 hand-numbered bottles of the double oak matured, sherry finished Macallan by Goldfinch are available world-wide.

The single malt was distilled at The Macallan Distillery in June 1993 and matured for 25 years in an American oak bourbon barrel, then finished by the Goldfinch team for a year in an Oloroso sherry oak hogshead cask.  It is presented in a luxurious, decanter style bottle, inside a bespoke navy blue and gold foil embossed box.

Commenting on the rare release, Andrew Macdonald-Bennett of Goldfinch said:

“We are delighted to launch this exquisite single malt from The Macallan Distillery, which is regarded as the most collectible whisky in the world.

“It is a rare gem that offers whisky lovers and collectors as well as those interested in taking their first foray into whisky investment the chance to own a very exclusive bottling of The Macallan single malt whisky.  It also perfectly reflects Goldfinch’s aim to bring rare cask whisky to the market for people to enjoy and share.

“As well as displaying all the characteristics of a Macallan of its era, the double oak sherry finish has imparted layers of complexity to create an extraordinary single malt with notes of spiced-oak, golden syrup, chocolate and oranges.”

The Macallan 26 Year Old by Goldfinch was bottled non chill filtered in November 2019 at a natural cask strength of 40.8% ABV.

It is available now from Goldfinch Whisky Merchants www.goldfinchwhisky.com priced at £1,200.00 (incl UK duty and VAT) per 70 cl bottle, with free delivery.  It is also available from Nicholls & Perks, Master of Malt and at The Gleneagles Hotel.

www.goldfinchwhisky.com  follow us on social @goldfinchwhisky

Notes:

Tasting Notes for The Macallan 26 Years Old by Goldfinch

Nose: After a brief yet welcoming breeze of butterscotch and vanilla, a dusty oak emerges with a hue of citrus fruits that flow around a distant background of stewed oranges.

Palate: Golden syrup and vanilla smoothly merge with a dry oak that is overlaid with chocolate, oranges and malted barley. There is a wealth of rich and warm autumn fruits, ginger and a caramel sweetness.

Finish: A lingering mahogany with a spiced golden barley and sticky toffee sweetness that draws you towards another sip. 

Goldfinch are specialist Scottish whisky merchants dedicated to sourcing exceptional casks from Scotland’s finest distilleries to share with whisky enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Every Goldfinch release is individually crafted, exquisitely packaged and carries a clear provenance.