Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2020 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 14 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in fall of 2005, and bottled in fall of 2020, the sixth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $140.

A previous 14-year-old edition was released as a visitors center and Kentucky allocated product, denoted with a red label. The fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first 14-year-old of the nationally released series and features Bourbon pulled from different rickhouses, at different floors, and on different production dates than the red label release. As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

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 1.7 million barrels aging in 60 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.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLYROOD:

SMWS KICK OFF VIRTUAL FESTIVAL BY OFFERING CASK OF WHISKY TO ONE LUCKY MEMBER 

The world’s most colourful whisky club is partnering with Holyrood Distillery to offer a hogshead cask to one lucky member 

To celebrate The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS) annual Gathering, it is offering one lucky member the chance to win a whole cask of whisky from Holyrood Distillery.

This is the first time SMWS has offered members the chance to win an entire cask of whisky from a partner distillery. The coveted prize is worth approximately £10K and includes all associated costs including production of spirit, maturation for up to 10 years, bottling and duty, surely the ultimate prize for any whisky-lover.

A CASK IN DEMAND

Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh’s first city centre single malt whisky distillery for nearly a century, offers the widest breadth of flavour of any distillery in the country.

As part of their Custom Cask Programme, they allow a unique fully customisable option, where people can select flavour options to tailor their cask of whisky to their flavour preference.

The two Edinburgh-based leading whisky organisations have paired up for this special project, with the lucky SMWS member being able to select their own bespoke cask of whisky from Holyrood Distillery.

The competition will go live on Monday 7^th September, all SMWS members have to do is enter here: https://unfiltered.smws.com/win-a-cask

WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS

This year’s Gathering is taking place throughout September. Building on the success of its inaugural year last year, The Gathering 2020 will focus on the SMWS global community of over 27,000 members, uniting them in exceptional single cask whiskies.

A series of tastings (both virtual and in-person), whisky webinars, global ambassador at-home tastings, virtual pub sessions with global guests and a Twitter Tasting will take place throughout the month.

In a year where many whisky events and festivals have been forced to move online, SMWS are encouraging members to host their own Gathering events at home, with home tasting kits available to download. Tickets can be purchased for the full calendar of events here: www.smws.com/events

There will be a Virtual Tasting streamed live from The Vaults on 6^th September. All members need to take part is a limited-edition Discovery Pack, including five exclusive Gathering bottlings, which can be purchased here: https://www.smws.com/the-gathering-discovery-pack-2020

As well as these virtual events, there will also be events taking place at the Society’s spiritual home in The Courtyard at The Vaults on 4^th and 5^th September, bringing members together while adhering to all necessary social distancing guidelines.

The SMWS is now a truly global membership organisation, with members and partner bars across the world. Each SMWS branch around the world will have its own market-exclusive Gathering bottle.

The September SMWS bottling outturn will see The Gathering special releases available from Friday 4^th September. The Gathering Discovery Pack will be available with five exclusive bottlings for the virtual tasting element of the global Gathering festival.

Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “Can you imagine owning your own full cask of single malt whisky? That’s the incredible prize that is up for grabs to all the member of the SMWS.

“Without doubt it’s the biggest prize we’ve ever offered to our members and with our global festival The Gathering beginning on 31st August, it’s the perfect time to show the world what we do at SMWS – but you have to be in it to win it.

“It’s been tough for everyone in different ways, but nothing can stop us from celebrating our amazing membership. We’re encouraging members to join in on their own or organise their own Gathering at home and take part with friends. We’ll be celebrating all things Society at The Gathering from 31st August.”

For details on all The Gathering events, visit: www.smws.com/events

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 138 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please seehttps://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visithttps://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

HEPBURN’S CHOICE RANGE UNDERGOES VIBRANT RE-BRAND 

Hunter Laing & Co. reveals new look and feel for the range inspired by the directors’ grandfather who travelled the globe in the 1960s with his role in the Diplomatic Service

The family owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. announces a brand-new look and feel for the Hepburn’s Choice range. The    new-look collection will be available worldwide from early September.

Each bottling, whether as a single cask or small batch, showcases the characteristics of a Scottish distillery. The colours of the new design denote the whisky region of the distillery, giving consumers a quick and handy reference as to flavour profile.

The range is named in honour of the directors’ late maternal grandfather, William Hepburn, who travelled the globe with his role in the Diplomatic Service. The new design harks back to the 1960s and William’s heyday, when he lived in places as diverse as Hong Kong, Istanbul, and Nairobi.

The Hepburn’s Choice range is bottled at 46% ABV and without artificial colouring or chill-filtration. The collection is also available to purchase from Ardnahoe Distillery which reopened to the public on Monday 20^th of July.

Commenting on the new design, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said:“We’re extremely proud of the new design. We aimed to produce a refreshing, vibrant look and feel that would catch the eye of whisky fans worldwide, with a nod to our family heritage.”

Adding to his father’s comments, Scott Laing, Business Development Director, said: “The new look of Hepburn’s Choice is colourful, eye-catching and exciting, which we know will create intrigue with loyal fans of the range and whisky enthusiasts around the world.

“Our range is bottled as 70cls and has been matured in a variety of different casks. The liquid is as good as ever, and we can’t wait to see people’s reaction to the new branding.

“My grandfather’s long experience of attending embassy functions gave him a fine sense of appreciation for his homeland’s whiskies. We believe these bottlings would indeed have been ‘Hepburn’s Choice’.”

Facebook: @Hunterlaingwhisky

Twitter: @hlaingwhisky

Instagram: @hunterlaingwhisky

Notes:

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £2.3m on a turnover of £8.4m for its last full year of trading (end April 2018).
• The Laing family are the owners of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay, which began distilling in 2018.

Virginia Distillery Company’s Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky Now Available

LOVINGSTON, Va. (September 4, 2020) – Just in time for Virginia Spirits Month, a collaborative effort between the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to support the Commonwealth’s burgeoning distilled spirits industry, the latest offering of Virginia Distillery Company’s Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has made its way onto shelves at Virginia ABC stores. The whisky is also available for purchase online at vadistillery.com to customers in Virginia and beyond.

Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, marrying American Single Malt whisky made on-site in Virginia with aged malt whisky from Scotland. The whisky finishes in casks sourced primarily from Virginia cideries such as Potter’s Craft Cider and Buskey Cider for an additional 8 to 20 months. The whisky retails for $59.99.

The Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has received multiple awards in recent years, including being recognized by Whisky Advocate as one of the top 20 whiskies of the year in 2018, receiving a 90-point rating from the publication.

On Thursday, September 10^th at 3pm ET, Virginia Distillery Company will host a live virtual tasting on Instagram featuring the Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky.

“We’re thrilled to bring back our award-winning Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky during Virginia Spirits Month,” said Virginia Distillery Company CEO Gareth H. Moore. “Our Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky has a lot of fans and it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy it.”

To coincide with the latest release of Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky, Virginia Distillery Company collaborated with Pratt Standard Cocktail Co. on a cocktail kit available exclusively online for Virginia residents.

The cocktail kit, which is available for $69.99 on the Virginia Distillery Company website, includes Cider Cask Virginia-Highland Whisky (750ml bottle), Pratt Standard Cocktail Co. True Kola Syrup (16 oz. bottle) and a cocktail recipe card featuring two recipes, one that can be enjoyed hot and one that can be enjoyed cold.

The distillery launched Courage & Conviction, its signature American Single Malt whisky, this spring. The name is a nod to a phrase founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Have the courage of your convictions.”

Coinciding with the rollout of the Dr. George G. Moore batch of Courage & Conviction, Virginia Distillery Company released batch.info, a website hub that includes distillate and cask data, as well as bottling and process information for consumers. Virginia Distillery Company also recently launched a complete guide to American Single Malt whisky.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at www.vadistillery.com.

About Virginia Distillery Company

Staffed by a local Virginia team mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest dedicated American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has a current annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery produces Courage & Conviction American Single Malt on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning Virginia-Highland Whisky series, made with 100% malted barley. Showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making, the award-winning line marries whisky made on-site in Virginia with whisky from Scotland.

SCOTTISH FAMILY FIRM LAUNCHES THE ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS

The team at an award-winning family firm has created a new spirits glass – The Angels’ Share Glass.

The glassware, which features an angel’s wing and a flame, is launched online by Stirling company Angels’ Share Glass today.

It is the latest innovation from the firm which is renowned for a range of glassware including Whisky Angels, Whisky Water Droppers and Gin Pigs.

Angels’ Share Glass Managing Director Karen Somerville said: “We’ve always wanted to add our own glass to the range so this is a concept which has been in the making for a long time.

“We’ve gone back and forth in deciding how it should look and behind the design is the idea that it should be simple but bold and legendary but attainable.

“There is no pseudoscience involved. We wanted to come up with something for drinkers who don’t take their spirits too seriously and we’re delighted, that after all this time, we have our own glass reflecting the company’s journey and vision.”

“The Angels’ Share Glass is designed on elegance and grace much like an Angel and it’s ideal for everyone’s favourite spirit whether that be Scotch Whisky, Rum, Bourbon, Cognac, Vodka, Sherry, Port or Gin.”

There are two glasses in the range – a standard size which takes 100ml of spirits and a mini tasting version which is 50ml.

The glass was designed by Karen Somerville and her father, Master Glassblower Tom Young MBE, who were keen to incorporate the wing and flame which forms their company logo into the design.

It is aimed at all spirits-lovers and complements the firm’s existing bar and giftware range including gift sets.

The versatile glass can also be personalised with a name or brand and plans are underway to extend the range to include decanters and water jugs.

The company had intended to launch The Angels Share Glass during an Open Day at the firm’s headquarters in Bridge of Allan near Stirling, however, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the launch will be a virtual one instead.

Mrs Somerville said: “It’s a shame we can’t have a full launch at our studio, but like many small businesses we’ve had to adapt to the current situation and instead we’ve created a video featuring the Angels’ Share Glass which we hope everyone will enjoy.”

The video can be viewed here – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw80vrjEDjk

The standard 100ml Angels’ Share Glass costs around £12 while the mini version, which is perfect for tasting sessions, is 50ml and £10.

For more details and to order go to – www.angelsshareglass.com/collections/gift-sets

For more information about Angels Share Glass, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

GORDON & MACPHAIL COMMEMORATES 125^th ANNIVERSARY WITH ‘LAST CASK’ RELEASES 

— 47YO Coleburn first in the series of four rarely seen whiskies — 

Gordon & MacPhail has revealed plans to launch four rarely seen single malt Scotch whiskies to commemorate the company’s 125-year history.

Exceptionally scarce, each whisky – either from a closed distillery or made on Lomond Stills no longer in production – is from the last cask held in Gordon & MacPhail’s famous warehouse in Elgin. The rare single malts will be released periodically during the rest of 2020, providing a fitting tribute to 125 years spent in pursuit of perfection of the art of maturation. Since 1895 Gordon & MacPhail has released single malts from over 100 celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries.

The first of the anniversary whiskies to be revealed is the Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. Coleburn Distillery, situated just four miles from the company’s Elgin home, started production in 1897 and it remained active until 1985.

Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery [RSP £1500*]

Just 363 bottles of the sweet, intense and complex 47-Year-Old whisky from Coleburn Distillery are available. After spending its entire maturation in cask 3511, a refill sherry puncheon, the golden-hued whisky has been bottled at cask strength (62.4% ABV), developing a sweet aroma with butterscotch notes.

This sweetness is carried into the taste of the whisky, with apricots flavours, cooked apples and mint giving way to a medium finish with autumnal fruit and a slight herbal finish.

Stephen Rankin, a fourth-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family and the company’s Director of Prestige, said: “The whiskies we have chosen to commemorate our 125^th Anniversary are all truly unique and seldom seen in the market.

“They are bottled from the last remaining casks we have from these distilleries, and marks an emotional moment for my family as they leave the Gordon & MacPhail warehouse after being left to mature by my grandfather many decades ago.

“These single malts represent not only the skills and expertise in whisky maturation built and passed down through generations, but also the passion we have in advocating the discovery of rare whiskies from some of Scotland’s lesser known, but much sought after, distilleries.

“We intend to reveal details of the other three whiskies over the coming year, with each single malt honouring this important milestone for Gordon & MacPhail.”

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#GordonandMacPhail

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes 

Gordon & MacPhail 1972 from Coleburn Distillery

Matured in cask 3511, a refill sherry puncheon and bottled at 62.4% ABV. 

Colour: Golden

Aroma: Sweet butterscotch, ripe fruit and subtle floral aromas. Caramelised sugar develops alongside waxy citrus peel, slowly transforming into fresh guava.

Taste: Intensely sweet; fruity flavours of apricot and cooked apple with a subtle mouth-warming chilli spice edge. Subtle charred oak flavours give way to a soft undertone of mint leaves.

Finish: A medium finish with sweet and ripe autumnal fruit and a lingering dry herbal note. 

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouse in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• ‘Discovery’ – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces Limited Release

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel in the U.S. 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 27, 2020) For Blanton’s fans, Buffalo Trace Distillery is making Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel available in the United States this fall.  This announcement follows Buffalo Trace Distillery announcing earlier this year that Blanton’s Gold Edition will be available annually in the United States, starting in summer 2020.

Like Blanton’s Gold Edition, Straight From The Barrel will be limited, and released once every year in the U.S. This is the first time Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel has been made available in the U.S. It joins Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, bottled at 93 proof and the aforementioned Blanton’s Gold Edition, bottled at 103 proof.

As its name suggests, Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel is an uncut, unfiltered bourbon.  The recipe is the same as Blanton’s Original and Blanton’s Gold, but the proof will vary from barrel to barrel.

“Blanton’s continues to be one of our most sought after bourbons,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “Fans in the U.S. have asked us to make Straight From The Barrel available here at home, so we’re happy we’re able to accommodate that starting this fall.”

Like the other two in the Blanton’s stable, Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel showcases a horse and jockey atop its stopper, in various poses to emulate the running of a horse race. The eight different horse and jockey stoppers feature a letter that collectors save to spell out the brand name “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.”

Tasting notes for Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel describe it as notes of dark chocolate, caramel and butter with earthy undertones of walnut and hazelnut on the nose.  The palate delivers intrepid notes of warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts and a rich spiciness with hints of butterscotch or honey, with a deep and resonate finish.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single barrel bourbon, was created in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee. Named after former distillery president Colonel Albert B. Blanton, Elmer recalled how Colonel Blanton would handpick “honey barrels” from the center cut of Warehouse H for the many parties Blanton held.  Many years later, the Distillery called upon Elmer to create a new bourbon in 1984 and Blanton’s was born – the world’s first single barrel bourbon.

Today, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most revered and award-winning bourbons on the market.  Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel will start shipping from Buffalo Trace Distillery this fall on a very limited basis.  Suggested retail pricing is $150.  For more information on Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel visit www.blantonsbourbon.com.

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 1775 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.

Irish Distillers Launches Grow Your Own Cocktail Web Series for Bartenders 

Global bartender platform ‘Jameson Hosts’ brings to life their global ‘Grow Your Own Cocktail’ web series with new videos and cocktail inspiration from around the world  

Bartenders are encouraged to join the global movement and combine local resources and ingredients with Jameson for the chance to win a cash prize    

Jameson Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has launched a Grow Your Own Cocktail web series to promote local sourcing, collaboration and discovery among bartenders and local producers around the world.

Last year, the Jameson team brought bartenders, local farmers and producers together in communities across the globe to encourage mixologists to create locally inspired cocktails. The Jameson team captured all of their adventures, which fans can now enjoy as a six-part web series. The series will feature episodes from Dubai, Tel Aviv, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Stockholm and Cork, home to Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery, to educate and inspire the global bar community to use local and uniquely sourced ingredients.

Since the Grow Your Own Cocktail concept was born, Jameson has encouraged meaningful human connections between bars and their community through foraging, hosting masterclasses, and partnering with local expert craftspeople. This has inspired participants to embark on a journey of collaboration with local producers on a truly global scale.

Alongside the web series, Jameson is encouraging bartenders to proactively support their local community by joining the Grow Your Own Cocktail movement. Jameson is offering a €1,000 cash prize to be split equally between bartenders and producers who work in collaboration to create a Jameson cocktail using locally sourced ingredients. The competition will encourage bartenders to leverage their local environment by creating a signature drink with ingredients sourced from a farm, corner shop or local market and winners will be encouraged to invest their prize back into their community through further local sourcing.

Entrants simply post their cocktail on Instagram, outlining the local ingredients used, background to the collaboration, and explain why Jameson should support them, along with the hashtag #GrowYourOwnCocktail. The contest will judge each Bartender’s fresh new cocktail. How their new serve celebrates and supports both the local community and the smooth taste of Jameson –will also be rewarded.

Irish Distillers’ International Marketing Director Brendan Buckley explains, “The Grow Your Own Cocktail web series is integral in encouraging collaboration between the bar industry and their local craftspeople. The bar community has faced serious challenges in 2020, so now, more than ever the industry needs solidarity, creativity and innovation to help it through these times. It’s Jameson’s mission to support this creativity and encourage bartenders to use their own environments in truly innovative ways.

“The bartending community is at the heart of Jameson as the first advocates of our whiskey many years ago.  We can’t wait to see what bartenders and their wider communities come up with.”

Episodes of the web series are being released throughout August and September via @JamesonHosts on Instagram and the Jameson Irish Whiskey YouTube channel.

For more information on how to enter the competition, bartenders should head over to the @JamesonHosts Instagram page. All posts must tag @JamesonHosts and the deadline for entries is the September 14^th 2020.

Douglas Laing Unveils Two New Additions to their Regional Malt Range

Douglas Laing & Co, the leading independent Scotch Whisky company, today announces the launch of Big Peat 12 Years Old and Epicurean 12 Years Old, a duo of exciting new permanent bottlings within the “Remarkable Regional Malts” series.

Big Peat 12 Years Old Islay Malt is a unique marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration, and at 46% alcohol strength. Specifically targeting the specialist retail sector, this new offering is packaged in a premium black and gold gift tube. Tasting notes include “charred oak, chimney soot and rock salt, complemented by brown sugar and bonfire ashes”. This is the first ever permanent age statement release under the Big Peat brand which continues to enjoy significant growth and a cult following globally.

From Islay to the Lowlands, Epicurean 12 Years Old is a vibrant and versatile marriage of Single Cask Single Malts distilled in Scotland’s Lowland region. With eye-catching silver and green packaging, the spirit is said to “burst with citrus zest, ripe peaches and a touch of spice”, the tasting notes for Epicurean’s new permanent fixture also feature “coconut flakes and cut grass”. In-line with the Douglas Laing philosophy, it too is offered without colouring or chill-filtration, at a high alcohol strength of 46%.

Commenting on the new releases, Chris Leggat, Douglas Laing & Co.’s Managing Director said: “Since joining Douglas Laing in 2013, it’s been an exciting journey watching Big Peat “grow up” and helping to establish the Epicurean brand which launched as recently as 2016 but is growing very nicely for us. The two are polar opposites in terms of taste profile but these permanent bottlings, designed expressly for specialist retail, are an exciting development for the business. They join Timorous Beastie 10 Years Old, Scallywag 10 Years Old and Rock Island 10 Years Old in our dynamic series of Whiskies which offers a fun yet credible, quality line-up for the specialist retail category”.

Big Peat 12 Years Old and Epicurean 12 Years Old are available to buy from specialist spirits retailers globally with an RRP of £55.00 and £50.00 respectively.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

 www.douglaslaing.com

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

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

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

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

TWO 1792 BOURBONS NAMED FINALISTS FOR CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY AT 2020 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Aug. 25, 2020) – Five 1792 bourbons from the Barton 1792 Distillery were recognized at the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, including two which were named finalists for the highest honor. The two Chairman’s Trophy Finalists were 1792 Aged 12 Years and 1792 Bottled-in-Bond. Additionally, three whiskies were designated a “Great Value,” and two received the “Tried & True” award.

Awarded the high honor of “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” was:

• 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
  • Named a “Great Value”

“Excellent, Highly Recommended” honors went to:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Named a “Great Value”
  • “Tried & True” Award
• 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
  • Named a “Great Value”
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • “Tried & True” Award

Awarded “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” were:

• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This competition, in its 10th year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.ultimate-beverage.com/ultimate-spirits-challenge-USC-Results/2020-spirits-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.