THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY HOST HAGGIS HUNT IN CELEBRATION OF NEW GLASGOW VENUE 

The Society will place 18 mini haggises around the city centre to mark Burns Night on Saturday 25^th January, in celebration of their new Members’ Room opening on Bath Street in March 2020 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) are hosting a Glasgow-based haggis hunt on 25^th January (Burns Night) giving the lucky folk who discover the haggises a chance to win annual membership to the Society, SMWS bottles or tasting glasses.

To redeem the prizes, the hunters must take their stuffed haggis into The Good Spirits Co. on 23 Bath Street, Glasgow where they can redeem their coveted SMWS whisky prizes*.

The 18 haggises will be placed on and around Bath Street, where the new SMWS Members Room will open in March, as well as iconic Glasgow landmarks – George Square, Kelvingrove, Glasgow Cathedral, Barrowlands.

SMWS HAGGIS HUNT PRIZES AVAILABLE 

• 1 x Annual Membership to SMWS including Tasting box
• 3 x Annual Memberships to SMWS
• 2 x 70cl SMWS bottle
• 6 x 10cl SMWS bottle
• 6 x set of SMWS Tasting glass

The new venue will open in early March 2020, bringing the Society’s colourful whisky experiences to Glasgow for the first time in a Members’ Room, which follows on from already established SMWS locations in Edinburgh, including their home at The Vaults in Leith.

The Bath Street beautifully renovated location is in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and will be open every week from Tuesday until Sunday exclusively for SMWS members and their guests.

Venue Manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Glasgow Members’ Room, Calum Lawson said: “So many of our members are based in and around the wonderful city of Glasgow, so opening a Members’ Room here was the natural move.

“Our haggis hunt is a great way for members and non-members alike to come together and experience the fun of the Society. Who knows, we could have some brand-new members by the end of the weekend.“

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was founded in 1983 through a spirit of friendship – a small group of people who used the discovery of single cask whisky as a reason to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The SMWS now has more than 26,000 members across the world. 

*The prizes are available at The Good Spirits Co, 23 Bath Street until 31^st January 2020. 

Participants must be aged 18 or over to claim a prize. Proof of age will be required on collection of prizes. 

The prize won is randomly selected and cannot be exchanged or transferred. 

The prize cannot be exchanged for cash. 

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#SMWS 

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 see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

British team crowned winners of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2019 – the ‘World’s Toughest Row’

• British team, Fortitude IV, have been crowned winners of this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
• The four-man boat completed the 3000-mile Atlantic crossing in 32 days 12 hours and 35 minutes from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean
• The four long-time friends attest ‘some of the scariest moments of [our] life’ but ‘memories that will last a lifetime’
• The team witnessed incredible wildlife, as well as extreme challenges including capsizes (72 hours from shore), sores and 12 metre waves
• The winning team stormed into English Harbour at a phenomenal speed of 7 knots – more than double the average speed for the race
• This year, Talisker will enjoy a double-celebration, with one of the winning rowers, Ollie Palmer, also a Diageo employee
• The next boat is due to arrive into Antigua within 48 hours, with the remaining fleet following between 1-65 days behind
• Talisker are excited to announce their renewed sponsorship of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge for the next two years

14^th January, London: British four-boat, Fortitude IV have been crowned winners of this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – the world’s toughest rowing race.

The four friends – Ollie Palmer, Tom Foley, Hugh Gillum and Max Breet – completed the 3000-mile rowing race in 32 days, 12 hours, 35 minutes, arriving into English Harbour, Antigua on 13 January 2020 – the first dry land the team have seen since departing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, over one month ago, on 12^th December last year.

It was not an easy crossing for the winning team – this year’s weather conditions were tough and there was a close rivalry with Australian four-boat, Rowed Less Travelled, who are due to arrive in Antigua within the next 48 hours.

The team endured some of the strongest winds ever experienced by the race – causing waves up to 12 metres in height, broken oars, capsizing as well as sores and bruises.

But alongside extreme weather conditions, the participants have also experienced incredible wildlife sightings during their voyage – witnessing both highs and lows of mother nature during this elemental adventure. Whales, orca and repeat sightings of flying fish jumping over their boat and even hitting rowers’ heads – Fortitude IV reported a pod of dolphins and sea turtles circling around their boat on Christmas Day – such sightings lifting spirits on this epic journey. The natural wonders combined with the challenge of both mental and physical endurance result in a life-changing achievement – and affirm the rowers’ motivations for entering.

Elsewhere in the fleet, 9 boats are expected to finish within the next week, with some of the solo boats predicted to spend up to 8 more weeks at sea.

Talisker Whisky have sponsored the Atlantic Challenge for six years and share the same love for adventure and the world’s oceans. Talisker has a rich history with the sea – in 1830 Talisker Whisky was founded by the MacAskill brothers who rowed from Eigg to Skye to find the perfect spot for their distillery in Scotland. Just like the Talisker distillery, this row represents what it means to be made by the sea.

Talisker are excited to announce their continued sponsorship of the Atlantic Challenge and have renewed their partnership with the race for two years.

Speaking in Antigua after the race Ollie Palmer and Hugh Gillum of Fortitude IV said:

OP: “It feels amazing – words won’t be able to sum up how we feel, what we’ve just gone through and then seeing friends and family just now. The memories we have out there will last a lifetime. With all that time on the ocean, you definitely realise what is important to you. 

“The most amazing thing I saw was this incredible array of stars – all moving along in a line like a train – there must have been 200 or 300 stars. That for me was the most incredible thing I saw – along with lots of wildlife; dolphins, whales and turtles.”

HG: “Being on the ocean in quite an extreme context, strips back all the noise and makes you realise what is really important to you. You have a lot of time to think out there – with no distractions – and that inspires you in different ways. 

“It was an amazing thing to have done – we set off thinking it was a once in a lifetime thing and we can certainly maintain that position. The sum of all the parts is incredible – from seeing the shooting stars, to the arrival here tonight, and the support from all of our family and friends. There are tough times that we perhaps would wish away slightly but standing here now [in Antigua] we just think that the sum of all those parts is incredible.”

Natalia Montigny, Head of Global Marketing for Talisker commented: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fortitude IV into English Harbour in Antigua as the winners of this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. I am personally proud of my dear friend and colleague, Ollie Palmer, for him and his teammates to have accomplished this unbelievable achievement, unthinkable to most. Talisker joins their family and friends in celebrating these Wild Spirits and know that their journey will inspire others to embrace their inner-adventurer and reconnect with nature and the things that matter most.”

CEO of Atlantic Campaigns, Carsten Heron Olsen said: 

“Our winning team – Fortitude lV with Tom, Ollie, Hugh and Max – have, from the beginning, done incredibly well. I salute them, and we are, as every year, blown away by our teams’ determination and capability to make what seems impossible, possible – rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. 

“The first team arriving into English Harbour, Antigua, is the greatest time of year. To see our rowers’ faces, their expressions, the way they have changed… as one of our rowers said in La Gomera ‘the journey is the start of a new beginning’ and it is.”

Notes  

TALISKER

The TALISKER distillery is battered by the elements on the windswept coast of the Isle of Skye and is one of the most remote distilleries in Scotland. It was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, and the distillery has been in near-constant operation ever since. Talisker 10 year old, Talisker Skye and Talisker Storm are widely distributed while Talisker 18 year old, Talisker Distiller’s Edition and Talisker Port Ruighe can be found in specialist stores. See www.malts.com and www.facebook.com/Talisker for more information. The TALISKER, TALISKER STORM, TALISKER PORT RUIGHE, TALISKER SKYE words and associated logos are trademarks. © DIAGEO 2018.  Talisker 10 year old and Talisker Storm were recently awarded Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Talisker 10 year old was also awarded Best in Category. Talisker has a heritage rooted in adventure, in 1830 its founders the MacAskill brothers crossed the Atlantic Ocean from the Isle of Eigg to establish the TALISKER distillery on the shores of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye. It has remained there ever since, producing consistently fine whiskies for almost 200 years.

As a whisky Made By The Sea, we want to do our part to protect our oceans, the most important ecosystem of our planet. We believe the power for change lies in the hands of the consumer and brands and as such, Talisker is currently undertaking initiatives to improve its environmental performance.  To date, the Talisker distillery has reduced energy by 12%, improved water efficiency by 22%, achieved zero waste to landfill and is constantly exploring new innovative uses of natural resources, including using sea water for cooling water which can help reduce demand for freshwater during warmer months on Skye. Talisker is equally committed to improving the sustainability of its packaging, including opportunities to reduce weight of materials, increase the recycled content and ultimately, to remove plastic almost entirely from its primary packaging by 2020.  The initiatives currently underway to improve Talisker’s environmental performance are aligned with Diageo’s industry leading environmental targets for 2020 which include halving its carbon emissions and improving its water efficiency by 50% by 2020.

TALISKER 10 YEARS OLD

Talisker 10 Years Old is much-loved with a smooth and smoky finish. Double distilled to create a rich, deep character embodying maritime characteristics of a coastal whisky, it is one of the most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in the world. This single malt has a sea-salty nose and famously rich and powerful peat-smoke flavour, leaving a warm peppery taste at the back of the mouth.

TALISKER SKYE

Talisker Skye pays homage to the Isle of Skye’s majestic landscape and coastline. The liquid has been made from a combination of hand selected toasted and refill American oak casks, that accentuate the sweet, citrus notes of Talisker. The result is a Talisker expression that opens with welcoming, smoky sweet notes, developing into deep maritime flavours and culminating in a powerful, spicy conclusion.

TALISKER STORM

Talisker Storm is crafted to enhance the distillery’s signature smoky and briny flavours, Talisker Storm displays characteristics of the tempestuous seas of its home on the Isle of Skye. It is spicy on the nose, with a hint of struck matches, brine and an oily explosion of pepper. On the palate a deep, nutty smokiness is followed by a hit of wood and brine, finishing with a smooth aftertaste of peaty burnt embers.

DIAGEO

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ATLANTIC CAMPAIGNS

Atlantic Campaigns is the official race organiser and the company behind the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.  Without Atlantic Campaigns the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge would not be possible. Working alongside some of the planet’s best ocean rowing advisors, Atlantic Campaigns make dreams a reality and challenges conquerable.  The main goal for Atlantic Campaigns is to make The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge the best organised rowing event in the world. For more information please visit – taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com

The full list of teams competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2019

TROPICAL TRIUMPH

Tomatin Distillery capture the flavours of south western France with the latest Warehouse 6 release: The 1977

In a bold move, the award-winning distillery has used a wine cask from Sauternes, France to mature its latest luxury expression. After a journey of over 1,100 miles and 42 years in waiting, The 1977 is one of Tomatin’s most exclusive releases ever. 

15^th January 2020: Tomatin, the renowned Highland distillery has today announced the newest expression from the Warehouse 6 collection: The 1977. This luxury whisky is the first in the distillery’s history to be matured in a Sauternes wine cask, resulting in an exceptional explosion of tropical flavours.

Tomatin’s whisky from the 1970s is known for its deep and complex fruit flavours. This unique flavour profile combines stunningly with the intense notes of coconut, mango and ginger that are a trademark of the Sauternes region of France. The delicate balance of flavours has resulted in one of Tomatin’s most exceptional spirits to date, yielding just 390 bottles priced at £3,000 each.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, said: “Of the thousands of casks held at Tomatin, we’ve only ever acquired a handful of Sauternes wine casks. Using any one of them, even for one of our oldest and most valuable whiskies wasn’t a decision we made lightly; we knew from the start that it could be difficult to impart the flavours of the wine cask to the whisky without overwhelming it. Despite the immense challenge, I’m pleased to say that our team has produced a truly exceptional whisky that includes notes of apricot, peach, sweet honeysuckle and spice, all enticed from the Sauternes cask’s influence.” 

The 1977 expression has spent its life maturing in Warehouse 6, the traditional dunnage style warehouse where Tomatin’s most treasured casks are laid low above a cool earthen floor. Cared for by several generations of the distillery’s workforce, their dedication is perfectly matched by the complex meteorological conditions that surround the towns of Sauternes and Barsac to produce extraordinarily sweet wine. These fruity notes have influenced the whisky over time, resulting in a luxurious expression that dances across the palate for a gloriously long finish.

As with every Warehouse 6 release, each expression pays tribute to the Tomatin craftsmen that have been custodians of exceptional Scotch for generations. The 1977 is no different, and as with the previous luxury expressions in the series, (the 1971, 1972 & 1975), each of the 390 units is decanted into an exquisite hand blown Glencairn Crystal decanter with unique copper decoration. This luxury bottle is presented with two glasses (also Glencairn Crystal), a solid copper stopper, along with a numbered certificate detailing the remarkable journey of the whisky.

Bottled at natural cask strength (49% alc./vol.), each of the 390 units of The 1977 is priced at £3,000 and will be available from specialist retailers throughout the UK and the world.

Available from whisky specialists and online retailers including:

Harrods

The Whisky Exchange

Master of Malt

Notes: 

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts, The 1977 release is a part of Warehouse 6’s limited edition range, which includes the 1971, 1972 and the 1975.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). In the last ten years, Tomatin has secured over 60 prestigious awards in a variety of categories, and in 2019 the distillery celebrated its most successful year ever at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, securing seven Double Gold awards and four Gold awards.

About the The 1977

• Cask Number: 38863
• Cask Type: Sauternes Hogshead
• Strength: 49% alc./vol.
• Distillation Date: 23^rd September 1977
• Bottling Date: 30^th September 2019
• Number of bottles: 390

A BOLD NEW LOOK FOR POWERS IRISH WHISKEY 

Powers Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a bold new bottle design for its range of premium Irish whiskeys. Debuting on core expression Powers Gold Label in the USA from March 2020, the dynamic new look is set to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

The design features a new bottle shape which has been inspired by the distinctive pot still silhouette from the brand’s historical home at John’s Lane Distillery.  Another striking aspect of the new design is the label which is styled on the iconic Powers ‘diamond P’ – one of the first ever trademarks registered in Ireland and a link to the legacy of Powers and Irish whiskey history all over Ireland. Each whiskey in the Powers range is presented with a label in a different colour to bring to life its unique story; Powers Gold Label in red, an homage to the original red Powers diamond marque; Powers Three Swallow in blue, a nod to the feathers of the graceful bird; and Powers John’s Lane Release in metallic ink, to reflect the industrial innovation that the Powers family demonstrated at the original distillery established in 1791 on John’s Lane, Dublin.

Carol Quinn, Archivist at Irish Distillers explains, “Powers sense of identity has always focused on the diamond P; that became very clear to me as I worked my way through the historical archive. The diamond P was everywhere; on the casks, stationary, on bills and receipts, emblazoned on everything that left the distillery, and notably on the wonderful Powers mirrors that still hang in Ireland’s pubs today.  Workers at the old John’s Lane distillery even took to wearing a diamond P pin on their lapel, such was their pride to be part of the Powers family.  For me it’s wonderful to see the diamond P front and centre on this new label, symbolising all the history of this great whiskey since 1791.”

Following the launch of the new-look Powers Gold Label in March 2020, the new design will be introduced across Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane from mid-2020 in the USA and the rest of the world  from late-2020. In Ireland, Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane will be released in March 2020, with Powers Gold Label to be reviewed in due course.

Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers commented: “Powers has been famous for its bold taste profile and character since the family distillery was established in 1791. We are excited to introduce this new look to the world and inspire a new generation with the unique history and personality of Powers. At Irish Distillers, we have pride in Powers as one of the world’s leading Irish whiskeys and we welcome this dynamic new chapter for the brand as we seek to continue the Irish whiskey renaissance around the world.”

New packaging for Powers Irish Whiskey underpins recent innovation for the brand as it seeks to reach and inspire whiskey drinkers including; the release of Powers Old Fashioned, the brand’s first ever pre-mixed classic cocktail; and the Powers Quarter; a collaboration between six Dublin bars to tell the story of Powers and its illustrious Dublin history.

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier 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 fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.7m 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 €250m to double our production at Midleton Distillery and bottling capacity at Fox and Geese in Dublin 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.

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY UNVEILS NEW MONOGRAM BADGE 

 A new year brings a new look for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society with the spirit of membership at its heart

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have unveiled a new monogram badge across everything they do. The monogram represents their heritage at The Vaults, Edinburgh but also celebrates their role as a members’ club – a community across countries and cultures, united in their passion for sharing exceptional whisky and spirits.

The introduction of the new monogram goes much deeper than making a cosmetic change. In 2020, the SMWS are bringing the Society membership experience further to life with the opening of a new Members’ Room in Glasgow and a refurbishment and expansion of the Edinburgh Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street.

Last year ended on a high for the SMWS, with a third consecutive award as Independent Bottler of the Year in the Independent Bottlers’ Challenge competition

Head of Marketing & Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Helen Stewart said: “We’re excited to launch our new monogram, representing our rich past but also our confidence in the future.

“Membership is at the heart of everything we do and we can’t wait to hear the reaction of our Society of kindred spirits and curious characters.

“As ever, we will continue to release the world’s most exceptional whiskies, but above and beyond that we want members to share the joy of belonging to the world’s most colourful whisky club.”

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was founded in 1983 through a spirit of friendship – a small group of people who used the discovery of single cask whisky as a reason to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The SMWS now has more than 26,000 members across the world.

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 see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC

Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Whiskey investment company targets €24m revenue after record year

Alternative investment company, Whiskey & Wealth Club has its sights set on further success for 2020, targeting a 140% revenue increase to €24m. In only its third year of operating, its headcount is set to rise by 48%.

Last year was the company’s most successful to date. Revenue hit €10m, while its headcount grew from 4 to 27, both highlighting the strength and opportunities with whiskey investment and its increasing appeal to investors. The company was also shortlisted for Young Company of the Year at the Growing Business Awards at the end of 2019.

Based in both Richmond and Dublin, Whiskey & Wealth Club, offers investors the opportunity to purchases casks of new make spirit direct from leading distilleries. The casks are then stored in a secure bonded warehouse for the ageing process, before it can be bottled, sold or aged for longer.

Originally founded to open up the rapidly growing Irish whiskey market to private investors, the company has now expanded its operations. Last year, Whiskey & Wealth Club launched into the Scotch whisky market, partnering with the historic Bladnoch Distillery, and has designs on entering new markets in the US and Japan.

Jay Bradley, founder at Whisky & Wealth Club, said: “We’re extremely pleased by our efforts over the past year, all the hard work from the team is very much paying off, with record revenues reported and our team seeing a significant growth in headcount.

What started as an idea over a glass of Irish whiskey has developed into the successful business Whiskey & Wealth Club is today. Whiskey is seeing its popularity continually grow on a global basis. Irish whiskey exports have grown 300% in the last decade, according to the Irish Food Board, Bord Bia.

We’ve now laid the foundations of success to build on in the new year and the decade, which will provide further exciting opportunities for the whiskey industry for investors and distillers alike.”

About Whiskey & Wealth Club

Whiskey & Wealth Club is an alternative investment company that connects individual investors with authentic and premium Irish and Scottish whiskey distilleries. The distilleries make casks of new spirit available to Whiskey & Wealth Club at a wholesale rate that Whiskey & Wealth Club then releases to private investors at a significantly discounted rate.

Beam Suntory Sets Bold Ambition for India, Launches First Truly International Indian Whisky Oaksmith® and the Iconic The House of Suntory Portfolio including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®

375 PARK AVENUE SPIRITS STRIKES ANOTHER KEY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP THAT WILL EXPAND FAST-GROWING PORTFOLIO OF NEW SPIRITS

Louisville, KY (December 19, 2019)—Brand-building specialist, 375 Park Avenue Spirits, is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with Glen Turner Company Ltd, the Scottish  subsidiary of French group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet to act as the US importer for Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky effective February 7, 2020.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to be adding yet another industry icon, Cutty Sark, to our rich portfolio of revered brands, “said Jason Schladenhauffen, president and CEO of 375 Park Avenue Spirits. “Adding another top-20 global brand within its category to our book is a testament to the team we’ve assembled and the brand building work we’ve been able to showcase to our partners over the last several years. These opportunities are met with a conviction and obligation felt by our team to help these brands achieve the success they desire deserve in the U.S. market.”

Cutty Sark was developed in London in 1923—just before Prohibition began. The whisky takes its name from the famous drawing of the Cutty Sark sailing ship, and the iconic label got its color due to a printing error, but the company went with it! Once Prohibition took hold, the company had to get creative in how it shipped its product. Captain Bill McCoy, a smuggler of liquor to the US, was the main distributor for Cutty Sark at that time. The liquor became known as “The Real McCoy” in honor of the captain because he only dealt in the finest whisky products. Once Prohibition ended the sales of the liquor took off, and eventually became the first Scotch whisky to sell 1 million cases in the US.

“Joining the 375 Park Avenue Spirits portfolio is a fantastic opportunity for Cutty Sark” said Christophe Pichambert, international director for La Martiniquaise-Bardinet. “The rich history and glorious past of Cutty Sark in the US required an importer with the right focus, a proven track record of success and the invigorating energy to put the brand back on the forefront. We are very confident that Jason and his team will succeed in the exciting challenge of bringing such an iconic Scotch Whisky brand to the new generation of whisky drinkers in America.”

Cutty Sark will be available from 375 Park Avenue Spirits beginning on February 7, 2020. Available SKUs include the following: Cutty Sark 1.75L, 1L, 750ml and 375ml and Cutty Sark Prohibition 1L & 750ml.

About 375 Park Avenue Spirits

375 Park Avenue Spirits specializes in superior brands from around the world that drive innovation within their category. It was founded in 1981 as Luctor International, LLC and in early 2015, became an independent subsidiary yet fully integrated sales company inside the Sazerac Company.

The 375 Park Avenue Spirits portfolio spans the premium- to luxury-spirit categories and includes numerous expressions from leading international producers: Van Gogh Vodka and Gin from Holland; Tap Whisky from Canada; Dictador Rum from Colombia; Sobieski Vodka and Marie Brizard from Marie Brizard Spirits in France; Saint James Rhum from Martinique; Antica Sambuca, Limoncello Rossi D’Asiago and Dolce Nero from Italy; Saint-Vivant and Castarède Armagnac from France; Yeni Raki and Tekirdag Rakisi from Turkey; Scapegrace Gin from New Zealand; and Paul John Single Malt Whisky from India.

375 Park Avenue Spirits also represents the International Beverage Holdings Ltd. spirit portfolio including single malt whiskies Speyburn, Old Pulteney, Balblair, and anCnoc as well as Hankey Bannister blended Scotch and Caorunn Gin from Scotland. On the Pacific side, the alliance includes Phraya Rum and Mekhong – an iconic brand and a household name in Southeast Asia.

In 2019, 375 Park Avenue Spirits signed multiple agreements to act as the U.S. representative for brands including Paul John Indian Whisky, Marie Brizard Spirits including Sobieski vodka and Maison Augier cognac.

By aligning with brands that embrace the values and vision of 375 Park Avenue Spirits, the company has created an environment of growth for supplier partners in the US market. For more information on the portfolio, go to 375park.com.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

About La Martiniquaise-Bardinet

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet Group is a leading player in the Wine & Spirits industry and features in the world’s top ten spirits companies (source: IMPACT).

This independent French group founded in 1934 employs 2,400 people with a turnover of over 1 billion euros. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 100 countries on many spirit categories and is particularly renowned internationally for its blended scotch whisky portfolio (Cutty Sark acquired from The Edrington Group in December 2018 and its two millionaire brands Label 5 and Sir Edward’s). The group also prides in being the category leader in Port with Cruz Port and Agricole Rum with Saint James.

For more information, please visit www.la-martiniquaise.com

BIG PEAT ROUNDS OFF 10^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH

FINAL RELEASE IN TRILOGY SERIES

Big Peat, revered Islay Malt Scotch Whisky brand, today unveils the final release in this Aged Trilogy Vintage Series – the 27 Years Old Black Edition.

The Limited Edition bottling follows the Gold Edition, aged 25 years and launched in 2017, and last year’s 26 Years Old Platinum Edition, and completes a trio of mature, refined and collectable Big Peat Malt Whiskies.

Bottled at 48.3% alcohol strength and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, Big Peat’s Black Edition is said to carry a “complex amalgam of barbequed meats, coal dust and rock salt”.

Established in 2009, Big Peat has celebrated “his” 10^th anniversary throughout 2019, kicking off celebrations with a 10 Years Old Limited Edition followed by extensive digital activation including an online birthday party and social media content.

The new Big Peat 27 Years Old Black Edition will be available from specialist spirits retailers globally from January 2020. Just 3,000 bottles exist.

Tasting Notes

Allow a heady, chimney-smoked nose to whisk you off to Big Peat’s Islay home, with hints of briney sea air, chewed leather and a honey sweetness. The refined palate shows a complex amalgam of barbequed meats, coal dust and rock salt, running to a long and satisfying finish with drifting puffs of peat smoke.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO:

 www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bigpeat

Twitter: @remarkablemalts

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

 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 (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and XOP, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.