The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 4 receives bronze award at the recent 2019 Independent bottlers challenge

The Fisherman’s Retreat has received a bronze award for its 4^th edition Scottish single malt whisky in the Scotch Islands (non Islay) under 12 year old category.

The 4^th Edition from The Fisherman’s Retreat is a 5 year old Arran single cask single malt which had spent its entire maturation in a 100 litre Yalumba Octavius red wine cask. The cask produced 191 500ml bottles at an ABV of 54%

Whisky Legend Jim McEwan who has done the tasting notes for the 4^th edition had this to say about The Fisherman’s award winning single malt

“Wow, for one so young it’s amazingly complex, layered and seductive. The flavours of toasted barley, rich wine soaked oak and spicy vanilla is impressive for such a young spirit. Little hints of tangerines and almonds bring amazing Yalumba matured spirit to a most surprising and satisfying conclusion”

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 4 is available to purchase on their online whisky shop

https://www.fishermansretreat.com/whisky-shop/

SCOTCH GALORE – NEWS FLASH

We now offer FREE Collection in your area when you choose to sell with your Whiskies with Scotch Galore. Once you decide to sell we can arrange for our Courier to uplift your Whisky from you home address or if more convenient a local drop off point in your Locality. So get in touch, email us at info@scotchgalore.com, call 01236 434688 or visit our website https://www.scotchgalore.com and use our contact form for any questions you may have. Slainte….. Scotch Galore.

BIG PEAT COMPLETES VINTAGE TRILOGY WITH ULTIMATE RELEASE

Big Peat’s Aged Trilogy Series is now complete, as “his” 27 Years Old Black Edition reaches shelves and homes all over the world.

The ultimate release in the Limited Edition collection completes the series of collectable, aged bottlings, also comprising the Gold Edition, aged 25 years and launched in 2017, and 2018’s 26 Years Old Platinum Edition. The premium trio charts the journey of a unique marriage of Islay’s finest aged and rare Single Cask Single Malts over a three year period.

Each is bottled at high alcohol strength – the Black Edition at 48.3% – and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky, said “In 2017 we selected a number of sister casks that were all destined to be bottled within Big Peat’s Vintage Trilogy. Back then we set out bring to life the journey of the spirit with each year that passed, and the experiment has been a fascinating one. Big Peat’s signature sweet smokiness has remained at the heart of the Gold, Platinum and now the Black Edition, but this latest release displays a new complexity that has deepened with the passing of time. This “grown up” limited edition within the Big Peat portfolio will serve to add further credibility to what is undoubtedly a fun brand with very respectable credentials.”

The new Big Peat 27 Years Old Black Edition is available now from specialist spirits retailers globally. Just 3,000 bottles exist.

Big Peat Black Edition 27 Years Old 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”.

New Wolfburn Release: Batch 155

Wolfburn Distillery has today announces its fourth small-batch release, named Batch 155.  Consisting of just 5000 bottles in total, it is the first whisky from Wolfburn to have been matured in one type of cask (first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for close to five years) then finished in another (six months in port hogsheads).  The results are superb: a smooth, rich, easy drinking whisky, rich in colour and with a depth of sweet flavours from the port influence.

‘We’ve crafted Batch 155 from whisky matured in fresh bourbon casks laid down in 2014,’ commented Mark Westmorland, brand ambassador. ‘The spirit had already matured very nicely, even before it was transferred to a series of Fonseca ruby port hogsheads. The result is a truly special single malt, rich in colour and deep in flavour. It has been extraordinarily well received by everyone who’s tried it.’

Like previous Wolfburn small-batch releases, Batch 155 was named after the warehouse in which the casks were matured (Warehouse 1), and the specific row in which the casks were located (row 55).

‘We’ve been asked many times about doing a “finishing”’ comments Iain Kerr, distillery manager. ‘We managed to keep this one under wraps until the last minute. It’s been a lot of fun to make, and the results are really special. I hope our fans and followers around the world enjoy it as much as we do!’

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in 26 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com 

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

IRISH DISTILLERS UNVEILS THE LATEST CHAPTER IN THE MIDLETON VERY RARE DAIR GHAELACH STORY 

Knockrath Forest Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has introduced Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest, the third release in the Dair Ghaelach collection. A remarkable addition to the Midleton Very Rare story, the new expression has matured in barrels made from virgin Irish oak grown in Knockrath Forest, County Wicklow, reinforcing Midleton’s provenance and its standing as a true taste of Ireland.

The story of Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach, which translates as ‘Irish oak’, began over a decade ago when the Midleton Masters, ever keen to innovate and create unique and exemplary whiskeys, decided to explore the possibility of maturing Irish whiskey in native oak. Midleton’s talented team, led by Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master Cooper Ger Buckley and Master Blender Billy Leighton, set out to source sustainable Irish oak from estates throughout Ireland to produce a series of whiskeys, each with their own individual history and taste profile, that could be traced back to the specific tree from which the oak cask was made.

For the third edition, the Midleton team selected the Knockrath estate in the ancient Vale of Clara where the oak has grown for more than 150 years amidst the landscape of mountains and lakes. Known for its cool summers and heavy rainfall, the climate of County Wicklow impacts the density and porosity of the oak. This, in addition to a lighter toasting of the wood and unique combination of distillates, results in subtle flavour differences between Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest and its predecessors, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood[1] and Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest.[2]

Since the 16^th century the Brabazon family has watched over Knockrath Forest and continues to sustainably manage the trees from one season to the next. Under their guardianship, the Knockrath estate became one of the first sites where the iconic Great Spotted Woodpecker – engraved into the whiskey’s stunning wooden case – set up residence on its return to Ireland following years in exile. Today, after ten years of silence, the woodpecker’s drumming can be heard throughout the forests of Wicklow and beyond thanks to the Brabazon family and the expanding oak forests.

Once felled, the carefully harvested trees were shipped to the Maderbar sawmills in Baralla, north-west Spain, where they were traditionally quarter sawn into staves for barrel manufacturing and transferred to the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez.  After a 15-month drying process, the staves were worked into barrels and given a light toasting before returning to Ireland. Back at Midleton Distillery, the virgin oak casks were filled with Irish pot still whiskeys ranging in age from 13-26 years.

Following two further years maturing in the Irish oak, O’Gorman and Leighton diligently checked the barrels each month until finally the pair felt the whiskey had the perfect balance of flavour, aroma and wood contribution ready for bottling.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is bottled at cask strength ranging from 56.1% – 56.6% ABV, giving drinkers the opportunity to taste Irish whiskey almost directly from Irish oak. The native wood contributes notes of caramel, fruits, vanilla and chocolate for a smooth and robust whiskey.

Kevin O’Gorman explains: “Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is an amazing 150-year journey from Knockrath Forest to bottle and one we’re proud to be part of. Traceability and sustainability are at the heart of this whiskey and, until we started this project, Irish oak had not been used to mature whiskey for well over 100 years. Today, thanks to sustainable practices, we can harvest small volumes and trace each bottle right back to the very oak tree that helped to create it. This has, in turn, fostered an awareness and appreciation among whiskey lovers that there is even a subtle difference between trees which contributes to a whiskey’s unique flavour.”

Billy Leighton adds: “It’s an honour to present the latest edition in the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection. Truly a taste of Ireland, the barley, water, oak and indeed craftspeople at the heart of this expression are all home-grown, making us extremely proud to share this latest expression in the Midleton story with the world.”

Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is available from January 2020 in Ireland, UK, France, US and China at the recommended selling price of €310 per 70cl.

NOTES 

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Tasting Notes

Nose: Pot still spices are accentuated by the Irish oak contribution, adding waves of toasted wood with hints of vanilla and roasted coffee, layered over fresh fruit which evolves from orchard fruits to tropical notes.

Taste: Classic pot still spices give a luscious texture to the fore, while the influence of the Irish oak adds a medley of sweet notes including chocolate and honeycomb.

Finish: Remarkably long finish with fruit and spices fading to allow the Irish oak to have the final say. 

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.

[1] Launched in 2015, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood was the first expression in the collection, matured in Irish oak barrels grown on the Ballaghtobin Estate in County Kilkenny.

[2] In 2017 the second edition, Dair Ghaealch Bluebell Forest, was launched created using oak from the Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny.

FLAVIAR PRESENTS DEER, BEAR & MOOSE: THE GENTLEMEN

Flaviar teams up with STXfilms’  The Gentlemen to create a special edition of Deer, Bear & Moose in celebration of the film’s release

24 January 2020, New York. Flaviar, the leading members club for fine spirits enthusiasts, has teamed up with STXfilms on their upcoming theatrical release The Gentlemen. In celebration of the film’s release on January 24, 2020 Flaviar will release just 420 bottles of Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen, a special 23-year old Speyside Scotch distilled in 1996.

From writer/director Guy Ritchie comes The Gentlemen, a star-studded sophisticated action comedy. ‘The Gentlemen’ follows American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business forever it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him (featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant).

With plenty of shots in the film featuring whisky, it made perfect sense to create an ode to the film in whisky form.

Deer, Bear & Moose is a Flaviar exclusive brand which showcases rare, mysterious and elusive barrels for Flaviar’s membership of adventurous spirits enthusiasts. Established in 2015, Deer, Bear & Moose is a selection of exclusive private bottlings curated by Flaviar that makes great, typically inaccessible whisky accessible to those who love it. To date, there have been 17 coveted releases including Bunnahabhain 1989, Auchentoshan 1997, and Tamdhu 1999.

Deer, Bear & Moose is always released in very limited numbers and exclusively to Flaviar members; these precious bottles sell out quickly.

There are just 420 limited-edition bottles of Flaviar presents Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen, a batch size chosen as a nod to the film’s storyline.

Stephanie Carpenter of Allied Global Marketing, STXfilms’ agency of record for partnerships, explained, “We reached out to Flaviar because we wanted to create a special whisky to celebrate the launch of The Gentlemen and help us reach a whisky enthusiast community.  We sought to find a partner that embodied the rogue, entrepreneurial spirit exemplified in the film – Flaviar fit the bill perfectly.”

For this star-studded edition of Deer, Bear & Moose, Flaviar went to Scotland to uncover something fresh, action-packed and absolutely fun. This tale of great wit is deserving of a stiff drink and the result is Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen.

Commenting on Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen, Grisa Soba, co-founder of Flaviar said: “The juice from Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen comes from the Glentauchers distillery in Speyside, Scotland, established way back in 1897. We cherry picked a very special expression to honor this London crime story: a 23-year-old Scotch finished in ex-Bourbon hogshead barrels and a first fill cask from Koval. We tried to capture the intrigue and excitement of The Gentlemen and we hope you can taste it in your glass.”

Flaviar hosted two exclusive screenings of The Gentlemen for Flaviar members in New York and Los Angeles on Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21 respectively.

Deer, Bear & Moose The Gentlemen by Flaviar is a 23-year old Speyside Scotch bottled at 47.2% ABV in 1996 and priced at $220. This cinematic quality offering is available at www.Flaviar.com.

ABOUT FLAVIAR:

Founded in 2012, Flaviar is the world’s largest premium spirits club, with operations in the US and Europe. Flaviar offers a better way to experience fine spirits.

Flaviar members enjoy a full suite of benefits including quarterly tasting boxes and full-size bottles sent directly to their home, invitations to exclusive spirits events, access to rare and original spirits available only to members, free shipping, over 200K member reviews and more.

Flaviar is here to help more people try more new things more often.

Flaviar membership is $300 per year, or $95 a quarter.

For more information visit www.flaviar.com

You’ve got to try this!

ABOUT STX ENTERTAINMENT:

STX Entertainment is a global, next-generation media company whose mission is to unlock the value of the direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, financing, production, marketing and distribution of film, television, digital video, music and live entertainment content.  It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises.

The company is led by accomplished businessman and entrepreneur Robert Simonds. Investors include the global private investment firm TPG Growth; Hony Capital, a leading private equity firm in China; PCCW, Southeast Asia’s largest Internet and cable services provider; Tencent Holdings, China’s leading provider of online products and services; Liberty Global, the world’s largest distribution platform; Dominic Ng, Chairman of East West Bank; New Enterprise Associates (NEA); DNS Capital (representing the business interests of Gigi Pritzker and her immediate family); and Beau Wrigley, former Chairman and CEO of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, among others.  With these strategic relationships, the company is uniquely positioned to maximize the impact of content worldwide, with direct passage into the China market. For more information, please visit http://www.stxentertainment.com. 

ABOUT ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING:

In business for over 30 years, Allied has built upon its roots in advertising and publicity for movie studios to become a global leader in entertainment, culture and lifestyle marketing. Allied’s global team of specialists, over 400 strong across 23 offices in North America and Europe, create campaigns that drive conversion for some of the world’s biggest brands and their diverse customers across film, TV, streaming, sports, gaming, live entertainment, cultural institutions, hospitality and consumer brands.

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE FIRE UNVEILS PACKAGE REDESIGN

Launched in 2016, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire is the #4 Flavored Whiskey Brand Globally

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., (JANUARY 23, 2020) – The Jack Daniel Distillery announces today a package redesign for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire launching in January 2020. The new look is intended to be more premium, fit better with the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands and improve visibility in bars and restaurants.

Jack Fire launched globally in 2016 and has since become the #4 selling flavored whiskey in the world. Crafted with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and naturally infused with a proprietary cinnamon liqueur for a smooth and delicious taste, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire enable friends of Jack a new way to enjoy Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

“Jack Fire is a complex Jack Daniel’s that delivers the bold character of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with the warm, smooth finish of cinnamon,” said Alicia Johnson, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Brand Manager. “This new package design more accurately communicates to our consumers the flavor and taste expectations for the delicious cinnamon whiskey it contains.”

The new look will begin hitting shelves across all global markets beginning in January. For Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire news and updates, follow the brand on social media at Facebook (Facebook.com/JackTNFire), Twitter (Twitter.com/JackFire) and Instagram (Instagram.com/JackFire).

About Jack Daniel’s:

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and TENNESSEE FIRE are registered trademarks of JACK DANIEL PROPERTIES INC. ©2020. Jack Daniel’s.  Whiskey Specialty, 35% ALC./VOL.(70 proof). Produced and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg), TENNESSEE, U.S.A.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CONTINUES

RECORD-BREAKING VISITATION STREAK

Nearly 300,000 Guests Visited Historic Distillery in 2019 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Jan. 21, 2020) – Buffalo Trace Distillery experienced phenomenal tourism growth over the past decade, having increased visitation to the National Historic Landmark Distillery by 466 percent since 2010.

The Distillery ended 2019 having welcomed a record-breaking 293,996 visitors during the calendar year. This is a 35 percent increase in visitation over the previous year.

Over the course of 2019, Buffalo Trace reached significant milestones in its ongoing $1.2 billion investment to make more whiskey and accommodate the increased visitation.

This fall, repairs, restoration and painting kicked off behind the scenes at Buffalo Trace, specifically behind the back wall of the Visitor Center. Though having just completed an expansion of its Visitor Center in 2015, Buffalo Trace is again expanding in order to accommodate the continued tourism growth.

Much of the construction and expansion work will continue to take place out of the way and will have minimal impact on guests visiting the Distillery, as the Visitor Center will be expanding further back into the building it currently resides. Work will take place behind the back wall until the expansion work is complete. Then the existing Visitor Center will receive updates and work will be completed to make the building a cohesive space. The Distillery anticipates the Visitor Center expansion to wrap up later this year.

The expanded Visitor Center will be utilized to exhibit more Distillery archives, and as the expanded space will back up to the recently completed fermenter expansion, the Visitor Center will have backdoor access to the whiskey making process, allowing for new and updated tour routes. The expanded space will also supply another event location for hosting evening parties.

Just as tourism continues to grow, so is demand for more bourbons made by Buffalo Trace, which is why the Distillery made some major upgrades to expand its distilling capabilities in 2019, embracing the first large scale structural expansion on the campus since the end of Prohibition.

Right before Christmas, the Distillery started up its brand new, 22-foot cookers for the first time. A recap of this milestone can be viewed here, and downloaded here. Four of these massive cookers, which are responsible for pressure cooking the milled grains before they are cooled and fermented, were installed in 2019. The new cookers span three floors in height, and the Distillery had to remove the roof of its Mash House to lower them into the building.

This, and several other Distillery upgrades Buffalo Trace has been working on over the past year will allow the Distillery to greatly increase its whiskey production, as demand for its whiskies continues to grow.

Along with the cooker upgrade, the distillery installed four new fermenters this past summer, after having to raise the roof by nine feet. The fermenters are 92,000 gallons a piece – the same size as Buffalo Trace’s other fermenters. Additionally, a new cooling tower, which cools down the grains after they are cooked into mash, was added.

All this whiskey has to go somewhere to age, so the Distillery has been busy on that front too. Six new warehouses which each hold 58,800 barrels now stand on the farm adjacent to the Distillery, with two more under construction, and many more planned over the next several years. Latest new barrel warehouse progress can be viewed, and downloaded here.

“The growth we are seeing in all aspects of the Distillery is really exciting,” Meredith Moody, director of homeplace development said. “We are eager to show all of our distilling upgrades to new and returning guests on our updated Hard Hat Tour. It’s a whole new experience, whether you are a first time visitor or have toured many times.”

Buffalo Trace is currently offering a modified Hard Hat Tour, which takes guests through the recent fermenter expansion. The Distillery anticipates reincorporating the updated Mash House into the Hard Hat Tour route by early February once final construction elements are complete in that building. For more information about tours and to make reservations visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/our-tours.

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

Wemyss Malts kick of their 15th anniversary year with ‘Black Gold’; a 30 year old single sherry cask Bowmore.

The third exclusive release for the Wemyss Malts Cask Club; Black Gold is an exceptional single cask single malt from Bowmore distillery. Black Gold is single sherry hogshead cask of 1989 Bowmore that has matured for 30 years and bottled at a cask strength of exactly 50.0%ABV. Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay and one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, tracing its distillation roots back to 1779. In keeping with its over 200 year heritage and tradition it is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that still malts and kilns its own barley with local Islay peat.

The whisky has been noted for its deep, polished rosewood colour and a complex combination of flavours such as dried dark fruits, treacle toffee and earthy kiln smoke.

Director of Wemyss Malts; William Wemyss commented:

“Black Gold is a strikingly distinctive single cask, single malt whisky and a great release to start the 2020 celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the founding of Wemyss Malts. I hope Cask Club members will enjoy, savour and share among friends the remaining 174 bottles as I purchased the first one for myself and have already enjoyed a few drams of it.”

Black Gold follows on from the first and second releases (Smoky Nectar and Antique Armchair) of single cask Islay malts offered exclusively to the Wemyss Malts Cask Club members. The Cask club offers exclusive bottlings of the most exciting and interesting bottling’s and early access to new releases from Wemyss Malts.

Black Gold will be released exclusively to Wemyss Malts Cask Club members via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club at 12pm on Thursday the 23rd of January and is priced at £599 for the 700ml bottle and gift box. Membership to the Cask Club is free to join and can be signed up to from the same website.

Notes:

 Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is family run company operated by brother and sister William and Isabella Wemyss. The Wemyss family Castle has been home to the family since the 1300s and is featured in the company logo.
 Wemyss Malts craft blended malt whiskies such as The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney as well as Batch Strength versions and single cask whiskies.
 Wemyss blended malts have recently won double gold medals for The Hive and Spice King as well as ‘Best in Class’ for The Hive at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The latest release of The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney Batch Strength, Batch No.002 all received gold medal wins from the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
 The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.
 The family opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife and in July 2017 also added Darnley’s Gin distillery to the site. www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com
For further information please contact Steven Shand at steven@wemyssmalts.com or Karen Stewart at ks@wemyssmalts.com or on +44 (0)131-226-3445

Larkfire founder and whisky enthusiast James McIntosh reveals his favourite drams for Burns Night after visiting over 50 distilleries in the past four months. A whisky enthusiast has selected six of the best scotch whiskies to try ahead of Burns Night on January 25th. James McIntosh – co-founder of ‘wild water’ whisky mixer Larkfire – has compiled the list after visiting more than 50 distilleries in Scotland in the past four months. James, who likes to add a splash of Larkfire to the whiskies recommended below, has put together tasting notes for those looking to try something different this Burns Night:

1)  The GlenAllachie (Cask Strength, 10-year-old):

We love The GlenAllachie distillery and the people there. It’s a definite must-visit on the whisky trail. This particular whisky has a nose of heather, honey, toffee apples, and a taste of vanilla with Caribbean spices. Billy Walker, co-founder of The GlenAllachie, is a legend in the industry, and won the Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards in December. Lovely drinking!

www.theglenallachie.com

2)  Glengoyne (18-year-old):

This is a picture-perfect distillery. We recommend the 18-year-old expression, which uses 50% first-fill sherry casks. It has a tremendous depth and mouth feel, with a taste not unlike a lightly spiced apple strudel.

www.glengoyne.com

3)  Bunnahabhain, Caorag:

Caorag – or ‘small-peat’ in Scottish Gaelic – is a hand-filled exclusive distillery release. A perfect balance with a sweet sherry influence and warming peaty flavour. It’s perfect for a dark January night.

www.bunnahabhain.com

4)  Scapa, The Orcadian:

This whisky offers a very sophisticated, honeyed flavour. It’s mellow and easy-drinking with a very delicate taste. Worth trying in a Mizuwari-style, served using Larkfire.

www.scapawhisky.com

5)  Aberfeldy (12-year-old):

A fantastic whisky with a longer fermentation period, encouraging a honeyed sweetness which works nicely with its little hint of spice. A beautiful Highland single malt, an absolute triumph.

www.dewars.com

6) Blair Athol (12-year-old):

A fantastic, rich, sweet Highland single malt, from the Flora & Fauna range. Notes include dried apricots and treacle toffee. We enjoyed drinking this at the unique Mash Tun tasting bar, which certainly adds to the experience.

www.malts.com/en-gb/visit-our-distilleries/blair-athol

James McIntosh travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, visiting countless distilleries ahead of the launch of award-winning ‘wild water’ Larkfire, which releases and enhances the depth of flavour of whisky.

Larkfire was launched after a study by Swedish chemists Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman in the Scientific Reports journal helped prove that water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of whisky, enhancing the flavour.

The wild water was recently named Best Premium/Adult Drink at the World Beverage Innovation Awards, and is sourced from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

James said: “In Scotland there is incredible passion and care involved in making whisky, so if you enjoy a splash of water with your dram, it’s important not to undo any elements of the complex distilling and aging process by ensuring you’re adding the best possible water.

“People often add tap water to scotch, but the water has been recycled several times before it reaches your glass, and the added chlorine and fluoride interfere with the delicate whisky flavours. Bottled water also has a high mineral content which affects the aroma and taste.

“However, Larkfire is the perfect water to mix with whisky as it is pure and naturally soft with an exceptionally low mineral content thanks to the billion-year-old Lewisian gneiss rocks, a key feature of the geology of the Isle of Lewis.”

A percentage of Larkfire sales flow back into the islands via a partnership with The Stornoway Trust, a community landlord which looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis, where the water is sourced.

Larkfire is the only known canned water for whisky and is now available for just £1 a can at www.larkfire.co.uk.