BENROMACH 15 YEARS OLD CROWNED ‘WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2020’ BY WHISKY EXCHANGE CUSTOMERS IN ANNUAL BLIND TASTING

Speyside distillery Benromach has claimed the top spot in the annual Whisky of the Year blind tasting by specialist spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange, with their 15 year old expression – a lusciously rich Speyside single malt, with a soft smokiness and distinctive golden amber colour thanks to maturation in first-fill former sherry and bourbon casks.

The Whisky of the Year tasting is the only official global blind whisky tasting undertaken by members of the public and, for the first time this year, the six shortlisted whiskies were nominated by global customers of The Whisky Exchange, with more than 1,200 putting forward their favourites. The judging of the most popular six was opened up to the world via the Whisky of the Year blind tasting set and online voting, in addition to a blind-tasting event in London on 18 November. With just over 300 votes cast, it was a tightly-fought battle.

All the shortlisted whiskies are under £65 retail price, bottled at standard strengths, and are all ongoing, commercially available releases. In addition to the winning Benromach 15 Years Old, the final shortlist included:

• Kavalan Classic Single Malt (Runner-up)
• Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask
• Glenallachie 12 Year Old
• Lagavulin 16 Year Old
• Port Askaig 8 Year Old

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach Distillery, said: “Benromach 15 Years Old being named Whisky of the Year is an incredibly proud moment for the whole team at the distillery.

“Like all our whiskies, Benromach 15 Years Old is handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients and is a distinctive Speyside whisky with a subtle smoky character. The longer maturation softens its smokiness to hints of charred smoke while developing the wood imbued character of succulent honey, vanilla and fruit.”

Sukhinder Singh, co-founder and owner of The Whisky Exchange, comments: “The idea behind our Whisky of the Year initiative is making excellent affordable whiskies known to whisky-lovers around the world, and if you don’t know Benromach 15 yet, then you really need to. This is an exceptionally well-balanced and pleasing dram, with something for everyone – peat smoke, rich fruit, chocolate, herbs and spices. Entirely understandable that whisky-lovers from around the world nominated this classic Speyside single malt for the shortlist and a worthy winner of the title.”

Benromach 15 Year Old is available at thewhiskyexchange.com priced £48.95 (on promotion, full price £52.95).

TASTING NOTES

Benromach 15 Years Old is bottled at 43% ABV

• Colour: Golden Amber
• Nose: Beautifully balanced Sherry aromas with vanilla pod, zesty orange and spicy ginger complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. With water it has subtle hints of cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon giving way to sweet honey notes and hints of bonfire embers.
• Palate: Rich fruit cake with stewed plum, red apple skin and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit. With water it has traces of charred oak complementing sweet tangerine, plum and nectarine completed by a gorgeous touch of milk chocolate
• Finish: Luscious and rich with hints of charred smoke, succulent honey, vanilla and fruit
• Maturation: Matured for 15 years in sherry and bourbon casks 

ABOUT BENROMACH DISTILLERY

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com 

ABOUT THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and two stores in Covent Garden and Great Portland. A third store is due to open soon in London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people. It is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.

The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 500 rums; 450 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; one retailer.

London Shops:

2 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH/ Tel: 020 7100 0088

90-92 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7NT/ Tel: 020 7100 9888

Online: thewhiskyexchange.com/ Tel: 020 8838 9388

Diageo launches new AI Whisky Selector to help people discover their favourite Single Malt Scotch whisky

‘What’s Your Whisky’ uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to analyse a user’s personal flavour preferences and matches them with a Single Malt whisky that the AI thinks they will love. 

28^th November 2019: Today Diageo launches ‘What’s Your Whisky’, an innovative digital experience which helps people to find their perfect whisky, based on their preferences for certain flavours.

This exciting new digital experience, which can be accessed via any mobile or internet-connected device, asks consumers eleven questions to understand their individual flavour preferences, such as “how often do you eat bananas?” and “how do you feel about chillies?”. Then, using exciting new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies, ‘What’s Your Whisky’ analyses the user’s preferences for a variety of sweet, fruity, spicy and smoky flavours found in Single Malt whiskies to create their personal “Flavour Print” and recommend a Single Malt whose flavour profile most closely matches the user’s.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Adeline Koay, Principal Scientist, Research and Development for Diageo said: “We are using our extensive consumer knowledge, whisky expertise gathered over hundreds of years and cutting-edge AI to help consumers discover, explore and enjoy Scotch in new and exciting ways.” 

Andy Parton, Senior Regional Manager for Diageo added: “The ‘What’s Your Whisky’ mobile experience allows consumers to explore a wide range of our Single Malts in a personalised and completely new way. We’re excited to roll this out at scale and help many thousands of people find their perfect Whisky based on the innovative FlavorPrint® AI technology.” 

Launching on the 28^th November in nine European countries (GB, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands), ‘What’s Your Whisky’ will be available in 6 languages, and can be accessed online at www.whatsyourwhisky.com, or via QR codes which can be found on a variety of point of sale materials in participating bars, restaurants and shops. 

‘What’s Your Whisky’ is the latest Digital Innovation from Diageo, following the 2018 launch of a new Scotch Whisky tasting experience using voice technology to inspire consumers to think, talk and try Scotch at home over the festive season. Prior to this, Diageo tapped into the latest voice technology and functionality for of the Amazon Echo Show, with the launch of ‘The Bar’ skill, to inspire consumers to create cocktails at home.

Visit ‘What’s your Whisky’ here.

NOTES 

Note: ‘What’s Your Whisky’ is age gated.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP TO THE WORLD’S LEADING WHISKY CLUB

Treating your loved one to a membership with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a gift that is sure to delight, long after the tree is tidied away

Being part of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society opens up a new world of adventures for the whisky-lover in your life. Unique experiences are at the heart of this colourful whisky club, and annual membership starts from just £65.

No other club offers the variety and ever-changing range of the Society’s one-off whiskies, released each month in a new selection from across the complete spectrum of flavour profiles.

Every Society single malt whisky is hand-picked by its expert Tasting Panel for its exceptional quality and intriguing character. Distinctive, diverse and strictly limited to the contents of one cask, each bottling is a case study in flavour and a precious opportunity to experience whisky in its purest form.

But being part of the global community of more than 26,000 whisky fans goes way beyond the Society’s outstanding single-cask spirits. Membership provides exclusive access to Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh and London, with a brand-new Glasgow location opening early next year, as well as a calendar of UK-wide tasting events.

UNIQUE FESTIVE EXPERIENCES

The Society’s annual festive market takes the Christmas shopping experience to a whole new level at 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh. Guests can pick up artisan gifts such as local beers, chocolates, charcuterie and trinkets. Attendees can also purchase incredible whiskies, all while enjoying a relaxing dram and escaping the hustle and bustle.

Standard tickets to the Christmas market start at £5 (including a dram) and are available here: https://www.smws.com/qs-xmas-market-2019

The holidays are all about catching up with your nearest and dearest, and the SMWS has a calendar jam-packed with experiences throughout November and December. The SMWS gives festivities a twist with tastings, masterclasses and delicious food pairings: www.smws.com/events 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP  

A year’s membership to the Society costs £65 and provides whisky-lovers with benefits throughout the year, including access to the multi award-winning monthly outturns of around 20 new single cask whiskies; free subscription to Unfiltered, its award-winning members’ magazine; and a calendar of colourful events and intriguing whisky experiences to share alongside other like-minded members.

Tailor your membership with a choice of add-ons available:

• MEMBERSHIP & BOTTLE OF THE MOMENT (£110): the most popular option – surprise and delight your senses by adding a specially selected bottle of the moment to annual membership.

• MEMBERSHIP & FIVE DRAM TASTING BOX (£89): get to know SMWS

whisky and discover your favourite flavour by exploring five 25ml single cask Society samples.

• MEMBERSHIP & TASTING TICKETS (£125): bring a guest to enjoy the good company of fellow members by coming along to a regular whisky tasting event (up to the value of £70). 

• MEMBERSHIP & THREE DRAM SERVE (£80): perfect for getting to know each other, visit UK Members’ Rooms for a chat and an informal three-dram tasting.

• PIONEER WELCOME PACK (£130): – annual membership PLUS a beautiful welcome pack containing three 10cl sample bottles, a £5 e-voucher, SMWS journal and club lapel badge.

To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as a gift this Christmas, visit: https://bit.ly/2zofcP4 

VENUES

The SMWS has its spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh as well as a Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in the city centre. Non-members can also experience a range of single cask whiskies and other spirits at the Kaleidoscope Whisky bar, as well as a selection of fantastic food in the renowned Dining Room.

As well as locations in Edinburgh, the SMWS has an exclusive Members’ Room at 19 Greville Street in London’s Farringdon district, and also recently announced plans for a new Members’ Room in Glasgow. It is set to open on Bath Street in early 2020, providing a perfect place for the high number of dedicated members in and around the city to share a dram.

SMWS Partner Bars are every bit as extraordinary as the Society’s malts. With nearly 100 worldwide locations, they’re ideal for experiencing a one-off single malt Scotch whisky.

https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

#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

Douglas Laing Represents Two Iconic Whisky Regions with New Bottlings

Under Super-Premium XOP Black Brand

Douglas Laing & Co, award-winning independent Scotch Whisky firm, has unveiled two antique Single Cask releases under its Xtra Old Particular Black Series.

The family business, which recently announced its acquisition of Strathearn Distillery in Perthshire, says the two latest XOP Black bottlings “represent perhaps the two most iconic Whisky regions – Islay and Speyside – and are amongst the finest Single Casks bottled in our 71-year history”.

The first, a Single Cask distilled at Islay’s Caol Ila Distillery in 1979, is said to be “exceptionally herbal, pelagic and mouth-puckeringly salted”. The hogshead cask yielded just 160 bottles, at a natural Cask Strength of 51.2%.

Alongside the Caol Ila 40 Years Old offering is a hogshead from the Macallan Distillery, distilled in 1989 and bottled at 30 Years Old. Just 230 bottles of this XOP Black bottling are available, with tasting notes including “muscovado sugar, marzipan and oranges”. Offered at natural Cask Strength of 46% and without colouring or chill-filtration, Douglas Laing & Co proclaim that these new releases are “as close as some will come to experiencing that rarest of pleasures – sampling a dram, straight from its cask, in the hallowed surroundings of a distillery warehouse.”

Chris Leggat, CEO in the family business, remarks:

 “This is an exceptional duo unveiled at an incredibly exciting time for Douglas Laing & Co. From two of Scotland’s best known and loved distilleries, our new XOP Black Series releases represent the absolute pinnacle of antique Scotch Whiskies, from casks selected at their peak of perfection by Fred Laing himself. Only a tiny percentage of the Whisky-loving community will experience the decades of maturation and impact of quality wood on these two rare gems, and we truly hope those individuals savour every last drop”.

The latest XOP Black Series bottlings – Caol Ila Vintage 1979 and Macallan Vintage 1989 – are expected to retail at £1500 and £4000 respectively at specialist spirits retailers globally.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/douglaslaingwhisky

Twitter: @dlaingwhisky

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”.

THE GLENDRONACH INTRODUCES NEW TRADITIONALLY PEATED

The GlenDronach Distillery is pleased to announce the release of The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated; a rare peated expression of the Highland Single Malt, which is most well-known for its unpeated sherry cask maturation style.

At the time the distillery was founded by James Allardice in 1826, it was traditional practice in the Highlands to burn peat in the kiln towards the end of the barley malting, creating a rich and warm, earthy smoke. Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie has crafted The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated from a marriage of the finest Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry and port casks, using the same principles laid down almost two hundred years ago.

Interwoven with robust Highland character, The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated is peated to those same traditional levels and has all of the richly-sherried, fullbodied character of The GlenDronach.

Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie said:

“The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated offers connoisseurs a rare opportunity to explore the distillery’s rich depths of sherry cask maturation, whilst paying homage to the robust peat-smoked earthy character of the early 19th century, that James Allardice himself would likely have enjoyed. This wonderfully complex Single Malt presents notes of Highland toffee, dark honey and coal-smoked barley. Burnt orange and treacle glide over the palate, on a base of cloves and smoked bramble. Liquorice and dark fruits linger and intensify into the rich and earthy finish.”

This rare peated expression is bottled at 48% ABV and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, is non-chill filtered and absorbs colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it resides. It will be available to buy from specialist retailers worldwide from November 2019.

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

TASTING NOTES THE GLENDRONACH TRADITIONALLY PEATED:

Appearance: Vivid harvest gold.
Nose: Highland toffee and treacle meld with dark honey and coal smoked barley.
Taste: Sip burnt orange and treacle on a base of cloves and smoked bramble.
Finish: Savour liquorice and dark fruit into the lingering rich, earthy finish.

ABV: 48%
RRP: £51.00

ABOUT THE GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain. Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

NEW PACKAGING FOR JAMESON CASKMATES SERIES

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled a packaging revamp for its Jameson Caskmates Series.

The new look includes key updates on both expressions in the Caskmates range – Jameson Stout Edition and Jameson IPA Edition – in response to consumer research in key markets, including US, UK, South Africa and Ireland, which highlighted a desire for a simplified product proposition.

In line with these findings, a new ‘Caskmates Series’ family name will announce the range on the neck and back label. The main label will now feature a stronger focus on the varietal edition and a clear descriptor of ‘Whiskey Finished in Craft Beer Barrels’ to celebrate the liquid within. The back label also highlights the ‘Caskmates Series’ craft beer partner, Eight D Brewing, whose beers are used to season the casks before being filled with Jameson. Irish Distillers acquired Eight D Brewing in 2018 to secure a long-term supply of craft beer following the runaway global success of the Caskmates Series.   Almost 1 million 9 litre cases have been sold since the range was launched in 2015.

Commenting on the packaging revisions, David Quinn, Head of Whiskey Science at Midleton Distillery, explains: “The Caskmates Series was born of innovation – a creative experiment that tapped into the growing appetite for Irish whiskey and love of craft beer. It has been a hugely successful range for us, recording phenomenal growth since its launch in 2015 with global sales standing at almost 1 million 9 litre cases since launch. While the Caskmates Series has introduced new consumers to Jameson and excited existing Jameson fans, our research showed a need to simplify the product proposition. We are confident that this new streamlined look will play a role in ensuring continued growth for these exciting expressions.”

The new look Jameson Stout Edition and Jameson IPA Edition, both bottled at 40% ABV, will be shipped to the US from January 2020 and the rest of the world from March 2020. It will be available through retailers at the RRP of 120 index to Jameson Original as well as through leading bars and restaurants.

The Jameson Caskmates story began when Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery, met a local craft brewer in a local bar in Cork, Ireland. Dave agreed to loan the brewery some Jameson casks to discover their influence on his Irish stout. When the stout-seasoned barrels were returned to Midleton Distillery, Dave re-filled them with Jameson Irish whiskey, an experimental finishing process from which Jameson Stout Edition was born. Jameson IPA Edition was the second expression to be added to the range and is a triple-distilled Irish whiskey finished in IPA-seasoned barrels. Local craft brewery Eight D Brewing, from Mitchelstown Co. Cork is now the official partner for this product.

Since its launch, the Jameson Caskmates Series has satisfied the appetite for innovative and authentic tastes among whiskey enthusiasts, Jameson drinkers and craft beer fans in over 40 markets worldwide.

Notes   

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Tasting Notes, by Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery

Nose: An initial aroma of freshly cut hay is complemented by a crisp orchard fruit character – green apples and pears, with a twist of lime zest. Mild pot still spices appear, deepening from green tea to hazelnut and milk chocolate.

Taste: The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still inclusion is quickly complemented by the subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish.

Finish: Long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Tasting Notes, by Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery

Nose: Floral, herbal hops, grapefruit citrus notes with subtle orchard fruits, complimented by wood shavings and a little nuttiness.

Taste: Hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.

Finish: The lingering fresh fruit and hops give way to grains of barley and a signature smooth finish. 

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 and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

A Japanese brewing and distilling company, AIOI UNIBIO (Aichi, Japan)

has re-started its distillation of whisky in 2019 on the 70th anniversary of their first whisky distillation in 1949.

AIOI UNIBIO once distilled their own whisky since 1949 and had many varieties of their own whisky brands in the 1950s, but stopped distillation after they experienced 2 historical natural disasters in the form of big typhoons. The 1st one was called Tess in 1953, and the 2nd one was Vera and happened in 1959 in which thousands of people were killed in Japan.

Due to the damage in their distilleries, they stopped whisky distillation for a long time, looking for the chance to restart the whisky-making in the future.

Finally, they have re-started distillation and filled an oak cask this year. The first oak cask is a very old one they last used in the 1950s.

To take advantage of their characteristics, the master brewer of Sake (Japanese rice wine) takes responsibility for the whisky fermentation process. Their original pot stills were developed with their own know-how through trial and error.

When they will have 150th company anniversary in 2022, they will release their first single malt whisky.

As the first step of this project, they released their original blended whisky “HINOTORI”, meaning ‘pheonix’ as a symbol of their whisky revival, with support from BBC SPIRITS in 2019.

( Bordeaux, France / President : Bogdan TANASOIU).

【Producer Detail】

Company name : AIOI UNIBIO Co.,Ltd.

President : Koichiro Muramatsu

Master Blender : Takehito Shitakura

Address : 5, Maruyama, Shimomachi, Nishio City, Aichi 445-0891, Japan URL : http://www.unibio.jp/en/

【Inquiry】

Official and Exclusive Distributor in Europe : BBC SPIRITS President : Bogdan TANASOIU Address : 3 Quai Hubert Prom 33 300 BORDEAUX – France URL : https://bbcspirits.com/ E-mail : president@bbcwine.fr

Single Malt Scotch and American Whiskies are expected to boost English whisky sales to over £2.44 Billion over the next couple years. 

In just the last year, British consumers purchased over 89 million bottles of whisky. It has been predicted by well-known distributor, Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, that sales will see a massive increase to 91.4M bottles in the next couple of years. Current trends dictate that a consumer trend is moving blended whisky drinkers to more premium single malts and American Whiskies. The overall market for single malt scotch is expected to increase by 11% by 2020, as more and more reasonably priced bottles are being introduced to match this.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK (also known as EBSUK), published its first annual Whisky Yearbook as an in-depth guide to the category’s performance in the UK. As the first of its kind, it will be a benchmark by all that wish to invest in Scotch Whisky.

From within the report, we also see other trends.

Single grain whisky has seen a very impressive 22% increase over the last couple of years and is set to increase by a further 80% by 2022. Canadian whisky, single grain and Japanese whisky increased in value by over 20% in the past year and are expected to see 35% increases from 2018 to 2022.

One of the more exciting categories is Irish whisky. This new category, led by Jameson, is seeing a massive increase of Irish distilleries opening and is set to increase the overall market by £28.5M.

Mark Riley, managing director of EBSUK, said: ‘Whisky is one of the most diverse and dynamic of the spirits categories… Bartenders and retailers tell us that whisky is a key focus for them, with plans to invest in broadening their knowledge and range, ensuring they can accommodate the increasing appetite for the spirit from consumers in both on and off-trade.’

Riley added: ‘Irish and single grain whiskies have been real success stories over the past 12 months – sharing rapid growth on an already strong base of both volume and value in the market’.

In the past, supply chain issues have stagnated the Japanese and Canadian whisky markets. Recently, however, the barriers have been removed, allowing for high levels of growth. Despite this, distilleries continue to address stock shortages for these two whiskies. This combination could be the reason for high growth and increase in value for these whisky ‘brands’.

There also remains a challenge of securing enough whisky from leading brands to satisfy UK demands, such as Macallan. Riley states that this will not be an issue in the coming years as supply has a more significant forecast and growth should come from this.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the paper comes from Susanne Wood, who states that the biggest growth within the whisky market will come from retailers who will ‘benefit hugely from a comprehensive and well-merchandised whisky aisle… ensuring the breadth needed to entice new drinkers in whilst keeping established whisky lovers coming back for more’.

The Whisky Cask Company brings the Finest Scotch to a Global Market. For additional information, visit www.whiskycaskcompany.com.

Guinness World Records™ title for the most valuable whisky collection 

A Vietnamese whisky collector has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the proud owner of the most valuable whisky collection.

The world-beating collection belongs to Mr Viet Nguyen Dinh Tuan of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and has been valued by the world’s leading rare whisky valuation experts at Rare Whisky 101 at a ‘hammer price’ of £10,770,635 (£13,032,468 adding 21% buyers premium if the collection were sold through a UK auctioneer such as Sotheby’s).

The collection comprises 535 of the world’s rarest, oldest and finest bottles of Scotch and Japanese whisky. Highlights include one of the world’s only complete Macallan Fine & Rare collections, including the now iconic 1926 “Fine & Rare”. Only forty bottles of the Macallan 1926 were ever released. Mr Viet owns three.

The 1926 Macallan Fine and Rare is also the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky having sold recently for a hammer price of £1,200,000 (£1,452,000 including buyer’s premium), as part of private collection which was claimed by Sotheby’s to be the ultimate collection of whisky ever to be sold at auction.

Mr Viet’s collection also holds one of only twelve bottles of the oldest Bowmore ever released, which also happens to be both the most expensive Bowmore and the most expensive Islay malt in the world, with a similar bottle fetching £300,000 (hammer price) at auction recently.

From Islay to Campbeltown, the collection also includes one of only twenty four bottles of the 1919 vintage Springbank. A similar bottle sold recently for £220,000 (hammer price) making it the world’s most expensive bottle of Springbank.

Mr Viet, a businessman and resident of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, has been collecting rare and vintage bottles of whisky for more than 20 years. Having amassed his collection of more than 500 bottles, locked securely in a bespoke whisky lounge at home, Mr Viet has no intention of reining in his passion.

“For me, whisky collecting has been my life’s passion. Every spare I moment I get, I’m searching auction sites and trading websites to find famous and rare whiskies from around the world. Clearly this requires a lot of patience and no shortage of tenacity, but I’m proud of my efforts. As for my collection, I have no intention of selling any of it. Not one bottle. In fact, I’ll continue to hunt for more old and rare bottles and add to and enrich it.”

On discovering he is the now the official world record holder, Mr Viet added.

“My first reaction was one of surprise. However, I’m really happy and feel honoured to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the owner of the world’s most valuable whisky collection.  It feels like an acknowledgment of all my hard work and dedication over the past 20 years.”

Rare Whisky 101 arrived at the collection’s valuation by determining each bottle’s expected open market price; in effect what the collection could realistically be expected to fetch if sold at auction within the UK in the current market. The valuation was subsequently submitted to Guinness World Records, who confirmed the feat by certification in November this year.

Andy Simpson, co-founder of Rare Whisky 101 said:

“We were somewhat gobsmacked, not to mention a little envious, when we realised the breadth and depth of Mr Viet’s collection. It’s a truly stunning example of one person’s twenty year passion and desire to seek out the finest, rarest bottles of whisky in the world. There are certainly reasonably well known whisky collections around the world which contain far more bottles from a volume perspective. However, from a pure value perspective, we’re confident this collection is head and shoulders above the rest.  Mr Viet is, what we believe to be, one of possibly three collectors in the world to own all three variants of the legendary Macallan 1926 bottling (the Fine & Rare label, the Peter Blake label and the Valerio Adami label), which recently broke the world record. That said, it may well be the case that Mr Viet is the only collector in the world to have three bottles.”

Notes: 

About Rare Whisky 101
Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering some 537,000 price records and 51,011 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in almost 1000 aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Highland Park.

CENTRAL FLORIDA TO GET AWARD-WINNING RYE WHISKEY
Sunshine State Distributing begins distribution of Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey

ORLANDO, Fla. (November 26, 2019) – Sunshine State Distributing announces their partnership with Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey to distribute the award-winning spirit throughout Central Florida.

Dad’s Hat whiskeys are all produced in small batches using natural, local ingredients.  To learn more about how they make their range of award winning whiskeys, you can visit their web site, https://dadshatrye.com/ .

“Rye whiskey is increasing in popularity, and for good reason: It’s spicy, yet smooth—a good sipping whiskey with distinct flavor,” said Chris Larue, president and founder of Sunshine State Distributing. “Dad’s Hat creates the best version of this classic whiskey, and we are excited to introduce whiskey lovers to the flavors of Pennsylvania rye whiskey.”

Dad’s Hat was founded in Bristol, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia in 2011. The state of Pennsylvania is known as the birthplace of rye whiskey with production dating back to the late 1700s. Dad’s Hat distills rye spirits following the tradition of the region, a practice that has earned the distillery multiple awards including a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Spirit list, a naming as the Craft Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate, and a stunning 91.5 rating from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Just in time for the holidays, you can find Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey on shelves in retail stores in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Flagler counties.

ABOUT SUNSHINE STATE DISTRIBUTING

Founded in 2016, Sunshine State Distributing is the newest Florida craft beer distributor headquartered in Orlando, Florida. With diverse backgrounds in beer brands, beer distribution, craft spirits distribution and the alcohol beverage industry in general, our team launched the company as a full-service beverage distributor aiming to partner with breweries and distilleries to grow their brands through education, customized promotions and a focus on exceptional innovative products. We are a true extension of our partners and add real value to breweries and retailers. Learn more about Sunshine State Distributing at www.sunshinestatedistributing.com or email info@sunshinestatedistributing.com.