2020 London Spirits Competition Winners Are Out!

On July 7-8, London was the host city for the third annual London Spirits Competition, leading international competition of its kind in the world that assesses spirits not only on the basis of taste and quality, but also packaging and value. The goal was for experts to judge spirits the way consumers actually judge them, in the hopes of discovering new and innovative spirits that are worthy of attention by both trade buyers and consumers.

Spirits were judged on the basis of three primary criteria – quality, value, and packaging – and then scored on a 100-point scale. Spirits that scored 90+ points were awarded Gold medals, while spirits that scored 76 to 89 points were awarded Silver medals. The primary reason for using three criteria rather than just one was to focus on the overall drinkability of each spirit.

Spirit Of The Year – St. Kilian Signature Edition FOUR by St. Kilian Distillers GmbH scoring 97 points making it the top score in the 2020 London Spirits Competition

The London Spirits Competition is organized by Beverage Trade Network, which organizes alcohol beverage industry events all over the world. The goal of this event was to judge spirits the way consumers judge them.

At the judging session, judges tasted and scored spirits on a blind basis before seeing bottles and marking them for on-shelf appeal as well as value for money. This enabled them to come up with an overall score that reflects their overall drinkability.

For more information on the London Spirits Competition, please see: www.londonspiritscompetition.com

For more information on Beverage Trade Network, please see:

www.beveragetradenetwork.com

Elijah Craig Launches Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

New expression finished in custom toasted new oak barrels continues Elijah Craig’s spirit of innovation

The process begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time. An extensive research and development process resulted in a final barrel toast profile bringing forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing. The resulting taste is big, rich and complex with spice and pepper notes that fade into milk chocolate with a hint of smoke as the finish lingers with chocolate and baking spices. Only charred new American oak barrels are used throughout the process to maintain the standards of identity class and type designation for Straight Bourbon Whiskey.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Elijah Craig, a leading premium Kentucky Bourbon, today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The latest line extension from the award-winning Elijah Craig family, Toasted Barrel adds an extra layer of sweet oak complexity to the traditional Bourbon.

“Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel pays homage to our namesake’s pioneering spirit as the first to char oak barrels through thoughtful innovation in the barrel-aging process,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “It was a pleasure partnering with Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice barreled for nuanced flavor, Toasted Barrel showcases a Straight Bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”

In 1789, Elijah Craig was the first to char oak Barrels to make Bourbon, earning his place in history as the “Father of Bourbon.” Toasted Barrel celebrates this pioneering spirit by pushing the Bourbon barrel-aging process a step further. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is bottled at 94 proof, consistent with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, and joins the rest of the award-winning lineup of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, Toasted Barrel is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with smoky blue features. With an SRP of $49.99, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel will launch nationally on an allocated basis this September.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon

Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.7 million barrels aging in 60 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

SLIABH LIAG DISTILLERS RECLAIMS DONEGAL’S WHISKEY HERITAGE WITH FIRST LEGAL DISTILLATION IN NEARLY 200 YEARS

Donegal distillery fills its first cask with a peated single malt new-make spirit

The resurgent Irish whiskey industry has a new feather in its cap with the announcement that the island’s most remote county is once again distilling whiskey.  In the far northwest, in the shadow of the imposing mountain of Sliabh Liag, a double distilled smoky spirit made from Irish peated malt has been filled into a first fill bourbon oak cask by Sliabh Liag Distillers (SLD).  It is the first time since the closure of Burt Distillery in 1841 that legal whiskey distillation has taken place in Donegal.

The small-batch production at its Carrick facility will help the company’s founders and distillers, James and Moira Doherty, undertake valuable research and development while the business’s new whiskey distillery at Ardara is under construction.  The timing also marks an important period in Sliabh Liag Distillery’s history as it prepares for a crowd-funding launch on Wednesday 26^th August to help raise €1.5m of capital for the new distillery.

Commenting on the landmark occasion, James Doherty, SLD Founder, said: “We’ve done it!  It’s only now that the first cask is filled, ready to mature into a smoky single malt Irish whiskey that we feel we have really returned to Donegal.  When Moira and I moved back here in 2014, it was with the dream of reigniting the county’s distilling heritage, and with the Crolly and Baoilleach distilleries, the county is getting there. Our new spirit smells lovely and drinks even better; it is soft and smoky sweet with a fresh pear note and a hint of treacle.”

“While the success of our An Dúlamán gin and Silkie and Dark Silkie blended Irish whiskeys has been rewarding”, James says, “the distilling genes in me knew this scatterling’s return wouldn’t be complete without an Irish malt flowing from the stills. While Burt Distillery ceased production in 1841, we know illegal distilling continued during the intermittent years, not least by my grandfather who was creating a smoky, double distilled spirit under the authorities’ radar on the hills ‘up the glen’ in Kilcar. I think my grandfather would approve that we are now distilling the first legal whiskey in Donegal for nearly 200 years, and there’s a lovely sense of coming full circle.”

“There has been a fair amount of blood, sweat and tears to get to this point – especially last week in hand-mashing 500L of wort for brewing – but it’s given us a huge lift as we embark on the next stage in both our and Donegal’s history.  Turf has been turned at the site of the Ardara Distillery and we launch our fundraising exercise on Crowdcube in a few weeks’ time.  Once we are up and running there, the future of Donegal Irish Whiskey will be even brighter.”  James added.

The new make spirit is exceptionally soft and is fresh, citrusy and has rich chocolate notes to complement the pronounced smoke. It has been made from Irish Craft Malts barley grown in Meath and some malted over peat from Mín na bhFachraín.  The smoky profile of the spirit is true to what was being distilled in Ulster 200 years ago, and like the county itself, a contrast to the rest of Ireland in character.

It was distilled twice in SLD’s copper pot still, known as Méabh.  This first run of spirit has been filled into a first fill bourbon oak cask.  The creation of the spirit was delayed from earlier this year when Sliabh Liag Distillers turned its focus to creating hand sanitizer for the local community during the early stages of the pandemic.

When this very first whiskey is ready for bottling, it will give some indication of what James, Moira and the ‘meitheal’ (work-gang) around them aim to produce at Ardara Distillery.  The hope is to make Donegal to Ireland what Islay is to Scotland.

Notes

• Sliabh Liag (pronounced ‘sleeve league’) Distillers is independently owned.
• SLD is committed to reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal. In addition to An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, the company also produces the blended Silkie Irish Whiskey, Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey and Assaranca Vodka.
• SLD has begun construction of its new distillery at Ardara, co Donegal. The state-of-the-art facility will combine the latest distilling technology and a unique “all grains in” process with ancient Donegal distilling knowhow to create a whiskey unlike that found in the rest of Ireland.
• On Wednesday 26^th August, the company launches its €1.5m fundraising campaign on Crowdcube.com. (NB: it will not be live on the Crowdcube website before then.)
• Silkie, Dark SilkieAn Dúlamán and Assaranca are all distributed by Vine Distribution Services in the UK. Established in 2000, Vine Distribution Services (VDS UK Limited) are importers and distributors of premium drinks and other FMCG brands in the UK. Founded by Steve Brown and Paul Macgregor, VDS is a sales, marketing and distribution company that specialises in the development of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands.

New Community Funded Whisky from the Faroe Islands

A new whisky is on its way to the market. Probably the first in the world to be community funded using crypto currency. And the location is not what you would expect.

Despite it’s close proximity to Scotland, the small archipelago of the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic does not yet have a whisky brand on the market. This is about to change. Test production and maturation of “Faer Isles Whisky” has been conducted for some time now, and on August 1. it will be launched as a crowdfunding project, where whisky enthusiast all over the world will have the opportunity to invest in the project.

The beautiful and remote Faroe Islands are the optimal location for whisky production and maturation because of the abundance of clean surface water. This is due to the high humidity and rainfall caused by the passing Gulf Stream, which also ensures the very stable year-round temperature. The constant wind provides a salty atmosphere that has been used for centuries to dry and ferment food and will now benefit Faroese whisky as well.

Behind the project are a group of local whisky enthusiasts and investors. To ensure the necessary industry knowledge an Advisory Board of International experts within spirit production has been established.

People participating in the first phase of the crowdfunding, starting August 1., will become lifetime members of the Fair Isles Founder’s Club, making them eligible for several club member benefits, including the option to later buy shares in the Faer Isles Distillery. They will also receive a reward package containing a sample of the First Edition 3-year-old whisky, along with samples of the Faer Isles Seaweed Special Edition Gin and a small bottle of the newmake whisky, including oak cubes for home maturation.

The obtained first-phase crowdfunding will be used for starting up commercial production, although still in a small scale. The second phase of the crowdfunding that will be launched later this year will be used to fund the full-scale commercial production at the picturesque site in the old Viking village of Kvívík.

This second phase will be funded through a Security Token Offering. An STO is similar to an IPO as it enables people to invest in a company. The difference is that the shares are not traded on a traditional stock exchange but instead traded directly from the licensed issuer using a value token based on crypto currency. This method of funding is becoming more and more common, but Fair Isles Distillery will probably be the first whisky distillery in the world that is funded this way.

Read more on www.faer.io

Bowmore® and Aston Martin unveil first collaboration

1964 provides inspiration to showcase craftsmanship and innovation to unite Black Bowmore and the Aston Martin DB5

6 August 2020, Islay, UK –  Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Aston Martin have unveiled their first collaborative creation; Black Bowmore DB5 1964.  A striking concept which brings together an iconic whisky and a legendary car in a bottle of equal parts, featuring exceptional single malt and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston.

With only 25 bottles for sale, this exceptionally rare Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is a celebration of time; a definitive moment in history for both Bowmore and Aston Martin. It is also a celebration of shared values and passions; showcasing great innovation and invention.

A beautifully inspiring masterpiece; this unique, handcrafted vessel houses an equally exceptional single malt, Black Bowmore. Inspired by the past, but truly breath-taking in today’s world.  The significance of 1964 is paramount.  This represents a truly defining era of evolution for both Bowmore and Aston Martin.

For Bowmore, 1964 is arguably one of the most significant points in the distillery’s 240-year history. The arrival of a new boiler saw the distillery enter the modern age of distilling as coal fires made way for steam in heating the stills. It was the first distillation from this new boiler that produced the spirit which was to become the iconic Black Bowmore; a sublimely rich and decadent single malt, reflected in awe-inspiring deep darkness.

First distilled on 5 November 1964, over the years Black Bowmore has become one of the rarest and most sought-after single malt whiskies ever created. This latest release represents only the sixth bottling of this exquisite single malt. Since 1993, only around six thousand bottles of Black Bowmore have been made available, thus adding to the desirability of this iconic whisky.

David Turner, Distillery Manager at Bowmore commented “1964 represents a significant date in the modern history of the distillery. Not only a key moment in how we distilled our spirit, but perhaps even more significant as this very spirit went onto create Black Bowmore. These defining moments are fundamental to the history of Bowmore. This collaboration with Aston Martin has allowed us to once again showcase this iconic single malt in the most incredible way.”

For Aston Martin, this was the era of their most iconic car. Launched in 1963 to considerable acclaim, the Aston Martin DB5 is now widely regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’, not least by virtue of its links to the world’s most celebrated secret agent in 1964.

On its debut the DB5 represented a subtle but important evolution over its immediate predecessor, the DB4 Series 5, not least by virtue of an increase in engine capacity to 4.0-litres. This of course made the DB5 that much more of a sporting saloon which, combined with its exceptional styling, helped it to become one of the most desirable and admired sports cars of its generation. Sir David Brown, the then owner of Aston Martin Lagonda and the man who gave his initials to the ‘DB’ lineage, said of the car: “I believe it is the essential character of the DB5, and its ability to perform perfectly in all conditions, that makes this car so intensely satisfying to own.” It is this relentless pursuit of power with purpose that still helps to define the appeal of Aston Martin today.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This exciting new association with Bowmore gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate a vital part of our star-studded history by combining the unrivalled appeal of the iconic DB5 with the cultured flavours of this world-renowned single malt.”

In keeping with a commitment to true craftsmanship, the Black Bowmore DB5 bottle itself is handcrafted by Glasstorm, a bespoke contemporary glass studio, based in North East Scotland. With over 50 years of glass design, sculpting and creative expertise, each bottle took up to one week to be complete, reflecting the continued thread of attention to detail and skill which defines this collaboration.

Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is presented in a handmade presentation box; itself a work of art.  Inspired by the distillery’s coastal home, the deep blue colour and wave embossing evoke a true sense of place. Created from the finest string-grain calfskin, featuring a custom solid brass latch and hinges, plated with nickel, reflective of the DB5.

The partners are set to unveil a series of collaborative projects and products over the coming months and years, ranging from exceptional experiences to design-led product initiatives with the goal of offering fans of the brands, across a broad spectrum, the opportunities to connect with the partnership.

As world class luxury brands Bowmore and Aston Martin urge consumers never to drink and drive. Drink Smart® messaging will be integrated into all brand activations around the partnership; while the dedicated Drink Smart® platform ensures communication with legal-purchase age adults about making informed, responsible choices.

https://www.drinksmart.com/reducing-drunk-driving-or-drink-driving

Black Bowmore DB5 1964 will be available from late Autumn 2020 with an RSP of GBP£50,000.

Black Bowmore 1964 tasting notes 

On the eye:

Deep obsidian black

Breathe in:

Layers of ripe exotic fruits and creme caramel. As time moves on soft tobacco smoke,

aromatic orange peel and rich black cherry come to the fore. 

Taste: 

Intense flavours of mango, passion fruit and acacia honey interwoven with a powerful combination of coffee and tobacco smoke

Savour:

A wonderfully long and decadent finish with tropical fruits and spice, defining over 240 years of craftsmanship  

Cask type: Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Oloroso Sherry Butt

Age: 31-years-old

Vintage: 1964

ABV: 49.6%

Edition: 27 bottles

Notes:

About Aston Martin Lagonda:

Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX.  Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown. 

About Bowmore:

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore® is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Time is savoured at Bowmore® and the distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore® is “Time, Savoured®” – a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over.

Bowmore® supports www.drinkaware.co.uk

About Beam Suntory Inc. 

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

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. © 2019 Beam Suntory Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654.

www.astonmartin.com/media

www.bowmore.com

LOCH LOMOND WHISKIES LAUNCH EUROPEAN TOUR UK SWING RANGE

The Official Spirit of the European Tour UK Swing, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has launched a range of five Exclusive Single Cask Scotch Whiskies to mark the 2020 series.

The Exclusive Casks have been bottled to celebrate the five venues that will host the six-week long European Tour UK Swing, following suspension of the regular season.

Each of the five casks have been finished in a different style of oak cask, with two heavily peated. Specially chosen by Master Blender Michael Henry, each expression expertly showcases Loch Lomond’s unique straight neck stills and the versatility of the distillery.

Loch Lomond Whiskies agreed the partnership with The European Tour earlier this year, meaning that the innovative and exciting range of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are “The Spirit of the Tour”.

The Betfred British Masters Exclusive Single Cask, marking the event held at Close House, has been finished in Limousin oak, leaving the whisky tasting fresh and slightly tangy, finishing with gentle spice.

The Hero Open Exclusive Single Cask, which celebrates the event held at Forest of Arden, has been finished in a Sauternes wine cask, giving it a malty and honey-sweet flavour.

The English Championship Exclusive Single Cask, marking the event held at Hanbury Manor, has been finished in a Rum barrel, giving the liquid a syrupy sweetness with hints of lemon zest and pineapple, finishing with ginger and cinnamon.

The Wales Open and Celtic Classic Exclusive Single Cask, which honours the events taking place at the Celtic Manor, have been matured in an Oloroso cask, offering a rich, smoky peat before making way to maple syrup, orange peel and sweet clove to finish.

Finally, The UK Championship Exclusive Single Cask, which pays tribute to the final event held at The Belfry, has matured in a Tawny Port cask and showcases a fiery peaty flavour before welcoming hints of salted caramel, spiced apples and vanilla.

With each cask being unique, the number of bottles differs per cask, however over 1,700 bottles will be available across the range in the UK and Europe and will be priced around £90 per bottle. The range will be available to pre-order online from 22^nd July.

Throughout the duration of the UK Swing , Loch Lomond Whiskies will be carrying out several activities to ensure that fans can get involved and “be there in spirit”. Professional golfer, Richie Ramsay, three time European Tour winner, will be joining the team as a Loch Lomond Whiskies Ambassador for the duration of the UK Swing, delivering behind-the-scenes videos that will show fans what life looks like on tour, available across Loch Lomond Whiskies’ social media channels.

Fans will also be given a glimpse of life in the golfing world, with Brand Ambassador Iona Stephen. Her “Discover the Spirit Within” series will see Iona meeting key people in the industry, and will look at how golf is adapting to new regulations in a post-COVID world.

“Pick the Pin” allows fans to select the pin location on a selected hole on one day at each event. The concept aims to encourage the fans to “be there in spirit”, given that the event will be played behind closed doors. In addition to these activities, Loch Lomond Whiskies will be giving some lucky fans the chance to win the new exclusive casks.

As an Official Partner of the European Tour UK Swing, Loch Lomond Whiskies will also support the launch of the new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative which will underpin all European Tour events in 2020 by making a positive impact in the communities where the European Tour plays – and the wider world of golf – rewarding heroes of the pandemic such as front line workers, and promoting the many health benefits that golf offers to everyone.

John Grieveson, chief marketing officer at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “We are very proud to be the Spirit of the Tour, supporting the European Tour with its new initiative. As one of the most internationally recognised golf events in the world, we’re looking forward to sharing our range of Single Malts, dedicated to each event venue in the Tour, with golf and whisky fans alike.”

Michael Henry, Master Blender added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure choosing the five casks for the European Tour range, carefully selecting individual casks that showcase the underlying distillery profile even when finished in a different style of cask.”

The Loch Lomond Whiskies European Tour Range will be available to purchase at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Tasting notes

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller, blender and bottler of some of the finest scotch whisky brands in the world. Based in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire, close to Glasgow it is home to several multi award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries across the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
  • PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
  • GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old

JACK DANIEL’S RELEASES LIMITED EDITION ERIC CHURCH

SINGLE BARREL TENNESSEE WHISKEY 

Special Edition Whiskey Honors Long-time Friendship with Country Music Superstar

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (July 29, 2020) – The Jack Daniel Distillery today released a special limited-edition Eric Church Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey in celebration of its long-time friendship with the country music superstar.

The whiskey is from barrels personally selected by Church and will feature the artist’s name on the specially designed black and gold embossed label.

“Our drive and passion at Jack Daniel’s for crafting the best possible whiskey we can is matched by Eric’s artistry and drive to put out the best music he can,” said Mary Beth O’Mara, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Senior Brand Manager. “Eric is the real deal, and shares our love of community, independence, spirit and pride in what we do. It’s a special friendship and one we’re proud to celebrate with this whiskey.”

“My love for Jack Daniel’s is for the whiskey but it’s also about a can-do, small town attitude, where community, loyalty and hard work are the qualities the crafters of this American icon hang their hats,” said Eric Church. “I’m honored to have my own special release of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. Whether we raise a glass at a table with a handful of our friends or from a stage with thousands, let’s raise our glass high. Cause that’s where it belongs.”

Master Distiller Jeff Arnett assisted Church in the selection of barrels from the top floor of a warehouse on Coy Hill at the distillery. Each barrel offers a significant depth of aroma ranging from sweet vanilla and caramel to toasted and charred oak. The whiskey flavor offers the signature sweet notes of a Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel upon entry but quickly gives way to a complex, full and heavyweight mid-palate, according to Arnett.

“This special whiskey is reflective of Eric himself – bold, rich in character, forward and something that can be enjoyed by those with a taste for a well-rounded whiskey and a unique and memorable sipping experience,” he added.

The Jack Daniel’s Eric Church Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, available in a 750ml size and at 94 proof, will hit shelves at the beginning of August across the US.

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 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.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

About Eric Church

The three-time Country Music Association and seven-time Academy of Country Music Award winner released his most recent critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated album, Desperate Man, atop the Billboard Country Albums chart in late 2018. The album, featuring his most recent No. 1 hit “Some Of It,” also debuted at No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Church returned to the road in 2019 for his chart-topping Double Down Tour, with back-to-back nights of two unique shows sans-opening act giving fans 6+ hours of his iconic music in each city. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where Church broke the venue’s concert attendance record with 56,521 fans just two weeks before awing the same stadium’s audience with a 30-minute, solo acoustic CMA Fest set featuring a medley of 17 hits. “Stick That In Your Country Song,” released on June 25, is the lead single off a forthcoming project born from a sequestered session in rural North Carolina where he wrote and recorded a song per day for nearly a month.

VIRTUAL GREAT BUFFALO CHASE 5K

HOSTED RECORD NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

More than $21,000 raised for local VFW, $15,000 donated to local food pantry 

        FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 28, 2020) – Runners from all 50 states and seven countries participated in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s 19^th annual Great Buffalo Chase 5k which was held virtually for the first time over July 4^th weekend. This was also the first time this race, which has historically attracted top runners from across the United States and the world, received runner participation in all of the 50 states, and the most participants to ever run the race in a single year. In total, 1,124 people participated in the virtual race.

Registrations for the race raised more than $21,000 for the city of Frankfort’s VFW Post 4075’s annual fireworks show which has been rescheduled for this fall.

The race kicked off the morning of July 3 with the singing of the National Anthem, performed by Christina Kaloyanides, a soprano opera singer from Chicago. Then, runners and walkers participated in this year’s virtual race in their hometowns and local neighborhoods wherever they were located during the period of July 3-5 instead of running at the Distillery as in the past. Participants were mailed a commemorative T-shirt and race bib and had the option to record and submit their personal race time.

Due to the nature of this being a virtual race, and in the spirit of fairness, prizes were not awarded to top runners this year. On behalf of all participants, and in commitment to supporting others, Buffalo Trace Distillery is donating $15,000, which would have been prize money for top runners, to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community.

All registrants were entered into a raffle for the chance to receive a hand-made American Flag made from bourbon barrel staves, to be donated to the charity of their choice for fundraising. The recipient of this raffle was Chris German who donated the hand-made barrel-stave flag to the SJ5K Foundation, which supports local, Plymouth-Canton, Michigan families facing crisis situations. This nonprofit, which was started by members of German’s family, will use the barrel-stave flag to raise funds for the foundation.

Participants also were encouraged to take part in the virtual patriotic attire costume contest on the Buffalo Trace Distillery Facebook Page and by using #ChaseTheBuffalo for the chance to win a prize from the Gift Shop.

A full listing of submitted race times can be found on the Buffalo Trace Distillery website, here.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE^® 2020 Results Announced 

July 23, 2020 (Hawthorne, NY) – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), since 2010 the world’s most prestigious global spirits competition, today releases the results of the 2020 Challenge. This year proved to be the eleventh consecutive year of record entries from more than 45 spirit-producing nations.

The judging, held throughout June and July, determined 45 Chairman’s Trophy winners, 237 Finalists, 167 Great Values, and 88 Tried & True Award winners. USC was once again held at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center in Hawthorne, NY.

Says UBC Founder and Judging Director F. Paul Pacult, “This year’s USC was the most international, with a dazzling array of quality distillates from as far away as Indonesia, India, and Iceland. Virtually all categories saw substantial gains in submissions, in particular, American whiskey, Ready-to-Drink cocktails, gin, and all brandy categories.

“Since producers enter their best marques into USC, it’s clear that they look to us for the most accurate and unbiased data in the industry. We look forward to USC 2021!”

View complete results at www.ultimate-beverage.com/USC2020results/

Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020 Chairman’s Trophy Winners

WHISKY – CANADA

Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series 2019 Edition 26 Years Old

WHISKEY – IRELAND

Blended: Jameson Bow Street Cask Strength 18 Years Old

Single Pot Still: Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton

Single Malt: Teeling Single Cask 

WHISKY – SCOTLAND

Blended: Dewar’s Double Double 27 Years Old

Blended Malt: Wemyss Malts Peat Chimney

Single Malt-Highland: Oban 18 Years Old

Single Malt-Island: Highland Park 21 Year Old

Single Malt-Islay: Kilchoman Sanaig

Single Malt-Speyside: The Glenrothes 18 Years Old 

WHISKEY – USA

American/Other: Barrell Dovetail

Bottled-In-Bond:  Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bourbon: Stagg, Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Rye: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Single Malt: Westland Garryana 2019 Edition 4|1

WHISK(E)Y – WORLD

The Matsui Mizunara Cask Single Malt

All products are rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges including buyers, journalists, educators, and bar owners. All spirits rated 80 points and higher receive an individual results page which provides all downloadable marketing material. Spirits designated one of the year’s Top 100 Spirits also receive a tasting note. USC results are promoted globally. In addition, high scoring products are featured in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge Guide to the World’s Best Spirits in the November issue of Beverage Media, which reaches more than 70,000 on- and off-premise spirits buyers. 

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of spirits for producers, importers, and marketers through its innovative annual competition: Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot.

Investor confidence in whiskey strengthens amidst COVID-19

Cask whiskey investment leaders, Whiskey & Wealth Club, has reported that cask whiskey’s favourability with investors has strengthened this year. A total of 258.5 pallets of Scotch, Irish and American whisk(e)y have been purchased since lockdown began.

Since the start of the year, €7.8m has been purchased in cask whiskey through Whiskey & Wealth Club, doubling from the same period last year. This comes as traditional financial markets across the world waver amidst the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen the UK economy shrink by a record 20.4%.

Significantly, the investments are strengthening the whiskey industry during this challenging time. Leading distilleries in the UK and Ireland that work with whiskey and wealth club receive an injection of capital. This helps cover overheads for the costly and labour intensive whiskey making process.

These asset-backed casks purchased as a great buy and hold strategy have become increasingly popular for investors, given the current economic climate. The investment in casks are not tied to financial markets and give investors full ownership and titles to the whiskey which is stored in excise warehouses for the ageing process, typically five to 10 years.

The popularity of whisk(e)y investment has soared in recent years. This year, rare whisky topped the Knight Frank luxury investments index, rising by 564% in value over the last decade. Recent research by Whiskey & Wealth Club found that 55% of investors would consider investing in cask whiskey.

Currently, the Scottish whisky secondary wholesale market is estimated at $40m according to the IWSR, the global benchmark for wine and spirit data. Last year alone, exports grew to a record £4.9bn. Irish whiskey is also amid a resurgence. Exports have grown by 300% in the past decade, with the US market worth $1bn alone.

Headquartered in Richmond in the UK with a satellite office in Dublin, Ireland, Whiskey & Wealth Club gives investors the opportunity to purchase casks of premium Scotch, Irish and American whisk(e)y direct from leading distillers at ultra-wholesale rates.

Whiskey & Wealth Club was recently commended for business excellence at the prestigious UK Business Awards. The company claimed four accolades during the virtual ceremony highlighting its success in only its third year, despite the current challenging economic climate.

CEO and co-founder at Whiskey & Wealth Club, Scott Sciberras, said: “Despite the current predicament of global financial markets, cask whiskey investment bucks the trend. We’ve seen it go from strength to strength as it grows in favour with investors, which crucially is also supporting distilleries at this testing time.

“The value of these premium spirits is largely determined by age, but also by the quality of the distillery and the brands they release. While all whisky increases in value over time, some increase more than others. So working on an exclusive basis with leading distilleries really gives a strong value add to our clients. Combine this with the fact that cask whiskey is an asset based-investment not tied to financial markets makes it ever-appealing. With expected returns ranging depending on the length of the investment, we estimate conservative returns at 16.1% p/a or an annualized ROI at 10.11% p/a

This is based on a purchase price of £12,600 per pallet of whisky. A pallet contains 6 casks, therefore a cask price is £2,100. Using today’s exit price for 10 year old non branded single malt Scottish whisky at £33,000. The total ROI is 161.90% over 10 years. Your investment gain is £20,400 on top of your initial £12,600, which looks on the surface to be 16.1%, and most would present as such, but professional investors tend to use annualized ROI to help compare against shorter term investments. Given the 10 year hold time and compounding, this equates to an annualized ROI of 10.11% per annum.  The good news is we do not sell non branded whisky which has the lowest exit price. We sell branded from premium distillers. To give you an exit price is speculative as there is many more exit options for branded whiskey over non branded. My highly trained team can explain best for those wanting more information. But as you can see, it’s little surprise that whisky is currently liquid gold to investors.”

Whiskey & Wealth Club offers both private investors and funds the opportunity to purchase premium Single Malt and Single Pot Still cask whiskey at ultra-wholesale prices from leading distilleries. The casks are then stored in a secure bonded warehouse to mature for at least five years, before selling for a profit or bottling.

About Whiskey & Wealth Club  

Whiskey & Wealth Club is a wholesale whiskey 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.

Whiskey & Wealth Club manages storage and insurance for five years as standard, allowing the whiskey to mature in maintained, government bonded warehouses. Investors can then decide when is best for them to sell their mature whiskey or bottle to enjoy themselves.