Cask Trade launches creating an honest marketplace to trade whisky by the cask

This month saw the launch of Cask Trade – the first real and trustworthy marketplace for trading single malt whisky casks.

Whisky experts, bottlers, collectors and journalists came together for the launch of Cask Trade at 67 Pall Mall, London, on Monday 7^th October.

Guests heard a presentation on whisky investment by the owner, Simon Aron, before a tasting of six cask strength whiskies. All of the tasted whiskies were in casks owned by Cask Trade including Glenlivet 1978 and Aberlour 1989. The tasting was given by Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White and the world’s leading authority on whisky Charlie MacLean.

Serial entrepreneur and angel investor Simon Aron’s aim is to build an open and honest marketplace for whisky collectors, investors and whisky bottlers, to trade. Cask Trade is unique in that it only deals in casks of single malt whisky it owns. It is not a whisky cask broker and it does not sell shares in whisky funds or offer fractional sales.

In his presentation, Simon shared example figures on a mixed portfolio investment of £100,000. A total of 14 whisky casks purchased for £100,000 would appreciate at an average increase of 13-18% a year (over 4-6 years), generating a gross return of more than £214,000, an increase of 114%.

He also revealed future plans for the business that are revolutionary and innovative. 

At the tasting this week, Charlie MacLean welcomed the launch of Cask Trade and the stringent checks and processes the business has in place. “It’s terribly important to evaluate by nosing and tasting the whiskies that you are selling. It’s so important not to sell a pup. I’ve come across companies and individual casks that have really been below par,” says Charlie who added age is not a guarantee of quality.

To view a live stock list, register an account today at casktrade.com.

“All casks are owned by Cask Trade and whiskies are listed at a uniform price. – You won’t find casks being brokered here and are no different trade and retail prices either. We regularly check our casks, provide samples and arrange re-gauges. On our new live auction site, which is a world’s first, there is also a 0% sellers fee at auction. We can even arrange movement, bottling and shipment,” says Simon, who explains provenance and quality are ensured by the stringent application process.

Cask Trade has started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year, the auction helps private owners and investors sell their casks to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy – wherever possible. Cask Trade validate all the sellers confirming proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and 0% sellers’ fee Cask Trade can offer customers the actual hammer price. Their low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy fine and rare casks.

The first auction will take place on 20^th November 2019.

Picture Caption: Sir Colin Hampden-White, Charles MacLean and Simon Aron

A link to images from Monday’s event can be found here: https://we.tl/t-2RTEs4uP5z

NOTES 

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Sir Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional casks of whiskies. The company is unique because it only sells casks it owns outright, and it only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from cask whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy market place for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade’s experience staff. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail:

• Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
• Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
• HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will buy back from its clients the casks they have bought from and had managed by Cask Trade. It also offers:

• Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
• Re-racking (sherry, wine, port, etc.)
• Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share over years of maturations)
• Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
• Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
• Regularly updated whisky investment guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
• Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrel(s), upon request – where available.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy. – Wherever possible. We validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee we can offer you the actual hammer price. Our low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT will offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com/

https://www.auctionyourcask.com/ 

Simon Aron

Simon Aron is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. He has a background in technology, commercial property and agriculture. Aged 23, in 1990 he founded his first business, Eurodata Systems plc. He grew the business to 180 employees with a turnover of $50 million in just over 20 years. During that time Eurodata won 22 business awards and Simon was Plimsoll Publishing Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 (https://www.plimsoll.co.uk/).

Simon is currently the Vice President of Agrovision (https://agrovisioncorp.com/) which includes a 24,000-hectare farm in Peru and is the one of the world’s largest supplier of blueberries. The company operates with special care for the natural conservation of the land and environment, and it strives to make a positive impact on its local communities through employment opportunities and training, health care, educational and recreational programs, infrastructure projects, and other charitable programs.

Amongst his extensive charity work, Simon is also a trustee of Ort UK (https://ortuk.org/), which is part of a global network that empowers young people through life-changing science and technology education and vocational training. “Having spent time with hundreds of IT Directors, working on their technology strategies, I believe that I can apply my knowledge to the next generation and even re-educate people on how to use IT to better enhance their lives and careers. Education in certain parts of the world is the only path to follow to counteract a vicious circle with no way out. ORT UK gives me the opportunity to make a difference; it’s a fantastic charity with a long heritage in education since 1880.”

Sir Colin Hampden-White

Sir Colin is Keeper of the Quaich and sits on the judging panel at the World Whisky Awards and International Wine & Spirits (IWSC) competition. He also presents on The Three Drinkers global TV show on Amazon Prime and is Chairman of the Circle of Wine Writers.

Colin has taken an unconventional route into the world of whisky. A trained quantity surveyor, in 2001 Colin decided to follow one of his passions and he moved into the world of media as a professional photographer. After several years at the Scotsman, he moved to London to work with The Times and The FT. There he was able to combine photography with wider journalism and became a freelance writer as well. His focus was fine wine and whisky for Condé Nast and LUX magazine. In 2012 he won the Louis Roederer Award for Artistry in wine.

Whisky Price Growth

Whisky, according to the recent Knight Frank Wealth Report, is 2019’s top performing luxury investment. With an increase of 40% on rare bottle values in the last 12 months, it far outstripped the more established alternative assets such as art, wine and cars.

From page 78 – https://content.knightfrank.com/resources/knightfrank.com/wealthreport/2019/the-wealth-report-2019.pdf

Data collected by Rare Whisky 101 suggests the four-year growth from December 2014 in rare whisky has increased over 160%, compared to just 2.47% for the FTSE 100. https://www.rarewhisky101.com/indices

The same report by Rare Whisky 101 claimed via the BBC that they had performed a controlled test of 55 rare bottles, of which over a third were fakes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-46566703

Proud to chart its own course, Raasay Distillery‘s ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks are available to purchase on the distillery’s website and are priced from £999. The smaller casks make the island’s first expression more accessible to whisky lovers across the world and having been made using wood from ex-Speyside casks, they have ensured that the flavour of the final whisky are finely balanced.The smaller casks will sit proudly alongside the 190 litre first-fill ex-American whiskey casks which are also available to purchase online at £5000.

All Raasay spirit is produced and distilled on the island, using only Scottish barley, distillers’ yeast and mineral-rich water sourced and filtered directly from a Celtic well on site. A long fermentation period brings a rich, characterful flavour to the Raasay spirit before it even touches the oak of a cask. While the whisky matures, cask owners can come and visit their cask, staying in Raasay Distillery’s four-star accommodation: Borodale House. After the whisky is bottled, owners can also keep their empty cask as a treasured memento.

Raasay is now also part of Caskshare which allows whisky lovers to reserve ‘shares’ of whisky casks from their favourite distilleries, choosing between a wide variety of wood types and ages as the whisky matures. Single cask bottles of Raasay Single Malt will then be sent directly to buyers upon maturation, or even traded on this new leading-edge technology platform. Described as ‘crowdfunding for whisky’ customers can pre-order cask ‘shares’ from their distillery of choice via the Craft Whisky Club website.

Glen Scotia releases its oldest and rarest expression 

One of Campbeltown’s three surviving distilleries, Glen Scotia, has added an exceptionally rare 45-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

Encased in a stunning handcrafted walnut box, and limited to 150 bottles world-wide, Glen Scotia 45-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not only the oldest expression to be released by Glen Scotia distillery but also one of the most exclusive. A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia 45 year old reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Campbeltown.

Embodying all the signature characteristics of a Campbeltown single malt, the liquid is dominated by maritime influences. On the nose, it presents bold coastal elements, as well as sweet notes of ripe pineapple, crisp green apple, rose and vanilla.

The liquid was distilled in December 1973 before being filled into refill Bourbon casks two days before Christmas. Over three decades later, in 2011, the precious spirit was carefully re-casked into first fill Bourbon then laid to mature under the watchful eye of master distiller Michael Henry before finally bottling in 2019.

He said: “Glen Scotia 45-year-old is one of the most magnificent expressions to be produced by our Campbeltown distillery and we are excited that after 45 years we are now able to unveil it to the world.

“Distilled in 1973, this single malt is steeped in history and is extraordinarily rare. The liquid has been maturing in refill bourbon casks, tucked away in our bonded warehouses, for over three decades before being finished in first fill bourbon.

“It embodies all of the unique elements which Glen Scotia is known for, delivering a long mouth-watering finish with notes of sea salt and lime citrus. On the palate, the liquid presents caramel sweetness at first, then juicy fruit with pineapple, mango and water melon rounded by vanilla and honey.”

Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 45 year old is bottled at 43.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created by family-owned, UK-based luxury packaging manufacturer, Moran’s Wood Components. Each case is handmade using sustainably sourced British walnut and features contains a delicate tile engraved with the individual bottle number and tasting notes. Inside, the case boasts embossed leather lining.

Paul Moran, director, Moran’s Wood Components, said: “It was an honour to create such a beautiful box for the Glen Scotia 45 year old, a very rare and historic whisky. Inspired by the intrinsic link between wood and whisky, we also drew from Glen Scotia’s vision of incorporating quality materials and craftsmanship, to reflect the same principles that go into the distillery’s award-winning single malts. 

“We constantly strive to push the boundaries, and everyone at Moran’s is extremely proud of this project.”

Campbeltown is Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era it was known as the whisky capital of the world and home to more than 30 working distilleries.

To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky heritage, Glen Scotia distillery has been campaigning for Campbeltown to be recognised the “whiskiest place in the world.” In July 2019, a parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.

Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It might be the smallest region, but the contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch whisky is incomparable. 

“For over 100 years, our coastal town has been crafting some of the world’s most exciting expressions and Glen Scotia 45 year old exemplifies everything you would expect of a fantastic Campbeltown single malt. It truly is the perfect addition to any collection.”

Glen Scotia 45 year old will be priced at £3,795 and available from specialist retailers from October, including the Whisky Shop.

Stockist

www.whiskyshop.com 

Tasting notes

Nose

Bold coastal elements, sea-soaked basalt leads into thick fruit of ripe pineapple and crisp green apple before floral notes of rose, vanilla and toasted oak come through. 

Taste

Viscous oily mouthfeel coats the tongue. Caramel sweetness at first then juicy tropical fruit, with pineapple, mango and watermelon rounded by vanilla and honey. 

Finish

Long mouth-watering finish with sea-salt and lime citrus before warming cinnamon and ground ginger spice. 

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• The Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch was awarded a Double Gold medal at the prestigious 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Almost 30,000 spirits were judged by the competition, the largest number of entries in its 19-year history.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Ultra special new whiskies from Alberta Premium

Alberta Premium Cask Strength & 20 Year Old Limited Editions

Every now and then Alberta Premium treats its loyal customers to some truly mindblowing sipping whisky. Get ready: Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Alberta Premium Aged 20 Years are on shelves in Alberta now, and will be available nationwide in November.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength, which was drawn from the barrel uncut at 61.5% abv. features cereal notes, dark fruits, and mild vanilla with rosewater, mint and peppery spices finishing on sweet and sour pickles and bitter grapefruit pith. Suggested price is $64.95.

Alberta Premium 20 Year Old, at 42% abv exudes a toffeeish, oily, floral, nose. The palate feels creamy with rye bread, peppery rye spices, citrus fruits and hints of cedar decking then sweet maple syrup, soft chocolates and brisk spices. Truly, elegance in a bottle. Suggested retail price is $89.95.

As with all Alberta Premium whiskies, these are distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye mashed in Rocky Mountain water.

Prices will vary by market.

Canadian Club 42 Year Old

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Last Straw

Sprouted Corn Whisky

As with everything Last Straw makes, what comes out of the barrel goes into the bottle. But at what abv? For their brand new sprouted corn whisky, the team at Last Straw distillery invited distillery visitors to taste the whisky at four different strengths and vote on their favourite.

This soft, sweet, creamy whisky began with 100% organic Ontario yellow dent corn, grown at Sheardown Family Farm in York County, and malted by King Farm Mills. Before it had reached four years maturing in #3 char American Oak the spirit already tasted pretty good with spicy peppers, hints of cinnamon and vague hints of corn cobs. When the Last Straw team poured samples at Whisky Ottawa, guests agreed it was ready for release.

And that final abv? Results were not available at press time, but a similar approach taken with their Cask #1 Rye Whisky yielded a sold out success.

Best to contact Last Straw for more details.

A. SMITH BOWMAN BOURBON WINS DOUBLE GOLD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOURBON & WHISKEY COMPETITION

John J. Bowman Single Barrel and Two Other Whiskeys Win Awards 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sept. 25, 2019) – John J. Bowman Single Barrel won a double gold medal at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.).

Two others bourbons from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Bowman Brothers Small Batch and Isaac Bowman Port Finish, won gold and silver medals, respectively.

The N.A.B.W.C. promotes excellence in bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine through a double-blind competition. The competition is based on a 100-point scale. The spirits are judged by styles and price categories.

“We are honored to receive awards for each of our core bourbons, especially the double gold medal,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “Our team at A. Smith Bowman works diligently to produce the highest quality whiskeys we can provide and these awards showcase that work.”

To find more information about A. Smith Bowman brands, please visit https://asmithbowman.com/

About A. Smith Bowman

A.Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Nick Reed joins the Cotswolds Distillery as new Commercial Director

He brings over 30 years of drinks industry experience and is tasked with developing the distillery’s distribution and trade relationships

The Cotswolds Distillery has announced a new addition to its management team this week, with the hire of Commercial Director, Nick Reed, to develop all trade channels.

In the latest move to support the distillery’s exponential growth over the past 5 years, Nick has moved from Quintessential Brands UK, bringing over 30 years of experience within the grocery sector, 18 years of which were spent working as Trade Sales Director at distillery and distributor, William Grant & Sons.

Nick has worked in multi-national organisations in both business leadership and account management positions.

Cotswolds Distillery founder and CEO, Daniel Szor, said: “Nick’s appointment underpins our ambition to continue our exceptional growth and further build our brand footprint nationally.

“His experience in the grocery multiple channel will specifically allow us to reach more premium spirit shoppers.”

Reed joins the distillery following multiple national and global award wins including the International Wine and Spirit Competition, where both its range of whiskies and its gin won gold medals. In addition, the Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky was the only whisky to receive three stars at the Great Taste Awards 2019.

Of his appointment, Reed said: “What Cotswolds Distillery has achieved since it was founded just five years ago has been amazing and is testament to the high-quality products it produces.

“I’m looking forward to communicating its fantastic portfolio and working closely with trade partners both in the UK and internationally to drive consideration and demand for Cotswolds Distillery products.”

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky in 2017.

Notes 

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was recently awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of their whiskies scored 95 points, with all of the distillery’s samples scoring over 88 out of 100.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 31 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 30 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

Elijah Craig Launches Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in Limited Markets

BARDSTOWN, KY – Elijah Craig, a leading premium Kentucky Bourbon, today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The line extension affords experimenting whiskey fans the opportunity to challenge their palates with a new extra-aged Rye offering from the award-winning Elijah Craig family of Bourbons.

Elijah Craig Rye is made as a traditional American Straight Rye Whiskey with 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. This combination of grains, which relies heavily on corn as the secondary grain rather than a higher percentage of rye, has been the primary Rye mashbill used by Kentucky Bourbon distilleries since taking over virtually all American Rye production post-Prohibition; the same mashbill directly responsible for the Rye resurgence seen today. Extra-aging is a tenet of the Elijah Craig portfolio, and Elijah Craig Rye is no exception. The resulting taste carries a spicy sharpness from the rye balanced with sweetness from the corn. Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, the Straight Rye is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with green features.

“Elijah Craig was a larger-than-life innovator and the new Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey celebrates his bold reputation,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege within its vast inventory and distilling expertise to create American Whiskeys consumers desire. Elijah Craig Rye celebrates the heritage of Rye Whiskey in Kentucky and adds another quality option to an award-winning lineup of specially crafted whiskeys.”

Heaven Hill Distillery’s 84-year history of distilling and its 1.6 million barrel inventory of aging American Whiskey has allowed for the regular production of major styles of American Whiskey, such as Rye, even as they were out of vogue with consumers. These years of steadfast attention to detail give Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, as well as the Elijah Craig Bourbons, the right balance of flavor and smoothness.

Elijah Craig was known for his pioneering spirit, honored through the making of Elijah Craig Bourbon and, now, Rye. Having founded his own distillery in 1789, Elijah Craig is credited as the first to char oak barrels to make Bourbon. The Baptist preacher also founded many businesses in and around Georgetown, Kentucky, as well as a school, which still exists today as Georgetown College. This heritage and his long-standing impact on the community lives on today through the award-winning lineup of Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and now Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

With an SRP of $29.99, Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey will first launch in the limited markets of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Oregon in January 2020.

About Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch 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, it is complemented by Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the portfolio.

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. The 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 1.6 million barrels aging in 58 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 World 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.

The Whiskeys from Sazerac Sweep World Whiskey Awards

Marks First Time One Whiskey Producer Wins 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Place

in Esteemed Awards 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Oct. 17, 2019) In an unprecedented event, three whiskeys from the Sazerac Company take the top awards for the best whiskeys in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020,” winning World Whiskey of the Year for its 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, William Larue Weller 125.7 proof second finest whiskey in the world, and Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye 128.8 proof third finest whiskey in the world.

            The 1792 Full Proof scored a remarkable 97.5 out of 100 and its taste is described by Jim Murray as “you can only sit, eyes closed, in awe. This is a delivery of perfection: intense, seemingly no prisoners. Yet, actually, you find it has the grace to allow every character to make a speech of great erudition, ultimately a discourse of how so many facets can be singular yet together make for such glorious integration. …On this evidence Buffalo Trace has a threat to its world supremacy – from a rival distillery…they own! This is a whiskey of stand out, almost stand-alone beauty. Finding fault is not easy with something this intense and magnificently rich.”

            This is the first time the whiskeys from one company have won all three top spots in the 17 years Jim Murray has been giving the awards in his Whiskey Bible.

“Even I was pretty staggered that a single company managed to scoop my awards not just for World Whisky of the Year, but 2^nd and 3^rd best, too. It is unprecedented. Though, of course, the awards encompass two distilleries.

Even so, it was not something I particularly desired as I know there will be eyebrows raised and claims of favouritism, which, of course, is never the case with the Whiskey Bible. I call it exactly as I see it. Even so, for that reason, once I knew the top three (two bourbons and a rye, and all from the same company!), I immediately built in an extra two days to run through my top ten whiskies once more….and the results came out exactly the same! The awards are truly justified.

For the 1792 Full Proof to eclipse last year’s winner, the William Larue Weller bourbon, which this year came second, and third-placed Thomas Handy Rye – both from Buffalo Trace – is nothing short of staggering.

But this is not just a great day for Sazerac, whom I heartily congratulate, but Kentucky whiskey in general,” stated Jim Murray, author, “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”

            “To not only be named World Whiskey of the Year, but also to have our whiskeys be named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world is astonishing,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company.  “It is truly a testament of the skill and dedication of not only our two Master Distillers, but to all of our team members at Sazerac. We could not be happier and more motivated to continue to strive for perfection in the American whiskeys we make.”

            Other Sazerac whiskeys named award winners in the “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020” include:

• Bourbon of the Year – 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Rye of the Year – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 128.8 Proof
• Bourbon No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels) – 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Bourbon No Age Statement (Single Barrel) – E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel
• Bourbon Age 11-15 Years – Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old
• Bourbon Age 21 Years and Older – Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old
• Rye No Age Statement – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 128.8 Proof
• Rye Age 11-15 Years – Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old
• Rye Over 15 Years – Sazerac 18 Year Old

            The 1792 Full Proof joins numerous other whiskeys produced by Sazerac that Jim Murray has also named the World Whiskey of the Year, including E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon in 2017, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, 128.6 proof in 2013, the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey in 2010, The George T. Stagg Bourbon 129 proof in 2006, and the George T. Stagg Bourbon in both 2005 and 2004. In all, seven whiskeys produced by Buffalo Trace have been named to Jim’s top spot in the past 17 years, an amazing accomplishment.

            “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/

 About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 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 21 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 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Photo Courtesy of Canadian Whisky News

Alberta Premium Introduces Two Limited Edition Ultra-Premium Marques

Alberta Premium Launches Cask Strength & 20 Years Old Expressions Just In Time for the Holidays

TORONTO – Alberta Premium is pleased to announce the release of its first-ever Cask Strength Rye and 20 Years Old Rye marques. The two new expressions will be available for a limited time, nationwide, and hitting shelves in time for the holiday season.

Boasting 100% Canadian prairie rye mash bills and Rocky Mountain water, Cask Strength and 20 Years Old will be joining Alberta Premium’s award-winning portfolio; the brand’s hero marque, Alberta Premium Rye, was awarded 95.5 points by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019 for its consistency and high-quality value.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength – Aged in charred oak casks and completely undiluted, Alberta Premium’s craft approach to its Cask Strength expression is highlighted in its exceptionally smooth taste. Uncut and drawn straight from the barrel, Alberta Premium’s first Cask Strength marque features notes of caramel, vanilla and a hint of chocolate, balanced with black current and spice.

Alberta Premium 20 Years Old – Ultra-smooth with a lingering finish, Alberta Premium’s first 20 Years Old is elegance in a bottle. Exuding notes of caramel and toffee, this remarkable rye whisky is blended and aged to perfection.

“Bringing two ultra-premium limited edition expressions to the Alberta Premium portfolio demonstrates the whisky-making skill and depth coming out of Canada. Cask Strength speaks to Alberta Premium’s honed expertise in barrelling, with an industry-leading understanding of how individual barrels can influence a spirit’s profile. Alberta Premium 20 Years Old is a sophisticated whisky, superbly blended and incredibly smooth. We anticipate Alberta Premium fans and whisky aficionados alike will appreciate the quality we are bringing to the shelves this winter at exceptional price points,” said Deepti Gurkar, Senior Brand Manager, Beam Suntory Canada.

Hitting shelves in October, Alberta Premium Cask Strength will be available in 750mL bottles (65.1% abv) at a suggested retail price of $64.95, with Alberta Premium 20 Years Old being available 750mL bottles (42% abv) for a suggested retail price of $89.95. Prices will vary by market.

About Alberta Distillers Ltd. Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100 per cent Canadian rye whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for over 50 years. The Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality.

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 and Basil Hayden’s bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith and Roku gin, and Midori liqueur.

Bimber announces release of Re-charred Oak Casks Batch 001 

Batch 001 of Bimber’s Re-charred Oak Casks will be available for pre-order directly from the distillery from the 23^rd October

The bottling will be issued for general release via online retailers from the 8^th November 2019

The small batch release of 5,000 bottles was full matured in American oak casks hand charred by Bimber’s coopers

London’s Bimber today announced the release of the distillery’s second single malt whisky – Re-charred Oak Casks. The small batch produced expression has been crafted from a vatting of heavily charred American oak casks laid down in 2016 – Bimber’s first year of production.

The initial (001) batch is bottled at 51.9% ABV, limited to 5,000 individually numbered bottles and will be available in selected markets at an RRP of £65.

The expression was crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American Oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills, which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light and fruity, but layered new make spirit.

The selection of American Oak casks were hand charred by Bimber’s on-site coopers to level #4 char – also known as ‘Alligator char’. The deep charring process caramelised the wood sugars, adds a layer of filtering carbon to the surface of the barrel and influences the whisky by imparting distinctively sweet, rich smooth and fruity flavours into the maturing spirit.

The release of Bimber Re-charred Oak Casks follows the launch of the distillery’s inaugural release ‘The First’ which sold out in less than three hours in September 2019.

Speaking of the release, Founder and Master Distiller Darius Plazewski said: “Over the past few weeks, it has been a great privilege to see people enjoying our inaugural release, and hearing such positive comments about its remarkable early maturity. We’re now excited to unveil our next chapter with the release of our Re-charred Oak Casks expression. With a larger number of bottles available for this batch produced release, I’m excited to be able to share our single malt whisky with a growing number of people as they join us on the continuing journey of Bimber.”

Notes  

Bimber ‘Re-charred oak casks’

A vatting of heavily charred American oak casks.

Nose: Orchard fruits and spit-roasted pineapple chunks are sweetened with honey, nougat and cookie dough. Oak smoke and wood char float across the nose, whilst cinnamon and pepper spicing offers an enlivening intensity.

Taste: Red apples and ripe pears sit alongside banana bread and pineapple juice. Caramel, butterscotch sauce and split vanilla pods combine with layered pepper and ginger spicing and a characterful note of charred oak.

Finish: Enduring wood smoke supports beautifully fading fruits and perfectly balanced oaky dryness.

5,000 bottles

70cl

51.9% ABV

RRP £65

Release date: 23^rd October pre-order at www.bimberdistillery.co.uk with general release via leading retailers from the 8^th November

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

The seeds of Bimber were sown three generations ago in communist-era Poland, where our founder and master distiller’s grandfather, distilled his own spirits, known as moonshine. This craft was carefully perfected and passed through the generations to Darius who learnt the art of distillation from a very young age.

This rich distilling heritage has shaped and influenced our approach to spirit making. We are proud of our past and pay tribute to it with our name Bimber, which means moonshine in Polish. ​

The founders of Bimber, Darius and Ewelina, emigrated from Poland to London in 2003 and created a successful business in West London. However, Darius’s passion for whisky and distilling were always at the forefront of his mind, and when the opportunity arose to establish a whisky distillery in 2015, he knew he had to go for it. Our first casks were laid on the 26th May 2016, and we have been patiently waiting until now to release them.