BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN SILVER

Four Bourbons Awarded at North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition

BARDSTOWN, KY (Sept. 19, 2019) –  Kentucky Tavern Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Very Old Barton 80 Proof and Very Old Barton 90 Proof bourbons won silver medals at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey competition (N.A.B.W.C.).

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 very honored to receive four silver medals at the 2019 N.A.B.W.C.,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “Our team at the Distillery takes pride in creating these whiskies. We are thrilled to be recognized for our work.”

To find more information about Barton 1792 brands, please visit https://www.1792distillery.com/

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 27 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2018 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

CROWD SOURCED BOURBON FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED BEST IN SHOW

Weller CYPB and 11 Other Whiskeys Win Awards at North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition

FRANKFORT, KY (Sept. 17, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon brand, W.L. Weller CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) won “Best Of Show” at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.). W.L. Weller CYPB is a wheated recipe bourbon and is the result of thousands of whiskey drinkers crafting their perfect bourbon at www.yourperfectbourbon.com.

In addition to the “Best Of Show” award, Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbons received 11 other awards, including two double gold medals. The bourbons were awarded as follows:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Double Gold
• W.L. Weller 12yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Double Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Barrel Whiskey – Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Small Batch Whiskey – Silver
• Eagle Rare 10yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• McAfee’s Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bronze

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. The top award in the competition is “Best Of Show.”

“We’re honored to receive not only ‘Best Of Show’ but 11 other awards as well,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “Our fans sure know how to pick a good bourbon. Our W.L. Weller CYPB is proof that our fans have award-winning taste.”

To find more information about Buffalo Trace brands, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.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.”  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.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN GOLD AT AMERICAN WHISKEY MASTERS COMPETITION 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sept. 12, 2019) – Three bourbons from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Bowman Brothers Small Batch, Isaac Bowman Port Finish, and John J. Bowman Single Barrel won gold medals at the 2019 American Whiskey Masters competition.

All awards are given at the discretion of the judges through a blind tasting. The panel of judges consisted of leading spirits specialists. The 2019 American Whiskey Masters was a competitive competition with more than 46 entries from 12 different companies.

“We are honored to receive gold medals for each of our core bourbons,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “Our team at A. Smith Bowman is dedicated to producing quality spirits, and these awards are a testament to that hard 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.

Littlemill and Glencairn partner for latest

Private Cellar Collection bottling 

Littlemill 29 year old, the latest expression from Littlemill’s Private Cellar collection, will be released this September, using liquid carefully selected from some of the last remaining casks to be laid down at the Littlemill Distillery, beautifully presented in a limited edition bespoke Glencairn decanter.

Now recognised to have been the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was destroyed by fire in 2004, making this liquid exceptionally rare and covetable.

Littlemill 29 year old (RRP £2,750; 47.3% ABV) is the third release from the Private Cellar Collection, each crafted by Master Blender Michael Henry in Littlemill’s traditional Lowland ‘floral’ style. This latest release places particular emphasis on developing the wood character and only 600 bottles will be released across the world.

To ensure that the decanter and packaging echoed the exquisiteness of the liquid itself, Glencairn worked closely with Littlemill on every detail. The packaging concept had to echo the style and rarity of the whisky and bring its extraordinary home to life.

Each Glencairn decanter is etched with an illustration of the River Clyde and a silver star signifying the Littlemill distillery’s location. Situated in Bowling on the banks for the River Clyde, it would prove to be a defining factor in the distillery’s success, opening important trade routes to key cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh when the Forth and Clyde Canal was completed in the 1790s.

Hand-engraved and hand-infilled by Glencairn’s specialist in-house team, each decanter is truly one of a kind and is individually numbered for exclusivity and collectability. The design also features a beautiful Scottish silver badge and collar both branded and finished with black infill. The branded silver stopper has a flower grade mirror ended cork which is of the highest quality.

The beautifully crafted presentation box also includes a 5cl miniature of the liquid, a piece of an original Littlemill cask, and a booklet sharing the fascinating history of the Littlemill distillery with tasting notes from Master Blender Michael Henry.

Master Blender Michael Henry explains how each of the Private Cellar releases have been crafted to deliver different flavour profiles while still retaining the original character of the Littlemill distillery:

“The latest expression in the Private Cellar collection helps to tell another piece of the Littlemill story. Littlemill has always represented the traditional Lowland ‘floral’ style, and over the years the distillation and maturation processes evolved to maintain this flavour profile.

“The first Private Cellar release in 2015 was designed to reflect Littlemill’s original quality and style. The second release in 2017 focussed more on the distillery influence, and by maturing the liquid in refill bourbon casks the distilling process became the main factor in defining the whisky’s character. Littlemill 29 year old, our 2019 release, focuses on the influence of wood.”

“The original liquid was laid down in refill bourbon casks in 1990. Seven of these were selected and combined, then finished in first-fill oloroso sherry and Limousin oak casks. The oloroso sherry adds further floral notes, similar to the traditional sherry casks used at the Littlemill distillery, while the Limousin oak provides the European oak influence. The result is unmistakably Littlemill, with delicious caramel sweetness layered with spice.”

Scott Davidson, Glencairn’s New Product Development Director, commented: “We are truly honoured to have worked with Littlemill to design and create a decanter to encase such a special whisky. Getting to understand the distillery, its heritage and people has been a privilege, as has evolving the story into something tangible within the look and feel of the packaging and bottle. We are incredibly proud to be part of this special launch.”

Littlemill Distillery has long laid claim to an extensive and fascinating history, but new historic documentary evidence unearthed from the archives now conclusively proves that it was the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, with recent records unearthed with dates the license from 2^nd November 1773.

Brothers George and Archibald Buchanan – the original owners of Littlemill – were trailblazers for the rich tradition of Scottish whisky production, and Littlemill continued to lead the industry for over two centuries. Notably, it was one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823. Later, in 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light.

Whisky production at Littlemill, situated in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, continued until the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com and www.glencairn.co.uk

Notes:

Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers.

Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase. Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 80 countries worldwide.

Glencairn has previously won The Queen’s Awards as follows:

• The Queens Award for Enterprise 2017 and 2012
• The Queens Award for Innovation 2006 (with the Glencairn Whisky Glass)

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning scotch whisky and other spirits brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt scotch whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About Littlemill:

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @LittlemillwhiskyE

Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond distilleries to feature on Amazon Prime show

The Three Drinkers go behind the scenes at Campbeltown and Alexandria 

One of Campbeltown’s last three remaining distilleries, Glen Scotia, and Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Spirit Of The Open, are set to be featured in an upcoming episode of the popular Amazon Prime television series, The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky.

The show, which is viewed in over 160 countries worldwide, will be returning with its second series in December, where spirits experts – known as the Three Drinkers – Helena Nicklin, Aidy Smith and Colin Hampden-White travel around Scotland, visiting new and historic distilleries alike.

Hailed as the “Top Gear of drinks”, the hit programme highlights some of Scotland’s most popular spirits, along with showcasing some hidden treasures.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “Since becoming a sponsor of The Open Loch Lomond Whiskies is now being recognised worldwide and it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to put Glen Scotia on the global map as part of The Three Drinkers series. It might be the smallest malt producing region, but Campbeltown is packed with history and the contribution it’s made to Scotland’s whisky scene is very special.

“With our Loch Lomond distillery closed to the public this will also be a unique chance for whisky fans to get a glimpse behind the scenes and gain greater insight into our innovative techniques and craftsmanship.

“It’s an honour to host Helena, Aidy and Colin at our award-winning distilleries and we are very much looking forward to seeing Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond on screen.”

Glen Scotia distillery was founded in Campbeltown in 1832 and is one of only three surviving distilleries located there today. During the Victorian era, Campbeltown, which lies at the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and is the most remote mainland town in Scotland, was once home to over 30 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.

The award-winning Loch Lomond distillery was founded in 1814 and can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire close to the banks of Loch Lomond, were commissioned in 1964 with first distillation in 1966. In addition to incorporating ground-breaking straight-necked pot stills the distillery maintains an onsite cooperage – one of only four in Scotland to do so.

Last year, Loch Lomond Whiskies entered a prestigious, five-year partnership with The Open, golf’s original championship. The partnership with The R&A includes support of the AIG Women’s British Open and showcases the full range of Loch Lomond Whiskies on a global scale.

Helena Nicklin said: “We’ve been blown away by how well the series has done in such a short time.

“We’re looking forward to playing up the fun side of our travels with more experimentation with food and drink, eerie ghost stories, ridiculous challenges and all the weird and wonderful tidbits people never knew about Scotland and whisky.”

For more information on Glen Scotia, please visit www.glenscotia.com. 

For more information on Loch Lomond Whiskies, please visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

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.
• Glen Scotia recently enjoyed significant success at the inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards, scooping gold and bronze awards in the Single Malt No Age Statement category for the Double Cask and Campbeltown Harbour whiskies. Glen Scotia 15 year old also won silver in the Single Malt 13-16 year old, and the Glen ScotiaGrand Tour, which replicates the experience of visiting Campbeltown for those can’t travel to the remote distillery, won Best Brand Experience of the year
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request
• Visit Glen Scotia on Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts, Instagram: @glenscotiamalts and Facebook:  @GlenScotia.

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 a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. 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 Reserve

• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and coveted global competitions:
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond Signature
• GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
• Loch Lomond Whiskies signed a five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open in February 2018. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150^th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf
• Images and interviews with key staff from Loch Lomond are available upon request
• Visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Benromach unveils rare 50-Year-Old Single Cask

— Only 125 bottles of Benromach 50 Years Old will be released for sale —

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has unveiled one of its rarest single cask releases and the oldest expression in the current range – Benromach 50 Years Old.

Laid down in 1969, Benromach 50 Years Old has spent half a century maturing in cask no. 2003, an ex-Sherry Hogshead.

The result is an exquisite hand-crafted single malt available as a limited release from the Benromach Distillery, with only 125 decanters available for purchase.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “Benromach 50 Years Old is the oldest expression in our current range and was carefully crafted by my predecessors using many of the timeless methods that we still use at Benromach Distillery to this day, with an unwavering focus on sourcing the finest Scottish barley, drawing the purest local spring water and relying on the expertise and senses of our distillers to create a spirit that’s truly handcrafted.

“Benromach is known for its range of classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke. This old and rare expression exudes undertones of gentle smoke and rewards 50 years of patience and nurture with sweet sherry aromas, ripe fruits and a mellow, mature oak finish.”

The distillery in Forres is one of few in Scotland to maintain a handcrafted approach to whisky making without the use of automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

Just 125 bottles of Benromach 50 Years Old will be available at selected retailers worldwide from 30 September. For stockist information contact sales@benromach.com.

Decanters are priced at £8,000 GBP, €9,000 and $10,000 USD.  Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Notes 

Tasting Notes:

Benromach 50 years old is non chill-filtered and is bottled at 44.6% ABV

Colour: Warm Mahogany

Nose: Sweet Sherry aromas – prune syrup, stewed raisins brown sugar and warm spices. Hints of butterscotch, ginger, candied citrus peels – orange. Undertones of gentle smoke – akin to extinguished coals.

Palate: Peppery initially giving way to ripe fruits apricot, peach and hints of orange. Subtle sweet flavours of dried tobacco leaves, mellow mature oak building to a soft menthol edge

Finish: Lingering, fruity and mouth coating with mellow mature oak

Maturation: Matured for 50 years in a Refill Sherry Hogshead

RRP:

It will be available from £8,000 // EUR €9,000 // USD $10,000

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

About Benromach Distillery

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

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

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

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com.

25 Years Old Limited Edition Joins Douglas Laing’s Timorous Beastie Highland Malt Family

Douglas Laing & Co – the award-winning, family-owned Scotch Whisky firm – today announces a new Limited Edition bottling of its Timorous Beastie Highland Malt.

Timorous Beastie 25 Years Old is a rare release of only 1,600 bottles at 46.8% alcohol strength and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration. Having been matured predominantly in ex-Bourbon barrels, the Whisky carries a buttery, honey style alongside marmalade, ginger and damp oak. Timorous Beastie 25 Years Old will be available via specialist spirits retailers at an expected retail price of £150.

Timorous Beastie 25 Years Old joins the special release 18 Years Old which is also bottled at 46.8% alcohol strength and available via specialist spirits retailers at a retail price of circa £90.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky at Douglas Laing & Co, said: “Timorous Beastie 25 Years Old is a beautifully balanced marriage of Single Malts distilled in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a perfect illustration as to how rich Highland Malts mellow as they mature whilst developing a wonderful complexity. This expression carries the trademark Timorous Beastie vanilla and honey style – as a result of being matured predominantly in ex-Bourbon casks – as well as an orange tang and sweet spiciness. Perfect for Autumn evenings!” 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dltimorousbeastie

Twitter: @remarkablemalts

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Old Particular Single Casks, XOP, Premier Barrel and Provenance, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Flaviar announces Distillery Tour program for members

Flaviar announces the launch of its Flaviar Distillery Tour program, which allows members special privileges at top distilleries around the world.

Flaviar, a spirits club designed to help people try more new things more often, has teamed up with over 25 distilleries to kick start the program.

Flaviar members will be able to access an array of special perks and privileges, from complimentary distillery tours and tastings, free distillery swag to meet and greets with master distillers, exclusive access to special drams, and industry discounts on distillery shop produce.

Each distillery chosen to be part of the program has a story to tell and some delicious drams to share including small batch whiskey, Cognac, rum, vodka, gin and liqueurs. From award-winning, family operations; to grain to glass, hyper local distilleries; organic and even kosher operations, all the distilleries involved have one thing in common ‘quality’ at the heart.

Jugoslav Petkovic, co-founder of Flaviar, comments: “There is literally nothing better for understanding a spirit than to visit the place where it is made and to speak to the people pouring their heart and soul into the glass.

“We’ve hand picked some of our favorite producers that will extend special industry privileges to our members and give them more access and opportunity to explore their palates and have a great time.

“There has been a huge increase in visitors to distilleries, in Kentucky alone there have been 1.4m visitors in 2018, which has a huge impact on the local economy. The Flaviar Distillery Tour program is a win-win for everyone, our members get access to a great experience and independent brands are able to reach a highly engaged, spirits enthusiast audience that drive distillery door sales.”

For details of the full line up and how to take advantage of any offers, please visit:

www.flaviar.com/distillery-tours

Flaviar Distillery Tours program distillery partners:

ADCo Distillery, Albany, NY

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary distillery tour & tasting for Flaviar members and a guest

+ 10% discount on all merchandise and products from the distillery shop

Alamo Distillery, San Antonio, TX

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary distillery tour & tasting (including any limited edition spirits available at the time) for Flaviar members and a guest

+ Free glass

+ 10% discount on all merchandise

Balcones Distillery, Waco, TX

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary general admission tour for Flaviar members and a guest OR a free tasting flight at the bar

+ A free Glencairn Tasting glass + Balcones sticker

+ $10 off a bottle of their choice

+ 25% off all other merchandise

+ Opportunity to meet and greet with Head Distiller Jared Himstedt (subject to availability)

Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge, CO

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary high-end whisky flight on a distillery tour (distillery tours are already complimentary) for Flaviar members

+ Every quarter, members can access spirit tastings not available to the general public i.e. Powder Hound, Single Barrel, Dark Arts etc.

+ $5 off all bottles

+ Once a year, members can enjoy one Dark Arts tasting at the restaurant accompanied by a tasty charcuterie plate

The Copper Fox Distillery, Sperryville, VA

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary VIP tour with a whiskey flight and a hands on floor malting experience for Flaviar members and one guest

+ An opportunity for a hands on floor malting experience

+ 15% off retail merchandise with any spirit purchase

The Copper Fox Distillery, Williamsburg, VA

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary VIP tour with a whiskey flight and a hands on floor malting experience for Flaviar members and one guest

+ An opportunity for a hands on floor malting experience

+ 15% off retail merchandise with any spirit purchase

Coppersea Distillery, New Paltz, NY

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary Coppersea Distillery tour and 3-flight tasting experience for Flaviar members and one guest
+ 10% industry discount on other drinks, bottles, and merchandise

Cotswolds Distillery, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire – United Kingdom

Flaviar member benefits:

+ 50% off a distillery tour and tasting for two people (£15, normally £30) for Flaviar members

De Molenberg Distillery, Blaasveld, Belgium

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary tour and tasting of the distillery and brewery for Flaviar members and one guest, free shuttle between the distillery and brewery

+ Free gift from De Molenberg

FEW Distillery, Evanston, IL

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary General Admission for Flaviar members and one guest FEW Spirits’ Distillery Tour & Tasting

+ Free gift from FEW Spirits

Hali’maile Distillery, Makawao, HI 

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Discounted tour and tasting for $10

Hardy Distillery, Cognac, France

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary distillery tour for Flaviar members

+ Industry discount on purchases at the distillery shop

John Distilleries Distillery, Karnataka, India 

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Special Flaviar Distillery tour and tastings packages

+ Opportunity to meet the Master Distiller (based on his availability)

+ Exclusive access to the distillery’s Underground Cask Cellar

+ Tasting of the Wort, Distiller’s Beer and New Make Spirit

Kentucky Peerless Distillery, Louisville, KY

Flaviar member benefits:
+ Discounted distillery tour culminating in a tasting of four whiskies at the exclusive speakeasy at Kentucky Peerless Distillery for $15 per person.

Kilchoman Distillery, Islay, Scotland

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Flaviar members receive a 25% discount on the Ultimate Tour

+ Opportunity to meet and greet Anthony Wills, the founder, owner and master distiller of Kilchoman

Kings County Distillery, Brooklyn, NY 

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary tour and tasting including four whiskies for Flaviar members

KOVAL Distillery, Chicago, IL

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary tour & tasting passes for Flaviar members and a guest

+ Free VIP swag bag for Flaviar members full of with KOVAL goodies

+ 25% off KOVAL products

Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon, KY

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary distillery tour with a cocktail for Flaviar members

+ Meet and greet with the distiller

+ Free glass and a t-shirt or hat

New Holland Brewing Distillery, MI

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary tour of the brewery and distillery for Flaviar members

+ Tasting guided by the New Holland Distiller

NY Distilling Co. Brooklyn, NY

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary tour & tasting for Flaviar members

OOLA Distillery, Seattle, WA

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary VIP tour & tasting for Flaviar members led by OOLA founder/owner

+ Free OOLA swag bag

+ 25% discount on all cocktail classes, whiskey workshops and events at OOLA distillery

+ 25% off a 3-5L exclusive barrel aged cocktail for events

Sagamore Spirit Distillery, Baltimore, MD

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary Sagamore Spirit Distillery Tours and Tasting, including four whiskey samples for Flaviar members and a guest

Santa Fe Spirits Distillery, Santa Fe, NM

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Special rate for Flaviar members on Distillery tours and tastings at $15

+ 15% discount on purchases

+ 15% discount on the monthly masterclasses (How to make whiskey, cocktail masterclasses etc)

Starward Distillery, Melbourne, Australia

Flaviar member benefits:

+ 20% off Distillery tours and masterclasses including private tours for Flaviar members

+ 10% off bottle purchases excl limited releases

+ 20% off food & drink purchased at the distillery bar

Westward Whiskey Distillery, Portland, OR

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary Tour & Tasting Experience for Flaviar members plus one guest

+ 20% industry discount on all flights and in-store experiences at the distillery tasting room

Wolfburn Distillery, Thurso, Scotland

Flaviar member benefits:

+ Complimentary distillery tour for Flaviar members

+ 10% industry discount on merchandise in the distillery shop

ABOUT FLAVIAR:

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.flaviar.com

You’ve got to try this!

THE FAMOUS GROUSE ADDS A NEW FEATHER TO ITS CAP IN THE UK AND UNVEILS A THIRD EXPRESSION TO ITS CASK SERIES 

The Famous Grouse launches Wine Cask, a third addition to its Cask Series in the UK, an innovative range of blended whiskies, inspired by the impact that different types of oak casks have on flavour development.

The Famous Grouse Wine Cask is finished in carefully selected Spanish red wine casks, producing a fuller bodied whisky with the classic smoothness typical of The Famous Grouse. The additional maturation in the wine casks delivers a richer mouthfeel with layers of flavour you would expect from Spanish red wine including dark chocolate, cherries, nutmeg and subtle hints of black pepper.

Chris Anderson, Head of Brands at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, said: “We place such importance on the quality of our wood, as it is such an integral part of bringing the product to life and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate this in an exciting, new way,  through the launch of The Famous Grouse Cask Wine Cask. Wine cask finishing is still relatively new in the history of whisky but is quickly growing in popularity as distillers look to explore the extensive layers of flavour development. These innovations are contributing to the inauguration of an everyday premium category for Blended Scotch Whisky and this approach demonstrates our commitment to bringing fresh opportunities for growth within the category”.

The new edition, launching exclusively in Waitrose this September, complements the retailers leading expertise and history with wine.  John Vine, spirits buyer at Waitrose said: “Waitrose and Partners is very excited to partner with The Famous Grouse on the exclusive launch of this new product, which we believe will appeal to both our whisky and wine aficionado’s alike.  The Famous Grouse Wine Cask is an innovative launch which we hope will support the resurgence in the blended scotch, whilst offering an exciting alternative for those customers looking to explore a new category”.

The Famous Grouse Wine Cask offers consumers the chance to explore wider flavour profiles within Blends, in turn demonstrating the complexity and depth within the category.   The Famous Grouse Wine Cask upholds the reliably smooth taste, quality and character of The UK’s Number 1 Whisky, but with a delicious new twist.  Like the parent blend, The Famous Grouse Wine Cask can be perfectly enjoyed neat, with a dash of water or with a favourite mixer to bring the flavours to life.

Notes 

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

1. The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 5 standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR value data 2017).
2. The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in Scotland, the home of Scotch whisky, since 1980.
3. The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
4. The Famous Grouse was founded by Matthew Gloag who started blending whisky in the 1890s, and was launched officially in 1897 to be drunk by the gentry after a day out shooting. 

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK 

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)
• Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Toki and Chita)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)
• Gin (Roku and Larios)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard vodka, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2020 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals Half Mile Farm in North Carolina

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2020 Bartender of the Year in the competition’s fifth anniversary. The event welcomes bartenders from across the United States to join the Heaven Hill family through online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the Bartender of the Year in June 2020, returning to the picturesque Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

Bartenders will be challenged to demonstrate a variety of cocktail skills using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy and Lunazul Tequila. The 2020 Bartender of the Year contest will identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which all bartenders aspire to be, as Justin Ware from Houston expertly showcased throughout each round of the competition to be named the 2019 Bartender of the Year. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2020 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what it means to be a hospitality professional behind the bar.

“As we enter the fifth year of competition amidst a thriving cocktail culture we are excited to taste and see the creativity as it takes on a new level each year,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Our diverse portfolio of spirits, coupled with an investment in education and camaraderie for participants, creates a foundation for growth and showcases the passion each bartender has for their craft. We look forward to adding the newest members to our growing Heaven Hill family.”

Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year first by online submissions beginning September 15 and continuing through November 5. Submissions will be evaluated throughout November by the three returning national judges: Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó. Eight regional competitions will be held in the following cities from January-April 2020: Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, New York City, Miami, Portland, Phoenix, and Atlanta. Six semifinalists will compete at each regional and one from each will advance to the finals at Half Mile Farm.

Submissions for the contest opened at bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com on September 15, 2019. Guest judges joining for the regional semifinals will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. Ware will also return as a judge for the finals.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur, Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur and Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.