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.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES NEXT INSTALLMENT IN OLD CHARTER OAK SERIES, CANADIAN OAK 

New Addition will Continue the Exploration of the Role Oak Plays

in Making Great Whiskey

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct 17, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its exploration into oak tree varietals with the release of its Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak.  In late 2018, Buffalo Trace announced its Old Charter Oak series, a collection exploring the different taste profiles of barrels obtained from trees grown in different countries, climates and soil.  The Old Charter Oak collection is designed to explore, honor, and celebrate the role of oak in making great whiskey. The oak trees used for this brand vary by country of origin, or species, or U.S. state. Some barrels are even made from century oaks, 100, 200, or 300 year old oak trees.

For the newest release, Buffalo Trace obtained a small number of barrels from Canada and filled them with its Mash #1, the same mashbill used to make Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and several other award-winning bourbons at the Distillery.  Canadian oak trees differ from American oak trees in that they are harder and have a tighter grain structure, which affects the bourbon as it ages.  Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, explains the difference further by stating, “The tighter grain allows the whiskey to penetrate more layers in the wood, but it does take it longer to do it.  So the longer the bourbon ages, the more flavor can be extracted.”

The Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak was aged for 10 years and will be available at retail in late October.

Tasting notes for the Canadian Oak describe it as having a nose of caramel and berries. The palate has hints of vanilla and maple syrup.  A long finish of oak, chocolate and pepper round it out.

This is the third release in the Old Charter Oak Collection. The first two releases were  Mongolian Oak and French Oak. All the Old Charter Oak Bourbon series will be released over time, with a fourth release scheduled for early 2020.  Subsequent releases are planned a few times each year, indefinitely.  “We’re excited to release this third bourbon in this exploratory series.  We have bourbon aging for the Old Charter Oak collection scheduled for release now through 2030, but we’ll keep producing more each year for more new whiskeys beyond that,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director.

By federal standards, bourbon is required to be aged in a new, charred oak container. However, there is no specification it must be American white oak, it’s just that nearly all bourbons made today are aged in white oak.

The Old Charter brand dates back to 1874, with its creation by Adam and Ben Chapeze, naming it in honor of the Charter Oak tree, a famous symbol of American independence and free spirit, which grew in Connecticut in the 12^th or 13^th century until it fell in a storm in 1856.

The Old Charter brand changed owners a few times, until it was purchased by Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999.  The existing Old Charter Bourbon is still produced by parent company Sazerac and there are no plans to discontinue it. The Old Charter Oak series is an upscale brand extension, much like Buffalo Trace has done with its E. H. Taylor, Jr, line.

The suggested retail pricing for the Canadian Oak is $69.99, but the different oak varieties released over the years will have different price points, all in a similar range.  Like the first two releases in this series, supplies will be limited. Packaging for the Canadian Oak will remain consistent with the other two releases, with an upscale look consisting of a glass bottle with a cork finish. Each bottle will have an oak medallion on the front depicting the Charter Oak tree.

The Old Charter Oak Canadian Oak is 92 proof.  More information can be found about the Old Charter Oak series www.oldcharteroak.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 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

JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY RELEASES 2019 SINGLE BARREL “HERITAGE BARREL” TENNESSEE WHISKEY

Award-winning, limited-edition Tennessee whiskey celebrates historic craftsmanship steeped in tradition

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (October 17, 2019) – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel “Heritage Barrel” will return to shelves for a limited run this fall. Fewer than 200 barrels, aged in barrels crafted in the classic style used by Jack Daniel himself in the company’s earliest days, have been hand-picked by Master Distiller Jeff Arnett and his team of whiskey makers for this special release. Last year’s edition was named one of the top three whiskeys of 2018 by Whisky Advocate.

With an extra year aged at the highest altitude of the Jack Daniel Distillery’s warmest barrelhouse, this year’s iteration of Heritage Barrel will have a greater depth of color and character for fans of the original run to enjoy. The rich vanilla, oak spice and sweet caramel flavors are derived from a unique barrel toasting you won’t find in any other Single Barrel expression. Each heritage barrel is slowly heated to achieve a deeper, richer toasted layer before being charred, evoking the barrels of the distillery’s earliest coopers. 

“The second release of Heritage Barrel will be everything that the first issue was, and then some,” said Arnett. “As the angels share grows, each drop becomes more precious and this whiskey is guaranteed to not disappoint.”

Jack Daniel’s is the only major whiskey company in the world to make its own barrels, crafted from American white oak and hand raised by our expert coopers. The unique barrels crafted to mature “Heritage Barrel” take a trip back in time to Jack’s humble beginnings and celebrate the vital maturation process that takes Tennessee whiskey from the distillery, to the bottle.

The limited-edition bottle will hit shelves in mid-October available in a 750ml size with a suggested retail price of $64.99. 

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 Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

‘Father of Single Malt’ honoured with Centenary Release

Whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has released a single malt to honour George Urquhart, member of the second generation of the company’s owning family, in what would have been his centenary year.

Laid down in 1956, the year ‘Mr George’ as he was known by colleagues, became senior partner, the 62-year-old single malt features spirit from one of his favourite distilleries, Glen Grant. 

Renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean remarked, “It is no exaggeration to say that George Urquhart was the father, the originator, of the current success and appreciation of Scotch malt whiskies.”

Joining the business in 1933, George Urquhart began his career working alongside his father, John, who had become sole owner of the company in 1915 after John Alexander MacPhail’s retirement and James Gordon’s passing.

‘Mr George’ went on to develop a deep understanding of Scotch whisky, especially the unique interaction that occurs over time between spirit and cask. He was instrumental to the success of single malt, championing it at a time when the vast majority of whisky went towards the production of blends.  In 1968, he created the Connoisseurs Choice range giving little-known distilleries a platform to have their whisky enjoyed in its simplest form, as aged single malt.

Over many decades George Urquhart forged new relationships with many of Scotland’s distillers and became arguably the world’s foremost expert in how to combine oak, spirit and time to create single malt whiskies.

His philosophy and legacy live on today as Gordon & MacPhail continues to create a unique depth and breadth of rare single malt Scotch whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

Released as a fitting tribute to this legacy, the Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery has been selected for bottling by George Urquhart’s grandson, Stuart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail.

Laid down by Mr George Urquhart himself in a hand-selected first fill Sherry Butt on 13 December 1956, the expression also pays tribute to Speyside, where Mr George spent many years building long-standing relationships with the region’s distilleries.

The commemorative whisky is presented in an exquisite glass decanter and a wooden presentation case. The red and white design is a modern interpretation of the original Connoisseurs Choice bottles from 1968.

Today, Mr George’s legacy is built upon by his family, including his grandson Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige.

Stephen comments: “My grandfather’s drive, commitment and foresight helped to ensure that single malt Scotch whisky grew in popularity. His introduction of the Connoisseurs Choice range in 1968 was a landmark moment for the sector, launched as several new export markets opened and growth in demand for single malts came from countries including Italy.

“Our specially selected Mr George Centenary Edition embodies the qualities that made Mr George a master of his craft; patience, depth of character and exquisite taste. Not only was Glen Grant one of his favourite drams, the year 1956 is especially significant as this was the year George became Senior Partner at Gordon & MacPhail, marking the first step in a new direction for the company.

“It’s also a reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships built on respect – something which has become our family’s philosophy. Many of these relationships, built decades ago, still thrive today.”

Commenting on Mr George’s legacy and impact, Charles Maclean added,: “It would be true to say that during the ‘dark days’ for Scotch malt whisky (the 1940’s-70’s) when all malt went into blends, Gordon & MacPhail kept the amber light burning. Indeed, when times were really tough, some distilleries survived on orders from that company.”

Only 235 bottles of Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery will be available for purchase from selected specialist whisky retailers internationally for £5000* [UK RRP].

For more information, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonAndMacPhail

Tasting notes

Mr George Centenary Edition from Glen Grant Distillery 

Distillery:  Glen Grant

Region:  Speyside

Distilled:  Thursday 13 December 1956

Bottled: Thursday 27 June 2019

ABV: 51.7%

Age: 62 years

Cask No.: 4455

Cask Type:  First-fill Sherry Butt

Outturn: 235 bottles

Tasting Notes: Intense; SHERRY aromas give way to STEWED DATES with hints of CARAMELISED BROWN SUGAR. Sweet on the palate with sun-dried FRUITS, rich DARK CHOCOLATE PRALINE and bursts of CITRUS ZEST. Notes of CHARRED OAK linger with nuances of subtle SMOKE.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is creator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouse in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• ‘Discovery’ – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY LAUNCHING NEW MEMBERS’ ROOM IN GLASGOW 

The new venue in the heart of the city will be exclusively for SMWS members

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has announced plans for a new Members’ Room in Glasgow, set to open at the end of January 2020.

The new venue will bring the Society’s colourful whisky experiences to Glasgow for the first time in a Members’ Room, and follows on from already established SMWS locations in Edinburgh, including their home at The Vaults in Leith.

The Bath Street location is in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and will have rooms exclusively for SMWS members that will be open every week from Tuesday until Sunday.

On offer will be more than 300 Society bottlings spanning their 12 unique flavour profiles such as Old & Dignified and Oily & Coastal, with a selection of outstanding single cask, single malts available by the dram.

The interior décor of the venue will be consistent with existing SMWS Members’ Rooms but with a uniquely modern and vibrant Glasgow flavour to reflect this new home for whisky lovers in the city.

The venue space is set up for a range of occasions, with relaxed lounge seating, including a ‘Vaults Snug’, as well as more formal areas. The dedicated whisky tasting room can accommodate up to 10 people, and will be available for private tastings.

As well as an ever-changing range of SMWS whiskies, there will be a selection of special proprietary whiskies alongside local beers and a menu of creative, whisky-inspired cocktails. Alongside the exclusive drinks selection will be a bar food menu including snacks and tapas, with space for up to 16 people for exclusive private dinners.

Jan Damen, Operations Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We know there has always been a demand from our members for an SMWS venue in Glasgow, so we’re delighted to be opening in such a great city with a lively whisky scene.

“We have a high number of existing members in the city and the surrounding area, so we hope to provide them with their own venue to meet up and also welcome new whisky-loving members to join us there.”

Prior to the January opening of the new Glasgow Members’ Room, the Society is hosting an exclusive tasting in its newest location.

Members can gain a sneak preview of 38 Bath Street at a free event with drams and nibbles, and bring along their friends to reap exclusive membership referral awards.

Membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society brings whisky adventurers from all over the world together to share colourful experiences and the finest single cask single malt whisky.

VIDEO: The SMWS is coming to Glasgow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KC5QCv7ZxU  

MEMBERS’ BATH STREET GLASGOW PREVIEW EVENT:

Thursday 31^st October

5.30 – 7.15pm / 8.00 – 9.30pm

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

38 Bath Street

Glasgow

G2 1HG 

https://www.smws.com/

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

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

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

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

#SMWS

Notes to editors:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 138 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Gordon and MacPhail director receives top industry honour

A director and fourth-generation member of the owning family of Gordon & MacPhail has received one of the whisky industry’s highest honours.

Stephen Rankin, the Elgin-based company’s Director of Prestige, was announced as a Master of the Quaich at the biannual Keepers of the Quaich ceremony at Blair Castle, which recognises the outstanding commitment of those who produce or promote Scotch whisky.

To be announced as a Keeper is an honour bestowed upon a limited number of people; to become a Master of the Quaich is a special recognition of those who have been inducted as a Keeper over ten years ago, and have made an exceptional contribution to the industry.

Stephen, who is approaching his 20th anniversary within the industry, said: “It’s an honour to be inducted as a Master of Quaich, keeping great company among some of the whisky industry’s most remarkable people, including some of my peers at Gordon & MacPhail.

“Passion and dedication for creating and promoting single malt whisky is something that has been instilled by my family for four generations, and it’s something that I will continue to uphold and progress in my responsibilities as Master of the Quaich.”

Guests at the prestigious event, which saw five Masters and 44 Keepers announced, were addressed by the Olympian rower Dame Katherine Grainger, who was also awarded the role of Honorary Keeper of the Quaich.

Annabel Meikle, Director of The Keepers of the Quaich, said: “It was a great pleasure to invite Stephen to become a Master of the Quaich. The accolade of Master is truly special. Those who are invited by the Management Committee have made an exceptional contribution to the Scotch whisky industry for a minimum of ten years, but in reality most have had at least double this length of service. The title of Master has only been awarded to around 200 members.”

Stephen’s induction as a Master comes in what would have been the centenary year of his grandfather George Urquhart, who played a huge role in the single malt whisky industry and remains the only person to have been awarded Keeper of the Quaich outside of Blair Castle, when the rules were waived and he received his induction while in a nursing home.

The Society was founded over 35 years ago and takes its name from the traditional two-handled drinking cup which is described in the ancient Gaelic language of Scotland as a ‘cuach’ or quaich, a vessel long associated with friendship and the enjoyment of Scotch whisky.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouse in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• ‘Discovery’ – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.