Press Releases

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES NEW PEATED CASK WHISKY – English Whisky News

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES NEW PEATED CASK WHISKY

The Cotswolds Distillery is set to release the inaugural batch of its peated cask single malt whisky

The whisky is aged in ex-peated quarter casks to develop a balanced rich and fruity flavour with notes of peat smoke

The Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky Peated Cask will be bottled at cask strength and will be available on the Cotswolds Distillery online shop and from specialist retailers with an RRP of £64.95

The award-winning Cotswolds Distillery is set to release the first batch of its Single Malt Whisky Peated Cask, the first-ever whisky matured in peated barrels in the Cotswolds.

Available for sale from the 1st October, the whisky is made using un-peated local barley which is mashed and fermented before being distilled in bespoke copper pots. The whisky is then aged in ex-peated quarter casks from Scotland, creating a balanced rich and fruity flavour with subtle notes of peat smoke.

Dan Szor, founder and CEO of the distillery said: “The subtle notes of smoke and peat which these wonderful Islay casks impart to our Cotswolds Single Malt complement the fruity notes of our spirit without overwhelming it.  The result is an eminently drinkable and very moreish dram, even at cask strength.

What started as an experiment now becomes the newest addition to our growing core range of Single Malt Whiskies.”

The release comes following a year of success for the distillery’s whisky offerings. The flagship Single Malt Whisky has won multiple awards across the world including the World Whisky Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirits Awards, while the Founder’s Choice cask has won multiple gold medals and was the only whisky to be given three stars at this year’s Great Taste Awards.

Consisting of 2,950 bottles per batch, the peated whisky is bottled at cask strength (59.3% ABV) with no added colouring. The whisky is available from specialist retailers and the Cotswolds Distillery’s online shop from October at an RRP of £64.95.

Notes 

Peated Whisky

Peated Single Malt Whisky is available to purchase from the Cotswolds Distillery online shop and via specialist retailers.

Founders Choice

Founders Choice is available to purchase from Harvey Nichols and specialist retailers Master of Malt and Gordon and MacPhail.

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.

Laphroaig® unveils an exclusive 25-year-old whisky in celebration of the first woman of whisky – Scotch Whisky News

Laphroaig® unveils an exclusive 25-year-old whisky in celebration of the first woman of whisky 

Introducing The Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story™

Beam Suntory’s Laphroaig has announced the release of a super-premium 25-year-old Laphroaig, which celebrates the life of Bessie Williamson, an icon of Laphroaig and the first female distillery manager to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century.

This unique and highly exclusive bottle is a tribute to Bessie and embodies many of her qualities including her warm, rich and unmistakably-Islay character. This is a tribute to Bessie and all that she made at Laphroaig.

Laphroaig® 25 Year Old, The Bessie Williamson Story™, will be available exclusively in the Global Travel Retail market for £410.

A celebration of Bessie Williamson

Williamson was born in Glasgow in 1910 to John Williamson, a gunner in France with the Royal Garrison Artillery and Agnes Whyte. She attended the University of Glasgow from 1927, intending to become a teacher, graduating in 1932.

After graduating with an MA in 1932, Bessie accepted a summer job at Laphroaig distillery intending to stay only a few months. She worked directly with then owner Ian Hunter, eventually taking on responsibility for US distribution following Hunter’s stroke in 1938. By the time of the Second World War she had become the full-time distillery manager and the most senior woman in Scotch anywhere in the industry.

Bessie is credited with being among the first to anticipate the coming trend for single malt scotches and to position the Laphroaig whiskies, and by extension other Islay malts, to the American market.  The Scotch Whisky Association named Williamson as its American spokesperson from 1961 to 1964 and she toured the US representing Islay whisky to buyers and distributors.

Laphroaig Bessie Williamson

A whisky of true significance; this super-premium 25-year-old Laphroaig commemorates Bessie, speaking to her success, her unique role on Islay, and her lasting impact on the Laphroaig distillery.

This expression has been aged in refill American oak hogsheads and refill barrels to allow the liquid’s individual character to shine through. The result is a whisky of lingering warmth and unmistakable character – a genuine expression of Bessie’s friendliness, individuality and strength.

The Bessie Williamson Story is presented in a beautifully crafted book that allows purchasers to discover the story of Bessie’s legacy in depth, and includes tasting notes and a message from John Campbell, the distillery manager.

The whisky is now available exclusively through the Global Travel Retail market for an RRP of £410.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, comments: “Laphroaig is a globally recognised whisky thanks to Bessie.  It is well documented that Bessie was universally loved and respected by her colleagues at Laphroaig and the people of Islay. It is this aspect that we celebrate with this whisky, remembering her as a true icon of Laphroaig.”

Tasting Notes

Nose:

Peaty with spicy and floral notes. Sweeter notes of pear drops, green apples and bonbons that add to a sweet malty backcloth. 

Palate:

Salty tar oil paste, sweet herbs and spices, acacia honey, tomato leaves and black pepper. Unmistakeable Laphroaig coastal notes with peat smoke sweetness and earthiness bring the classic Islay spirit. 

Finish:

Warming and long lasting with floral and coastal notes. 

Colour:

Pale gold.

The whisky is best served neat, with ice or a drop of water. 

ABV:

Bottled at 43% ABV.

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Eighth Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe Releases Third Chapter Of Little Book™ Whiskey Series – “The Road Home” – American Whiskey News

Eighth Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe Releases Third Chapter Of Little Book™ Whiskey Series – “The Road Home”

Clermont, KY (Sept. 5, 2019) – Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam distiller and creator of Little Book® Whiskey, is proud to announce the third installment in his annual, limited-release series of blends – “Little Book Chapter 3: The Road Home.”

Following high acclaim for the first two blended whiskies within the Little Book series – 2017’s “The Easy” and 2018’s “Noe Simple Task” – the third chapter delivers on Noe’s passion for creating one-of-a-kind blends, while also honoring his storied family roots in Kentucky. Little Book Chapter 3: “The Road Home” features a blend of four super-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies, one from each brand of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection created by his grandfather Booker Noe in the early 1990s. The result is a meticulously blended whiskey with depth of flavor and legacy.

‘The Road Home’ is about going back to your roots – literally and figuratively,” Noe said. “With the birth of my son this year I spent a lot more time at home, reflecting often on family and our legacy so I wanted to create something that honored the legacy and values passed down to me by my family. Whenever I drive down the road to the distillery, the same one my granddaddy Booker drove down, I’m reminded of his adventurous spirit, especially of his creation of the Small Batch Collection in a time when no one was drinking premium bourbon. I like to think he passed that same spirit along to me, which ultimately led me to blending.

Noe’s inspiration is manifested in the composition of the final blend, which features uncut and unfiltered1 whiskies of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection, including: 9-year-old Knob Creek® and Basil Hayden’s® Bourbons, an 11-year-old Booker’s® Bourbon and a 12-year-old Baker’s® Bourbon. On the front of the palate, there’s a complexity from the vanilla, wood and caramel notes signature to the Knob Creek and Booker’s Bourbons, balanced out by the spiciness known to the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. The 12-year-old Baker’s contributes a lingering, warm and sweet finish, layered with tones of oak.

“This particular blend carries a lot of sentimental value for me,” Noe explained. “Each of the individual bourbons are special to me, just as they were to my granddad, and I really wanted to make sure they came through the final blend in a way that would make him proud. Every aspect of Chapter 3 had to be absolutely perfect – the vanilla notes, the finish, the aroma – so I meticulously tested each blend to get it to a place that represented the entire Small Batch Collection while creating something totally new that I think people are really going to love.”

Little Book® “The Road Home” was developed by Freddie Noe with the following characteristics:

  • Blend Overview:
    • 9-year-old Knob Creek® Bourbon
    • 9-year-old Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
    • 11-year-old Booker’s® Bourbon
    • 12-year-old Baker’s® Bourbon
  • Proof: 122.6
  • Tasting Notes:  Little Book® “The Road Home” features the iconic flavors of the original Small Batch Collection – vanilla, caramel, spices – all in one when enjoying this new expression
  • Sipping Suggestions: Neat, over ice, or with a drop or two of water

Little Book® “The Road Home” will be available nationwide beginning in August 2019 in limited quantities with a Suggested Retail Price of $124.99 for a 750mL bottle.

For more information about Little Book® “The Road Home” and Freddie Noe’s work as a Beam distiller, please visit: https://www.littlebookwhiskey.com/, or visit us on Instagram @littlebookwhiskey.

About Little Book®
Little Book® is the first-ever product release from Freddie Noe, Eighth Generation Beam Distiller, son of current Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and grandson of legendary Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe. An annual, limited release series, Little Book features new and unique high-quality blends each year that bring to life Freddie’s passion for blending and his curiosity for the limitless tastes that can be achieved through the blending process. Little Book is named as a nod to Freddie’s childhood nickname, given to him by his family for the many qualities he shared with his granddad, Booker Noe.

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

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

Maker’s Mark® Introduces Its First-Ever Nationally Available Limited Release Bourbon – American Whiskey News

Maker’s Mark® Introduces Its First-Ever Nationally Available Limited Release Bourbon

Loretto, Ky. (September 11, 2019) – Maker’s Mark® today announced the launch of its first-ever nationally available limited-release bourbon, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release: Stave Profile RC6. This cask strength expression of Maker’s Mark® Bourbon is finished with proprietary wood staves, referred to as Stave Profile RC6. The staves amplify notes of ripe fruit balanced with layers of baking spice – a taste profile inspired by the brand’s proprietary yeast strain used to produce its classic Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Only 255 barrels of the limited release bourbon will be produced, with bottles available at select retail locations beginning in late September.

This special edition bourbon is the first limited release in the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, a collection of Maker’s Mark expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in Maker’s Mark® Bourbon. The series includes existing offerings Maker’s Mark 46™ and Maker’s Mark Private Select® and the distillery plans to introduce new limited-edition bourbons to the Series in the coming years.

We have been experimenting with wood finishing staves and techniques since we first released Maker’s Mark 46 in 2010, and it never ceases to amaze me how much natural flavor we can extract from just ten wood staves interacting with our bourbon over a period of time,” said Jane Bowie, Maker’s Mark Director of Private Select. “Stave finishes allow us to innovate with an already delicious product in a purposeful fashion, exploring different wood types, seasoning periods, cook times, and heat levels until we achieve the exact flavor vision we have in mind. We’re excited to share the distinct possibilities with whisky fans, starting with the 2019 Limited Release.

The 2019 Limited Release was created to introduce a version of Maker’s Mark that amplified the ripe fruit notes already found in the distillery’s proprietary yeast, balancing sweetness and spice. This specific vision was achieved by finishing fully-matured, cask strength Maker’s Mark Bourbon in a second barrel with ten proprietary “RC6” wood staves. The barrels were then rested in the Maker’s Mark limestone bourbon cellar, allowing the cask strength bourbon to interact with the staves to develop the expression’s unique flavor.

Developed over the course of two years in partnership with barrel producer Independent Stave Company, Stave Profile RC6 is made from American Oak that has first been exposed to the outdoors, or “seasoned,” for an extended 18 months before being toasted in a convection oven.

Bottled at 108.2 proof, each 750mL bottle of the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release will retail for a suggested $59.99 and will be available while supplies last.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency, and finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s Mark 46™  Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Private Select®, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whiskey distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, visit makersmark.com.

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

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

Leith bar toasts to first anniversary with rare Glenglassaugh – Scotch Whisky News

Leith bar toasts to first anniversary with rare Glenglassaugh

An experimental and award-winning community pub in Leith, Nauticus, has released a specially selected and limited edition single cask malt in partnership with elemental coastal distillery Glenglassaugh to mark its first anniversary, of which there are just 275 bottles available.

The renowned and industry-established duo behind the bar’s creation, Kyle Jamieson and Iain McPherson, opened Nauticus last year with the aim of showcasing the best of Scottish produce, whilst drawing on Leith’s history for global trade. Working with their team of expert bartenders, Kyle and Iain identified the perfect cask for bottling following a rigorous blind tasting session of a handful of the Highland
distillery’s rarest stock, put forward by Glenglassaugh Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie.

The contents of Cask 288 was distilled in 2011 and has been matured in a Sauternes hogshead barrel for eight years before being bottled at cask strength this May. The expression was chosen for its distinctive character developed through wine cask aging.

Lustrous gold in colour, the whisky is abundant in butterscotch, baked pineapple and sherried fruit with caramel and sea air on the nose. When tasted, this develops into salted honeycomb and chocolate with pineapple fondant, culminating in a long, creamy finish.

Kyle Jamieson, co-owner at Nauticus commented:

“This single cask Glenglassaugh bottling is a special landmark for us as we celebrate our first birthday. After sampling about 12 single malts from across the Highland region, this Glenglassaugh cask was a clear winner for us and stood out with its fantastic character.“Our ethos in Nauticus is to always put Scottish produce and Leith’s rich wine and spirits history under the spotlight. We believe this specific cask captures this perfectly in whisky form.”

Dr. Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Glenglassaugh Distillery, said:

“This limited expression is a beautifully layered whisky that has been shaped and nurtured by the distillery’s coastal location and the elements surrounding our warehouses, boasting a delicious contrast of sweet flavour from the Sauternes oak with a hint of saltiness from the North Sea air that breaths into our casks. It’s been fantastic to work with the Nauticus team to bottle a really unique single malt in celebration of one of Scotland’s most exciting bars.”

The Glenglassaugh 2011 Cask 288 is now available at RRP £64.95 from Nauticus and Royal Mile Whiskies.

Glenglassaugh 2011 Cask 288 tasting notes:

Colour: Lustrous gold
Nose: Butterscotch, baked pineapple, sherried fruit with salted caramel and a whisper of sea air
Palate: Salted honeycomb and chocolate with pineapple fondant and custard cream

About Glenglassaugh Distillery:

On the crescent beach of Sandend Bay stands Glenglassaugh Distillery, producing a luscious coastal malt, shaped by the rich abundance of land and sea, with rolling waves of flavour. A complete distillation of its natural surroundings. A whisky whose essence is distilled from the visible and invisible influences of land, sea, air and spring water. Glenglassaugh Distillery, standing on the Moray Firth coast at the edge of the beautiful Sandend Bay, lay silent and forgotten for over two decades. Its heritage stretches back to 1875 when the distillery was founded by Colonel James Moir. It was on the banks of Glassaugh stream that the distillery was built, and its name ‘Glenglassaugh’ – meaning ‘valley of the grey-green place’ – has been taken from its beautiful surroundings. Despite being mothballed for over twenty years, the distillery has a history of elegant maturation, with award-winning old vintages dating back to the 1960s, and an award winning range of boutique younger whiskies, released in the years following the distillery’s reopening in 2008. As this jewel of a coastal malt is discovered and enjoyed, it promises to become a cult, contemporary classic.

About Nauticus:

The story of Nauticus began with Kyle and Iain, chatting over drinks about creating a bar to champion Scottish produce wherever possible. They dug deep – spending many days researching and thinking about every element. It soon became apparent that this had not been done before – this was brand new territory! Its priority was produce made in Scotland or owned by a Scottish company; where this wasn’t feasible, Scottish heritage somewhere down the line was paramount. 18 months later, the dream is a reality and 90% of Nauticus’ products are Scottish, or have Scottish links. The name Nauticus is latin for Nautical; the owners decided on this name due to Leith’s historical ties with shipping and global trade. Leith has an extremely rich and interesting history which has inspired the bar’s menu, with each chapter relating to a period of time in and around Leith; from tea and spice routes, the gin craze, sherry trade and the key role that Leith played in the whisky boom.
Nauticus was named the 2019 Admiral Taverns’ Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards in London earlier this month, and is listed in the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars.

GLENGLASSAUGH DISTILLERY:
www.glenglassaugh.com
Twitter: @Glenglassaugh
Instagram: glenglassaugh
Facebook: GlenglassaughDistillery

Barton 1792 Distillery Bourbons Win Silver – American Whiskey News

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 – American Whiskey News

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

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 & Glencairn partner for latest Private Cellar Collection bottling – Scotch Whisky News

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 2nd 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 – Whisky News

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 150th 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.

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