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.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF ROTHESAY OFFICIALLY OPEN BLADNOCH
DISTILLERY’S NEW VISITOR CENTRE.

This morning The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay joined owners, David and Sallie Prior in officially opening the newly built Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by Their Royal Highnesses in front of a group of 50 special guests.

Their Royal Highnesses arrived at Bladnoch Distillery at 11.40am to be greeted by The Priors and Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage. After a tour of the new Visitor Centre, His Royal Highness joined Mr Prior and Dr Savage on a production tour of the site, whilst Her Royal Highness took the opportunity to meet groups and individuals that have made an impact in the local Dumfries and Galloway community.

David Prior invited Their Royal Highnesses to sign a cask of Bladnoch Whisky which would then be aged at the distillery and released at a later date.

Upon sampling a dram of Bladnoch Single Malt, His Royal Highness remarked, “it keeps the mind, body and soul all together.”

Guests then gathered at the entrance of the distillery’s new Visitor Centre for the official unveiling ceremony.

David Prior spoke to his guests briefly on the significance of the occasion not only for his team but for the wider Dumfries and Galloway community.

“It’s an absolute honour owning a business like this with such great history and provenance, and over the past few years to have led the revival of this incredible distillery. To have it once again back in its place within the local community, a place of pride, for employment and now again for tourism with the opening of the Visitor Centre and the Melba Cafe.”

Their Royal Highnesses unveiled an engraved plaque which reads:

Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre
Officially opened by
TRH The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
On 11 September 2019

www.bladnoch.com | @bladnochwhisky

Glenfiddich has released a unique new expression, Grand Cru; an exclusive Scottish Single Malt matured for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, with identity and packaging design by London-based studio Here Design.

Following the recent rebrand of the core Glenfiddich range – including new packaging design for its 12- and 15-year-old liquids – Here Design took the brand’s maverick spirit to new levels with Grand Cru, creating a new ‘celebratory’ drinking moment for Glenfiddich and the wider whisky category.

Whisky that forges its own path

An entirely new variant to the Glenfiddich range, Grand Cru is the first of the Grand range embodying the brand’s maverick spirit, pushing the boundaries of the whisky category by pairing with a definitive luxury world. The liquid is finished in cuvée casks, culminating in a myriad of aromas from sweet brioche to sandalwood and pear sorbet.

“As a maverick whisky we are interested in redefining what single malt can be – for us this means continuing to assert the brand’s unquestionable status within the single malt category as well as pushing the boundaries,” says Tess Wicksteed, Strategy Partner, Here Design. “Glenfiddich has the vision, determination and desire to do things differently. It is a whisky that forges its own path on its own terms.

“In Grand Cru, the brand’s non-conformist spirit, embodied by the proud stag, takes us from Scotland to another prestigious realm, marrying the tradition and purity of Scottish single malt with a distinguished world of luxury. It is a liquid designed to be shared and celebrated.”

A meeting of two worlds

Each bottle of Glenfiddich Grand Cru bears the brand’s golden stag emblem – the iconic reference to the ‘Valley of the Deer’ where the liquid originates from and a contemporary expression of Glenfiddich’s unique heritage.

This stag sits proudly on a black glass bottle finished with the chiselled ‘V’ shape synonymous with the Glenfiddich brand, an ornate golden closure and opulent black presentation furniture featuring a sparkling golden firework design, emanating the spirit of celebration and luxury contained within.

https://www.heredesign.co.uk

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER 2019 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 18 2019) It’s that time of the year – changing leaves, cooler nights and the release of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s annual 2019 Antique Collection of whiskeys. The much anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs.  Here’s what fans can expect:

George T. Stagg

The proverbial powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, George T. Stagg, comes in at a lower 116.9 proof this year.  This is the lowest proof in this whiskey’s history. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley cites barrels located on the lower warehouse floors as the reason. “Many of the barrels for this year’s Stagg composite were taken from the first floor of the warehouse.  The first floor is cooler with higher humidity levels, therefore the alcohol evaporates faster than the water.” The taste, however, is still what Stagg fans can expect, vanilla and toasted oak with a floral undertone, followed by a long finish of cherries, coffee and black pepper.

Past releases of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon have won many top awards, including last year’s release capturing the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Competition.  This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2004.  Storage location of these barrels varied across warehouses C, H, I, K, and Q. The evaporation loss for this year’s batch was 56%, a bit higher than last year’s release.

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including receiving 5 Stars – Highest recommendation by F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.  The 2019 offering was distilled in the winter of 2007 and aged in Warehouse I.  This bourbon registers in at 128 proof.  The bold flavors include toasted vanilla and coffee.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Last year’s release earned a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2013; aged in warehouses K, M, and N, and weighs in at 125.7 proof.  The flavor profile includes creamy butterscotch and vanilla.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

Last year’s release went back to Eagle Rare’s roots with a proof change from the previous 90 proof back to 101 proof, in tribute to the original strength used when the brand was launched in 1974.  The proof remains at 101 this year and will continue forward.  The 2018 edition was awarded 92 points at the Ultimate Spirits Competition.  This year’s release was distilled in the Spring of 2002 and has been spending its time aging on the first floor of Warehouse P.  This bourbon tastes of cocoa, caramel, and oak.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The previous edition of Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old was named “Best Rye Whiskey Aged 11 Years and Over” by “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”  This 2019 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of vanilla and maple syrup, with a finish of black pepper and spearmint. The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2001 and it rested on the second floor of Warehouses K and L.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”

The 2019 Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October.  Suggested retail price is $99 each.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

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.

Whisky Cask Company, Brings in Leading Whisky Experts

The launch of the Whisky Cask Company brings together some of the top names in the whisky industry. Whisky experts David Harvey and Stuart Nickerson have teamed up with Whisky Cask Company, to bring single malt to the global market.

With a combined experience of over 60 years – more years than some of the most soughtafter single malts are aged – the brains behind the Whisky Cask Company have come together to produce unique, premium single malt Scotch whisky.

David Harvey introduced to Ross Archer, Head of Operations at Whisky Cask Company by a mutual friend, they soon realised their mutual long-term passion for Scotland’s famous amber spirit. Archer’s love for Scotch whisky and business expertise is complemented perfectly by Harvey’s knowledge from his many years of working in the wine and spirit industry. Harvey’s background in fine wine adds another dimension to the wealth of experience that he offers to the Whisky Cask Company.

What the Whisky Cask Company does differently is using wine casks for maturing its new make spirit, instead of bourbon casks that are the current standard in the industry. Using his extensive knowledge of the flavour profiles of wines and spirits from all over the world, Harvey ensures even the new make spirit has an extra element of luxury. He describes his
diligent process, “What we do is we taste new make before we commit to ageing it, so the raw ingredients that we put into our special French casks is something where we are involved in the quality control process, as it’s important just to know where you are starting.”

The company is working with the best barrel makers from France, exercising their knowledge about how important cask influence really is on the flavour of Scotch. As new make must spend a minimum of 3 years in the cask in order to be legally called Scotch whisky, the cask has a huge influence on the flavour of the finished product. The team all agree that France is the world leader in top quality barrel production, and the single malt they are producing will have subtle notes of oak from the casks, setting it aside from the bourbon flavours that currently dominate the Scotch market.

Harvey has tasted a wealth of wines and spirits from all over the world since his career began at Harvey’s of Bristol in 1993. Through his rich experience, he is able to identify exactly the elements needed to make an exceptional whisky, as well as having an inside knowledge as to where the market is heading.

Stuart Nickerson of the Malt Whisky Company also lends his years of experience to the business venture. He started his career in 1981 at Bells Scotch Whisky as a chemical engineer, and his engineering background gives him a unique insight into Scotch whisky production. Through his time in the industry, he has watched Scotch production transform from a technical perspective. He led the re-establishment the Glenglassaugh distillery in 2008, restarting production after a 22-year hiatus, turning a profit within 3 years of taking over as managing director. At the Glenglassaugh distillery, he was able to experiment with lots of different casks for maturation through a range of different launches and has a wealth
of knowledge in what materials to use to achieve a great flavour profile.

The Whisky Cask Company looks set to bring a boost to a traditional British Industry, and they are confident that their years of experience will produce a whisky of a quality that speaks for itself. With such well-established industry leaders at the helm, the Whisky Cask Company is ready to become a rising star in the single malt Scotch whisky industry, and they aim to lead the way in innovation to produce premium, unique spirits like no other. They ensure that the quality of their Scotch whisky is second to none, not only through combined expertise but also through passion, because as David Harvey says, “Hand on heart, there is nothing like Scotch whisky.”

The Whisky Cask Company brings the Finest Scotch to a Global Market. For additional information, visit www.whiskycaskcompany.com