Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches Unlock the Rickhouse Augmented Reality Program

To participate, consumers can simply download the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app on their own personal smart phone device. Once downloaded, consumers can explore the rickhouses by tapping on each one to search for a prize-winning “Fitzgerald barrel.” From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, each tap of a rickhouse gains one entry to the grand prize of $10,000 (where legal). Daily prizes will also be awarded and include everything from a mini barrel shot glass and Larceny magnet, all the way up to a Larceny guitar or LED sign. These prizes will be sent out on a weekly basis to winning consumers.  BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey launched the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app today available to download on the Apple Store and Google Play.  With this app, consumers are invited to search through the rickhouses to learn more about Larceny Bourbon, potentially win daily prizes, and enter to win the grand prize of $10,000.

The app was inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses.  With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. This infamous act of larceny led to the Larceny brand and has now inspired the newest augmented reality app.

“We’re excited to present an innovative augmented reality program that will allow consumers to interact with and get to know Larceny Bourbon in a very unique way,” said Heaven Hill Group Product Director, Susan Wahl. “This kind of programming concept is still fairly new to the industry, and even newer to the Whiskey category. It provides the consumer an opportunity to engage with rich content while bringing the Larceny story to life.”

The brand launched the unique program with several exciting elements, including a custom augmented reality app that allows consumers to view the Larceny rickhouses and other surrounding buildings, a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win $10,000, and an eye-catching in-store display to help merchandise Larceny cases and encourage in-store interaction with consumers. The interactive display features directions on how to download the app, paired with a map of the Larceny rickhouses that can be scanned in-store using the app. Additionally, select 750ml bottles feature a Z-card necker that folds out into a map of the Larceny rickhouses on one side, with instructions on how to download the app, win prizes, and enter the sweepstakes on the other. This allows for consumers to take the experience home and play daily.

The Unlock the Rickhouse program is brought to life across various media platforms such as YouTube, programmatic video, mobile, social media including Facebook and Instagram, and at www.unlocktherickhouse.com.

Since Heaven Hill announced the launch of Larceny Bourbon in 2012, the brand has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2019, Larceny earned a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards, as well as the Tried and True award, a 93 point rating, and “Great Value” designation at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Additionally, the brand is a four-time Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” award winner, four-time IMPACT “Hot Prospect” brand, and was named a Top 20 Spirit in the World by Spirit Journal. Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the whiskey’s mashbill. On the palate, Larceny has a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of the Old Fitzgerald legacy.

At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from 200 barrels or less that have been selected from Heaven Hill’s open rickhouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny has a 6-year-old taste profile and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.

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 Best in Show Whiskey, and previously held titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits 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.

INBOUND: NEW INDEPENDENT WHISKY BOTTLER LAUNCHES ‘INFREQUENT FLYERS’

New independent whisky bottler The Alistair Walker Whisky Company, based in Scotland, has just released its first range of single cask bottlings, under the ‘Infrequent Flyers’ brand.

The company was established in 2018 by Alistair Walker. Alistair started his career in whisky at Burn Stewart Distillers in 1997, then more recently spent 12 years at The BenRiach Distillery Company, and has worked in the Scotch Whisky industry for almost 20 years.

“After leaving BenRiach in 2016, following the sale of the business, I had to decide what to do next. I wanted to remain in the whisky industry; it’s a great industry, very sociable and fun (mostly!) to be part of – and I’ve been in Scotch for my entire working life. I was also keen to set up on my own, as I had always fancied a go at running my own business. Independent bottling seemed like the ideal solution.” – Alistair Walker

The focus of the business will be on single cask bottlings, certainly at the beginning.

“Initially I am concentrating on single casks from distilleries in Scotland. I might branch out into other areas in the future, such as whiskies from beyond these shores, but for now it’s all about single cask Scotch whiskies. The name ‘Infrequent Flyers’ is a little unorthodox, but it refers to the nature of many of the casks that we bottle – often whiskies from lesser-known distilleries that are of excellent quality, but have never been widely or consistently available. As such, many of our bottlings are of whiskies that you just don’t see so often – hence the name.” – Alistair Walker 

The company has already started working on the 2^nd batch of casks to be bottled, scheduled to be released in October, but the planning is far more long-term than that.

“I’m laying down stocks to ensure availability of casks to bottle for years to come, and I’m also doing a lot of re-racks at the moment, transferring some of the whiskies into very interesting styles of wood. That’s a big commitment, financially, but it’s well worth it. My top priority in terms of investment is in the quality of the product, and good wood management is essential.” – Alistair Walker 

The inaugural release consists of 9 single cask bottlings, and encompasses an array of styles, vintages and regions. Ages range from 11 years old up to 26 years old, there are malts from Highland, Speyside, Lowland, Orkney and Islay, and there are classic, peated and triple-distilled whiskies. There is even a single grain whisky included for good measure. Full details of the 1^st batch are as follows:

Distilled at Glen Keith – 1993 cask no. 8511 / 26 years old

Distilled at Auchentoshan – 1993 cask no. 243 / 26 years old

Distilled at Cameronbridge – 1995 cask no. 8047657 / 24 years old

Distilled at Undisclosed Orkney – 2003 cask no. A521 # 9 / 16 years old

Distilled at Loch Lomond (peated – Croftengea) – 2005 cask no. 102 / 14 years old

Distilled at Benrinnes – 2006 cask no. 300009 / 13 years old

Distilled at Undisclosed Islay – 2006 cask no. 306126 / 12 years old

Distilled at Royal Brackla – 2006 cask no. 311985 / 12 years old

Distilled at Fettercairn – 2007 cask no. 801506 / 11 years old

Infrequent Flyers Batch One was bottled late June, and released over the last month. The range is available from selected independent UK specialist whisky retailers, and has also been exported to Germany, Belgium, Japan and New Zealand (so far).

For more details, please contact Alistair Walker directly:

• awalker@alistairwalkerwhisky.com
• tel: + 44 (0) 1324 578 607

New Small-Batch Triple Distilled
English Single Malt Whisky Launches

The English Whisky Co. has unveilled a brand new Triple Distilled English Single Malt Whisky, with just 1462 bottles available to the public from 12^th September.

The art of triple distilling is normally the preserve of the Irish but the expert distillers at The English Whisky Co. in Norfolk have unlocked the secret and created an incredibly elegant and delicate whisky to appeal to ardent whisky lovers.

“We are proud of this beautiful new whisky and we know that it will be snapped up by those who appreciate a truly special and limited edition single malt. At just £51.99 a bottle, it’s likely to be gone very quickly!” says Andrew Nelstrop at The English Whisky Co.

The new small batch launch promises aromas of vanilla custard, with a slightly citrus hit of orange. Hints of spotted dick, rich dark chocolate, creamy toffee and butterscotch blend with the subtle notes of liquorice, whilst the taste profile brings together vanilla and light citrus fruits. There’s also a slightly dry, dark chocolate and light honey taste, alongside subtle liquorice flavour.

The new Triple Distilled Single Malt Whisky is available from all good whisky retailers, RRP £51.99.

For more information visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Blade and Bow Celebrates National Bourbon Heritage Month at Stitzel-Weller Distillery

      Visit the Cathedral of Bourbon this September and experience living history

Louisville, Ky., [August 27, 2019] Celebrate this September, which marks National Bourbon Heritage Month, with Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at the place where the fathers of bourbon once called home  the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Named for the two parts of a skeleton key the blade shaft and the ornate bow handle Blade and Bow borrows from the iconic Five Keys symbol that has remained throughout Stitzel-Weller Distillery for decades representing the five steps of crafting bourbon: grains, yeast, fermentation, distillation and aging.  Over the years these keys have grown to symbolize the southern traditions of hospitality, warmth and enjoying the finer things in life.

As thousands travel to Kentucky each September and locals revel in all that National Bourbon Heritage Month has to offer, Stitzel-Weller is the perfect launchpad for those looking to discover the history behind Americas native spirit. Conveniently located just five miles from downtown Louisville along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, guests can enjoy tours and tastings at “the Cathedral of Bourbon” where the Blade and Bow story began. Originally opened on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014, Stitzel-Weller is hallowed ground. Guests can walk the rows of the warehouse where the rickhouse system was invented in 1879 (and still houses hundreds of barrels), study cooperage that remains unchanged since opening in 1935, and marvel at the historic foyer, inspired by Monticello. Stitzel-Weller also installed a state-of-the-art bottling line and a new small batch still to nurture inspired experimentation and education.

Since 2014, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has opened the door to the next chapter of the distillery’s renowned lineage. Paying homage to its legendary history, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon uses a unique Solera System aging process to preserve some of the distillery’s oldest whiskey stocks, including some of the last bourbon produced there before it closed in 1992. The brand currently produces two offerings: Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each possessing its own distinct characteristics.

From the delicious hint of dried apricot and ripe pear found within Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon to the 22-Year-Old Limited Release’s pronounced nose of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, both whiskies exhibit the same craftsmanship that was upheld amongst distillers at Stitzel-Weller long ago, said DIAGEO North American Whiskey Ambassador Doug Kragel.As we approach Stitzel-Wellerâ’s historic 85^th anniversary in 2020, I encourage bourbon enthusiasts everywhere to visit the Cathedral of Bourbon this September for National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Tours and tastings at Stitzel-Weller are open to the public six days a week. For more information or to book a tour and tasting experience, please call (502) 810-3800. More information can also be found at https://www.bladeandbowwhiskey.com/come-visit

About Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow whiskey is currently available in two variants, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45.5-46% Alc/Vol.  Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co., Louisville, KY.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Whisk(e)y Collectors; Is your collection valuable enough for the Whisky Vault?

Since our Whisky Vault launch in October 2018, whisky collectors have asked us to develop a larger vault to hold more bottles. Less than a year later, we are now ready to deliver. Introducing the handcrafted Whisky Vault GRAND with two large bulletproof windows, double vault doors with LaGard electronic locks, machined aluminum tri-spoke handles and enough space to hold a collection of 180+ bottles on four shelves. Our question back to the whisky collectors; “is your collection worthy of such a beast?” This impenetrable vault showcases your most precious bottles securely and in style. Weighing 2000 pounds, the Grand is the only whisky security display option on the market for large collections.

Most whisky collectors hide their bottles in closets, boxes, storage rooms etc. and often forget what they actually have in their collection. The Whisky Vault is a secure cabinet where prized bottles can be proudly displayed. Showcase your collection, don’t hide it. What will you put in your Whisky Vault?

Available Vault Sizes;
Whisky Vault VIP (21 bottles in the vault behind 19 mm bulletproof glass + 21 bottles in the lower solid teak cabinet) US$6,000
308 lbs / 140 kgs / Leveling Casters
Whisky Vault LUX (54 bottles in the vault behind 19 mm bulletproof glass + 54 bottles in the lower solid teak cabinet) US$15,000
648 lbs / 294 kgs / Leveling Casters
Whisky Vault GRAND (180+ bottles) behind 32 mm bulletproof glass US$28,000
2000 lbs / 907 kgs
The Whisky Vault can also be CUSTOM built to specific measurements – Contact us for evaluation and quote.

Hand airbrushed artwork available and priced separately.

The Whisky Vault VIP is perfect for that corner office. Stock the office with your favorite scotch or bourbon without worrying about the cleaning staff sipping on your hooch after hours. A conversation piece for the boss that has almost everything. A corporate gift that will amaze even the most senior VIP.

Whisky Vault LUX is for that whisky collector with a decent amount of bottles who thinks he knows enough about single malt and single barrel booze to justify a bulletproof cabinet to impress his friends during poker night. The LUX has dual vault door access and a hand finished solid teak lower cabinet. You will be the envy of the entire neighborhood.

Whisky GRAND is the beast that needs no introduction. Protect all your valuable bottles in one secure vault. Check with your structural engineer to ensure the floor can handle the GRAND, weighing 2000 pounds. The ultimate statement piece.

Whisky Vault VIP available through http://www.whiskyvault.tw/ and https://uncrate.com/whiskey-vault/
Whisky Vault LUX and GRAND available directly through http://www.whiskyvault.tw/

Order your patented Whisky Vault today and get on the waiting list; 8 – 12 weeks delivery depending on the vault size and customization required.

Starting September 2nd through September 16th, 2019, mention Whisky Intelligence with the purchase of any Whisky Vault when ordering through whiskyvault.tw and receive a $500 gift certificate to Wally’s in Santa Monica, California (US Residents Only). Taiwan residents receive a free bottle of Yamazaki 18 year old when mentioning Whisky Intelligence with the purchase of any Whisky Vault. Offer ends September 16, 2019 and is only available through whiskyvault.tw

info@whiskyvault.tw
www.whiskyvault.tw
Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @whiskyvault888

Visit us at Whisky Live Taipei on November 9th and 10th.

LONERIDER SPIRITS FOUNDER’S CLUB SMASHES ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR BOURBON,
NEW WHEATED BOURBON MASH BILL OFFERED TO PROSPECTIVE FOUNDERS

Lonerider Spirits Founder’s Club surpasses $100,000 in commitments in 11 days,
will begin distilling their own bourbon three months early and
will offer a wheated bourbon mash bill to new founders. 

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (August 27, 2019) – Lonerider Spirits is proud to announce that with the overwhelming support of their initial supporters of The Founders Club the company will initiate distilling specifically for the Founders Club in Sep 2019 rather than the projected date of 2020. Over $100,000 was committed by founders from across the United States in just eleven days to accelerate the distillery’s timetable to distill the initial batch of bourbon.

“The Founders Club” is a program where individuals can create bourbon with Lonerider Spirits and then finish their spirit in French/Spanish Wine casks, Ex-Port casks, Ex-Sherry casks, Olorosso casks, Ex-Pedro Ximinez casks and/or Ex-Bourbon Lonerider beer casks. More details can be found here: https://loneriderspirits.com/founders-club/

Due to the demand for the program Lonerider Spirits is also offering a wheated mash bourbon mash bill in addition to the high rye bourbon mash bill currently offered. “I’m a big fan of Weller bourbon and I rarely can find it in the liquor store, so I thought we should offer a mash bill that was similar as an option to our founders,” said Chris Mielke, president of Lonerider Spirits. “The wheated bourbon mash bill will be made with all North Carolina grain – corn, soft red winter wheat and barley.”

“We’re incredibly thankful to our founders and continue to take orders to get to our initial Founders Club membership of 500 casks,” says Mielke. “Investing in bourbon that will actually pay you a return in this uncertain economic climate seems to be a motivating factor for some founders – others just want to give their family and friends a cool gift!”

This year, Lonerider Spirits won a gold medal from the ADI, gold and bronze medals from the SFWSC, a bronze medal from the ACSA, bronze and silver medals from the NYISC, silver medals from the SIP Awards as well as being named “NC Bourbon Distillery of the Year” in 2019.

For information on Lonerider Spirits, please visit www.loneriderspirits.com, follow on Twitter (@loneriderspirit), Instagram (@loneriderspirits), and Facebook (/loneriderspirits) to join the conversation #LoneriderSpirits.

Isle of Arran Distillers unveil fresh redesign which captures the spirit of the island

The Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. have launched a new look across their range of Arran Single Malt whiskies, including a new logo and packaging for their core range.

The campaign, which incorporates an entirely new visual identity for the brand, is titled ‘A Breath of Fresh Arran’ and aims to showcase the natural elements and authenticity of the island malts by focusing on the unique provenance of their home village, Lochranza, where their first distillery was opened in 1995.

The contemporary new bottle design reflects the journey of the water source for the Arran Single Malts, which cascades through a series of six mountain waterfalls, each one purifying the water further. The ripples on the new glass bottles illustrate this and emphasise the pure nature of the spirit.

An updated icon, which will appear on the new bottles in copper foil, is in the shape of the island itself and features a pair of eagles, which have always been an important part of the Lochranza Distillery story. Their nesting season prompted a break in construction back in 1994 when the distillery was being built and they have remained in residence for the past 25 years.

Natural materials and colour tones are used across all brand touch points, as well as tactile emboss and delicate foiling with clean lines in order to maintain a consistent look and feel that keeps simplicity at the core.

Crucially, the liquid inside remains unchanged and fans of the distillers can continue to enjoy the authentic Arran Single Malts.

Alongside the new branding, there are also two new expressions joining the core range. Firstly, ‘Barrel Reserve’, which has a light, flexible and fruity character and the cask strength ‘The Bodega’, a Sherry Cask matured spirit that partners the award-winning Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’.

The first four expressions in the new pack will be released this month, with bottles available to purchase from arranwhisky.com from Monday 16th September.

Newly packaged 18-year-old and 21-year-old age statement Single Malts will also join the core range in October 2019.

The opening of the company’s Lagg Distillery, their second distillery on the island which opened earlier this year, has partly prompted the re-packaging as the company now becomes the owners of two very different sites with different brand identities.

Master Blender at Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd., James MacTaggart, said: “As a company, we have grown immensely since I joined the team over 12 years ago.

“We were one of the first wave of new distillers back in the early 1990s and in June this year, we started a new chapter in our story with the opening of our second distillery at Lagg. It felt like the right time to make the clear distinction between the unique and very different spirits produced at each of our island homes.

“We’ve taken inspiration from the elements that make Lochranza so special to produce a unique and beautiful new pack, which does justice to the liquid it contains. We are very excited about the future of our original Arran Single Malt.”

The new Arran Single Malt branding has been created by London based drinks packaging design experts Stranger & Stranger.

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:
Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007) Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015. Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017). Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017). Best Visitor Experience – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (2018)

Product Awards include:
Arran 10 year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under, World Whiskies Awards (2019) San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)
Arran 18 year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2019) International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018) Scottish Field Whisky Challenge – Gold Award for Best Whisky £50-100 (2018)
Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Best Scotch Island Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (2019) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)
Arran Lochranza Reserve: International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018), International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

WHAT’S YOUR SERVE?

Graham Eunson on industry change and how to try whisky in new ways

After eight years at Tomatin Distillery, Graham Eunson has been sampling both exquisite single malts and high-quality blends for years. In this time, he’s led tasting events, spoken at whisky festivals, as well as ran production for the entire distillery.

Following his recent promotion to Distillery Operations Director, Graham has taken the time to look back over a career that spans almost three decades in the whisky industry.

Over the years, Graham has noticed a huge surge in the appeal of whisky, as well as the increasing knowledge of the ever-emerging whisky consumer:

Mr Eunson said, “Back when I started in the industry, it was seen that middle aged, working class men drank whisky in the pub, and upper class men drank single malts at home. I think over the years it’s become more accepted that actually, whisky is something that appeals to younger people and women in equal measure. Just look at the whisky festivals, there’s such a huge diversity of age, culture and gender and that’s fantastic.” 

“I think one of the biggest changes to the industry is that the level of consumer knowledge is much, much greater than it was. People know more about individual brands, they’ve learnt facts about individual distillery history, and they have an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to whisky tasting. It makes hosting a tasting session so much more enjoyable.”

Tomatin Highland Single Malt is committed to reflecting this diversity of taste in its Core Range of whiskies. The range features a variety of expressions, ranging from £30, up to £600. It includes a light and fruity introductory whisky (Legacy), a cask strength bottling, as well as several premium releases (30 Year Old and 36 Year Old).

When asked if he had a favourite whisky, Graham Said: “It’s like trying to choose your favourite child, I have a favourite son and a favourite daughter because I’ve only got one of each. With the range at Tomatin, I like them all but it depends on the season, it depends on the occasion. In terms of Tomatin’s Core Range, The Legacy is your best starting point – it’s quite sweet and less of an acquired taste. What’s more, the Legacy cocktail pairings are some of the most fun and refreshing ways to try the whisky.”

Tomatin is one of the few whisky brands that creates bespoke cocktails for their entry level spirits. Graham believes that it’s a key part of the brand, and something that keeps the distillery innovative.

Graham said: “Over the last few decades, we’ve been missing out on opportunities with cocktails. Because of the quality, especially single malts, everyone says that you shouldn’t mask some of the subtle flavours and that’s true. But, if that’s not how you prefer to drink your whisky, who am I to tell you how to drink your whisky. What is the correct way to drink a single malt? There is only one way, and that’s how you as an individual prefer it. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a highball, with soda water, neat, with coke or lemonade or ginger ale. It doesn’t matter. I would always encourage people to try it in different ways, because it may actually surprise you.

Notes

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £30 – £10,000). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and recently announced that it is officially the fastest growing top ten single malt whisky in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

Tomatin Legacy Cocktail Pairings

CHERRY & BLACK PEPPER SOUR

TOMATIN LEGACY WITH CHERRY SYRUP & BLACK PEPPER MAKES FOR A SUMPTUOUS TAKE ON THE CLASSIC WHISKY SOUR.

50 ml / 2 oz Tomatin Legacy

50 ml / 2 oz Lemon Juice

25 ml / 1 oz Cherry Syrup

¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper

1 Egg White

Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake hard. Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass and garnish with black cherries and black peppercorns.

TOMA’TIN & TONIC

TOMATIN (MEANING THE HILL OF THE JUNIPER BUSH) LEGACY MAKES FOR A REFRESHING TWIST ON THE CLASSIC G & T.

35ml Tomatin Legacy

Squeeze of a lemon wedge

Indian tonic water

Add Tomatin Legacy over ice in a stem-less wine glass before squeezing in the juice of a lemon wedge. Drop in some juniper berries then top with sparkling Indian tonic water. Garnish with a wedge of fresh lemon.

ICED T.E.A.

A COMBINATION OF TOMATIN LEGACY, CHILLED EARL GREY TEA AND CLEAR APPLE JUICE GIVES BIRTH TO A LONG COOLING DRINK.

50ml/2oz Tomatin Legacy

50ml/2oz Chilled Earl Grey tea

50ml/2oz Clear apple juice

Dash peach bitters

Pour Tomatin Legacy over ice in a Highball glass. Place 2 lemon wheels into the glass and then build with chilled Earl Grey tea, clear apple juice and a dash of peach bitters. Stir and garnish with a sprig of mint and fresh peach wedge.

LASTING LEGACY

THE CITRUSY TROPICAL NOTES OF TOMATIN LEGACY LENDS WELL IN THIS PUNCH STYLE COCKTAIL.

50ml/2oz Tomatin Legacy

25ml/1oz Elderflower liqueur

25ml/1oz Lemon juice

50ml/2oz Pineapple juice

Dash Angostura bitters

Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake hard. Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel & pineapple leaves.

CHERRY BLOSSOM

A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED COCKTAIL DESIGNED TO REFLECT THE MAGICAL JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON.

50ml/2oz Tomatin Legacy

Barspoon cherry jam

50ml/2oz Coconut water

2ml/.1oz Orange blossom water

Stir down a barspoon of cherry jam with Tomatin Legacy before adding coconut water and a small amount of orange blossom water. Shake vigorously and then double strain into a chilled Sours glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

MIZUWARI MAC

A HYBRID SCOTTISH-JAPANESE COCKTAIL SEES THE HUMBLE WHISKY MAC SERVE COMBINED WITH THE ELEGANT AND STYLISH MIZUWARI.

50ml/2oz Tomatin Legacy

37.5ml/1.5oz Plum wine

Still mineral water

Fill half a large chilled Highball glass with cubed ice and then add the Tomatin 12 Year Old. Stir several times before adding the further ingredients with more ice, and stir once again. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger.

For a zingy alternative swap the plum for ginger wine!

THE GLENALLACHIE GROWS ITS CORE RANGE TO INCLUDE A 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY 

The new 15 year old whisky is described by Master Distiller Billy Walker as the perfect representation of the Speyside distillery’s DNA

The GlenAllachie Distillery is extending its multi award-winning core range of single malt whiskies to include a 15-year-old expression.

The new GlenAllachie 15 year old, which is now being rolled out across UK and international markets, is described by Master Distiller Billy Walker as the perfect representation of the distillery’s DNA. He believes the 15 year old is an exceptional balance of the distillery’s spirit and the influence of the Sherry casks used during maturation.

Two types of Sherry casks – Pedro Ximenez (PX) and Oloroso puncheons and hogsheads – were used during maturation. They were chosen to deliver depth and finish to the whisky, and to add notes that enhance the distinctive butterscotch and chocolate flavours of The GlenAllachie spirit.

The GlenAllachie 15 year old (RRP £62.99, bottled at 46%) joins the 10 year old Cask Strength; 12 year old; 18 year old; and 25 year old in The GlenAllachie’s core range which was first launched in 2018.

Walker said: “I’ve been working on our 15 year old release since we acquired GlenAllachie back in October 2017. In that time I’ve been intimately following the development of the various casks and I believe the 15 year old is the perfect balance of distillery and cask influence.”

He added: “For this 15 year old, I chose PX and Oloroso puncheons and hogsheads to deliver complete depth and finish. This whisky is rich in sweet spices, raisins and butterscotch, with waves of banana, orange peel and dark chocolate. The extra years the whisky spent maturing in the sherry wood casks extends the flavour further.

“I’m delighted to add this to our core range, it absolutely represents the DNA and personality of The GlenAllachie now and going forward. We work with a variety of casks although as we move forward you will see sherry wood influence coming to the fore.”

The introduction of the 15 year old to the core range is another major milestone for The GlenAllachie since Walker took over the Speyside distillery in 2017.

In July, the distillery revealed its first Wood Finish range, which comprises three expressions. In May, the distillery unveiled its visitor centre and shop, welcoming visitors to the distillery for the first time since it was built in 1967.

In 2018, The GlenAllachie also released a series of single cask whiskies, launched the MacNair’s Lum Reek range of peated Blended Malts, and a 50^th anniversary bottling to mark the 50^th anniversary of the distillery’s maiden production run on February 17^th 1968.

Along the way, the GlenAllachie’s whisky has been recognised with many awards including four Gold medals for its 10 year old; a Gold for the 12 year old at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition; and a Double Gold medal for the 18 year old, also at the San Francisco World Spirits competition.

The MacNair’s Lum Reek range has also earned several awards since its launch, including a Double Gold for the 21 year old at the San Francisco World Spirits competition.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie

Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie

Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES

Colour

Sunset bronze

Nose

Overflowing with raisins, butterscotch and sweet spices.

Taste

The rainbow of sweet spices, raisins and butterscotch develops to banana, orange peel and dark chocolate.

Scottish Whisky Awards Announce
Sell Out Success

The new national competition to promote the business of Scotch whisky at home and abroad has announced that its inaugural event has sold out.

Over 400 leaders from the Scotch whisky industry will gather at the Scottish Whisky Awards dinner which takes place in Edinburgh in a few weeks’ time.  The programme which launched earlier this year attracted entries from 52 companies, including 38 distilleries and 110 scotch whiskies.

The awards recognise business performance as well as taste following a blind tasting competition judged by 32 whisky experts from the UK, Europe and Asia…

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