Glencairn Crystal shines as it delivers 15 consecutive years of global growth 

Family business demonstrates its global success and resilience as it reveals it has doubled sales every five years since 2004

• Glasgow based crystal glassware company has doubled sales every five years since 2004.

• Custom decanters (for the worlds’ rarest and most expensive spirits*) and unique glassware have driven the family business’ growth – up by a fifth in the last year. In the last eighteen months Glencairn has delivered projects that contribute to sales of £100 million.

• Over 65,000 Glencairn Glasses** are now sold per week globally.

Award winning family business Glencairn Crystal – owned and run by the Davidson family – has released its end of year figures to reveal an unbroken run of 15 years of continued business growth.

In 2004 the East Kilbride based company turned over £858K with the latest figures in 2019 reaching an unprecedented £11.3 million.

The exponential growth of the business comes from, not only existing markets, but the expansion into new markets – China being the largest that the company has gained traction in over the past 12 months. The US continues to provide huge growth for Glencairn and is now worth some £4m a year of the company’s business with US online sales alone accounting for nearly £1 million worth of this.

Glencairn now ships to 95 countries worldwide, working with over 600 distilleries directly.

*Some of the company’s most high-profile decanter projects include luxury bespoke decanters for a single malt whisky that have been hand engraved using rare gemstones. In the past year the company has been commissioned by over 30 different brands to create bespoke packaging for some of the oldest and most luxurious single malt whiskies ever released.

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director at Glencairn said: “We are so proud of the success we have achieved in this past year. Our hardworking team and the worldwide growth of the spirits market, specifically whisky, has meant that we have been able to capitalise on what we do best – provide clients with a high-end customer service they can’t get anywhere else.”

He continued: “Above all else we continue to put our customers and their needs first – something that is demonstrated through fifteen years of continued growth.’

For more details about Glencairn Crystal, please visit www.glencairn.co.uk

**The Glencairn Glass is endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official glass for whisky.

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, Liverpool FC 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 90 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)

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR.  AMARANTH

BOURBON WHISKEY 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 10, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey using Amaranth as the flavoring grain instead of rye.  This 100 proof Bottled-In-Bond small batch bourbon was aged over a decade and is a special one-time-only release.  Other grains used in this recipe are corn (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1) and malted barley.

            Amaranth was originally cultivated by the Aztecs and is called “the Grain of the Gods.” It is similar to wheat, but offers a complex taste with subtle flavors ranging from a nose of butterscotch and spearmint, to a finish of pecans and dark berries.

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a fresh spearmint on the nose, followed by honey, with a hint of cherry.  On the palate, coffee and vanilla come through.  The finish is long, with oats and honey.

This Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey is the tenth and latest release in the collection of  E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, which includes favorites such as Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, and Small Batch Bourbon.

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  Like some of the previous releases, this one-time-only bottling is very limited.   Also consistent with past releases, the Amaranth Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago. These six bottle cases will again be shipped in an impressive wooden box first used for the Cured Oak release.  The boxes are modeled after the wooden crates used by Taylor to transport goods during the days before Prohibition.

            Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.  is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

            This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Amaranth Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in late July in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.

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 Col. 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 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

IRISH DISTILLERS UNVEILS NEW ‘JAMESON TRIPLE TRIPLE’ 

– A new triple cask, triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey exclusive to Global Travel Retail –

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has announced an exciting addition to its family of Irish whiskeys; Jameson Triple Triple. Available exclusively in global travel retail from July, the new offering is a fresh take on the signature smoothness of Jameson that has been elevated through triple cask maturation – ideal for the adventurous whiskey drinker.

Made in Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Jameson Triple Triple has been triple distilled and blended from a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks with the addition of hand-selected casks that have been seasoned with fortified wine from Malaga. The Malaga cask contribution adds notes of citrus, orchard fruits and spice resulting in a whiskey that has a subtle sweetness and an extra drop of smoothness. Jameson Triple Triple is bottled at 40% ABV and available in 1L format globally at the RRP of €32.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, commented: “At Jameson, we’ve known that good things come in threes ever since John Jameson set up his distillery on Bow Street in Dublin and introduced the world to triple-distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey. Jameson Triple Triple is no exception to this rule. Our single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys have been further enhanced through triple cask maturation to create an exciting new taste experience.”

Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, added: “Jameson’s approachability has been key to its success around the world, and with its extra smooth yet subtly sweet character, we expect Jameson Triple Triple to further propel the brand forward in the global travel retail sphere.”

#JamesonTripleTriple  

Notes: 

Tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery:

Nose: Initial fruit notes of sweet pear that develop into zesty citrus peel with some dark fruits in the background. The American oak adds a rich wood spice contribution along with sweet notes of vanilla, chocolate and toasted oak. Hints of cinnamon and clove delicately work in balance with the sweet Malaga wine cask influence.

Taste: Luscious, with sweet orchard fruits and light hints of blackcurrants, plums and raisins. The spices slowly build adding depth with hints of clove and black pepper, layered over the oak tannins adding dark chocolate and liquorice.

Finish: Lingering, with the spices slowly fading to reveal the fruits and oak.

Video embed:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gSaxtIpay9w

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

HIGHLY LIMITED EDITION COLIN MONTGOMERIE RELEASE TEES OFF      

New triple cask matured single malt commemorates iconic Monty three wood shot

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Official Spirit of The Open, has released its first triple cask matured single malt Scotch whisky.

The new and highly limited edition expression was created as a tribute to Loch Lomond Whiskies golf ambassador Colin Montgomerie’s glorious three wood shot that helped secure victory for Europe in the 1997 Ryder Cup.

Matured in refill American oak before being matured for up to six months in a combination of first fill Limousin oak and Oloroso sherry casks, the Loch Lomond Three Wood Matured 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky unites the worlds of single malt Scotch whisky and golf.

Colin Montgomerie – better known to his fans as Monty – is one of the UK’s most successful golfers.

Since turning professional in 1987, Montgomerie has recorded 53 tournament victories across the world and became European #1 in 1993 – a position he held for an unprecedented seven years.

Ryder Cup success followed as a player including his legendary three wood tee shot on the 18^th hole at Valderrama in 1997 that secured victory for Europe by a single point and gained him “Shot of the Year”.

He later famously led Europe to success as Captain at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Montgomerie said: “As a proud Scot I know that Scotland is world-renowned for both our whisky and our unrivalled golf courses. I am thrilled that the Loch Lomond Three Wood Matured 25 Year Old Single Malt will celebrate both worlds.

“My shot at Valderrama is one that will live long in the memory for me. To know that it has inspired a Single Malt and one which carries my signature is a huge honour. I hope that golfers and whisky fans alike will enjoy a dram as much as I have.”

Created by Montgomerie in partnership with Loch Lomond Master Blender Michael Henry, the Loch Lomond Three Wood Matured 25 Year Old is a beautifully balanced and highly limited edition single malt Scotch Whisky. Offering fruit notes of peach and pear, with subtle floral and perfumed notes, it is enhanced by cloves and cinnamon on the finish.

Presented in an elegant black and red gift box that celebrates Monty’s golfing achievements, the Loch Lomond Triple Wood Matured 25 Year Old has an ABV of 46.3% and is available globally with an RRP of £250.

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes

Maturation in refill American oak casks from Loch Lomond’s onsite cooperage complements the distillery’s signature fruity character while the lightly toasted style of French European oak adds hints of refined spice. Additional maturation in Oloroso oak casks delivers subtle perfumed floral notes. 

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.

The Lost Distillery Company Gerston Archivist Wins Gold at The International Whisky Competition 2019.

The Lost Distillery Company, Gerston Archivist has triumphed at The International Whisky Competition 2019, scooping 1^st place within the Best Blended Malt Scotch category.

The International Spirits Competition invites whisky from around the world to be blind tasted and rated by its professional tasting panel made up of whisky, spirit, beer and wine experts. Each whisky then scores points based on a unique 100-point scale system, making the IWC one of the most professional competitions of its kind. This year Gerston Archivist beat off stiff competition from some of the industry’s most popular whiskies.

Gerston Distillery was Operational from 1796-1882, Gerston was a favourite among such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as well as enjoying export to Calcutta and Buenos Aires.The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish. Operational from 1796-1882,

Gerston was a favourite among such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as well as enjoying export to Calcutta and Buenos Aires.The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish. Operational from 1796-1882,

Gerston was a favourite among such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as well as enjoying export to Calcutta and Buenos Aires.The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish. o0ssajshjkhooperational from 1796-1882.

Located in Caithness, Gerston was enjoyed by such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as one of the first brands to make a name for itself in London.  Gerston was exported as far afield as Calcutta and Buenos Aires. The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish. Operational from 1796-1882,

Gerston was a favourite among such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as well as enjoying export to Calcutta and Buenos Aires.The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish. Operational from 1796-1882,

Gerston was a favourite among such famous figures as the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel as well as enjoying export to Calcutta and Buenos Aires.The nose has sweet toffee and ripe fruits. The palate brings soft caramel with a salty note, before a whiff of smoke and lingering salt in the finish.

Offering an immersive, historical journey for both trade and consumers, the Lost Distillery Company award-winning portfolio has had phenomenal success in recent years with growth in distribution to nearly 50 markets worldwide.

Scott Watson, Co-Founder of Crucial Drinks and The Lost Distillery Company said: “In the last century, over 100 Scotch whisky distilleries have permanently closed, which I have always felt was a real tragedy. The Lost Distillery Company was borne to bring the stories of these famed whiskies and their people back to life.

He continued “We’ve celebrated some fantastic achievements as a business this year and we are truly honoured to have received such high praise from The International Whisky Competition”

Launched internationally in 2013, The Lost Distillery Company is thriving with availability in nearly 50 markets worldwide. Crucial Drinks is based at The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House in Ayrshire, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and estates, which was rescued by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2007.

The Lost Distillery Company can be found at www.thelostdistillery.com

Notes

• After many years of planning, founders Scott Watson and Brian Woods, set up Crucial Drinks in 2012 developing a world class whisky and rum portfolio that offered outstanding spirits with unique heritage and brand stories. Born and raised in Ayrshire, both founders set out to build a global business in and from East Ayrshire to help regenerate the area.
• The Lost Distillery Gerston Archivist also celebrated success in 2018 after being awarded Gold at The Travel Retail Masters.
• The Lost Distillery family is available at select retailers across the world as well as on Crucial Drinks online shop and Amazon UK.
• Crucial Drinks distributes to nearly 50 markets worldwide including Global Travel Retail.
• Its award-winning portfolio of luxury spirit brands includes The Lost Distillery Company, Six Saints Rum, Rum & Cane Merchants and Big Mouth Scotch Whisky

LUX ROW DEBUTS LIMITED EDITION REBEL YELL IN THE UK

• New Rebel Yell French Barrel Special Finish launches outside of U.S

• Bourbon finished in toasted oak wine barrels for 6 months

• 6,000 bottles to be released in first year

Lux Row Distillers is launching its first ‘international release’ bourbon as it continues to meet growing demand from whiskey drinkers in the UK.

The new Rebel Yell French Barrel Special Finish will be the first bourbon it hasn’t released for sale in the U.S. and bears the secondary-finishing hallmarks of Lux Row’s head distiller and master blender, John Rempe.

The bourbon was finished in toasted French Oak wine barrels for 6 months, creating a robust mouth feel with plenty of oak, spice and a hint of chocolate and ginger on the rear palate. 6,000 bottles will be released in the first year, with the bourbon on-sale from October at £30.

The new Rebel Yell French Barrel Special Finish comes closely after the release of John Rempe’s Blood Oath Pact No. 5. This rare whiskey sold-out before bottling and is created by carefully blending three bourbons; a 13 year old mahogany bourbon which is peppery with shavings of dark chocolate, an 11 year old silky wheated bourbon rich with vanilla and honey, and an eight year old bourbon finished in Caribbean rum barrels to impart orange, brown sugar and warm island spice.

John Rempe comments: “The fifth release of the Blood Oath has proved as popular as its predecessors, quickly selling-out. This provided the inspiration for the Rebel Yell French Barrel Special Finish. We wanted to create something unique for the growing number of bourbon connoisseurs in the UK, which is why we decided to launch this whiskey outside the U.S.

“Finishing in the toasted oak wine barrel creates a real point of difference, giving the bourbon more depth and complexity in terms of its layers of flavour. Secondary-finishing is bourbon’s equivalent to year of vintage in single malt Scotches. It’s a great way to create something truly one-off.”

The Rebel Yell French Barrel Special Finish will be available in the UK, France and Italy, and will be distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK.

John concludes: “There’s a growing appreciation of bourbon here in the UK, with real interest in stories about how the whiskeys are made and a keenness among consumers to seek out new and unique flavours. Small batch and limited editions will always prove popular amongst connoisseurs, but we’re seeing secondary-finishing satisfy both demand amongst bourbon purists as well as attracting new drinkers to the category.”

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.

Owned by consumer products company, Luxco, Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

www.luxrowdistillers.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/luxrowdistillers

Instagram: @luxrowdistillers

WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? THE GLENALLACHIE DISTILLERY UNVEILS NEW RANGE OF SIGNATURE EXPRESSIONS 

Billy Walker’s wood management expertise on show with the
launch of The GlenAllachie Wood Finish range

The GlenAllachie Distillery is extending its range of whiskies with the launch of its first-ever range of limited edition wood finishes.

The GlenAllachie Wood Finish range comprises the 8 year old Koval Rye Quarter Cask Wood Finish; the 10 year old Port Wood Finish; and the 12 year old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish.

This trio of signature expressions of The GlenAllachie Distillery’s finest single malt whiskies highlight the wood management expertise of Master Distiller, Billy Walker.

The 8 year old Koval Rye Quarter Cask Wood Finish (RRSP: £54.99) was first matured in American oak wood barrels and then underwent an additional maturation period in organic Rye quarter casks from Chicago’s Koval Distillery. The greater liquid-to-wood ratio in the smaller casks means that the rich spicy flavour of the Rye is released more rapidly.

With its distinctive ruby red colour, the 10 year old Port Wood Finish (RRSP: £54.99) was first matured in American oak barrels before being re-racked into vintage Ruby Port wood pipes sourced in North Portugal. The Port wood influence adds flavour, depth and complexity to the whisky, with sweet notes of heather honey, butterscotch and treacle.

The 12 year old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish (RRSP £58.99) is a rich sumptuous whisky with great depth. This whisky was matured for over ten years in American oak wood barrels before its additional maturation in Pedro Ximenez puncheons. This process enriches the flavour, creating a sweeter, fruitier whisky.

To create the new range of wood finishes, Walker first hand-selected barrels from among the 50,000 casks in the 16 warehouses on site at the distillery near Aberlour for the additional maturation period. Casks were sourced from a variety of bodegas and distilleries that shared Walker’s culture of careful wood management and with whom he had established relationships with through his long career in the whisky industry.

The length of time spent in each of the special casks varies, with Walker constantly monitoring the whisky to decide when it’s ready.

Commenting on the new range, Walker said: “I’m incredibly excited to unveil this new range featuring GlenAllachie’s first-ever range of wood finishes. Wood management is something I’m very passionate about and we invest a substantial amount of time and money into sourcing exceptional casks from all around the world. I look for casks that will complement and enhance the GlenAllachie spirit, with the different woods making a greater, or sometimes subtle, influence, and taking us on a journey of new flavours.”

“The rich golden Rye Quarter Cask delivers a hit of spice and cloves with classic GlenAllachie characteristics of honey and butterscotch, whereas the ruby red Port Pipe has a sweeter and fruitier flavour, with honey, damson and rose hips. Finally the Pedro Ximenez, deep rich mahogany in colour, delivers what the eye promises; raisins, sultanas, toffee and dark chocolate. With this first release you can see the impact that a quality and carefully chosen cask can have on our whisky, from the amazing array of colours to the intensity of flavours in the final whisky.’’

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

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie

Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie

Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES

8yo Koval Rye Wood Finish 

10yo Port Wood Finish 

12yo Pedro Ximenez Wood Finish 

Douglas Laing unveils Scallywag “The Chocolate Edition” #2 ahead of World Chocolate Day

Independent Scotch Whisky firm, Douglas Laing & Co. today unveils Scallywag “The Chocolate Edition” #2 Speyside Malt ahead of World Chocolate Day on the 7th of July 2019, exclusively for DouglasLaing.com.

Matured predominantly in Spanish Sherry Butts for 10 Years, the resulting 2009 Vintage Whisky is said to hold within distinct tasting notes of melted milk chocolate, dark treacle and rich stewed fruits. With only 500 bottles available from Sunday 7th July, the hotly-anticipated release is expected to be met with high demand following the sell-out success of the first edition from the previous year.

Each bottle will bear a gold foiled label featuring the familiar Scallywag Fox Terrier upon a background of mouth-watering melted chocolate and be presented in a black printed gift bag. In line with the Douglas Laing philosophy to bottle Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets”, this release is offered at a high alcohol strength of 48%, aged for 10 years and proudly without chill-filtration.

Chris Leggat, CEO of Douglas Laing & Co. said, “Since the launch of Scallywag “The Chocolate Edition” in 2018, we have been inundated with requests for more! Edition number two features a unique marriage of heavily Sherried Single Malts from some Speyside’s finest distilleries, specially selected for their indulgently cocoa-rich qualities. We had great fun and spent hours perfecting this product. The result is a seriously moreish dram and a great example of why blending Single Malts is really special.”

Scallywag “The Chocolate Edition” #2 will available on DouglasLaing.com from 11am on Sunday, the 7th of July, 2019. 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/scallywagwhisky

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.

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 Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and XOP, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran officially opens to the public

Lagg Distillery, the second on the Isle of Arran, has officially opened its doors to the general public and is now welcoming visitors to the brand new site.

Becoming one of Scotland’s newest single malt whisky distilleries, Lagg has opened its state-of-the-art building, which focuses on the visitor experience throughout, and has also begun whisky production.

Its spanning visitor centre includes a shop, an interactive video showcasing Arran’s whisky history as well as a café and restaurant which will provide food and drink with ingredients sourced from the exceptional range of local produce.

The facilities contain two new copper stills and four wooden washbacks within the same room, allowing visitors the opportunity to be guided through every stage of the whisky journey.

The site brings whisky making back its traditional heartland on the South of the Isle of Arran, sitting on the most Southern point of the island, boasting stunning views from Ailsa Craig across to Campbeltown.

Throughout the visitor experience Arran’s unique place in the story of the nation’s favourite spirit is explored, with frequent references to past distillation in the South of the island, both legal and illicit.

 Isle of Arran Distillers initially announced the project plans in 2016 to deal with ever-increasing visitor numbers to the island and continuing growth in whisky tourism throughout Scotland. Construction at the distillery subsequently began in February 2017.

Lagg is the first new distillery on the island since the opening of Isle of Arran Distillers’ original site in Lochranza, which opened in 1995. It is expected that the total visitor numbers to both sites will increase to over 200,000 by 2020.

The independently owned distillers’ commitment to local people and businesses will be continue to be upheld at the new site, with 22 members of staff employed across both the visitor centre and the production facilities, all of which are island based.

Whisky production at Lagg commenced earlier this year, as the first middle cut of spirit was recorded on Tuesday 19^th March 2019. This spirit is expected to mature into a rich, smoky, heavily-peated (50ppm) Lagg Single Malt which will be very different in character to what the distillers currently produce at their original distillery in Lochranza.

Production will be overseen by Distillery Manager, Graham Omand, an Islay native who has spent the past eight years at the Lochranza distillery, and Master Distiller James MacTaggart, who has over 40 years of experience in the industry.

Omand, Distillery Manager at Lagg Distillery, said: “We’re all thrilled to be celebrating the opening of our spectacular new Lagg Distillery and to bring production back to the heart of whisky-making on the Isle of Arran.”

“It’s an outstanding achievement from everybody that was involved in the process and something that people on the island and beyond can be very proud of.”

“The whole team here is passionate about bringing Arran’s fascinating whisky story to life and to give it the recognition that it deserves. We can’t wait to start writing the next chapter of this story and welcoming whisky-lovers from around the world to Lagg.”

The first cask of what will become Lagg Single Malt, ‘Cask Number One’, has been reserved for members of the Lagg Cask Society, formed of individuals who have purchased casks of Lagg spirit.

Over half of the 700 first fill casks available for purchase from the distillery have already been sold. However whisky lovers can still be part of the exciting story of the Lagg Distillery, by purchasing one of the remaining casks for sale, and becoming members of the Lagg Cask Society. For more information, visit www.laggwhisky.com

Douglas Laing Rocks with Two New Rock Island Releases

Douglas Laing & Co, award-winning Scotch Whisky firm, today announces two new releases under its “Rock Island” brand coupled with a new campaign.

A Limited Edition Rock Island 21 Years Old release is available via specialist spirits retailers at an expected retail price of £89. Just 4,200 bottles have been produced.

Rock Island 10 Years Old, expected to retail at £45, will join the range as a continually available offering, joining fellow Remarkable Regional Malts age statement offerings launched earlier this year; Timorous Beastie 10 Years Old and Scallywag 10 Years Old.

Bringing the Rock Island brand to life, a new campaign is also unveiled today, featuring the headline “A remarkable encapsulation of Scotland’s Whisky islands” and showing the maritime Malt in an elaborate setting. The bespoke illustration highlights the Whisky’s tasting notes of barley, smoke and crashing waves, and will form the basis of a multi-channel Marketing campaign spanning both print and digital advertising, social media and trade collateral. The late summer months will also see Douglas Laing & Co host a series of Rock Island seafood-paired dinners in key markets globally, whilst cocktail and food influencers will be recruited to bolster online presence for the brand.

Cara Laing, third generation and Director of Whisky, comments:

“We’re thrilled to celebrate sea-faring Scotch Whisky this summer with our new global brand campaign and two new releases in our Rock Island range – Rock Island 10 Years Old and Limited Edition 21 Years Old. Created by marrying together Single Malts distilled on the Whisky Islands of Islay, Arran, Jura and Orkney, Rock Island and its special edition counterparts genuinely encapsulate the archetypal salty, smoky, peppery warmth that Island Whiskies are famed for, and our new master visual, print and digital advertising alongside events across key markets globally are designed to bring those mouth-watering qualities to life”.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dlrockisland

Twitter: @remarkablemalts

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky company, 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 and Provenance, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.