FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 6, 2019) – On August 5^th, 1919, Elmer T. Lee was born on a tobacco farm near Peaks Mill in Franklin County, Kentucky.  From meager beginnings, few would have thought Elmer would grow up and earn an engineering degree from the University of Kentucky, create the world’s first single barrel bourbon called Blanton’s, and become one of the most celebrated Master Distillers. 

In honor of what would have been Elmer’s 100^th birthday, Buffalo Trace Distillery announces the release of a 100 proof commemorative bottling of Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon. Proceeds from the bottle sales will go towards Frankfort VFW Post 4075, where Elmer was a member until his death in 2013. 

            This is a limited edition, one time only release with the same age and mashbill as the standard Elmer T. Lee, but this whiskey is bottled at 100 proof.  The bourbon has the classic taste that Elmer would have loved, with a nose of maple syrup up front, a taste of creamy vanilla with berries, and a long finish of coffee, toasted oak, and vanilla.

            “After a century has passed since he was born, we want to honor Elmer and share our admiration with his family and others, while also giving back to Elmer’s local VFW,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “We were lucky to have Elmer with us for 93 years. As he grew older he continued to visit the Distillery weekly. The wisdom, expertise and friendship he shared during his weekly visits will never be forgotten.  We think of him often and cherish the time he spent with us.” 

            Elmer retired from Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1985, but continued to serve as an ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery and the whiskey world up until his death.  Prior to joining Buffalo Trace (then known as the George T. Stagg Distillery) in 1949, Elmer served as a radar bombardier on B-29 flights with the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II. After flying missions against Japan through 1945, Elmer was honorably discharged in 1946, attended college, and graduated with honors in 1949.  Upon graduation, he started work at the Distillery where he was eventually named General Manager. He worked at the Distillery until retirement, marking a milestone in his career with the creation of Blanton’s in 1984, the world’s first single barrel bourbon.

            “What Elmer did for American whiskey is hard to grasp in today’s terms, but in 1984, bourbon was in the doldrums and sales were low,” stated Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s current master distiller.  “Elmer took a big risk creating a single barrel bourbon, but he hoped it would generate new interest in bourbon and revive the industry.  At first Blanton’s wasn’t popular, and Elmer feared it may not take off.  But today, I think it’s safe to say Elmer made a wise move.” 

            To learn more about Elmer, check out his oral history interview here. 

            The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon will be very limited in distribution and available starting later this month.  The suggested retail price is $100. 

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

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS UK APPOINTS JODY BUCHAN AS MONKEY SHOULDER BRAND AMBASSADOR TO SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH  

Monday 5th August, 2019: Independent family distillers William Grant & Sons UK has confirmed that co-owner of Kin Edinburgh, Jody Buchan, has taken on the role of first ever Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador to Scotland and the North.

With a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, not only has Jody successfully launched a bar, named in the UK’s Best Cocktail Bars List, but has also recently been named Scotland’s Mixologist of the Year and Scotland’s Spirits Enthusiast of the Year.

Jody’s full-time role will see him working alongside current UK Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, John Wayte, to lead the way in challenging the conventional; and inspiring the on-trade, retailers, press and drinkers in the home of Scotch, with the cheeky brand’s ‘Made for Mixing’ ethos.

Ieuan Morgan, Monkey Shoulder UK Brand Manager said: “Team Monkey is pleased to welcome another talented Brand Ambassador to the fold. Jody’s experience and passion is just what we were looking for when searching for an ambassador to shake up the north.”

Jody said: “I’m honoured and excited to join the Monkey Shoulder crew and take on the ‘Monkey of the North’ role; bringing my love of sharing the rich history of spirits and drinks with all. First on the list, I’m heading to Edinburgh Fringe with the epic mixer truck – see you there!”

Notes:

About Jody Buchan:

Originally, from Fraserburgh, a town just outside of Aberdeen, Jody has been behind the bar since he was 18. Beginning as a way to fund his studies and apprenticeship in Petrochemical Engineering, he then worked for BP for over 12 years alongside bartending before making the move to full pursue his love of making drinks and memories for people. In 2017, he opened, Kin, a bar built on the collective experiences of his business partner and himself, which featured on the UK’s Best Cocktail Bars list. He was recently awarded the title of Scotland’s Mixologist of the Year, Scotland’s Spirits Enthusiast of the Year. While still co-owner of Kin, Jody will be taking on the Monkey Shoulder role on a full-time basis.

You can follow him on Instagram: @JodySpiritual

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder, and Drambuie.

For more information, please visit: http://www.williamgrant.com Follow us on Instagram: @WilliamGrantUK

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN TROPHY, TWO DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AND ONE GOLD MEDAL AT 2019 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 8, 2019) – Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a Trophy and Double Gold Medal at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge, held earlier this summer in London.  Also winning a Double Gold Medal was W. L. Weller “CYPB,” and Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey claimed a Gold Medal in the 24^th annual Challenge.

            Several Buffalo Trace whiskeys also won Silver Medals:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon
• Old Weller Antique Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Rye Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Bourbon

The Tasting Awards were held over 10 days of intense blind tastings by panels of more than 50 respected and experienced industry professionals.  Samples were delivered to the judging area in flights of numbered tasting glasses to ensure the accuracy of the blind tasting.  Each judge assessed the products according to age, region and variety, which is determined by the entrant and verified by the chairman.

This year, the International Spirits Challenge received more than 1,600 entries from nearly 70 countries around the globe.

“We are honored to accept these awards from the International Spirits Challenge, especially the Trophy for the Taylor Single Barrel,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It was truly a team effort.”

Results from the 2019 International Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/internationalspiritschallenge2019/en/page/2019-results.

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.

Wolfburn’s Royal Visitor

Staff at Wolfburn Distillery were delighted to host a visit by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, accompanied by The Viscount Lord Thurso.

HRH met with the entire Wolfburn team and was shown the inner workings of the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.

“It was an absolute honour to meet His Royal Highness and to show off our whiskies,” comment Wolfburn’s Visit’s Manager Charlie Ross. “A lot of work went into preparing for his visit, but in the end it was a huge amount of fun for all involved.”

HRH spent time in Wolfburn’s still-house, where he was shown each aspect of the spirit production process, and in the warehouses, where he was able to draw – and taste – samples direct from the casks.

“It’s always special opening casks for visitors,’ remarked Mark Westmorland, Wolfburn’s brand ambassador. “And this is our most important visitor so far!  It was lovely to be see him enjoy a dram of our award-winning single malt whisky.”

The last stop on the visit was to the bottling hall, where Prince Charles met several of Wolfburn’s apprentices, who demonstrated how the bottling line works. HRH was then presented with a bottle specially engraved for the occasion, which he filled himself, much to the enjoyment of the watching Wolfburn staff!

Photographs:

1. HRH at the stills
2. HRH filling his presentation bottle
3. HRH meeting the staff at Wolfburn Distillery

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies have won gold medals in over a dozen international competitions, and are now distributed in 27 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com 

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

WHISKY EXPERTS WELCOME VISITORS TO AUGUST EVENTS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society prepare for Edinburgh’s busiest month with an array of experiences 

As Edinburgh welcomes visitors from around the world in August, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is putting on a number of special events, making it the perfect location for whisky-lovers in the city.

Throughout the month, SMWS are hosting the ultimate Edinburgh Fringe whisky tasting events at their Kaleidoscope venue at 28 Queen Street.

Hauf ‘N’ Hauf

They will also be celebrating the Hauf ‘N’ Hauf, a traditional Scottish serve of a dram and a half-pint, by pairing Society whiskies with specially selected craft beers.

As the world’s leading authority on single cask whiskies, the Society have paired their rare drams with complimentary beers in order to enhance the flavours of both drinks. Their experts will guide drinkers through the best beer pairings for their drams and have created a specially crafted menu of pairings.

The menu includes; ‘Ester Fest’, a Young & Spritely whisky served with a wheat beer to bring out the estery flavours of bananas and pineapples and ‘Sweet Dreams’, an IPA to be enjoyed alongside a Juicy, Oak & Vanilla SMWS whisky, where the dram’s refreshing sweetness will bring the best out of the bitter ale.

Edinburgh Fringe events 

All Senses Ahead! 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/all-senses-ahead 

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh

7pm – 9.45pm

Throughout August, every day except Sunday and Monday

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be bringing a true taste of Scotland to the Fringe, with an all-encompassing sensory feast that celebrates the best of Scottish culture.

Within their beautifully restored Georgian building, guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of a three course Scottish meal with three-dram whisky tasting, storytelling and music.

A truly immersive virtual reality experience will set the scene as guests explore romantic Scottish landscapes before Will Marshall, the real-life host for the evening, offers the audience the occasion to learn historic facts, participate in songs and indulge in Scottish culture.

A Dram is Worth a Thousand Words 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=whisky&start=10 

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh

Tastings at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm

Every day throughout August

Home of the largest single malt, single cask collection, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society invites whisky enthusiasts to explore their vast collection of single cask, single malts. Experience a three dram tutored whisky tasting like no other, in the company an SMWS brand ambassador.

The full list of Hauf ‘N’ Hauf pairings:

ESTER FEST – YOUNG & SPRITELY & WHEAT BEER

Savour the complementary estery flavours of bananas and pineapples from the wheat beer with a feisty young bourbon-matured dram.

FULL & FUNKY – SWEET, FRUITY & MELLOW & BELGIAN KRIEK LAMBIC

Pair the funky flavours of this fermented lambic brew from Belgium with the full-on fruity notes from this flavour profile.

LIGHT & LOVELY – SPICY & SWEET & PALE ALE

Easy-drinking and lightly hopped pale ale is the perfect counterpoint for the whisky’s prickly spiciness.

THIRST SLAKER – SPICY & DRY & LAGER

Quench your summer thirst with a lower strength lager paired with the strong aromas of our Spicy & Dry drams.

FOR ALL SAISONS – DEEP, RICH & DARK FRUITS & BELGIAN SAISON

A bold pairing of fruity, spicy Belgian saison beer with this deep and indulgent flavour profile.

DARK & DARING – OLD & DIGNIFIED & DUNKEL

Savour our oldest and most distinguished drams along with a smooth, malty dark German lager, to complement the whisky without overwhelming it.

ENTRY LEVEL – LIGHT & DELICATE & PILSNER

Waken up your palate with a Light & Delicate dram alongside a refreshing, hoppy pilsner.

SWEET DREAMS – JUICY, OAK & VANILLA & IPA

The whisky’s refreshing sweetness brings the best out of a more bitter and hoppy Indian Pale Ale.

SUMMERY SEASIDE – OILY & COASTAL & CITRUS BEER

Explore how a sharp citrusy beer cuts through the oily mouthfeel and marine notes from this flavour profile.

DARK AND SMOKY – LIGHTLY PEATED & STOUT

A deep, rich stout with a creamy head that’s light on the hops allows a Lightly Peated dram to shine.

THE DOUBLE P – PEATED & PORTER

Dive into a robust pairing of higher strength dark porter with a good blast of peaty goodness.

FULL SHILLING – HEAVILY PEATED & 80/- HEAVY BEER

A full-flavoured old school combination with an 80 shilling that’s lighter on the hops and heavier on cereal to stand up to our most heavily peated drams.

Ask us at the bar for more details and pairing prices.

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

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

ROYAL DORNOCH SETS THE BALL ROLLING ON NEW WHISKY

For golfers who love whisky, it’s the perfect shot.

The world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club has for the first time licensed the use of its famous crest and tartan on a unique Highland single malt.

The exclusive dram has been created for the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, in partnership with the golf club, and can be purchased only from the specialist shop in the centre of Dornoch.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars’ own whisky club members tasted the new malt and voted it ‘top dram’ in a blind tasting against five other well-known single malt whiskies.

Full bodied and sherry cask matured, it is described as marvellously mellow, with warming hints of spice and a long lingering finish.

Bottles come in 70cl or 20cl sizes and are adorned with Royal Dornoch’s iconic wildcat emblem and its officially registered tartan.

Neil Hampton, the club’s general manager, said: “Whisky and golf are two of Scotland’s greatest assets and go naturally together.

“We are delighted to partner with Carnegie Whisky Cellars in the first licensing deal of its kind involving the club’s crest and tartan. We hope it will be popular with golfers, whisky lovers and anyone with an interest in such a unique product.”

Michael Hanratty, general manager, the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, said: “We are proud to be associated with Royal Dornoch Golf Club in creating this specially- labelled single malt Scotch whisky, which will be a notable attraction for our customers.”

Golf has been played in Dornoch for more than 400 years. The golf club was formed in 1877 and was granted a Royal charter in 1906.

FINLAGGAN RED WINE MATURED WINS IWSC SILVER

The Vintage Malt Whisky Company are thrilled to announce their new release Finlaggan Red Wine Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky has been awarded a silver medal by The International Wine & Spirits Competition 2019.

Andrew Crook, MD said of the award “we are delighted to add another award from the prestigious IWSC to our collection!  Even more so, that it is our new release Finlaggan Red Wine Matured.  The Rioja red wine cask maturation of this quality Islay single malt has given it a delicious sweet smoke and red berry nose, along with strawberries and plum notes on the palate and a long lingering sweet smoke finish.  Our customers are very excited by this new product in our portfolio and feedback has been very positive”.

The IWSC scored Finlaggan Red Wine Matured a 92 and described it as a fresh and vibrant whisky, with nettles, apples, pears and an elegant peatiness.  Spiciness builds, ending with a ginger-led, well rounded finish.

“This is great news for our Finlaggan brand – not only is it a great indication of the quality of Finlaggan Red Wine Matured Islay Single Malt, but the IWSC name and medal is internationally recognised by trade and consumers, who seek out the winners” said Brian Crook, Chairman.

ABOUT THE VINTAGE MALT WHISKY COMPANY

Founded 27 years ago by Brian Crook with a vision to make iconic Islay Single Malts available and accessible to smaller independent retailers throughout the world, The Vintage Malt Company has done all this and more.  Now, under the leadership of Brian’s son, Andrew Crook, this family company has gone from strength to strength supplying malts and building brands globally in over 35 countries.

For more information on all our products visit www.vintagemaltwhisky.com or contact andrew@vintagemaltwhisky.com

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS THE 1950 – THE PINNACLE OF THE EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK RANGE

(31 July 2019, London) The Macallan has unveiled the latest release in the Exceptional Single Cask range – an exquisite and delicate expression that was distilled in 1950.

The 1950’s represent a significant period in the history of The Macallan with investment in the construction of new buildings on site and modernisation of existing buildings, the purchase of additional farmland and the first of The Macallan highland cows take residence on site.

The single malt is the centrepiece of the 2018 release from the unprecedented range which invites consumers to explore the world’s most valuable whisky through a rare insight from the legendary Whisky Makers’ bench at The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience on Speyside.

The discovery of this First fill sherry butt cask was a special moment for our whisky making team that conjured intense and memorable aromas and flavours. The unmistakable combination of antique oak and subtle peach, with lingering peat warrants this cask being treasured in its own right, with only 336 bottles of this rare single malt available globally to savour.

This exclusive range of single cask whiskies, showcases the depth and diversity of The Macallan. Each whisky revealing a particular character, a subtly different flavour or an aroma in the background making each one truly unique and never to be repeated.

Whisky Maker Notes

Year of Release: 2019

ESC Code: 26 1683 1950

Cask Filled: 9 November 1950   

Bottled: 24 September 2018

Cask Type: First fill sherry butt cask        

ABV: 53.4%

One of only 336 bottles

Colour Tint: 39

Aroma: Polished Antique oak, with delicate peaches and vanilla

Taste: Intense antique oak with wood spices. Orange peel zest with warm root ginger. Subtle hints of peat in the background

Finish: Long with dry sweetness and peat. 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.”

www.themacallan.com

TOP TIPS FROM EXPERTS ON HOW TO SAVOUR WHISKY IN THE SUMMER 

As the temperature soars, experts from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society around the globe serve up their suggestions for enjoying refreshing summertime drams  

Whisky is a drink that’s often considered most appropriate by the fireplace in winter.  However, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experts from hotter countries around the world prove that it is far more versatile and should be sipped in the sunshine.

The world’s leading whisky club and authority on single cask whiskies has partner bars and ambassadors from the USA to Australia. The Society’s experts can offer advice and insight into how to savour their endless variety of whiskies during this summer’s record-breaking temperatures across the UK and Europe.

Lighter and brighter flavours

Much like other spirits, whisky drinking habits often change due to the weather and consumers tend to choose flavours that are lighter and more refreshing, leaving more peated and smoky whiskies for winter.

The Society categorises its single cask whiskies by 12 unique flavour profiles, including ‘Peated’, ‘Spicy & Dry’ and ‘Oily & Coastal’, to encourage the focus to be on the significance and development of flavour.

Matt Bailey, the Society’s ambassador in Australia, said: “The flavour profiles that people end up reaching for changes quite a bit.

“In summer the Young & Spritely and Sweet, Fruity & Mellow kind of profiles sit just nicely in hand. Brighter flavours for brighter weather.”

Ice and water

Another way in which whisky drinking changes in summer is that consumers tend to enjoy their drams more ‘informally’, with a splash of water or a block of ice.

Freddie Xiang, Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador in China, said: “Drinking whisky neat decreases in summer, however the total volume is unlikely to drop as we enjoy it in different ways.”

Matt Bailey added: “Whisky takes on a bit more ‘summer informality’ as the heat sets in and messes with your taste buds a bit. You might sometimes go for a tumbler instead of a copita, or you might add a bit more water, or even a bit of ice to a nice brisk dram.” 

Refreshing cocktails

The ever-growing trend of whisky cocktails also proves popular in hotter climates, with the SMWS’s variety of flavour profiles providing versatile base spirits for some delicious mixed drinks.

Cyrille Girard, Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador in France, said: “A good barman or mixologist can always create a refreshing whisky drink, even if it uses Heavily Peated flavours.

“In our cocktails we aim to celebrate and showcase the whisky rather than hiding it.”

These cocktails can be sampled at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, including their twist on a classic Whisky Sour and a thirst-quenching Whisky Collins stirred with lemon juice and topped with soda.

One of Matt Bailey’s favourite cocktails to sip on the beautiful beaches of Australia is a ‘Summer Peated Highball’.

He said: “Start with an SMWS single cask in the ‘Lightly Peated or ‘Peated’ flavour profiles, add a lemon zest, and fill with soda. Perfect hot weather dramming!”

For the latest Outturn from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which is specially designed to be enjoyed throughout the warmer months, visit: https://www.smws.com/whisky/latest-outturn

Bimber increases production capacity in advance of

inaugural single malt release 

In advance of the launch of its first single malt whisky in September, Bimber distillery has significantly increased its production capacity. The award-winning London distiller has recently installed a new 0.5 tonne capacity mash tun and three new custom washbacks which were fully designed and created in house (taking the total to eight). The enhanced production capacity will exceed 42,000 litres or pure alcohol per year – the equivalent of a cask filled every day.

At the same time, Bimber has rationalised the warehousing of its existing stock into an established bonded warehouse. The additional space will provide the distillery with the longer-term capacity to continue its expansion to meet the growing demands for its high quality, handcrafted spirits, as well as offering a significant improvement to the distillery’s visitor experience.

Speaking of the expansion Dariusz Plazewski, Founder and Master Distillery said: “The Bimber team and I could not be more thrilled about the expansion and enhancement of our West London home. Whilst we’ve increased our capacity to lay down single malt to meet the developing demand for Bimber’s products, we’ve not changed anything about our core production methods. Everything we do at Bimber is about showcasing the care, attention and passion we put into handcrafting our whiskies and spirits.”

Notes  

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.