Highland Park launches Søren: a limited edition 26-year-old whisky

Created in collaboration with renowned Danish photographer Søren Solkær, Søren is available to purchase from 23 May

(23 May 2019, London) Highland Park today announces the launch of Søren Solkær 26 Years of Photography – a limited-edition single malt whisky that’s been created in honour of Danish photographer, Søren Solkær.

Best known for his portraits of world-famous musicians including Björk, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, David Lynch, The Arctic Monkeys, R.E.M. and U2, Søren has worked with Highland Park since 2016 to capture the brand’s Viking Soul – taking over 250 images of the people of Orkney, the distillery and the island itself.

Matured in sherry seasoned American oak casks and first fill Bourbon casks, the limited-edition liquid has a spicy nose with a rich heathery peat smoke. The packaging is inspired by a traditional, vintage square shaped box camera and contains a 230-page book featuring a selection of Søren’s work split into three key themes: men, women and places.

The whisky will be available to purchase globally from 23^rd May 2019. UK retailers include The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Harrods. RSP £499.

Jason R. Craig, global brand director, Highland Park, said: “We are delighted to be working with Søren on this very special project. He truly embodies a modern day Viking Soul through his unique photographic style and how he gets the best out of all his subject matters.

“Whilst he is best known for his distinctive images of musicians and movie stars, he has worked with us to develop a collection of over 250 images capturing our people at the distillery, our location in Orkney and of course, our whisky.”

Søren Solkær, said: “My journey began 26 years ago when I decided to leave my literature studies and pursue my passion for photography. From my homeland in Denmark, I travelled many thousands of miles with my camera, exploring some of the world’s most fascinating places, absorbing each new environment I found myself in and photographing the people I met which helped me grow into the visual storyteller that I wanted to be.

“During those 26 years, the whisky that now bears my name stayed in just one place, sheltered from the same world I was so busy exploring. A contrast perhaps, but in its quiet warehouse in the remote Orkney Islands, this whisky too was absorbing the environment around it and slowly acquiring rich nuances of flavour and character to mature into the fine spirit it is today.

“We shared a similar journey of honesty and integrity, of patience and craftsmanship to arrive here together, 26 years on.”

For more information visit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com   

Notes

About Søren Solkær 26 Years of Photography

RSP: £499

ABV: 40.5%

Tasting notes

Appearance: Natural cask driven colour, bright

Nose: Cloves, cardamom and raisins

Palate: Rich and spicy, light heathery peat smoke

Finish: Long and lingering

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading whiskies brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)
• Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard and EFFEN vodkas, Roku gin, Sauza tequila, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

About Highland Park, the Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul:

Whisky has been distilled at Highland Park in Kirkwall, Orkney since 1798.  Founder Magnus Eunson, was a direct descendant of Vikings who settled in Orkney over 1,000 years ago. A butcher and church officer by day and a bootlegger and smuggler by night, he set up an illegal whisky-making operation at a little bothy (a stone hut) at High Park, overlooking Kirkwall.

It is still the site of the distillery today and although we say Highland Park was founded in 1798, that’s actually the year the authorities finally caught up with Magnus.

Few trees survive the gale-force winds on Orkney, this makes the island peat woodless and rich in heather. This helps create the trademark Highland Park flavour profile of aromatic smoky peat and sweet heather honey.

About Søren Solkær:

Søren Solkær is a Danish photographer best known for his distinctive portraits of musicians. He is most recognised as the man responsible for various iconic images of Björk, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, David Lynch, The Arctic Monkeys, R.E.M. and U2

Søren’s photography is characterised by finding a tension point between intimacy and edginess. His portraits are often regarded as cinematic in tone with a distinctive colour palette. The inspirations for his style as a photographer is ranging from filmmakers David Lynch and Wong Kar-Wai through to the works of photographer Philip-Lorca diCorcia and painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Søren has released five fine art photography books: Beat City (2006), CLOSER (2011), SOULS (2011, SURFACE (2015) and Portraits 1993-2018 (2018). His works have been exhibited globally and are featured as part of the permanent collection in The Royal Danish Library and The National Portrait Collection in Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark.

Father’s Day Gift: Bespoke 30 litre casks from Raasay Distillery

Looking ahead to Father’s Day next month (Sunday 16th June), Raasay Distillery‘s bespoke 30 litre casks of Raasay Single Malt which would make a thoughtful gift for whisky-loving Dads.

Proud to chart its own course, Raasay Distillery has launched its bespoke 30 litre casks of Raasay Single Malt. The 30 litre ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks are available to purchase on Raasay Distillery’s website and in person at the distillery.

The smaller casks make the island’s first expression more accessible to whisky lovers and will sit proudly alongside the 190 litre first-fill ex-American whiskey casks currently offered by Raasay Distillery and maturing in the island warehouse. Wood from ex-Speyside casks has been carefully chosen for the smaller casks to ensure the flavours of the final whisky are finely balanced.

All Raasay spirit is produced and distilled on the island, using only Scottish barley, distillers’ yeast and mineral-rich water sourced and filtered directly from a Celtic well on site. A long fermentation period brings a rich, characterful flavour to the Raasay spirit before it even touches the oak of a cask. Once the spirit is ready, both large and small casks are filled by the distillery team and left to age into the first ever Raasay Single Malt.

While the whisky matures, cask owners can come and visit their cask, staying in Raasay Distillery’s four-star accommodation: Borodale House. After the whisky is bottled, owners can also keep their empty cask as a treasured memento.

CELEBRATING THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP THE GLENDRONACH + WALKER SLATER ANNOUNCE UK PARTNERSHIP

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries has partnered with quintessential contemporary tweed tailors in a creative collaboration marrying two of Scotland’s finest whisky and tweed connoisseurs.

In time for Father’s Day, The GlenDronach and Walker Slater have teamed up to design a tweed-dressed hip-flask to mark the launch of the partnership. The deep russet colours of the bespoke tweed are inspired by the rich character of The GlenDronach’s award-winning 12 year old Single Malt, a bottle of which is included as part of a gift-set.

The richly-sherried Single Malt is the distillery’s flagship expression, matured for 12 years in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Non-chill filtered, of natural colour and bottled at 43% ABV, The GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years is a rich, fruity and elegant Single Malt with a long, satisfying sweet and nutty finish. The limited edition gift-set will be available to purchase across the UK from specialist whisky retailers from the beginning of May.

The Glen.Dronach Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie said:

“My job is usually creating the finest expressions of Single Malt whisky, but this is the perfect blend of a historic distillery and a traditional yet contemporary outfitters. The GlenDronach and Walker Slater have both been mastering the art of their crafts for decades, driven by heritage in the pursuit of excellence, producing whiskies and tailoring which will be treasured for years to come.

The rich character of this superb whisky is reflected in the yarns of the tweed on the hip-flask which perfectly complement The GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years. I look forward to seeing how our Single Malts will continue to inspire this much-loved contemporary classic tailors.”

Designer and Director of Walker Slater, Paul Walker said:

“Working with The GlenDronach has been an exciting and inspiring partnership, with tweed and whisky carrying connotations of quality and tradition. Both Walker Slater and The GlenDronach are heritage products reinterpreted for the modern world, this gift set celebrates the art of our craftsmanship and will make the perfect present for the discerning gentleman for Father’s Day.”

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, The GlenDronach is of true Highland style; a full bodied and robust taste, perfect for long maturation in sherry casks. The GlenDronach Distillery has carried forth the tradition of founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing their whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía.

The same high standards are held by tailors Walker Slater. Founded in the Highlands, the tweed for which they are renowned is carefully sourced from the Scottish Borders, the Shetland Islands and the Isle of Harris. This exceptional fabric is integral to the timeless elegance of Walker Slater’s garments, craftsmakers reviving tweed with their contemporary house styles and approach to cloth.

The giftset will be available to purchase from May for £44 from specialist whisky retailers across the UK.

STOCKISTS INCLUDE

• Master of Malt
• C.Gars
• The Whisky World
• The Whisky Shop
• Gordon & MacPhail
• Inverarity Morton
• Nickolls and Perks
• Royal Mile Whiskies
• Whisky Exchange
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• The Whisky Trail

ABOUT THE GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style; a full bodied and robust taste, perfect for long maturation in sherry casks. At The
GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía.

We continue to master the art of sherry cask maturation and our Highland Single Malts are recognized for their deep colour and rich flavour profiles; which range from the sweet, fruity flavours of Pedro Ximénez, to the dry and nutty notes of Oloroso. Our well-kept secrets have been guarded for nearly two hundred years by a parliament of rooks, who love The GlenDronach so much they try to nest in the warehouses. The distillery folk believe as long as the rooks remain at the distillery, it will be
good for the whisky.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLENDRONACH:

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk
Twitter: /TheGlendronach
Facebook: @Glendronach
Instagram: @Glendronach

THE GLENDRONACH ORIGINAL AGED 12 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deep amber-red gold
Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled
wine and pear
Taste: Rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry
sweetness, full mouth-feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with
medium length and a dry finish.
Finish: Long, full and firm. Slightly nutty.
ABV: 43%

ABOUT WALKER AND SLATER

Walker Slater was founded in Laggan in the Scottish Highlands in 1989. One year later its first shop opened in the heart of Edinburgh on the picturesque Victoria Street. As a fabric and as a way of life, tweed has a tremendous heritage. Walker Slater’s main inspiration is Scotland’s heritage and natural beauty. Tweed is at the core of our collections, from the hard wearing Harris Tweed to softer blends of cashmere wool. Alongside Harris tweed we use knitwear and tweed produced in the Borders, Shetland and Harris. Our designs bring a cutting edge style to Scottish fashion whilst remaining timeless. We are a tweed specialist tailoring brand which aims to redefine and transcend the traditional perception of tweed cloth. Walker Slater believes in quality, timeless clothing and works hard to develop looks that are both fashionable and practical. We have won Scottish Retailer of the Year, Groomswear Supplier of the Year, and Scottish Online Retailer of the Year, which is representative of the growing popularity and reputation of our clothing brand. Walker Slater has stores in Glasgow, London and its flagship traditional outfitters in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket which attracts international visitors and discerning Scots who are looking for a
contemporary yet classic Scottish fashion.

Visit: www.walkerslater.com/
Twitter: /WalkerSlaterTweed
Facebook: @walkerslaterUK
Instagram: @walkerslater

OLD WELLER ANTIQUE 107 AWARDED GOLD AT 2019 WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

Six other Buffalo Trace whiskies also honored 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 2, 2019) – Seven Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards, with Old Weller Antique 107 receiving Gold.

Gold Medal Winner:

• Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver Medal Winners:

• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze Medal Winner:

• W. L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com. 

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

1792 FULL PROOF BOURBON TAKES HOME GOLD AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

FIVE BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS AWARDED

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 7, 2019) – Barton 1792 Distillery’s 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded Gold at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards, with four other bourbon whiskies receiving Bronze. The World Whiskies Awards is an annual event presented by Whisky Magazine and TheDrinkReport.com.

            Gold Medal Winner:

• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze Medal Winners:

• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com. 

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

ISAAC BOWMAN BOURBON HONORED AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

A. Smith Bowman Distillery receives Gold for its port finished bourbon

 FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (May 8, 2019) – Isaac Bowman Whiskey received a Gold medal at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards. This bourbon, from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, was created from the same process used to make Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon, which was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards in 2016. A. Smith Bowman Distillery is now celebrating its second award for port finished bourbon from this competition.

“We feel honored to receive Gold for our Isaac Bowman Whiskey,” said Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. “This recognition is truly special for us and a testament to our commitment to producing quality spirits.”

Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

1. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

A Taste Of The Cotswolds

English Single Malt Whisky from the Cotswolds Distillery is now available at Greene King pubs nationwide

We’ve all heard the hype about English gin and sparkling wine; however it’s time to raise a glass to the future of English whisky. While Scotch whisky has dominated the market for years, distilleries have been opening across Britain at a rapid pace, with the Cotswold Distillery leading the way.

Set in one of England’s most picturesque settings, the Cotswold Distillery has created a new wave of award-winning English whiskies, showcasing the finest ingredients the region has to offer.

As testament to the growing consumer interest in the category, Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is now available at more than 700 Greene King pubs across the UK – the first major pub company to list an English whisky.

Calum Cameron, Senior Category Manager at Greene King, said: “We are really excited to be offering this English whisky in our pubs. English whisky is a new trend that companies are experimenting with and the Cotswolds Distillery has proven itself as a quality brand with excellent products – we’re sure guests who visit our pubs will love it.”

The Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt

The Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt is the first ever whisky to be created in the Cotswolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and is created using only Cotswolds-grown barley. The inaugural whisky is rich and fruity in style; it is matured in a combination of first-fill, ex-Bourbon barrels and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine casks. The young expression bursts with notes of honey and butterscotch, layered with light fruits (peaches, apricots) and a hint of marzipan. To taste, the whisky is rich with malt, oils and dark sugar. Spice and caramelised bitter orange lead into a long, resinous finish with dark red fruits and a hint of treacle.

Perfect For: A whisky enthusiast looking for something different to enjoy with friends.

Notes 

The new World Duty Free stores stocking Cotswold Single Malt Whisky are in addition to the existing Birmingham, Bristol and East Midlands Airports where the brand already has a presence.  The flagship Single Malt Whisky will now be available to buy at: Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4 & 5, London Gatwick South Terminal, Stansted and Edinburgh, whilst Cotswolds Dry Gin will also be available in: Stansted, Southampton, East Midlands, Exeter, Bristol, Doncaster, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. 

The Cotswolds Distillery 

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2018 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was recently awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of their whiskies scored 95 points, with all of the distillery’s samples scoring over 88 out of 100.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 31 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 30 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

A BOLD MOVE FOR POWERS WITH A NEW LOOK AND ITS FIRST EVER BOTTLED COCKTAIL 

Powers Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a brand-new look and its first ever pre-mixed classic cocktail, Powers Old Fashioned. Initially launching in Ireland from the end of May, the innovative new release is set to tap into the growing appetite for whiskey-based cocktails, recruit cocktail drinkers to the Irish whiskey category and inspire a new generation with the bold character of Powers.

Powers Old Fashioned is crafted from a combination of the classic Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey, sugar syrup and bitter herbs flavouring. The result is a smooth, low-sugar* ready-made classic cocktail that is best served over ice with a twist of orange peel over the glass. Powers Old Fashioned is bottled at 38% ABV and is available in 500ml bottles through key retailers in the on-trade and off-trade, including SuperValu, Tesco Ireland and Dunnes Stores at the RRP of €29.99.

The first-ever bottled classic cocktail under the Powers marque is presented in a befitting, bold new look that balances modern cues with the rich heritage of Powers, dating back to 1791. The contemporary new bottle features a new label styled on the classic diamond ‘P’ signifier, which was one of the first ever trademarks in Ireland, registered by the Powers family in 1877.

Brendan Buckley, Strategy, Insights, Innovation & Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers, commented: “Powers Old Fashioned is a premium and modern ready-to-serve take on the classic cocktail that is set to tap into the growing interest in Irish whiskey and cocktails among 30-40 year olds in Ireland.

“A careful balance of the rich history of Powers with an eye on the future, we are confident that the refreshing ritual of ‘Ice, Pour, Twist’ will appeal to whiskey fans and the cocktail curious alike who are looking for simple and convenient ways to create new Irish whiskey experiences at home or in their local pub. We’ll be monitoring the progress of Powers Old Fashioned in Ireland ahead of plans for a wider roll-out across other key Powers and Irish whiskey markets in the future.”

Notes 

*6g of sugar per 100ml (3g of sugar per serving) 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer 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.

THREE SAZERAC CANADIAN WHISKIES AWARDED GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS AT THE 2019 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION  

Montreal, Canada (May 22, 2019) – Judges awarded three of Sazerac’s Canadian whiskies with one Gold and two Silver medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), labeling them as “exceptional spirits setting the standards” and outstanding spirits that show “refinement, finesse, and complexity.”

              Gold Medal Winner:

• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

Silver Medal Winners:

• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky
• High River Canadian Whisky

The 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition assessed the largest number of entries in its 19-year history, with nearly 3,000 spirits in the 2019 competition. Judging consisted of four days of highly controlled blind tastings, by experienced panels who determined whether to award a Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal.

Complete results of the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at https://sfspiritscomp.com/results/.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

New book explores Isle of Arran’s forgotten whisky history

A pioneering book, which documents the Isle of Arran’s strong affinity with whisky production, has been released in celebration of the new Lagg Distillery opening this Summer.

‘Arran Water: An Island Whisky History’ is the first book to chronicle the Isle of Arran’s unique place in the story of the nation’s favourite spirit and shows how the island has been a historical focal point for whisky production, both legal and illicit.

Whilst Islay, Campbeltown and the Highlands are so often considered hubs of Scotch whisky production, this book documents the people and places of Arran that have contributed to a strong, but long forgotten, tradition of whisky activities.

The title, ‘Arran Water’, comes from the term for whisky that was distilled illicitly on the island, which was known for its quality throughout Scotland during the heydays of smuggling.

The book has been written by expert whisky historian Gregor Adamson, who is a native of the Isle of Arran, and the foreword comes from world-renowned whisky connoisseur and historian Charles MacLean.

It includes unpublished records and first-hand research of the evolution of whisky distillation and unearths the secrets of hidden bothies in Arran’s hills and glens, including the extremely rare discovery of an illicit still bothy.

The bothy, now known as the ‘Smuraig Sma’ Still’, was found by a forestry worker near the site of the new Lagg Distillery and reaffirms evidence that the island was a hotbed of illicit production.

There’s also a focus on the more recent licenced production on the island, noting that the first legal distillery for 160 years was the Isle of Arran’s Lochranza site, which opened in 1995.

For more information on where to buy a copy of ‘Arran Water: An Island Whisky History’, visit http://www.nwp.co.uk/cgi-bin/new.cgi

The launch of the ground-breaking book coincides with the latest chapter in the whisky history of the island, the opening of the new Lagg Distillery, which is set to take place this Summer.

Author, Gregor Adamson, said: “The establishment of the new Lagg Distillery firmly brings production back to the traditional heartland of whisky-making on the island.

“Hopefully, the development of the new distillery alongside the publication of the book will result in Arran’s fascinating distilling heritage finally getting the recognition that it deserves.”

Distillation is now underway at the site in the South of the island and is expected to increase total visitor numbers at both of the Isle of Arran Distillers’ sites to over 200,000 by 2020.

The spirit is expected to mature into a rich, earthy, smoky, Lagg Single Malt which will be very different in character to what is currently produced at the original distillery in Lochranza.

Whisky lovers can be part of the future of Arran’s whisky story by purchasing one of the first casks to be filled at Lagg distillery, and becoming members of the Lagg Cask Society. For more information, visit www.laggwhisky.com

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)