Carnegie Whisky Cellars wins top award at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2019 

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars would like to announce that for the 2^nd time in almost 3 years of trading in the heart of Dornoch, they have won  ‘Off License of the Year’ at the prestigious Scottish Independent Retailing Awards hosted by Creative Oceanic, held in Glasgow on 9^th April  ‘It is with enormous pride we bring this award North’ says Michael Hanratty, General Manager of the Carnegie Whisky Cellars.

Attending the glitzy awards ceremony at The Glasgow Marriott on 9^th April, Michael and Lorna Smith of Carnegie Whisky Cellars were both astonished and delighted to receive the industry accolade for a second time.

‘We have had the most fantastic support from our local and indeed worldwide customers in everything we have done here in the shop.  I am sure our charity efforts, our close working ties with local distilleries, and the amazing support of our customers have all played a part in our winning this award. ‘

Last year Carnegie Whisky Cellars chosen charity was Poppyscotland, and in addition to producing a special bottling in conjunction with Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso, several special tasting events were held – again fully supported by our amazing local customer base – which resulted in the Carnegie Whisky Cellars raising £14,107.56 for the charity

A special bottling of Bunnahabhain was created in conjunction with Hunter Laing & Co for the Dornoch Whisky Festival, which the Carnegie Whisky Cellars is an integral part of, hosting VIP tastings and events at the festival, now in its’ 5^th year

The Whisky Cellars team, Michael, Lorna and David, would like to thank all their loyal customers for their incredible support, and the Scottish Independent Retail Awards for presenting this great accolade. The Carnegie Whisky Cellars, now an established part of the Dornoch business community, specialises in single malt whiskies and all Scottish produced spirits – when fully stocked over 400 whiskies are available. After winning the award the Carnegie Whisky Cellars attended the opening of the new Ardnahoe Distillery and taken the award to all nine of Islay’s distilleries.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars extends a warm invitation to all to pop in for a browse and a chat about all things Scottish spirits – we look forward to seeing you, and thanks for your support! Slainte

Notes

• For further information about the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, please contact our General Manager – Michael Hanratty via whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk or 01862 811791 – 07916645360
• Testimonials from Poppyscotland, Wolfburn Distillery, Visit Dornoch, Local MP and the Dornoch Whisky Festival can be provide on request.
• For further information on the Scottish Independent Retail Awards please follow the link on Facebook

• For more information regarding the event contact Creative Oceanic on 08448793256 or email events8@creativeoceanic.com
• Creative Oceanic, website creativeoceanic.com. For more information regarding the event or media related information please contact Creative Oceanic UK on 08448793256 or the Republic Of Ireland on 019020004 or email media@creativeoceanic.com

JACK DANIEL’S ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NO. 27 GOLD TENNESSEE WHISKEY ACROSS UNITED STATES

Double Barreled and Double Mellowed Expression of Jack Daniel’s Now Available Nationwide 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., (April 15, 2019) – After its initial launch as a travel retail exclusive item and select markets in Asia, Jack Daniel’s is officially introducing Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey to the United States.

A double-barreled and double-mellowed expression of its classic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, the premium bottle brings a fusion between warm maple and toasted oak to create a rich and refined finish suited for today’s whiskey aficionado.

Representative of the skill and craftsmanship of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the process first begins with maturation in new charred American white oak barrels. Once these barrels are determined to be fully matured, they are removed from the barrelhouse and the whiskey is placed into maple wood barrels. The final step is a second time charcoal mellowing before being bottled.

“Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold pays homage to our distillery’s golden rule of, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “The natural amber hue, along with a scent of toasted oak and honey, offer an intricate texture and taste, making this whiskey a very distinct and luxury product.”

Due to the extra time and attention required to craft this ultra-smooth spirit, Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey was previously only available in select markets. This product launch emphasizes Jack Daniel’s continuous commitment of making high quality whiskeys fully available to a wider consumer. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the product is now available across the United States for a suggested retail price of $99.99. For more information on Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

About Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey is a luxury expression of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. Its name, “27,” celebrates the twice barreled, twice mellowing process where maple barrels impart a rich, smooth and luxurious whiskey experience. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

“Please sip responsibly.”

JACK DANIEL’S NO. 27 GOLD TENNESSEE WHISKEY is a registered trademark of JACK DANIEL PROPERTIES INC. ©2019. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, 40% ALC./VOL.(80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.

 NEW HEBRIDEAN WHISKY FESTIVAL LAUNCHES FEATURING ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY

The first ever Hebridean Whisky Festival is to take place across the islands of Skye, Raasay and Harris between 21st-25th May 2019.

Spread between the four distilleries along the Hebridean Whisky Trail, the festival will feature free tours, tastings, music, casks and special events at Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay and Harris distilleries and the Aros Centre, Portree.

Launched in 2018, the Hebridean Whisky Trail is a spectacular 115-mile route set amidst Skye’s stunning Cuillin mountains, Raasay’s beautiful coastline and seascapes and the famous white sandy shores of Harris At the Isle of Raasay Distillery on Thursday 23rd May 2019, whisky pilgrims can hop across the water to the youngest distillery on the Hebridean Whisky Trail for the launch of the exclusive new warehouse and whisky and chocolate tours.

This fantastic experience will take visitors to the inner sanctum of the distillery’s cask warehouse filled with the aroma of spirit maturing in Bordeaux, virgin oak and rye whisky casks.

Seasoned whisky connoisseurs and intrepid island explorers alike can enjoy the spectacular views from the warehouse terrace above the distillery across to the Cuillin mountains on Skye. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy the launch of the distillery’s new whisky and chocolate tour with delicious pairings of whisky and chocolate by Finlay MacDonald’s Glenshiel Chocolate Company.

The festival kicks off with two days on Skye at Torabhaig Distillery on Tuesday 21st May followed by events at Talisker, the oldest distillery on the trail, on Wednesday 22nd. Raasay Distillery on Thursday 23rd and then you can follow the self-guided whisky trail route up to Isle of Harris Distillery on Friday 24th May. Meanwhile in Portree the Aros Centre will showcase the distilleries at a special Hebridean Whisky Festival tasting stand for the duration of the festival.

The festival finale is the ‘Big Day at Slig’ taking place at the Sligachan Hotel on Saturday 25th May in Skye. Here all four distilleries will come together in one place for a day of whisky tastings, Hebridean Whisky cocktails, Distillery vehicles, cask displays, craft ales and a visit from the Isle of Skye pipe band. The festival will offer a chance to try all the spirits, as well as other local brews from Cuillin Brewery, sweet treats from the likes of Chocolates of Glenshiel and delicacies from the Skye Smokehouse. The festival will conclude in true Hebridean style with a ceilidh into the night at the Sligachan Hotel. These events are free entry and festival-goers can or choose to experience part of the festival or follow the full trail over five days by land or sea.

Notes 

The trail can be followed by land or sea with three CalMac ferry crossings linking the destinations as well as yacht berthing facilities near to each distillery. By sea, the Trail can be charted clockwise or anti-clockwise around Skye. Intrepid sea-farers can set sail from any of the four distilleries from points north, south, east or west. Road travellers can begin their journey either by crossing over the Skye Bridge at Kyle, or start at the Trail’s northernmost point on Harris, or its southernmost point at Torabhaig on Skye’s Sleat peninsula. Raasay is only a short 25-minute ferry journey from Sconser on Skye and the distillery is a short stroll from Raasay ferry terminal.

The Hebridean Whisky Trail’s total length is 115.2 miles.

Distances between each distillery:

Armadale–Torabhaig 4.2miles

Torabhaig–Talisker 36.1 Miles

Talisker –Raasay 14.5 miles

Raasay–Harris 60.4 miles

Contact information:

Raasay Distillery: harriet@kapranos-pr.com

Talisker Distillery: Susan.MacLean@diageo.com

Torabhaig Distillery: anne@torabhaig.com

Isle of Harris Distillery: shona.macleod@harrisdistillery.com

Scotch Whisky Association: pressoffice@swa.org

www.hebrideanwhisky.com

www.Calmac.com

www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Raasay Distillery, Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB raasaydistillery.com

T: 01478 470178

Opening times: 10am – 5pm

Instagram/ Facebook: @raasaydistillery, Twitter: @RaasayWhisky, YouTube: bit.ly/raasayyoutube

Kingsbarns Distillery Toasts Single Cask Sales Success

Fife’s Kingsbarns Distillery is celebrating a milestone this month with news that the first of a new series of single cask malt whiskies has sold out – just weeks after its release.

Launched in mid-March exclusively to the distillery’s Founders’ Club members and online customers, the eagerly awaited expression sold a remarkable 204 bottles in less than 24 hours, with the remainder of this limited edition bottling being snapped up soon afterwards.

Kingsbarns Single Cask No 360 is the first of a new single cask series from the small East Neuk-based distillery, launched to showcase the distinctive, light and fruity Lowland style of its single malt whisky in specific barrels.

Laid down in 2015 in a first fill American oak barrel, this cask strength release is bottled at 60.9% ABV. On the nose the whisky’s sweet floral scent has notes of custard and vanilla, whilst on the palate there is cream soda with a little ‘fizz’ of lemon sherbet.

Packaged in soft shades of blue and gold to symbolise the natural elements of the whisky’s picturesque Fife home, the bottle also features Kingsbarns’ signature pigeon motif to represent the historic ‘doocot’ (Scots for dovecot) that sits at the heart of the distillery.

The release of Single Cask No 360 follows a successful start to the year for Kingsbarns Distillery, which saw the founding Wemyss family officially launch their flagship expression, Kingsbarns ‘Dream to Dram’, back in January.

Named to celebrate the realisation of their dream to craft fine single malt whisky in their Fife home, the new dram has already made its mark with strong sales and positive feedback for its light, fruity style – with leading whisky experts noting its huge potential in the single malt market.

The Kingsbarns Founders’ Club has also seen a significant increase in membership as the popularity of Lowland style single malts continues to grow. Open to just 3000 members, the club offers a unique chance to be part of the growth and success of this ambitious young distillery, as well as securing exclusive and collectable expressions when they are released.

Kingsbarns Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd commented: ‘The success of our first single cask release is incredibly exciting and is a real testament to our team’s skill, passion and dedication. Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in the once overlooked Lowlands whisky region, and we are very proud to be championing the area and introducing the light, balanced character and fresh style of our Kingsbarns whisky to the world. 

‘Just like our flagship malt expression, the new single cask range is expertly handcrafted using local Fife barley, rich mineral water from the land beneath us, expertly chosen wood and the distillery’s long, slow production process in copper pot stills. This is what sits at the heart of our whisky and will never change, as we look forward to releasing more expressions and single cask releases in the not too distant future.’ 

Whilst Kingsbarns Single Cask No 360 is now sold out, visitors to the Distillery can purchase a bottle of sister cask 358 which is sold exclusively in the Visitor Centre shop.

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Twitter @KingsbarnsDist / Instagram @kingsbarnsdist 

Kingsbarns Distillery

Kingsbarns Distillery began life as a semi-derelict farm steading – built around 1800 by Thomas Erskine, the ninth Earl of Kellie, as part of East Newhall Farm to service the adjoining Cambo Estate. Its centrepiece is a doocot, made with over 600 neatly formed terracotta nesting boxes which, at the time, would have housed pigeons to supply the laird’s kitchen with meat and eggs.

A three year restoration project involving specialist architects, engineers, designers and whisky specialists restored this historic building into the beautiful distillery and visitor centre that is now in place today – including the immaculately restored doocot in pride of place.

The distillery has 4 washbacks and 2 stills (wash still 7.5k litres, spirit still 4.5k litres) which have been designed to fit snugly into the low distillery space, using long lyne arms for maximum copper contact. The distillery has a capacity of 34 barrels per week and can produce 200k litres of alcohol per year.

The Kingsbarns team is aiming to make the distillery as green as possible and sustainability is at the heart of production. Nothing is wasted and everything goes back into the local environment to the benefit of local businesses.

Distiller Peter Holroyd has been at the helm of distillation since the very beginning, sharing his passion for whisky and turning the Kingsbarns dream into a reality with the Wemyss family. A native of Glasgow, Peter graduated from the Heriot Watt Brewing and Distilling Course in Edinburgh, working in a number of small breweries before joining the Kingsbarns Team in his first whisky role.

The Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club was launched on the first anniversary of the Distillery on 30^th November 2015 and is still open for membership.  Members enjoy a welcome pack with a small bottle of Kingsbarns New Make Spirit, a glass and membership badge, plus five exclusive bottles of cask strength single malt whisky, including the distillery’s inaugural Founders’ Reserve expression.

The Wemyss Family drinks portfolio 

Wemyss Malts: Edinburgh based independent bottler, Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family. Their family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.  Wemyss Malts is primarily known for its award-winning range of blended malt Scotch Whisky which uses names inspired by the natural flavours and aromas of the whiskies: The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney. www.wemyssmalts.com. 

Darnley’s Gin: The family also own and produce Darnley’s Gin at the Kingsbarns Distillery site in Fife. Darnley’s Gin offers tours and tastings in a converted cottage with a Gin School where visitors can distil their own bottle of gin on a mini still www.darnleysgin.com. 

Rimauresq: to complete the drinks portfolio, the Wemyss Family own the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence www.rimauresq.eu.

TOMATIN STRIKES GOLD, CELEBRATING OVER A DECADE OF WINS!

Distillery celebrates most successful year to date at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirit Competition

15^th April 2019 – Tomatin has swept the board at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirit Competition, with seven Double Gold wins and four Gold awards. The latest victories cement a decade of success, with nearly 60 prestigious accolades across the board for the globally recognised whisky brand.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirit Competition recognises exceptional products in the spirits industry, with a judging panel made up of 40 industry experts who ‘blind’ taste-test all products to prevent brand reputation or bottling style from impacting on the final award given. Entries that receive the coveted ‘Double Gold’ award have been rated as ‘Gold’ by every judge on the panel.

Scooping 11 awards of Gold or higher, Tomatin’s core range excelled with 4 Double Gold awards and 3 Gold awards, a new record for the core range. Tomatin’s exclusive Travel Retail range also came out on top, with 2 Double Gold wins and a Gold. Lastly, Tomatin’s 21 Year Old American Exclusive single malt, which was released last year, also scooped a Double Gold win.

Graham Nicolson, Sales Director of Tomatin said: “This has been an amazing year for Tomatin. The fact that we’ve received a gold or double award for every whisky we entered is a fantastic achievement. I’m proud to say the Tomatin range excels at all levels.”

This year, Tomatin has received no less than seven Double Golds, with success reigning supreme for the distillery’s Core Range. Tomatin’s core range starts at entry level Tomatin Legacy (£30) and extends to the exquisite Tomatin 36 Year Old (£600); all products in the Core Range have been awarded Gold or Double Gold at this year’s awards. Over the past decade Tomatin have received 17 Double Gold, 24 Gold, 16 Silver and 2 Bronze medals.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: “Over 3,000 spirits were judged at this year’s awards, and to triumph across the board is a big accomplishment for the Distillery team.  wood policy is second to none; we produce a high-quality spirit which develops into exceptional whisky through maturation in the right casks, these awards prove that we’re amongst the best in the world.”

Tomatin’s 30 Year Old, the latest addition to the core range, was also awarded with ‘World’s Best Design’ at the World Whisky Awards held in London, this is Tomatin’s first dedicated ‘Design’ win at this prestigious ceremony.

Tomatin’s continued winning streak follows the distillery’s time spent rediscovering their brand identity. After undergoing a complete rebrand in 2016, the product design is truly representative of the people, place and of the quality spirit Tomatin produce.

Notes: 

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

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

FULL LIST OF AWARDS 

Tomatin Core Range

Gold Medal                          – Tomatin Legacy Single Malt

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                          – Tomatin Cask Strength Single Malt

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 14 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 18 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                          – Tomatin 30 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 36 Year Old Single Malt 

Tomatin Travel Retail

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 8 Year Old Bourbon Single Malt Travel Retail

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 40 Year Old Single Malt Travel Retail

Gold Medal                          – Tomatin 15 Year Old American Oak Single Malt Travel Retail

Tomatin US Exclusive

Double Gold Medal            – Tomatin 21 Year Old Single Malt (North America Exclusive

Distell malts portfolio secures 11 accolades at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Leading spirits producer, Distell has scooped 11 awards at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This follows triumph at the Icons of Whisky Awards, the World Whiskies Awards and the Òran Mór Whisky Awards, receiving widespread recognition across its malt whisky portfolio.

Overall, eleven of Distell’s malts were recognised at the annual SFWSC event including four Double Gold, four Gold and three Silver accolades.

Located in the most northerly point of Islay, Bunnahabhain won five awards including a Double Gold for its Stiùireadair for the second year in a row. The Stiùireadair single malt is the latest addition to the range and pays homage to the distillery’s shoreline showcasing the coastal nature of the liquid.

Double Gold honours were also awarded to Ledaig 10 Year Old, as well as Deanston 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.

These latest wins follow a successful period for the business as it was crowned ‘Overall Distiller of the Year’ at the Icons of Whisky Awards on 28 March. Distell also won 13 awards at the World Whiskies Awards and three awards at the Òran Mór Whisky Awards on the same night.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said: 

“We are passionate about our malts portfolio and are continually working to provide exceptional whisky for new and loyal audiences alike.

“SFWSC is one of the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world, it is judged by the industry’s top experts, so winning is high praise indeed. We are immensely proud to have so many of our malts recognised on this global stage.”

Almost 3,000 entries were received, the largest amount in the history of the competition, and the whiskies were blind-tasted by experts from across the globe. The full results were announced in San Francisco on 15 April 2019.

Distell’s full results at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition were:

Double Gold

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland [46.3%]

Ledaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islands, Scotland [46.3%]

Deanston 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland

Deanston 18 Year Old Bourbon Cask Finish Single Malt, Highlands, Scotland [46.3%]

Gold

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland [46.3%]

Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland [46.3%]

Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dhà Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland [46.3%]

Black Bottle Blended Scotch, Scotland [40%]

Silver

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Islay, Scotland [46.3%]

Deanston Virgin Oak Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland [46.3%]

Deanston 15 Year Old Organic Single Malt Scotch, Highlands, Scotland [46.3%]

Notes: 

About Distell: 

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
• Bunnahabhain Distillery was named the 2016 Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

Tuesday 23rd April 2019

ONLINE SCOTCH WHISKY RETAILER, THEWHISKYBARREL.COM, IS HONOURED TO HAVE WON THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2019.

A family run company in the Kingdom of Fife has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2019.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com is one of 200 organisations nationally to be recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Announced today (Tuesday 23 April 2019) TheWhiskyBarrel.com has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com was established in 2007 and since then has gone from strength to strength and become a World-renowned online retailer of premium Scotch whisky. The company collaborates with independent whisky merchants and micro distillers to make Scotch whisky and Single Cask Rum available to international customers, primarily in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Managing Director, Alastair Brown, said “we are delighted that the company has been recognised for its achievements in and contributions to international trade. Winning this award is a great boost for our family business as we continue to expand over the coming years.” TheWhiskyBarrel.com continues to grow rapidly and further developing its own range of original and exclusive cask bottlings.

Now in its 53^rd year, The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com will celebrate its award during a royal reception for The Queen’s Awards winners in the summer.

Applications for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2020 open on the 1^st of May 2019. For more information, visit  https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise.

The Whisky Barrel E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com T: +44 (0)845 2248 156 Find us on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Notice:-

Please find images attached to this email for use.

Q) What is the Queen’s Award
A)  The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK. Winners have demonstrated outstanding success in their respective fields of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through Social Mobility).

Q) What is the name of the Award won by TheWhiskyBarrel.com?

A) The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2019.

Q) Why was this press release under embargo?
A)  Her Majesty The Queen personally approves the winners of The Queen’s Awards each year. Then the Department for Business, Innovation, Energy & Industrial Strategy publicly announce the winners, this year on Tuesday the 23^rd of April 2019.

Q) When was the embargo lifted?
A) The embargo was lifted at 01:00 am on Tuesday the 23^rd of April 2019.Q) When will TheWhiskyBarrel.com receive the award?
A) The Award will be presented to TheWhiskyBarrel.com by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County in the early summer. In addition, HRH The Prince of Wales will be hosting a Reception for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winners at Buckingham Palace in the summer. 

Note:- 

TheWhiskyBarrel.com is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and was established in 2007. TheWhiskyBarrel.com won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

ARDNAHOE DISTILLERY OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN ISLAY’S PRESTIGIOUS HISTORY 

The eagerly awaited reveal of the first new distillery on Scotland’s iconic “Whisky Isle” since 2005 takes place today.  Built with a £12m investment from third generation Scottish family-owned Hunter Laing & Company, Ardnahoe Distillery is like no other whisky production facility on the island and has been built with both whisky connoisseurs and tourists in mind.

The distillery has plans to welcome 20,000 visitors each year and was officially opened by Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG, with an attendance of key members of the island community and wider whisky industry. The distillery is set to create up to 30 new jobs on the island.

Ardnahoe Distillery Official Launch – (L-R) Andrew Laing, Scott Laing, Stewart Laing, Rt Hon Lord Robertson Photo credit: Mark Unsworth

The fulfillment of a long-held dream by the family business, which includes Stewart Laing and his two sons Andrew and Scott, Ardnahoe is situated on the island’s north east coast between Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distilleries.  The site benefits from simply breath-taking views over the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura to the east, Mull and Colonsay to the north; an extraordinary and inspirational setting that has already been touted as the finest of any distillery in Scotland.

In keeping with the style of whisky for which Islay has become famed, Ardnahoe is producing a classic peated spirit for maturation in ex-American bourbon barrels and ex-Spanish sherry casks. The distillery combines state-of-the-art building design and technology with traditional distilling practices that include wooden washbacks, Scottish-made lamp glass stills and worm tub condensers.  It is the only one if Islay’s nine distilleries to have the latter feature, so drinkers can expect one of the most characterful, complex and enchanting whiskies to come out of the revered island in the future.

The distillery has also benefitted from the know-how of industry veteran Jim McEwan, Master Distiller.  The company has an experienced distilling team of eight, and automation is kept to a minimum.  Up to 30 total people will be employed across retail, dining, tours and event functions throughout the year.

Advance interest in the distillery has been astonishing with the 400 pre-order casks made available to private enthusiasts and collectors all sold in record time.

Commenting on the new distillery, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said: “Since working as a teenager at Bruichladdich Distillery over 50 years ago, I have had a huge affinity with Islay and its malt whiskies. When we decided to build our own distillery, there was only one possible location. We have built a great team to manage the distillery and run the visitor centre and in a few years’ time we will be able to drink a great whisky in the classic Islay style, staying true to the island’s heritage with a heavily peated malt.”

Speaking about the Islay welcome on offer, Andrew Laing, Export Director, commented: “We wanted the visitor experience to be at the heart of Ardnahoe. Our family business values and our distillery team, most of whom are islanders and steeped in the whisky industry, offer a warm Islay welcome to all who want to be part of the Ardnahoe journey. Ardnahoe is a distillery that we all can be proud of.”

Highlighting the distillery’s role in the business, Scott Laing, Business Development Director, concluded: “Ardnahoe is one of a series of new developments that will continue to strengthen Hunter Laing over the coming years. We have a strong development team working on new international brands and we are targeting several important new markets that will fuel our continued growth. Ardnahoe is the catalyst that makes this possible without sacrificing our family’s commitment to quality.”

Ardnahoe also offers a unique visitor experience, with tour facilities built on one level to accommodate visitors of all abilities, with stunning views throughout. Facilities also include warehousing, a large visitor centre comprising retail facilities, whisky bar and restaurant offering a broad range of locally-sourced, high quality merchandise.  The tour packages include:

The Spirit of Ardnahoe

Explore the creation of Ardnahoe’s Spirit where modern design works in perfect harmony with traditional techniques & equipment.  Hear our story so far and take in the spectacular surroundings.  End your tour in our bespoke “dramming” area with a taste and a glass to take home.

Start times: 10am/2pm/3.30pm

Price: £10 duration 45 mins

A Journey Through The Regions

Take a journey through Scotland’s whisky regions. A selected range of single cask bottlings from the Hunter Laing stocks. Your host will guide you through five different drams explaining the unique characteristics of each region.

Start time: 11:30am

Price: £30 duration 60 mins

Experience Our Heritage

Enjoy some exclusive Spirits of Scotland. These will be selected from the long-aged range of our independent bottler’s exclusive stocks of fine whiskies. Enjoy five specially selected drams while relaxing in the comfortable surroundings of our Kinship Room.

Start time: 3.30pm

Price: £70 duration 60 mins

Ardnahoe is just the latest in a series of strategic investments from Hunter Laing & Company, which includes expansion of the sales and marketing team, whisky stocks, warehousing and bottling capacity.  The Company’s first distillery will further cement its position as one of Scotland’s foremost independent whisky companies.

Ardnahoe Distillery official opening short video: https://we.tl/t-2ah8oPZG3F

www.ardnahoedistillery.com 

@ardnahoe
@hlaingwhisky

Notes:

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £2.3m on a turnover of £8.4m for its last full year of trading (end April 2018).

Distell Named Overall Distiller of the Year

-17 global accolades secured across whisky portfolio- 

Distell has been crowned ‘Overall Distiller of the Year’ at the Icons of Whisky Awards in London last night (28 March). The leading spirits producer’s winning streak continued at the World Whisky Awards later that evening with three additional awards recognising the company’s international single malt and grain brands.

The Icons of Whisky and World Whisky Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony with some of the industry’s most respected figures in attendance. Distell picked up gongs during the World Whisky Awards, including Best Scotch Islay Single Malt for the second year in a row for Bunnahabhain 25 YO; Best South African Grain for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky 15YO and Distell itself was recognised as Distiller of the Year.

The portfolio was also awarded 10 accolades in the first round of the World Whiskies Awards 2019, including three category winners, three gold medals, two silver and two bronze.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said: “We are passionate about our malts portfolio and are continually working to provide exceptional whisky for new and loyal audiences alike. These awards are amongst the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world and to have received so many accolades across our brands is huge testament to the talented teams across the distilleries.”

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, the team were celebrating a trio of awards at the 12th annual Òran Mór Whisky Awards. Ledaig PX won Best Newcomer and Bains won Best Overseas Whisky. Sarah Farrugia, Business Development Manager at Distell with a strong background in food and drink, received the Whisky Rep of the Year accolade.

Commenting on the awards, Cameron Bowes, Channel Controller North at Distell, said: “We are extremely proud of Sarah’s award win, she always goes above and beyond in her role and it’s great to see this being recognised at an industry level.”

Notes: 

World Whiskies Awards 2019 first round results:

 About Distell: 

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
• Bunnahabhain Distillery was named the 2016 Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

JAMESON LAUNCHES THE NEXT INSTALMENT OF ITS ‘TASTE, THAT’S WHY’ CAMPAIGN WITH ‘THE BARTENDERS’ GATHERING’

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled the next instalment of its successful advertising platform, ‘Taste, That’s Why’. The new campaign, titled ‘The Bartenders’ Gathering’, launches across television, digital and social media in Germany from April 2019, ahead of a wider global roll-out later this year.

In line with the recent ‘Scully Was to Blame’, ‘Coopers’ and the ‘The Case of the most Unusual Case’ creatives in the series, the new television film is inspired by another true story about Jameson. ‘The Bartenders’ Gathering’ has been created by TBWA Dublin under the helm of John Kane, Executive Creative Director, produced in Ireland and directed by Stink Films’ Anthony Mandler, whose recent portfolio includes work for Apple, Nike and Adidas.

Set in modern Dublin in 2016, the commercial tells the true story of the 200 bartenders from around the world that gather in Dublin each year for the Jameson Bartenders’ Gathering; a three-day immersive and educational summit for bartenders to hone their skills, learn about Jameson and the history of Irish whiskey, and explore the rich culture of modern Ireland. This commercial retraces the memorable experiences that the group had and the connections they made, with an unexpected twist in the story.

Jameson invited 50 real bartenders from Ireland and around the world to star in the film to add authenticity to the creative. The TV spot is supported by an integrated social campaign that tells documentary-style true stories of the three bartenders who stayed behind and also delves further into stories of bartenders from places such as Spain, Germany and South Africa. Click here to view.

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, said: “Last year, we put the unique, smooth taste of the Jameson family center-stage through our ‘Taste, That’s Why’ campaign and the feedback that we have received from bartenders, whiskey lovers and premium spirits drinkers alike has been exceptional.

“As we unveil the next chapter in the ‘Taste, That’s Why’ story, we wanted to highlight Jameson’s revered position among bartenders as they have been instrumental to our success in the USA and around the world over the past 29 years. The new spot conveys the true spirit of the annual Bartenders’ Gathering in a high octane but light-hearted manner with a twist of Irish humour – it’s exactly what you’d expect from Jameson, and will help us to further build the profile and personality of the brand supporting equity growth into the future.”

John Kane, Executive Creative Director TBWA, said ‘We discovered this story after a fateful meeting with a bartender from Cameroon. It was almost too good to be true…  it’s definitely true to the Jameson brand’s core purpose of connecting people.’

’The Bartenders’ Gathering’ will be unveiled in Germany in April, ahead of its introduction to other key Irish whiskey markets throughout 2019 and beyond.

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.