BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS AT THE 2019 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

            BARDSTOWN, Ky (Aug. 15, 2019) – Barton 1792 Distillery’s Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey won a Gold Medal at the recently held International Spirits Challenge in London.

            Three other Barton 1792 bourbons won Silver Medals:

• Kentucky Tavern
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof
• Very Old Barton 90 Proof

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.

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

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 2018 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Glen Marnoch – 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£39.99, 70cl)

£300K BOOST FOR LOCAL DISTILLERIES AS PART OF ALDI’S NEW SPIRITS OF SCOTLAND FESTIVAL 

Aldi has revealed the line-up for its first ever Spirits of Scotland Festival showcasing a hand-picked selection of the finest spirits from some of the country’s most renowned local distilleries.

Launching on Thursday 22^nd August, the festival will take place in all 87 Aldi stores in Scotland in a deal worth over £312,000 to the distilleries involved.

Fiona Walsh, Co-founder and Director of Redcastle Spirits, commented: “Redcastle Spirits has had a phenomenal year so far and being invited to join the Spirits of Scotland festival has been a real highlight for us. We view Aldi as being at the forefront in supporting smaller Scottish producers and really championing all that is fantastic about the Scottish food and drink scene at the moment. The additional revenue this order will bring has allowed us to make some further upgrades to our bottling facility, which will increase our capacity and drive efficiencies. It also brings us a step closer to being in a position to increase our workforce.”

In celebration of the supermarket’s 25^th anniversary in Scotland, Aldi has also included a limited-edition 25 Year Old Glen Marnoch Single Malt as part of the in-store festival. Distilled in Speyside using traditional skills that have been passed down generations of craftsmen, the liquid has aged undisturbed for over 25 years before being selected by a Malt Master for bottling. With notes of vanilla, toffee and leather, only 900 bottles of the luxurious Single Malt are available priced at just £39.99 (70cl).

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Scotland is justifiably renowned the world over for its superb distilleries and over the years, their offerings have become more and more diverse and adventurous. As a result, Scotland is now home to a large number of dedicated distillers producing an exciting choice of flavourful and distinctive spirits and liqueurs.

“For our very first Spirits of Scotland festival, we’re pleased to bring together an enticing selection of gins, vodkas, whisky, rums and liqueurs, so our customers can taste the very best of what Scotland has to offer. To mark Aldi’s 25^th anniversary in Scotland, we are thrilled to include the limited edition 25 Year Old Glen Marnoch Single Malt as part of the line-up. Whisky is what Scotland is known for, and the rich and luxurious Glen Marnoch gives our customers the chance to try a high-quality single malt without breaking the bank.

“At Aldi, we’re proud to be at the forefront of supporting independent Scottish producers and we will continue to champion all elements of our country’s exceptional spirits industry.”

The in-store festival will run while stocks last.

Hogwash – Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (£14.99, 70cl)

Notes 

Spirits of Scotland Festival 2019 line up: 

• Brewdog Distilling Co.- LoneWolf Gin (£19.99, 70cl)
• Eden Mill Botanical Project – Passionfruit and Coconut Gin (£19.99, 50cl) (Aldi exclusive)
• Redcastle Spirits – Raspberry and Pomegranate Gin Liqueur (£14.99, 50cl)
• Blackford Craft Distillery – Vesperis Heather Honey Vodka (£24.99, 70cl)
• El:Gin Coirce – Small Batch Scottish Vodka (£24.99, 70cl)
• Black Velvet by Aelder – Dark Fruit Liqueur (£14.99, 50cl)
• Glasgow Distillery Co – Banditti Club Glasgow Spiced Rum (£19.99, 50cl)
• Dark Matter – Spiced Rhubarb Rum Liqueur (£12.99, 50cl)
• Dark Matter – Spiced Rum (£19.99, 50cl)
• Glen Marnoch – 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£39.99, 70cl)
• Hogwash – Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (£14.99, 70cl)

About Aldi Scotland 

2019 marks the 25^th anniversary of Aldi opening its first store in Scotland and 10 years since the creation of its dedicated Scottish Buying department. Since 1994, Aldi has opened 87 stores across Scotland and stocks some of the finest and best value locally-sourced food and drink.

In May 2019, Aldi was crowned Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, demonstrating the supermarket’s commitment to its Scottish suppliers and to offering the finest quality, locally sourced produce at everyday low prices.

The four most recent NFUS ‘shelf watch’ surveys revealed Aldi stocks 100% Scotch Lamb PGI, 96% Scotch Beef PGI, 86% Scotch Beef PGI burgers and 100% Specially Selected Pork in its everyday ranges, more than any other supermarket in Scotland. This means customers are guaranteed to find the highest quality, locally sourced meat at Aldi stores in Scotland.

Established in 2009, the Scottish Buying Department has enabled Aldi to tap into Scotland’s vibrant agricultural and manufacturing base and build strong and long-standing relationships. Proud to work with over 90 local suppliers and stock more than 400 Scottish products, Aldi stores in Scotland boast a range that is at least 30% Scottish. The Buying team has grown from four to 25 members of staff, all of whom are committed to increasing the number of Scottish products available in stores to over 450 by the end of 2020 and bring the best of Scotland’s larder to its customers. As part of this, Aldi is investing over £22 million in new chill facilities for its Scottish Buying Department, including constructing a 4,000sq m freezer and a 13,000sq m chiller to help support the growth of its Scottish product range.

This year Aldi is opening seven new stores across Scotland, creating an additional 200 jobs by the end of 2019.

Aldi was announced as Scotland’s fastest growing retailer in 2018. In the 52 weeks to 30^th December 2018, sales in Scotland grew by 16.4% (Kantar Worldpanel data).

www.aldi.co.uk/scotland

www.facebook.com/aldiscotland

About Aldi UK

Aldi is Britain’s fifth largest supermarket with over 830 stores and 32,000 employees.

The company has more than doubled its market share since 2010. In the 12 weeks to 11^th August 2019, Aldi grew sales by 6.2% and achieved an 8.1% share of the UK grocery market (Kantar Worldpanel data). By 2025, Aldi will operate over 1,200 stores.

Aldi is attracting hundreds of thousands of new customers every year with its range of exclusive brands, passing low operating costs on to customers in the form of low prices.

The supermarket believes in making every day amazing and that’s why every single day Aldi delivers on the best possible value for millions of families throughout the UK and Ireland across everything from award-winning fresh produce to world class gin.

Aldi won’t be beaten on price; consistently racks up award after award for quality; treats its suppliers with fairness and respect and recognises the responsibility of supporting valued institutions such as Team GB to demonstrate the importance of health and wellness. That’s Aldi. That’s everyday amazing. The reason they do this? Because Aldi believes that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, affordable food…it’s a right, not a privilege.

 The company’s current achievements and initiatives include:

• Aldi is the UK’s lowest priced supermarket. The Grocer’s weekly price comparison of 33 supermarket products found that a weekly shop at Aldi was 10.8% cheaper than its nearest competitor (The Grocer – 14^th June)
• Aldi has a five-year partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust – its fundraising target of £5m will go towards helping the trust to reach out to every young person with cancer in the UK.
• Aldi’s rates of pay are significantly higher than the Government’s National Living Wage and also above the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended national rates. Store Assistants receive a minimum hourly rate of £9.10 nationally and £10.55 in London.
• Aldi is the official supermarket partner of Team GB and ensures every member of the team has access to fresh healthy Aldi food via monthly shopping vouchers, and that 1.2 million 5-14 year olds will learn about the benefits of cooking fresh, healthy food via its Get Set to Eat Fresh education initiative. Aldi has been a partner since 2015 and has extended its commitment to the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.
• In June 2019, for the sixth consecutive year, Aldi was ranked the best-performing supermarket for compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, underlining its commitment to maintaining fair, predictable and sustainable prices within its supply chain.

Full details of Aldi’s awards and achievements are detailed at www.aldi.co.uk/awards

ARDBEG TRAIGH BHAN – THE NEW 19 YEAR OLD RELEASE INSPIRED BY ISLAY’S SINGING SANDS

-Ardbeg adds new 19 YO whisky to its range-

In September of this year, smoky malt whisky lovers will have the chance to experience Ardbeg’s latest permanent release – Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced ‘Tri-Van’). This rare 19 Year Old single malt is inspired by the heavenly vista of Islay’s Traigh Bhan – known locally as The Singing Sands – and will be made available in annual small batches.

The captivating place to which this bottling owes its name has white soft sands that sing beneath your feet. But alluring as this beach is, it can also be treacherous. Bathing is ill advised in the seemingly tame crystal waters where jagged, volcanic rocks pierce the sands along the shore.

A perfect reflection of the place that inspired it, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan is seductively smooth on the nose, before sudden, intense and rugged flavour notes come to the fore. Its exquisite taste crescendo is a rush like a surf of salt, smoke, sweet and sour.

This is the first time in 20 years that Ardbeg will release an aged whisky that is a permanent expression, produced in a single batch each year. To mark this occasion, each annual batch of Traigh Bhan will feature a unique code on the carton, bottle and foot label. With subtle differences in flavour profiles each year, Ardbeggians can research their batch code at Ardbeg.com for more information on their whisky’s story.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, said: “A new, permanent aged Ardbeg is a rare occurrence, and cause for celebration. We hope that, by slightly tweaking the batch recipe year-on-year, Ardbeggians can have some fun exploring the finer details of this ever-changing dram. As far as taste goes, this 19 Year Old whisky plunges the palate into notes of smoky pineapple and aromatic wood smoke, with a sweet mouthfeel of smoked chilli chocolate and paprika. The intense notes then peter out through a long, smoky finish.”

Ardbeg Traigh Bhan will be available from Ardbeg Embassies and www.clos19.com from September, RRP: £169.

www.ardbeg.com

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NOTES:

Tasting Notes

Age: Guaranteed 19 Years Old

ABV:  46.2%

Matured in:  American oak & Oloroso sherry casks

Colour: Bronze

Aroma:  Gentle ripples of smoky pineapple, soured cream and wood smoke make for an irresistible nose. Newly planed oak and supple dark leather sing to your soul as sweet toffee and liquorice draw you in.

A splash of water releases a surge of unexpected notes. Struck flint, herbal pine resin and coal tar effervesce towards citrusy lime sherbet and subtle, yet sweet vanilla cheesecake.

Taste:  The peaty power of this alluring spirit is undeniable, as it plunges your palate into its smoky depths.  An intensely salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet and sour notes of smoked chili chocolate and paprika. Waves of toasted oak and roasted tea leaves emerge, before subsiding to reveal fresh peppermint fondant and salted white chocolate.

Finish:  Firm but gentle, soothing wood smoke carries into a length, lingering finish – resonating far beyond the glass.

RRP: £169

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Most recently, at the 2019 World Whisky Awards, Ardbeg Ten Years Old triumphed in the 12 Years and Under category, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan in the Non-Age Statement section. In the International Whisky Challenge 2019, Ardbeg was named Distillery of the Year and Ardbeg An Oa took home three awards, including best Islay malt.  Meanwhile, Ardbeg Uigeadail was handed a rare platinum medal by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 (SFWSC) – an award reserved for a handful of spirits, deemed near the pinnacle of achievement.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

WHISKY ILLUMINATI LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SOLARIA SERIES 

The three-part release of the Solaria Series follows the inaugural Candlelight Series launched in 2018 

Whisky Illuminati, an independent bottler specialising in premium single cask Scotch whisky, today unveils what it believes to be an industry first with the launch of the Solaria Series: a three-part bottling of five Speyside single malt whiskies.

Offering something genuinely unique to whisky enthusiasts, the Solaria Series will give consumers the opportunity to explore how Scotch whisky evolves in the cask over time, thanks to its three-part bottling which will be released over the next four years. Following the first edition (1:3) release in 2019, there will be a second release in 2021, with the final batch set for release in 2023.

In edition one of the Solaria Series, only 150 bottles from three of the Sherry Butts, 120 from another lower fill Butt and 100 from the Hogshead will be released. The remaining whisky will stay in the cask for a further two years before Edition 2:3 is released, followed by Edition 3:3 in 2023.

The Solaria Series comprises five single malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside distilleries:

• Solaria Series distilled at Royal Brackla Distillery, with an outturn of 150 (68.0% ABV)
• Solaria Series distilled at Aultmore Distillery, with an outturn of 120 (67.5% ABV)
• Solaria Series distilled at Glentauchers Distillery, with an outturn of 150 (63.4% ABV)
• Solaria Series distilled at Craigellachie Distillery, with an outturn of 100 (67.9% ABV)
• Solaria Series distilled at ‘Artis Secretum¹’, with an outturn of 150 (67.1% ABV)

Each release was matured in first-fill Spanish Oak Sherry Butt casks, with the exception of the Solaria Series from Craigellachie Distillery, which was matured in a first-fill Spanish Oak Sherry Hogshead cask.

Described by Whisky Illuminati co-founder, Keith Bonnington, as a “rare first for the Scotch whisky industry”, each of the 2011 Vintage Single Casks bottled as part of the Solaria Series were hand selected by a panel of experts with over 200 years of industry experience.

Bonnington noted: “This is a unique opportunity for whisky drinkers to buy into a developing cask of single malt Scotch whisky, and to fully appreciate how the character evolves in the wood over a period of four years.

“We selected 100% first fill ex-Sherry Casks from Spain to mature the new-make spirit, with the aim of drawing out maximum impact from the wood to deliver the depth of flavour and colour desired over time.”

Bonnington added: “Our policy of bottling at natural cask strength without adding colour or chill-filtering means that each whisky is bottled at between 63% and 68% alcohol by volume, exactly as they appear right now in the cask. To fully enjoy the multitude of complex flavours, gradually adding water to taste is encouraged.

“How they develop in the oak over the duration of the three releases is completely in the hands of mother nature and that anticipation of their natural development is what makes this series so exciting.

“What is certain, is that these 2011 Vintage casks are made from the highest quality European oak, sourced from one of Spain’s finest Sherry Bodegas, and I’m confident that the whisky will develop and mellow marvellously over the next few years”.

The launch of the Solaria Series follows Whisky Illuminati’s inaugural Candlelight Series, which was released in 2018 to high acclaim from many leading whisky writers and experts², and sold internationally in markets including China, Taiwan, South Africa and the United States.

The Solaria Series will be available to purchase from select specialist whisky retailers this month, August, including Master of Malt and Selfridges, at a UK RRP of around £120 each. Buyers of the first release will automatically be offered the opportunity to purchase the second and third editions upon release.

Whisky fans interested in learning more about the Solaria Series and future releases can visit www.whiskyilluminati.com or contact info@whiskyilluminati.com to find out more.

Notes

¹ Solaria Series distilled at ‘Artis Secretum’ has been named such due to sensitivities around the rights to the brand name. From one of Speyside’s most revered distilleries, this translates into ‘trade secret’ in Latin.

²Receiving a score of 95.5 out of 100, Jim Murray’s ‘Whisky Bible 2019’ described the Glentauchers 1997 from this series as the ‘reason whisky was invented’, stating: “The interplay between the complex layering of malt and the breathtakingly varied oak tones is the reason whisky was invented”.

About the Solaria Series

Named as such after the process of drying the oak staves in the direct heat of the baking Spanish sun, prior to being filled with the highest quality Dry Oloroso sherries.

Solaria Series distilled at Royal Brackla Distillery

• Distilled at Royal Brackla Distillery, Speyside; 2011 Vintage Cask #900077; Spanish Oak Sherry Butt; RRP £120
• Number of bottles available (First Release) – 150

Tasting notes

• Colour: Burnished copper
• Nose: Baked dark fruit cake, cocoa with cinnamon hints
• Taste: Red grape tang with salted caramel and butterscotch
• Finish: Sea salt spray with lingering butterscotch sweetness

Solaria Series distilled at Aultmore Distillery

• Distilled at Aultmore Distillery, Speyside, 2011 Vintage Cask #900367; Spanish Oak Sherry Butt; RRP £120
• Number of bottles available (First Release) – 120

Tasting notes

• Colour: Polished mahogany
• Nose: Roasted coffee beans, honey and silk toffee
• Taste: Mocha, cocoa and date and walnut loaf
• Finish: Coffee cake with dark honey and pink peppercorns

Solaria Series distilled at Glentauchers Distillery

• Distilled at Glentauchers Distillery, Speyside, 2011 Vintage Cask #900364; Spanish Oak Sherry Butt; RRP £120
• Number of bottles available (First Release) – 150

Tasting notes

• Colour: Old oak
• Nose: Weighty with citrus orange peel and burnt caramel
• Taste: Honeycomb, liquorice and cinnamon spice
• Finish: Lingering orange peel and dark liquorice

Solaria Series distilled at Craigellachie Distillery

• Distilled at Craigellachie Distillery, Speyside, 2011 Vintage Cask #900328; Spanish Oak Sherry Hogshead; RRP £120
• Number of bottles available (First Release) – 100

Tasting notes

• Colour: Chestnut
• Nose: Thick cut orange marmalade and warm clove
• Taste: Chocolate orange and toasted praline
• Finish: Citrus orange with bittersweet chocolate

Solaria Series distilled at ‘Artis Secretum’

• Distilled at “Artis Secretum”, Speyside, 2011 Vintage Cask #900284; Spanish Oak Sherry Butt; RRP £120
• Number of bottles available (First Release) – 150

Tasting notes

• Colour: Russet brown
• Nose: Dark treacle, ripe plums, black cherry and sweet spice
• Taste: Cake spice and mixed fruit peel. Nutmeg and ginger biscuits
• Finish: Dry and lingering with ginger spice 

About Whisky Illuminati

Whisky Illuminati is an independent whisky bottler which seeks to produce exceptional Scotch whisky which can be enjoyed by consumers and whisky aficionados the world over.

A panel of industry experts, with over 200 years’ experience, rigorously assess whisky samples from distilleries across Scotland to select the best possible casks to take forward for maturation and bottling.

Whisky Illuminati is not constrained by age or popularity of particular distilleries, instead it’s driven by a desire to uncover hidden gems often found at the back of the warehouse and brought to market under an innovative ‘series’ with a compelling story.

Whisky Illuminati is bottled under The Whisky Cellar Ltd, which was formed in 2017 and incorporated in Edinburgh by drinks industry professional, Keith Bonnington. The company is launching a second brand in late-2019, The Whisky Cellar ‘Private Cellars Selection’, hand selecting from a broader spectrum of single casks for global release under a standard brand livery. These include a South Africa exclusive release of bottlings of single malts distilled at Laphroaig (2004), Linkwood (1993), Fettercairn (1996), Tomatin (2008) and Miltonduff (2009) distilleries.

Whisky Illuminati released four Single Cask Scotch Whiskies in 2018 in its inaugural Candlelight Series, distilled at Mortlach (1998), Linkwood (1998), Clynelish (1997) and Glentauchers (1997).

For more information, visit www.whiskyilluminati.com.

Highland Park release Valfather, its most peated whisky to date

Highland Park single malt Scotch Whisky has launched a special edition whisky, Valfather, the final part of the Viking Legend series inspired by the Orkney based distillery’s Viking history.

The trilogy highlights the journey to Ragnarök, the battle at the end of the world and has inspired the packaging and taste profiles of the whiskies created by Highland Park’s master whisky maker, Gordon Motion.

Valfather, named after Odin, the mightiest of the Norse Gods, is the distillery’s most peated release to date. Created using whisky matured in refill casks to reflect the ethereal and lighter feel of Valhalla, Odin’s hall, the whisky’s higher phenolic level displays Odin’s power.

Gordon Motion, master whisky maker, Highland Park, said: “Valfather and the whiskies in the Viking Legend series uses more of our heavily peated malt, making the series more like cousins, rather than a brother or sister to the core range. Overall, this whisky is the richest and smokiest in taste profile compared to the rest of the series and our classic whiskies.

“As well as our hallmark aromatic peat smoke, it tastes of creamy vanilla, toasted cedar wood with a long floral aromatic finish offset by notes of crisp apple and sweet fragrant pear.”

The Viking Legend series rise in phenolic level throughout the collection and each have their own distinctive taste profile. Valkyrie the first in the series, uses predominantly European sherry seasoned oak, while Valknut uses American sherry seasoned oak and Orkney’s tartan barley.

Inspiration for the packaging design came from the ancient picture stones from Stora Hammars in Gotland, Sweden. The brand has partnered with Danish designer, Jim Lyndvild, to bring the collection to life.

Valfather will be released globally from August 2019. To find out more visit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Notes  

About Highland Park Valfather:

RRP: £60

ABV: 47%

Volume: Available in 70cl and 75cl depending on region

Natural colour 

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Natural colour, bright gold

Nose: Crisp apple with sweet fragrant pear

Palate: Creamy vanilla crème brulee with toasted cedar wood and warming paprika

Finish: Long floral smoke perfectly offset by notes of fresh fruit

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 then helps create the trademark Highland Park flavour profile of aromatic smoky peat and sweet heather honey. 

About Jim Lyngvild:

Jim is a Danish designer and a true Viking. His Viking lineage includes his 36^th great grandfather Ragnvald Eysteinsson who was the 1st Earl of the Orkney Islands. He can trace his family tree all the way back to the 8^th century.

Today, Jim lives in a Viking inspired castle which he designed himself in the Danish village of Faaborg. He is well-known for his creativity and vivid imagination.

A successful businessman and designer of many things including part ownership of Frejdahl, a Danish Brewery.

BONHAMS HONG KONG SETS

NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD

FOR A JAPANESE WHISKY COLLECTION

AS HANYU ICHIRO’S FULL CARD SERIES

SOLD AT

‘FINE & RARE WINE AND WHISKY SALE’

FOR HK$7.19MILLION/ US$917,000/ £755,000 

Hong Kong, 16 August 2019            Moments ago, at Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky Sale in Hong Kong, Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series commanded the price of HK$7,192,000 (US$ 917,000/ £755,000). Sold to an Asian female collector, the prized lot established a new world auction record for a Japanese whisky collection, nearly doubling the previous record of HK$3,797,500 (US$484,000) – also set by Bonhams Hong Kong in 2015.

About Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series

The celebrated collection comprises 54 bottles representing each of the playing cards in a full pack. Each ‘card’ was bottled from a single cask of premium whisky ranging in production years from 1985 to 2014 from the acclaimed closed distillery of Hanyu.

Founded in 1941 by Isouji Akuto, a 19^th generation descendant of a long line of sake brewers to produce Scotch-style malt whisky, the Hanyu distillery ceased production in 2000. But not before Ichiro Akuto, grandson of Isouji, stepped in to secure the 400 premium whisky casks left from the distillery. An avid whisky lover like his grandfather, Ichiro personally selected the prized amber liquid to be bottled for each ‘card’ released between 2005 and 2014, ensuring that the Hanyu legend lives on.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series

Estimate: HK$4,500,000 – 6,000,000
Sold for HK$7,192,000 (US$917,000)
**New World Auction Record For A Japanese Whisky Collection**<

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*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

NOTES 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

CELEBRATES HERITAGE WITH WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL IN EDINBURGH  

‘The Gathering’ encourages SMWS members from all over the globe to make the pilgrimage to their spiritual home at The Vaults, Leith 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is hosting ‘The Gathering’, a week-long celebration of its Leith origins that will bring members together to discover and share wonderful whisky experiences. The festival is taking place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September at The Vaults and other iconic Leith venues.

‘The Gathering’ encapsulates what it means to be a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with a jam-packed week of fun-filled whisky-themed events. Festivities include a fascinating walking tour of Leith’s illustrious whisky history, an exclusive whisky and Leith food pairing, tasting and film screenings at renowned Leith venues, as well as member events in the courtyard of the spiritual home of the Society, The Vaults.

BRINGING MEMBERS TOGETHER WHEREVER THEY ARE IN THE WORLD

The SMWS is now a truly global membership organisation, with members and partner bars across the world. For those who can’t make the journey to Leith, SMWS will share the spirit of The Vaults through an integrated online tasting experience. The Virtual Tasting, hosted by SMWS Master Ambassador John McCheyne, will be screened live from The Vaults to the world via Facebook on Saturday 7 September.

Branches across Europe including Munich, Paris and Stockholm will also be holding The Gathering events at their venues for local members from August 20 to September 21.

CELEBRATING LEITH’S HERITAGE  

The SMWS will celebrate the arts and film that support its unconventional nature with festivities going beyond The Vaults to other iconic Leith venues, with exclusive screenings at the beautiful Leith Theatre, as well as The Biscuit Factory.

The whisky experts have partnered with local producers, including a colourful food pairing with the much-loved Kilted Donuts, who will be pairing five of their sweet and savoury donuts with delicious SMWS whiskies.

Throughout the week, SMWS member and history enthusiast Justine Hazlehurst will be hosting regular walking tours of Leith, getting up close to the area’s intriguing history and whisky heritage.

Jan Damen, Operations Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “As a Society, we’re always striving to ensure that our global members feel connected to one another and are able to share their whisky experiences together.

“This is a rare opportunity for our members from all over the world to come together and congregate at The Vaults for a series of unique events. We look forward to welcoming whisky lovers from near and far.”

For details on all the events and to buy tickets, visit: http://bit.ly/2HaaTM6

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 seehttps://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visithttps://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

WORLD CLASS ENGLISH DISTILLERY BRINGS HOME GLOBAL AWARDS

Cotswolds Distillery whiskies and gin win gold at 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition and Great Taste Awards

The Cotswolds Distillery range of whiskies and gin have triumphed at the 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and the Great Taste Awards.

At the IWSC, both Cotswolds Distillery Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky and the distillery’s flagship Single Malt Whisky were awarded gold medals at the prestigious global awards.

Meanwhile at the Great Taste Awards, the distillery’s Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky was the only whisky to receive three stars.

Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, released in December 2018, is made using shaved, toasted and re-charred American Oak red wine barriques. The uniquely active casks provide the whisky with a rich and intense maturation with notes of toffee, oak and red fruits, giving a beautiful and deep colour.

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky in 2017. The award wins at the IWSC marks the brands latest global achievement, while continuing to break barriers for the English whisky industry.

The range of whiskies are the first-ever distilled in the Cotswolds and use 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has been running for 50 years and is one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, setting the international benchmark for quality, due in part to their esteemed judging panel of over 400 seasoned experts.

Dan Szor, Founder and CEO of the Cotswolds Distillery said: “We are very grateful to receive these great accolades for our core range of products. It’s fantastic to be recognised on a global scale by well-respected experts in the international whisky and gin industries as we continue to build our repertoire and act as an advocate for world-class, English whisky, firmly placing the Cotswolds on the map.”

Founder’s Choice is bottled at cask strength (60.9% ABV) non-chill filtered and with no added colour. The whisky is available in specialist retailers and the Cotswolds Distillery website with an RRP of £64.95.

Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and is available from Waitrose and online with an RRP of £44.95 for 70cl.

Notes  

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 2019 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.

Heaven Hill Brands Signs Agreement to Acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

Black Velvet is the second-largest selling Canadian Whisky worldwide, named for its velvety smooth taste. The Black Velvet brand fills an important gap in Heaven Hill’s broad distilled spirits portfolio by substantially expanding sales activities in the Imported Whisky category and fits perfectly with its portfolio of high volume, quality brands like Evan Williams Bourbon, Burnett’s Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka, Admiral Nelson’s Rums, and Christian Brothers Brandies.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier based in the U.S., has signed an agreement to acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky in the world, from Constellation Brands Inc. The purchase will be made through a subsidiary of Constellation, The Black Velvet Distilling Company located in Lethbridge, Canada. The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are excited to add Black Velvet to our iconic group of brands and look forward to growing this historic brand in the months and years ahead,” said Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we continue to build our business based on strategic acquisitions and innovation, Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality continues to steer the positive outlook for our diverse portfolio.”

In addition to acquiring Black Velvet, Heaven Hill will purchase the historic Black Velvet Distilling facility, one of the eight traditional Canadian distilleries in operation. The acquisition includes all the distilling operations, aging and bottling facilities and the remaining portfolio of Canadian Whisky brands owned by Constellation, which includes Black Velvet, MacNaughton, McMasters, and the international business of the Schenley brands – Golden Wedding and OFC. Canadian Whisky made up 7.3% of total distilled spirits volume in 2018 according to Beverage Information Group, the largest segment of all total Imported Whiskey. The Canadian Whisky category is approximately 16.8 million cases, with Black Velvet volume representing almost two million cases in the U.S. in 2018. Perella Weinberg Partners LP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Heaven Hill Brands with respect to the transaction.

Black Velvet was developed in 1946 and was first introduced to the market in 1951. Brothers Walter and Alfred Gilbey entered the spirits industry in England in 1857. After experiencing tremendous growth, the brothers expanded the business opening their first gin distillery in England in 1872, and eventually expanding to Canada in 1906. Due to high demand in Canada, the brothers built the W&A Gilbey Distillery producing the first drops of Canadian Gilbey spirits on September 11, 1933. Distillers Crosbie Hucks and John S. Napier joined the team developing a number of Canadian Whiskies, with Black Velvet rising to the top due to mass consumer interest. The 1970’s brought growth for the Canadian Whisky category and in turn, IDV, now Diageo, built Palliser Distiller in Lethbridge, Alberta. The distillery has since been re-named The Black Velvet Distilling Company where the product is still produced today.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny; Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rum; Hpnotiq Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Carolans Liqueur and Black Velvet Canadian Whisky.