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.

Evan Williams Bourbon Launches Evan Williams Apple

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today launched Evan Williams Apple, the newest addition to the fast-growing Evan Williams Flavors portfolio. The world’s second largest-selling Bourbon marries with the crisp taste of green apples for a delicious taste experience.

A natural fit for the Evan Williams Flavors lineup, apple has seen heightened success across the brown spirits category as the flavor surpasses honey in popularity according to IWSR. As the flavored whiskey category has continued to expand, both established flavors like honey, and newer entrants like apple, are propelling the segment to nearly 10 million nine-liter cases, showing that flavored whiskeys are still a key growth opportunity. The addition of Evan Williams Apple rounds out the flavor offerings within the Evan Williams flavors franchise, providing retailers an opportunity to build on the franchise success, as evidenced by Evan Williams Honey, which grew at seven percent over the last 12 months.

Mirroring the rest of the Flavors line, Evan Williams Apple is bottled at 70 proof. Evan Williams Apple is “picked fresh” and “poured smooth” as a simple mixer in cocktails or refreshing on its own over ice. On the nose, Evan Williams Apple is crisp, green apple forward with Bourbon behind. The taste is juicy, sweet apple with hints of caramel and light spice, with a long, smooth finish of a green apple and Bourbon blend.

“Evan Williams Apple is an approachable flavor that stays true to the quality of Evan Williams Bourbon and personality of the brand,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Brand Manager. “We look forward to bringing in new consumers to the Evan Williams franchise, as well as giving our current consumers more choice.”

Evan Williams Apple will be supported by the “Picked Fresh. Poured Smooth” tagline, as well as a dedicated media program and point-of-sale products throughout summer 2019. Available in 750ml and 50ml sizes, Evan Williams Apple SRP is priced in line with the flavors family at $14.99.

Enjoy Evan Williams Apple in one of the following refreshing cocktails:

Evan Williams Apple Mule

2 parts Evan Williams Apple
Ginger Beer
Squeeze of Lime

Build Evan Williams Apple over lime in a mule cup. Top with ginger beer. Squeeze fresh lime juice. ​

Evan Williams Cranapple Spritz

1.5 parts Evan Williams Apple
0.5 parts Cranberry Juice
Club Soda
Cinnamon Stick

Build Evan Williams Apple and cranberry juice in a cocktail glass over ice. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with a cinnamon stick. ​

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past four years. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

THE RAREST OF SPEYSIDE – AULTMORE® WINE CASK COLLECTION LAUNCHES AT HEATHROW WITH WORLD DUTY FREE

HAMILTON, BERMUDA 11 APRIL 2019 Whisky lovers flying through Heathrow this Easter are in for a rare treat with the launch of the new AULTMORE® Wine Cask Collection on 18^th April, a limited-run edition only available from World Duty Free Stores at Heathrow.

Georgie Bell, the AULTMORE Global Brand Ambassador will be in World Duty Free stores in Terminals 3 and 5 on 18 April, for bottle signings and tastings sessions, running throughout the day.

The AULTMORE Wine Cask Collection is part of the EXCEPTIONAL CASK SERIES (launched May 2018) – a collection of superlative bottlings from the single malt distilleries of; ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGLLEACHIE®, ROYAL BRACKLA® and GLEN DEVERON®. The series comprises a number of extraordinary bottlings specially chosen by Malt Master, Stephanie MacLeod.

Exclusively bottled for Heathrow passengers, MacLeod has hand-selected three 22-year-old AULTMORE expressions, each a with a distinct wine cask finish. Each of the three whiskies in the collection was initially matured for 11 years in re-fill sherry and bourbon casks, followed by an additional 11-year maturation in one of three different ex-wine casks:

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Super Tuscan Finish

Maturing for an additional 11 years in a Super Tuscan red wine cask, from one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, imparts incredible elegance and an intense smoothness to the ethereal quality of AULTMORE. Notes of buttery toffee, unctuous vanilla and concentrated floral aromas are offset with a delicate oakiness. Bottled at 52.1%, 108 bottles are available, priced at £360 (70cl).

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Château-Neuf-du-Pape Finish

The glorious, rich Château-Neuf-du-Pape red wine casks enhance the delicate side of AULTMORE to create luxurious deep red fruity notes, veiling the whisky with floral hues and touches of spice. Complex fruits – figs, plump juicy grapes and the scent of honeysuckle all redolent of the south of France. Bottled at 52.1%, 144 bottles are available, priced at £340 (70cl).

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Moscatel Finish

After eleven years in Moscatel casks, the sweet wine has imparted decadence and honeyed sweetness to the delicate AULTMORE whisky. Layered with florals, vibrant with ripe fruits, potent spices and a long luxurious finish. Bottled at 52.1%, 222 bottles are available, priced at £320 (70cl).

The first 50 shoppers purchasing all three expressions together can choose to have them housed in an elegant wine presentation box, featuring printed tasting notes.

Notes:

About AULTMORE Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1897 by Alexander Edward, AULTMORE distillery inhabits a strange, secluded place by the winding Buckie Road. Its whisky was ranked ‘top-class’ by industry insiders many moons ago, yet it’s long been something of a secret, one kept and enjoyed by canny locals.

Aultmore draws its water from the misty, mysterious area known as the Foggie Moss, where it is naturally filtered through gorse and heather. This, along with peat-free malt, ensures the eventual whisky’s light, clean character and makes for a dram of green grassy notes and supreme smoothness.

The portfolio comprises three AULTMORE single malts: the 12 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 21 Years Old.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES DR NICK SAVAGE AS THEIR NEW MASTER DISTILLER

Bladnoch Distillery announced today they have appointed Dr Nick Savage as their new Master Distiller. This appointment comes after the departure of former Master Distiller and Blender Ian MacMillan in January 2019.

Nick has an impressive career in the industry – after being awarded his PhD in engineering – he commenced at Diageo as Technical Lead in Cask Maturation, he then spent time in the Scottish Lowlands working with William Grant & Sons in brewing and distilling. He most recently was Master Distiller for The Macallan where he led the Whisky Mastery team, and played a key role during the major launch of the brand’s new distillery and visitor experience in June 2018. Nick now returns to the Lowlands and joins Bladnoch, three and a half years after Australian businessman David Prior purchased the 200 year old distillery.

Nick said of his decision to join the distillery team: “The vision and ambition shown by David Prior and the team at Bladnoch Distillery, together with the phenomenal efforts since 2015 with the re-generation of the historical site, played a huge part in my decision to join the Bladnoch business. The opportunity also allows me a new challenge in Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky from a 200 year old distillery. Combined with the passion and drive that the Bladnoch team have for the ultimate quality, I’m extremely excited to be a part of the amazing future of the brand.”

Bladnoch CEO and owner, David Prior, stated: “It’s a great privilege to welcome Nick Savage to the Bladnoch business. He has an impressive track record with a number of significant whisky companies and brands, most recently as Master Distiller for The Macallan. His youthful, positive and energetic approach will add great value to our team and business, as will his technical and operational skills. With the Visitor Centre opening in mid-June and Nick joining the business we are excited to undertake the final phase in bringing this amazing Lowland Single Malt distillery back to the whisky world.”

Nick will join Bladnoch on 1st July 2019, working with newly appointed Distillery Manager Neil Bulloch and the rest of the Bladnoch team.

Bladnoch Distillery is Scotland’s southernmost distillery, and one of a handful that remain independently owned. Since being purchased in 2015 by Australian entrepreneur David Prior Bladnoch has enjoyed a renaissance, launching their line of award-winning Bladnoch Single Malt Whiskies and Pure Scot, their contemporary Blended Scotch Whisky, in over 30 countries. In 2017, Bladnoch Distillery celebrated its 200 year anniversary making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in Scotland. In June 2019 Bladnoch Distillery’s state-of-the-art visitors centre will open, welcoming visitors to the distillery once again after its significant renovation.

For all Bladnoch Distillery news, please visit https://bladnoch.com/news-media/ and sign up to our mailing list for regular updates here: http://eepurl.com/dsUrDn

Highly Coveted and Extremely Rare, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Returns with a Limited Re-Release to Commemorate the 84th Anniversary of Stitzel-Weller’s Opening

Masterfully aged at the revered Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the award-winning bourbon is back

LOUISVILLE, April 9, 2019 In celebration of the historic opening of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery 84 years ago, Blade and Bow re-releases its rare and limited 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. An ode to the distinctive distillers who set the standard for crafting exceptional bourbon, this award-winning whiskey is the latest release from the famed distillery and will be available in 12 states along with a select allocation solely for Stitzel-Weller.

At 92 proof and 46% ABV, each drop of the liquid earns its 2017 title in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible as Best Bourbon 10 years and over from multiple barrels. With the perfect blend of smoky, spicy and sweet, whiskey enthusiasts seeking an expression of true mastery are sure to be delighted with every sip.

Beginning with a pronounced nose reminiscent of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, this limited-release bourbon taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices, said North American Whiskey Educator Doug Kragel.  “It’s the kind of rare whiskey that makes you want to savor every note slowly, because at some point in the future, supply will run out”

Blade and Bow will toast the 22-Year-Old bourbon at its fourth annual A Stitzel-Weller Affair on May 3. Guests will gather for an exquisite supper on the lawn featuring an epicurean collaboration between famed Charleston, SC, culinary entrepreneur Brooks Reitz and beloved local chef Susan Hershberg, complemented by the soulful music of indie-folk band, Mt. Joy.

Embodying the unique artistry that has been produced by Stitzel-Weller’s rich traditions, the rarity of Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old has created a cult-like following, drawing in consumers who are looking to taste a bit of the past. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available in limited quantities in the following states: California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. The limited release will be available starting in mid-April. Learn more by following @bladeandbowwhiskey on Instagram.

This remarkable bourbon is best enjoyed slowly and responsibly in order to truly taste the passion that is layered throughout every drop.

About Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow whiskey is currently available in two variants, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45.5-46% Alc/Vol

©2019 STITZEL-WELLER DISTILLING CO., LOUISVILLE, KY.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageoa’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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