Highland Golf Links Pro Am 2019 sponsored by Tomatin 

TOMATIN RETURNS AS SPONSOR OF HIGHLAND GOLF LINKS PRO AM 

Globally-renowned whisky distillers Tomatin are returning as headline sponsors of a prestigious Pro Am golf tournament over three of Scotland’s finest links courses.

The annual event, now known as the Highland Golf Links Pro Am 2019 sponsored by Tomatin, will be played over the famous championship courses at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links and The Nairn Golf Club.

The 54-hole event, to be held from 30 September to 2 October, will be one of the richest on the PGA in Scotland Tour and will be limited to 60 teams.

In addition to the first place cheque, the winning professional will pick up a unique prize of a bottle of 50-Year-Old Tomatin single malt which has been bottled exclusively for the event with an estimated value of £10,000.

The event has also attracted new corporate partners TaylorMade and Black Isle Brewery.

Tomatin were the tournament’s original sponsors, from 2012-2015, and helped establish it as one of the most coveted events on the Scottish golfing calendar.

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at Tomatin, said: “We are delighted to again be sponsoring this renowned event played over three magnificent links courses.

“The mix of quality golfing in beautiful locations with excellent food and drink really showcases what the Highlands has to offer. This is the perfect fit for us and our markets at home and abroad.”

The event is already attracting significant interest from home and abroad. A capacity field would see 240 players – one professional and three amateurs – tee up at Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn.

Castle Stuart has hosted the Scottish Open on four occasions and last year was the venue for the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Royal Dornoch staged the Boys Home Internationals in 2018 and previously hosted the Scottish Amateur Championship on three occasions and also The Amateur Championship and the international Jacques Leglise Trophy. Nairn, which has been home to both the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, held the Boys Amateur Championship in 2017.

Stuart McColm, general manager of Castle Stuart Golf Links, who is leading the organising team, said: “The Highland Golf Links Pro Am has become a must-play event for golfers, from both home and abroad, who enjoy the challenge of links golf at three of our best courses.

“We are delighted to have Tomatin back as headline sponsor. Scotland is synonymous with golf and whisky and this renewed partnership will help elevate the event to new heights.

“We are also extremely grateful to new corporate partners, TaylorMade and Black Isle Brewery for their valuable support, as well as The PGA for their help in running this showcase event.”

The Pro Am is open to teams of four players from anywhere in the world consisting of three amateurs (ladies or gentlemen) plus a professional of their choice. Teams that do not include a pro are allocated a leading player from the PGA in Scotland Order of Merit.

Shona Malcolm, The PGA’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said: “The Highland Golf Links Pro Am is one of the first events that the top Tartan Tour players register for when the playing schedule is announced each year.

“The tournament provides a combination of three great links golf courses, keen competition and social opportunities, and we at The PGA look forward to working with the organisers and sponsors to make the 2019 staging of the event the best yet.”

Catriona Sutherland, from Black Isle Brewery, said: “We’re proud of our Highland provenance and delighted to bring Black Isle organic beer to this year’s Highland Golf Links Pro Am.”

For more information on The Highland Golf Links Pro Am sponsored by Tomatin visit www.hglproam.com

THE DUBLIN LIBERTIES SETS SIGHTS HIGH WITH NEW PRESTIGE EXPRESSIONS

Hot on the heels of its recent distillery launch, the team behind The Dublin Liberties Distillery has revealed three new, aged, single malt expressions and a stylish, new look for its award-winning Dublin Liberties Irish whiskey range.

Created by renowned Master Distiller, Darryl McNally, the three, small batch, aged expressions include the 13 year old The Dublin Liberties Murder Lane, the 16 year old The Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin and the 27 year old The Dublin Liberties King of Hell.

The Dublin Liberties Murder Lane is a 13 year old, tripled-distilled single malt, with 46% abv and matured in bourbon casks and finished in Hungarian Tokaj casks.  Made with 100% Irish malt and priced at €160[1], this whiskey is brimming with sweet aromas of marzipan, almonds and vanilla with flavours of apricot, coconut and white peach to taste.

Also with 46% abv, the 16 Year Old Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin is a single malt, triple-distilled, Irish whiskey made from 100% Irish malt, priced at €340.[2] Matured in first-fill bourbon casks and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, this is a smooth, full-flavoured whiskey, with a rich honey sweetness to finish.

Each batch of Dublin Liberties Murder Lane and Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin will be numbered. All casks have been hand-selected by Master Distiller, Darryl McNally.

The pinnacle of the new collection is the 27-Year-Old Dublin Liberties King of Hell, which is available exclusively on numbered release and is presented in a stylish case. Aged in the highest quality, first fill, bourbon casks, the King of Hell is finished in rare Bordeaux Premier Cru casks and bottled at 46% abv. Each bottle of this triple-distilled, 100% Irish single malt whiskey is numbered and will also have an authenticity card individually signed by Master Distiller, Darryl McNally, inside the case. With only 50 bottles produced in the initial batch release, this rare whiskey is priced at €2700[3].

Available to selected outlets in Ireland and to Global Travel Retail customers from this month, the new expressions join stablemates, The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley 10 Year Old and The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil 5 Year Old in the all-aged Irish whiskey range. The three new expressions will be rolled out to other markets worldwide later this year. All five expressions will be sold in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop at the distillery and visitor experience, which welcomed its first paying visitors this week following last week’s launch events.

Through their evocative names and intricate illustrations, each whiskey in the Dublin Liberties series tells a legendary story from the Liberties colourful history in the 17^th and 18^th Century, where the distillery is located. With the new range, Master Distiller Darryl McNally and his team at the Dublin Liberties Distillery are aiming to bring a fresh, new perspective to Irish whiskey-making and reinvigorate the high end of the category, as McNally explains;

“Irish whiskey is my passion and to be able to play a part in continuing its growth is a real honour for me. I see innovation in the super premium plus segment as key to continuing the impressive growth Irish whiskey has seen in recent years, so with The Dublin Liberties, we’re embracing an experimental approach with unique finishes for our aged malts unlike anything else on the market. We’re incredibly proud of the new expressions we’ve created and we’re confident that the new Dublin Liberties whiskies will become collectors’ items in their own right.”

With stocks of aged Irish whiskey increasingly rare due to growing global demand, The Dublin Liberties expressions are expected to be well received by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The new Dublin Liberties Distillery is also expected to be a big hit on Dublin’s whiskey tourism scene in the year ahead, with over 70,000 visitors expected in the next year.

For further information about the Dublin Liberties Distillery, visit thedld.com.

ABOUT THE DUBLIN LIBERTIES DISTILLERY

The Dublin Liberties Distillery opened its doors for the first time in February 2019. A working distillery in the heart of the Dublin’s Liberties district, Ireland’s historic whiskey capital, The Dublin Liberties Distillery is majority owned by Quintessential Brands Group, in partnership with Stock Spirits.

thedld.com

Twitter @wearethedld

Insta/Facebook @dublinlibertiesdistillery #wearethedld 

ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

Quintessential Brands is an award-winning international spirits company, dedicated to distilling and crafting the world’s best alcohol brands for consumers and customers globally. Pioneering spirits of the industry, inspired since 1761 by their founder, Thomas Dakin, Quintessential Brands Group delivers a diverse portfolio of award-winning, best-selling spirits with unrivalled heritage and craftsmanship.

Founded in 2011 by Enzo Visone, former CEO of Gruppo Campari, and entrepreneur, Warren Scott, Quintessential Brands Group owns world-class manufacturing facilities across Europe, including G&J Distillers, the world’s oldest continuous gin distillers, in Cheshire, UK; L&L in France, a leading manufacturer of fruit spirits and liqueurs; Irish Cream artisan producers, First Ireland Spirits; and the Dublin Liberties Distillery, launched in February 2019. Renowned for its white spirits expertise at G&J Distillers, Quintessential Brands has won International Spirit Challenge Gin Producer of the Year three times and is fast winning a reputation as one of the most exciting Irish whiskey producers to emerge on the scene.

Quintessential Brands’ award-winning premium brands portfolio includes Greenall’s The Original Handcrafted Gin, BLOOM London Dry Gin, Thomas Dakin Small Batch Gin, Berkeley Square London Dry Gin, and Opihr Gin. Its Irish brands include The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, The Dublin Liberties Irish Whiskey, The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur and O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream. Liqueurs in the portfolio include Alizé and Toussaint Coffee Rum Liqueur. The company is also a leader in contract bottling and own label & private label spirits, working with retail partners across the world to provide spirits solutions of unrivalled quality.

quintessentialbrands.com

http://spiritsolutions.quintessentialbrands.com

[1] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

[2] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

[3] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with National Volunteer Fire Council to Support Volunteer Firefighters 

Entertainer Chase Rice Hosts Intimate Concert as Part of Contest for Firefighters and Guests 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (Feb. 27, 2019) – To celebrate and support the nearly 70 percent of firefighters who volunteer their service, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire has announced a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A donation of $75,000 will be made by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to the NVFC to help support volunteer firefighters nationwide.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. The organization serves as an advocate for the volunteer on the national level and provides needed programs and resources to first responders addressing critical needs such as safety, health, recruitment, retention, training, funding and more.

“There are over 800,000 firefighters across the country who volunteer to serve and protect their communities, and we work to make sure these heroes have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire shares our passion for and dedication to the fire service, and we are excited to partner with them to give back to our boots-on-the ground.”

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the only distilleries that has its own fire brigade, staffed by 34 distillery workers who volunteer their time to protect the distillery and the Tennessee Whiskey they work so hard to create.

“I know first-hand the amount of courage and skill required to serve as a firefighter. I also know that those who volunteer to protect their communities need a great deal of support to do so safely and effectively,” said Fred Elliott, Fire and Security Specialist at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “As a member of the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade for more than 14 years, I’m proud to be a part of this important community while also working for a company that champions it. Firefighters are an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s story, from those who help us make our whiskey to those who work to protect it, and we are honored to be able to give back through this partnership with the NVFC.”

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will also launch a contest for 50 firefighters to win a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery to attend a concert featuring country artist Chase Rice. The intimate weekend will include a Jack Daniel Distillery Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade, and the private concert. Additionally, one lucky consumer and a guest will have the chance to meet these heroes and join them in their celebratory weekend through a separate sweepstakes, which opens March 18.

“I have the utmost respect for our first responders and all they sacrifice for our safety,” shared Chase Rice. “There’s a camaraderie and a sense of pride in the fire brigade that reminds me of our road family, and as a long-time fan of both Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee Fire, it’s an honor to perform for them and raise a glass to their immense contributions.”

To enter the sweepstakes or support the cause, visit www.jackfire.com.   

About Jack Daniel’s

The volunteer fire department at the Jack Daniel Distillery has the distinction of not only helping make Jack Daniel’s, but also protecting it. Now, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire is giving back to volunteer firefighters nationwide by contributing $75,000 to the NVFC. Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

About Chase Rice

Country music maverick Chase Rice has become one of country music’s most exciting figures since arriving in Nashville, building a loyal fan base across the country through his energetic live shows and gaining the attention of music critics and industry professionals alike with his edgy, eclectic sound. The Tar Heel State native recently released his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, with new label Broken Bow Records. The first single from Lambs & Lions, “Three Chords & The Truth,” was a Top 20 hit and the follow-up, “Eyes On You,” has been streamed over 100 million times and is now Top 15 and quickly climbing at country radio. Rice’s debut album Ignite the Night debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, and produced a pair of Top 5 hits, the Platinum-certified “Ready Set Roll” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight.” After supporting Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour, Rice consistently sold out 2,500-3,000 seat venues on his headlining JD and Jesus Tour, Everybody We Know Does Tour and Lambs & Lions Tour. He recently served as direct support Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018 and headlined a U.K. run in advance of his highly-anticipated Eyes On You Tour, currently underway. For more information visit www.chaserice.com. 

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. NVFC membership includes more than 24,000 individuals, departments, state associations and corporate supporters. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

SMOKEHEAD REVEAL

MOTORCYCLE COLLABORATION 

‘The Smoker’ will be a bespoke motorcycle expertly crafted by the Ducati Whisperer, Tyler Lunceford 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with renowned global biking sensation Tyler Lunceford (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state), challenging him to create his boldest motorcycle ever. The project will follow the creation of a customised Ducati bike, captured through a series of episodes*.

US born, Tyler has a workshop in Brooklyn where he has customised bikes for many obsessive bikers and rock stars. He recently moved to Scotland and opened a workshop in Leith, Edinburgh and will produce a custom Ducati, inspired by vintage racing motorcycles, for Smokehead to showcase at key events. The project will run until September 2019, when the finished model, ‘The Smoker’, will be unleashed.

DOWNLOAD TRAILER: https://we.tl/t-hRUGHcPeLs

*FULL EPISODE NO. 1: https://www.smokehead.com/the-refinery

Commenting on the partnership, Tyler Lunceford, of North Motorcycle, said: “I’m excited to be involved with Smokehead. I love the idea of this brand supporting craftsmen and women, and it’s even better as I’m a huge Smokehead whisky fan.

Motorcyclists have an identity; they feel independent and different from other people. When you find something you like, such as a bold, smoky, outrageous whisky that is not for everyone, it gives you a sense of belonging when it is for you.

I’m literally building my dream bike; it will be something that’s never been seen before, something so bold, that even motorbike buffs will be blown away. It won’t be easy, but it’s a great opportunity to make something really special.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re proud to be working with Tyler. His all-round attitude personifies Smokehead – bold, daring and independent. We can’t wait to see the bike unveiled. Just like Smokehead, motorbikes are not for everyone, but that’s okay, and that’s why this partnership works so well.”

The Smokehead Refinery
The campaign will share stories of partnerships with the boldest of craftsmen and women that Smokehead is proud to rub shoulders with. Chapter 1 of the project was unleashed in 2018, a successful partnership with Dram & Smoke creating a series of ‘Smokehead Feasts’ for media and trade across the UK. Chapter 2 celebrates the collaboration with Tyler.

In late 2018, Smokehead released Sherry Bomb, a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks; following hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, along with their louder and bolder look, which was unveiled in April.

*Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly, and not to drink and ride*

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES :

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY TRANSFORMATION BEGINS

– £10.5 million investment programme over three years – 

A three year refurbishment programme has begun at Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay, as its owners, spirits and wine producer, Distell International invests £10.5m in an extensive upgrade and refresh of the iconic distillery.

Located in the most northerly point of the island, Bunnahabhain has experienced many changes over the years. As part of the upgrade, a number of the original buildings will be carefully restored to their former glory giving them a new lease of life, whilst others will be removed and relocated to create more space, allowing for better operational flow across the site and to enhance the experience for visitors to the distillery.

A key focal point for the development programme is the creation of a new ‘brand home’ and visitor centre. This will also feature a café and retail space and will be positioned along the shoreline with stunning views overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay and the Sound of Islay. This is one of the first new buildings to be progressed and the plan is for the brand home to be ready to welcome visitors for the start of the 2020 season.

Some of the existing warehouses are in the process of being removed from their current shoreline positioning to enable the visitor centre to be located there. Work has already commenced with the demolition of four warehouse buildings, as well as the start of upgrades to the existing pumphouse. So far, over 99% of the materials processed during the demolition have been recycled with the majority retained for re-use at the distillery. This recycling rate is in line with the ambition to reduce the potential impact of the works.

Other areas being improved include the build of a new filling store, refurbishment of the production building and also the series of six cottages alongside the distillery, which will eventually be used for holiday accommodation.

The development schedule and phasing of activity have been carefully designed to ensure minimal disruption to whisky production and to the visitor experience during this timeframe.

Bunnahabhain embodies the character of the island, its non-peated flavour exposes the coastal location of the warehouses and the affect the salty spray of the sea has on the whisky. All of the single malt whisky in the Bunnahabhain brand will continue to be matured at the distillery, only metres from the shoreline.

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

“Our investment programme, here at Bunnahabhain, is about improving the operational side of our distillery for the long term future. We are restoring our buildings to their former glory and providing a visitor experience where we don’t just welcome visitors, after the long winding journey to get here, we help them enjoy a piece of Bunnahabhain life.

“The plans aim to make the navigation of the site much easier for the visitor and to, in simple terms, declutter it. This will ensure the buildings are more efficient from a storage point of view and located in better suited, more accessible locations to the production buildings. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the works. The whisky industry is starting to be more environmentally aware and our achievement of recycling over 99% of materials shows, with a little bit of extra effort, it is remarkable what we can achieve.

“Bunnahabhain has a special place in Islay’s whisky heritage and we are committed to retaining this by turning Bunnahabhain Bay into a world-class whisky destination of choice. As the most remote and northerly distillery on the island, our transformation will give those who have made the journey time to pause, forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the serene surroundings.”

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.

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching returns for the 20th Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Similar to geo-caching, but with whisky,  a trail of  Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caches will be hidden across Speyside during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Guests will be able to find the whisky filled caches via a series of clues after registering for the event via the Spirit of Speyside web site. The first to find each Angels’ Nectar Whisky Cache will be rewarded with a 200ml bottles of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, perfect for sharing.

Whilst there is no charge to take part, whisky cachers are asked to leave a whisky miniature (or better!) in place of the dram they find. Thus everyone who finds an Angels’ Nectar Whisky Cache will be a winner.

Geo-caching is a worldwide treasure-hunting phenomenon, which started in 2000 and has grown to encompass more than three million caches across 190 countries. The Angels’ Nectar version does not require GPS, but as the search for the caches will involve some light walking, outdoor clothing and footwear are recommended. The caches will also contain a logbook for participants to record their visit, and guests are invited to share their experience and tasting notes of the dram they find on social media, with #angelsnectarwhiskycache

Commenting on the event, Robert Ransom, Angels’ Nectar founder said, ‘We hope Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching will encourage festival goers to explore Speyside’s beautiful countryside and discover new drams. Whilst there is no need to have been geo-caching before, for the whisky loving geo-cacher, what could be better than a trail of Angel’s share inspired whisky filled caches.’

Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching is one of more than 650 events due to take place across Speyside as part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which this year runs from the 1^st to the 6^th of May. In addition Angels’ Nectar will be offering complimentary tasting sessions at Elephants in the Pantry, Grantown-on-Spey, on the 4^th of May and at Brodie Countryfare, Forres, on the 5^th of May.  

Notes:

Angels’ Nectar, blended malts inspired by the Angels’ share, was launched by Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd in 2014.

www.angelsnectar.co.uk

www.twitter.com/angelsnectar

www.facebook.com/angelsnectarwhisky

www.spiritofspeyside.com #dram19
For more information and pictures please contact;
Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk Mobile: 07811 640778

Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day ~ Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye

What makes Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye noteworthy? 

• RYE!! Paying tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey in the late-1800s, this is the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash: a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye*.

• Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market.

• It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010.

• Although Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye was conceived as a pot still Irish whiskey, it breaks the technical definition of “pot still,” which is: a mashbill that is at least 30% malted barley, at least 30% unmalted barley, and no more than 5% of any other cereal. Since this whiskey is comprised of 30% rye and exceeds the 5% limit, even though it is distilled in copper pot stills, it cannot technically be called a pot still Irish whiskey. However, it displays many of the same characteristics of traditional pot still Irish whiskey, such as its spicy flavor and creamy texture, which are accentuated even further by the rye.

*History lesson – back in the late-1800s, many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.

As we celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, we also celebrate the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, who unwavering dedication and perseverance has kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.

While we like to enjoy Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye neat due to its mellow and spicy character, this March 17^th, we’ll be toasting St. Patrick and the Kilbeggan community with the Kilbeggan Rye Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is an innovation that pays tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey. Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan®Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash.It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010.Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced aflavor unlike anything available today.” Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence. Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills–one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today–Kilbeggan®Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, 43% alc./Vol. It joins the U.S. portfolio along side permanent expressions Kilbeggan®Blended Irish Whiskey (40%ABV) and Kilbeggan®Single Grain Irish Whiskey(43% ABV). KILBEGGAN®SMALL BATCH RYE| 43% ABV AROMA Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus,and soft ginger spices TASTE Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove,and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness FINISH Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish

About Beam Suntory Inc. As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company witha deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.comand

Brown-Forman Expands Coopers’ Craft with New Barrel Reserve Expression

The bourbon that honors barrel-making heritage kicks-off 2019 with launch of robust new bourbon and expands into new markets

Louisville, KY, January 14, 2019 – Brown-Forman is pleased to announce the expansion of Coopers’ Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with the launch of a new expression, Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve. Introduced in 2016 as Brown-Forman’s newest bourbon brand in 20 years, Coopers’ Craft bourbon will expand in 2019 with the introduction of the 100-proof Barrel Reserve, launch into four new states, and an updated package design for the original Coopers’ Craft bourbon.

Honoring the men and women who raise the barrels, Coopers’ Craft celebrates the company’s more than 70 years of barrel-making and wood expertise as the only major distiller that owns its own new barrel cooperage. Both bourbons begin with the same spirit but are aged using different wood techniques from the barrel resulting in final products with distinctively different flavor profiles – ranging from light and gentle to bold and robust.

The original Coopers’ Craft bourbon is aged in a traditional American White Oak barrel. After it is aged, the bourbon runs through a special beech and birch charcoal filter finishing process, creating a smooth and gentle bourbon that is bottled at 82.2-proof. In contrast, Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve is aged in a unique chiseled and charred American White Oak barrel that allows the whiskey to interact more deeply with the wood, creating a robust and more complex flavor profile.

“Kentucky bourbon is famous around the world for its maturation in new, charred oak barrels,” said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Consumers will be able to experience the distinctive taste that this tradition delivers in the only bourbon that celebrates the barrel crafting art.”

The roll out begins in January (varying by market) with the expansion of the Coopers’ Craft bourbon from the original eight markets (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee) to new markets that include Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve will launch in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Simultaneously, existing fans of the original Coopers’ Craft bourbon will notice the same light amber liquid dressed in a new label and navy Coopers’ Craft logo demonstrating the brand’s commitment to innovation. Its current bottle with rounded edges as well as what’s inside will remain the same, while the Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve package will boast a more premium look with square shoulders, light color label, cork closure, and strip seal showcasing an image of the Brown-Forman Cooperage with copper detailing. Both bottles will have a back label inviting consumers to tour the historic Cooperage and meet the barrel makers. Coopers’ Craft bourbon will be available in markets for a suggested retail price ranging from $21.99 to $24.99 for a 750ml bottle, and Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve will be available at a suggested retail price ranging from $29.99 to $32.99 for a 750ml bottle.

“Coopers’ Craft is a celebration of barrel-making and recognition of the importance of wood when it comes to crafting bourbon,” says Heather Howell, director of Coopers’ Craft bourbon for Brown-Forman. “We’re incredibly excited to present our new Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve expression, along with our original Coopers’ Craft bourbon, to a wider audience with a completely fresh look but the same delicious liquid.”

Coopers’ Craft Original 82. 2 Proof Tasting Notes

Nose: Light toasted and fresh oak character mingle with baked apple sweetness and a citrus custard.

Taste: A true sipping bourbon with soft lemon custard and baked apple notes layered over a bed of toasted and fresh oak character seasoned with a light dusting of spice.

Finish: Rich and smooth with lingering hints of fruit.

Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh hewn oak with hints of smoke and char are spiced with hints of cinnamon and leather atop a layer of orchard and citrus fruit.  Sweetened with a sprinkling of vanilla wafer crumbs.

Taste: Caramel and cotton candy coat fresh apple, pear and citrus fruit atop vanilla wafers dusted with sharp cinnamon.

Finish: Assertive cinnamon spice softens to a lingering apple and clean oak note. 

About Coopers’ Craft Bourbon

Coopers’ Craft is a celebration of Brown-Forman’s more than 70 years of expertise raising its own barrels at Brown-Forman Cooperage. Drawing inspiration from the craft of raising barrels Coopers’ Craft offers a range of expressions leveraging our barrel making expertise. Coopers’ Craft is a product of Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Slane. Twitter @coopers_craft • Instagram @cooperscraft • Facebook /CoopersCraftBourbon

Coopers’ Craft Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 41.1% Alc. by Vol., Produced and Bottled by Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, Kentucky ©2019.

Please drink responsibly.

#ardbeg #untamed #islay

Ardbeg invites smoky malt fans to join together in a day of rumbustious revelry

— Celebrate Islay’s rich history of carnivals with a flamboyant Caribbean twist.

Join in the festivities at around the UK for Ardbeg Day 2019 —

Every year, on Ardbeg Day – the last Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, whisky fans gather to celebrate all things Ardbeg. For 2019, Ardbeg is preparing to close out the Feis Ile like never before. In a spectacular Caribbean twist, Ardbeggians everywhere are invited to swap their flat caps for elaborate headdresses as Ardbeg Day embraces a dash of carnival colour.

This year, the Distillery is resurrecting the island’s carnival traditions. In an Islay time gone by on the last day of the Feis Ile Festival, locals transformed everything from tractors to tricycles into magnificent floats. If it had wheels, they decorated it. Honking and tooting its way through Port Ellen and eventually to Ardbeg, this typically Islay cavalcade of colour represents a long-standing love for festivity on the island.

Ardbeg Day will be held on Saturday, 1st June 2019. Inspired by Islay’s rich history of carnivals, Ardbeg will release Ardbeg Drum – a limited edition bottling imbued with the ultimate influence of carnival spirit, rum. In a first for the Distillery, Ardbeg have taken Ardbeg single malt from ex-Bourbon casks and rested it awhile in ex-rum casks from the Americas to coax out tropical tastes.

Distillery Manager Mickey Heads said: “The Ardbeg Day Carnival is about embracing all things tropical. From music and dance to food and fashion, we’re all set to revel in both culture and character. And we’re delighted to introduce Ardbeg Drum – a celebration of all of the mixed up, mashed up influences that make Ardbeg, Ardbeg.

“In Ardbeg Drum, a multitude of complex flavours parade across the palate – fragrant pine resin and woodsmoke dance alongside ripe banana and pineapple. Then lavender, liquorice and vanilla strut into a long, smoky finish.”

“Preparations are well underway, but orchestrating a bash this breathtaking is no mean feat. The finer details are yet to be revealed, but rest assured, the Ardbeg Day Carnival 2019 will be a spectacle you won’t soon forget…”

Like all Ardbeg Days, the carnival crowds won’t just be gathering on Islay. Ardbeggians the world over will join in the rumbustious revelry as Ardbeg Drum is introduced in a flourish of confetti and streamers. Smoky malt lovers should remember that The Ardbeg Day Carnival is open to everybody, so feel free to grab some friends and enjoy the spectacle en masse.

The Committee bottling of Ardbeg Drum will go on sale on 5th March, RRP: £94, exclusively available to purchase only by Committee Members, who will receive a link to purchase their own special bottle. The main Ardbeg Drum bottling will be released just ahead of Ardbeg Day.

For more information about Ardbeg Day celebrations in the weeks ahead, visit www.ardbeg.com

www.ardbeg.com

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NOTES 

Ardbeg Day: Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, the Distillery would traditionally throw open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world – an event that became known as Ardbeg Day. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2017, the Distillery revealed the incredible depth of the first Ardbeg to be matured in Black Sea casks with Ardbeg Kelpie. For 2018, Ardbeg Day became the Ardbeg Festival of Peat & Love as the world celebrated Ardbeg’s ‘grooviest’ casks ever.

Tasting notes: Ardbeg Drum is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour: Dark Gold

Nose: In Drum, fragrant pine resin and woodsmoke dance alongside ripe banana and pineapple in a downright wondrous paradiddle of aromas, before parading into smoked apples and dry cocoa powder. Distant ginger, spiced dates and cinnamon sway into floating notes of lavender.

Taste: On the palate, waves of smoke, tar and creosote cascade into a dry peppery mouthfeel. Clove, liquorice and ginger strut towards rich notes of dark chocolate and smoked vanilla.

Finish: Intense smoke, roasted coffee liqueur and a treasure trove of sweet spices come together in one deliciously complex crescendo.

Ardbeg:
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as among 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 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 Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. 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’. In 2016, Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail were awarded gold medals the the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The following year, Ardbeg Kelpie won World Whisky of the Year at the International Whisky Competition. While in 2018, alongside many more whisky awards, the Ardbeg distillery was awarded Distillery of the Year at the International Whisky Competition.

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.

High-Flying Packaging

A high-end packaging solution to house a particularly exceptional brand; IPL Packaging created a premium box to house a specially crafted crystal bottle with custom-designed eagle stopper for Double Eagle, Very Rare bourbon whisky.

LB Odendaal, IPL Packaging Design and Innovations Manager, explains more regarding the pack design, “We understood that the packaging for Double Eagle, Very Rare, a distinctive new expression crafted by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky USA, would be the consumer’s first tangible experience with this super-premium brand. It therefore needed to convey a message as unique as the product within it,” explains “We ultimately looked to produce something that would glorify the brand, convey an image of sophistication and value and also tell a ‘luxury story’,” he says.

The result is a showstopper: a high-gloss black lacquered MDF box with aluminium double-door panels, engraved and inlaid with a design resembling eagle feathers, supplied by the client, and complementing the black silkscreen ink-filled logo.

Both the custom-designed bottle and stopper are housed separately in the box, with the eagle shaped stopper mirroring the eagle arising from the interior bottom of the bottle. Upon opening the double doors of the box, both items are illuminated by LED lamps. These also highlight the rich, wonderful colour of bourbon itself.

“Sliding on custom-designed metal rails, with the left hand door hiding a secret compartment containing brand information, the packaging has been designed to enrich the user experience – with the real ‘wow factor’ being the illumination element of the box,” says Odendaal, who explains that the box interior is lined in a tactile grey fabric with black felt at the bottom of the box.

The packaging was designed in such a way that it portrays a sense of reputation and prestige befitting both the brand and its creators; no distillery has earned more domestic and international accolades than Buffalo Trace. Writers, enthusiasts and spirits competitions around the globe have awarded more than 500 accolades to its brands, with the title of ‘world’s most award-winning distillery’ earned through the uncompromising dedication of craftsmen for over 200 years.