TOMATIN RELEASES ITS FIRST 50 YEAR OLD DISTILLERY BOTTLING

Tomatin, the award-winning Highland whisky distillery, has today (Monday 17^th December) announced the release of its highly anticipated single malt, the Tomatin 50 Year Old, distilled on 24^th November 1967.

Following 50 years of maturation at the distillery, the deep-honey coloured expression has been bottled in its most natural form, yielding just 70 special bottles at 45.3% abv.

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin, said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the release of Tomatin’s oldest expression – the Tomatin 50 Year Old. This special expression has been quietly resting for half a century,  and it is wonderful to see it presented in all its glory.”

The whisky, finished in a first fill Oloroso Sherry Butt, cask number 35817, is encased within an individually numbered, handblown Glencairn crystal decanter. The decanter is luxuriously presented within a striking Italian crafted wooden box, furnished with soft, premium Italian leather. Sealed with a wooden transit cork, an engraved, solid brass gold-plated and glass stopper is also provided. Each box comes with an individually-numbered book, hand-signed by Distillery Manager, Graham Eunson. Finally, a premium leather carry bag completes the presentation. 

The Tomatin 50 Year Old delivers a myriad of rich and complex flavours. On the nose, aromas of freshly felled oak in an orchard of apples, pears and plums can be expected. Once on the palate, it releases bursts of exotic tropical fruits and dried apricots, sweetened with flavours of vanilla toffee, crème caramel and flame raisins. Spice and fruits balance perfectly, providing a luxurious and velvety finish.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: “This dignified expression is elegant and flavourful – a complex whisky with layers of taste sensations to delight the senses. Those privy to a taste of this whisky can expect warming spices which are mellowed by lashings of Manuka honey.”

The Tomatin 50 Year Old is the distillery’s oldest expression and is expected to retail at £10,000 for a 70cl bottle in the UK within specialist retailers.

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, the release of Tomatin 50 year old is a testament to that dedication.

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 £35 – £2,500). 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.

About The Tomatin 50 Year Old:

• Cask Number: 35817
• Cask Type: First fill Oloroso Sherry Butt
• Strength: 45.3% alc./vol.
• Distilled on: 24^th November 1967
• Number of bottles: 70

Benromach recognised at Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards 2019

Susan Colville named Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year 

Benromach Distillery is celebrating success at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Scotland awards, picking up the Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year Award and being highly commended in the Visitor Attraction and Distillery Manager categories.

Announced in a ceremony held in Edinburgh’s Surgeon’s Hall, the awards, which are organised by Whisky Magazine, pay tribute to the expertise that is poured into every bottle of whisky made around the world. Only those working in the industry can nominate an individual or brand, with the final winners chosen by a panel of expert judges.

Susan Colville, Brand Home Manager was recognised for the outstanding contribution she makes to the many thousands that visit Benromach Distillery each year. After receiving the coveted title of Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year, an accolade which Susan previously won in 2015, she will now go forward to compete for the global title which will be announced on the 29^th March 2019 in London.

Susan Colville said: “I’m overwhelmed to receive this award again and it is particularly special to receive this at the end of our 20^th anniversary celebratory year.  2018 has brought many highlights, ranging from the launch of Benromach Cask No 1 which raised money for charitable causes to hosting the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opening gala dinner. We’re looking forward to growing our visitor numbers further in 2019 and giving every guest the up-close and personal tour experience, we’re known for.”

Earlier this year, Susan was made a Keeper of the Quaich, joining the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Benromach’s Keith Cruickshank was highly commended in the Distillery Manager of the Year category at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Benromach Distillery was also highly commended in the Visitor Attraction of the Year category in recognition of the personal experience the whole team strives to deliver to visitors every day.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach’s Distillery Manager, said: “As our 20^th anniversary year comes to an end, it is gratifying for the team at Benromach to be recognised at the Icons of Whisky Awards.  Being acknowledged in this way by others working in the industry is particularly special.”

Notes 

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

Hankey Bannister 21 Year Old Expression re-launched as new blend and design unveiled

Hankey Bannister, the award-winning blended Scotch whisky from International Beverage, has today (Thursday 13^th December) unveiled a striking new design and blend for its 21 Year Old Partners’ Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky.

The company’s Master Blender Stuart Harvey has hand selected rare and exceptional casks to craft the blend, each allowed to rest for a minimum of 21 years in the finest Spanish ex-sherry and ex-bourbon oak, as well as American oak ex-bourbon casks. The result is an indulgent and luxurious Scotch, perfect for special occasions and gifting.

The influence of contrasting wood imbues Hankey Bannister 21 Year Old Partners’ Reserve with a complex, characterful flavour. Spanish casks slowly create distinctive aromatic nuances of spiced citrus fruit, with chocolate and raisin on the palate. Creamy vanilla and toffee overtones are derived from the American oak, culminating in a smooth, creamy, slightly spicy chocolate finish.

Complementing the quality of the whisky is a new super-premium geometric bottle, enhanced by gold foil decoration, an embossed metallic label and a dark wood cork closure. A soft leather-like, subtly embossed box completes the exquisite packaging.

The new 21 Year Old release is part of Hankey Bannister’s ongoing investment to bring the story and sartorial appeal of its pioneering founders to life – the ‘style’ of flamboyant London socialite Beaumont Hankey and the ‘substance’ of his astute business partner, Hugh Bannister.

Hankey Bannister Brand Manager Lynne Buckley commented: ‘We believe that this striking new pack works brilliantly in communicating Hankey Bannister’s substance with style brand story, whilst also reflecting the exceptional quality of the whisky. There is huge demand in the global marketplace for a blended whisky that combines a high quality product with a distinctive brand story and, with Hankey Bannister, we are spoiled on both counts. Our founders provide us with a rich brand proposition. And whilst centuries may have passed, the qualities they stood for – tradition, craftsmanship, originality, sophistication and style – are all completely relevant for modern-day whisky drinkers.’

Hankey Bannister 21 Year Old Partners’ Reserve is crafted to an original recipe from single malts selected from International Beverage’s five distilleries, which are then expertly combined with more delicate Grain whiskies to produce a unique blend. Produced as a small batch of just 3000 bottles, it retails at £105 and will be available in Hankey Bannister’s core markets across Russia, Eastern Europe and Asia from December 2018. 

About Hankey Bannister

Messrs Hankey and Bannister’s wines & spirits business was originally established in 1757 at John Street in London’s stylish West End. When these two remarkable men took charge, their focus was on making superior Scotch whisky blends to suit the sophisticated tastes of their renowned society clients – which included The Prince Regent, William IV, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and writer Evelyn Waugh. In 1901 Hankey Bannister received its first royal warrant from George V, with a second being granted in 1940 by George VI – extended for a further ten years in 1950.

Hankey Bannister was purchased by Inver House Distillers, now part of International Beverage, in 1988. The blend is meticulously crafted to the original recipe of its founders, using the finest Highland malts in the International Beverage portfolio, including single malts from Pulteney, Balblair, Knockdhu, Speyburn and Balmenach distilleries. These are then expertly combined with more delicate grain whiskies to produce a distinctive blend.

The resulting whisky has been highly acclaimed, with Hankey Bannister 40 Year Old winning Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2014 and International Spirits Challenge; and Hankey Bannister Heritage Blend receiving Gold again at the World Whiskies Awards 2018.  To this day, the unique blend of charisma and acumen of Messrs Hankey and Bannister – their ‘substance and style’ – continues to be celebrated and appreciated by whisky drinkers around the world. 

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world, such as the USA. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies. International Beverage is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney and Speyburn in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team. In 2011 the International Beverage portfolio outperformed the market with outstanding sales across all categories.

GROWING IN STRENGTH – COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY RELEASES CASK WHISKY

Cotswold Distillery launches cask strength, single malt whisky, The Founders Choice

The whisky has rich and intense maturation, fruity spirit, toffee, oak and red fruit notes

The Founders Choice is available now from specialist retailers with an RRP of £64.95

The release comes one year after the highly anticipated launch of the distillery’s flagship whisky, the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky

Award-winning Cotswolds Distillery has launched its cask strength single malt whisky expression, the Founder’s Choice.

The whisky, aged in their shaved, toasted and re-charred American oak red wine barrels and has a rich and intense maturation. The cask has a fruity spirit, with toffee, oak and red fruit notes as well as a beautiful deep colour.

Dan Szor, founder and CEO of the distillery said: “We were very fortunate to work with the late Dr Jim Swan on developing our wood programme – one of his key innovations was the ‘STR’ cask and it has always been my favourite of all our casks. Jim’s suggestion to me was that one day we release a 100% STR-aged whisky at cask strength and, based on the extremely positive reaction from everyone that’s tried it, that is what I’ve decided to do.”

The STR casks were designed by Dr Swan to optimise the extraction of flavour and colour from the oak, giving an extremely active maturation whilst avoiding the need for smaller cask sizes, which can sometimes result in an over-oaked effect. The intensely rich single malt has notes of dark chocolate and dried figs on the nose, with a warm palate of fresh red fruits and butterscotch. The finish has hints of spicy oak, dried fruit and a lingering nutty note.

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

The release comes one year after the highly anticipated launch of the distillery’s flagship whisky, the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky. Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has gone on to win nine medals and awards in its first year, and the distillery picked up a total of five ‘Liquid Gold Awards’ (scores of 94/100 or higher) in Jim Murray’s recently published Whisky Bible 2019. 

Notes

Founders Choice 

Founders Choice is available to purchase from Harvey Nichols and specialist retailers Master of Malt and Gordon and MacPhail.

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 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2018 Great Taste Awards.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 12 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange and Laithwaites.

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

Speyside distillery manager crowned whisky icon of the year

A distillery manager from Speyside has been crowned the best in Scotland as part of Whisky Magazine’s ‘Icons of Whisky 2019’ awards.

Sandy McIntyre, who is Distillery Manager for Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, near Aberlour, was named whisky icon of the year at a special awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Friday 7th December.

Sandy joined Ian Macleod Distillers as Tamdhu Distillery Manager in November 2014, where he is responsible for all aspects of production and warehousing, including managing a team of 17.

The Icons of Whisky Awards recognise the people that complete the whole dynamic of the whisky industry. The Awards also celebrate the industry’s top bars, producers and retailers.

Commenting on his award success, Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager said: “I’m extremely proud to have been recognised by my industry peers with this prestigious accolade, which is a great reflection on the whole team here at Tamdhu.

“The ‘Icons of Whisky 2019’ award is the latest in a growing number of accolades for Tamdhu this year, including being part of winning Global Distiller of the Year 2018, and a Gold Award for Tamdhu 10 Year Old in the Asian Spirits Masters 2018, and Gold Awards for Tamdhu Batch Strength 003 in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 and International Spirits Challenge 2018.”

Christopher Coates, Scotch Whisky Editor for Whisky Magazine, added: “’Distillery Manager of the Year’ is always a hotly contested category. Sandy McIntyre has undoubtedly excelled throughout the year and has become well known in the industry for leading a motivated team through a long period of technically challenging infrastructure investment at Tamdhu Distillery.

“Sandy also made the headlines this year by leading a team that has installed one of the UK’s longest and highest fish passes, replacing a dam installed 120 years ago when the distillery was first built. We’re proud to raise a dram in honour of his achievements and name him as one of our ‘Icons of Whisky for 2019’.”

The winners of this regional heat, including Tamdhu’s Sandy McIntyre, will now go forward to be considered for the Global Icons awards, which will be presented in London on 28th March 2019. Decisions are reached following nomination and voting by the industry and consideration by a Whisky Magazine panel.

Only the best Oloroso sherry seasoned American and European oak casks give Tamdhu its natural, dark amber colour, intense richness on the palate and its deep, long finish. Tamdhu exclusively matures in sherry seasoned casks, which are crafted in the family cooperages and bodegas of Jerez for up to 6 years before beginning their journey to Scotland.

For more information on Tamdhu, visit www.tamdhu.com

 You can also follow Tamdhu on social media:

www.facebook.com/tamdhuwhisky

www.twitter.com/TamdhuWhisky

www.instagram.com/tamdhuwhisky

Notes: 

PHOTO:

Photo of Tamndhu Distillery Manager, Sandy McIntyre 

Tamdhu:

Tamdhu is 100% matured in the finest Oloroso sherry oak casks from Spain. Born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897, its quality is also defined by the wisp of peat in its malted barley and the natural Speyside water that is drawn directly from the Tamdhu spring. It is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers.

Tamdhu’s Oloroso sherry oak casks are hand-crafted from European and American oak in the cooperages and bodegas of Jerez, in Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’.

Gold dust whisky tickets sell out in 24 hours 

Glengoyne superfans rush to pick up bucket list

experience and keys to the distillery

Tickets to a closed doors, behind the scenes experience at Glengoyne Distillery have sold out within 24 hours after single malt fans from around the world rushed to pick up the bucket-list experience and keys to the distillery.

The exclusive event will see the single malt whisky distillery close its doors to the public and for the first time in its 185 year history on Saturday 16th February hand over the keys to the 36 lucky ticket holders.

Ticket holders who have each paid £180 for their tickets will have exclusive access to the distillery and the undivided attention of the key people who make Glengoyne, including the Distillery Manager, Malt Master, and International Brand Ambassador, who will take the Glengoyne fans through the unhurried whisky-making practices that have been handed down through generations at Glengoyne.

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager for Glengoyne said: “We knew this was going to be a popular, bucket list event, but the speed at which the tickets sold has exceeded our expectations.  Glengoyne is proud to have such a strong and loyal following, and we are looking forward to giving ticket holders the experience of a lifetime.”

Glengoyne Distillery, by Glasgow is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Scotland.  Ticket holders will experience in depth tours, hands-on activities and immersive whisky tastings, including an exclusive first taste of Glengoyne’s not-year-released new whisky for 2019. The event will culminate in a three-course, whisky-paired lunch. Attendees will also leave the distillery with a signed bottle of Glengoyne’s much-anticipated new release.

To find out more about future exclusive events at Glengoyne Distillery, sign up to the Glengoyne Family at http://www.glengoyne.com/our-family.

www.glengoyne.com

Notes 

About Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky:

Glengoyne, uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills more slowly than any other distillery in order to create the complex, sweet flavours for which the malt is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest sherry casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

Nestled into Dumgoyne Hill with the hills of Loch Lomond in the distance, Glengoyne is considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful distilleries. Just 14 miles north of Glasgow, Glengoyne sits on the border behind the Highland and Lowland whisky regions. Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers.

Solid Light and Heaven Hill Distillery to Create New Visitor Experience Showing What it Takes to ‘Do Bourbon’

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — November 16, 2018 — Heaven Hill Distillery and Solid Light, a full-service firm that plans, designs and builds exhibits and visitor experiences, announced plans today for a multimillion-dollar expansion and rebranding of Heaven Hill’s Bardstown Visitor Center. The expansion will weave the story of Kentucky Bourbon, Heaven Hill and its founders, the Shapira family, into an immersive, hands-on visitor experience.

Planned, designed and built by Solid Light, the expansion will include a rooftop bar, interactive, educational spaces dedicated to two Heaven Hill brands that played an integral role in Kentucky Bourbon history—Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The expansion will also include enhanced tasting rooms, retail space and a “You Do Bourbon” experience where guests will have the opportunity to bottle their own Bourbon. In addition to being inspired by Kentucky Bourbon history, Solid Light’s design is based on visitor experience research and survey data from Kentucky Bourbon Trail locations.

The $17.5 million new visitor center expansion is the latest project Solid Light has worked on with Heaven Hill since 2000 and demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing tourism, educating the public and sharing the history of Kentucky’s signature industry. Previous work with Heaven Hill—founded and owned by the Shapira family—includes the design and build of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and enhancements to the current Bourbon Heritage Center.

“Our dedication to excellence and passion for our home state of Kentucky and bourbon make working with the Shapira family on the Heaven Hill Distillery Bardstown Visitor Center an incredible opportunity to share the history and craft of Bourbon with visitors,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “When it opens, guests will have a truly comprehensive and immersive experience that tells the Heaven Hill and Kentucky Bourbon story and gives them a taste of what it takes to ‘do Bourbon’.”

Solid Light will infuse state-of-the-art technology and design elements throughout the visitor center, including multi-media components and hands-on activities to engage and educate both the novice and most sophisticated Bourbon enthusiast. Drawing on the latest industry trends, the retail space will be an extension of the overall immersive design approach, offering branded merchandise, specialty food products, locally-crafted gifts and Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys.

“We are excited to once again partner with Solid Light to bring to life the history of Heaven Hill Distillery and the Shapira Family,” said Heaven Hill President Max Shapira. “Through innovative design and state-of-the-art experiences, Bourbon fans from across the world will be delighted to taste, learn, and do Bourbon in new ways.”

The second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, Heaven Hill was founded in 1935 and remains a family-owned and operated, independent Kentucky company—the last remaining in the Bourbon business today.

“One of the most exciting elements of this expansion is that we’ve taken a truly wholistic approach to Bourbon education and telling the Heaven Hill story,” Torp said. “Not only have we drawn on the science of how people process information and developed the design of the visitor center to enhance their understanding, but every element from the retail space to the rooftop bar is also an extension of the story and Bourbon experience.”

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY INTRODUCES

OLD CHARTER OAK BOURBON 

New Collection of Whiskeys Explores and Celebrates the Role Oak Plays

in Making Great Whiskey

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Dec. 6, 2018) – Have you ever wondered how barrels made from trees that grew in different countries, climates, and soil would affect the flavors of the whiskey?  Buffalo Trace Distillery began wondering this about 15 years ago and took it to a completely new level, resulting in a re-imagined whiskey brand called Old Charter Oak.

Most bourbon whiskey is aged in oak from the American Ozarks, but Buffalo Trace  Distillery wondered if barrels made from oak trees grown in China, or Canada, or France would create bourbons with a different taste profile.  What about trees grown in different states?  Does a barrel produced from a tree grown in Georgia differ from a barrel produced from a tree grown in Oregon?  Further, what about red oak, or pin oak, or laurel oak, would barrels produced from these oak species produce bourbons with different taste profiles?

By Federal standards, bourbon is required to be aged in a new, charred oak container. But there is no specification it must be American white oak, it’s just that nearly all bourbons made today are aged in white oak.  This new Old Charter Oak line is an entire collection of bourbon aged in oak barrels from different oak varietals, and is designed to explore, honor, and celebrate the role of oak in making great whiskey. The oak trees used for this brand will vary by country of origin, or species, or U.S. state. Some barrels are even made from century oaks, 100, 200, or 300 year old oak trees.

All the Old Charter Oak Bourbon series will be released over time, starting with the first release of Mongolian Oak Bourbon this winter. In 2019, there will be two other new releases, from oak trees harvested from other countries. Subsequent releases are planned a few times each year, indefinitely.  “As of now, we have bourbon aging for the Old Charter Oak collection set for release now through 2030, but we’ll keep producing more each year for more new whiskeys beyond that,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director.

The first release in this series, Mongolian Oak, is a bourbon aged in barrels from trees grown in Mongolia, which were sourced by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley in 2006, but it was 2008 before the barrels arrived at Buffalo Trace and filled with Buffalo Trace’s Mash #1.   Aged 10 years, the Mongolian Oak tastes vastly different from bourbons aged in barrels made from traditional American white oak, although not overpowering, this new whiskey is full bodied.  “We know, from previous research we’ve done, how important oak is to the final taste profile.  The barrel is responsible for about 50% of the flavor profile in bourbon,” stated Wheatley.  “So it only made sense to take that one step further and see how different barrels from different oak tree varieties would taste in comparison to what we think of as ‘traditional’ oak barrels.”   The suggested retail pricing for the Mongolian Oak is $69.99, but the different oak varieties released over the years will have different price points, all in a similar range.

Old Charter Oak will be packaged in an upscale package, glass bottle with a cork finish. Each bottle will have an oak medallion on the front depicting the Charter Oak tree.

Old Charter is a brand that has always celebrated the central role that oak plays in making great whiskey, given its namesake. The brand dates back to 1874, when Adam and Ben Chapeze created the bourbon, naming it in honor of the Charter Oak tree, a famous symbol of American independence and free spirit, which grew in Connecticut in the 12^th or 13^th century until it fell in a storm in 1856.

Old Charter changed owners a few times, until it was purchased by Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999.  The existing Old Charter Bourbon is still produced by parent company Sazerac and there are no plans to discontinue it. The Old Charter Oak series is an upscale brand extension, much like Buffalo Trace has done with its E. H. Taylor, Jr, line.

The Mongolian Oak Bourbon will be available starting in December 2018, but supplies will be limited. These whiskeys will be bottled at 90 proof.  More information can be found about the Old Charter Oak series www.oldcharteroak.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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