J& G. Grant are proud to unveil The Glenfarclas Family Cask Trunk, which is believed to be the most expansive single collection ever released by one distillery. Following on from the hugely successful Family Cask collection, the distiller has gone one step further by releasing The Glenfarclas Family Cask Trunk– which contains every vintage from 1954 to 2003.

George Grant, Sales Director and 6th generation of the Grant family, said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a full collection of vintages in one complete set. It is the first – and last – chance to purchase this, as some of the vintages contained in the trunk are from the last casks of their respective years. We are thrilled to bring this ambitious project to fruition, one which could only be realised due to my grandfather’s foresight in laying down casks as far back as the 1950s.”

The unique collection is housed in a custom-made trunk, resembling a contemporary interpretation of a traditional shipping trunk. Inside sit fifty individual 200ml bottles of Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch Whisky, one from each year from 1954 to 2003.

To complement the extraordinary set, the trunk also contains the following bespoke elements: 4 tumblers, 4 nosing glasses and a water jug, all crafted from the finest crystal by renowned Scottish glass manufacturer Glencairn Crystal; 4 slate coasters; 3 hand printed and bound leather books – one containing the history of the distillery, another with George Grant’s tasting notes for each vintage and the third with space for the buyer to write their own personal tasting notes; and a replica of the oldest known painting of the distillery.  The original, which dates back to 1791, now hangs in the Glenfarclas Private Dining Room.

60 of these extraordinary sets are available for a recommended price of £100,000 excluding local taxes and duties.  The next release of traditional Family Casks will be available in spring 2019.

Gordon & MacPhail awarded three ‘Master’ awards at prestigious
Design & Packaging Masters 2018

Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been recognised for its premium portfolio of exclusive single malt whiskies at The Spirits Business 2018 Design & Packaging Masters, securing three ‘Master’ accolades.

Earlier this year Gordon & MacPhail unveiled its streamlined portfolio, comprising five distinct ranges: Discovery, Distillery Labels, Connoisseurs Choice, Private Collection, and Generations. The company’s commitment to the art of Scotch whisky maturation has been passed down through four generations of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail.

Two Design & Packaging ‘Master’ medals were awarded to the Connoisseurs Choice range which sits at the heart of Gordon & MacPhail’s portfolio. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2018, Connoisseurs Choice has two distinct bottle shapes and packaging, both of which have been recognised with a ‘Master’ accolade. The new premium look and feel rewards whisky drinkers with a thirst for knowledge, incorporating a detailed description of the whisky’s provenance on the label. The Gordon & MacPhail branding is also much more prominent compared to previous incarnations.

The newest addition to Gordon & MacPhail’s portfolio, the flavour-led Discovery range was also recognised with a ‘Master’ award. Launched in May 2018, the range segments releases into three flavour profiles, ‘Smoke’, ‘Sherry’, and ‘Bourbon’. Each Discovery whisky displays a bespoke illustration, designed for each profile in a contemporary linocut style, conveying key flavours.

Commenting on the awards Ian Chapman, Marketing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “This year has been a very important one for Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies. Feedback from our discerning consumers has been overwhelmingly positive. Receiving these accolades from The Design & Packaging Masters is a pleasing endorsement from our peers of the inspiration and hard work which has gone into the huge project of streamlining our entire portfolio.”

Matt Chapman, Founder of Contagious, the creative agency that worked with Gordon & MacPhail to redesign the portfolio, added “We are all thrilled to have the efforts of the team heralded by these awards. It has been a pleasure to work with such a respected brand and immensely fulfilling that, together, we’ve managed to create products befitting of Gordon & MacPhail’s exquisite single malts.”

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies
Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is the creator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect pairing between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• Discovery – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• Distillery Labels – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• Connoisseurs Choice – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• Private Collection – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• Generations – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. named World’s Leading Distillery Tour 

Dublin home of Jameson only Irish winner at prestigious World Travel Awards 

Dublin, December 2, 2018 – Irish Distillers has today announced that Jameson Distillery Bow St. was named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony in Lisbon on December 1st. The finalist list included Macallan, Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo. The win follows the announcement of Jameson Distillery Bow Street as ‘Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour 2018’ at the European Travel Awards in July.

Commenting on the accolade, Greg Hughes, Managing Director Jameson Brand Homes and Education at Irish Distillers said: “We are extremely humbled and honoured to be awarded this very special accolade. We embarked upon an ambitious renovation project in late 2016 and since we reopened the doors to Bow St. in March of 2017, the new-look Jameson Distillery experience has fast become the must-visit whiskey destination in the world. We are proud that an experience in the heart of Smithfield that champions all that is great about Ireland and Irish whiskey has been commended on the world stage. This award is a fantastic recognition for the amazing team at Bow St. who provide each and every person that visits us with an unforgettable experience.”

Jameson Distillery Bow St. reopened in March 2017 following an €11M refurbishment, with visitor numbers topping more than 350,000 in the first year making it the most-visited whiskey experience in the world. Bow St. draws on brand immersion and theatre to complement the iconic 230-year-old Dublin distillery creating a living, active space that engages guests in multi-sensorial experiences.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The 25^th World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2018 took place at Lisbon’s historic Pátio da Galé on 1st December 2018, with the leading decision-makers, figureheads and influencers of travel in attendance. The evening marked the climax of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world, featuring the winners of WTA’s six regional ceremonies going head-to-head for the coveted World titles.

As well as being a highlight of Dublin’s tourism trail, the new look Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Smithfield is fast becoming the go-to place for locals to enjoy a Jameson. The distillery offers a range of interactive, fun and immersive experiences including the flagship distillery tour, a premium whiskey tasting experience, whiskey blending and cocktail making master classes – along with the opportunity to draw and taste whiskey straight from a cask. One of the city’s most unique event locations, Bow St. is also available for private use by evening.

To book tickets for Jameson Distillery Bow St., visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Notes 

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 (28 or 29 – original quote above stated 29?) 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.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Glengoyne Distillery announces first ever ‘Behind the Scenes’ event 

36 lucky Glengoyne fans will be given closed-door access to distillery for one day only

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt has announced its first ever, exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes at Glengoyne Distillery’ event – which presents the opportunity for a few lucky ticket holders to get the keys to the distillery for one day to get deeper insight than ever before into how Glengoyne’s unhurried single malt is crafted.

With only 36 tickets available, ‘Behind the Scenes at Glengoyne Distillery’ will be the most exclusive event held in Glengoyne’s 185-year history, giving extensive insight into its slowly distilled spirit and sherry-cask matured whisky from the real people who make Glengoyne.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £180 each, and are only available to members of Glengoyne’s online platform ‘The Family’. Non-members can join the Family on www.glengoyne.com.

These lucky 36 ticket holders will not only have exclusive access to the distillery, but they’ll have the undivided attention of the real people who make Glengoyne. Distillery Manager, Robbie Hughes; Malt Master, John Glass and International Brand Ambassador, Gordon Dundas will take the Glengoyne fans through the same whisky-making practises that have been handed down through generations at Glengoyne.

‘Behind the Scenes’ will be held at Glengoyne Distillery, widely considered one of the most beautiful in Scotland, from 10am-4pm on Saturday 16 February and 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.

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager for Glengoyne, said: “This is the first time that Glengoyne has closed its doors for a true behind the scenes, exclusive ‘Meet the Maker’ event. We are delighted to be able to give a select group of Glengoyne fans deeper insight than ever before into our unique distillery and its processes.”

To join the Glengoyne Family, please sign up at http://www.glengoyne.com/our-family. Limited tickets are available: only 2 tickets per transaction.

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.

Glenmorangie & The Devonshire Club create ephemeral winter terrace to explore ‘Beyond the Cask’ for the festive season

This winter, Highland single malt whisky Glenmorangie has partnered with The Devonshire Club in the City to bring a whisky and wood inspired festive pop-up experience to life.

Following Glenmorangie’s recent reveal of its creative collaboration with Grain Surfboards of Maine, USA – that specialise in building hand crafted wooden surfboards – the world-renowned single malt has partnered with The Devonshire Club this winter to showcase it’s *Beyond the Cask campaign alongside stunning whisky cocktail serves for Christmas within a stylish bespoke outdoor winter terrace bar, situated on the edge of Devonshire Square.

The ephemeral bar will be open to all whisky lovers – both members and non-members of the Club – serving bespoke cocktails using Glenmorangie’s flagship whisky – The Original – as well as the Extra Matured Range – special whiskies finished in Port Wood, Sherry Wood and Sauternes Wood casks. In addition to whisky cocktails and drams, guests will also be able to enjoy warming Glenmorangie Hot Toddies, unctuous hot chocolate made by award-winning chocolatier William Curley and hand-made bespoke chocolates created to pair perfectly with Glenmorangie.

The design of the terrace will pay homage to Glenmorangie’s Beyond the Cask campaign, with rich, warm ochre colours, a stylish seating area and luxurious cosy blankets to keep guests warm whilst they sip their Hot Toddies and drams, kick back and relax. The Glenmorangie Original Grain surfboard will also be on display to tell the story around what happens to Glenmorangie casks once they have been used to make whisky – Beyond the Cask explores the reimagination of whisky casks being used to make beautiful wooden items, from stylish sunglasses and road bikes, to limited edition surfboards.

The Glenmorangie winter terrace at The Devonshire Club is open Monday to Friday from 12 – 8pm for the next four weeks. 

What is the Glenmorangie ‘Beyond the Cask’ campaign?

*Since 2016, Glenmorangie has partnered with visionary designers within their field of wood craftsmanship.  The signature white oak casks for Glenmorangie Original are only ever used twice in their whisky-making lifetime, guaranteeing this single malt’s famously complex and multifaceted flavour. To celebrate the wood that makes the whisky, each year, Glenmorangie partners with visionary brands who specialise in wood craftsmanship to create something extraordinary from these used casks. This year, the dedicated craftspeople at Grain Surfboards have built a series of exclusive limited-edition Glenmorangie Original wooden surfboards using reclaimed staves from Glenmorangie barrels once they have been used twice at the Highland distillery.

This is the third collaboration in Glenmorangie’s Beyond the Cask series and follows the world’s first sunglasses made from ex-whisky casks, produced by British brand Finlay & Co in 2016, and the world’s first bicycles made from ex-Glenmorangie casks, launched in 2017 with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles of Portland, Oregon.

www.glenmorangie.com

www.grainsurfboards.com

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie 

Glenmorangie Original tasting notes:

Colour: Bright gold

Aroma: The scent of citrus and ripening peaches is softened by the aroma of vanilla.

Taste: First, vanilla is detected on the tongue before it ripples along the palate bringing a burst of flowery fruitiness.

Finish: About a minute after tasting, you are left with a clean and salving aftertaste with hints of orange and peach. RRP: £37, www.clos19.com 

Awards:
Glenmorangie The Original has a host of accolades to its name. Most recently, in 2016, Glenmorangie The Original was awarded gold at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition and at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Glenmorangie Original was last year again awarded 94 out of 100 by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, which describes the single malt as “complexity at its most complex”.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About Grain Surfboards:

Established in 1999 in Maine, USA, Grain Surfboards formed from a desire to create classic surfboards for an environmentally conscious generation of surfers. With an appreciation for sustainability and heritage at its core, Grain Surfboards create hand-built wooden surfboards using boatbuilding techniques, renewable resources and craftsmanship. 

Responsible Drinking:

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

INTRODUCING TEMPLETON RYE BARREL STRENGTH STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

New Limited Edition Expression Pays Homage to Templeton Iowa’s
Spirit on Heels of Distillery Grand Opening

(TEMPLETON, Iowa) November 27, 2018 – Templeton Rye Whiskey announces the launch of a new limited edition expression, Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey in celebration of the people and rich history of its hometown, Templeton, Iowa.

Templeton Rye Barrel Strength is both complex and intriguing and represents the expression in its purest form. This exquisite whiskey is a fitting tribute and salute to the town of Templeton – a small town with a strong spirit.

Natural, non-chill filtered and bottled at 57.2% ABV, this special addition to the Templeton Rye portfolio is a barrel strength edition matured and aged to perfection in flame charred American oak barrels bursting with rye spice and black pepper giving way to summer fruits, butterscotch and oak. Complex notes of orchard fruits deliver a delicate warmth with a lingering finish dovetailing beautifully with a velvety character that balances its considerable strength.

In August, Templeton Rye hosted a grand opening event, welcoming city and state officials, special guests and Templeton residents. The event was held in celebration of the organization’s new 34,500 square-foot distillery, a $35 million project that will more than double its staff, bringing 17 jobs to a community of 350 residents, feature a museum and visitor center, and produce up to 500,000 proof gallons of rye whiskey annually.

Templeton Rye Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey is now available at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Boasting a full body, luscious finish and complex flavor, Templeton Rye Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

About Templeton Rye

Templeton Rye Whiskey, introduced legally in 2006, tracks back to the early 1920s when residents of Templeton distilled a much sought-after rye whiskey. That bootlegging enterprise, forced underground during the Prohibition era, nonetheless flourished during that period. Today, the whiskey may be slightly different—instead of stills in basements and barns, the company has a modern, legal plant—but the entrepreneurial spirit remains true to Templeton’s roots. In October 2006, 68 barrels of Templeton Rye—using a recipe that best matched the recipe of Alphonse Kerkhoff, co-founder Keith Kerkhoff’s grandfather—completed their four-year aging process and became legally available on shelves in Iowa. The company expanded its plant from a small building, adding 11,000 square feet in 2007 for a more efficient production process. An automated bottling line went online in 2008, providing a quicker, more efficient method of bottling. Learn more about Templeton Rye Whiskey by visiting www.templetonrye.com and become a member of the Bootleggers Society to stay in the know on all things Templeton Rye.

SOCIETY SLEIGH OFFERS EDINBURGH BUSINESSES DESKSIDE DRAMS IN BUILD-UP TO CHRISTMAS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will bring the festive spirit to Edinburgh Christmas parties

Scrap the humdrum office party traditions this Christmas by having an expert from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society hand-deliver exceptional drams right to your desk.

Alongside the standard secret Santa and flashing festive jumpers, you can explore a selection of warming whiskies to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

A whisky expert Father Christmas from the renowned whisky club will be flying the Society sleigh around Edinburgh’s Christmas parties, hosting a one-of-a-kind tasting with a range of rare bottles from the Society’s 12 flavour profiles.

The sleigh, which comes with a SMWS ambassador, can be booked for private hire throughout December at the cost of £15 per person, including two drams of single malt whisky. This is subject to a minimum party size.

For more information on how to hire The Scotch Malt Whisky Society sleigh for your private event this Christmas, visit: https://campaign.smws.com/sleigh/

The ultimate whisky Christmas present

Membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the perfect gift this Christmas. Begin your journey of endless whisky discovery with access to a revered and ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies and exclusive tasting events.

Members will also be granted access to the Society’s venues, including their spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh as well as Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street in the city centre.In London, The SMWS has recently opened a new pop-up at 78 Northcote Road, Clapham where guests can experience a range of single cask whiskies and other spirits as well as a selection of fantastic food.

Annual membership is £65, but the SMWS offers a range of options for new members up to and including its Pioneer Welcome Pack at £130. It comes with a beautiful presentation box containing three 10cl sample bottles of Society whisky to get started, a £15 e-voucher, entertaining SMWS journal and a club lapel badge.

For more information on membership, visit: http://bit.ly/2Pd1nJr

EDEN MILL UNVEIL NEW SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR ST ANDREWS DAY

Eden Mill, the popular Scottish gin and whisky distiller, has today (Friday 30^th November) announced the release of its new 2018 Single Malt whisky in celebration of St. Andrew’s Day.

Retailing at £79, only 3,200 bottles of this special spirit are available; with less than 2,000 available for sale in the UK.

The first ever delivery of the special bottles was via three Rolls Royce Phantoms in convoy to two of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels: The Old Course, and the Fairmont situated in iconic St Andrews.

The golden-amber expression comes from a mix of golden promise and propino barley strains and represents the ultimate blend of some of the best ‘honey’ casks Eden Mill’s distilling team have chosen.

Young casks have been selected, varying in both size and style including, four of the finest Olorosso Sherry hogsheads, four outstanding ex-bourbon first fill American standard barrels and a few exceptional octave barrels which previously held Pedro Ximinez sherry.

The whisky is presented in a premium crisp, white box – perfect for those looking to add to their whisky collection this festive period.

Paul Miller, Co-Founder of Eden Mill, said, “We are delighted to be able to release our second whisky to our customers just in time for Christmas. This is sure to be a must-have gift for any whisky lover or keen collector.

“This release is the first in an annual series, which will build over the coming years and we thought it was only appropriate to launch the 2018 Single Malt on St Andrew’s Day!”

Eden Mill’s 2018 Single Malt delivers light aromas of vanilla, candied barley-sugar sweetness with a hint of hazelnut. On the palate, sweet and juicy notes of peach and plum emerge. The expressions Sherry influence is most noticeable, with a light, fruitcake character along with sweet, oaky-vanilla. Customers can expect a light whisky, with a candied sweetness that brings delicate spice and hints of dried plum or raisin.

The 2018 Single Malt is expected to prove popular with new and loyal Eden Mill drinkers and will be available through lead retail outlets such as, Royal Mile Whisky (Edinburgh and London), Luvians St Andrews and Eden Mill’s new shop in Glasgow’s Princes Square.

The 2018 Single Malt will also be tasted at the Telegraph Whisky Festival this weekend (3^rd and 4^th December) in London for the first time. The expression is available from specialist retailers and via the Eden Mill website at a cost of RRP £79 and comes in a 70cl bottle (46.5% abv).

For additional information please visit: www.edenmill.com

ABOUT EDEN MILL 

Eden Mill were Scotland’s first single site brewery and distillery, making it their mission to revive the lost art of distilling and brewing gin, beer and whisky in St Andrews, Scotland. Based on the historic original site of the Seggie Distillery, run by the Haig family until 1860, Eden Mill are the first to make spirits in the region in 150 years. As well as gin the spirit the innovative brand are known for, Eden Mill have carved a formidable reputation with their award winning super-premium craft beers and are now bringing whisky distilling back to the region. In 2018, Eden Mill released the first Single Malt whisky to be distilled in St Andrews in over 150 years. The First Bottling was sold at auction and broke the world record for a first release at £7,100. Eden Mill was named Gin of the Year at Annual Scottish Gin Awards 2018. The brewery and distillery won the most awards, five in total, including London Dry Gin of the Year and Exporter of the Year.

IS THIS THE OLDEST WHISKY STILL IN THE WORLD? 

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER MEDIEVAL STRUCTURE AT LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY 

Drew McKenzie Smith, MD of Lindores Abbey Distillery and Gary Haggart, Distillery Manager, inspecting the new discover, The background shows the original grain store of the Abbey. 

Fife – A medieval structure, believed to be the one of the oldest possible whisky stills ever discovered, has been unearthed at Lindores Abbey. During the archaeological dig, experts uncovered what they believe to be an installation that was used for the distillation process during medieval times.

The archaeologists present at the dig confirmed that the structure’s features are characteristic of traditional kiln stills of the mediaeval era, and that the residue found within is certainly in keeping with brewing and distilling practices of the time.

The stone structure has been excavated and found to contain traces of charcoal, barley, oats, wheat and pottery that have been dated back to the medieval times, when the monks first began to distil their bols of malt, the product that we now know as Scotch whisky. The structure was unearthed next to the site of the original grain store, suggesting that grain was essential for its function.

The resident archaeologist at the dig commented: ‘It would be fair to say that the archaeological structures and environmental deposits that have been found are commensurate in character with distilling – they have also been found at a medieval monastery known, from historical records, to have been distilling on an industrial scale in the late medieval period. The evidence is however also commensurate with brewing, cooking, and baking which were practiced at the Abbey.’

Drew McKenzie Smith, MD and founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, commented: ‘It is hard to overestimate the potential significance of this discovery. Many signs point towards this being one of the earliest stills ever discovered, and this is almost certainly the site referenced in the Exchequer Rolls of 1494 that include the first ever written record of aqua vitae or whisky, as we know it today. Lindores Abbey is the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, and this discovery underlines the historical importance of this site.’

NOTES 

• Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens, warriors and statesmen. William Wallace took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English.
• The first ever written record of Scotch whisky distillation took place at Lindores Abbey in 1494, according to the exchequer rolls of King James IV.

1. Built directly on the site of the Lindores dairy farm steading that Drew McKenzie Smith’s great grandfather bought in 1913, Lindores Abbey Distillery has been crafted from original Abbey stone.

• Lindores Abbey ruins are where William Wallace rested after the Battle of Black Earnside in 1298, the burial site of the first Duke of Rothesay, and a place of exceptional tranquility and beauty.

For  updates  on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Deanston debuts alongside The Three Drinkers on Amazon Prime 

Deanston distillery is set to hit small screens in a brand new series on Amazon Prime called ‘The Three Drinkers’, with the highland single malt launching the first episode of the series, which will premiere on Monday 26^th November. This four-part series explores the enigmatic world of Scotch Whisky, with the three presenters travelling across Scotland to take a look behind the scenes of some of our favourite drams.

Presented by a trio of wine and spirits experts, Colin Hampden-White, Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, the intrepid explorers uncover various finds on their travels to share with viewers, providing a fun and educational insight into whisky for newcomers and aficionados alike.

Deanston village, the home of the distillery has been industrious since its original inception as a cotton mill back in 1785. It then underwent a period of reinvention and was transformed into a whisky distillery in 1967, that industrious and innovative spirit has continued through the centuries to present day. The distillery’s progressive nature was evident from the very beginning when it used the water from the neighbouring River Teith to generate its own energy, which it still produces today.

In the first episode Deanston’s lead blender and widely respected whisky expert, Dr Kirsty McCallum, discusses the distinctive and complex development of the distillery’s most original core range expression – Deanston Organic.

Commenting on Deanston’s organic single malt, Dr Kirsty McCallum, Lead Blender at Deanston, said: “We are really proud of our founders’ entrepreneurial spirit, and we keep that alive by coming up with innovative ideas that bring something different to the ever-growing Scotch Whisky market. 

“Our organic expression has been developed over many years with a lot of trial and error to find what works best, like ageing in virgin oak casks for example. Being able to say that we are producing a 100% organic whisky in a distillery that is so in tune with its surroundings is a fantastic achievement, that we couldn’t have accomplished without the passion and dedication that is embedded in Deanston’s history, and of course practiced by the whole team today.”

Recently graded at gold level in Green Business Tourism Scheme, Deanston continues to reduce its environmental impact through the use of locally sourced ingredients, energy, water and waste reduction as well as being fully self-sufficient for electricity needs through two original hydro-powered generators designed by Aston Martin’s David Brown.

Full of heritage, Deanston has secured many accolades for its spirit over the years, from industry gongs to the big screen. It was chosen as the perfect filming location for Ken Loach’s Hollywood movie, ‘Angels Share’ in 2012 and also featured in global TV phenomenon, Outlander in 2016.

Oliver Stuart, Global Marketing Manager, Distell Malts, said: “The Three Drinkers have created an exciting new travelogue with a twist – we are delighted to be involved with the series and the team behind it. 

“We are all shifting to watching programmes and media on-demand. This innovative new series aims to make whisky relevant to new audiences and Amazon Prime provides a new platform for Deanston to be highlighted to consumers in key markets such as the UK and US. 

“Deanston is the perfect fit for the programme, as not only do we produce some really interesting products like our 15 year old organic, but stylistically we are also very accessible for newcomers to the world of single malt whisky. The light, sweet notes that come through on all of the range are delicate on the palate, offering a gentle introduction for those less experienced, but also something a little bit different for those more familiar with single malt whisky.”

To find out more, please visit www.deanstonmalt.com

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