Virginia Distillery Company to Release Third Annual Charity Cask on Aug. 3 to Benefit Nelson County Pantry

LOVINGSTON, Va. (July 30, 2019) – Virginia Distillery Company will release its Coffee Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky next month as part of its third annual Charity Cask program to support the Nelson County Pantry, a local nonprofit providing meals, fresh produce, baked goods and non-perishable foods to families in need. The new batch of whisky was made in collaboration with Snowing in Space, a cold brew coffee company in Charlottesville.

A release celebration at the distillery’s Visitors Center will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Last year, Virginia Distillery Company’s Charity Cask initiative raised $5,000 and benefited Almost Home, Nelson County’s SPCA, and was chosen by the public through a voting process on social media. The distillery selected the Nelson County Pantry as this year’s beneficiary, because they were the runner-up during last year’s voting. The inaugural Charity Cask supported the Nelson County First Responder teams as a thank you after these local teams put out a forest fire on the hillside behind the distillery in November 2016.

“We’re proud to be able to support the important work this organization does for the local community while having the opportunity to collaborate with a local business,” Virginia Distillery Company’s CEO Gareth H. Moore said. “Our community is important to us. Each holiday season our staff volunteers at the pantry to help pack meals for local families to pick up.”

For the unique finish, Snowing in Space brewed coffee in a Virginia Distillery Company whisky barrel. The whisky was then filled back into the cask after the coffee was emptied from the barrel. The whisky finished for 14 months, which added notes of cocoa nibs, walnuts and roasted coffee beans. Straw gold in color, the palate offers hints of vanilla and mocha, melding together for a smooth and vibrant finish.

The single cask offering produced 318 total bottles and will be available for purchase on site at the distillery’s Visitors Center. The 750 ml bottles retail for $67.99 plus tax. Net proceeds from the cask will benefit the Nelson County Pantry.

The Coffee Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is one of several offerings from Virginia Distillery Company’s award-winning Virginia-Highland Whisky series, including a Port, Cider, Chardonnay and Beer cask finished whisky. Its Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky won Best American Blended Malt at the 2019, 2018 and 2017 World Whiskies Awards and the Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky ranks No. 13 on Whisky Advocate Top 20 whiskies of 2018.

The distillery is preparing for the 2020 launch of Courage & Conviction, its signature American Single Malt whisky. The name is a nod to a phrase founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Always have the courage of your convictions.”

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at www.vadistillery.com.

About Virginia Distillery Company: 

Virginia Distillery Company is currently crafting its ultra-premium American Single Malt whisky, Courage & Conviction, at the distillery located in Lovingston, Virginia. These whiskies yield a complex taste, due to the influence of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and maturation in former Bourbon, Sherry and Cuvée wine casks. The casks have been resting since November 2015 and the Flagship offering will be released in the Spring of 2020. A sneak peek pre-release product called “Prelude: Courage & Conviction” will be available in the Fall of 2019. While Courage & Conviction ages, customers may enjoy the Virginia-Highland Whisky series.

CRABBIE’S LAUNCHES NEW YARDHEAD SINGLE MALT IN LONDON

Edinburgh based whisky brand John Crabbie & Co released a special single malt whisky last night at iconic music venue and pub, The Macbeth in London.

Described by Managing Director David Brown, as the company’s most significant release to date, Crabbie’s Yardhead (RRP £26) is aimed squarely at the growing sector of young spirits drinkers who want to do more with whisky than just sip it.

“Crabbie’s Yardhead is a single malt that is made for mixing” said Brown. “We want to encourage consumers to look at single malt differently, and for bar staff to use their skills to develop new ways of using single malt in long drinks and in cocktails”.

The Crabbie name has been associated with Scotch whisky for over 200 years and the founder John Crabbie is recognised as one of the pioneers of the industry that has grown to be Scotland’s largest export.

His success was founded on changing the way whisky was produced and consumed, and in doing so he made Scotch whisky a drink that could be enjoyed by everyone. He experimented in blending whiskies together to improve their taste profile and he created the Whisky Mac, probably the first ever whisky cocktail, and also the legendary Hot Toddy.

It is therefore perhaps appropriate that it should be the company that he founded that is once again at the forefront of innovation in Scotch whisky with Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt scotch whisky.

Brown said “Crabbie was an innovator who challenged convention and I think he would have approved of the new Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt. We have seen the rise in popularity of American whiskey with younger consumers, largely drunk with a mixer over ice. Single malt Scotch whisky still tends to be consumed as a straight drink but it actually mixes really well.  Blended malts have tried to tap into that market, but what we are launching today is a single malt which we believe offers a premium alternative and a different taste profile, ideally suited to be enjoyed long over ice with a mixer.

“The massive resurgence in popularity of cocktails has given rise to a new generation of bar staff with the talent to create some amazing drinks, and single malt Scotch whisky gives them the perfect premium base to develop something sensational.”

The name Yardhead comes from the site of the original maturation warehouses in Leith, Edinburgh used by John Crabbie & Co from 1822.

Notes:

Crabbie’s stopped production of Scotch whisky in Edinburgh in the early 20th century, but in 2018, the business made history by building the first new single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh: the Chain Pier distillery in Granton.  The first casks were laid down in November 2018, and production is ongoing. A new, larger home for John Crabbie & Co is being built at Graham Street in Leith, very close to the original Yardheads warehouses. Production at this second distillery is scheduled to commence late in autumn 2019.

In the 19^th century, John Crabbie travelled throughout Scotland, visiting distilleries and selecting some of the best whiskies of the day to bottle under his famous Crabbie family label. Today the rediscovered John Crabbie & Co is following in his footsteps selecting the very best whiskies from all over Scotland. The whisky selected for Crabbie’s Yardhead is a Highland single malt with rich vanilla and biscuit notes, combining with vibrant citrus, sweet apple and caramel flavours which make it perfect for mixing.

The current Crabbie range of whiskies includes Crabbie 8 y/o Highland single malt, a peated island 12 y/o, Crabbie 25y/o, Crabbie 30y/o  and Crabbie 40y/o all from Speyside. Both Crabbie 8 year old and Crabbie 30 year old won double gold at the recent world spirits competition in San Francisco.

Crabbies Gin is also produced at the Chain Pier distillery in Edinburgh 

NOTES

John Crabbie & Co is owned by the UK’s leading independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer, Halewood Wines & Spirits. www.crabbiewhisky.com

About Halewood Wines & Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

Halewood Wines and Spirits is the UK’s largest independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor. Still family owned and based in Merseyside, Halewood has a comprehensive product range covering all drinks categories, including wines, spirits, beers, ciders, and bottled water. The key brands include award-winning Whitley Neill Gin, J.J. Whitley Gin and Vodka, Liverpool Gins and Vodka, Marylebone Gin, Bajan Rum Sixty Six, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, The Pogues Irish Whiskey, and Red Square Vodka.

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches Yellowstone® Limited Edition

Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2019 

(Lebanon, Ky.) July 24, 2019 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces the 2019 variety of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, set to hit the market in August. This year’s edition includes a hand-picked selection of the most unique barrels – those hidden gems in the rick house – including barrels of extra-aged nine-year and 12-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

“I tasted many quality, mature Kentucky Straight Bourbons in order to find the right two ages for this year’s release – I had a certain taste profile in mind and I sought those barrels that matched it,” says Steve Beam, head distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “The barrels I chose were in different parts of the rick house and each barrel’s unique location contributed to the taste profile and complexity of this bourbon. When combined, these extra-aged bourbons create a mature and complex bourbon with robust spice and oaky undertones.”

Yellowstone has been one of Kentucky’s favorites since 1872. This year’s edition brings cinnamon notes with toffee, dried fruit and a hint of citrus to the palate, followed by a dry finish of brown sugar and oak. Using Beam’s expertise and honed palate, only the finest barrels were chosen for this year’s release.

Bottled at 101 proof and available in 750ml bottles nestled in commemorative tubes, the 2019 Yellowstone Limited Edition continues to honor the long-standing tradition.

Approximately 12,500 bottles of this bourbon are being produced at Limestone Branch Distillery, and the suggested retail price is $99.99.

About Limestone Branch Distillery 

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches, honoring their long family heritage. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, by partnering with Luxco, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family, just in time to commemorate the brand’s 105^th anniversary. As one of the founding members of the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, Limestone Branch Distillery is located in Lebanon, Ky., in the heart of bourbon country.  The distillery is well-known for its handcrafted products, including Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2019 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

13^th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2019 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, the first Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey of the series. The 13^th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $149.99.

As one of the only heritage distilleries to consistently produce all five styles of American Whiskey, this edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection showcases Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill. This edition, however, differentiates itself through its aging process. Instead of aging in Level 3 charred barrels, as is customary for most Heaven Hill products, this Rye Whiskey was aged in Level 5 charred barrels for eight years and nine months on the seventh floor of Rickhouse Y. Level 5 charred barrels are charred 50 seconds longer than the Level 3 barrels.  This more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave, interacting further with the oak and extracting deep notes of spice and wood on the resulting flavor.

Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, the limited edition bottling honors the original concept of the Parker’s Heritage Collection – to showcase the quality and broad range of the Heaven Hill portfolio. With more than 1.5 million barrels in inventory, this collection produces an innovative, highly sought after bottling each year and now serves as a remembrance of the collection’s namesake

“As the second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege of showcasing the quality and range of our distilling craft through the Parker’s Heritage Collection,” said Susan Wahl, Group Product Director at Heaven Hill Distillery. “We continue this series with thoughtful offerings that showcase the care and attention to detail for which Heaven Hill Distillery is known. Parker was involved in the development of this bottling over eight years ago and will continue to leave his mark on many future bottlings. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this series.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past six editions from 2013-2018, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, and Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, respectively, have raised over one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2019 Heavy Char Rye Whiskey edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous twelve editions, but with a green colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.5 million barrels aging in 58 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Best in Show Whiskey, and previously held titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

LIMITED EDITION SCOTCH TEES OFF CRISTIE KERR PARTNERSHIP

New single malt captures spirit of Kerr Cellars with Pinot Noir finish 

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Official Spirit of The Open, Women’s British Open and Ladies Scottish Open, has released a very special limited edition single malt Scotch crafted in partnership with US women’s golf icon, Cristie Kerr.

Kerr, who won the 2007 U.S Women’s Open and the 2010 Women’s PGA Championship, became Loch Lomond Group’s first female golf ambassador last year. She now owns and operates Kerr Cellars in Napa Valley, USA, and is a qualified sommelier. This is the winery’s first partnership in spirits.

The Loch Lomond Single Malt Vintage 2002 was finished in French oak barrels which previously held Pinot Noir red wine from the Kerr Cellars winery.

The 2002 spirit was selected to celebrate Cristie’s first win on the LPGA tour and spent six months maturing in the Pinot Noir barrels, which were shipped to the Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, near Loch Lomond, in October 2018.

The barrels are composed of Vosges Oak from the Alsace mountains in Eastern France. They were seasoned for three years prior to being delivered to the Loch Lomond cooperage and used for six months to mature the 2002 spirit carefully selected by Loch Lomond Master Blender Michael Henry to form the release.

The Pinot Noir finish has amplified the fruit characteristics associated with the Loch Lomond Distillery to create a truly special single malt Scotch.

Colin Matthews, CEO, said: “It is extremely exciting to be offering this truly unique limited edition release created in partnership with our ambassador, women’s golfing star Cristie Kerr. Since Cristie launched Kerr Cellars she has applied the same rigour and pursuit of excellence she displayed in golf to producing some of the world’s best wines.

“Our Loch Lomond Single Malt Vintage 2002 captures the best of both worlds, wine and whisky, to offer a very special Scotch which will be sought after by golf fans and those who know their drinks alike.”

The Loch Lomond Single Malt Vintage 2002 has an ABV of 48.14%. It is presented in elegant navy-blue packaging which incorporates a discreet rendition of Kerr Cellars’ distinctive logo and also bears Cristie’s signature, creating a must-have item for followers of both golf and whisky.

Since turning professional in 1996, Kerr has recorded 20 wins on the LPGA Tour in addition to her two Majors. She was also World No. 1 on three separate occasions throughout 2010.

Kerr said: “I’ve long admired Scotch whisky and it is a great privilege to be working with such an acclaimed distillery to create my first single malt. The French Oak Pinot Noir casks we shipped to Loch Lomond Whiskies’ cooperage previously held some of our most highly rated red wine and I can’t wait for golfers and whisky fans to discover the superb single malt Scotch that they have helped produce.”

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes

The Loch Lomond 2002 Vintage Single Malt delivers fresh red berries, strawberry and cranberry with creamy vanilla. There is green apple and kiwi fruit with lime citrus and a gentle honeyed sweetness before mouth-watering fruit and warming ginger spice on the finish. Bottled at 48.1% ABV and non-chill filtered ensure a rich mouthfeel and a deep and complex flavour, just as nature intended. 

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old: the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Reserve
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and coveted global competitions:

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond Signature

New Fruit Liqueurs From The English Whisky Co.

Bringing new innovation to the liqueur sector are two new whisky and fruit liqueurs from The English Whisky Co.

Taking inspiration from some of the UK’s lesser-known fruits, The English Whisky Co’s has launched The Norfolk Quince Whisky Liqueur and The Norfolk Redcurrant Whisky Liqueur, which combine the finest hand-distilled English single malts and traditional British fruits to create two exciting and delicious new liqueurs.

Rich and fruity, The Norfolk Redcurrant Whisky Liqueur is made from the finest redcurrants, mixed with The English Whisky Co’s own single malt, it’s also delicious with tonic water.

The new Norfolk Quince Whisky Liqueur is a zesty blend, made from the finest quince juice, mixed with The English Whisky Co’s own single malt and a dash of sugar. Perfect served over ice with ginger beer and a sprig of fresh mint.

“We are very excited to launch these two new liqueurs, which bring new innovation to a sector which is often quite stagnant,” explains Katy Nelstrop, co-founder of The English Whisky Co. “Whisky makes the perfect base for a delicious liqueur and we’ve chosen fruits that blend really well to create a delicious, sweet and satisfying drink. They are also fantastic as a base for cocktails.”

A family-owned business, The English Whisky Co. was the founder of English whisky when it opened its doors 13 years ago. As the industry leader it uses locally sourced ingredients to produces the finest English Single Malt at its distillery in Norfolk.
The Norfolk Quince Whisky Liqueur and The Norfolk Redcurrant Whisky Liqueur RRP £19.99. For more information on The English Whisky Co. visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Jura; capturing the power of time and tide

As the saying goes, time and tide waits for no man, a fact particularly pertinent when considering the remote wilderness and location of the Isle of Jura. Now we have captured this inspiration to create Jura Time and Jura Tide – two single malts, each aged for 21 Years, telling the story of our tiny island home.

Beginning with a reflection of time, Jura Time 21 Years Old claims its power, from losing track of time in the vast wilderness of the island to the whisky in our casks as they mature over time, this is a whisky embracing time fully.  With a character reminiscent of driftwood embers on the shores of Jura due to time spent in ex-peated malt casks, Jura Time offers an enticing sensory journey.

From aromas of honeyed chocolate, coffee mousse and soft, creamy toffee opening up to hints of lemon curd, lime marmalade and ginger cake with a whisper of salted peat smoke before making way to fig syrup and tropical fruit salad, Jura Time has been created exclusively for global travelers as they venture on their own journey of time.

In a further homage to its island home, Jura Tide 21 Years Old takes its inspiration from the sandy shores that are lapped by the tide of the East Coast. A single malt whisky with character as sweet as the sweeping beaches of Jura, but with a definitively spicy depth.  From the lively fusion of lemon cake, ginger and creamy caramel to flavours of macaroon, all-spice and gingerbread which give way to frangipane, marzipan and white chocolate, this is a warming whisky with many hidden treasures. Jura Tide 21 Years Old has, this month been awarded a Double Gold at the 2019 ISC awards, the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competition in the world; the accolade is testament to the quality of this aged whisky.

Released annually in limited quantities, each bottle bears its year of bottling and is encased in a unique sandblasted bottle, mimicking the effect that the sea has on glass, and is held in an eye-catching presentation box, perfect for gifting and collecting alike.

Jura Tide will be stocked in key domestic retailers at an RSP of £150 whilst Jura Time will only be available via selective global travel retailers with an RSP of £150.

www.jurawhisky.com

Instagram – Facebook – Twitter @jurawhisky

NOTES

About Jura:

Jura is a tiny Scottish island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Tasting Notes

Jura Time 21 Year Old (47.2% ABV)

RSP – £150

Non chill-filtered

A travel exclusive 21 year old single malt, aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and enhanced by a finish in ex-peated malt casks 

Colour – Dark amber Autumn gold

Nose – Honeyed chocolate, coffee mousse, lemon curd, ginger cake, salted peat smoke

Palate – Turkish delight, fig syrup, roast coffee beans, maple syrup

Jura Tide 21 Year Old (46.7% ABV)

RSP – £150

Non chill-filtered

Available in domestic markets, this 21 year old single malt is aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, further finessed in hand-selected virgin American white oak casks. 

Colour – Satin wood honey gold

Nose – Lemon cake, creamy caramel, pear, ginger biscuits

Palate – Macaroon, all-spice, gingerbread frangipane, marzipan, white chocolate, smoked coconut

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES STATE-OF-THE-ART VISITORS CENTRE

The 25th of July will mark the official opening of Bladnoch Distillery’s new state-of-the-art Visitors Centre in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. The iconic distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland and is owned by Australian businessman, David Prior.

The new Visitors Centre will feature a historical gallery, gift shop, café, and tasting bar serving the entire range of Bladnoch Single Malt Scotch whiskies and Pure Scot Blended Scotch Whiskies. At least two tours of the distillery will  be offered daily during the high season, taking guests on a journey through the distillery’s history and showcasing how Bladnoch Single Malt is crafted on site.

Bladnoch Distillery was founded in 1817 by the McClelland brothers who were some of the first in Scotland to acquire a license to make Scotch Whisky. In 2015, David Prior purchased the distillery with plans to reinvent the Bladnoch Single Malt offering and restore the historic distillery.

He enlisted the help of acclaimed Master Distiller, Ian MacMillan, and has invested over five million pounds into installing all new equipment including two pairs of copper stills from Forsyths of Rothes and six new wooden washbacks. Since 2017, the distillery has produced new make spirit once more, and has launched multiple awardwinning expressions across both of its brands, Bladnoch and Pure Scot.

David Prior said of the re-opening of the historic distillery, “Over the past 4 years my team and I have restored and upgraded the distilling operation of Bladnoch and launched our Bladnoch Single Malts into 30 countries.

The opening of the Visitor Centre represents the final piece of this exciting and rewarding project. We are delighted to welcome guests from all over the world and deliver Bladnoch back to the local community, as an ongoing source of pride and employment.”

Earlier this year, Bladnoch Distillery announced that former Master Distiller of The Macallan, Dr Nick Savage, would join the team as their newly appointed Master Distiller. Nick Savage played an integral part in launching The Macallan Visitor Experience in 2018 and will now lead the team producing whisky in the heart of the Lowlands.

For more information on the Bladnoch Distillery Visitors Centre, please visit www.bladnoch.com/visit-bladnoch/ and sign up to our mailing list for regular updates here: http://eepurl.com/dsUrDn 

IRISH DISTILLERS SWEEPS THE BOARD AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has regained its ‘World Whisky Producer of the Year’ crown at the International Spirits Challenge – winning the Trophy for the first time since 2016 at the prestigious awards ceremony in London last night.

Caption: The Irish Distillers team collect the World Whisky Producer of the Year Trophy at the 2019 ISC ceremony

Irish Distillers scooped the highest recognition for World Whisky at the competition after scoring the highest medals across its family of Irish whiskeys – beating out whiskey portfolios from Ireland, Japan and the USA. The result follows a stellar year at the competition for Midleton Distillery in which it scooped an outstanding 24 medals, including four new Double Gold medals.

Introduced to celebrate the very best in show, whiskeys across the Jameson, Powers and Midleton

ranges were the only Irish whiskeys tasted at the competition to receive the Double Gold honour in 2019. Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, introduced in 2011 as part of Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejeavenating the single pot still Irish whiskey category, scooped a Double Gold medal and also went on to win the Tasting Tropy for the best Irish whiskey.

The International Spirits Challenge also honoured Midleton Very Rare 2018, Powers Three Swallows Release and the newly-released Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength with Double Gold medals, in addition to 5 Gold medals for Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition, Jameson 18 Year Old, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, Redbreast 21 Year Old and Powers Gold Label.

On the continued success of the 2019 awards season, Master Distiller Brian Nation commented: “We are delighted to reclaim our place as World Whisky Producer of the Year at the ISC and to see such excellent results continue across the portfolio as we move further into the 2019 awards season. It’s fantastic to see the Midleton Very Rare family perform so well – an appropriate accolade for the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. These awards are a tribute to the craftsmen and women at Midleton Distillery Co. Cork, past and present, who work tirelessly to produce whiskeys of unrivalled quality. We look forward to seeing what the remainder of the 2019 will bring!”

Now in its 24th year, the International Spirits Challenge is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind, promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe for almost a quarter of a century. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which serves to encourage the high calibre of spirits, designs and campaigns entered into the competition each year. 

Notes  

Full results from the International Spirits Challenge 2019:

• Irish Distillers – World Whisky Producer of the Year
• Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Tasting Trophy / Double Gold medal
• Powers Three Swallow Release – Double Gold medal
• Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength (Batch 1) – Double Gold medal
• Midleton Very Rare 2018 – Double Gold medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold medal
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold medal
• Powers Gold Label – Gold medal
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold medal
• Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold medal
• Jameson Irish Whiskey – Silver medal
• Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver medal
• Jameson Signature – Silver medal
• Jameson Crested – Silver medal
• Jameson Black Barrel – Silver medal
• Jameson Cooper’s Croze – Silver medal
• Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver medal
• Jameson Distiller’s Safe – Silver medal
• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest – Silver medal
• Red Spot Single Pot Still – Silver medal
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still – Silver medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – Silver medal
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – Silver medal
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – Silver medal
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Silver medal 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

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

Wolfburn Wins Top International Honours

Wolfburn’s Langskip single malt whisky has scooped the coveted ‘Best In Show’ award – and won a double gold medal – at the Singapore World Spirits Competition. Langskip also surpassed 29 other brands to be voted ‘Best Scotch Whisky’. It is the second such honour awarded to Langskip following its 2018 release, having already been awarded a double gold medal at the 2018 FiftyBest awards in the US.  Wolfburn’s inaugural Northland expression also won a gold medal at the FiftyBest awards.

“Our hand-crafted whisky is made, matured and bottled on-site by a small but dedicated team of distillers. We’re incredibly proud of the way Wolfburn is made,” says Mark Westmorland, Global Brand Ambassador. “We do everything the traditional way, with great care, and without haste. The resulting whisky continues to win fans all around the world. It’s a wonderful project to be associated with and we’re all hugely proud of what the distillery is achieving.”

The distillery itself has also been bestowed with honours, recently being acclaimed ‘Best Scotch Craft Distillery in the World’ by the highly prestigious Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Masters.  Wolfburn’s whisky is now distributed in 27 countries globally.

Photographs:

1. Wolfburn range of whiskies
2. Wolfburn Distillery production team: L-R: Iain Kerr (manager), Charlie Fraser, Max Paul, Charlie Ross, Innes Mackintosh

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in 27 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn