Benromach unveils limited edition 1978 vintage 

Only 184 bottles of 40-year old Speyside single cask available worldwide 

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd is releasing an extremely rare and limited-edition Scotch malt whisky matured for 40 years in a single Refill Sherry Hogshead cask.

Building on the popularity of previous vintage releases from the 1970s, 184 bottles of Benromach 1978, from cask number 2608, are available for worldwide sale.

The single cask (56.3% abv) whisky has a deep golden hue with an aroma of honey and vanilla, along with ripe fruits, lime and a touch of butterscotch and fresh ginger, with smooth sweetness balanced by a hint of pepper. To taste, it has notes of pear and kiwi, with chocolate and spices, and a touch of subtle peat smoke on the finish.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, said: “Over the 40 years that this intriguing whisky was maturing, it drew incredible depth, character and flavours from the wood. Outside the cask, the distillery was evolving and changing. After it closed in 1983, the distillery lay silent for more than 15 years before it was purchased by the Urquhart family in 1993 and reopened in 1998.

“Our carefully chosen Heritage single cask releases give Benromach lovers the opportunity to taste moments in time from the distillery’s rich history. We are confident our 1978 vintage will surpass expectations and are proud to be releasing such a rare and precious whisky during the 20^th anniversary year of distilling restarting here at Benromach.”

Benromach 1978 is beautifully presented in a decanter-style bottle with shapes and textures inspired by the distillery. The bottle has a copper-foil embossed label and nestles in a dark oak wooden box, representing the original washbacks at Benromach. The copper cut medallion on the packaging signifies the moment in time when the distillers cut to the sweet heart of the spirit run.

The Benromach 1978 is available worldwide from 5th December 2018 with a recommended retail price (RRP) in the UK of £1,250 (€1,410). Prices in local markets will vary depending on local taxes and duty.

Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the range of expressions available, please visit: www.benromach.com.

Notes 

Tasting Notes

Pour your dram of Benromach 1978, cask number 2608, and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky.

First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful deep golden hue created by lingering for 40 years in a single Refill Sherry Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character.

Take a short inhalation, appreciating the wonderful aromas without water… enjoy the rich, sweet notes of honey and vanilla, mingling with ripe fruits, tangy lime and a touch of butterscotch and fresh ginger.

Now take a sip. Savour the smooth sweetness beautifully balanced by a hint of pepper. Top notes of oak mingle with succulent pear and kiwi, rich dark chocolate and dried tobacco, with lingering spices and a wisp of peat smoke on the finish.

Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops…  aromas of luscious raspberry and rhubarb mingle with creamy vanilla custard and vibrant lime zest followed by a subtle edge of fresh menthol.

Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a creamy sweetness with a touch of warm pepper immediately emerges. Notes of poached summer berries and rich dark chocolate follow, leading to a subtle and lingering wisp of peat smoke on the finish.

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.

The WhiskyBarrel.com releases their latest whisky exclusives; two brand new single sherry cask bottlings of 1992 vintage 26 Year Old GlenDronach. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release two exclusive single cask bottlings from the Highland distillery, GlenDronach. These have been selected and approved by Rachel Barrie and her team for TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Distilled in June 1992 and bottled in 2018, the GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Cask #8314 has an ABV of 52% and an attractive bronze appearance. Tasting notes provided by GlenDronach describe a nose of ‘dark chocolate and figs’ and a palate of ‘roasted chestnuts and Christmas spices.’

Also distilled in June 1992 and bottled in 2018, the GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Cask #8315 has a slightly higher ABV of 51.8% and a copper appearance. Tasting notes provided by GlenDronach describe a nose of ‘toffee popcorn and Cantaloupe melon’ and a palate of ‘marzipan, pineapple skin and hints of freshly ground rose pepper.’

The GlenDronach Distillery sits in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills near Aberdeenshire. It is named after the source of its water; the Dronac burn. Founded in 1826, the distillery was one of the first licensed distilleries. Throughout the years, GlenDronach has maintained its true Highland style that stands it apart from other malts. Renowned as the masters of sherry cask maturation, the Highland whiskies are well recognised by their deep colour and rich flavours.

GlenDronach has a very strong reputation in the whisky world. The Highland distillery under the ownership of Brown-Forman has continued to release highly prized single cask scotch. The Whisky Barrel is, therefore, delighted to have 706 bottles of Cask #8314 and 720 bottles of Cask #8315. Both are exceptional whiskies, full of character and flavour.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan. 

GlenDronach 26 Year Old Exclusive | 1992 | Cask #8314 for TheWhiskyBarrel.com | 52%

GlenDronach 26 Year Old Exclusive | 1992 | Cask #8315 for TheWhiskyBarrel.com | 51.8%

Tasting notes – Cask #8314 

Colour: Bronze

Nose: Dark chocolate, sultanas, dried apricot and figs. 

Taste: Roasted chestnuts with figs and Christmas spices. Apples and pear compote. 

Finish: Lasting sweetness balanced by the spices and nuts.

Price: £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P) 

Tasting notes – Cask #8315 

Colour: Copper

Nose: Toffee popcorn and chocolate covered caramel nuts. Cantaloupe melon. 

Taste: Marzipan and sticky toffee. Grass, pineapple skin and hints of freshly ground rose pepper. 

Finish: A big finish bringing the sweet and earthy notes in a burst. The slightly higher ABV is notable. 

Price: £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P) 

Notice :-

Q) What is the product called?
A)  GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Exclusive Cask #8314 and GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Exclusive Cask #8315.

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) Wednesday 28^th of November 2018.

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P)

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?

A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A)  Cask #8314 52% ABV natural cask strength.

Cask #8315 51.8% ABV natural cask strength.

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

Notes 

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

 BILLY LEIGHTON JOINS THE WHISKY MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton distillery, has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in a special ceremony at The Dean Hotel, Dublin. Billy was bestowed the great honour in recognition of his 42 years in the industry and contribution to the growth of the Irish whiskey category with Irish Distillers.

The Icons of Whiskey Ireland aim to recognise the diversity and passion within the Irish whiskey industry today. The awards are presented by Rob Allanson, Editor of Whisky Magazine who said: “Billy Leighton is an Irish whiskey legend. His contribution to the revival of single pot still whiskey has re-shaped the Irish whiskey landscape and whiskey fans around the world owe him a debt of gratitude. On behalf of Whisky Magazine, I’m delighted to welcome Billy into the Hall of Fame and look forward to seeing what he’s got up his sleeve next.”

With almost a decade of experience as Master Blender behind him, Billy has diligently managed the mature stocks of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork and used his logistical nous to forecast future demands. Some of Billy’s finest triumphs have come in the past 10 years with the revival of the much-loved Redbreast whiskey amongst his greatest achievements. The launch of Redbreast Dream Cask in May 2018 has arguably been the crowning glory of his work with Ireland’s most famous single pot still whiskey and will be remembered as Billy’s dream whiskey.

Billy, commented: “I’m deeply honoured to join the pantheon of whiskey greats in the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, not least an old mentor of mine, Barry Crockett. It has been a pleasure to watch Irish whiskey regain its rightful place amongst the world’s leading spirits and I hope I’ve been able to make a contribution to this. Finally, I must thank the rest of the production team, past and present, whose dedication to craft and excellence has supported in the creation of some of the finest Irish whiskeys of all time, it’s been a pleasure and I look forward to what we can conjure up next.”

Conor McQuaid, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at Irish Distillers, commented: “It is a pleasure to offer my congratulations to Billy Leighton upon his induction to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame – he has been a true inspiration to Irish Distillers and the wider whiskey world over the course of his many years of dedicated service. His commitment to crafting whiskey that is worthy of revitalising the category has inspired a whole new generation with Irish whiskey and for this we will be forever grateful. We doth our cap to Billy and raise a glass in tribute to our Master Blender.”

Irish Distillers was also honoured with a number of top accolades including Visitor Attraction of the Year and Irish Whiskey Producer of the year.

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 28 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.

Gordon & MacPhail unveils new ultra-rare single malts from its Private Collection range

The latest releases include the oldest Caol Ila whisky ever bottled

Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has released two stunning new additions to its ‘Private Collection’ range: a 64-Years-Old single malt from Glenlivet Distillery and a landmark 50-Years-Old from Caol Ila Distillery – the oldest Caol Ila single malt ever released.

The newly redesigned ‘Private Collection’ range encompasses rare and exclusive single malt whiskies from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries, all of which have been specially selected for bottling by a member of the Urquhart family that owns Gordon & MacPhail.

Gordon & MacPhail 1968 from Caol Ila Distillery was matured in a refill Sherry hogshead and bottled at a cask strength of 52.5% ABV. Warming spice leads on the palate, followed by fruity flavours with a gentle Sherry influence, before a lingering finish of bonfire embers entwined with lemon zest. Available at a UK RRP of £7,500*, only 199 decanters of this extremely rare single malt are available worldwide.

The dark gold Gordon & MacPhail 1954 from Glenlivet Distillery carefully balances the sweetness of golden syrup, stewed fruit, and dark chocolate with spicy black peppercorn and mature oak. Matured in Cask 1412, a carefully selected refill Sherry butt, the 64-year-old malt was bottled at a cask strength of 41.0% ABV. Only 222 bottles are available globally, at a UK RRP of £9,950*.

These ultra-rare single malts were selected for bottling by Stuart Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Associate Director of Whisky Supply and member of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family. Beautifully presented in hand-blown crystal decanters, each whisky is encased within a handmade wooden veneer box.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige and fourth generation member of the Urquhart family, said: “Our ’Private Collection’ range allows discerning whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy some of the oldest and rarest single malts in the world. These latest releases epitomise the expertise and commitment that has gone into pairing spirit and cask over 123 years and four generations of the Urquhart family. Thanks to the foresight of my forefathers, we have one of the most extensive single malt whisky libraries in the world, with expressions from over 100 Scottish distilleries.”

The latest ‘Private Collection’ releases will be available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers.

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail’s ‘Private Collection’ visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Notes 

Tasting notes

Gordon & MacPhail 1954 from Glenlivet Distillery (Private Collection)

41.0% ABV, outturn of 222 bottles, UK RRP £9,950

Colour: Dark gold.

Aroma: Initially sweet with hints of brown sugar and toffee apple; light herbal aromas evolve into candy notes. Traces of cinnamon and aniseed add depth whilst sweetness arrives from lemon curd, and vanilla undertones. Aromatic fresh-roasted coffee beans balance orange zest.

Taste: Silky, smooth and intense golden syrup mingles with stewed fruit and rum and raisin. Touches of dark chocolate complement the delicate Sherry flavours. Sweet brown sugar remains whilst hints of walnut add a slightly drying aspect.

Finish: A refined and elegant dram with a black peppercorn and lingering mature oak finish.

Gordon & MacPhail 1968 from Caol Ila Distillery (Private Collection)

52.5% ABV, outturn of 199 bottles, UK RRP £7,500

Colour: Dark gold.

Aroma: Delicate wisps of peat smoke combine with aromas of honey-cured meats and vanilla pods. Fruitcake-laden notes of nuts, raisins, and plump sultanas develop. A hint of menthol runs throughout. Undertones of zesty citrus and aromatic lemongrass linger.

Taste: A refined and subtle, yet warming, spice opens into raspberry, cranberry, and sweet baked apple flavours. Thick cut Seville orange marmalade and gentle Sherry influences develop with time. Mature oak notes add a slightly drying character.

Finish: A lingering finish of smouldering bonfire embers combine delicately with lemon zest and charred oak.

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.

The World’s Leading Bartender School Launches Exclusive 4-Day Whisky Experience at Award-Winning Distillery 

Unique opportunity to stay on-site at the Glenfiddich distillery in the ‘malt whisky capital of the world’, for an in-depth understanding of the world of Scotch whisky.

BARCELONA, Spain 28/11/18 – An experience only previously available to VIP guests invited by Glenfiddich is now open to all Scotch whisky enthusiasts, connoisseurs and novices alike who are longing for an enhanced and in-depth experience of Scotch whisky that normal distillery tours would not provide.

European Bartender School (EBS) and their partners William Grant & Sons have teamed up to create an immersive four-day expedition to the Glenfiddich distillery in the heart of Speyside, Scotland for an intense and enlightening sensory journey through each stage of Scotch whisky production. The first expedition launched on the 1st October, the following trip took place a month later and three new dates have now been announced for February, March and April of 2019 due to the success of the first trips. Limited to just 15 places per trip, this expedition retains a sense of exclusivity as those taking part have the chance to explore all areas of the distillery in the more intimate setting of a smaller group, allowing them to come into close contact with every single stage of the production process, the product, their guides and the experts they will meet along the way.

With 1,2 billion bottles of Scotch whisky sold every year in around 200 markets, there has never been a better time to gain exclusive insight into this ever-expanding industry, and no better place to do so than the Glenfiddich distillery, producer of the world’s best-selling and Most Awarded Single Malt Whisky. With accommodation at the distillery itself, comprehensive tours, tasting sessions and even the opportunity for participants to make their own blend, this expedition provides the opportunity to live and breathe all things Scotch whisky in a way that has never been possible before.

“It’s the first time we are opening our distillery accommodation to the public. The course promises to be hands-on, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable in a beautiful corner of Scotland at the Glenfiddich distillery,” says Ludovic Ducrocq, Head of Brand Ambassador Advocacy, William Grant & Sons.

For further details about the expedition, please find the press kit here.

To get in touch with European Bartender School, please email us at pr@barschool.net

ABOUT EUROPEAN BARTENDER SCHOOL

European Bartender School is the world’s leading bartender school.

Since 1999, we have trained 50,000+ students worldwide in the art of bartending. We now have 25+ schools across the globe and work with the industry’s elite bartenders and brands.
Twitter: @ebsbarschools 

ABOUT WILLIAM GRANT & SONS AND GLENFIDDICH

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder and Drambuie.

https://www.glenfiddich.com/

EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April. Priced at ￡64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.

Media Release;

UNLEASHING THE NEW LOUDER AND BOLDER SMOKEHEAD ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Ian Macleod unveils the new look for Smokehead, the distiller has also revealed an intense new expression which is not for the faint hearted: Smokehead High Voltage.

Commenting on the new expression and bold new look, Iain Weir, Brand Director for Smokehead said: “Smokehead has always challenged the traditional whisky world with its unconventional look and attitude, appealing to the younger and adventurous whisky drinker. We’ve turned up the volume right across the brand. It’s not for everyone, but that’s ok”.

 “And if Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. Louder, bolder and more intense than getting put in a headlock from an angry roadie.”

The iconic skull logo now plays a much more dominant role on the label and striking gift tin. It takes on a more evocative and free-spirited style, with a rush of smoke blowing through the head to create an element of defiance.

One thing that hasn’t changed though is its bold and award-winning taste which still takes you on a fiery rollercoaster of peat, smoke and spice with a little delicate sweetness thrown in.

Smokehead is a premium whisky, as independent, strong and single minded as the people who drink it.

‘Smokehead’ and ‘Smokehead High Voltage’ are both available through specialists and multiples worldwide. Smokehead RRP £38.99 and High Voltage RRP £54.99.

 TASTING NOTES:

‘Smokehead’ (43% ABV) 

• The First Impression: The aroma of something powerful and fiery awaiting you. Thick, heavy woodsmoke. Rich, earthy peat. Extremes of spice and sweetness. Fresh lemon, zesty ginger, rich plum jam.
• The Full-on Flavour: An explosion of breathtaking peppery, peaty heat, soothed by honeyed sweetness, before the smoke comes to the fore again.
• The Finale: Exotic spices and a curious citrus tang of mandarin, both lulling you into a false sense of calm as the peat roars back to hit your senses again.

‘SmokeHead High Voltage’ (58% ABV)

• The First Impression: Breathe it in and feel the rush of spirit hit the senses and the nose prickle. Intense peat and smoke, maritime air, porridge oats, clean vanilla and toffee.
• The Full-on Flavour: A burn of hot spirit and the mouth fills with smoke, feeling almost thick with oiliness before softening and becoming creamier, with nutty, briny and citrus notes.
• The Finale: The mouth is almost in shock, numb and tingling. A sweetness mixes nicely with the slowly fading smoke, leaving a salty tang.

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead  

NOTES

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky.
• Award-winning premium whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian MacLeod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.

BEAM SUNTORY DONATES $100,000 TO OPERATION HOMEFRONT’S HOLIDAY MEALS FOR MILITARY

A 10-year partnership, contributions top $3.5 million, with over 90,000 military families served

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 1993 VINTAGE O.F.C. BOURBON WHISKEY

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov 20, 2018) – The year was 1993, and while “The X Files” debuted on national television and “Jurassic Park” broke box office records, Buffalo Trace Distillery quietly distilled and then laid away some of its bourbon to slumber, undisturbed, for 25 years, to be exact.

Now that bourbon has been bottled, and the result is the next offering of the O.F.C. Vintage Bourbon, set to release in December.   Although limited, there are more bottles available of this 1993 vintage than the previous O.F.C. Vintage dated releases from 1985, 1989, and 1990.

Like its predecessors, the 1993 Vintage will arrive in a wooden display box containing a provenance card.  Inside the wooden box lies a crystal bottle with real copper lettering in-laid in the bottle with a hand applied paper label. The label on the back of the bottle notes the milestones for the year 1993. The provenance card contains the same information found on the back label.

The O. F. C. vintage-dated bourbons has a name derived from this National Historic Landmark’s original moniker – the O.F.C. Distillery – renowned for producing top class whiskey during its tenure.

Tasting notes for this 25-year-old bourbon describe it as having a nose of dark cherry, honey, and smoked oak.  On the palate, notes of caramel, toasted vanilla, and cocoa are found.  For the finish, coffee, maple syrup and oak linger.

“It’s hard to believe that the same year this bourbon was made, in 1993, the world wide web was just becoming a ‘thing,’ and introduced to the public domain,” said  Harlen Wheatley, master distiller.  “Now when you think of how far everything has come, from a technology standpoint to bourbon’s popularity again, it’s mind blowing.  What’s really amazing is how solid this bourbon is, and how the taste and integrity have held up. It’s a real tribute to Elmer and Gary Gayheart and the rest of the team at the Distillery for this vintage to have this consistency and taste this good after aging for 25 years.”

This 1993 Vintage is actually the third release of the O.F.C. Vintage whiskey, but the second offered for sale. In the fall of 2016 Buffalo Trace Distillery released three vintage-dated bourbons, exclusively to non-profit organizations at no charge to raise money for their causes. Those bottles, from 1980, 1982, and 1983 were auctioned at charity last spring, and raised nearly $1.2 million for a variety of causes such as cancer services, cystic fibrosis, leukemia and lymphoma, children’s rights, autism, military veterans, animal protection, arts foundations, and many more.

Suggested retail pricing for this collectable and very limited 1993 O.F.C. Vintage Bourbon is $2,500.  More information about the O.F.C. line can be found at https://ofcvintages.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.

Jewish Whisky Company Announces Significant Changes in 2019 for Single Cask Nation and Whisky Jewbilee

Building off 2017’s successful expansion of Single Cask Nation from a membership-only model to offering additional single cask bottlings of malt whisky, grain whisky via retail stores, Jewish Whisky Company plans a further expansion of their Single Cask Nation line of independently bottled whiskies into UK, European and Canadian markets in 2019.

“We constantly see great demand for our whiskies from many non-US markets,” said Jason Johnstone-Yellin, the company’s COO, “and as a result, we are keen to break into these markets while mirroring how we currently operate in the US.”

Jewish Whisky Company offers two separate outlets for Single Cask Nation sales: online, referred to internally and amongst their membership as ‘Special Projects Division,’ and retail. Single Cask Nation retail bottlings are currently available in the following US states: CA, CT, IL, LA, MA, NJ, NY, RI, WI, and IN with additional states being added as part of a national rollout in 2019.

“We’re proud of the fact that we bottled 28 casks in 2018 across both online and retail platforms,” said Joshua Hatton, the company’s CEO, “but we have every intention of tripling that number in 2019.”

With grand plans in place for 2019 and beyond the company has decided to mothball their globally regarded Whisky Jewbilee whisky festival to allow the needed time and focus to successfully realize their 2019 Single Cask Nation aspirations.

Whisky Jewbilee was built as a whisky geek’s whisky festival and, in the minds of Hatton and Johnstone-Yellin, must continue to evolve and innovate, challenging those very same whisky geeks who helped reinforce the reputation of the events across the United States. With an aggressive expansion plan in place for Single Cask Nation in 2019 there is no longer adequate time or focus to keep the Whisky Jewbilee held in high regard. Accordingly, the decision has been made to mothball the Whisky Jewbilee while tickets remain in high demand. All thirteen events have sold out and online publications like the Spirits Business and ScotchWhisky.com have named Whisky Jewbilee among the world’s top whisky festivals.

“We never want to phone-in any Jewbilee event,” said Hatton, ”The support Whisky Jewbilee has received in New York City since its inception in 2012, combined with the support it has garnered since it first started moving west to include Chicago in 2015 and Seattle in 2016, has been unbelievable and very much appreciated. Whisky Jewbilee attendees have a reputation unsurpassed on the whisky festival circuit. We’ll miss seeing so many familiar faces at future Jewbilee events but we’ll still visit these wonderful markets to share new Single Cask Nation releases.”

While both Hatton and Johnstone-Yellin lament the need to mothball Whisky Jewbilee, Johnstone-Yellin said “when we launched our company in 2011 it was with the intention of being an independent bottler first. While operating a whisky festival has been fun it’s time to refocus on our number one priority and, as such, mothballing the event is necessary to ensure that our UK, European, and Canadian expansion starting in 2019 is as successful as we can make it.”

About Jewish Whisky Company:

Established in 2011 , Jewish Whisky Company is the first and only US-based independent bottler of scotch, bourbon, rye, rum, and other world spirits. Owned and operated by Joshua Hatton and Jason Johnstone-Yellin, the company is home to Single Cask Nation, Whisky Jewbilee, WhiskyGeek Tours, and One Nation Under Whisky podcast. For more information, visit www.jewishwhiskycompany.com or contact Joshua & Jason at info@jewishwhiskycompany.com .

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAYS WITH ITS 20^TH ANNUAL “LIGHTING OF THE TRACE”

Distillery Lighting kicks off the season, new drive-through light display route begins

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 27, 2017) – If you hear sleigh bells jingling, that’s because the holidays come to Buffalo Trace Distillery this Thursday evening, Nov. 29, for the Distillery’s 20^th annual “Lighting of the Trace.”  At this fun, family event, the Distillery will kick off the season with a host of holiday festivities for its 20^th year, and debut a brand new route for its drive-through lights display.

This jolly evening will be complete with guaranteed snow, refreshments, carols, Christmas stories read by Santa’s elves, and of course a visit from “the jolly old man” himself.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a special candlelight tour of the Distillery will start, featuring carolers from the choir at Kentucky State University along the tour route.

Then, at 6:30 p.m. Franklin County Judge Executive, Huston Wells, will press the “magic button” that will light up more than 145,000 lights across the Distillery, including several new light features.

Directly following the Lighting ceremony there will be pictures with Santa Claus in the Clubhouse as the KSU choir sings more holiday carols. Cookies will also be served along with hot chocolate to keep you warm.

The Buffalo Trace Gift Shop will be open until 7:30 p.m. that evening for all your holiday shopping needs.  Plenty of great holiday gift ideas are in stock, including holiday gift baskets, food products, specialty clothing and much more.

Beginning at 8 p.m. the Distillery’s drive-through light display will open for motorists to drive through, ending at 10 p.m. Volunteers will be on hand to guide motorists through the new route.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Ky. Visitors are asked to enter at the main Distillery entrance. Event parking signs will be posted.  There is no charge for this event or the candlelight tour and it will take place regardless of weather conditions.

If you are unable to make it to the Lighting, Santa will return to the distillery Dec. 6, 7 and 8 from 6-8 p.m. Please visit Santa in the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. Visitors are also invited to drive through the Distillery grounds nightly from dusk to 10 p.m. Nov. 30 through Jan. 1.  The Distillery will be a winter wonderland with thousands of lights and colorful displays as in years’ past.  If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Hobbs at 502-696-5983 or rhobbs@buffalotrace.com.

Please note children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event. There will be no unaccompanied children permitted to enter the Buffalo Trace grounds. No pets other than service animals are allowed on the grounds.

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 as well as is 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