FIRST STEP UNDERWAY IN CREATION OF NEW ARDARA DISTILLERY

Sliabh Liag Distillers apply for planning permission

Sliabh Liag Distillers have taken the first step in their ambitious plan to bring whiskey distilling back to Donegal for the first time in 177 years.  The distillery which produces The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, has acquired the Show Field in Ardara, and will be formally submitting a planning application to Donegal County Council this week.

Led by company directors, James and Moira Doherty and James Keith, construction for the whiskey distillery is scheduled to start later this year, subject to planning approval, with distilling operations commencing in 2020. The new building has been carefully designed by Corner Stone Architecture to complement the village and its natural surroundings.

The new €6m distillery aims to employ at least 40 people and will have the capacity to produce 400,000 litres of pure alcohol per annum, which equates to approximately 1700 filled casks, and over 1.2m bottles of whiskey when the spirit is finally sold.  As well as producing whiskey, the company’s An Dúlamán gin still will be moved from its current location in Carrick to the new building, and a visitor centre is also planned.  The visitor centre will include a poitín museum, exhibition space, tasting bar and shop and will be an additional reason for tourists on the Wild Atlantic Way to stop in Ardara.  There will be no café or restaurant, with visitors encouraged to make use of the village’s many offerings.

The company plans to create a number of brands, including the Ardara and Sliabh Liag single malt and pot still whiskeys, heavily peated and authentic to the style of 19^th century whiskeys from the county.

Commenting on the news, James Doherty, Managing Director of Sliabh Liag Distillers, said: “The design of the development is a mix of contemporary and traditional finishes which complement the village of Ardara. We have put considerable thought into the visitor experience and aim to create an opportunity for visitors to park in the village, walk along the Owentocker river, across a new footbridge and into the Show Field. It is important to us that local businesses benefit from the foot fall, and if we can get visitors walking in the village, increasing their dwell time, then so much the better for the entire community.”

“Enhancing Ardara’s offering to its community and visitors has been a major consideration throughout the design process.   We intend to conserve the portion of the land nearest to the village as an open green space, with walk ways and ponds providing a beautifully landscaped area to be enjoyed by everybody,” added James.

Gavin Shovelin of Corner Stone Architecture said: “We have really enjoyed working on this exciting project and designing such a major landmark for what is my home town. We see spin offs for all aspects of the community and have designed a building that we think is truly unique but will look very much part of the town.”

Following a public consultation in Ardara on 2^nd April at The Nesbitt Arms Hotel, the Planning Application is being submitted on the 4^th April.

https://www.sliabhliagdistillers.com/

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS UK APPOINTS ALEX WALKER AS GLENFIDDICH NATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR 

Monday 1st April, 2019: Independent family distillers, William Grant & Sons UK has confirmed that former Artesian bartender, Alex Walker, has taken on the role of National Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich, with immediate effect.

Alex’s new role will see him focus on elevating brand awareness and understanding, by bringing to life Glenfiddich’s experimental nature; and bridging communications between the brand and whisky drinkers, bars & restaurants, retailers and press.

Alex takes over from Stephen Rutherford, who previously held the role as Glenfiddich National Brand Ambassador, up until last year when he took on the position of Glenfiddich UK Brand Manager.

Stephen Rutherford, Glenfiddich UK Brand Manager said: “Alex has proved himself to be an exceptional candidate and a passionate whisky enthusiast, ticking all of the boxes for the role. He is a welcome addition to the team and I look forward to working with him to drive Glenfiddich’s brand advocacy forward with the exciting upcoming projects we have lined up.”

Alex said: “I am extremely excited to be joining the William Grant & Sons UK family. It is a huge honour and privilege to work for a brand that represents over 130 years of history, heritage, and experimentation. I can’t wait to be part of this journey and help craft future success for Glenfiddich!”

Notes

About Alex Walker:

Alex has travelled much of the world pursuing his passion for whisky and has a strong interest for the hospitality industry. He began his career in Australia, before returning to the UK, to work at Elixir Tonics & Treats, one of Manchester’s best-known neighbourhood bars. In 2016 he moved to London, where he worked in two of the city’s (and the world’s) most prestigious hotels bars; The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy and Artesian at The Langham.

Alex’s reputation precedes him, with his portfolio of successes including the Jack Daniels Tennessee Calling III Winner 2018, Beefeater MIXLND UK finalist and Global Finalist 2018 and UK winner of the 1800 Visionaries 2017.  During his career, he has also developed a flair for detail as he judged the finals of both the 1800 Visionaries UK 2018 and The Herno Gin Cup UK 2018.

You can follow him on Instagram: @Alexanderjameswhisky

About William Grant & Sons

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®, Milagro® Tequila, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder, and Drambuie.

For more information please visit: http://www.williamgrant.com Follow us on Instagram: @WilliamGrantUK

THE MILK & HONEY DISTILLERY JOINS THE MAVERICK DRINKS (UK) PORTFOLIO

Israel’s first whisky distillery names award-winning

Maverick Drinks exclusive UK distributor for its unique portfolio

Tel Aviv – March 2019: The Milk & Honey Distillery (M&H Distillery) has named Maverick Drinks as the exclusive UK distributor for its collection of whiskies, gins and herbal liqueurs.

Founded in 2012, The M&H Distillery is the first whisky distillery to open in Israel. Dedicated to genuine artisanal processes and passionate about creating high-quality liquid, The M&H Distillery’s team creates young single malt spirit, Levantine Gin and herbal liqueurs. They will be bringing Israel’s first Single Malt Whisky to the UK market in late 2019.

The M&H Distillery is located in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv which, with a raft of cocktail bars and restaurants opening in recent years, has become a destination for discerning food and drink aficionados.

Due to Tel Aviv’s hot and humid weather, The M&H Distillery’s whisky matures and extracts barrel flavour quickly, giving its young spirit plenty of flavour and characteristics of a whisky aged for much longer in a colder climate. Its current Young Single Malt is matured in three types of cask (bourbon, red wine and Islay) providing intense notes of black cherry and red berry fruits with hints of vanilla, candyfloss and a subtle smokiness.

Also in The M&H Distillery’s core range is its award-winning Levantine Gin, which features local botanicals like Za’atar (hyssop), lemon peel, orange and lemon verbena, and is also available oak aged. The distillery also makes an interesting herbal liqueur called ROOTS filled with delicious regional ingredients such as cardamom, thyme, almonds, coriander and jasmine. The final piece in the puzzle is the New Make, which is the base for all of the M&H Spirits, including the Young Single Malt and the Levantine Gin. All five spirits, alongside The M&H Distillery’s burgeoning range of products, will join the Maverick Drinks portfolio and are available to UK partners now.

Michael Vachon, Maverick’s Head of Brand Development, says; “The M&H Distillery is rightfully taking its place as a leader in the New World whisky category. Israel’s Mediterranean climate, unique among significant whisky producers, coupled with the innovative production methods laid down by the late Dr Jim Swan, an expert on warm weather distilling, mean their spirits have a real depth and maturity to them that is on par with (or better than) many much older whiskies.”

Eitan Attir, CEO of The M&H Distillery said: “The M&H Distillery is very enthusiastic about this future long term partnership with Maverick Drinks, who we believe is the best partner to develop and build the brand. The UK is one of our first markets outside of Israel and we are excited to bring to the country a bit of our Tel Avivian sun and fine spirit.”

The M&H Distillery joins Maverick Drinks’ growing roster of unique international craft spirits brands including Ableforth’s, Balcones, Bluecoat Gin, Brenne, Darkness!, Drinks by the Dram, Empirical Spirits,  FEW Spirits, Kyrö Distillery Company, Mr Lyan, New York Distilling Company, Oslo Distillery,Smooth Ambler, St George Spirits, Teeling, That Boutique-y Gin Company, That Boutique-y Rum Company, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Widow Jane and Wolfburn.

For more information about The M&H distillery, visit mh-distillery.com.

About The Milk & Honey Distillery

Milk & Honey Distillery (M&H), established by entrepreneur and investor Gal Kalkstein, is Israel’s first whisky distillery. The distillery produces high quality distillates and a commission on the first Israeli whisky, the first of which is being aged in casks and will be available at the end of 2019. All raw materials, equipment, casks and processes were selected to ensure that the final product – whether white distillates or aged whisky – meets the highest quality standards and taste. Milk & Honey received guidance and advice from Dr. Jim Swan, a world-renowned master distiller. All the products of the distillery are kosher.

About Maverick Drinks 

Maverick Drinks is on a mission to help its partners reduce their reliance on mainstream brands by introducing them to better quality products that their customers will love. Consumers are increasingly looking for products with provenance, authenticity and craftsmanship and Maverick Drinks is leading the craft spirits movement in the UK, having been awarded IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Our spirits are made available through our ever-growing network of partners, which include drinks wholesalers, high street outlets, online retailers and many more.

‘Ten Wee Drams’

On April 11th, Raasay Distillery will be hosting a live performance of ‘Ten Wee Drams’, a new set of works for solo bass and contrabass clarinet commissioned and performed by celebrated musician Sarah Watts. 

Sarah Watts has been hosting annual clarinet and bass clarinet courses on the Isle of Raasay for ten years. To celebrate this milestone anniversary she commissioned the composition of ten pieces which will be premiered at the Raasay Distillery this April.

Each Wee Dram takes inspiration from past and current culture, heritage, folklore and landscape of Raasay. Nine of the Wee Drams are by Scottish based composers Piers Hellawell, Alasdair Nicolson, Stuart MacRae, Iain Matheson, Oliver Searle, Jane Stanley, Pete Stollery, William Sweeney, and Sarah Watts. The tenth is by emerging composer Adam Lee – winner of the Ten Wee drams student competition.

The concert will take place in the distillery Gathering Room from 2.30pm (doors open at 2pm) with stunning views over to Skye, the afternoon will feature Sarah performing the Ten Wee Drams in a set lasting approximately 45 minutes. This event is free to attend and there will be a licensed bar, tea, coffee, and cakes.

Darren Clarke

Putting extra work in on the range

Loch Lomond Whiskies adds new golfing special editions 

Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled two new special edition single malts to celebrate the award-winning independent distiller’s second year as The Spirit of The Open.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2019, created in conjunction with Loch Lomond Whiskies’ golf ambassador Colin Montgomerie and Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection Royal Portrush 19 Year Old, crafted with former Open Champion Darren Clarke, also a Loch Lomond Whiskies golf brand ambassador, are designed to showcase the worlds of whisky and golf; two of Scotland’s most iconic exports.

The Open Special Edition 2019 encompasses four different spirit styles to deliver the distillery’s distinct fruity character underpinned with a gentle hint of peat and smoke. A complex single malt, it offers a vibrant palette of peach and pear, enhanced using specially selected spirit distilled from wine yeast fermentations. Notes of creamy vanilla oak and maple syrup add an air of sweetness before subtle peat smoke emerges, providing a balanced finish.

Crafted by Loch Lomond Whiskies’ master blender Michael Henry in partnership with brand ambassador Colin Montgomerie, who has won a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles, Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2019 is presented in a distinctive green golf-inspired box baring  Monty’s signature and is a perfect addition to any whisky collection. A limited edition release, Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2019  is priced at £37, and will be available to purchase worldwide from April 2019.

In honour of the 148^th Open Championship, which is returning to Northern Ireland after a near 70-year absence, Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection Royal Portrush has also been created. The 19-year-old single malt was crafted in partnership with Loch Lomond Whiskies’ ambassador Darren Clarke, who has won 21 tournaments internationally including the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s in England.

To create the edition, Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender Michael Henry worked with Clarke to carefully select casks from the distillery’s onsite cooperage that capture the fruit character achieved by Loch Lomond’s innovative straight neck stils.  Matured in American Oak, the liquid was then finished in claret casks as an homage to the famous Open trophy, and as a result has developed a stunning rose colour. It has also help to deliver a beautifully balanced single malt, rich in honey sweetness with tropical fruits coming to the fore.

The release’s rich green packaging, which is signed by Clarke, depicts a map of Royal Portrush Golf Club course in the centre, creating what it is set to be a highly prized collector’s item. Priced at £150, Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection Royal Portrush has an ABV of 50.3% and is available globally from April 2019.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Monty and Darren Clarke are two of the most respected players in European golf, and it’s fantastic to be working with them to raise awareness of Loch Lomond Whiskies around the world. We’re confident our new special releases developed in conjunction with the pair will be a great success among both golf and whisky fans.”

Commenting on the new releases, Clarke said: “The release of my own signature edition single malt marks an incredibly proud summer for me. To be able to tee up alongside the world’s best golfers at a course that I call home is incredibly special. To do it with The Official Spirit of The Open by my side is the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Colin Montgomerie

Fellow legend of the fairways Montgomerie added: “I had the pleasure of meeting fans in the Loch Lomond Whiskies bar at The Open last year, so I know first hand about the passion for whisky that the golfing public has.

“I know the new special editions will prove a huge hit again this year at Royal Portrush and I can’t wait to share a wee dram in July!”

Loch Lomond Whiskies is set to release an additional premium expression this summer which celebrates Colin Montgomerie’s achievements through his 30 year career. One of golf’s most successful players, Montgomerie has claimed more than 50 tournament victories and was the European No. 1 for an unprecedented seven years.

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based in Alexandria, near Loch Lomond, agreed a five-year partnership with The R&A in February 2018.  Known as “The One”, The Open is the most international of the major championships with qualifying events across five continents. The Championship is also broadcast to 600 million households in almost 200 countries around the world.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “We are proud to launch two limited editons to mark this year’s Open, which returns to Royal Portrush for the first time in almost 70 years. Each expression harnesses the spirit of our Loch Lomond distillery, conveying a fruity character punctuated with deep, complex flavours and delivering a rich mouth feel.

“Personally, these releases mean a great deal to me. Hailing originally from Northern Ireland, it is highly rewarding to be showcasing Scotch whisky to my home country and to have the opportunity to celebrate Royal Portrush.”

The Loch Lomond special editions will launch for sale in April. For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

The Open Collection

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 2018 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
• GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond Original Single Malt Scotch

• Loch Lomond Whiskies signed a five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open in February 2019. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150^th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.
• For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Glenmorangie’s vintage collection reveals a whisky of implausible harmony

—  Rich plum limited edition celebrates Highland Distillery’s wood-finish pioneers —

A Highland single malt which marries two profoundly different whiskies in
implausible harmony, is today revealed as the fourth release in Glenmorangie’s celebrated Bond House No. 1 vintage collection.

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1991 takes its rich plum character from two parcels of whisky which, ordinarily, would never be brought together. One was finished in oloroso sherry casks for sweetness and spice. It seems utterly incongruous with the other, finished in Burgundy casks for earthy and truffle notes. Yet, united  with skill, their contrasts create this surprisingly mellow 26-year-old limited edition – the latest in a collection exploring some of the Distillery’s most prized parcels of aged whisky.

Glenmorangie is renowned as one of the pioneers of wood-finishing. In 1991, when this whisky’s spirit was distilled, that art was still in its infancy. But even then, the Distillery’s whisky creators were alive to the possibilities that a wood finish could bring. And so, they began a period of intense experimentation, intent on creating new techniques and flavours.

Years later, Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, was inspired to revisit some of these parcels of 1991’s whisky, selecting two contrasting styles to create this vintage release. Both long-aged in bourbon casks, each had been finished in oloroso sherry casks or in Burgundy casks for more than a decade. With a master distiller’s flair, he married them, softened by a hint of whisky aged in new toasted oak, to create an expression of rich intensity.

Dr Bill said: “Bringing together two such incongruous whiskies goes somewhat against convention which, in part, is what drew me to the challenge of combining them.  The result is a single malt with a rich plum character, deep, mellow aromas and tastes of ripe fruits and milk chocolate. Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1991 honours those early pioneers who dedicated themselves to the art of the wood finish in 1991, whose work still guides us today.”

Created with the collector in mind, Glenmorangie’s Bond House No. 1 series showcases some of the Distillery’s most scarce vintages. The collection takes its name from the largest of Glenmorangie’s 19^th century Bonded Warehouses. For generations, Warehouse No. 1 was home to the Distillery’s casks of maturing spirit until, in 1990, it was transformed into a majestic new still house. Today, Bonded Warehouse No. 1 is the heart of the Distillery’s whisky creation.

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1991 will be available to purchase online at www.Clos19.com and from whisky specialists, from 9^th April onwards, RRP: £630.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangiecom

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1991 is bottled at 43% ABV.

Colour: Ochre

Nose: Mellow, deep, intense and fruity. Lots of apricots, plum and baked apples, with chocolate, gentle oak, and a hint of truffles and star anise. A splash of water releases deeper notes, reminiscent of hickory-smoked ham and a damp forest floor.

Taste: A slightly peppery mouthfeel leads to a burst of fruity flavours intermingled with lots of milk chocolate, stewed apples, plum and ripe, red fruits such as cherry and raspberry.

Finish: A hint of zesty citrus and finally an intriguing combination of oak, fruit and sweet spices.

RRP:

It will be available from whisky specialist shops and www.Clos19.com, RRP: £630.

About the Bond House No.1 Collection:

The Bond House No.1 Collection is an exclusive collection of vintage expressions, all exceptionally fine and smooth. The series, which celebrates Glenmorangie’s most prestigious aged whiskies,
has been created for connoisseurs and collectors. It is named after Bonded Warehouse No. 1 – the largest of Glenmorangie’s traditional 19^th-century warehouses – transformed into the Distillery’s majestic new still house in 1990. Fittingly, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990,
released in 2016, was the first expression in the collection. It was lauded by industry experts, winning first place at the International Whisky Competition (IWC), in the category Single Malt Whisky (Highland) and gold medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the
San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1989, the collection’s second expression, released in 2018, was rewarded with a gold award at the International Spirits Challenge. At the IWC, it won Best Single Malt Scotch 25 Years and Over. Most recently, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1993, released exclusively in Travel Retail in 2018, was awarded gold at the 2018 Global Travel Retail Spirits Masters.

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 Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks.  Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market. In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2012. Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995. He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood-management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of wood finishing. Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades. Most recently, he was named as Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge for 2018 – an award he also won in 2015. He has also won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year 2016 and 2017. He was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards.

About Glenmorangie’s pioneering work in extra-maturation:

Glenmorangie was among the pioneers of the wood finish – and has been leading the field in wood finishing for more than 30 years. Here are some of its earliest milestones in pursuit of this art:

1987: The Distillery releases its first wood-finished whisky, Glenmorangie 1963. Finished in oloroso sherry casks, it is among those at the forefront of a new category.

1990: Glenmorangie releases Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, part-finished in sherry casks.

1991: Intent on furthering the art of wood finishing, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators begin a
period of intense study and experimentation. Their discoveries inform Glenmorangie’s
whisky creation even now.

1994: Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish is released – believed to be the world’s first.

1995: Glenmorangie Madeira Wood Finish is released – believed to be another first.

1996: The Wood Finish Range is released. Consisting of a sherry-cask finish, a port-cask finish and a Madeira-cask finish, it is the first range of different wood-finished Scotch whiskies.

Building on the expertise developed in 1991, Glenmorangie has continued to innovate with wood-finished whiskies over the past 20 years. Today, the complex depths a wood finish creates can be enjoyed in pioneering single malts throughout the Distillery’s range, delighting both connoisseurs and those who are new to single malt.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel Awarded ‘Best in Show Whiskey’ at 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Heaven Hill Distillery takes home numerous medals across the historic American Whiskey portfolio

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery’s Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon was announced as the “Best in Show Whiskey” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, only the second time a Bourbon has won the top prize amongst all whiskeys from around the world, including Scotch. The only other Bourbon to win was the 2008 Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old, a testament to Heaven Hill Distillery’s dedication to the craft of producing quality American Whiskey since 1935.

Consistency, a hallmark of Heaven Hill Distillery, is on full display for the award-winning Henry McKenna Single Barrel. The Bottled-in-Bond, 10-year-old Bourbon also received Best Single Barrel Bourbon and Best Bourbon, the exact award designations the brand received just last year in the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Given the barrel to barrel nuances that come with the single barrel designation, maintaining the incredible taste profile year in and year out demonstrates the expertise of Heaven Hill’s master tasting team.

According to editor-in-chief of Bourbon+ Magazine, Wall Street Journal best-selling author and San Francisco Spirits Captain Fred Minnick, Henry McKenna scored higher than the best Single Malt Scotch, Irish Whiskey, and Single Malt Whiskey, products that range in retail price from $70 – $150 per bottle. Henry McKenna is an unbeatable value as a world’s best whiskey, one Minnick describes as “delicate, complex and an extraordinary Bourbon whiskey.” For insight on the controlled blind tastings used in the judging process, Minnick chronicled Henry McKenna’s path to Best in Show Whiskey on Forbes here.

“Quality and consistency are two values that have persisted across Heaven Hill since our company began distilling American Whiskey in 1935,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “Henry McKenna, and our entire American Whiskey portfolio, is a shining example of the tradition instilled by our late Master Distiller Parker Beam and carried forth by our unrivaled team at Heaven Hill Distillery. While we certainly enjoy the recognition of our passion, it is the commitment of our people who bring these products to life that gives us the most satisfaction.”

From every day Bourbons, to special releases, to Kentucky-only products, the art of selecting the right barrels from more than 1.5 million in inventory requires tremendous experience and awareness of warehouse locations and the resulting impact on flavor. Across the portfolio, Heaven Hill also took home several other medals from the premiere tasting competition:

• Double Gold, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon
• Double Gold, Old Fitzgerald 9-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
• Double Gold, Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
• Double Gold, Larceny Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon
• Double Gold, William Heavenhill 6^th Edition 16-Year-Old Bourbon
• Double Gold, Evan Williams Master Blend Bourbon
• Gold, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
• Gold, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2011 Bourbon
• Gold, Rittenhouse 4-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
• Gold, Evan Williams 12-Year-Old Bourbon
• Gold, Heaven Hill Select Stock 18-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 and has become a premiere tasting competition judging more than 3,000 spirits this year. All spirits were tasted over four days through a controlled blind tasting by expert panelists. No information on brand, producer, or price point is given out prior to tastings to ensure each is judged fairly and without bias. For more information on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, check out the website at https://sfspiritscomp.com/, as well as the August 2019 issue of the Tasting Panel Magazine.

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 57 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 2018 San Francisco Spirits Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, and previously held the titles of 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.

R&B Distillers is delighted to announce that three of its whisky expressions have won coveted awards at the World Whiskies Awards 2019. 

The Raasay While We Wait 2018 Release has been awarded a gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 – the highest medalling to date for While We Wait. This no age statement single malt whisky is a smoky and fruity independent bottling that demonstrates R&B Distillers whisky making skills and offers a taste of what’s to come in 2020 while we wait for Raasay’s first single malt whisky to mature in the island warehouse.

Heritage brand The Tweeddale also scooped up two silver awards for its no age statement The Tweeddale Grain of Truth and The Tweeddale Evolution (28 year old). Ten years after Alasdair Day – great-grandson of master blender Richard Day – recreated The Tweeddale in 2009, he is delighted to receive recognition from the World Whiskies Awards for both the oldest and the youngest Tweeddale whiskies to date.

R&B Distillers Co-founder Alasdair Day commented:

“We are delighted to receive this recognition from the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. As we move towards the release of the first ever Isle of Raasay Single Malt in 2020, these awards highlight the hard work and dedication of the team at R&B Distillers.”

The worldwide competition celebrates the very best whiskies from around the globe and promotes the world’s finest whiskies to consumers and trade. The awards are judged by a panel of international judges based on taste and design. This year’s winners were selected at a final tasting lead by over 40 international industry experts at the Caledonian Club in February and the winners will be announced at the Whisky Magazine dinner in London on 28th March.

RAASAY DISTILLERY

Distell Scotch portfolio scoops industry accolades

at 2019 World Whiskies Awards

International spirits, wine and cider producer, Distell, has scooped a series of awards across its portfolio, receiving international recognition for both its single malts and blended Scotch in the first round, at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards. The 10 accolades included three category winners, three gold medals, two silver and two bronze.

Islay’s most remote distillery, Bunnahabhain won two overall category awards for Best Scotch Islay Single Malt (13-20 years) with its Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, as well as the 21 year and over category with its 25 Year Old expression – a second year winning this award for each. The distillery also scooped a gold medal for its peated expression, Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dha.

Further achievements across the single malts included a category award win for Ledaig 10 Year Old in the Scotch Islands (Non Islay) 12 years and under, while Deanston was recognised with a gold medal for its 12 Year Old expression in the Scotch Highland 12 years and under category.

Amongst Distell’s Scotch brands, Scottish Leader was acknowledged in three categories with a gold medal for its 12 Year Old in the blended (12 years and under) section. And Black Bottle received a silver medal for its no-age statement blended Scotch whisky.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malt Whisky at Distell was delighted with the recognition achieved across the portfolio; “The results speak for themselves and reinforce the passion and commitment from across the distilleries and blending teams to deliver world class products. Not only does this showcase the talent of the team, it demonstrates the innovation and continued commitment to develop international award winning products for consumers to enjoy.” 

The 2^nd round of the World Whiskies Awards will be held London on 28 March. Over 1000 brands entered this year and the whiskies were blind-tasted by 40 experts from across the globe. 

Notes 

World Whiskies Awards 2019

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.
• Bunnahabhain Distillery was named the 2016 Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

ENGLISH WHISKY WINNING WAY OUT WEST

Cotswolds Distillery whiskies win gold at 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and American Distilling Awards

The Cotswolds Distillery range of whiskies have triumphed at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and American Distilling Institute Awards (ADI).

The distillery’s Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, the newest release, was awarded a double gold medal at the SFWSC and silver at the ADI, and the distillery’s flagship Single Malt Whisky also took home a silver in the same categories at both award ceremonies.

Dan Szor, Founder and CEO of the Cotswolds Distillery said: “Winning a double gold medal for our Founder’s Choice and a silver medal for our Single Malt Whisky is fantastic. It proves we are achieving what we set out to do when we established the Cotswolds Distillery, and that was to distil exquisite, world-beating whisky.

Released in December 2018, Founder’s Choice is aged in shaved, toasted and re-charred American Oak red wine barriques. The uniquely active casks provide the whisky with a rich and intense maturation with notes of toffee, oak and red fruits, giving a beautiful and deep colour.

The Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of their Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky in 2017. The award wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and American Distilling Awards mark the distillery’s latest international achievements, while helping to establish the company as a leader in the growing English whisky category.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has been running for nearly two decades and is one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions due in part to their esteemed judging panel, including seasoned experts, while the ADI is the oldest and largest trade association dedicated to craft distilling in the world.

The range of whiskies produced by the Cotswolds Distillery are the first-ever distilled in the Cotswolds and use 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley.

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

Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky has been aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks, resulting in a rich, fruity and sippable whisky. It isnon-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and is available from Waitrose and online with an RRP of £44.95 for 70cl. To date, the Single Malt has won a total of 17 awards since 2017.

Notes 

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2018 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was recently awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of their whiskies scored 95 points, with all of the distillery’s samples scoring over 88 out of 100.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 31 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.

The Cotswolds Distillery launched a cask strength whisky in late 2018, Founder’s Choice, which has already been awarded the ‘English Single Malt’ category winner at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

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