THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY TOAST THEIR ORIGINAL MEMBER WITH VERY FIRST BOTTLE

The founding member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), Philip ‘Pip’ Hills, will be hosting a special event at the whisky club’s spiritual home, The Vaults where he will be cracking open their first ever single cask bottling 1.1.

As part of the exclusive sold-out tasting on Monday, 18^th February, which will explore the Society’s origin story, members will have the rare opportunity to try the bottle that started it all, as well as a selection of other extraordinary drams.

Pip, who was at the forefront of a whisky revolution as he discovered single malt whisky straight from the cask and launched the Society in 1983, will be recalling tales of the rebellious early days.

It began when a farmer decanted a quarter cask of Glenfarclas into a lemonade bottle for him to try, his eyes were opened to the flavourful and interesting world of single cask whisky.

He then wondered why it was so difficult to get hold of quality single malt and bought some of his own, only to be inundated with phone calls from his friends and strangers asking for a taste.

This formed the foundation of what became the world’s leading whisky club, allowing enthusiasts to discover, share and celebrate this exceptional spirit together.

Since its inception, The SMWS, which celebrated its 35^th anniversary last year, has gone on to win a number of prestigious awards and has over 26,000 members in the UK and around the world.

In celebration of this, members will be raising a glass to the original pioneer and sampling single cask bottling 1.1 at the event, which will filmed and subsequently available to view online.

Only members of the SMWS can access its exclusive supply of award-winning single casks drawn straight from the barrel and an array of exclusive events and tastings to share whisky experiences with other enthusiasts.

For more information on membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, visit: www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 137 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2zofcP4
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2OiBSWs
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

ENGLISH WHISKY WONDERS

Cotswolds Distillery tops the ‘English Single Malt’ category at the World Whiskies Awards 

Not one, but two Cotswolds Distillery whiskies have triumphed at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards.

Cotswolds Distillery Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky was the overall winner in the ‘English Single Malt’ category, and the distillery’s flagship Single Malt Whisky also took home a gold in the same category.

Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, released in December 2018, is made using 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.

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky in 2017, the first-ever distilled in the area. It uses 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley and has been aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks. The whisky is rich, fruity and sippable.

The World Whiskies Awards are global awards which select the very best of all the internationally recognised whisky styles; and promote to consumers and trade across the globe.

Dan Szor, Founder and CEO of the Cotswolds Distillery said: “We are delighted to win gold and the overall title for ‘English Single Malt’. Our whisky offerings come following years of hard work using the best-in-class Cotswolds ingredients to produce some truly remarkable whisky. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved so far.”

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 is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV and is available from Waitrose and online with an RRP of £44.95 for 70cl.

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

In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of Cotswolds’ 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 26 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

The Cotswolds Distillery featured at number 8 in report compiled by independent research agency Beauhurst and SyndicateRoom revealing the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the UK.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 25 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

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

TOBERMORY DISTILLERY CELEBRATES RELAUNCH WITH NEW SIGNATURE EXPRESSION

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Tobermory, is celebrating its return to production following a 24 month intermission during which time the distillery team have been obsessively perfecting and crafting a new signature expression – Tobermory 12 Year Old.

During the past two years, the Hebridean distillery has been on a journey of self-discovery taking inspiration from the town and its colourful houses along the harbour. Tobermory has always sat at the centre of a vibrant and artistic community, which has shaped its expressive style. Today, this is borne-out with a bold, new confidence that is reflective of the creative and artistic talent across the Isle of Mull, as Tobermory showcases its craft and skill at distilling more than just memorable malts.

To celebrate the reawakening of Tobermory Distillery and the launch of its new 12 Year Old expression, two gallery unveiling events are being held in the UK. The first will take place in London on 27^th March with the second event being hosted in Glasgow on 3^rd April. They will reveal the vibrant new packaging, which is reflective of the distillery’s colourful Hebridean home, as well as offer the first tastings of Tobermory 12 Year Old.

An expression of the iconic coloured houses that sit on the harbour at Tobermory, the distinctive new 12 Year Old liquid is vibrant on the palette. Using non-peated barley and water from the distillery’s private source, the whisky is created using tried and tested methods that allow the art of the Hebridean distiller to shine through.

Guests will also have a unique opportunity to view two original pieces of art donated to the distillery by Catherine Ross, who completed the first Artist in Residence programme at Tobermory last year. Her works will be supported by photographer Euan Miles who has successfully captured the essence of the distillery and the island on camera, which in turn has been used to create standout packaging across all the spirits produced at the Hebridean Distillery.

Tobermory distillery has consistently been innovative and unusual, its lone existence on the Isle of Mull has nurtured an artisanal approach to whisky production over the centuries, operating two production cycles during the year. One to produce an unpeated malt, Tobermory while the other creates a peated version, Ledaig. This Spring will not only mark the return of whisky production, but it will also see the distillery venture into new spirits too and guests attending the two events will have an advance preview of what’s in the pipeline for 2019.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said:

“The past two years have been a voyage of discovery; we have all been on an incredible journey with Tobermory and it is far from over. It’s a dream for any of us in the industry to be given a beautiful Hebridean distillery nestled in the centre of an iconic and vibrant community and answer the question ‘what is its future?’. It’s been fascinating watching the character of Tobermory almost answer that question all by itself, which is why it’s so exciting to now be on the cusp of launching the 12YO.

“The distillery has a rich tapestry of stories to share and the latest chapter follows on from the success of our Artist in Residence programme last year and the works our first artist Catherine Ross has donated. These perfectly complement the heritage of the distillery and its island home and we are very excited to see the creativity that spins out of this year’s residency as we hope to welcome more rising stars during 2019 and beyond.”

Find out more about Tobermory Distillery at www.tobermorydistillery.com

NOTES 

About Distell 

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

Kilchoman Sauternes Finish Was Awarded Best Whisky of 2018 by Cigars Lover Magazine!

The Sauternes Finish has been awarded the Best Whisky of 2018 by Cigars Lover Magazine after scoring an amazing 92 points in a blind tasting competing with over 200 whiskies from around the world!

The Sauternes Finish is a limited edition release of only 10,000 bottles from 30 casks.  It was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into fresh Sauternes hogsheads for five months prior to bottling.

Described by Cigars Lover tasting panel as “Intense, structured and harmonious. The deep aroma of the peat is refreshed by citrus, giving rise to an excellent aromatic bouquet.”

Nose: Maritime peat smoke, citrus and tropical fruit with hints of buttery sweetness.

Palate: Soft creamy chocolate and liquorice with waves of peat smoke, cinnamon and mixed fruit.

Finish: Layered peat smoke and fruit with lasting honey sweetness.

This follows news that Whisky Advocate gave Kilchoman the honor of being in the Top 20 Whiskies of 2018, and that Sanaig won ‘Best Peated Whisky’ from the Whisky World Cup!

Whisky Advocate writes: ‘To determine our Top 20, we begin by looking only at whiskies that rated “outstanding” (90 points or higher on Whisky Advocate’s 100-point scale)’

href=”https://impexbev.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=015fa69c1fef0d8de97fb4d76&id=54b151b535&e=110a891535″>Sanaig has been judged Best Peated Whisky at the Whisky World Cup 2018 after more than 2000 people cast their votes in 32 blind tastings held at whisky clubs across Sweden.

• Every bottle of Kilchoman is hand bottled on Islay at a minimum of 46% ABV allowing for the full-bodied character of the whisky to shine through.
• Kilchoman Distillery ships all their barrels whole directly to Islay. Their Bourbon Barrels are sourced exclusively from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, and their Sherry Casks from Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain.
• Kilchoman Distillery’s stills are amongst the smallest in Scotland, increasing copper contact and creating unmatched balance and complexity.
• Kilchoman Single Malt is never chill-filtered or colored; the whisky is a pure, unfiltered representation of traditional whisky distilling.

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottling: office@impexbev.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY PIONEERS VIRTUAL TOURISM

New Virtual Tour for Download showcases National Historic Landmark

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Jan. 24, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is inviting fans near and far to explore the Distillery from anywhere in the world through its new virtual tour, www.buffalotracevirtualtour.com.

Even as Buffalo Trace welcomes over 200,000 tourists each year, the Distillery recognizes that not all fans across the globe are able to visit the Distillery in person. Through this interactive virtual tour everyone is able to experience the Distillery remotely and learn more about the National Historic Landmark.

This first-of-its-kind virtual experience allows “visitors” to see how Buffalo Trace makes whiskey, and learn about the oldest continually operating Distillery in America. Virtual visitors can take a tour with the Distillery’s legendary tour guide Freddie Johnson, or choose to explore on their own. Users can even travel back in time and explore the Distillery as it appeared throughout history, including in 1773, 1857 and during Prohibition.

The lifelike computer generated imaging (CGI) allows users to get a real sense of the Distillery and get up close with the bourbon-making process, no reservations or travel plans needed. And with the Distillery’s ability to change the appearance of the tour, users can visit the Distillery seasonally throughout the year and experience the Distillery in full bloom in the spring, or with snow on the ground in the winter.

This simulated experience also allows visitors to become virtual bourbon collectors as bottles of the Distillery’s brands are hidden throughout the grounds for users to collect while exploring. Over time, the Distillery plans to add even more features to this experience.

Buffalo Trace worked with a digital creative agency called Bajibot based in New York City to develop the virtual tour. Over thirty detail modeled 3D structures, 400 acres of distillery landscape, and thousands of high resolution textures were created over the past two years. Now this virtual world is ready to launch.

The virtual tour is free of charge and can be downloaded directly from the Buffalo Trace Distillery website, and experienced on any Windows or Apple desktop computer, iPad or iPhone.

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.

Raasay Distillery Launches Bespoke 30 Litre Casks

Proud to chart its own course, Raasay Distillery has today (Wednesday 6th February) launched its bespoke 30 litre casks of Raasay Single Malt.

The new 30 litre ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks are now available to purchase on Raasay Distillery’s website and in person at the distillery.

The smaller casks make the island’s first expression more accessible to whisky lovers and will sit proudly alongside the 190 litre first-fill ex-American whiskey casks currently offered by Raasay Distillery and maturing in the island warehouse. Wood from ex-Speyside casks has been carefully chosen for the smaller casks to ensure the flavours of the final whisky are finely balanced.

All Raasay spirit is produced and distilled on the island, using only Scottish barley, distillers’ yeast and mineral-rich water sourced and filtered directly from a Celtic well on site. A long fermentation period brings a rich, characterful flavour to the Raasay spirit before it even touches the oak of a cask. Once the spirit is ready, both large and small casks are filled by the distillery team and left to age into the first ever Raasay Single Malt.

Distillery Co-founder Alasdair Day said:

“We wanted to make our first single malt more accessible in these new smaller casks. Depending on the angels’ share, after three years we expect to get around 40 bottles from the 30 litre casks, each offering a distinctly different character of Raasay whisky to our other bottlings.”

The 30L casks are small enough to make a perfect present for a loved one or for a special event, while bars or hotels can opt to co-brand their cask and display it on the bar. While the whisky matures, cask owners can come and visit their cask, staying in Raasay Distillery’s four-star accommodation: Borodale House. After the whisky is bottled, owners can also keep their empty cask as a treasured memento.

NOTES :

In February 2019, the casks are currently filled with unpeated spirit at an alcoholic strength of 63.4% and the distillery will then move to heavily peated spirit later in the year.

30 Litre Whisky Cask: Price: £999

Volume: 30 Litres Expected Bottles: Approximately 40

Cask Type: Ex-Speyside Scotch Whisky oak cask Maturation: Matured on Raasay for 3 years and then bottled.

Keep the cask: You can keep you 30 litre cask once the liquid has been bottled.

190 Litre Whisky Cask: Price: £5,000 Volume: 190 Litres Expected Bottles: Approximately 250 Cask Type: First-fill ex-American whiskey casks. Maturation: Matured on Raasay for up to 10 years, during which time the liquid can be bottled at your discretion.

Raasay Distillery:

Isle of Raasay Distillery opened in September 2017 and became the first “legal” distillery on the beautiful Hebridean island. Co-founded by Scottish entrepreneurs Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, Raasay Distillery is designed to produce a contemporary Scottish island malt and catapult Raasay into the global market as Scotland’s newest whisky producing island.

Raasay Distillery is proud to be one of the few 100% Scottish-owned Scotch whisky businesses in Scotland. On the site of the Victorian-era Borodale House, formerly the Isle of Raasay Hotel, is a state-of-the-art modern distillery, offering year-round tours and luxury accommodation, with, arguably, the best view of any distillery in Scotland. The distillery has since received Five-Star Visitor Attraction rating and Four-Star Accommodation rating from VisitScotland for the visitor centre and accommodation respectively.

Isle of Raasay Single Malt will be lightly peated and fruity, utilising the best of the island’s natural elements and reflecting Raasay’s rugged natural beauty. Raasay Distillery uses water from an ancient Celtic well located behind Borodale House at every stage of production, from mashing to fermentation, to cask and bottling strength reduction, to retain natural flavours in the final whisky.

Working with local crofters, Raasay Distillery has successfully grown and harvested barley in a nearby field, the first time that barley has been grown on Raasay in over 40 years. In August 2018, the team produced spirit from the 2017 batch of Raasay barley crop, which will mature into the first ever single malt produced from Raasay-grown barley in 2021.

Raasay While We Wait is an independently bottled single malt – which has been crafted as an accurate preview of Raasay Distillery’s future core style. Designed as a peaty and fruity single malt, each iteration of Raasay While We Wait has been crafted through the vatting of two malts from a single Highland distillery – heavily peated at 45ppm and unpeated – matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Tuscan Montechiari wine casks.

THE INAUGURAL WHISKY COLOURS FESTIVAL IS ANNOUNCED BY THE WHISKY SHOP DUFFTOWN

The first Whisky Colours Festival will be held from 10 to 14 October 2019.  It is a celebration of all things whisky and is centred in Dufftown, the malt whisky capital of the world.  The festival will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the biggest names in the whisky industry.

We are partnering with Cardhu, Glen Moray and Glenfarclas Distilleries for dining and tasting experiences; Morrison & MacKay for a unique autumnal tasting; as well as masterclasses from the likes of Adelphi and Berry Bros & Rudd.  Our website is the place to go for updates (www.whiskycoloursfestival.com).

We have been inspired by the vast range of whisky colours that are mirrored in the beauty of the phenomenal autumn scenery of Dufftown and the surrounding area as our woodlands display their stunning colours and the bright golden barley in the fields. Our aim is to bring you extra special whisky experiences with an autumnal theme that will be truly something to remember.

Mike Lord, Keeper of the Quaich and proprietor of The Whisky Shop Dufftown commented, “We want our guests to experience a series of in-depth events, giving exclusive opportunities which truly bring you the very best of whisky from the malt whisky capital.  We are excited to be creating this extensive calendar of events, in a friendly atmosphere at one of the most colourful times of year in Speyside”.

George Grant, 6^th generation of the family behind Glenfarclas Distillery, “The Whisky Colours Festival is a brilliant addition to the whisky calendar.  We are working with The Whisky Shop Dufftown on an authentic experience at the distillery during the festival and we look forward to welcoming you to our distillery.”

Each day will include intimate whisky experiences with an autumnal theme, from dinners with revered distillers, sought after masterclasses, food pairing, fun and so much more. The festival will culminate in a closing event hosted by key partner Tannochbrae Cuisine that will bring together all elements of the festival: whisky, music and food with lots of fun.

New events will be added to the festival website when they are finalised with the full programme being finalised by early June.  Tickets will go on sale 1^st July.

Find Out More

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases

Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon

New Release is a 20-Year-Old Bourbon in a Custom Crystal Decanter

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb 6, 2019) – Fans of Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey are in for an unexpected treat, as Buffalo Trace Distillery announces the release of an ultra-rare, 20-year-old bourbon called Double Eagle Very Rare.

A luxurious crystal decanter and silver presentation box accompany this limited edition whiskey that has a name with double meaning. The 20-year-old bourbon matured twice as long as the standard Eagle Rare 10-year-old bourbon and the Double Eagle decanter features two beautifully sculptured crystal glass eagles, one inside the bottle, and one serving as the stopper.

The presentation box consists of two sliding doors, imprinted with a design reminiscent of eagle feathers. Sliding open the doors triggers spotlights above and below the bottle, to reveal the beautiful hand blown crystal decanter. Only 299 of these special bottles were produced. An individually numbered letter of authenticity is included with each.

“We’ve been waiting for this whiskey to mature for years. Even after two decades, these barrel are surprisingly balanced. Hints of vanilla, toasted oak and caramel lead to a gracefully aged oaky flavor,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director for Eagle Rare.   “We worked on the packaging for more than two years, and finally settled on what we think is a beautiful decanter inside an eye catching, yet tastefully decorated box.  Something that anyone would be proud to display on their bar. And it tastes even better than it looks.”

The suggested retail pricing for Double Eagle Very Rare is $1,999. The next release of this 90 proof whiskey will be spring 2020.

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.

Stars align for launch of Littlemill 40 Year Old Celestial Edition 

Loch Lomond Group has launched the Littlemill 40 Year Old Celestial Edition (46.8% ABV) in the UK, the oldest expression ever to be released from the now lost Littlemill distillery.

The precious liquid, distilled by what is rumoured to be one of the world’s oldest distilleries, is available now priced at £6,000. Only 250 bottles will be produced in total, making this a much sought-after collector’s item.

Littlemill 40 Year Old Celestial Edition celebrates the life’s work of Littlemill owner Duncan Thomas. The spirit represents the culmination of his knowledge and experience and captures the spirit of his pioneering distilling process.

The stunning presentation box captures an exact map of the night sky seen above Littlemill Distillery on the evening that the liquid was barrelled. Inside, the hand-faceted Glencairn Crystal decanter, each engraved with its unique bottle number, is finished with a solid brass stopper made in Glasgow. Each box also contains a 5cl vial of the 40 Year Old liquid, for those who would like to sample the whisky while keeping the bottle intact.

Duncan Thomas was a true pioneer of Scotch Whisky, pushing boundaries and introducing innovation that would long outlive him. One of his more lasting legacies was the introduction of the straight necked pot still with rectifying heads, that made it possible to create variations on each spirit he produced, allowing him to retain control of the character of the final liquid. This philosophy was embraced by Japanese distilleries in the East, and to mark this, the 40 Year Old box shows the star chart on the night that the spirit was laid to rest, charting the two paths of Duncan Thomas and Japanese Whisky experimentation.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, said: “The Littlemill 40 year old Celestial Edition is a fitting way to celebrate the legacy left by Duncan Thomas, and the truly exceptional liquid is worthy of his name.”

Rumoured to be one of the oldest in Scotland, and possibly even the world, the Littlemill distillery has a long and fascinating history. Officially established and producing whisky legally from 1772 in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

Littlemill’s rich history includes a number of owners over its lifetime and it was notably one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823.  In the 1930s, the distillery was known for triple distillation before moving to the more traditional double distillation now associated with Scotch whisky.

In 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light. These innovative stills provided the inspiration for the Loch Lomond Distillery, which was opened in the 1960s.

Rare amongst the Lowland malts in using a Highland water source, as well as peat from Stornoway and Perthshire, Littlemill whiskies are renowned for a subtly floral, vanilla-rich sweetness.

Littlemill 40 Year Old Celestial Edition is available to buy from specialists whisky stockists.

For further information visit www.lochlomondgroup.com 

Littlemill 40 Year Old Celestial Edition Tasting Notes

• Nose – Floral bursts of honeysuckle and elderflower, early summer hedgerow, with delicate honey sweetness and elegant oak spice of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Taste – Opens with mouth-watering fruits, crisp green apple and fresh pineapple with grapefruit and lime citrus then richer dried fruits of sultana and raisins before vanilla toffee gives sweetness to the mid-palate.
• Finish – Long with layers of fruit and spice. Green fruits continue into the finish with gooseberry and kiwi before waves of warming cinnamon and clove spice.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands:

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the Loch Lomond Distillery that was commissioned in 1964 and commenced production in 1966.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky

Virginia Distillery Company Recognized for Third Year in a Row at World Whiskies Awards

Distillery also nominated by industry peers in three categories for the ICONS of Whisky Awards for 2019 

Lovingston, Va. (Jan. 31, 2019) –American Single Malt whisky distillery Virginia Distillery Company’s Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky was recognized last night for the third year in a row with the ‘Best American Blended Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards.

The American results were announced in New York on January 30. The World Whiskies Awards highlights whiskies from around the world. The international results will be announced on March 28, 2019 at an awards dinner in London.

Virginia Distillery Company was also nominated by industry peers for the ICONS of Whisky Awards, designed to celebrate the people and places behind a brand’s whisky. The category nominations were for Visitor Attraction Manager (Amanda Beckwith, Guest Experience and Education Manager), Master Distillery/Master Blender (Ian Thomas, Distillery Director) and Craft Producer of the Year, for a second year in a row.

“Everything we do at the distillery is a team effort. I couldn’t be more excited about last night’s results – not only winning for the third year in a row but also for the individual nominations our team members received,” Virginia Distillery Company CEO Gareth Moore said. “Since we opened our doors, our sights have been set on the release of Courage & Conviction in 2020. We’re thrilled the early stocks have shown so well and that we have such a great team in place to make it happen.”

Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is available at the Virginia Distillery Company Visitors Center, in select markets throughout the U.S. and online through Passion Spirits. The Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is made from 100% malted barley. Virginia Distillery Company marries its American single malt whisky distilled and aged on-site in Virginia with single malt whisky from Scotland. The whisky is then cask-finished in port-style wine barrels sourced primarily from Virginia to add nuance and complexity.

The awards are a part of the World Drinks Awards program which launched in 2007 with the World Whiskies Awards and World Beer Awards. Judges for the awards included a panel composed of leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers, bartenders/mixologists and hoteliers. Each entry is tasted blind, and in addition to nose, palate and finish the judges look for balance, character, complexity, quality and functionality when judging. The ICONs awards were selected through voting by industry members.

Virginia Distillery Company continues to focus on innovation across all products and always maintains the highest quality in whichever form it takes. The profile of the Virginia-Highland Whisky series been bolstered by marrying in the distillery’s own Virginia whisky, which showcases early stocks of the base for Virginia Distillery Company’s signature American Single Malt product Courage & Conviction, which has been aging for over three years.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website.

About Virginia Distillery Company: 

Virginia Distillery Company 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 distillery is currently crafting its ultra-premium American Single Malt whisky, Courage & Conviction, at the distillery located in Lovingston, Virginia. The casks have been resting since November 2015 and the flagship product will be released in the Spring of 2020, with a pre-release product called “Prelude” coming out in the Fall of 2019. While Courage & Conviction ages, customers may enjoy the Virginia-Highland Whisky series.