WHAT’S NEW IN KENTUCKY BOURBON

Bourbon Distilleries Add New Features to Attract and Enhance Guests Experiences 

KENTUCKY, September 6, 2018: Kentucky has long been hailed as the epi-center of the bourbon industry. As America’s only native spirit (as declared by Congress in 1964) and Kentucky its birthplace, bourbon-tourism is one of the leading economic drivers for the state that is currently responsible for crafting 95% of the world’s supply.

A $8.5 billion industry, bourbon tourism has generated a distillery building boom within the state, with bourbon companies expanding their production facilities to accommodate tours and building state-of-the-art visitor centers which include restaurants, tastings, classes and interactive exhibits, all destinations within themselves. With interest soaring, distilleries across the U.S. are extending their visitor experiences beyond spirit tastings to bourbon-themed trails, festivals, museum exhibitions, boat tours and train rides.

Please see below for an array of new and upcoming bourbon experiences available in Kentucky:

NEW

Kentucky River Tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort – The bourbon industry’s only boat tour  begins at the Buffalo Trace Gift shop where riders will then be transported by shuttle to a private boat dock to board the 27 foot open deck, open air vessel and being their journey down the Kentucky River. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to Woods and Waters, a local non-profit dedicated to protecting and preserving the lower Kentucky River watershed.

Spirits of the Bluegrass: Prohibition and Kentucky, Bardstown – This exhibit, which is on loan to The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown by Louisville’s Frazier Museum, opened May 2018 and will remain open for two years.  The collection includes artifacts, a bar, figures in the Prohibition movement and videos.

Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown – This new $25 million, 45,000-square-foot distillery located in the Nelson County Industrial Park became operational in September 2016. The distillery opened a whiskey library, bar and full-scale restaurant, Bottle & Bond in June 2018.

Rabbit Hole Distillery, Louisville – This husband-wife owned craft distillery is located in the trendy Nulu section of Louisville.  The hour-long, fully immersive tour down the rabbit hole concludes with a unique five-sense tasting experience featuring the distillery’s bourbon, rye, and gin. This state-of-the-art distillery which opened on Derby Eve 2018 plans to break ground on a new restaurant soon.

Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown – The bourbon capital of the world added another distillery, which is owned by Luxco, a St. Louis-based company.  This 18,000 square-foot distillery opened in April 2018 and offers tours complete with a bourbon tasting seminar.

Old Forester Distillery, Louisville – The Brown-Forman Corporation opened the Old Forester Distillery and bourbon experience for its founding brand, Old Forester, in two historic buildings on West Main Street in Louisville’s Whiskey Row in June 2018. Building on the company’s strong bourbon whiskey heritage, this world-class distilling operation and visitor destination showcases the craftsmanship and authenticity of Old Forester, the first bottled bourbon.

Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, Pikeville – Bourbon distilling has finally made its way to Eastern Kentucky with this distillery, which opened in late June 2018.  Owned by Alltech, its name is tied to the famous Hatfield & McCoy feud.  Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery offers moonshine, bourbon, beer and ale.

James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington – The historic 1776 James E. Pepper bourbon label was revived with this distillery, located at the west end of formerly abandoned, now repurposed Pepper Campus, which is also home to Ethereal Brewery, Barrel House Distilling, Crank & Boom Ice Cream, Kentucky Knows and Middle Fork Kitchen.  The James E. Pepper Distillery recently opened for tours in mid-July 2018.

UPCOMING

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center & Exhibit, Louisville – The Frazier History Museum and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association have finalized a partnership to mutually develop a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center & Exhibit that will be located at the Frazier along Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. The interactive, state-of-the-art experience opening in late August 2018 will include Kentucky bourbon-related historical exhibits and will educate visitors on why the Bluegrass has the perfect mix of water, climate, corn and natural conditions that make it the one, true, authentic home of America’s only native spirit. 

Michter’s Micro-Distillery, Louisville – Michter’s is renovating the historically and architecturally significant Fort Nelson Building, targeting a third quarter 2018 opening. Michter’s Micro-Distillery will be located on Louisville’s Museum Row. The Fort Nelson building’s striking exterior is a classic example of 1890s cast iron architecture.

Bulleit Distilling Company, Shelbyville – Bulleit Distilling Company opened its second location in Shelby County in March 2017. It has the latest technology in warehousing and distillation, including enhancements that help conserve and reuse resources, resulting in improved efficiency and less impact on the environment. In 2018, Bulleit Distilling Company broke ground on an environmentally-conscious 11,570 square-foot Visitor’s Center expected to open to the public in 2019. The new Visitor Center will include interactive educational experiences, a tasting area, and gift shop.

Kentucky Owl Park, Bardstown – Kentucky Owl Park, a nearly $150 million lakeside complex, broke ground in November 2017.  The first phase, which includes the distillery to produce Kentucky Owl Bourbon, is targeted to open in in 2020.  Long-term plans include a freshwater lake for fishing and recreation, a gourmet restaurant, convention center and hotel, and a vintage passenger train and refurbished train station.

Castle & Key Distillery, Millville (Woodford Co.)  – The former Old Taylor Distillery has been rediscovered and renamed Castle & Key. While a botanical gin and vodka can be sampled on site today, a Rye whiskey is planned for release in 2018, with a traditional bottled-in-bond Bourbon to be available later. The gardens are being restored by Jon Carloftis and there are plans to turn the grounds’ red brick train station in to a full-service restaurant.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown – The Kentucky Bourbon Festival® is a weeklong celebration of the storied history and art of distilling America’s native spirit. Each year this event promotes and educates the public on the history and production of Bourbon and supports local non-profit organizations. This year’s event will take place September 12-16 in the Bourbon Capital of the World- Bardstown, Kentucky.

Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville – The Second Annual Bourbon & Beyond festival returns to Louisville’s Champions Park September 22-23, 2018. This premier bourbon, music and food festival will feature over 40 bourbon brands offering workshops and demonstrations, along with celebrity chef demonstrations and pop-ups from many of Louisville’s favorite restaurants.  A lineup of world-renowned performers will also be taking the stage including Sting, John Mayer, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, David Byrne, Lenny Kravitz and Counting Crows.

The Bourbon Country® Burn, Lexington – Riders can choose their adventure with one, two or three days of biking to distilleries during the day and sipping Bourbon in the evenings for The Bourbon Country Burn. Bikers will embark on their journeys September 28 from the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington and will ride between 25 and 100 miles each day.

The Bourbon Chase, Lexington – This 200-mile relay race through Kentucky will take attendees across horse country, into Kentucky’s small towns and along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This October 12-13, runners will take their marks at the Jim Bean Factory across the finish line, 200 miles later, at Triangle Park near Alltech Brewery & Distillery.

Click HERE for a full list of ways to experience Bourbon in Kentucky. 

Kentucky

Long known as the front door to the South, Kentucky offers a world of outdoor adventures, vibrant arts scene, expansive distilleries and micro-breweries, and an explosive culinary scene. From legendary Horse Country and the grandstands of America’s most storied thoroughbred racing tracks to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Kentucky invites you to come and explore. For information, please visit www.kentuckytourism.com/food. Follow us on socials: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Wolfburn Releases Its Fourth Permanent Expression: Langskip

Wolfburn Distillery has today launched its fourth permanent single malt whisky expression, named ‘Langskip.  Following the global success of the Northland, Aurora and Morven expressions, Langskip is bottled at a much higher alcohol percentage (58%) – making it as close as possible to a cask-strength release.  Initial orders are already far beyond the forecast number.

‘We’ve crafted Langskip from whisky matured in casks laid down in 2013 and 2014,’ commented Shane Fraser, distillery manager. ‘It’s our oldest release to date. The casks are all first-fill bourbon barrels, which make spectacularly good whisky. The result is a truly special single malt, bursting with flavour. It is lovely to see the great reviews it has already received.’

Wolfburn’s strongest expression takes its name from the Norse word for longship – the Viking vessels that once dominated the Caithness coast. Sleek, smooth, purposeful and strong, the legacy of these ships surrounds the Wolfburn distillery – in addition to settlements and burial sites, Wolfburn’s home town of Thurso was named by the Vikings in honour of the god Thor.

‘Malt fanatics worldwide have long asked us to do a cask-strength release.’ states Shane. ‘This is as close as we can make it currently. It really is a very pure Wolfburn flavour profile – the nose and palate are both smooth and complex. We’re totally delighted with the result.’

Shane Fraser (distillery manager) and Iain Kerr (deputy manager) with Langskip bottles

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

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

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in 26 countries globally.

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

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

W.L. WELLER 12 YEAR OLD KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY WINS THE BOURBON TROPHY AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eighteen other Buffalo Trace whiskies also honored 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 29, 2018) – Nineteen Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits were awarded medals at the 2018 International Wine & Spirits Competition, including W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which received the Bourbon Trophy. The Bourbon Trophy is awarded to the best bourbon that is submitted in this international competition.

Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits awarded “Gold Outstanding” include:

• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Awarded Gold:

• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

11 of the 19 Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits recognized received “Silver Outstanding” medals which are awarded based upon the highest scores within each category.

Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits awarded “Silver Outstanding” include:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr, Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Rye 6 Year Old Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Those awarded Silver include:

• Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“We are excited by our placements at the IWSC,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The judging for this competition is very rigorous, so we feel very proud of these results.”

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed chemical and microbiological analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

Learn more at https://www.iwsc.net/.

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.

Liquid poetry

Isle of Arran Distillers on the hunt for official poem for new distillery

The Isle of Arran Distillers have launched a competition to find the official poem for their Lagg Distillery. The winning entry will take pride of place onsite at the new distillery that is due to open in the Spring of 2019.

Budding writers have been tasked with producing a poem that beautifully captures the Isle of Arran’s history, landscape or, quite simply, it’s spirit – whisky or otherwise. The closing date for entries is Friday 14 December and the winner and two runners up will be announced on Burns Night, Friday 25 January 2019.

As well as having their poem immortalised at the Lagg Distillery, the winning entry will be exclusively published in Scottish Field magazine, the official media partner for the competition. The winning poet will also be invited to the official opening of the new Lagg Distillery & Visitor Centre in Spring of next year. The two runners up will receive an exclusive Lagg Distillery goodie bag.

The Isle of Arran Distillers have assembled an expert judging panel that will mull over each entry. Judges include Hamish Whyte, honorary research fellow in the Department of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University, Jim Carruth, Poet Laureate of Glasgow since 2014, Rachel McCormack, a renowned chef and author of Chasing the Dram, Kenny Smith, editor at Scottish Field, Graham Omand, the Lagg Distillery manager, and Faye Waterlow, the Lagg Visitor Centre manager.

Speaking about the competition, Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “We’re thrilled to launch this competition to help celebrate the opening of our new Distillery. To us, whisky is liquid poetry and we want to include this spirit at Lagg.

“The judges and I are very excited to read the work that is inspired by the island and the ‘Arran Waters’. Who knows, we might uncover the next big literary talent! It’s also very fitting to coincide the announcement of the winning poem with Burns Night. At the Isle of Arran Distillers, we are proud to be the only whisky-maker to have a dram that’s officially endorsed by The World Robert Burns Federation.”

All entries can be submitted to Scottish Field magazine by emailing Kenny Smith at ksmith@scottishfield.co.uk with the subject ‘Isle of Arran Distillers – Poetry Competition’.  Entrants will also need to include in their name, contact information and date of birth as this competition is only open to those over the age of 18.

Poems can also be submitted by post using the following address:

Kenny Smith

Scottish Field

496 Ferry Road,

Edinburgh,

EH5 2DL

Please be sure to also include within your entry letter your name, your contact information and your date of birth.

Terms and conditions for the competition can be found on the Scottish Field and Isle of Arran Distillers websites.

The most recent milestone for the Lagg Distillery is the completion of the steelworks. With the structure now in place, the Distillery has begun to take on its distinctive shape, overlooking the south coast of Arran and the Firth of Clyde. The new distillery has been positioned next to fields of barley that provide a portion of the malt currently used in distillation at Lochranza.

Come this autumn the copper pot stills will be installed, followed in early 2019 by the first production run of the new heavily-peated (50ppm) spirit that will become, in time, the flagship Lagg Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Isle of Arran Distillers has released 700 of the first casks of this whisky for purchase. Each of casks, priced at £6,000, will remain at the distillery for a minimum of ten years of maturation under the careful eye of the Lagg Distillery team. The casks owners will then have the opportunity to bottle the spirit, complete with a limited-edition Lagg Cask society label, or pay an annual fee to continue the maturation process until the desired age is attained. It is expected that the casks will be laid down in early 2019. No further casks will be made available for sale to the public during the first ten years of production at Lagg.

Notes :

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com and www.laggwhisky.com

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007) Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10 year -old: San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18 year-old: International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Lochranza Reserve: International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018), International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Canada Distils

a new book from

After what seems an eternity of planning, traveling from coast to coast, and writing, Blair Phillips and I are overjoyed that our forthcoming book, called Canada Distils, will be published on the Appetite by Random House imprint of Penguin Random House Canada. Thank you to everyone who has helped and hosted us in our travels so far. We’re not done yet, so don’t be surprised if we call or drop by looking for information.

The book profiles of all of Canada’s operating distilleries, large and small, along with little-known details for visitors and armchair visitors alike. There is so much more between the pages, but you’ll just have to be patient to find out what.

Shortlist announced

International Wine and Spirits Competition

Spirits Communicator of the Year 2018 

From IWSC media release:

“Four stars of the spirits industry have been chosen to go forward to the shortlist of the IWSC’s prestigious Spirit Communicator of the Year award.

“Amanda Victoria, Davin de Kergommeaux, Tom Sandham, and Eric Zandona were selected as the four finalists by a panel of judges which included Louisa Humm, head of brand communications at Pernod Ricard, drinks journalist Douglas Blyde, editor of just-drinks.com Olly Wehring, spirits consultant Veronika Karlova, IWSC general manager Adam Lechmere, and last year’s winner and editor/co-founder of Gin Foundry Olivier Ward.

“The Spirit Communicator of the Year award, sponsored by Chivas Brothers, recognises an individual or organisation whose communication skills have made an exceptional contribution towards promoting and increasing public awareness in spirits.

“The winner will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 14 November 2018 at the Guildhall in London.”

https://iwsc.net/news/iwsc/shortlist-announced-for-spirit-communicator-of-the-year-2018

The Strath / Shelter Point exclusives

Two new Shelter Point whiskies, both exclusive to The Strath liquor store in Victoria are well worth hunting down. Shelter Point is really coming into its own and The Strath has picked two of its honeyest honey barrels to release as single-cask whiskies. A Classic Single Malt distilled in 2011 and an Avant-Garde Barley from 2013 are both bottled at 57.3%.

Look for typical lush malty notes in the Classic, underscored by baking spices, citrus fruit and fresh bread. Avant-Garde Barley matured in a Vancouver Island blackberry wine barrel, bursts with jammy fruit, toasted grain and citrus hints.

Yukon’s Two Brewers

Meanwhile, in Whitehorse, Two Brewers continue to impress with their latest whiskies including Release 10, their first cask-strength whisky to date. Bottled at 58%, its grassy notes, sweet tobacco and cereals bask in a gentle bed of Werther’s caramel.

A Pedro Ximinez finish adds sweetness and ripe fruity tones to Release 9, which is bottled at 46%.

Canadian Rockies 17 Year Old

All the excitement about the recently released Canadian Rockies 21 may have overshadowed another real gem of a whisky. Sourced from Highwood Distillers in Alberta, Canadian Rockies 17 year old is one more example of the glories of slow maturation. Canadian Rockies 17, bottled at 50% abv, delivers all the spiciness, luscious corn and crisp clean woody notes we’ve come to expect in well-aged corn whisky.

Banff Whisky Experience

On September 28 & 29, the inaugural Banff Whisky Experience will offer 15 master classes for curious drammers who want to experience new whiskies. My two classes alone include whiskies very few people will have tasted before.

This is shaping up to be one of Canada’s premiere whisky events, and you certainly can’t complain about the location. The complete schedule is now available at https://www.banffwhiskyexperience.com.

Click “Buy Tickets” or go to: www.showpass.com/bwe/.

Space is limited, so book soon!

Canadian Whisky Awards 2019

Mark your calendars. The 2019 Canadian Whisky Awards have not yet been announced officially, but if you are planning to attend the gala presentation, reserve Thursday, January 17 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria.  See you there. Invitations for producers to enter their whiskies in the awards will be forthcoming.

Blue Mountain Whisky Tasting 

On November 10, 2018, Grand Central Lodge at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, will treat whisky lovers to a grand tasting along with food, cocktails and a cigar pairing. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca or thedampub.ca.

Canadian Whisky, the book 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Canadian whisky, but didn’t know where to look. Now in the second printing of its second edition. Available at bookstores across Canada and the US, and from online sellers.

Crown Royal kicks off largest-ever responsible drinking initiative

Brand encourages football fans to ‘stay in the game’ through moderation and hydration, launches campaign reminding fans to take Water Breaks as football season begins in America

Whether at bars, stadiums or at home, enjoying cocktails and adult beverages can be essential parts of the football experience. But every so often, there’s a fan whose overconsumption can ruin the game for themselves and those around them.  So Crown Royal, America’s best-selling Canadian whisky, is building upon its “Hydrate Generously” platform that started in 2017, and is now launching its largest-ever responsible drinking campaign, called “The Water Break.”

Water Breaks are a must for professional football players, but what about the fans who support their teams, win or lose? This season, Crown Royal is introducing the first off-the-field Water Break – a movement that encourages responsible game day consumption and reinforces the importance of drinking in moderation and hydrating between alcoholic beverages.

“Crown Royal is taking responsible drinking to the next level with an initiative that’s more than just a message; we are looking to change behaviors and ultimately make a positive social impact. Simply put, the Crown Royal Water Break reminds sports fans to not ruin the game day celebrations for everyone else by overconsuming,” said Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of North American Whisk(e)ys at Diageo. “Our Water Break platform is an integrated campaign and the new spot will run in homes, bars and stadiums, and will air nationally and locally all over the country. This season make sure you moderate your drinking and hydrate to stay in the game. TAKE A WATER BREAK!”

The campaign will debut with a nationally televised 30-second commercial to air during the opening game of the American football season.  The spot features a referee signaling a time out for an official Crown Royal Water Break, encouraging a moment for fans everywhere to take a break and hydrate between alcoholic beverages. The campaign will continue to air during the first half of games throughout the entire season.

https://youtu.be/dFStecG879Q

The brand will also partner with a roster of American football legends to remind fans of the importance of taking Water Breaks.  In select markets in the U.S., these former greats will get back in the action by assisting Crown Royal in distributing tens of thousands of gallons of water in stadiums and bars to create a safer, more enjoyable game day. Consistent with the brand’s long-standing commitment to responsible drinking, this is the next in a series of social responsibility efforts that have included providing fans with free, safe rides home around big events and public service announcements promoting responsible drinking.

Five cities will play host to the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival happening across various venues on September 29th. Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Minneapolis are expected to bring in crowds from each of these locations and together, elevate the experience with the best whiskeys in these cities.

“Always sad to see summer come to an end but we have a tasty brown spirit to warm the heart and bring that smile back to join a variety of brands, great venues and of course other whiskey lovers this September,” William Holdeman, Social Scene president says.

It’s fall and whiskey is waiting for you. Join the special fall whiskey tasting event that will excite your pallet and tease your taste buds! Get ready to engage your senses, connect with others and enjoy a memorable moment. Enjoy an intimate setting with whiskey reps showcasing a few of their top brands.

Package Includes

The organizers have prepared an experience that you should not miss at the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival. Enjoy the following perk as you purchase your tickets: 

• 2 Hour Whiskey Tasting (2 1/2 for VIP, VIP Start Time 3:30PM)
• 15 Tasting Tickets (.25 oz Pours)(More available for purchase – 100% charity)
• Featured Food & Drink Specials
• Vote for Top Brands (Use #FallWhiskeyFestival #Chicago, #Denver, #Dallas, #Houston, #Minneapolis and Tag Venue!)
• Fun Giveaway (VIP Only)
• VIP Perks
• First Time Lyft users, use code BeSocial for $5 in rides! 

You can also avail of 20% discount by using discount code DWF (Drink With Friends). 

Venues & Brands 

Various venues and brands are participating at the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival. Social Scene has partnered with great spaces and connected with different whiskey brands to offer only the best to the attendees.

• Improper City – 3201 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205
• Bottled Blonde – 505 N Good Latimer Expy, Dallas, Texas 75204
• 508 Bar – 508 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 

“We are so excited for another whiskey event, Fall Whiskey Festival Tasting and to be adding Texas to our list of markets in Dallas and Houston!” Holdeman says.

Among the participating whiskey brands are Art of the Spirits Whiskey LLC, Isanti Spirits, Koval Distillery, Tighe Brothers Distillery, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, and more brands will be announced soon!

About Social Scene 

Social Scene creates a “scene” an environment to connect people, build relationships and create memories through online campaigns and on-premise social events; focusing on providing exposure to our partnering brands, venues and clients to connect with a great social audience – Experiential Marketing.

Social Scene builds brand awareness for partnering venues and brands, connecting them with a targeted audience to build relationships and create memories. Visit BeSocialScene.com for the most up to date events and to partner on an upcoming experience.

Want to build a live or online experience around your company’s brand or venue? Email info@besocialscene.com or send a message directly at BeSocialScene.com. Be Social. Be Seen

Amrut plays with Portuguese Madeira Casks for the first time:

Releases India’s first Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky 

Amrut Distilleries, India, known for their popular range of Single Malt Whiskies in India and overseas have done something new yet again! The distillery is very pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky’ – the first time ever for an Indian distillery to produce a Madeira finish Single Malt propelling Amrut to a whole new level.

To create this masterpiece, the team at Amrut Distilleries travelled to the Portuguese Madeira Islands, off the coast of Africa, to handpick Barrels that had aged the right type of Madeira that would complement Amrut’s signature characters. The barrels were then shipped to our distillery in Bangalore, India and filled with aged spirits from our stable. The robust flavours of the Madeira left behind in the staves pairs exceptionally well with Amrut’s nectars, creating a whisky unlike ever before, waiting for you to see the depths a whisky can embody and delight all your senses. The Master Distiller at Amrut Distilleries, Mr.Surrinder Kumar, has crafted this very meticulously, ensuring the Madeira makes its presence felt without stealing the show on its own.

“Amrut had really worked their way around to make this bottling with a near perfect balance of aromas.”, says Ashok Chokalingam, Amrut Distilleries. “We are very delighted with this bottling and the flavours emanating out of this whisky is truly mind boggling. It is a fantastic addition to Amrut stable and yet it is distinctive. We have pretty much produced every style of whisky and pushed the boundaries on maturation techniques that are possible. A few more are now in the pipeline to complete the course” he observes.

4800 bottles have been bottled and are now heading to the North American, European & Asia Pacific markets to be picked up by lucky customers who can lay their hands on them! “The angels of India have done it again”, concludes Ashok, “this land can make whiskies that will amaze and stun you every single time.”

Tasting Notes: (prepared by Ashok Chokalingam)

Style: A fruity affair with signature Amrut characters enveloped around it.

Nose: Almond (perhaps Marzipan) wrapped up in Toffee, Coconut shavings and complemented by Vanilla pods and Golden syrup.

Palate: Almond cake, sweet Orange, Toffee with a fruity tease, velvety. You hesitate to swallow the whisky as the middle ground is so palatable.

Finish: Citrus finish with a hint of Toffee and a refreshing end.

Rare whisky marks 20^th anniversary at Benromach Distillery 

All profits from the sale of Benromach Cask No 1 single malt whisky will be donated to charitable causes

Twenty years after family owned Benromach Distillery was reopened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay, a rare single malt whisky has been released to mark the occasion.  

Benromach Cask No 1 is an incredibly rare and limited-edition expression taken from the first cask that was laid down when the distillery reopened after many years of closure. The cask itself was signed by HRH The Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles, during the distillery’s official reopening ceremony on 15^th October 1998.

Marking a defining moment in the distillery’s history and a key date in this year’s 20^th anniversary celebrations, all profits from the sale of Benromach Cask No 1 will be donated to charitable causes.

The whisky, which was bottled on the 21^st August 2018 exactly 20 years after it was filled, is a cask strength (60.1% abv) 1998 vintage. All 575 bottles of this incredibly rare expression will be sold exclusively through Benromach Distillery’s Visitor Centre with a RRP of £1,000. Pre-orders can be placed from today (3^rd September) with decanters available from 15^th October 2018. 

Benromach Cask No 1 was matured in a First Fill Sherry Butt and has a sumptuous vintage character of rich fruits, smooth chocolate and warm spices, with hints of zingy citrus, coffee bean and charred oak.

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over five years before it was officially opened on 15^th October 1998 by HRH The Duke of Rothesay. 

Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said: “As we celebrate the 20^th anniversary since Benromach was brought back to life, it is fitting that the Urquhart family has decided to donate all the profits from the sale of this product to charitable causes.  This incredibly rare expression marks a significant moment in Benromach’s history and we look forward to seeing what the next 20 years will bring.”

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, joined as a distiller in 1998. He said: “I was proud to witness HRH The Duke of Rothesay sign the first cask of our own distilled spirit 20 years ago. This unique single cask offers whisky lovers the chance to own, savour and share an incredibly special moment in the history of the Benromach Distillery.

“Benromach Cask No 1 is a treasured bottle and is the oldest and most exclusive whisky to be launched as part of the Classic range since the distillery was revived. Part of our Classic range of Speyside single malt scotch whiskies, it offers  succulent blackberries and stewed damson plum with a hint of roasted hazelnut and charred oak on the finish.”

The double doors of the striking wooden presentation box open to reveal the decanter which displays the distillation and bottling date, as well as the date the distillery was first established – 1898.  Each decanter is closed with a copper stopper, reminiscent of Benromach’s gleaming copper stills.

All 575 decanters are individually numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager. A beautifully written hardback book accompanies the whisky, themed around the idea of firsts, which captures the time-honoured craftsmanship employed in every spirit cut and hand-filled cask of Benromach, beginning with Cask No 1 and continuing today with every cask that is laid down.

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 wide range of expressions available, please visit: www.benromach.com

Award Winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Benromach

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Benromach handcraft the finest Scotch whisky in a time honoured way. View our complete range of whiskies and find out more about how we make it here.