OLD PULTENEY TO SET SAIL WITH NEW FLEET OF INSPIRED WHISKIES

On the north east shores of Scotland, where the invigorating North Sea winds meet the stunning Caithness coast, there is a town; home to a vibrant single malt whisky which captures the very essence of its location. This is Wick and we are Old Pulteney.

Never one to rest on our laurels; we are always evolving. Inspired by the spirit of our forefathers, and in celebration of our home town and its lively maritime history; we have crafted a brand new fleet. A collection of whiskies grounded in the passion and vigour shown by those who have truly shaped our spirit.

Our new collection of single malt Scotch whiskies remains true to the renowned, classic style of Old Pulteney celebrating our lively history, yet bringing some different flavours to the fore. Created from the unique combination of brisk salty sea air and meticulous cask selection, we continue to truly be the maritime malt.

Distilled and matured by the sea, this new fleet will take you on a journey of flavour, combining a consistent reminder of our coastal home with the influence of oak casks, from which our spirit is nurtured and shaped. Ahead of the official unveiling of the new collection of whiskies, we are giving  our fans the chance to be one of the first to hold one of our new fleet in their hands. We are giving away only 100 bottles to 100 lucky fans.

For your chance to be one of the first to own a bottle from our new collection, simply visit www.old-pulteney.com/competition*

#MARITIME MALT

MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCES CRAFT-INSPIRED BARTENDER WORKSHOPS

‘The Makers’ 2018 will educate bartenders on the handcrafted credentials of Maker’s Mark

The series of intimate, hands-on workshops are set to launch in the UK this August

LONDON – 26^th JULY, 2018 – Maker’s Mark, the premium handcrafted American whisky, has announced its UK bartender engagement programme for 2018, The Makers – launching nationwide this August.

Kicking off on the 6^th of August in London, The Makers 2018 will roll out across London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

Following the success of last year’s workshops, The Makers will once again offer UK bartenders an immersive and educational experience into the world of premium bourbon through a series of intimate, hands-on workshops aimed at providing practical crafts and skills which they can take back to use in their bars. This comes in light of an exponential boom in popularity of American whisky among UK drinkers as the Premium American whiskey category continues to grow in both volume +30% and value +22% respectively [1] – the second fastest growing spirits category behind gin.

Each uniquely designed to showcase the handcrafted credentials of Maker’s Mark, the experience will explore the fundamental elements that go into the creation of the liquid by delving into experiences based around wheat, wax, paper and wood. Bartenders interested in building on their knowledge of the bourbon category can sign up, here: www.jointhemakers.com

Starting in London, The Makers wheat workshop features artisan doughnut making at Bread Ahead lead by renowned baker, Manuel Monade, using the same Red Winter Wheat that gives Maker’s Mark its smooth characteristics and sweet flavour.

The wax workshops will encourage bartenders to personalise wax candles, representing how every single bottle of Maker’s Mark is still hand-dipped in Maker’s signature red wax – an iconic design feature in which every drip is distinctively different.

Partnering with London Print Club, bartenders will create bespoke cocktail mats as part of the paper session, signifying how every Maker’s Mark label continues to be printed and hand-pressed at the distillery.

And finally, each bartender will be given training in how to expertly engrave bar tools as part of the wood workshop. Carving inspired by Maker’s Mark innovative wood stave finishing process to achieve premium taste and consistency.

Amanda Humphrey, Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat said: “We have a rich history and heritage of doing things differently, so we wanted to move away from traditional bartender training and offer immersive hands on opportunities to understand and experience craftsmanship. These bespoke experiences aim to offer bartenders an insight into the unique process that goes into making each and every bottle of Maker’s Mark.”

Inspired by the distilling process Maker’s Mark has used since its first bottling in 1958, the series of workshops will explore the fundamentals of American whiskey and the four elements that make Maker’s Mark the leading bourbon in its category, welcoming bartenders to #jointhemakers and live by the ‘heart-made, head-made, hand-made’ mantra.

The Maker’s Workshops are running from 6th August in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

For more information on dates for the workshops and how to sign up please visit: www.jointhemakers.com

• August – London – Wheat
• August – Manchester – Wax
• September – Manchester – Wheat
• September – Edinburgh – Wax
• September – London – Paper
• October – London – Wax 

Notes:

[1] Source: Off Trade – Nielsen 19.05.18, On Trade – CGA 21.04.18

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon:

In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream of creating a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s 46®.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

 About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK:

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest spirits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading whiskies brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)
• Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard vodka, Roku gin, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

PERFECTION RECOGNISED AS THE SOCIETY WIN CASK STRENGTH SCOTCH WHISKY OF THE YEAR AT INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION 2018

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society won a total of 11 awards for their single cask whiskies 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) (http://bit.ly/2uXN6Iu) has won Cask Strength, Scotch Whisky of the Year for their bottle Cask 3.305 – The scents of perfection at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 (IWSC).

The 28-year-old Islay whisky, which was released in December 2017 with only 209 bottles available to SMWS members, also won a Gold Outstanding award. Listed under the SMWS flavour profile of Old & Dignified, the whisky spent 26 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a 1^st fill Pedro Ximinez hogshead for the remainder of its maturation.

The taste of the whisky is described by the Society’s Tasting Panel as “dark fruits soaked in port followed with chocolate-covered brazil nuts and banoffee pie” with a nose of a “heavenly reek of smoked bacon mingled with coffee ice cream, butterscotch and lemon thyme on the finish”.

10 other awards

The SMWS achieved an impressive haul of awards for an independent bottler, winning 10 other awards including a Gold for Cask 4.239 – High sea rebellion and Silver Outstanding for Cask 36.138 – Fruit baskets in a painted room and Cask 42.43 – Smoky spiced red rye ale.

As with all Society releases, they are limited edition and members have snapped up most of the awarded whiskies, but Cask 35.203 – Feria de Jerez is still available in the UK/EU (http://bit.ly/2uWtEvq). The Society’s Tasting Panel described this Speyside whisky as having a “full aroma of sweet potatoes with dried figs, caramelised apples and Chantilly cream” and a “lively taste of dark chocolate covered figs and Sherry soaked Medjool dates”.

The Society releases an outturn of new whisky every month and still has exciting plans for the rest of the year, including a range of new single cask whiskies in their August outturn along with the release of a rum, Armagnac and cognac under their Single Cask Spirits collection.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition awards excellence in wines and spirits worldwide, encouraging recognition for quality products. 90 countries worldwide enter the competition and each sample is treated with the same care and consideration in the IWSC’s dedicated tasting premises.

Commenting on the win, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at the SMWS said: “This year we are celebrating the 35^th anniversary of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and we’re delighted to mark this by winning Cask Strength Scotch Whisky of the Year, along with an array of other awards.

These awards acknowledge the best spirits in the world and follow on from taking home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in May earlier this year. It’s the perfect way to mark our 35^th anniversary.”

Full awards listed below:

Cask 3.305 – The scents of perfection

Cask Strength Scotch Whisky 2018

Cask 3.305 – The scents of perfection

Gold Outstanding 2018

Cask 36.138 – Fruit baskets in a painted room

Silver Outstanding 2018

Cask 42.43 – Smoky spiced red rye ale

Silver Outstanding 2018

Cask 50.96 – A day trip to heaven

Silver 2018

Cask 52.21 – Tropical breezes fill the sails

Silver 2018

Cask 35.203 – Feria de Jerez / Available here: http://bit.ly/2uWtEvq

Bronze 2018

Cask 29.240 – Seventh heaven

Bronze 2018

Cask 4.239 – High sea rebellion

Gold 2018

Cask 9.133 – Elixir of the gods

Silver 2018

Cask 29.225 – Slapped by a kipper

Silver 2018
For more information on membership:

UK
http://bit.ly/2uXN6Iu
Twitter: @SMWSUK

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 135 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop in Edinburgh has over 200 whiskies on offer and is open to everybody
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see http://bit.ly/2uXN6Iu
• For more information about the Society, visit http://bit.ly/2uXN6Iu

CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF HIGHLAND PARK VALKNUT

 “I know one thing which never dies: the reputation of each dead man.”

Poetic Edda, Hávamál, verse 77 

Highland Park is excited to introduce you to VALKNUT Special Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lynvgild, Highland Park VALKNUT is the second in a series of three VIKING LEGEND releases inspired by our rich Viking history and mythology.

Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, commented: “Valknut is an intensely balanced whisky with an ABV of 46.8%.  It’s been matured predominantly in American sherry seasoned oak casks with a slightly higher phenolic level, compared to Valkyrie.  We’ve also used a small amount of Orkney grown Tartan barley which adds to its smokier edge and lingering sweet, spicy finish.”

Designer, Jim Lyngvild commented:  “The story of the Valknut is compelling and I wanted to ensure that the design feature of this packaging was a fitting match to the whisky created by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion.

“Also, as VALKNUT is part of a series of three expressions, I made sure that there is continuity in style of the packaging – for example, the frieze design at top is consistent in look but the story of the symbol has been brought to the front panel.”

Jim’s inspiration came from two important Nordic sources in Gotland, Sweden – the first of the four Stora Hammars stones and the picture stone at Tängelgårda.

VALKNUT means ‘knot of those killed in battle’ and its symbol of three interlinked triangles is closely associated with the Norse god Odin who guided the spirits of the dead to Valhalla.

Norse mythology tells of the VALKYRIES, Odin’s female servants, who combed the battlefields for the bravest fallen warriors. Vikings who met an honourable death were marked out by the symbol of the VALKNUT and spirited away to VALHALLA to join Odin’s mighty army and prepare for RAGNAROK, the battle of the end of the world.

Notes: 

Highland Park Valknut will launch in over 15 markets from June 2018.

RSP:  £58.00 (70cl and 75cl)

Valknut is the second in a series of three Viking Legend releases. It will be followed by Valfather in 2019.

Jim Lyngvild biography

Jim is a Danish designer and a true Viking.  His Viking lineage includes his 36th great grandfather Ragnvald Eysteinsson who was the 1st Earl of the Orkney Islands.   He can trace back his family tree all the way back to the 8th century.

Today, Jim lives in a Viking inspired castle which he designed himself in the Danish village of Faaborg. He is well-known for his creativity and vivid imagination.

A successful businessman and designer of many things including part ownership of with Frejdahl, a Danish Brewery.  

Tasting notes – 46.8%.

Appearance:   Natural colour, light gold

Nose:  Toasted vanilla pods, cracked black pepper, oak shavings, cloves, aniseed, aromatic smoke

Palate: Sweet, aromatic cloves join forces with tangy hints of aniseed

Finish: Intensely balanced, bold and courageous, leaves a lingering memory of aromatic peat smoke and sweet spices

For further information, please contact: www.highlandparkwhisky.com

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY LANDS IN TRAVEL RETAIL 

Cotswolds Distillery has launched its inaugural travel retail proposition at Birmingham, Bristol and East Midlands Airports. Introduced exclusively into the sector in World Duty Free stores at the beginning of April, the offering has already seen strong success and has had a significant impact on sales. This is Cotswolds Distillery’s first foray into travel retail and increases opportunities for international travellers to try its award-winning range of whisky products.

Customers are able to purchase Cotswolds Distillery’s three flagship products; Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Cream Liqueur, all in 70cl size. For those unfamiliar with the selection, customers can ‘try before they fly’ with Cotswolds Distillery staff on hand to provide discerning travellers with samples, further insight into the brand, its products and their origins at the heart of the Cotswolds.

Product sampling at Birmingham Airport is complemented by a film about the products, their heritage and the production process, broadcast on a large HD display. The impact of this bespoke area has been extremely positive, with sales of Cotswolds Distillery products doubling since its launch.

This exciting launch follows the recent announcement that Cotswolds Distillery has raised £3million of equity through crowdfunding, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding and developing the business to meet growing demand for its award-winning products around the globe.

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

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. It has been aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine barriques. It is bottled non-chill filtered, with no added colour and at 46% ABV. RRP £44.95. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 12 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange and Laithwaites.

For more information, visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

Dr Bill Lumsden lauded as Distiller of the Year at prestigious ISC awards

STILL AUSTIN WHISKEY CO. FILLS 1,000^TH BARREL

Austin’s Grain-to-Glass Urban Distillery Hits Milestone within First Year of Operation 

(Austin, TX) –  Austin’s first grain-to-glass urban whiskey distillery, Still Austin Whiskey Co., hit a major milestone on Friday, July 20^th as they filled their 1,000^th whiskey barrel. Open as of September 23, 2017, the distillery is still in its first year of operation, but has shown considerable growth within the short time span.

One of the more recent distilleries to enter the new wave of craft spirits, Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a 100% grain-to-glass distillery and handles all milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling and bottling in house. Through their relationships with Texas farmers, Still Austin Whiskey Co. utilizes local grains, limestone-filtered water, and the Texas climate to make bold whiskey expressions unique to Austin.

Still Austin Whiskey Co. made the bold move of opening with three, fresh-off-the still new make whiskeys – the Signature New Make whiskey, Mother Pepper, a spicy rendition featuring local peppers, and Daydreamer, a citrus infused whiskey. All three whiskeys recently received medals at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Still Austin Whiskey Co. was named “Best Whiskey Distillery” in Austin Monthly Magazine’s August “Best of ATX 2018” issue.

Still Austin Whiskey Co. has continuously strived to stand out from their craft distiller peers, including the June 2018 release of their newest spirit, a first-of-its-kind Texas Rye Gin. Barreling has been a consistent focus since the start of production and the anticipation for aged product is high amongst the Still team and the public.

The 1,000^th barrel marks a considerable milestone for the distillery. “We could not have accomplished this much so quickly without our talented team led by John Schrepel, the support from our local farmers, and the Austin community,” stated Andrew Braunberg, Co-founder and General Manager of Production.

Still hopes to release the first of its aged products, a Rye Bourbon, in the upcoming months.

About: Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a grain-to-glass distillery dedicated to transforming simple grains into amazing spirits. All spirits are made by hand in Austin, Texas from grains provided by Texas farmers. Still Austin Whiskey Co. is committed to creating Texas expressions of American Craft Whiskey; by making spirits from scratch, quality is ensured at every step. Spirits are sold and served in their tasting room and are available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores. The distillery is located at 440 East St. Elmo Road, Austin, Texas 78745. Tasting room hours are Thursday: 1pm – 9pm, Friday: 1pm – 11pm, Saturday: Noon – 11pm and Sunday: Noon – 6pm. Tours and tastings are available Thursday & Friday: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, Saturday: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and Sunday: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. For more information visit www.stillaustin.com. Visit on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX and follow on Twitter @StillAtX and Instagram @Still_ATX.

VERY RARE YAMAZAKI-50 YEAR OLD LEADS BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN HONG KONG 

First edition of Yamazaki-50 year old. Estimate: HK$1,800,000-2,400,000/£175,000-235,000

A rare first edition of Yamazaki-50 year old leads Bonhams Whisky Sale in Hong Kong on Friday 17 August. It is estimated at HK$1,800,000-2,400,000/£175,000-235,000.

The oldest expression from the famous Japanese distillery, the whisky was matured in casks made from mizunara (Japanese Oak) before being bottled and released in 2005. Only 50 bottles were produced, making it one of the scarcest Japanese whiskies.

Bonhams Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, Daniel Lam, said: “The Yamazaki-50 year old is a very rare and special whisky, and I am expecting a lot of interest from collectors.  It leads a sale which offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire the finest of Japanese whiskies and some of the most sought-after names in Scotch whisky such as Macallan, Port Ellen and Ardbeg.”

Other highlight of the sale, which features more than 620 bottles, include:

• More than 40 bottles of Yamazaki including the Yamazaki-35 year old (HK$350,000-500,000/£34,200-48,400); and the Suntory-Rolling Stone 50th Anniversary (HK$280,000-360,000/£27,300-35,200).
• A bottle of Hibiki-Arita-35 year old, produced to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of Japanese porcelain production. Only 150 bottles were released (HK$100,000-140,000/£9,800-13,700).
• The Karuizawa Sumo Trio Distilled in 1981, 1982 and 1983, framed within a crafted humidor designed by Ukiyo-e artist Hachisuka Kuniaki. Only 340 sets were produced (HK$90,000-120,000/£8,800-11,700)
• A selection of the finest Macallans. Bottles include Macallan Fine & Rare-1937-37 year old (HK$260,000-320,000/£25,400-31,200), and Macallan Fine & Rare-1946-56 year old (HK$250,000-300,000/£24,400-29,300)
• A vertical collection of Port Ellen Annual Release. 17 bottles from 2001-2017.  (HK$280,000-360,000/£27,300-35,200)
• Pre-prohibition and medicinal bourbon whiskies from the early 20th century, including a bottle of Antique Whiskey-1912 (HK$15,000-18,000/£1,400-1,700).

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, London, London W1S 1SR, United Kingdom

NH Liquor Commission Raffling Rare Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons to Raise $100,000 for Best Buddies NH 

Prize package includes Pappy Van Winkle’s 10-year, 12-year, 15-year, 20-year, 23-year and 25-year bourbons; only 710 bottles of Pappy 25-year bourbon exist worldwide 

Joseph W. Mollica, Chairman | Michael R. Milligan, Deputy Commissioner

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving bourbon lovers the chance to acquire the world’s most sought-after bourbon while contributing to a worthy cause. NHLC launched the third annual Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience today, providing bourbon enthusiasts the opportunity to obtain the entire collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, including the oldest bourbon Pappy Van Winkle has ever released: the Old Rip Van Winkle 25yr Handmade Bourbon. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold for $100 each with proceeds benefiting Best Buddies New Hampshire. Tickets are available until October 2 at www.distillersshowcase.com/pappy.

“We are proud to offer our customers from across the country this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain the most sought-after bourbons on the planet,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “This initiative is indicative of both our longstanding commitment to offering customers limited, rare and premium products, and our dedication to supporting the New Hampshire nonprofit community. We are honored to partner with Best Buddies New Hampshire, a remarkable organization making a significant impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

In its inaugural effort in 2016, NHLC raffled a single bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The raffle generated more than $10,000 for the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association. Building on the success and momentum of the 2016 raffle, NHLC made the decision to expand the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience to feature the entire line of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons in 2017. Last year, the raffle generated more than $42,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire.

With high demand for Pappy Van Winkle and overwhelming support for Best Buddies New Hampshire, NHLC decided to increase the amount of tickets available to 1,000 and to enhance the prize package by including a bottle of the Old Rip Van Winkle’s 25-year Handmade Bourbon.

Introduced in April 2017 with just 710 bottles available worldwide, the Old Rip Van Winkle 25yr Handmade Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $1,800 per bottle, but some retailers list it at $15,000 per bottle.

In addition to the full collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, one winner will receive VIP access to one of the largest spirits tasting events in the country, the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, which features more than 400 premium and ultra-premium spirits for sampling and draws more than 1,000 guests. The Distiller’s Showcase takes place on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, NH. The prize package also includes access to an intimate Pappy Van Winkle tasting and fine dining experience in Manchester.

The full prize package for the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience includes:

• One bottle each of:
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon
  • Van Winkle Special Reserve 12yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Old Rip Van Winkle 25yr Handmade Bourbon
• Two VIP tickets to Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits
• Two seats at a Pappy Van Winkle Tasting Dinner on Tuesday, October 30
• The five-course dinner will include samples from Pappy Van Winkle’s line of bourbons
• Transportation for two to New Hampshire
• Hotel accommodations for three nights in Manchester

Best Buddies New Hampshire helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience friendship and build a life-giving social network outside of their families and service providers. The organization’s programming allows students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take part in age-appropriate social activities through one-to-one friendships.

“Best Buddies New Hampshire is honored to have been chosen as the nonprofit partner for the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience,” said Best Buddies New Hampshire Director Sarra Dennehy. “This is a terrific opportunity for our organization and we plan to use this funding to expand and enhance our School Friendship Programs in elementary, middle, high school and colleges. We are also planning to use this critical funding to establish our Citizens program, which offers the thousands of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Hampshire the opportunity for one-to-one friendships. We are extremely grateful to NHLC for continuing to support our mission of inclusion and friendship for everyone.”

In addition to Best Buddies New Hampshire, NHLC has worked with suppliers, brokers and customers over the past five years to raise more than $1.47 million for nonprofit organizations making an impact in New Hampshire and beyond, including Community Foundation Sonoma County, the Napa Valley Community Foundation, New Hampshire Food Bank, Currier Museum of Art, Easterseals New Hampshire, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Care for Troops, Toys for Tots, Granite United Way, Concord Hospital, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain Foundation, Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

Photo caption: The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving bourbon lovers the chance to acquire the world’s most sought-after bourbon while contributing to a worthy cause. NHLC launched the third annual Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience today, providing the opportunity to obtain the entire collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, including the Old Rip Van Winkle 25yr Handmade Bourbon. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold for $100 each with proceeds benefiting Best Buddies New Hampshire. Tickets are available until October 2 at www.distillersshowcase.com/pappy. Pictured are the 10, 12, 15, 20 and 23-year bourbons.