Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky worth the wait!

Award-winning whisky now available in Waitrose & Partners stores nationwide 

Cotswolds Distillery has secured a nation-wide listing in Waitrose & Partners for their its whisky, which was released in October 2017. Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has already accumulated an impressive nine medals and awards in its first year on the market, and this is its first substantial national listing.

The whisky will be available at the majority of Waitrose & Partners stores across the UK and at waitrose.com at an RRP of £45. Described as a rich and fruity single malt, it has been aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine barriques.

The distillery began production of its whisky and gin in 2014 at its small site in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour. The original business plan was for small-scale production to sell locally but the gin soon won awards and listings in the UK and abroad, and the small company has grown rapidly ever since.

Dan Szor, founder and CEO of Cotswolds Distillery, said “We are delighted that Waitrose & Partners has chosen to list Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky so widely – it’s a wonderful statement of belief in both our distillery and in the wider ‘world whisky’ category. We are passionate about showing consumers that small distilleries like ours, outside the traditional whisky heartlands, are committed to a production ethos that champions the highest quality local ingredients and distilling methods that are driven by quality over cost. It’s painstaking work but we feel we’re really raising the bar, so we’re very proud to show off the incredible results you can achieve, even as a brand-new distillery.”

The whisky, which recently took Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and two stars at the Great Taste Awards, has benefitted from a number of production techniques often considered too costly or inefficient in the wider whisky industry. In particular, the distillery is committed to using only barley grown on local farms in the Cotswolds, and each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and farm it was grown on.

The listing of the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky coincides with an expansion of Waitrose & Partners’ listing of the distillery’s award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin. The gin was first listed as part of the retailer’s regional producers scheme, and has been available at 10 stores in and around the Cotswolds area since July 2017 (RRP £37). Having enjoyed considerable success in the initial listing, the gin will now be rolled out to stores across the country and on waitrose.com.

Featuring lavender grown locally to the distillery, the gin was named Best London Dry in the World Gin Awards 2016 and secured the top Gold Outstanding medal in the IWSC the following year. As with the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, it is bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV, to preserve the richest flavours and mouthfeel. The unfiltered essential oils from the botanicals (including hand peeled fresh pink grapefruit zest) result in the gin’s signature pearlescent cloudiness that forms when ice or tonic are added.

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

Notes to Editors

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.

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.

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.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 23 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

GLENCAIRN NAMED OFFICIAL WHISKEY TASTING GLASS PROVIDER TO DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES

Glencairn continues to go from strength to strength Stateside this year. The family-owned award-winning crystal company has today announced that its iconic Glencairn wee whisky glass has been selected by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States to be the esteemed organisation’s official tasting glass for this year.

The partnership will be showcased first at the Distilled Spirits Council’s Halloween media party at the end of October. Following this, the glasses will be featured at a number of high-profile Council tasting events, including events in New York and Washington, D.C. celebrating the 85th
Anniversary of Prohibition Repeal. At these tasting events, and others throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019, the Council will raise these glasses with media, members of Congress and other government representatives, as well as opinion leaders and influencers.

The collaboration will see the Glencairn whisky glass being used as the official glass of the Council’s regular events and tastings.

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director at Glencairn said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by such a prestigious and influential organisation within the US drinks industry as their official glassware partner. Our design team has worked very closely with the Distilled Spirits Council to create a special version of our wee Glencairn glass for the occasion.

We are excited to be able to showcase this to so many people within the spirits sector in the USA – one of our most important and expanding markets.”

Frank Coleman, Senior Vice President at Distilled Spirits Council commented: “These special Glencairn tasting glasses are works of art befitting our members finest products. Glencairn Crystal has created an extraordinary glass for us with our new logo and tagline: “Celebrate Life, Responsibly.”

“Further, it has the 1.5 oz mark of a standard serving of spirits, which is designed to emphasise moderation and the drink-equivalent message in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines,” he added.

“These bespoke tasting glasses, while showcasing the luxurious quality of the whiskey, reinforce the spirits industry’s commitment to responsible and moderate drinking.”

For more information about the Distilled Spirit Council, visit www.distilledspirits.org. For more details about Glencairn and the bespoke services they offer, visit www.glencairn.co.uk

Notes:

About Glencairn Crystal:

Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP,  Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international  whisky and spirit producers.  Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase.  Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 70 countries worldwide. Glencairn has previously won The Queen’s Awards as follows:

– The Queens Award for Enterprise 2017 and 2012
– The Queens Award for Innovation 2006 (with the Glencairn Whisky Glass)

About The Distilled Spirits Council:

The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing the leading producers  and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. The Council guards the sector against higher taxes and works diligently to reduce trade barriers across the globe, while supporting  policies that increase adult market access for spirits products, provide greater convenience  and choices for adult consumers, and encourage responsible and moderate consumption. The Council is a go-to resource for sector data, changes in public policy, cultural acceptance  programs, U.S. spirits exports to foreign markets, and alcohol and science.

HAIG CLUB AND DAVID BECKHAM LAUNCH NEW PRINT CAMPAIGN:

‘MAKE YOUR OWN RULES’

Haig Club has today revealed its latest print campaign, ‘Make Your Own Rules’, starring brand partner, David Beckham.  Building on the  Haig Club “Make Your Own Rules” TV commercial released last year, the new print campaign continues to challenge some of the more traditional myths surrounding Scotch, encouraging people of legal purchase age to consider whisky in new ways and occasions.

Shot by renowned New York fashion photographer Cass Bird, the campaign shoot took place in David’s home city of London, and features a series of three print ads, each with a tag line that challenges a common myth about Scotch.

The first ad, “Who says whisky is for quiet nights in?” shows David Beckham with a group of people in a small bar enjoying a lively night out.  The second ad shows David Beckham creating a Haig Club cocktail to challenge the myth that whisky can’t be enjoyed with a mixer.  The final ad presents a different approach to how and where whisky would traditionally be enjoyed, and shows a group of friends including brand partner David Beckham with Haig Club Clubman and cola cocktails by a poolside.

The new campaign images also feature a redesigned brand logo, which includes the creation date 1627 of the historic whisky house, with the Haig heritage going back almost 400 years.

David Beckham says: “One of my favourite things about Haig Club is how it dares to be different. With this new campaign we wanted to encourage people to enjoy Scotch the way they want to.  It was a pleasure working with Cass and she perfectly captured the spirit of Haig.”

Ronan Beirne, Global Brand Director for Haig Club says: “Our philosophy on Haig Club has always been that our versatile delicious whisky is prefect for making your own rules on how, where & when to enjoy it. This campaign is a continuation of that belief and it was wonderful spending time with David & Cass bringing to life that belief in this campaign.’’

NOTES:

ABOUT HAIG CLUB:

Founded five years ago in partnership with David Beckham, Haig Club is a true whisky for the 21^st century. An award-winning Single Grain Scotch, Haig Club enjoys a 400-year legacy of master distillers, innovation and tradition, and is made at one of the most sustainable distilleries in the world, Cameronbridge (which recycles all the by-products from the distillation process to produce nearly enough power to run the entire distillery). But what sets Haig Club apart from any other Scotch is our firm belief that when it comes to whisky, there shouldn’t be any rules, except of course to enjoy responsibly. Discover more at http://www.HaigClub.com or https://www.instagram.com/haigclub/

ABOUT DIAGEO:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.co.uk. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY JAZZ UP MONTHLY OUTTURN WITH TRIO OF RARE EXPRESSIONS 

The liquid was originally matured in the same mother cask before being split to rest in three different types of wood  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has today released The Jazz Trio, a set of whiskies all originally born from the same sherry puncheon before being split equally across three different types of cask. The Jazz Trio is a project to showcase the influence of the wood and additional maturation on the flavour of Society whisky.

The liquid has been matured for over 20 years and then rested in three separate casks for around 18 months. True to expectation, after the further maturation, the wood has made a real impact on the flavour.

The concept for the name derives from a comparison with the wood used to make instruments in a jazz trio. When used in different ways, the wood creates a hugely different sound – across drums, the double bass and the piano.

However, they can all still come together and work in harmony as a trio. Each of the labels therefore features a different instrument from a jazz trio.

Each finished whisky is 22 years old and will be sold with the SMWS black and copper carton. The three bottles will be retailed together as a set, for a UK price of £1,250.

Commenting on the split cask concept, Spirits Manager Euan Campbell said “This was a really exciting experiment for the Society and we are truly delighted with the outcome. As we expected, the wood has made a real impact on the individual flavour of each whisky. The Jazz Trio are three of our finest and rarest releases to date, this is a set of whiskies like no other.”

24.134 A dark allurement, 56.7%VOL

One of only 225 bottles, after 20 years maturation in an Oloroso puncheon, this whisky was transferred to a 1^st fill Oloroso hogshead before being released under the Society’s Deep, rich & dried fruits flavour profile. The Society’s expert Tasting Panel describes the flavour as “dense with a hugely syrupy texture full of salted almonds, white truffle, spiced plum wine, pressed marigold flowers and dried herbs.”

24.135 An opulent temptation, 56.9%VOL

The second of the trio is one of only 241 bottles and was transferred to a 1^st fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead after 20 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry puncheon; the expression falls under The Society’s Old & dignified flavour profile. The whisky is described as having notes of “raspberry jam, dark chocolate covered prunes, date compote and black pepper.”

24.136 A sweet seduction, 58.3%VOL

The final expression is one of only 218 bottles, the whisky was matured for 20 years in an Oloroso puncheon and then transferred to a 2^nd fill bourbon barrel and released under Sweet, fruity & mellow flavour profile. The Society’s expert tasting panel says “the arrival in the mouth is thrillingly dense, with a Muscovado sugar sweetness with runny honey and aged herbal liqueurs.”

To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, visit https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-gift-membership

Full tasting notes

A dark allurement

A resinous, mineralic sherry – almost brittle in its purity – leaps at you from the glass. It evolves into a poetic riddle of camphor, dates, aged Borderies Cognac, supple earthiness, dark brown sugar, pomegranate molasses and aged cigars. There’s cough medicine in there as well, alongside sour cherries, redcurrant jus and cured game meats. Reduction brings forth a sense of long-aged medicines, shoe polish, peppermint tea, eucalyptus oils and pine resin. The sherry remains vibrant, nervous and beautifully poised. The arrival on the palate is mouth-enveloping. A dense, hugely syrupy texture full of salted almonds, white truffle, dunnage earthiness, spiced plum wine, pressed marigold flowers and dried herbs. With water there are more nutty qualities, toasted seed mixes, grassy olive oil, sooty inflections and notes of dry cereals, buttery brown toast and expensive liquorice. A fading, rancio-rich finish follows with notes of salted lemons and dried thyme in the aftertaste. After 20 years maturation in an Oloroso puncheon this whisky was transferred to a 1st fill Oloroso hogshead. 

An opulent temptation

The earthiness of the PX sherry strikes first with a dense cloak of autolytic brown bread, leaf mulch, aged walnut wines and cured meats rising from the glass. As this heady veil retreats there emerges raisins stewed in cognac, ancient rhum agricole, caramelised demerara sugar and sweet – almost botrytic – sultanas. Water brings a wealth of aromatic complexity; a sense of ancient balsamic, long-aged Vin Juane, menthol tobacco and aged Chinese tea cakes. Also jasmine and softer notes of earthy chamomile and dried mint. The palate is dense and yet well-chiselled and punchy. Immediately there is raspberry jam, quince, dark chocolate covered prunes, date compote, black pepper and a rich note of damp hessian sack cloth. With reduction comes a saliva-summoning acidity, leavened bread, lambic ale and aged strawberry wine. More autolytic touches such as sourdough starter and soda bread emerge. The finish melts into a chocolatey, darkly fruited, warming olfactory smog. Transferred to 1st fill PX hogshead after 20 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry puncheon.

A sweet seduction

The initial appearance of orange-flecked gold hints at this whisky’s sherry cask origins. Indeed, the first nosing reveals a gentle abundance of gingerbread, spun sugar and precious nectars. Some quietly luscious fruit syrups linger in the background and between it all lies a warmth of peppery spice, grated nutmeg, cinnamon bark and ground allspice. A little water reveals supple green fruits, poire williams eau de vie and warm, custard-drizzled gooseberry tart. The arrival in the mouth is thrillingly dense, with an enlivening – almost gooey – Muscovado sugar sweetness. Runny honey, aged herbal liqueurs and a kind of sticky rancio all make themselves felt. Water unveils lightness; assorted citrus rinds; pink grapefruit; white pepper and truffle oil. There follows a mineral-flecked, lingering finish that treads the knife-edge of sweetness and drying earthy qualities. Matured for 20 years in an Oloroso puncheon before transfer to a 2nd fill bourbon barrel.

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, grain whisky and occasionally blended whisky, along with a range of other spirits.
• The Society predominantly bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 136 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 30 releases every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit https://www.smws.com/
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES A NEW STYLE OF IRISH WHISKEY DATING NEARLY 100 YEARS IN KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE 

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is an innovation that pays tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey 

Chicago, IL (October 18, 2018) – Today, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash. It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010. Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.

“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.

Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

This limited-edition Irish whiskey will be available in the United States in mid-November 2018 with a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750ml). It joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).

KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE | 43% ABV

AROMA                Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus, and soft ginger spices

TASTE                    Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove, and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness

FINISH                  Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Israel, October 28^th, 2018

Israeli Whisky Club and Indepenent bottler ‘Holy Dram’ have announced today (October 28^th) their first EVER single cask bottling for the Israeli Market.  The whisky they have bottled is a Loch Lomond  Inchmoan (the peaty line of single malt distilled at Loch Lomond distillery) aged 14 year from Cask #68.

The whisky was hand-picked by Holy Dram admins and managers from a wide selection of Loch Lomond casks.

Cask #68 (ex-bourbon hogshead) yielded 220 bottles of cask strength whisky. The whisky was distilled March 2004 and bottled August 2018, at 52.4% abv (Cask strength) and is presented in its natural form (no color added, or filtration).

Gal Granov of Holy Dram IL commented: “we’re really thrilled to have bottled the first single cask for the Israeli marker aimed at our group of 4,100 whisky lovers. We liked this cask from first sniff, as it was perfectly balanced with smoke and tropical fruit” There has been quite a lot of interest from friends and whisky fans worldwide.”

Official tasting notes:

Nose: This is quite a nice nose, there’s quite some smoke , and chili peppers, ash and soot, but it’ not as ‘Ardbeg’ sort of ashy. A very nice wood influence as well, and it look like this has been an active cask. Cinnamon flavored bubble gum, a bit waxy, and a hint of mint.

Palate: now this is where the whisky shines! on the first wave of sensations , there’s quite a lot of peat, the ash and the warm smoke, the vanilla and the pepper which give way to an avalanche of grilled tropical fruit  (thing pineapple, mango, banana), with the sweet smoke holding it all together, a nice touch of chilly and burnt caramel.

Finish: Hints of Caramelized tropical fruit, sweet chili peppers, and a nice bitterness with the ash going a long way.

CRAIGELLACHIE LAUNCHES WORLD’S MOST UNCOLLECTABLE WHISKY

Hamilton, Bermuda, 26^th October 2018 – CRAIGELLACHIE’s latest whisky has waited 51 years to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

But, CRAIGELLACHIE 51 is not bottled in a fancy crystal decanter and it doesn’t have a silly price tag.

This whisky has been resting in oak for 51 years. It doesn’t need to sit on a shelf for another 51 years collecting dust.

Over the next 12 months CRAIGELLACHIE 51, will be made available for whisky lovers at special tastings around the world, in four key markets.

Global Ambassador Georgie Bell comments: “We wanted to do the unthinkable. We wanted to make a typically collectable Scotch more accessible.”

Adding “We want to give as many people as we can, the chance to try this incredible whisky, because how often does a whisky of this age and calibre actually get tasted?”

Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod says of the liquid “51 years encased in oak is an extraordinary length of time. Starting life in 1962 as an aggressive beast, the whisky over five decades has developed a softer side yet still retains the distinct umami, muscular note that CRAIGELLACHIE is known for.”

From November 26th – November 28th, CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop-up called Bar 51, a bar within a bar. Over three consecutive nights, this mini bar will be located in London’s oldest whisky shop, Milroy’s of Soho. Bar 51 will debut in London before travelling to Australia, South Africa and the U.S throughout the next year.

Reservations for Bar 51 go live at 9am on Monday 29^th October, 150 tickets will be given away for free*, chosen at random. For a chance to drink Craigellachie 51 go to www.craigellachie.com/bar51

Notes

*all guests must be of legal drinking age. 

About CRAIGELLACHIE Single Malt Scotch Whisky

CRAIGELLACHIE distillery sits firm in the heart of Speyside, flat bang in the middle of Scotch territory. It obstinately stands alone on a rock overlooking the confluence of the rivers Fiddich and Spey. Speyside whiskies are known to be fruity and floral but CRAIGELLACHIE defies this with its rich and robust character.

Constructed by two whisky icons: Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward, it began production in 1891, when its whisky was first described as “old-fashioned”.

Stubbornly sticking to tradition is a hallmark of the distillery, hence the continued use of old-fashioned worm tubs to cool its spirit and its own oil-fired malt. These help to bestow extra flavour and create a muscular character to rival whiskies of far greater age. Famously challenging in style, this is a dram for daring palates.

The core portfolio comprises four CRAIGELLACHIE® single malts: the 13 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 23 Years Old and 33 Years Old.

The CRAIGELLACHIE brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.  Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies including Bacardi International Limited.

Awards

Since its launch in 2014 CRAIGELLACHIE has racked up a number of highly notable accolades. Most notably, in 2015, Craigellachie 23 Years Old won ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco Spirits Competition and in 2017 Craigellachie 31 Years Old surpassed other industry greats by receiving “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards. 

Most recent awards:

Craigellachie 13 Years Old

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Craigellachie 17 Years Old

Gold Medal, Scotch Whisky Masters 2017

Craigellachie 23 Years Old

Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2017

Craigellachie 33 Years Old

Master, The Travel Retail Masters UK 2017 

Bar 51

CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop up, called Bar 51, as a ‘bar within a bar’ in Milroy’s of Soho’s. The space will be transformed in to the world of CRAIGELLACHIE where Global Brand Ambassador, Georgie Bell will introduce CRAIGELLACHIE 51 to a small number of people*. The opening night is on 26^th November, CRAIGELLACHIES’s co-founder, Peter Mackie’s birthday. Bar 51 will run for three consecutive nights until 28^th November 2018.

*To be in with a chance of winning free entry to Bar 51, register at www.craigellachie.com/bar51 from 9am on 29^th October. 150 places will then be chosen at random and the winners will be notified one week prior to the event.

Milroy’s of Soho, London

Established in 1964, Milroy’s of Soho, London is an iconic whisky bar that specialises in rare and hard to find whiskies – both available by the dram and to buy. It completely goes against the grain of usual ‘exclusive’ whisky shops with a down to earth and team and approachable vibe.

EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April.

Priced at £64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.

Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, commented: “We’re proud of our Smokehead Sherry Bomb expression. The whisky is more explosive than an Armada cannonball. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after a bold, peaty whisky that’s been blasted by rich sherry casks, then this is the delicious taste explosion you’ve been waiting for.”

Building on the launch of the new Smokehead brand design, Sherry Bomb’s packaging displays the brand’s iconic skull – this time in fiery red – bold typography and smoked, textured backgrounds, with each Limited-Edition black bottle presented in a Sherry Bomb tin. Smokehead Sherry Bomb is available now in the UK and will roll out globally in November.

TASTING NOTES: SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB (48% ABV) 

The First Impression: Thick peat lets you know you’ve got a serious Islay single malt on your hands. Then a fruitier, creamier feel – soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. But don’t get comfortable – this is only the beginning.

The Full-on Flavour: Tie yourself down and wait for the hit of oily black smoke, with a rich heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour of barbecued banana, (yes, really) tangy sultanas and dried fruits. Told you it was different.

The Finale: The peat returns, just as you hoped/feared it would. This time it’s brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you’re not dealing with the ordinary here.

Please drink responsibly.

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES 

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

THE ‘THREE WISE MEN’ FROM LOCH LOMOND DISTILLERY

A STAR CHRISTMAS GIFT SELECTION

Image Caption: Three Wise Men Cocktails – Loch Lomond Group

This year, The Loch Lomond Distillery has the perfect Christmas gift selection for whisky lovers with its very own Three Wise Men; a specially crafted trio of 12 Year Old whiskies, each with its own unique style and character.

Traditionally, the ’12 days of Christmas’ marked the time between Christmas Day and the arrival of the three wise men; Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior, making this collection of 12 Year Olds the perfect way to toast the festive season.

Loch Lomond Distillery has also created a recommended serve for each expression representing each of the three gifts, to provide some added inspiration for those entertaining guests this Christmas – or perhaps even seeking a quiet moment to themselves…

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old – £39.99 – 46.0% ABV

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old has a deep fruity character of peach and pear layered with a vanilla sweetness and the characteristic hints of peat and smoke found in Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Matured in three different types of casks – bourbon, refill and re-charred – the expertly crafted iconic Loch Lomond whisky delivers a perfectly balanced single malt. 

Inchmoan 12 Year Old – £46.99 – ABV 46.0%

Inchmoan 12 Year Old is born from a combination of malt whiskies from the distillery’s traditional swan neck and unique straight neck pot stills, to create a peat character of exceptional depth, marrying smoke and spiciness perfectly.

Matured for 12 years in a combination of re-charred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks, it imparts sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond’s unique still set up. 

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – £44.99 – 46.0% ABV

The enchanting isle of Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands and its natural characteristics shine through in this exceptional single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as the ‘Grassy Isle’ the island is soft, rounded and wonderfully wooded, just like the whisky itself.

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old is aged in hand selected bourbon, refill and re-charred casks and then married together to create a lighter whisky with grassy notes and floral hints of pear drops, crème caramel, soft fruits, vanilla and fudge.

The whiskies are available to buy from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Loch Lomond Sparkling Gold

Gold was gifted often as an acknowledgement of kingship. This precious gift is still a symbol of Christmas and so we have incorporated it into a drink fit for royalty;

Ingredients:
25ml of Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
15ml of Golden Honey

15ml of Ginger syrup
Prosecco
Gold Flakes (optional)

Method:

Combine Loch Lomond 12 Year Old with the golden honey and ginger syrup and chill down over ice before straining into at chilled flute glass and topping with sparkling Prosecco. To add a little sparkle, top with a pinch of edible gold flakes.

Inchmurrin Aromatic Frankincense

Frankincense is a rare aromatic resin with citrus and pine aroma and is used in incense and perfume with the name coming from an old French expression meaning “high-quality incense”.

The fruity and floral profile of our Inchmurrin 12 Year Old combined with bitter and fresh Italian aperitif Aperol and soothing sweet vermouth topped with sparking soda and orange oils.

Ingredients:

25ml of Inchmurrin 12 Year Old

15ml Aperol

15ml Sweet Vermouth

A splash of soda

Orange peel to garnish

Method:

Simply add Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, Aperol and Sweet Vermouth to a large wine glass over cubed ice. Stir these ingredients together for 10 seconds and add more ice if needed. Top with sparkling soda and gently stir together. Garnish with orange peel. 

Inchmoan Warming Myrrh

Myrrh is an opulent smokey, dark, woody and earthy resin that has long been thought to contain healing qualities.

The smoky and deep character of Inchmoan 12 Year Old combines with natural honey, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg before being soothed with hot water, pressed apple and fresh lemon.

Ingredients:

25ml Inchmoan 12 Year Old

30ml of pressed apple

200 ml hot water

2 teaspoons of honey

3 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

A pinch of nutmeg

A squeeze of fresh lemon

Lemon peel to garnish

Method:

Add the honey to a glass mug then half fill with the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Add all other ingredients except for the lemon peel, and stir together for 10 seconds. Finally add the remaining hot water and serve, garnished with the lemon peel.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.

• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

John j. Bowman single barrel Virginia straight Bourbon Takes home gold at 2018 New York world wine and spirits competition  

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (Oct. 23, 2018) – Two spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon winning Gold and Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon receiving Silver.

The NYWSC, held in August, received more than 430 wines and 340 spirits to be judged at this year’s competition, breaking all records of previous years.

“We are honored to accept the awards at this year’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition,” said Brian Prewitt, master distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. “It’s great to see our team effort pay off.”

Results from the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills,Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.