AUTHENTIC SEACOAST DISTILLING COMPANY WINS MEDALS AT PRESTIGIOUS SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Guysborough, Nova Scotia – Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd has continued its winning streak at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), bringing five medals home to Atlantic Canada from the 18th annual competition. The distillery received a:

• Gold Medal for its GLYNNEVAN® 12 Year Old Straight Canadian Rye Whisky,
• Silver Medal for its GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky
• Bronze Medals for its GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky

This is the fourth consecutive year Authentic Seacoast Distilling has been recognized for excellence with their spirits.

Regarded as the most influential spirits competition in the world, the 2018 SFWSC was the largest in its history, featuring more than 2,200 submissions. Medal winners are chosen through a rigorous blind tasting process over four days to ensure integrity and impartiality. As a result, a SFWSC medal is a recognized affirmation of high quality and one of the most reliable and universal indications of spirits excellence.

“I am absolutely delighted to have our GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, recognized by the most prestigious spirits competition in the world”, said Glynn Williams, President and Distiller, Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd.

“These impressive results provide us with independent third party validation of the very high quality of our products on a global basis.”

A new Canadian tradition where the spirit of prairie grain comes to rest in barrels in the Authentic Seacoast Distillery on the historic Guysborough harbour, GLYNNEVAN® Whisky brings a distinct Maritimes character to Canadian rye whisky. Read more about GLYNNEVAN at www.glynnevan.com.

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company produces small batch, craft blended and distilled spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Fortress® Rum, Virga® Vodka and Sea Fever® Rum at its distillery on the historic Guysborough harbour, and is part of Authentic Seacoast Company, which includes Osprey Shores, historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Full Steam® Coffee, Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird® Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store.

About Authentic Seacoast Company

Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: http://www.authenticseacoast.com

‘BURNING OF THE BEAR CEREMONY’ IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD WHISKY DAY AND ROYAL WEDDING AT SPIRITUAL HOME OF SCOTCH WHISKY 

The bear set aflame to celebrate the opening of the distillery

There can be no more unique way to celebrate World Whisky Day (19 May) than at the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, witnessing a 100ft high bear carving set aflame on a hillside.

On the hill overlooking our still-house, you will see a bear holding a ragged staff, ploughed into the ground. It is a depiction of the stone statue that was taken from the Abbot’s lodgings at the Abbey during the Reformation. The bear and ragged staff is a device of the Earls of Warwick – Guido, the first Abbot of Lindores, was a younger son of the Warwick family. Each year we light the outline of the bear to remind ourselves of the importance of our past and to toast the coming year’s distillate.

This year’s bear burning event will take place on World Whisky Day, 19 May, between 7pm and midnight.  There will be food, music and dancing; celebratory toasts to the bear and the newly married Harry and Meghan will be made with Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae cocktails.

Tickets for 1494 Members are free, Preservation Society Members tickets are £10 and General Admission is £12.50 For further information, interviews and images, please contact Poppy McKenzie Smith

E: poppystill@lindoresabbeydistillery.com                T: +44 (0) 7446 074 308

Double cause for celebration as ambassadors are honoured at the launch of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2018

A five-day festival celebrating Scotland’s national drink kicks off in earnest today (Thursday, May 3) but revellers on Speyside – the spiritual home of the country’s whisky industry – have already had plenty cause for celebration.

A gala dinner to officially launch the start of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival took place last night, during which three winners were crowned with prestigious awards recognising those who have a special place in the event’s heart.

Festival goers from all over the globe joined those involved in the region’s whisky production to see industry veteran Ian Urquhart – a former managing director of world-renowned merchants Gordon & MacPhail – presented with the Spirit of Speyside Award.

Last night’s gala dinner at Benromach Distillery in Forres was something of a homecoming for Mr Urquhart, who played a significant role in Gordon & MacPhail’s decision to purchase the distillery. Production restarted there in 1998, and the host venue is celebrating 20 years of distilling under the company’s ownership this year.

Festival chairman James Campbell said: “Ian has played a pivotal role in developing the Scotch whisky industry at home and abroad and is an obvious choice for this very prestigious honour.

“He not only spent 41 years with Gordon & MacPhail, helping to steer it on the path to international growth and to become the multi-million-pound operation that it is today, but he played an integral part in getting Benromach back into production, leading to the creation of some of the finest malt whisky that Speyside has to offer.

“The festival also owes him a debt of gratitude: in his role as company secretary from 2006 to 2011, he played a key role in developing the event into the festival that we know and love today. Without his support, we would not be welcoming visitors from countries from Kazakhstan to El Salvador. We are now a truly international event, and that is in no small part down to Ian’s knowledge, passion and enthusiasm.”

In addition to his work with the whisky industry, Mr Urquhart is director and chairman of another famous Speyside firm – Johnstons of Elgin cashmere mill – and has been a past director of Food and Drink Scotland. He’s a deputy lord lieutenant of Moray and a director of tourism organisation North Coast 500 Ltd.

It was another leading light in the local tourism industry that picked up the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival ambassador award.  Laurie Piper, operations manager for Moray Speyside Tourism, has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the region since joining the organisation two years ago.

Mr Campbell said: “His buzzword in the past two years has been collaboration: he has achieved great things by helping town partnerships and local businesses work together to the same end results, and in doing so has ensured Moray Speyside is recognised far and wide as a great place to visit.”

Laurie, who has worked on several high-profile events over the years – including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – has been instrumental in raising awareness of the local area with the travel trade, and many have now introduced new itineraries to include the Moray Speyside region. His work also led to BBC Countryfile naming the area as it’s only Scottish finalist in its Holiday Destination of the Year awards.

Germany was the destination for the third accolade of the night – the international ambassador award. It went to Peter Klas, a Cologne-based businessman who opened a Scottish luxury goods store after being inspired by a visit to the festival.

“One of the key events of the festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards – a contest in which members of the public vote for their favourite Speyside whiskies following a blind taste test. The fact that these judging sessions are now held in a number of international destinations as well as here at the Festival is down to Peter,” said Mr Campbell.

“On one of his visits to the festival, we suggested that we could possibly visit Cologne and have a session of the whisky awards judging there. The rest, as they say, is history. We now hold awards in eight international destinations, and more will be added in future.

“Peter comes back to the Festival each year, bringing with him more and more of his friends. He stages two whisky tastings every day in his shop and we are incredibly grateful that he introduces people to our great Speyside whiskies, and recommends that they come to pay us a visit.”

Hundreds of guests attended the gala dinner, which kick-starts the festival. It takes place over the next five days and comprises over 500 events. From exclusive behind the scenes distillery tours and whisky and food pairings, to heritage walks embracing the local landscape and fun, family-friendly events, there is something for everyone on the programme.

The festival has now been running every May Day bank holiday weekend for the past 19 years. This year looks set to be one of the most successful yet, with a record breaking number of tickets sold.

A staggering 116 events sold out within 24 hours of tickets being launched, but revellers who are planning a last-minute trip to Scotland’s malt whisky country will still be able to find events to attend right up until Monday evening.

Details about events with ticket availability can be found at www.spiritofspeyside.com. There are also regular updates on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. Use the hashtag #dram18 to search.

Picture captions

(From left to right) Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell with award winners Laurie Piper, Ian Urquhart and Peter Klas.

1792 FULL PROOF BOURBON NAMED WORLD’S BEST BOURBON

Three Sazerac-Owned Distilleries Home to World’s Best Bourbons

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 3, 2018) – Barton 1792 Distillery’s 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named the World’s Best Bourbon by Whisky Magazine at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. This latest award denotes a trifecta of recent world’s best whiskey awards received by Buffalo Trace Distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery and Barton 1792 Distillery – each of which are owned by the Sazerac Company.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery received the honor of Whiskey Magazine’s World’s Best Bourbon two years in a row, for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon in 2017, and for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon in 2016. This fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery received top recognition in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018,” where it received the top prize of World Whisky of the Year for its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon. “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” also honored Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies as Bourbon of the Year, Rye of the Year, Best American Whisky No Age Statement, Best American Whisky 9 Years and Under, Best American Whisky 10 Years and Over, Best Rye No Age Statement, and Best Rye 11 Years and Over.

            1792 Full Proof was first released in the summer of 2016 by Barton 1792 Distillery as one of its limited edition expressions, and is now released once a year.

            Full Proof is bottled at its original 125 barrel entry proof and has a strong, full flavor that is balanced with sweet vanilla and notes of caramel.

            The World Whiskies Awards were announced at the Whisky Magazine Awards presentation held in London on March 22.

            Whiskies in each category were subject to rigorous blind taste testing to determine the very best.  For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com. 

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

THE BORDERS DISTILLERY^® – FIRST SINCE 1837

– Distilling Returns to the Scottish Borders After an Absence of Nearly 200 Years –

It was at 10.11am on 6^th March 2018 that new-make spirit started to flow from the copper pot stills at The Borders Distillery in Hawick, a pivotal moment not only for the four founders of the Three Stills Company (TTSC), owners of The Borders Distillery^® but also for distilling in the Scottish Borders.

Tomorrow (Tuesday 1^st May 2018), The Borders Distillery^® will officially open its doors to the public, marking the revival of an industry that had ceased to exist in the region for nearly 200 years – the last-known distillery closed in Kelso in 1837.

In March 2013, Tim Carton, John Fordyce, Tony Roberts and George Tait, founded TTSC aiming to capitalise on the growth of Scotch Whisky sales, particularly in Malt Whisky, and the explosion in demand for gin made in Scotland.   Having all worked at one time or the other at international distillers William Grant & Sons and having spent much of their professional lives in the drinks sector, they knew there was an opportunity to be had in building a new distillery and the opportunity lay in the Scottish Borders.

It was John Fordyce who identified Hawick as a potential location. Having worked for world-leading thread manufacturer COATS plc, he knew that the town not only boasted a plentiful supply of magnificent water but it also, owing to its rich manufacturing heritage, had a skilled workforce that to tap into. This, coupled with the absence of an operational distillery and the fact that the region is the heartland for barley production in the UK, presented a compelling case for the distillery to be built in the Scottish Borders as Tim Carton, CEO explained.

“There were some very convincing arguments for us to look to the Scottish Borders for our distillery,” he said.  “The skilled labour market and textile manufacturing history, particularly in tweed and cashmere, were two big influencing factors, as was ready availability of natural resources and raw materials.”

In November 2015 TTSC announced that it had reached its £10m fundraising target to be able to realise its vision for The Borders Distillery^® and work started a year later on the 1.3-hectare site overlooking the River Teviot in Hawick.

The site houses two large sheds, dating from 1888, and a Tudor Cotswold building, which was constructed by Hawick Urban Electric Company in 1903.  TTSC took the decision to preserve as much of the buildings’ historical features in the redevelopment as they could and, under the guidance of GMA Architects and contractors M & J Ballantyne, signs of this sensitive restoration style are evident throughout.

The random rubble construction walls have been left exposed; the original trusses, wooden sarking and aluminium batons spanning the mash and still halls, have been fully refurbished.  Wherever possible, materials have been salvaged, reused or repurposed: stonework, ironmongery, doors, even slates have all found new homes.

The creation of a sustainable business model that would deliver social, environmental and economic benefits was fundamental to the TTSC management team.

Up to nineteen jobs will be created locally across the business’ core functions and over 65% of the civil budget was spent in the Borders area.  The barley sourced for distilling is entirely grown in the Scottish Borders, while all co-products (draff, spent lees and pot ale) will be used solely in the region. Process water for the distillery is drawn by borehole from the water table and cooling water is taken from the River Teviot, in the same way the town’s textile mills have done for centuries.

The distillery comprises a visitor centre and shop on the ground floor and entertaining/meeting space on the first floor: the open-plan Gallery, furnished with a bar and lounge seating, and the Teviot Room. The still hall is equipped with two wash stills, two spirit stills and a specially commissioned Carter Head still, all manufactured by Forsyths of Rothes.  Operating at full capacity, The Borders Distillery^® can produce up to two million litres of pure alcohol.

It will be a minimum of three years in cask before the first Borders Distillery Single Malt can legally be made available for sale.  TTSC, however, already has two brands in market: Clan Fraser, a blended scotch whisky, and Lower East Side, a blended malt scotch whisky.

Tim Carton added: “It was five years ago that we (the founders) came together to create a business plan that would spearhead the resurrection of an industry that had been lost to this region for generations.  This is a seminal moment for our business. In addition to being the first Scotch Whisky distillery to exist and operate in the Scottish Borders since 1837, we are now in a position to contribute to the growth of this fine industry.  Scotch whisky is again experiencing exciting times with growth fueled by new and more mature markets.”

Scotch Whisky is the world’s number one internationally traded spirit drink and it enjoyed a record-breaking year for exports in 2017. According to official HMRC data, last year Scotch grew in both volume and value (by 1.6% and 8.9% respectively) to a total of £4.36bn – the equivalent of 1.23bn bottles exported globally.

The Borders Distillery^® will open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and guided tours will be held on the hour, every hour, for a ticket price of £12.

The Borders Distillery^® – First Since 1837

www.thebordersdistillery.com

The Borders Distillery^®

Commercial Road

Hawick

TD9 7AQ

T: 01450 374330

 Notes:

TTSC’s investors include the Edinburgh-based investment company Badenoch & Co. whose owner Malcolm Offord, is TTSC Chairman; the Ballande family in France (originating from the Scottish Lowlands and now an international, diversified and pioneering commercial group in France and the Asia Pacific region) and Drake Enterprises (an international investment group headquartered in Switzerland with Scottish ancestry and a background in food retailing, real estate and agribusiness).

Yellowstone® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Launches Program Supporting America’s National Parks

Brand partners with National Parks Conservation Association 

LEBANON, KY (May 1, 2018) – Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has launched a cause marketing program that harkens back to its iconic roots, as the bourbon was originally named after Yellowstone National Park. The brand is partnering with National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Since their founding in 1919 – and with their 1.3 million members and supporters – NPCA has been an independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America’s national parks.

“When Yellowstone Bourbon was first launched in 1872, it was given its name to honor Yellowstone National Park, the new national treasure at the time and our first national park,” says Steve Beam, head distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “We are thrilled to be able to able to help preserve our national parks one bottle at a time.”

Beginning on May 1, the brand will be donating a portion of its sales proceeds to National Parks Conservation Association, to help ensure the nation’s 417 national park sites are protected for their 330+ million annual guests.

“NPCA is proud to partner with Limestone Branch Distillery, whose history is so richly aligned with one of our most iconic national parks,” said Theresa Pierno, president and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association. “Partnerships like this one are so critical to our work, both in funding our park protection efforts and in introducing new people to national parks. We look forward to coming together with Limestone Branch Distillery to protect these places now – and for generations to come.”

In addition, the brand has also launched an online contest where consumers are encouraged to show their pioneer spirit for the chance to win a trip to Yellowstone National Park, as well as branded outdoor merchandise. The grand prize will allow five winners and guests to enjoy an all-expense paid to Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2019. The contest runs from May until August of 2018. To enter, simply snap a photo enjoying the great outdoors and submit it at www.yellowstonebourboncontest.com.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches, honoring their long family heritage. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, by partnering with Luxco, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family, just in time to commemorate the brand’s 105^th anniversary. As one of the founding members of the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, Limestone Branch Distillery is located in Lebanon, Ky., in the heart of bourbon country.  The distillery is well-known for its handcrafted products, including Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone Bourbon, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

About National Parks Conservation Association

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.

JAMESON LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER CASK STRENGTH WHISKEY

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength has been unveiled

The new cask strength Jameson finishes its maturation in Dublin’s only live Maturation House at Bow Street

Jameson Irish whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has today announced the launch of Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength; the first cask strength Jameson to be available globally, which finishes its maturation in Dublin’s only live Maturation House in the Jameson Distillery Bow Street. A reinterpretation of the revered Jameson 18 Years, the new expression celebrates Jameson’s Dublin heritage by returning part of the production process to the brand’s original home in Smithfield for the first time since 1975.

Distilled and matured at the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength is the new head of the Jameson family. After spending 18 years in a collection of bourbon and sherry casks, the blend of pot still and grain Irish whiskeys has been married together and re-casked in first-fill ex-bourbon American oak barrels for a final six to 12 months in the Maturation House at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

‘Marrying’ is a traditional method of re-casking batches of vatted whiskey and re-warehousing it to ensure infusion before bottling. The first batch is presented at 55.3% ABV without the use of chill filtration and will be available in 20 markets from July 2018 at the RRP of €240.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, commented: “I’ve long had the unique luxury of being able to taste Jameson straight from the barrel at cask strength. With this first ever global launch of a cask strength Jameson, I’m thrilled that Irish whiskey fans around the world can now experience the full intensity of our whiskey or add a few drops of water to enjoy it at their own preferred strength.

“As a tribute to John Jameson’s distilling legacy in Smithfield, we’ve introduced some methods that would have been employed in days past. The final maturation period in Bow Street is our nod to the traditional “marrying” method. We’ve put our own Jameson stamp on it by using first-fill bourbon barrels, whereas the traditional approach would be to use casks multiple times. I like to think of the whiskey getting engaged in Midleton and then “married” in Dublin!”

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, added: “While Jameson’s approachability has been key to its success, we had an opportunity with Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength to reinforce the more serious whiskey side of the brand’s heritage. For years, Jameson fans have been asking for a permanent cask strength expression of Jameson 18 Years. Consumers are looking for increased choice in style and quality in Irish whiskey and Jameson, as the category leader, is committed to satisfying this appetite.

“On top of that, our research shows that consumers are increasingly looking for brand experiences. Now, for the first time ever, consumers will be able to experience the sounds, smells and aura of a functioning maturation room, in the heart of Dublin, at Jameson Distillery Bow St. Our doors are open and we look forward to welcoming whiskey fans to taste a piece of whiskey history.”

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength is presented in a premium bottle design that truly reflects the quality and rarity of the liquid within. The bottle features 18 facets, one for each year of maturation, and the wooden presentation box celebrates the traditional pot stills used during the production process. In addition, a unique copper coin located underneath Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength bottles provides Jameson fans with access to an exclusive online portal where they can delve deeper into the story of the whiskey which bears the Bow Street name.

Jameson 18 Years, presented at 40% ABV and first released 15 years ago, has become one of the world’s most respected and awarded Irish whiskeys and will remain in the Jameson family, maintaining a vital link to Jameson’s history and providing further choice to prestige whiskey enthusiasts.

NOTES

Tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery:

Nose: Rich wood-driven influence with deep toffee notes and spice.
Taste: Toffee and oak remain consistent with hints of leather and vanilla along with a subtle sherry nuttiness creating depth and complexity.
Finish: Long and full with the sweet toffee notes slowly fading while the toasted oak and spice linger throughout until the very end.

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers is producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Tamdhu Unveils 120 Anniversary Single Cask Distillery Team Edition

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has released an exclusive Single Cask Distillery Team Edition, bottled to celebrate the 120^th anniversary of the Speyside distillery.

Selected by the 15-strong Tamdhu distillery team and bottled un-chill-filtered at cask strength, only 603 individually numbered scarce bottles will be released. Matured in a European oak first-fill sherry butt, the single malt has a smooth, long-lasting finish and a deep natural colour.

To find the cask best suited to mark the momentous anniversary, a range of ages and cask types were selected, including European and American sherry oak, and blind-tasted by the expert distillery team.

Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager at Tamdhu Distillery, said: “The distillery team had a lot of fun nosing and tasting nine samples and voting for their favourites. The final top three were then selected for a blind nosing and tasting and ranked by each of the team members to agree on the winning cask.”

The victor was a European first fill sherry butt, which boasts an exceptional natural colour from years of maturing in Tamdhu’s traditional dunnage Warehouse Number Five.

Sandy McIntyre continued: “This cask is something to savour and enjoy over a prolonged period. I would expect this bottle to be opened on special occasions when you would share a dram, or two, with close friends and family or even just to keep for yourself – selfish, perhaps, but who can blame you!”

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Tamdhu Single Malt is matured exclusively in the finest Oloroso sherry oak casks from Spain, nothing less. This scarce wood bears two great gifts; colour and taste. Tamdhu’s deep natural amber is developed by the cask and each dram owes its rich, complex taste to the wood.

Tamdhu 120 Anniversary Single Cask Distillery Team Edition is a distillery exclusive available at www.tamdhu.com, RRP £250/70cl bottle.

www.tamdhu.com

Notes  

Tasting Notes

Colour: Mahogany.

Nose: Toffee, apple, dates and raisins, cinnamon notes with a hint of the spiciness to come.

Palate: Sweet and rich muscovado sugar, leading into butterscotch with marmalade oranges and fruity richness.

Finish: Toffee, ripe bananas and light pepper, smooth, deep and long lasting.

THE SOCIETY WIN SEVEN AWARDS AT SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITON 2018

All seven whiskies entered by the SMWS won double gold medals 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) (https://goo.gl/vX5yQA) has won big at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018, taking home seven awards including ‘Best in show’ and ‘Best blended malt’.

The SMWS achieved an impressive presentation of awards, including Cask No. 29.224 We arrived! being awarded a double gold medal and ‘Best in show’, beating approximately 1000 whiskies entered into the competition.

In August 2017, the Society unveiled their first ever blended malt – a sherry-influenced 10-year-old bottling entitled Exotic Cargo. Proving that is not only a hit amongst members but also with the judging panel too. Exotic Cargo has swooped a double gold medal and ‘Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky’.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is one of the oldest of its kind and has become one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions. An SFWSC medal is a universally recognised indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Commenting on the win, Euan Campbell, Spirits Manager at the SMWS said: “2018 celebrates the 35^th anniversary of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and we’re delighted to mark this with such a brilliant array of awards. The awards are great recognition for the innovative approach we take at the Society. Our portfolio of malts, from 134 distilleries in Scotland, is a unique concept and to be rewarded and recognised on this international stage is testament to the quality of our whisky collections.”

The Society have exciting plans for 2018, continuing their reputation for providing an ever-changing variety of whiskies experiences for their members.

Full awards listed below:

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, BEST IN SHOW WHISKY, BEST SCOTCH, BEST SINGLE

MALT WHISKY, BEST INDEPENDENT MERCHANT SINGLE MALT
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 29.224 Single Malt Scotch, We arrived! Islay, Scotland [55%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, BEST BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY,

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. Blended Batch 01 Blended Malt Scotch Exotic Cargo, Scotland [50%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 10.119 Single Malt Scotch, The Chimney in a Beehive, Islay, Scotland [59.3%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 30.97 Single Malt Scotch, Dancing on a Volcano, Speyside, Scotland [64%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 4.229 Single Malt Scotch, Volcanic Jam, Islands, Scotland [60.3%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 29.234 Single Malt Scotch, Smoked and Salted Toffee Apples, Islay, Scotland [54.9%]

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask No. 7.187 Single Malt Scotch, Silky, Sexy and Indulgent, Speyside, Scotland [54.3%]

Notes to editors:

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 134 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 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 https://goo.gl/vX5yQA
• For more information about the Society, visit https://goo.gl/vX5yQA

Photo credit Chris James

MONTY JOINS LOCH LOMOND WHISKIES 

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Official Spirit of The Open, has agreed a high-profile partnership with Colin Montgomerie to promote the brand’s range of award winning single malts across the world.

The independent Scotch whisky distiller recently announced a five-year partnership with The R&A to become Official Spirit of The Open and Women’s British Open. This is the brand’s first individual sponsorship agreement with a player.

Since turning professional in 1987, Montgomerie has recorded 52 tournament victories across the world and became European #1 in 1993 – a position he held for an unprecedented seven years. Ryder Cup success followed as a player before he led Europe to a famous victory as Captain at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Montgomerie will now work with Loch Lomond Whiskies to promote the full product range worldwide, including two “limited editions” specially created to mark The 147^th Open at Carnoustie as well as a “Single Cask” edition that will carry his name. Later in the year, a “Colin Montgomerie” limited edition single malt will also be released.

Montgomerie said: “I’m a long-time fan of Scotch single malts and so am absolutely delighted to work with the team at Loch Lomond Whiskies who have shown great passion and enthusiasm for producing some fabulous whiskies of great quality and character.

“As a proud Scot I know that Scotland is world-renowned for both our whisky and our unrivalled golf courses. I’m passionate about telling the story of both and was really impressed by the quality, authenticity and diversity of flavours of the Loch Lomond single malts.”

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Monty to our team. As one of Europe’s most successful and passionate players over many years, our partnership will allow us to further develop our presence in golf.

“We look forward to working with Colin as he helps us spread the message of Loch Lomond Whiskies around the world.”

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com. 

Notes:

About the Loch Lomond Group

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request. lochlomondgroup.com 

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and coveted global competitions:

• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
• GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond Inchmoan Vintage 1992 Single Malt Scotch
• GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond Original Single Malt Scotch