New online whisky specialist for the growing Australian market.

Select Scotch Whisky have begun importing, wholesaling and retailing Scotch Whisky’s into the growing Australian market. With a focus on single cask expressions and rare and limited malts, Simon Spier, founder of SSW says: “I’m excited to be able to launch our new venture in the pursuit of genuine passion. My hope is that we can help supply trade and punters with the inspirational, the memorable and the rare. Over the last few years I’ve seen an increase in both understanding and appreciation of fine Scotch Whiskies in Australia, so I’m pleased to be able to tap into that.”

The online shop is up and running now, with new products to be listed over the coming weeks as stock arrives.

www.selectscotchwhisky.com.au

Home of Jameson celebrates its first birthday as most-visited whiskey experience in the world

More than 350,000 visitors from over 70 nations across the world visited new-look Jameson Distillery Bow St. in first year

• Jameson Distillery Bow St. receives TEA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Brand Experience category at prestigious ceremony in California
• 50,000 Jameson whiskey sours served
• 32,000 whiskey enthusiasts enjoyed Bow St. whiskey blending & cocktail masterclasses
• 25,000 personalised distillery edition Jameson bottles sold
• Four marriage proposals in John Jameson’s secret office

Dublin, April 08, 2018 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced that Jameson Distillery Bow St. is the most-visited whiskey experience in the world – with visitor numbers topping more than 350,000 in the first year since it reopened in March 2017 following an €11M refurbishment.

Commenting on the announcement, Claire Tolan, Managing Director Jameson Brand Homes said: “As is evidenced by the incredibly strong visitor figures recorded over the past year, the new-look Jameson brand home has fast become the must-visit whiskey destination in the world. In one year alone, we have welcomed visitors from over 70 countries; taught 32,000 whiskey enthusiasts how to blend whiskey and create whiskey cocktails; served over 50,000 Jameson whiskey sours; sold 25,000 personalised distillery Jameson edition bottles and facilitated four marriage proposals in John Jameson’s secret office!

“Entertainment is more immersive and interactive than ever before, and audiences place more value on storytelling and the quality of the guest experience. Our redeveloped Jameson brand home draws on technology to complement the historic surroundings of the iconic distillery to deliver an unforgettable experience. Visitors are invited to touch, smell and most importantly, taste Jameson in the original Bow St. Distillery building – this has been the key to our success in our first year.  We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Bow St. and the Jameson Distillery Midleton over the next year.“

As Jameson continues its phenomenal growth story, with 28 years of consecutive growth, the redeveloped Jameson brand home places storytelling at the core of the visitor experience bringing the 230-year history of Bow Street to life.  Five fully-hosted tours are offered: The flagship ‘Bow St. Experience’ tasting tour focuses on the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage and on-going innovations while ‘The Whiskey Makers’ and ‘The Whiskey Shakers’ experiences provide more in-depth whiskey and cocktail masterclasses, a premium whiskey tasting in John Jameson’s secret office and a visit to Dublin’s only live Maturation Warehouse with the opportunity to sample whiskey straight from a cask.

In addition, it was also announced today that Jameson Distillery Bow St. received a Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Brand Experience category at the prestigious TEA Thea Awards ceremony in Anaheim, California. TEA is the international association for the makers of compelling places and experiences. The TEA Thea Awards were created to bring recognition to achievement, talent and personal excellence and is internationally acknowledged as the equivalent of an Academy Award in the themed entertainment industry.

Commenting on the announcement from the TEA Thea Awards ceremony in Anaheim, California, John Carroll, Marketing & Sales Manager, Jameson Brand Homes said: “Today is a very special day for us for two reasons; not only are we celebrating an incredibly successful first year having welcomed more than 350,000 visitors to our new-look Jameson Distillery Bow St., but we are also the recipient of the ‘Best International Experience’ TEA Thea Award. This prestigious award has long been considered one of the attractions industry’s greatest honour, and we are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this category.”

To book tickets for Jameson Distillery Bow St., visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and 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 no.2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €9,010 million in FY17. 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.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Tour Options at Jameson Distillery Bow St.

The Bow St. Experience

€20

Few things go together better than whiskey and a good story. The Bow St. Experience brings the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage to life in an immersive, 40-minute tasting tour of the home of Ireland’s best-selling Irish whiskey.

Discover how John Jameson’s focus on the highest quality ingredients, triple distillation process, and constant innovation resulted in an exceptionally smooth whiskey that is celebrated and enjoyed all around the globe. Our story will, of course, end on a good note as an expert Jameson Ambassador leads you in a comparative whiskey tasting and a celebratory toast to Jameson Barrelmen everywhere.

Your experience will conclude in JJ’s Bar, where you can share a story and a whiskey with some new-found friends.

Experience Includes:

• Fully guided tour
• 40 minutes in duration
• 30 participants
• Available 7 days
• Comparative whiskey tasting
• Complimentary drink in JJ’s Bar

The Whiskey Makers

€60

The Whiskey Makers experience is a whiskey masterclass which provides a 90 minute, in-depth exploration of Jameson Original and the three whiskeys that make up the Whiskey Makers Series: Distiller’s Safe, Cooper’s Croze and Blender’s Dog. Each was developed by one of our Master whiskey Makers and represents their ideal expression of a whiskey.

One of our knowledgeable Jameson Ambassadors will guide you through a tasting experience that teaches you how to deconstruct the ingredients, craft and different flavour profiles of each whiskey. As well as using it to impress your friends, your new-found knowledge will come in handy when you get to blend your own whiskey to take home. Our motto is ‘fear a bit less, live a bit more’ and to that point, we think blending your own whiskey in the home of Jameson is one for the bucket list. Most whiskey blenders spend decades learning their craft, so ninety minutes is a pretty handy shortcut.

The whiskey tour continues into the Maturation Warehouse where you’ll have the rare opportunity to sample whiskey straight from the cask.

Experience Includes:

• Fully hosted experience
• 90 minutes in duration
• 16 participants
• Available 7 days
• Blending exercise
• Visit to Maturation Warehouse

The Whiskey Shakers

€50

Like a house, a cocktail requires a good foundation. The 90-minute Whiskey Shakers experience is a cocktail masterclass which immerses you in the world of Jameson whiskeys and explores the cocktails that have emerged from them. Your skilled Jameson bartender will guide you through the history, ingredients and recipes of both world famous and freshly-minted Jameson cocktails. In the Shakers’ Room, you’ll be provided with all of the professional bar tools and ingredients required to turn the recipes into masterpieces.

Juggling and other bartender tricks won’t improve the taste of the cocktail, but we won’t judge whatever helps you unleash your inner mixologist. After all, we wouldn’t be living up to our family motto, Sine Metu, which translates as “without fear”, if we discouraged you from taking a bold approach. After enjoying your new creations you’ll continue into the Maturation House where you’ll have the rare opportunity to sample whiskey straight from the cask.

Experience Includes:

• Fully hosted experience
• 90 minutes in duration
• 16 participants
• Available 7 days
• Blending exercise
• Visit to Maturation Warehouse

Whiskey Tasting Experience

€30

A 40-minute in-depth tasting of some of Bow St.’s most loved whiskeys in the comfort and secrecy of JJ’s Office; a unique room which can only be accessed as part of The Whiskey Tasters.

Experience Includes:

• Fully guided tasting
• Four premium whiskeys
• Access to John Jameson’s (JJ’s Office)
• 18 participants
• 40 mins duration

Maturation House Cask Draw

€20

A 20-minute premium whiskey experience visiting Dublin’s only Live Maturation Warehouse – Magic!

Experience Includes:

• Fully hosted experience by a Jameson Brand Ambassador
• Jameson Whiskey Cask Draw and Tasting
• Up to 20 participants
• 20 minute Live Maturation House Visit
• Available 7 days a week

Edinburgh’s 1st Single Malt Whisky Distillery for 90 years Completes £5.8m Fundraise 

Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery for 90 years has successfully completed a £5.8m funding drive to help fund the creation of a new distillery and visitor experience, spanning 11,969 sq ft, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Led by Johnston Carmichael, the successful fundraising marks a pivotal milestone in the distillery’s development, following the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision in 2017 to approve development of the historic Engine Shed building and site on St Leonard’s Lane into a distillery and visitor centre. Holyrood Distillery will begin construction on the site in May, with the aim of opening its doors to the public in spring 2019.

The new funding comprises investments from 60 private investors from around the world and £1.5m from the Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise’s investment arm. The funds will be used to renovate the 180-year old City-owned building, purchase and install equipment, create the visitor experience and provide working capital to cover the early costs of start-up and production, ultimately creating 35 new jobs in the capital.

Rob Carpenter, Founder, Holyrood Distillery said:  “With a lot of hard work and effort by the whole team, and working with the supportive and highly professional team at Scottish Investment Bank, we have reached our fundraising target, allowing us to bring the distillery to life. We can now move on to the fun part – building our new distillery and visitor centre and making delicious spirits. We want our customers to be our guides, helping us shape and build the spirits and flavours that they most enjoy. It’s a new collaborative approach to spirit production that we are all truly excited about and one which we believe offers something quite different from other distilleries.”

Kerry Sharp, director of the Scottish Investment Bank, said:  “Scottish Enterprise welcomes the development of this new distillery and visitor experience in Scotland’s capital.  Tourism supports over 30,000 jobs in Edinburgh with over £1m per day being spent on food & drink.  This will be a positive addition to the city’s food & drink sector whilst enhancing its tourism offering.  We look forward to helping the company deliver its growth plans.”

A joint development by David Robertson, former Master Distiller for The Macallan, and Rob and Kelly Carpenter, founders of the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Holyrood Distillery will be Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery since Glen Sciennes closed in the 1920s.

Under the guidance of Head Distiller, Jack Mayo, the distillery will produce a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Holyrood’s progressive approach to playing with flavours, ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set it apart. This ‘flavour first’ focus will be brought to life in a matter of months with prototype gins and liqueurs being made available for testing.

The visitor centre aims to provide a totally new kind of distillery visitor experience, immersing guests in the flavour sensations of Holyrood’s range of spirits.

Scottish Investment Bank

The Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) is the investment arm of Scotland’s main economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, operating Scotland-wide in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It manages a suite of co- investment funds including the Scottish Co-investment Fund and the Scottish Venture Fund, which are partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the Renewable Energy Investment Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. SIB is also an investor in Epidarex Capital’s life sciences fund and is a participant in the Scottish European Growth Co-Investment Programme funded by the Scottish Growth Scheme alongside the European Investment Fund. SIB provides a team of Financial Readiness specialists to help companies prepare for new investment and access appropriate finance. SIB’s activities support Scotland’s SME funding market to ensure businesses with growth and export potential have adequate access to growth capital.

UNLEASHING THE NEW LOUDER AND BOLDER SMOKEHEAD ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY   

Smokehead Islay Single Malt has always been the wild one of the whisky world, but now it has an even bolder attitude.

As Ian Macleod unveils the new look for Smokehead, the distiller has also revealed an intense new expression which is not for the faint hearted: Smokehead High Voltage.

Commenting on the new expression and bold new look, Iain Weir, Brand Director for Smokehead said: “Smokehead has always challenged the traditional whisky world with its unconventional look and attitude, appealing to the younger and adventurous whisky drinker. We’ve turned up the volume right across the brand. It’s not for everyone, but that’s ok”.

 “And if Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. Louder, bolder and more intense than getting put in a headlock from an angry roadie.”

The iconic skull logo now plays a much more dominant role on the label and striking gift tin. It takes on a more evocative and free-spirited style, with a rush of smoke blowing through the head to create an element of defiance.

One thing that hasn’t changed though is its bold and award-winning taste which still takes you on a fiery rollercoaster of peat, smoke and spice with a little delicate sweetness thrown in.

Smokehead is a premium whisky, as independent, strong and single minded as the people who drink it.

‘Smokehead’ and ‘Smokehead High Voltage’ are both available through specialists and multiples worldwide. Smokehead RRP £38.99 and High Voltage RRP £54.99.

TASTING NOTES:

‘Smokehead’ (43% ABV) 

• The First Impression: The aroma of something powerful and fiery awaiting you. Thick, heavy woodsmoke. Rich, earthy peat. Extremes of spice and sweetness. Fresh lemon, zesty ginger, rich plum jam.
• The Full-on Flavour: An explosion of breathtaking peppery, peaty heat, soothed by honeyed sweetness, before the smoke comes to the fore again.
• The Finale: Exotic spices and a curious citrus tang of mandarin, both lulling you into a false sense of calm as the peat roars back to hit your senses again.

‘SmokeHead High Voltage’ (58% ABV)

• The First Impression: Breathe it in and feel the rush of spirit hit the senses and the nose prickle. Intense peat and smoke, maritime air, porridge oats, clean vanilla and toffee.
• The Full-on Flavour: A burn of hot spirit and the mouth fills with smoke, feeling almost thick with oiliness before softening and becoming creamier, with nutty, briny and citrus notes.
• The Finale: The mouth is almost in shock, numb and tingling. A sweetness mixes nicely with the slowly fading smoke, leaving a salty tang.

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.
• 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.

Lux Row Distillers Opens on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Bardstown distillery holds grand opening celebration

BARDSTOWN, KY (April 11, 2018) – Nearly two years after breaking ground, today Lux Row Distillers marked its grand opening with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on its 90-acre property in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky.

Joined by Dick Heaton, the mayor of Bardstown, and a crowd of community supporters, the Lux family commemorated this momentous occasion by cutting the ribbon on the 18,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distillery. The distillery, which began bourbon production in January, officially opens to the public on April 12, 2018.

“Today marks a great celebration and momentous occasion in the evolution of Luxco. It gives me great pride to be here to cut the ribbon as we embark on this new chapter of distilling our own whiskey for our award-winning brands,” says Donn Lux, chairman and CEO of Luxco. “We further extend our sincerest thanks to the city of Bardstown and the bourbon community for welcoming our family into theirs. We are looking forward to making world-class bourbon here for many years.”

Lux Row Distillers proudly produces nationally-recognized, award-winning Kentucky straight bourbon brands, including Ezra Brooks, Rebel Yell, David Nicholson and Blood Oath. The distillery has a current production capacity of 20,000 barrels with the ability to increase to 50,000 barrels in the future. John Rempe, a 20-year veteran of the spirits industry and creator of Blood Oath Bourbon, is the head distiller at Lux Row Distillers.

“With the opening of Lux Row Distillers, the future of our bourbon brands is in our hands – and it’s an incredible feeling,” says John Rempe, head distiller. “I am eager to continue the tradition of our long-standing brands, as well as flexing our creativity with new flavor profiles – continuing to provide our customers with the best bourbon in the world. We have already filled more than 2,200 barrels and we are looking forward to filling thousands more.”

Lux Row Distillers also recently joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as a “Heritage” member, the highest level in the non-profit group that unites and leads the state’s signature bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

The distillery’s new address is 1 Lux Row (same location, previously 3050 E. John Rowan Blvd). Lux Row Distillers is now open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Tours, offered at the top of every hour, are $12 and include a 45-minute walking tour of the site and an educational tasting seminar in the distillery’s Tasting Room, where guests enjoy Lux Row Distillers’ award-winning bourbons and learn about their storied history. A retail shopping experience featuring the bourbon brands and other branded merchandise is available in the visitor center. To book a tour, call 502-337-7420 or visit luxrowdistillers.com.

Journey to Opening

In May 2016, the Lux family announced plans to build a distillery in the heart of Bourbon Country and broke ground on construction. That September, the distillery name was announced to the public – Lux Row Distillers is a nod to the family name and the scenic row of trees lining the property’s entrance. In March 2017, the distillery’s 36-inch Vendome all-copper still was installed, and in early 2018 bourbon production began. Now, with more than 2,200 barrels already resting comfortably in its 20,000-square-foot barrel warehouse, Lux Row Distillers is ready to welcome the public for tours, tastings and retail shopping. 

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a new bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry. Lux Row Distillers is the home of Luxco’s bourbon brands, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbons.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers includes a visitor center, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18^th century stone house – which is registered as a National Historic Place – and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com. You can also like Lux Row Distillers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/luxrowdistillers or follow the distillery on Instagram @luxrowdistillers.

Loch Lomond Group toasts World Whiskies Awards success 

Loch Lomond Group’s single malts triumphed across a range of categories at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards, including a trio of prestigious Best in Class accolades.

The Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old Single Malt, which is produced at the group’s Alexandria distillery on the banks of Loch Lomond won the highly competitive Best Highland Malt 12 and Under category,  while the group’s Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown scooped a further two Best in Class awards.

Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt was crowned Best Campbeltown Malt 13-20 while Glen Scotia Campbeltown 1832, which is part of Loch Lomond Group’s global travel retail range, was named Best Campbeltown Malt No Age.

Each of these Best in Class single malts then went forward for the chance to win ‘Best in Region’ with the Glen Scotia Campbeltown 1832 being awarded the coveted accolade of  Best Campbeltown Malt 2018.

The Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old Single Malt 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 with a lot of depth, marrying smoke and spiciness. It is matured for 12 years in a mix of recharred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks giving sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique still set up.

The Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt is finished in Oloroso sherry casks and embodies the signature aromas of Campbeltown, with hints of vanilla oak interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits.  It imparts rich deep vanilla fruit flavours, with mild hints of apricot, pineapple and plump sultana. Its finish is long and dry, with gentle warming spice.

The higher peat content of Glen Scotia Campbeltown 1832 delivers a truly individual single malt whisky with a sweet and smoky character. Golden syrup, spiced apple and vanilla flavours are balanced by light medicinal peat notes to give a beautifully rounded finish.

Held annually, the World Whiskies Awards aim to showcase the very best whiskies in each global category. Over 1,000 brands were entered this year and blind-tasted by more than 40 expert judges across the world.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “We are extremely proud of our innovative single malts and the recognition that they have received by industry leaders from all over the world.

“Our success is testatment to our innovative production methods and the skills and craftsmanship championed at our Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia distilleries.”

Founded in 1814, Loch Lomond Whiskies can trace its roots back to the Littlemill distillery, which was established in 1772 and is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Its current malt and grain distilleries, in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire on the banks of Loch Lomond, were built respectively in the 1960s and 1990s and are among only a few in the industry to maintain an onsite cooperage. The malt distillery at Alexandria also features a unique combination of traditional swan neck and distinctive straight-necked pot stills, enabling it to produce a diverse range of flavour profiles.

The Glen Scotia distillery, which has a history dating back to 1832, is located in Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s five Scotch whisky producing regions. In the Victorian age Campbeltown was known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’ and was home to more than 30 distilleries. Today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries.

For further information visit www.lochlomondgroup.com

 Notes: 

RRP:

• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old £44.95
• Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown £52 (GTR Exclusive)
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old £84.95 

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in more than 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.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands:

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 Loch Lomond Whiskies range includes the Inchmoan single malts which form part of the Island Collection. Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: www.facebook.com/lochlomondwhiskies 

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt was crowned Best Campbeltown Malt 13-20 Year Old at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards.
• Glen Scotia Campbeltown 1832 was named Best Campbeltown Malt No Age at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards.
• www.glenscotia.com

• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @glenscotiamalts Facebook /www.facebook.com/GlenScotiaWhisky/

Gordon & MacPhail’s new look Connoisseurs Choice leads portfolio relaunch 

Scotch whisky maturation expert, Gordon & MacPhail, has announced the relaunch of its portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies to continue strengthening the reputation of the brand globally.

The 122-year-old, family-owned company is streamlining its existing portfolio into five distinct ranges: ‘Discovery’, ‘Distillery Labels’, ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, ‘Private Collection’, and ‘Generations’. Each range celebrates Gordon & MacPhail’s single-minded commitment to the art of Scotch whisky maturation.

The first range to relaunch, with a distinctive new look, will be ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, which marks its fiftieth anniversary this year.

Stephen Rankin is Director of Prestige and a fourth generation member of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail. He said: “Gordon & MacPhail has a 122-year history of forging strong and lasting relationships with distillers across Scotland and our loyal consumers. With four generations of experience in the whisky industry, we have continually evolved, innovated, and grown.

“As we begin a new chapter, we are streamlining our portfolio to make it more accessible for our consumers, placing their desire for products with heritage, authenticity, and provenance at the heart of each range. We want to take malt whisky lovers on a journey that will help them explore beyond their usual whisky choices.

“Each whisky tells a story, not only about the distillery of origin and the casks maturing the spirit, but also about the time and patience devoted to nurturing each whisky to the pinnacle of its maturation potential. Many of the whiskies in our ranges have been tended by multiple generations of my family.”

The newly refreshed ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ was first pioneered in 1968 by George Urquhart, second generation of the family, at a time when very few whiskies were bottled as single malts.

Stephen continued: “When my grandfather launched ‘Connoisseurs Choice’, he was considered eccentric for taking such an innovative approach. This range provided an opportunity for whisky lovers to explore whiskies that had never previously been bottled as single malts. As a result, he is heralded as one of the pioneers of the single malt category.

“Our ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range remains true to my grandfather’s vision and philosophy while placing a greater emphasis on small batch, single and multiple casks, bottled as vintages. We hope consumers will look forward to each limited release.”

The brand-new ‘Discovery’ range will follow in late spring; ‘Distillery Labels’ will launch in the summer, and new look ‘Private Collection’ range will be released in the autumn; the next ‘Generations’ unveiling is still to be revealed.

For more information about the new look ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ and streamlined portfolio, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#MaturationExpert

Notes:

‘Connoisseurs Choice’

• Launching spring 2018
• The range will start at approximately £70, $70, €70 and rise to approximately £500, $500, €500. Prices will vary in markets around the world due to taxes and duties.
• An exclusive range of small batch, non-chill-filtered, single and multiple cask bottlings
• Bottled as vintages
• Bottled at 46% (gold colourways), cask strength (grey colourways), or as a wood finish (red colourways)
• Unique label provides detailed information about each bottling – perfect for the whisky enthusiast
• 2018 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned single malt Scotch whisky specialist based in Elgin, Scotland.

Since 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent carefully selected casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled them with new-make spirit, and matured them either at the distillery of origin or in the company’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Today, Gordon & MacPhail is the curator of the world’s most diverse collection of single malt Scotch whiskies– a liquid library of flavour. Pursuing a singular path to become the master of whisky maturation, each generation of the Urquhart family strives to expand its knowledge and expertise to pass on to subsequent generations.

BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY ANNOUNCES THE 2018 RELEASE OF ITS RARE SINGLE MALTS 

The world’s largest malt Irish whiskey brand releases 16 AND 21 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALTS*

2018 release sees increase in availability of 16 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT 

Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 12^th April 2018: Bushmills® Irish Whiskey today announced the long-awaited 2018 release of two rare, small batch single malt whiskeys. Both BUSHMILLS 16 & 21 Year Old Single MaltS are matured and finished in three different cask types to create uniquely rich flavours.

BUSHMILLS 16 & 21 Year Old Single MaltS have won a long list of international awards that recognise the immense artisanship that lies behind these exquisite whiskeys. As part of the  2018 release, the brand has announced an increase in availability of BUSHMILLS 16 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT by 100 per cent – a direct response to the 25% increase in demand of premium malts in the last year**.

Colum Egan, Master Distiller at Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said: “As the largest malt Irish whiskey brand in the world and one of the first distilleries to create a single malt whiskey, we are delighted to release these rare expressions for the ultra-premium end of the Irish whiskey category. With almost 40 years crafting our BUSHMILLS 16 & 21 Year Old Single MaltS, we know that only a combination of patience, dedication and experience in our craft has allowed us to maintain the same great consistency of flavour and taste over the years.”

BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt has been aged for at least 16 years in a combination of bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry butts, before being vatted and married for nine months in large old port pipes. This careful ageing and finishing produces a smooth and sweet single malt that tastes mature beyond its years, with flavours of honeyed nutty maltiness, toasted wood and sweet port wine.

Even rarer is the remarkable BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single MALT, matured in American oak bourbon and old Oloroso sherry casks for at least 19 years. This premium whiskey spends two further years marrying in Madeira wine casks to produce a single malt of incredible depth, richness and complexity with notes of wood, raisin, toffee sweetness and soft spice and hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, mint and leather.

Colum Egan added: “This year, each bottle of BUSHMILLS 21 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT will have the year of bottling and its own individual number referenced on the bottle, making it even more collectable to those who purchase it.”

Bottled at 40% ABV, both limited editions will be available from specialist independent retailers and on-trade outlets only. 

Notes 

* IWSR Global Database 2017

** Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) 2018

TASTING NOTES

Bushmills 16 Year Old

Nose: Honeyed almonds, vanilla oakiness and delicate port wine notes.

Palate: Unique complexity, honeyed nutty maltiness; toasted wood; sweet port wine flavours.

Finish: Deep, sweet wine and fruit.

Bushmills 21 Year Old

Nose: Honeyed malt, wood, raisins, dark chocolate and a hint of mint.

Palate: Wonderfully complex: mellow maltiness, wood, raisins, toffee sweetness, spice, vanilla and dark chocolate; hints of mint and leather.

Finish: Lingering, with a slightly dry maltiness, wood and raisins.

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey

Bushmills® Irish Whiskey is crafted with care at The Old Bushmills Distillery in the village of Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. As Ireland’s oldest working distillery – making triple distilled malt whiskey and producing both blended and single malt whiskey – our unmatched malt is at the heart of all Bushmills® Irish Whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness.

www.bushmills.com

About PROXIMO
PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey and Boodles® British Gin.
www.proximospirits.com

PhD student aims to make future of whisky watertight 

World-leading Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers is forging ahead with research to help combat the effects of climate change on distillery water resources. Today, the business announced the appointment of Jessica Fennell, a PhD student at the University of Aberdeen, who will work with the firm to identify natural solutions to reduce and manage the impact of water scarcity and rising water temperatures during prolonged warm and dry periods.

Jessica Fennell

The Scotch whisky industry critically depends on a sustainable and good quality water supply; pure Scottish mineral water is one of three ingredients used in the malting, mashing and cooling processes and also when diluting the spirit to reduce its alcoholic strength to the desired level. It is hoped that through the research, Jessica along with Chivas Brothers’ environmental and sustainability team, will identify solutions to preserve this key ingredient, to the benefit of the entire Scotch whisky industry.

Throughout the project, 25-year-old Jessica, originally from Plymouth in Devon, will split her time between the University of Aberdeen and The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, where she will complete field research on the water catchment areas and undertake research and development of hydrological models. This will help to identify the best locations for Nature Based Solutions such as ponds or wetlands for infiltration, or tree planting for shading to manage water flow and temperatures for distilleries.

Jessica said: “I’m really looking forward to starting this PhD project. I’ve always considered myself as being environmentally conscious and believe it is vital for both researchers and those in the industry to work hand in hand to ensure we make good progress in safeguarding important resources, such as water, for the future.

“By working in the field at The Glenlivet distillery, I will be able to really understand how the water catchment works, and hopefully identify the steps distilleries may need to take to make sure they have enough cold water to continue production long into the future. In addition, through the support of the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute I will have access to the latest modelling and field equipment to help identify if and where these nature based solutions would be most efficient, thereby hopefully benefitting the industry in the long-term.”

In April 2017, Chivas Brothers along with the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute, started the quest to find a suitable student to advance this important research. Out of ~40 applications, Jessica was chosen after impressing the team with her extensive knowledge, experience and passion for environmental sustainability. Chivas Brothers is providing £4,000 in grant funding to support the four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship.

Chivas Brothers has marked water management as one of its strategic focuses within its environmental policy. This is inline with the vision of its parent company, Pernod Ricard, which has been a member of the United Nations CEO Water Mandate since 2010 reinforcing its commitment to the protection of the planet’s water resources.

Gordon Buist, Production Director at Chivas Brothers, said: “Jessica’s appointment marks an important step forward in pioneering this important research. During the project, Jessica will work alongside our experienced environmental and sustainability team to identify and test the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. This will include identifying the best locations to use these techniques, as these will be dependent on the type of soil, ground cover and land gradient. Our ambition is that this research will provide a solid foundation for further development in the future, and will take us – and the wider industry – one step closer to understanding and securing sustainable water resources in the long term.”

Dr. Josie Geris, Lecturer in Hydrology at the School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, and Jessica’s PhD supervisor added: “We are delighted to welcome Jessica to the University of Aberdeen. She’s an exceptional candidate and her enthusiasm for the project really shone through. We’re excited to see what her research will achieve.  She has vast experience in water management, which we’re confident will benefit Chivas Brothers and the wider Scotch whisky industry as we move forward with this exciting research project.”

Kneads must – whisky and donuts make for a sweet sensation at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Whisky aficionados who descend on one of the world’s leading whisky festivals have many hobbies and interests – and one will be sharing his love of donuts and drams at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2018.

The event ‘Here’s Johnny’ is more The Simpsons than The Shining, given donuts are Homer Simpson’s favourite food, and comes all the way from the USA, courtesy of Californian, Johnny Baldaray. He’s commissioned a specialist donut maker in Edinburgh to create some delicious delicacies to sample alongside half a dozen whiskies.

Visiting Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival three years ago, Johnny and his wife Erica developed a love for Speyside single malts, and with a number of whisky and food pairings in the programme, Johnny thought he’d have a go himself, matching the amber nectar to his favourite sweet treat. Back home in America he launched @whiskyanddonuts on social media and now has over 10,000 followers.

It may seem like an unlikely combination, and Johnny admits the concept came about almost by accident.

Johnny explains: “Shortly after our first trip to Scotland in 2015, we invited close friends over for dinner which included tastings of all the whiskies we brought back.  It just so happened that we had picked up a box of donuts from our favourite shop earlier that day, and as the whisky was poured, the donut box made its way to the table.

“Later that night we all shared new year’s resolutions, and mine was to create an Instagram account called @whiskyanddonuts and as they say, the rest is history.”

A return visit to Speyside in 2016 saw Johnny launch a dark chocolate donut at Tomintoul Distillery, with Old Ballantruan, the distiller’s peated range, arousing the curiosity of whisky fans – but he’s the first to admit that not everyone approves.

Johnny says: “Those in attendance during the Tomintoul tour did not hesitate in reaching for a few bites of the donuts.  Some enjoyed the combos more than others, but overall, it shook things up during the tasting in a fun way!

“We have experienced a small share of resistance within our Whisky and Donuts journey, social media allows people to feel invincible with their judgements, and frankly, we get a kick out of that!

“Even more interesting than the disapprovals, are the comments that say we paired the wrong donut!  Personally, I love and embrace the purists in whisky culture, I am far from an expert on the subject and often find inspiration from those who are so devoted to tradition and regiment.”

There are no hard and fast rules for tastings with Johnny who keeps an open book about the type of donuts and whiskies that can be paired as it is purely experimental – and always fun.

However, there are certain flavour combinations that clearly work, with bourbons/bourbon-based brands great with sweet chocolate, port/fruity whiskies tend to match fruit or jelly topped, while smoky/peaty drams work with nuts or custard.

With that said there is no real combination guide as everyone’s palate is different and the whole point is to be willing to mix things up.

Johnny adds: “I think it is too early in our process to say that there are guidelines.  All whiskies work. And more importantly, there is a donut out there for any whisky or the other way around! It may be biased to say that Speyside whiskies work very well, as we obviously hold the region closer to our heart than others but there are so many delicious little characteristics here, that the pairing process is that much more enjoyable.

 “We are especially excited to be teaming up with Deadly Donuts from Edinburgh. The pairing will include six whiskies with a small exclusively made donut to match.  We are in the final stages of the flavour line up, and can’t wait to share this one of a kind session to spark the conversations, laughter and fun.”

Due to interest back home, Johnny has already hosted various pairing sessions with donut shops in the USA and adds: “Craft donut shops are all over the States and many of them are creating amazing and wild pastries that are not only super delicious, but fun to photograph.

“The UK donut scene is not far behind, as we plan to visit a few shops before our arrival in Speyside.”

James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says: “Our festival is full of surprises and every year we’re amazed by the innovative additions to the programme which takes in everything from traditional tours and tastings to curious events like pairing whisky and donuts. It goes to show the diversity of our offering, and we really do have something to appeal to all tastes.”

Tickets are still available for a number of the 500 plus events that make up this year’s programme across Speyside including the Here’s Johnny donut and whisky pairing at the Commercial Hotel, Dufftown, on Sunday, May 6. Lots of food-themed events feature in the 2018 programme, including individual quests to find the best whiskies to match bacon rolls, haggis and chocolate, whisky dinners with each course paired with a dram, the chance to sample whisky-flavoured ice cream or dine on steak topped with a malt whisky sauce.

The Festival runs from May 3 to 7 and features behind-the-scenes tours at internationally renowned distilleries not usually open to the public, whisky tasting masterclasses, whisky and food pairings. It has music, outdoors activities and heritage events, meaning the festival offers something for die-hard whisky fans to those who have never tried it before.

For further information and tickets visit www.spiritofspeyside.com. The Festival is also active on social media: facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram18

Photographs: Johnny Baldaray brings a new flavour to Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival with his Whisky and Donuts pairing.