BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY TO PARTNER WITH

KENTUCKY RIVER TOURS

River tour boat to be named by Buffalo Trace employees and social media followers 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 1, 2018) – Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled adjacent to the Kentucky River, is partnering with Kentucky River Tours to begin offering tours this summer with rarely seen views of this iconic Distillery. Kentucky River Tour is a newly founded business based in Frankfort, started by the owners of Canoe Kentucky, Nathan and Allison Depenbrock, and Clayton Embly, of Lexington Kentucky. Tours will start in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, and will then shuttle to Buffalo Trace’s on-site boat dock where guests will embark, and later return from, the river tour.

This unique partnership will be one-of-a-kind, as currently no other bourbon distillery offers a boat tour.

Following a brief safety talk, the 45-minute tour of the Kentucky River’s Pool 3 will focus on the history of the river and its impacts on the bourbon industry as a whole. Guests will see the river-side of the Distillery, Lock and Dam #4, Steamboat Bend and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the Kentucky River.

The boat, which is currently without a name, won’t be nameless for long. The employees at Buffalo Trace Distillery are currently submitting names for the tour boat. Once the name submissions have been collected, four of the best contenders will be put to a vote on the Canoe Kentucky Facebook page for the public to decide. The Buffalo Trace employee whose name submission is selected as the winner on Facebook will have the honor of christening the boat upon its launch and official ribbon-cutting this summer and will be a guest on the very first tour.

The vessel in which tours will travel is a USCG inspected 28-foot Carolina Skiff, set up as an 18-passenger tour boat. The boat’s open design is complete with a ¾ roof and open-view railing which will allow for a great view of the river.

Kentucky River Tours expects to launch its first boat by early summer following the official ribbon-cutting and christening, and plans to operate Tuesdays through Sundays, weather permitting, through December. All reservations and tour bookings for the river tour are being handled directly by Kentucky River Tours. Reservations for the river tour will be highly encouraged, and can be made through the new Kentucky River Tours website, www.kyrivertours.com. Private tours and bookings will also be available, and can be arranged through Kentucky River Tours.

Tickets for the River Tour can be purchased from Kentucky River Tours for $14 per person. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to Woods and Waters, a local non-profit dedicated to protecting and preserving the lower Kentucky River watershed.

For more information visit www.kyrivertours.com and stay tuned to the Canoe Kentucky and Buffalo Trace Distillery Facebook pages to help select the name of the boat.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival winners announced as curtain falls after another record breaking year

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – set in Scotland’s heartland of malt whisky production – is basking in the glow of success after delivering a record-breaking five-day celebration of the water of life to a worldwide audience.

Organisers say that 19th festival has been the best yet in terms of international numbers, with strong ticket sales and the most extensive festival programme ever – featuring 575 events in total – delivered as part of this year’s offering.

Debut attraction, an Off The Beaten Track Tour to four distilleries never normally open to the public,  won the coveted best new event award. It saw whisky lovers transported by coach for tours delivered by Chivas Brothers’ International Brand Ambassador Tristan Campbell at Dalmunach, Tormore, Braeval and Allt a Bhainne distilleries. The tours were followed by a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired lunch prepared by cookery writer Ghillie Başan, accompanied by whisky tastings, at her remote Speyside home, reached via a Land Rover journey, a setting that was truly ‘off the beaten track’.

This was announced at the closing ceilidh held at the Craigellachie Hotel last night (Sunday) when the winners of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards were also revealed.

The annual awards – the only whisky competition in the world that places the power to determine the winning drams in the hands of the public – saw the 25 year old Cragganmmore Special Release announced as the public’s favourite whisky overall.

There was double cause for celebration for Glen Moray, with its Classic Chardonnay winning the non-age statement and its 18 year old winner in the 13-20 year old section.

Top title in the 12 year old and under winner went to Strathisla 12 year old.

Meanwhile, in the over 21-Year-Old category, Glenfiddich 21-year-old Reserva Rum Cask Finish triumphed, with the 25-year-old Cragganmore Special Release runner up, but it gaining most individual votes overall making it the public’s favourite. The awards were sponsored by Forsyths of Rothes.

James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival said: “What a truly magnificent five days we have had here in Speyside. We’ve been joined by people from more countries than ever, as well as local people, who have been able to enjoy our biggest ever programme of events, and amid glorious sunshine too.

“One of the key events of the festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and we congratulate all  our winners. From a fantastic range of new events, the Off The Beaten Track tour encompassed landscape, whisky and food, three qualities for which Speyside is famed the world over, making it a worthy winner of best new event.

“We’re delighted to have been able to offer so many different experiences to so many people, all enjoyed over a dram and in convivial company.”

After analysing this year’s festival, the organising team will be turning their focus to staging its offshoot, Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. The event, which brings together the region’s whisky, gin, beer and food producers under one roof, to enjoy samples of local products, meet key faces from the food and drink industry and take part in masterclasses on a range of different topics. Spirit of Speyside: Distilled takes place in Elgin Town Hall on August 31 and September 1. Tickets, which will go on sale in June for different sessions over the weekend.

From exclusive behind the scenes distillery tours and whisky and food pairings, to heritage walks embracing the local landscape and fun, family-friendly events, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme offered something for everyone, from connoisseurs to complete novices.

Details about the festival can be found at www.spiritofspeyside.com and on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. Use the hashtag #dram18 to search.

Picture captions

Dram roll please:  Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival whisky award winners line up to receive awards (from left to right) Kevin Innes, Cragganmore; Mark Thompson, Glenfiddich; Ed Dodson, Glen Moray, James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Richard Forsyth of award sponsors Forsyths, Caroline Mitchell, Strathisla and Graham Coull, Glen Moray.

Ann Miller, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers, accepts the best new event award, for Off the Beaten Track, from The Scotsman Food and Drink writer Sean Murphy.

Link to video

THE GLENLIVET EXPLORES NEW FRONTIERS WITH LAUNCH OF

COGNAC CASK FINISH EXPRESSION

The Glenlivet is set to re-assert its credentials as the definitive Single Malt Scotch whisky with the release of a contemporary new expression; Captain’s Reserve, a Single Malt selectively finished in high-quality Cognac casks. The launch is set to push the boundaries of modern Scotch through its distinctive cask combination.

Captain’s Reserve is the result of flavour and cask experimentation. This combination of the raisin-rich intense taste of Cognac with the signature citrus notes and creamy smoothness of The Glenlivet offers consumers the opportunity to broaden their Single Malt Scotch repertoire. The new flavour and taste experience also encourages new consumers to explore the thriving Single Malt Scotch category, which is one of the fastest growing spirits categories globally, and is expected to continue its growth at +6%[1].

This new expression, which will sit as part of The Glenlivet range, is a tribute to Captain William Smith Grant, great-grandson of George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside Single Malt. The Captain not only fought in the First World War in France, but later went on to fight for The Glenlivet, guiding the brand through the difficult Prohibition years and leading the Single Malt Scotch whisky revival in the UK and US. This unique story is brought to life through Captain’s Reserve by uniting the definitive Speyside Single Malt and the opulent rich flavours of Cognac.

Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet Master Distiller, comments: “We know that Single Malt consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous and are seeking to explore new flavour profiles and finishes in the category. Research shows that the global consumption of Cognac is expected to increase by some 2m cases by 2021[2]. By introducing the Cognac casks into our maturation process, we are able to capitalise on the popularity of this flavour and add another dimension to our world-renowned portfolio. The Cognac casks’ influence will bring a real richness to the smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet, which we’re confident new and existing Single Malt Scotch enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Captain’s Reserve is available globally, with an RRP ranging from £45-48 (or local equivalent).

For more information, or high-resolution images, please contact:

Notes:

The Glenlivet Captain Reserve Tasting notes:

NOSE: Bursting with sweet and fruity aromas. Rich in honey and apricot jam, with notes of sweet cinnamon bread and a subtle sensation of spicy liquorice.

TASTE: Succulent flavours of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins.

FINISH: Incredibly smooth and luscious.

About The Glenlivet:

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is The Definitive Speyside Single Malt, renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malts category. With its smooth and fruity flavour profile, The Glenlivet has contributed the biggest volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the past five years (IWSR, 2016). Acting as the guardian for outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Cipher, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, a great representation of the distillery’s signature style.

About Chivas Brothers:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

[1] IWSR, 2016

[2] The Global Cognac Insights report, 2017

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.