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

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY UNVEILS FIESTA OF FLAVOUR FOR ISLAY AND SPEYSIDE FESTIVALS

SMWS takes members on flavour journey with a total of 10 exclusive bottles to celebrate both the Spirit of Speyside and Feis Ile festivals. 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is making May a month to savour for its members with the release of 10 exclusive bottles to celebrate both the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (3–7 May) and Feis Ile, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt (25 May–2 June).

The Society will also be holding a series of events at both festivals, as well as Speyside and Islay-themed tastings at its Members’ Rooms and partner bars throughout the UK and Europe.

Both regions have their superfans and this year the Society is urging members to make their voices heard, by joining the online debate between Speyside supporter the Craigellachie Crusader and peat freak the Islay Avenger at https://goo.gl/JgLRDe

The celebratory festival bottlings include:

Speyside

• 9.143: Graceful gravitas (21-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 107.13: Andalusian gazpacho (9-years-old) – UK and EU bottling

Islay

• 3.307: A journey into joy (20-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 3.308: A maritime meander (13-years-old)
• 10.141: Indulgence by the sea (12-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 10.146: Sweet smoky succulent sensation (9-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 29.241: A perfect moment (20-years-old) – UK and EU bottling
• 29.244: Weaving wondrous dreams (8-years-old) – available on Islay only
• 53.248: Slapped by Poseidon’s glove (11-years-old)
• 53.252: Smoky incarnations (11-years-old)

Helen Stewart, senior brand manager for the Society, said: “The Speyside and Islay Whisky Festivals are key dates in the whisky calendar, with May seeing the annual pilgrimage to the renowned whisky festivals. This year we have bottled more casks than ever before to give members all over the world even more opportunity to purchase one.”

For those fortunate enough to be travelling to the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, the SMWS will be releasing 29.244: Weaving wondrous dreams. To reward members who have made the journey to attend the Islay festival, this limited edition will only be available for existing and new members to purchase on the island.

The bottling is an 8-year-old peated whisky from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. The palate is described as intense – with an earthy sweetness (chocolate brownies, flying saucers, aniseed, liquorice root) and smoke-derived flavours of tar, iodine and coal. The SMWS Tasting Panel said, “the long-lasting medicinal smoke will waft and weave into wondrous dreams”.

With only 222 bottles available to members, this will be a very limited edition and sought-after bottle.

Like all Society bottlings, the distillery name is kept a secret on all the bottles.

The six casks destined for the UK and EU will be available (while stocks last) online at https://goo.gl/c38urY and at the Society’s venues and partner bars (by the dram only) from Friday 4 May 2018.

Speyside events

SMWS will be hosting tailored tasting events featuring special celebratory bottlings at the Speyside Festival with Society ambassador Hans Offringa. These will be held in SMWS official partner bar, The Quaich at The Craigellachie Hotel on Friday, 4 May. (http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/events)

Islay Whisky Festival

On Islay, the SMWS will be running a series of tastings and masterclasses throughout the festival, starting with an Open Day on Friday, 25 May on the lawns at Islay House, home to Society partner bar, The Peat Cutter Inn. Tastings and events will be hosted by master brand ambassador John McCheyne.

SMWS Venues: Members’ Rooms & Partner Bars

If you can’t make it to the festivals, then throughout May, the SMWS will be running Speyside & Islay-inspired offers and menus with matched whiskies in its Members’ Rooms and partner bars. There will also be special Islay and Speyside festival flights to sample and enjoy. Tastings will focus on an Islay versus Speyside theme, where the two regions will be presented against each other. In the Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar in Edinburgh, Festival themed cocktails will be created from Friday 4 May.

For more information about the Islay and Speyside bottlings and events, please visit https://goo.gl/JgLRDe

DRAM-TASTIC! TOMATIN SCOOP DOUBLE AWARD WIN

Tomatin Distillery has today (Tuesday 24^th April) announced that once again its 18 Year Old Single Malt has been awarded with ‘Double Gold’ at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. This is the 5^th time the judging panel of over 40 industry experts crowned the malt with this medal making it the most consistently highly awarded malt in their core range.

Tomatin’s portfolio has seen increased international distribution across the board, and this prestigious award win further cements its reputation as a globally recognised whisky brand.

Inverness-based Stephen Bremner, Tomatin Sales Director, said: “We are delighted that our whiskies have yet again been recognised at these prestigious awards. With such stiff competition, we’re thrilled that such a breadth of Tomatin whiskies have been recognised and awarded not only Silver and Gold medals, but Double Gold awards too.”

The judging panel went through four days of blind tastings before going on to judge each entry on its own merit. The ‘Double Gold’ – awarded to the very few entries that receive a Gold medal – makes Tomatin’s 18 Year Old among one of the finest products in the world.

The 18 Year Old has been awarded nine gold awards and one silver since 2008 and is matured in oak casks and first fill Oloroso Sherry butts. Featuring flavours of honey and soft oak, the dram develops into a hint of dark chocolate with a citrus bite before a sustained sweet and slightly dry finish.

Tomatin received 13 medals in total at the spirits ‘Oscars’, with the 12 Year Old receiving its fifth gold in a row, while Tomatin’s travel retail range saw its 15 Year Old and 40 Year Old awarded gold, the latter receiving double gold. And for the first time ever, Tomatin’s Cask Strength was awarded a gold medal.

Founded in 2000, each year the San Francisco World Spirit Competition recognises exceptional products in the spirits industry and some of the finest products from around the world.

Tomatin’s trophy cabinet bursts with accolades and awards including winning Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Tomatin is also currently ranked in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and are one of the fastest growing brands in the UK.

Tomatin Distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands and is famous for its portfolio of thirty soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range. Prices range from £29 – £2,500.

For further information please visit: www.tomatin.com

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottlings from Dumbarton and Invergordon. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release two fantastic exclusive bottlings. Both have been carefully selected by The Whisky Barrel under the guidance of Hunter Laing & Company Ltd.

Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive

The Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Exclusive was bottled at cask strength by Hunter Laing in March 2018. Aged in a bourbon barrel, this Dumbarton is a light gold whisky with a sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel.

Dumbarton Distillery was a single grain distillery built in Dumbartonshire in the 1930s, at which time it was the largest in Scotland. Dumbarton closed in 2002 and has since been demolished, making The Whisky Barrel’s exclusive Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign a very special addition to any collection.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

The Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Exclusive was bottle at cask strength, again by Hunter Laing in March 2018. It too was aged in a bourbon barrel but this whisky has a burnished gold look to it and a rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee.

Invergordon Distillery is the most northerly of Scotland’s grain distilleries and was established in 1959. It is a favourite of blenders so it is very interesting to see a single grain Scotch come out; definitely something special.

Both of these exclusives would make perfect birthday or anniversary gifts and both are packed full of rich flavour.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan. 

Dumbarton 30 Year Old Sovereign Exclusive | 1988 | Cask #HL14859 forTheWhiskyBarrel.com | 50.5%

Invergordon 40 Year Old Sovereign Exclusive | 1978 | Cask #HL14894 forTheWhiskyBarrel.com | 45%

Tasting notes – Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive 

Colour: Light gold

Nose: A sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel. 

Taste: Rich and sweet with toffee, milk chocolate and forest berries. 

Finish: Long with a lingering tropical nose. 

Price: £119.08 GBP / $139.39 USD (+ P&P) 

Tasting notes – Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

Colour: Burnished gold.

Nose: A rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee. 

Taste: Sweet with salted caramel, forest fruits and green herbs. 

Finish: Long with lingering sweetness. 

Price: £191.22 GBP / $223.85 USD (+ P&P) 

Notice:-

1. Q) What is the product called?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive; and Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive.
2. Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
   A) Tuesday 24^th of April 2018.Q) Where is it available?
   A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
   A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.Q) How much is it?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive  – £119.08 GBP / $139.39 USD (+ P&P)

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive – £191.22 GBP / $223.85 USD (+ P&P)

1. Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
   A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) What is the ABV of this product?
   A) Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive – 50.5% ABV natural cask strength.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive – 45% ABV natural cask strength.

1. Q) Why has this product been launched?
   A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

Notes 

The Whisky Barrel is a speciaslit online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation

INDUSTRY LEADERS TO GATHER TO DEBATE FUTURE OF WHISKY PRODUCTION

The whisky industry is preparing for the 2018 World Whisky Forum, with the programme of speakers and topics now announced.

The theme for the 2018 forum is Whisky 2020 with speakers from all areas of the industry considering the shape of future whisky production and consumption. The Forum will be moderated by Dave Broom.

Speakers include Ian Chang, Master Blender at Kavalan Distillery, who will discuss how grappling with the challenging climate in Yilan forced Kavalan to embrace innovation and turned it into a model for the distillery of the future.

The forum will also feature a panel discussion lead by Becky Paskin and Georgie Bell, founders of the recently launched #OurWhisky movement, on the changing face of whisky consumption and the importance for the future of the industry, of accurate representation of the diversity of whisky drinkers and producers.

Ingvar Ronde, one of the Forum’s organisers and author of the Malt Whisky Yearbook said: ‘The World Whisky Forum is about sharing experiences and the exchange of ideas. I expect the same open and curious atmosphere that characterized the first meeting at BOX last year. I’m especially happy to see this great mix of speakers, representing small entrepreneurial companies such as Kyrö from Finland as well as international giants like Hiram Walker and Kirin Brewery. I truly believe that gatherings like this are essential when it comes to shaping the future of whisky and it’s really fascinating to be a part of it when it happens.’

The Forum, now in its second year, will be hosted by the Cotswolds Distillery. The distillery was recently named Craft Producer of the Year (Worldwide) in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Awards and Head Distiller, Nickolas Franchino, will be speaking on how small producers can carve out a place for themselves despite sharing a market with much bigger, more established players. Places at the Forum are open only to members of the industry and are extremely limited – for more information on securing a place visit www.worldwhiskyforum.org

NOTES 

The WORLD WHISKY FORUM was founded in 2017 by Jan Groth of Box/High Coast Distillery in Sweden. It is a stage for the new wave of distillers and whisky stakeholders around the world who put innovation, rethinking and, of course, craftsmanship first. It is a recurring event that takes place every eighteen months.

The COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY was founded in 2014 and is the first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was recently named Craft Producer of the Year in the Icons of Whisky Awards, and in the UK category of the Icons of Gin Awards.

For more information, please visit www.worldwhiskyforum.org and www.cotswoldsdistillery.com, or contact Jan Groth, Head of the World Whisky Forum +46 (0)70-494 18 01 jan.groth@worldwhiskyform.org or Zoe Rutherford, Communications Manager at the Cotswolds Distillery zrutherford@cotswoldsdistillery.com +44 1608 238 533.

A distillery considered Scotland’s best lowland whisky maker has confirmed it’s very first whisky festival attendance – a year before it will start to produce malts once again.

The highly coveted Rosebank distillery was purchased by Iain MacLeod Distillers last year and a rumoured £12million will be spent to start producing whisky once again from the site on the Union Canal, Falkirk.

Rosebank Distillery will attend The Whisky Social Falkirk this year, bringing rare Lowland single malts for the lucky attendees to sample.

Organiser of Whisky Social Falkirk – which also has events in Dundee and Belfast – Andy Ure said: “When we heard Rosebank was going to start producing again we thought it would be great to get them involved in the festival so we are over the moon that not only will be attending, but it will be the first festival they ever attend.

“There is real nostalgia surrounding the distillery, and people are excited that soon there will be new bottlings. With Falkirk Distillery also coming to fruition shortly, Falkirk is cementing itself as a whisky town once again.”

Brand ambassadors will be pouring Rosebank 12 year old to sample and discussing plans to re-open the distillery at Whisky Social Falkirk.

The malt stopped being produced in 1993 when owners Diageo decided to cease production over upgrading costs as well as road access difficulties. The warehouse was sold to be turned into a Beefeater restaurant while the distillery was sold to British Waterways. Iain MacLeod bought the rights to the name and the site and plan to install three sills to recreate Rosebank’s historic sweet, floral malts as well as a visitor centre to give an insight into the history of the distillery that opened in 1817.

Whisky Social Falkirk is on Saturday, August 18 at the Dobbie Hall, Larbert. Limited tickets are still avaiable from www.harbroevents.co.uk

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Henry Donnelly as new Distiller at the Micro Distillery at Midleton 

Dublin, 17th of April 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 the appointment of Henry Donnelly as the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery at the Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. As part of his new role, Henry will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Micro Distillery in Midleton and will work closely with Master Distiller Brian Nation on the production of innovative and experimental new whiskeys to add to the existing Irish Distillers portfolio.

Henry graduated from University College Cork in 2016 with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering and joined the Jameson Graduate Distiller programme. Following successful completion of the programme, Henry was appointed as Process Technologist in the Midleton Distillery, a role that combined the role of brand ambassador with process optimisation.

Commenting on the announcement, Henry Donnelly, Distiller at the Micro Distillery, said: “I started my journey with Irish Distillers in 2016 when I was accepted on the graduate distiller programme and was lucky to learn from the masters about the intricacies of the entire whiskey production process – from grain to glass. As the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery, I am looking forward to working closely with Brian and using my training and experience to produce a range of exciting and innovative new whiskeys.”

Commenting on the appointment, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “We opened the Micro Distillery in 2015 and since then it has allowed us to explore experimental and innovative new mash bills and distillates, all of which are currently maturing. We are also looking to the past and experimenting with recipes and production techniques used by the great distillers that have come before us from the Jameson and Powers families and the Murphy family of the Cork Distilleries Company. On top of that, it is a space where we can train the up and coming distillers of tomorrow. It is a fully manual operation which requires our young talent to hone and test their skills every day and to really understand the fundamentals of how to make the finest whiskeys in the world. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry to the role, we have no doubt that he will play his part in adding exciting new chapters to the incredible story of Irish whiskey.”

As the Distiller in the Micro Distillery, Henry will also provide training to colleagues on the entire production process and enhance the visitor experience in the Jameson Experience Midleton.

Henry replaces Karen Cotter, who has moved into a role on the main site of the Midleton Distillery.

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.