Keshav Prakash, the founder-curator of The Vault, was recently inducted as a life member of The Keepers of the Quaich, an international society which was established by the Scotch Whisky industry to celebrate the outstanding commitment of those who produce and promote the world’s finest distilled spirit. This prestigious society takes its name from the traditional two-handled drinking cup which is described in the ancient Gaelic language of Scotland as a `cuach’ or Quaich, a vessel long associated with friendship and the enjoyment of Scotch Whisky.

With only a limited number of people inducted as Keepers each year to honor their exceptional contribution, the new Keepers must have worked for a minimum of five years in the industry and their nomination is by virtue of industry recognition of their personal contribution to Scotch Whisky. In the last five years, Keshav has diligently worked to create access to produce from boutique independent distilleries, bridging the gap for handcrafted spirits in India, especially in the world of fine whiskies, enriching the experience of whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts. If Springbank, Benromach and Edradour represent the legendary traditional Scottish malts, Kilchoman, Wolfburn and the award-winning expressions from Compass Box represent the growing contemporary and innovative twist.

To date, just over 2,600 men and women from over 100 countries have received the honor of becoming the ‘Keeper of the Quaich’, a permission into the much guarded hall of fame. `Scotch Whisky was, and remains, the first global spirit and Keepers of the Quaich exists to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contribution of people working in all aspects of the industry, all over the world’ said Peter Prentice, Chairman of the Society.

New Keepers are inducted at a private ceremony held in the Scottish Highlands at Blair Castle, the ancient historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl. This year, it was on the 9^th of October, 2017.

The 700-year-old iconic Blair Castle with its Scottish baronial architecture, has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries and has had a rich and diverse history. Serving as the quintessential center for this award ceremony, the arrival ceremony of the new Keepers, Masters and patrons of the society was marked by the grandly decorated castle and the great highland bagpipers music in their traditional highland dress. This was the beginning of more than just an award ceremony. It was a glimpse into the well-choreographed Royal Scottish lifestyle.

The induction ceremony is a grand and confidential ritual, and once this ceremony is complete, the Keepers and Masters are gently led into the glamorous banquet that unfolds in the stunning ballroom of the castle, and this year the prestigious event was addressed by the well-known Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin who spoke about how the sharing of spirits with near and dear ones, marks the building of the best memories.

When Keshav shared the table with the ultimate knowledge house of whiskies, Charles MacLean, Master of the Quaich, a fine gentleman and a gospel to whisky lovers across the world, he knew that this wonderful journey had only just begun. After all, there was the `Master of the Quaich’, and that involves a further ten years of working on his vision – to make The Vault a go-to place for fine spirits experiences, in which the world of Scottish whiskies will continue to play a significant role.

Trivia about the banquet:

Many guests wear traditional quilts made from the special society Tartan.

All guests line up outside the castle and are invited as a couple or individually to walk the red carpet with bagpipers on either side of the carpet.

Red Carpet photography followed by a group photograph once inside.

Those getting inducted and their guest are then led to the VIP reception on the upper level.

En route there is a photograph with the Chairman & Grandmaster of the society.

The VIP reception is attended by the who’s who of the Scottish Whisky Industry.

Guests of those being inducted (Anjan Prakash, wife of Keshav) are then invited first into the ceremony hall to be seated.

No photography is allowed during the ceremony.

A grand sit down banquet follows.

During the banquet there are several speeches, top class music performance by musicians of repute and a special Haggis ceremony.

The best of Scottish Whiskies are generously offered during the dinner.

Note on The Vault:

The Vault is India’s leading, whisky centric, import house representing over 30 small and independent distillers from around the world.

The Vault Collection of Handcrafted & Handpicked spirits are available at the Duty Free Travel Retail section of all major International airports in India. Keshav Prakash’s highly curated offerings of master classes and tasting experiences for corporate and direct consumers are aimed at designing a new culture of fine spirits appreciation. Currently based in Mumbai, The Vault will soon offer access to spirits in the city of Delhi followed by other metros in the country.

Extended information of The Vault is available on www.vaultfinespirits.com

More information about Keepers of the Quaich: www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk

THE MIDLETON DAIR GHAELACH FAMILY BLOSSOMS WITH NEW ‘BLUEBELL FOREST’

Irish Distillers has unveiled the next chapter in its Virgin Irish Oak Collection of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys; Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest edition. This exceptional offering has been finished in barrels made from Irish oak grown in the Bluebell Forest of Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny, imparting a true and unique flavour of Ireland.

Dair Ghaelach, which is Gaelic for ‘Irish oak’, is the result of an eight-year exploration by the expert production team at the Midleton Distillery, County Cork, into using native oak to mature Irish whiskey and follows the release of Midleton Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood in February 2015.

In collaboration with expert forestry consultant, Paddy Purser, the Irish Distillers team of Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation, and Billy Leighton, Head Blender, chose Bluebell Forest on Castle Blunden Estate to provide the oak for the second edition in the Midleton Dair Ghaelach series. Each bottle can be traced back to one of six individual 130-year-old oak trees that were carefully felled in the Bluebell Forest in May of 2013.

Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, comments: “It is a joy to be able to showcase more of our experimentation with maturation in Irish oak through the release of Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest. The naturally sweet compounds found in Irish oak work in perfect harmony with this whiskey to deliver milk chocolate and honeycomb on the nose, a beautifully round and silky-smooth mouth feel and a long, pot still finish.

“The nuances in flavour in the two editions of Midleton Dair Ghaelach come from our native wood, and offer whiskey fans a true flavour of Ireland – the range has provenance unlike any Irish whiskey before it and we look forward to exploring more of Ireland’s woodlands further in the years to come.”

Bluebell Forest is found among the historic stone walls of Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny. Since the 1600s, generations of the Blunden Family have watched over a stand of Irish oak trees with a carpet of luminescent bluebells covering the forest floor.

The carefully felled oak from these woods imparts its character and nuances into Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest to create an intrinsically Irish whiskey with historical provenance, traceability and a clear link to the sustainability and rejuvenation of Irish oak.

To craft the oak into barrels, fellow artisans at the Maderbar sawmills in Baralla, north-west Spain, used the quarter-sawing process to cut the trees into staves, which were then transferred to the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez. After drying for 15 months, the staves were worked into 29 Irish oak Hogshead casks and given a light toast.

The whiskey, made up of a selection of Midleton’s classic rich and spicy pot still distillates matured for between 12 and 23 years in American oak barrels, was then filled into the Irish oak Hogshead casks and diligently nosed and tasted each month by Leighton and O’Gorman. After a year and a half, the pair judged that the whiskey had reached the perfect balance between the spicy single post still Irish whiskey and Irish oak characteristics.

Bottled at cask strength, between 55.30% to 56.30% ABV, and without the use of chill filtration, Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest is available from November 2017 in markets, including the US, Canada, Ireland, France and the UK at the recommended selling price of $280 per 70cl.

NOTES

Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest tasting notes:

Nose: Rich pot still spices are elevated by the clipped tannins of the toasted Irish oak. Fresh woodland character mingles with faint vanilla, giving the succulence of zesty pink grapefruit and pineapple along with ripe berries and green banana. The Irish oak influence imparts milk chocolate and honeycomb sweetness
Taste: Beautifully round and silky smooth with naturally sweet compounds from the Irish oak in harmony with the pot still spices. A touch of mango and kiwi bring some fruit undertones as the prickle of clove and cinnamon add their voice
Finish: Exceptionally long with soft sweet spices finally giving way to the proud Irish oak

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

ABOUT IRISH DISTILLERS

Irish Distillers 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.

MARKETING EXECUTIVE APPOINTED KEEPER OF THE QUAICH

Glenfarclas Marketing Executive Ian McWilliam, has been made a Keeper of The Quaich in recognition of his service and contribution to the whisky industry over 26 years.

Ian joined J&G Grant as Assistant Head Warehouseman in 1991 and after 14 years in production, including the position of Assistant Manager, he moved to the sales & marketing team where he oversees distribution for 33 countries.

His comprehensive knowledge and experience of the traditional skills used to produce Glenfarclas is invaluable; many have enjoyed his in-depth tour or presentations worldwide where he explains all there is to know about the production of Glenfarclas single malt scotch whisky. Living on site and continuing to undertake “on-call” production duties has helped Ian keep up-to-date with the latest changes and improvements that have been made since he left his production post in 2004.

Whether on site at Glenfarclas or across the world, he continues to host events on behalf of J&G Grant, entertaining and educating whisky enthusiasts in his impeccable and professional manner.

Congratulations Ian, thoroughly deserved!

A NIGHT OUT WITH DAVID BECKHAM…IN REVERSE  

New film launches the HAIG CLUB Scotch Whisky #LeaveAsYouArrived campaign  

LONDON, NOVEMBER 14 2017: Today Diageo releases Leave as You Arrived, a new film from HAIG CLUB as part the brand’s commitment to responsible drinking. The film, featuring global icon and HAIG CLUB business partner David Beckham, marks the next progressive step in Diageo’s determination to bring responsible drinking to the forefront of consumer thinking in innovative and authentic ways.

Like HAIG CLUB, the 60-second film is designed to be different: directed by Grammy Award winning Swedish director, Jonas Akerlund the film plays out in reverse – the end of the film is in fact the beginning and shows David Beckham and his friends as immaculately put together leaving the bar as when they arrived.

Ronan Beirne, Global Brand Director said:  “Responsible drinking is an integral part of the HAIG CLUB philosophy and we have a shared belief with our business partner, David Beckham, about quality over quantity and the importance of drinking in moderation. #LeaveAsYouArrived was designed to showcase the benefits of drinking in moderation on a night out. HAIG CLUB believes that looking as good leaving the bar as when you arrived, is the epitome of style.”

David Beckham said: “There are many reasons why I wanted to partner with Diageo on HAIG CLUB, and one of them is their commitment to responsible drinking. Jonas did a very nice job bringing our idea to life with this new film.”

Carolyn Panzer, Global Alcohol in Society Director, Diageo, said: “Being stylish and in control go hand-in-hand. This campaign shows just how aspirational drinking in moderation has become, and is all about encouraging adults who choose to drink, to do so responsibly. Encouraging moderation is not in conflict with our goals as an alcohol producer: in fact, it lines up very clearly with our values and aims as a business. We want to lead people towards drinking better, not more, and this campaign is a powerful example of how our brands are helping us to do that.”

#LeaveAsYouArrived is part of HAIG CLUB’s ongoing commitment to responsible drinking and will continue to roll out globally across social media with additional exclusive content designed to celebrate drinking in moderation. This will include content from cities across the world showcasing real people in #LeaveAsYouArrived moments.

View the film

Notes:  

ABOUT HAIG CLUB:

HAIG CLUB is the Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Diageo produced in partnership with global icon David Beckham and entrepreneur Simon Fuller. Built on nearly 400 years of distilling heritage, this is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky realised in a radical new way. As part of his partnership with HAIG CLUB, David Beckham supports the HAIG CLUB philosophy of drinking with style and the shared belief in quality over quantity. More information about HAIG CLUB may be found at http://www.haigclub.com/ or facebook.com/HaigClub.

About Diageo:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.co.uk.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Bournemouth bar, Smokin’ Aces, awarded the Imbibe Whisky List of the Year 2017 

Smokin’ Aces Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge in Bournemouth has beaten some of the best bars from across the UK to be crowned Imbibe Whisky List of The Year 2017 in association with Maxxium.

The menu, including a list of Old Fashioned’s and a breakdown of blends and malts, won for their comprehensive yet carefully edited menu of whisk(e)y’s that’s organised geographically, helping the consumer.

Industry expert, author and judge for the competition, Michael Butt, commented: ‘I don’t know how this could be any better.’

‘It’s pushing forward the relevance to their market and that’s really good’ added fellow judge Joel Harrison. ‘What appeals to me is that it would get people into the category rather than just keep them there, and for whisky I think that’s really important.’

The on-trade competition featured an extraordinary line-up of contenders, and other winners were from bars in Birmingham, Exeter, Sheffield, and London.

Judges for the competition included Michael Butt, Monica Berg, Jared Brown, Anistatia Miller, Neil Ridley, Joel Harrison, Michelle Brachet, Peter Dorelli, Alessando Palazzi and Lyndon Higginson, as well as the award-winning Imbibe editorial team.

The Imbibe Drinks List of the Year 2017 competition opened for entries last year and serves to reward the very best drinks lists from bars across the UK. 

 Notes

For further information visit www.imbibe.com or smokin-aces.co.uk

Imbibe launched Drinks List of the Year in March 2016 as a competition that aims to find and reward the best cocktail and spirits lists in bars across the UK. Judges notes on all winners are available on request.

Launched in March 2007, Imbibe magazine has rapidly become the UK’s leading magazine for on-trade drinks professionals working in premium UK establishments. Imbibe is an ABC-audited magazine, with more than 15,650 drinks buyers and servers in the UK receiving the magazine. Copies are available upon request.

Limited Edition Jim Beam® Distiller’s Cut Offers Bourbon Lovers a Memorable Taste For The Holidays

CHICAGO, Nov. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, has released Jim Beam® Distiller’s Cut, a premium, unfiltered*, 100-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This limited time offering was personally selected by Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation Master Distiller, and is available nationwide.

“We skipped the chill filtration process, so the liquid gets from barrel to bottle a little differently,” said Noe. “The result is unique to other Jim Beam offerings, with a fuller taste and longer finish compared to your typical bourbon.”

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged five to six years that features a medium body and combines caramel sweetness with charred oak, enriched with light fruit notes. The premium expression offers a smooth and complex mouthfeel with a warm, lightly charred oak finish – the perfect gift for a bourbon lover looking to try something different this holiday season. It has a dark amber color with aromas of soft charred oak, sweet caramel, vanilla and hints of dried fruit.

“At Jim Beam, we are consistently innovating to offer our consumers a wide range of products. Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut is different from our other products because of the post-aging process,” said Rob Mason, Vice President of North American Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “Our Master Distiller has decided to release this batch at a time when bourbon drinkers, more than ever, are anxious to discover something unique.”

After aging, bourbon typically goes through a chill filtration process, which involves forcing the liquid through a dense filter to remove fatty acids formed during distillation. Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut skips this step, which results in a fuller taste and palate feel. This can also cause the liquid to look cloudier compared to filtered bourbons, especially on the rocks.

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks and has a suggested retail price of $22.99 for 750ML. Find it at select retailers nationwide starting this month, on shelves alongside Jim Beam’s other premium offerings including Jim Beam Black® Bourbon, Jim Beam® Double Oak Bourbon finished in oak, Jim Beam® Rye Whiskey and Jim Beam®Bonded Bourbon.

For more information on new Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut, follow Jim Beam on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com.

*Jim Beam® Distillers Cut Bourbon is only quality screened to remove barrel char pieces from the liquid.

Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% Alc./Vol.

©2017 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

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

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

Beam Suntory Donates $100,000 to Holiday Meals for the Military

Chicago – November 20, 2017 – Beam Suntory, the world’s third-largest premium spirits company, has donated $100,000 to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that builds strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities that they’ve worked so hard to protect. Since 2008, the world leader in bourbon has supported Operation Homefront, raising its total cash and in-kind contribution to more than $3.4 million. The funds will support Holiday Meals for Military, a program providing more than 8,400 family meals across the country this holiday season, run by Operation Homefront.

The Holiday Meals for Military program dates back to Thanksgiving 2009 at a supermarket in Utica, N.Y., near Fort Drum. A soldier, there with his wife and infant, had a handful of groceries they could not afford. A Beam Suntory employee in line behind them intervened and picked up the $12 cost, but was inspired to do much more.

“The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for military service men and women and we are proud to support those who defend our freedoms and their families, who are truly our nation’s silent heroes,” said Beam Suntory Chairman and CEO Matt Shattock. “It’s been incredibly inspiring to see this program grow from that first donation to the distribution of thousands of meal kits today.”

“The holiday season can be a very challenging time of the year for military families – particularly those who are on a very tight budget,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront.  “Our highly valued Holiday Meals for Military program has provided meals to more than 300,000 military family members over the past several years and I am proud to say Beam Suntory has been a driving force behind our important work.  We are grateful to an amazing Beam team for all they do to help us help these deserving families thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”

Beam Suntory employees are also volunteering to help pack meal kits across the country. Since Holiday Meals for Military’s inception, Beam Suntory employees have volunteered thousands of hours to help pack and distribute family meals.

DISCOVER A NEW TRILOGY OF LUXURY WHISKIES CRAFTED AT THE HOME OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST SCOTCH MATURATION WAREHOUSE

Introducing the Vintner’s trilogy from bowmore islay single malt scotch whisky,

a unique collection of luxury whiskies matured in wine casks

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Whisky has announced the launch of the Bowmore® Vintner’s Trilogy. Launching from September, the trilogy will feature a collection of exceptional single malt whiskies; Bowmore® 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla, Bowmore® 26 Year Old Wine Matured and a final 27 Year Old bottling to be released in 2018. The trilogy has been created in the Hidden Depths of Bowmore®’s No.1 Vaults, the world’s oldest scotch maturation house, imbuing the signature Bowmore® flavour with attributes of the finest ex-wine, sherry and port casks.  

DISCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Nestled on the edge of the island of Islay, with the tumultuous waves of the Atlantic crashing against the walls of the maturation warehouse, expertly chosen casks transform single malt whisky into Bowmore®’s liquid gold. Within the maturation warehouse lays hidden casks waiting to be discovered as a result of generations of distilling expertise and the unique sea-buffeted atmosphere within the No. 1 Vaults. Bowmore®’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, established in 1779, is the birthplace of coveted whiskies including the latest premium collection that is the Vintner’s Trilogy. Explore the depths of the legendary vaults and discover the hidden casks, matured for 18 years or more, to create the Vintner’s Trilogy. Matured in manzanilla sherry, wine, bourbon and Islay malt barrels, these whiskies boast extra layers of flavour unique to this collection.

BOWMORE 18 YEAR OLD DOUBLE MATURED MANZANILLA

The first of the Vintner’s Trilogy, Bowmore® 18 Year Old is matured in both ex-bourbon barrels and ex-manzanilla sherry barrels, taking on a rich antique gold colour. On the nose, notes of treacle, salted caramel, ripe blackcurrants, soft stone fruits, vanilla fudge and spiced Seville oranges sit alongside subtle hints of menthol and chamomile. These aromas develop into bitter oranges and a burst of peat smoke on the palate to create this refined whisky. Bowmore®’s 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla will be available from specialist whisky retailers at RRP $127| €110 | £105.

BOWMORE 26 YEAR OLD WINE MATURED

The second in the trilogy, Bowmore® 26 Year Old Wine Matured spends time in ex-bourbon barrels and wine barriques, developing a burnt amber colour. Redcurrant jam, camphor oil and cherry pie intermingle with earthy smoke on the nose, developing into spiced oak, tropical fruits such as papaya and mango and a honeyed sweetness with the addition of water. A full-bodied whisky, on the palate the flavours develop into oak spiced smoke and rich dark chocolate with a long finish and a hint of salt typical of Bowmore®. Bowmore®’s 26 Year Old Wine Matured will be available from specialist whisky retailers at RRP $540 | €420 | £400.

BOWMORE 27 YEAR OLD

The final whisky in the trilogy set to be released in 2018, Bowmore® 27 Year Old will complete the collection. 

David Turner, Bowmore® distillery manager, comments: “The Vintner’s Trilogy is a collection of three liquid gold whiskies which have been meticulously matured over time in our No.1 Vaults. The unique, sea-buffeted atmosphere inside the oldest scotch maturation warehouse in the world has created three perfectly balanced whiskies full of flavour, with each whisky offering an individual taste journey through their time maturing in manzanilla sherry, wine, bourbon and Islay malt casks.”

 www.bowmore.com

Facebook.com/BOWMORE

Twitter.com/BOWMORE

Instagram.com/BOWMORE

Notes:

The Vintner’s Trilogy collection and its name has been inspired by Bowmore®’s use of ex-wine and sherry barrels to create their perfectly balanced whiskies. The trilogy celebrates the distillery’s legendary Scotch maturation warehouse, the No. 1 Vaults, the oldest in the world. 

ABOUT BOWMORE®

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore® is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore®’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Awards:

ISC 2017 | Gold for 12 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old (GTR)

ISC 2017 | Silver for Vault Editions Atlantic Sea Salt

ISC 2017 | Silver for 18 Year Old (Domestic)

ISC 2017 | Silver for 15 Year Old Darkest

ISC 2017 | Silver for Bowmore No.1

ISC 2017 | Silver for Bowmore 10 Year Old

ISC 2017 | Silver for Bowmore 15 Year Old

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 | Silver for 15 Year Old Darkest

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 | Silver for 12 Year Old

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Gold for 12 Year Old

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old (GTR)

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for 10 Year Old

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for 15 Year Old

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for 15 Year Old Darkest

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for 18 Year old

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for Bowmore No.1

International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Silver for Vault Editions Atlantic Sea Salt

Bowmore supports www.drinkaware.co.uk

About Beam Suntory Inc.

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

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

Lagavulin 8 Year Old joins the Lagavulin family

Launched as part of the Lagavulin 200th anniversary celebrations last year – 8 Year Old will now join the Lagavulin family permanently

Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky is treasured around the world as one of the most special of all Single Malts. As part of Lagavulin’s 200^th  anniversary celebrations last year, a Lagavulin 8 Year Old was launched as a special edition. Following the incredibly positive response, an 8 Year Old bottling will now join the Lagavulin family permanently.

Inspired by the distillery’s rich heritage, the bottle pays tribute to Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard. In the late 1880s, Barnard, one of the first ever whisky journalists and travellers, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as “exceptionally fine” and “held in high repute.”

Lagavulin Distillery

“The 8 Year Old is a signature Lagavulin style bottling with a liveliness that balances out the Islay smokiness. We hope that Lagavulin fans will enjoy this bottling, just as Alfred Barnard did centuries ago”

Georgie Crawford

Distillery Manager at Lagavulin

“Our aim for the 200th Anniversary was to bring Islay to life for as many people as possible, and by re-releasing this bottling as a permanent offering in our portfolio, we’ll be able to continue sharing Lagavulin’s heritage across the globe for many years to come”

Richard Walker

Diageo’s Global Head of Malts

Barton 1792 Distillery Announces New Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon  

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Nov. 14, 2017) – Barton 1792 Distillery unveils the most recent limited-edition whiskey in its line of 1792 bourbons, 1792 Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This Bottled-in-Bond expression remains true to its heritage and is a testament to the Bottled in Bond act, established in 1897, which revolutionized the quality of American whiskey and gave whiskey drinkers confidence is high quality whiskey made by a legitimate distiller.

This well-aged bourbon came from barrels which were each filled during the same distilling season at Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Bottled-in-Bond was then bottled at precisely 100 proof and packs a bold taste followed by a lingering finish.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe 1792’s unmistakable spice being met with “notes of charred oak and fresh mint. Subtle caramel apple tones are delicately balance with the lingering essence of coffee and black pepper.”

This is the seventh limited edition release of 1792 Bourbon expressions. The Bottle-in-Bond joins previous releases such as High Rye, Sweet Wheat, Single Barrel and Full Proof Bourbons. The 1792 Bottled-in-Bond will be available at retail starting in December. One batch of this Bottle-in-Bond Bourbon will be released each year, in the fall. Suggested retail pricing is $35.99 for a 750ml bottle.

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 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com