“Ancient Scotch mixture” returns: James Eadie’s Trade Mark “X” revived after 70 years

• First retailed 1854, trademarked 1877, praised by Harper’s writer 1889
• Elegant but peaty blend now revived by founder’s great great grandson
• Original ingredients in new bottling include ‘silent’ stills Cambus and Littlemill
• Blended Scotch showing signs of resurgence in UK and abroad, accounting for 9-in-10 bottles sold worldwide

LONDON, 18th October 2017 – An ancient whisky blend dating back to the 1850s which became one of the world’s first trademarks has been revived to serve blended Scotch’s growing export and resurgent domestic markets.

James Eadie’s Trade Mark “X” blends all 12 of the whiskies still in production listed in the founder’s Victorian ledgers, including Caol Ila, Aberlour, Craigellachie and Lagavulin. Plus there’s a grain and a malt from ‘silent’ stills Cambus and Littlemill – closed in the early 1990s – and now very hard to acquire.

“Some people in the trade think I’m mad using these premium singles and extremely rare whiskies in a blend, but the art of blending is what gave Scottish whisky the dominant position in global spirits which it enjoys today,” says Rupert Patrick, Eadie’s great great grandson, a former director at Ian Macleod, Beam and then Diageo, and now MD of James Eadie Ltd.

“Eadie’s blend was outstanding because he didn’t stint on quality. This first bottling of Trade Mark ‘X’ in 70 years is as enticing and complex as the original. It’s all about authenticity.”

Born in Blackford near Gleneagles in 1827, James Eadie moved south to Burton-on-Trent, founding his own brewery in 1854 and began retailing a Scotch recipe – apparently handed down to him by his father – that was subsequently blended by another four generations.

Eadie trademarked the blend’s cross logo in 1877, one year after the Trade Marks Registration Act became law – some 32 years before Chivas Regal came into existence, and 18 years before Jack Daniels even began to use his famous square bottle in Tennessee, USA.

In 1889 Alfred Barnard, the famed author of The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom (1887), praised Eadie’s “ancient Scotch mixture” in his Noted Breweries of Great Britain and Ireland (Volume 2), saying it was “dispensed to a favoured few” at the brewer’s head office.

The blend in fact featured in the public houses owned and run by the Eadie family, numbering over 300 by the turn of the century. They sold the business to Bass in 1933, which then continued production of Trade Mark “X” until 1947.

Rupert relaunched James Eadie Ltd as an independent bottler in 2016. Whisky retailers and critics have praised its small-run bottlings of single malts. Its Caol Ila 8-year old Small Batch was voted the most popular Islay whisky of the 2017 Edinburgh Whisky Fringe.

Knowing a little of Trade Mark “X”s history – and having tasted a bottling from before WWII – Rupert dug into Eadie’s ledgers, now held at the National Brewery Archives in Burton, and set out to recreate this blend as a “sip back in time” for today’s  global base of Scotch whisky fans.

Says Rupert:

“Trade Mark ‘X’ was crafted during the first golden age of Scotch, when Victorian entrepreneurs like James Eadie produced elegant, high quality drinks and built them into strong brands.”

“Reviving Trade Mark ‘X’ has been great fun. I’ve always been convinced that some of the old blends were incredibly good, deserving to stand shoulder to shoulder with any top quality single malt today. Blending is perhaps the biggest skill in the Scotch industry.”

Blended whisky accounts for 9 in every 10 bottles of Scotch sold overseas, according to data from HMRC. Over the 12 months to July exports of blend grew 1.5% by volume and 3.9% by value.

Blended Scotch is also undergoing a renaissance at home, having slowly declined since the 1980s as single malts grew in popularity. UK consumption of blended Scotch rose 1% by volume in 2015 and 2016. Blends now account for more than 8-in-10 bottles of Scotch sold in the UK.

Now crafted by master blender Norman Matheson, this new bottling of Trade Mark ‘X’ shows an elegant balance between sweet and floral Speyside flavours and more peaty, smoky notes typical of island malts.

Already shipped to 6 export markets including Japan, France, Denmark and Germany, Trade Mark ‘X’ is available today from a variety of independent UK retailers including Royal Mile Whiskies and Master of Malt. Recommended retail price is £45. UK distribution enquiries should be sent to sales@jameseadie.co.uk.

Notes: 

About James Eadie Ltd 

First established in 1854, James Eadie Ltd was revived in 2016 by the founder’s great great grandson, Rupert Patrick. Today, the company is an independent Scotch whisky blender and bottler. The James Eadie single malts are exported to eight international markets and are distributed in the UK by Royal Mile Whiskies. The company is building a reputation as a supplier of top quality specialist whiskies, with its bottling of Caol Ila voted the most popular Islay whisky of the 2017 Edinburgh Whisky Fringe.

As well as single malts, James Eadie also owns a blended Scotch whisky brand, Trade Mark “X”. This brand was revived in October 2017, having been dormant since its last bottling in the late 1940’s. Master Blender Norman Mathison used his fifty years’ blending experience to re-master this once famous Scotch brand. A key feature in the revival of the brand was the discovery of the company’s original whisky ledgers from the mid to late 19^th Century, which revealed a blend made from some of Scotland’s finest whiskies, then and now. Only whiskies from distilleries listed in the founder’s ledgers have been used.

James Eadie Ltd is a member of the Scotch Whisky Association, whose role is to advance the global interests and profile of Scotch whisky. 

About Rupert Patrick

Rupert Patrick has over 25 years’ experience in all aspects of the whisky business, building brands and managing duty-free and export-market sales at Ian Macleod Distillers, Beam Suntory and then Diageo. A liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, Rupert is a Keeper of the Quaich.

For further information, please visit www.jameseadie.co.uk/

Heaven Hill Distillery Dedicates Largest Single-Site Bourbon Distillery in American Whiskey

$25 million expansion of the historic Bernheim facility brings capacity to 400,000 barrels per year

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery today dedicated the expansion of its Bernheim facility, creating the single largest Bourbon production site after a $25 million investment. Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03) and Mayor Greg Fischer joined Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira and Master Distiller Denny Potter in a toast to the latest advancement in industry innovation.

Dating back to 1871, the historic site of Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bernheim facility, D.S.P. -KY 1, is a landmark for a broad range of iconic brands in the American Whiskey category. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the site is now home to the Evan Williams Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon in the world, Larceny, Elijah Craig, and Henry McKenna, among others. The current expansion brings capacity to 400,000 barrels per year, marking Heaven Hill’s commitment to producing a full range of American Whiskey styles to meet current and future demand.

“As an American-owned and operated company, Heaven Hill Distillery is proud to be on the forefront of the American Whiskey movement and embark on the latest iteration of distillery technology and innovation,” said Shapira. “The Bourbon distillation project combines the latest of distilling techniques with the ability to produce our brands using traditional methods as we have for more than 80 years.”

Bernheim’s history as a leading distillery in experimentation, coupled with Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality, sets the stage for growth of both innovative and historic brands. Major components of the current expansion include four additional fermenters, another distillation set of a thumper and 66-inch beer column, a drop tub to increase number of mashes per day, a 50,000 pph boiler, a new grain handling and storage upgrade, a cooling capacity upgrade, and an operations software upgrade. Two prior expansions were completed at Bernheim since 2006, with the first bringing capacity to 200,000 barrels per year in 2007 and the second to 300,000 barrels per year in 2014. Since 2016, Heaven Hill has opened four warehouses at the new Cox’s Creek barrel warehouse location, where each warehouse holds almost 57,000 barrels of the more than 1.3 million barrels (approximately 25% of the world’s Bourbon supply) aging across Jefferson and Nelson Counties.

“This expansion is a truly monumental event for Heaven Hill, for the city of Louisville, and for the bourbon industry worldwide,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “This historic company has continued to distill some of the best American Whiskeys for nearly a century, and has helped lead the rebirth of bourbon as America’s native spirit. As co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I’m especially proud to now represent the largest bourbon production site in the world.”

In conjunction with Heaven Hill’s growing economic impact in the West Louisville community, Shapira also introduced a partnership with Dare to Care to support hunger relief within the area. A $10,000 donation will support a mobile pantry unit for West Louisville and purchase six freezers for partner agencies within the area to distribute fresh food and produce.

To celebrate the achievement, a commemorative barrel was signed by Heaven Hill employees and local dignitaries, and all shared a toast of Evan Williams Bourbon. The company remains true today to its original mission as a family-owned and operated, independent Kentucky company—the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Lifting America’s spirit since 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues to be on the forefront of Bourbon as it has been through the last eight decades.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY 
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.3 million barrels aging in 54 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whiskey Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com. 

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

Van Winkle Bourbon Coming Soon

Barrels yield slightly more of some, but no Rye whiskey for 2017

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Oct. 26, 2017) – This is the favorite time of the year for bourbon fans, the annual release of the Van Winkle Bourbons is near. Yields are a bit higher for the 10, 15 and 23 year old whiskies, but the 13-Year-Old Van Winkle Reserve Rye will not be released this year. “We have a one year gap in barrel inventory for the Van Winkle Rye. Our current barrels are 12 years old. So rather than compromise on quality or remove the age statement, we decided it would be best to hold off this year and bottle them next year as the 13 Year Old Rye Whiskey fans have come to expect,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director.

Known for their smoother and sweeter flavor due to their wheat recipe vs a traditional rye recipe found in most bourbons, Van Winkle bourbons are aged years longer than most others and garner an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs. Although the bourbons have become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, very little is sold overseas, so that most of these coveted bottles are available in the United States.

The Van Winkle collection consists of several whiskeys. Suggested retail prices are as follows:

• $59.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof

• $69.99 – Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old

• $99.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old

• $169.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old

• $269.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old

“Unfortunately we do not control the pricing retailers charge, so many retailers mark it up, even though we ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We have not raised prices and do not intend to do so drastically in the future. We are committed to our quality and our pricing and hope retailers will honor what we suggest as retail pricing.”

Upon release of the Van Winkle bourbon this fall, Buffalo Trace warns consumers to be wary of online resellers such as Craigslist and other online marketplaces, especially private Facebook groups.

“Some bottles they are selling might be counterfeit, filled with lesser whiskey, or worse, something that’s not even whiskey and potentially dangerous,” added Comstock. “At the bare minimum, it’s illegal to buy and resell whiskey if you are not a licensed retailer, and we’re not afraid to take action if we find out.”

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys has won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 20-year-old receiving a gold medal at the 2016 World Whiskies Awards; the 15-year-old being named Overall Winner, Best Age Statement Bourbon at the 2016 World Whiskies Awards; and the 12-year-old achieving 96 points at the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in November, but please be mindful that supply is quite limited and bottles shall be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants. They will be packed three bottles per case.

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The Van Winkle family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend, Alex Farnsley, eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery. The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still. Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999. After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come. In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed

WHISKY MAGIC AT GLENWYVIS DISTILLERY AS VERY FIRST DISTILLERY MANAGER HIRED

AND £250,000 TARGET REACHED

Excitement surrounding GlenWyvis Distillery in Dingwall has reached a whole new level, this week, as the appointment of the very first distillery manager is confirmed and the first target of £250,000 is achieved on the second share offer campaign.

Announcing the new distillery manager appointment, David O’Connor, chairman of GlenWyvis Distillery said: “This is a particularly special appointment as it is the lynch-pin to the next stage of our development, as we move from construction to distilling and production. We had a lot of good interest in this post – but there was one outstanding candidate.

“So we are delighted to bring Duncan Tait on board as our very first distillery manager. Currently distillery manager at Mortlach Distillery, Duncan brings with him a wealth of distilling experience and in-depth knowledge of the whisky and tourism industry.

“He has many years of experience in distillery growth and team development and this is vital to us, as we prepare to open our doors, start our distilling operation and look to develop the GlenWyvis visitor experience. He also has a great knowledge of the local area and local whisky history, and along with his great character and personality, he will most definitely help to make the GlenWyvis brand a success in the global whisky arena.”

Commenting on his new role, Duncan Tait, GlenWyvis Distillery’s very first distillery manager, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to be part of a distilling journey at the very start, and amazing to become the very first distillery manager here at GlenWyvis.

Duncan added: “I have a strong affiliation with the Easter Ross area, having started my career at Teaninich Distillery in Alness, and I’m delighted to be coming back. There is such a wealth of Highland heritage linked to the distillery and I am particularly interested in how that interlinks with our community development aspirations as we welcome our first tours to GlenWyvis in due course.

“I have enjoyed many years whisky distilling in Speyside and see this as a fantastic career move to join the GlenWyvis team in the creation of the first 100% community owned distillery.”

The now five strong team at GlenWyvis has been working round the clock to make their second share offer a success with gin tastings, promotions, attendance at local and national events and numerous media and TV appearances.

David O’Connor added: “Coincidentally, as we appoint Duncan, we are also seeing a continued surge of active share offer investors and this has pushed our target over the quarter million pound mark this week, showing we still have a popular ongoing investor proposition.”

Hitting the first ‘whisky magic’ rung of £250,000 is the first step towards the distillery’s overall aim of raising an additional £750,000 on its second share offer. The funds raised will be used to accelerate the GlenWyvis brand development, to bring gin distilling to Dingwall and to reduce commercial lending costs.

 James Proctor, Programme Manager at Community Shares Scotland said: “We are delighted to see this ambitious project hit its initial investment target so quickly and also congratulate them on this important appointment of the first distillery manager.

“The growing numbers of GlenWyvis members is testament to the power of the idea of a community-owned distillery. It’s a great example of how a Community Shares offer can involve people and has expanded the idea of what a community business is. We look forward to the opening of the distillery and seeing more people take the opportunity to invest in this pioneering enterprise.”

The GlenWyvis Distillery, which will be entirely powered by green energy, is nearing completion at the Heights of Dochcarty by Dingwall and is on-schedule to open next month.

Notes

Duncan Tait Distillery Manager Biography – newly appointed to GlenWyvis

Duncan has worked for Diageo across all aspects of distillery and distilling management with an impressive track-record with over 26 years in the industry. Working mainly in Speyside – but also with Lothians and West Coast distillery experience.

He brings with him an impressive knowledge of all aspects of distillery, production development and retail management including overseeing the upgrade and expansion work of numerous distilleries. In addition, he has a wealth of Scottish tourism, event management and heritage experience and has worked with many international visitors and markets.

Second Share offer investment

GlenWyvis already had some 2,600 members who invested £2.6 million in the original share offer in 2016 and this new open share offer has already added a further 400 members in just two months. The share issue was launched to capitalise on continued interest from locals and visitors alike. The minimum investment is £250 for all investors, and supporters are also able pay extra to have their name added to the distillery wall or the “path to the stills”. 

Full details of the open share offer available on the GlenWyvis Distillery website at http://www.glenwyvis.com/.

Investment can be made online via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ or www.glenwyvis.com/

Distillery build links can be found here: youtu.be/11-KyBf8E2M and  youtu.be/3meRWeyi-DE

E. H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon Named World Whisky of the Year

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Whiskeys Sweep Whisky Awards with Wins in

5 of the 6 American Whisky Categories  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 16, 2017) Buffalo Trace Distillery dominates the American Whisky Category, according to Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018, winning the top prize of World Whisky of the Year for its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon, and also taking home 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.

            The E. H. Taylor Four Grain scored a remarkable 97.5 out of 100 and is described by Jim Murray as “nothing could match the astonishing beauty of its surprisingly delicate weight and complexity combined. It was as if time stood still in the tasting room, I just knew…”

            Buffalo Trace Distillery’s complete list of winners from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018 are as follows:

• 2018 World Whisky of the Year – Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon
• Bourbon of the Year – Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon
• Rye of the Year – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 126.2 Proof
• Best American Whisky No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels) – George T. Stagg 144.1 Proof
• Best American Whisky 9 Years and Under – Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Organic 6 Grain Whisky
• Best American Whiskey 10 Years and Over (Multiple Barrels) – Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain
• Best Rye, No Age Statement – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 126.2 Proof
• Best Rye, 11 Years and Over – Sazerac 18 Years Old

            This is the first time so many top whisky winners have been made by the same distillery in the 15 years Jim Murray has been giving the awards in his Whisky Bible.

            “To not only be named World Whisky of the Year, but also to win 5 of the 6 American Whisky categories and 2 of the 3 Rye Whisky categories is simply remarkable,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “It is truly a testament of the skill and dedication of not only our Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, but to all of our team members at the Trace. We are simply thrilled.”

            The E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon joins numerous other whiskies produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery that Jim Murray has also named the World Whiskey of the Year, including Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, 128.6 proof in 2013, the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey in 2010, The George T. Stagg Bourbon 129 proof in 2006, and the George T. Stagg Bourbon in both 2005 and 2004. In all, six whiskies produced by Buffalo Trace have been named to Jim’s top spot in the past 15 years, an astonishing accomplishment.

            Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018 can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/

 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 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whisk

The Dalmore 50 sells out as Richard Paterson completes his year of celebrations

The Dalmore’s Master Distiller Richard Paterson has completed the final leg of his world tour celebrating 50 years in the whisky industry.

Widely considered to be the greatest whisky maker of his generation, Richard’s 50th anniversary milestone was celebrated with a series of tasting events around the world while showcasing a selection of bottles including the renowned The Dalmore Paterson Collection, the recently released The Dalmore Quintessence, and The Dalmore 50.

Over the past twelve months Richard has hosted eight 50^th anniversary events around the world, meeting with connoisseurs and industry experts in cities including Paris, Singapore, London and Las Vegas.

The global tour provided an opportunity for a selection of The Dalmore’s customers, alongside many people with whom Richard has worked over the years, a chance to celebrate his special milestone with an exclusive tasting of the exceptionally rare, champagne-finished The Dalmore 50.

All fifty bottles of the Domaine Henri Giraud champagne finished 50 year old single malt, which were prepared to order, have now sold out.

Similarly, The Paterson Collection, a one-of-a-kind collection created to honour those who have shaped, influenced and inspired Richard’s whisky career has also been sold. The twelve individual expressions were purchased earlier this year for £987,500 by a young Chinese collector. The collection encompasses some of The Dalmore Distillery’s oldest and rarest whiskies.

Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at The Dalmore said: “It has been absolute privilege for me to travel the world these past six months celebrating my milestone with friends and colleagues from the wider whisky industry who have helped shape my career to date.

“To share with them a whisky which defines my working career, has been an extremely rewarding experience. Showcasing the champagne-finished The Dalmore 50 at each of these events has been a fitting way to mark these celebrations while showcasing our ability to innovate in both maturation and cask curation.”

“With all 50 bottles now sold and the sale of The Paterson Collection, which is truly a distillation of my life in the industry, this has drawn a perfect close to what has been a truly exceptional year in my life.”

Notes:

The Dalmore 

The Dalmore is the definitive luxury malt, since 1839.

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, a restless entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose, to go above and beyond to create luxurious single malt whisky unlike any other.

An unbroken chain of exceptional whisky makers have been fulfilling Sir Alexander’s vision ever since, pioneering multi cask maturation over 100 years before this was commonly adopted by others in the industry.

Richard Paterson has been Master Distiller at The Dalmore for nearly 50 years.  The whiskies he has created during his tenure have help Richard to achieve global celebrity status.  He is the man who, with The Dalmore, created the category of super luxury single malt, a category he continues to define to this very day.

Scotch and soda is a classic pairing, redolent of smokey bars in the Mad Men era, but in recent years, it has been usurped by ubiquitous Aperol Spritzes and G+Ts as the effortless bar order. Craft whisky makers, R&B Distillers have teamed up with artisanal soft drink makers Fentimans to attempt to change our drinking habits and reinstate this matchless combination.

While some whisky drinkers believe that Scotch should not be mixed, R&B Distillers aren’t afraid to be adventurous and turn away from stereotypes of the spirit and have found that Fentimans’ premium sodas provide a disarmingly simple counterpart to its highland single grain Scotch, Borders. The whisky has been paired with Curiosity Cola, Rose Lemonade and Ginger Ale. Fentimans’ invigorating cola is brewed using cinnamon which adds depth of flavour to the traditional cola which complements the sweet vanilla notes of Borders. The herbaceous notes of the whisky are picked up by the Rose Lemonade and give the drinks a pleasing pinkish hue while Ginger Ale adds an autumnal heat to a long serve.

Brand Ambassador for R&B Distillers, Chris Hoban, comments: “Looking for a whisky alternative to the classic G&T we started experimenting with the extensive range from Fentimans because we felt their story shared our values. We were delighted to discover our personal favourites of Borders with Rose Lemonade, Ginger Ale or Curiosity Cola which are now our go-to long drinks for any season.”

Using time honoured recipes, Fentimans traditional sodas are botanically brewed, using a combination of infusion, skilful blending and fermentation of natural ingredients. Borders is an award-winning highland single grain Scotch whisky. Unusually, it is the only single grain Scotch Whisky to contain 50% wheat & 50% malted barley from one highland distillery. The whisky is a testament to the brand’s 19th century heritage and a nod to the future: Co-founder Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and R&B hope to bring a distillery back to this forgotten region with Borders an exciting representation of what’s to come.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky launches 1990 Vintage Cask travel retail exclusive with World Duty Free at Heathrow

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today released its eagerly anticipated 1990 Vintage Cask Travel Retail Exclusive in partnership with World Duty Free, a Dufry company and Heathrow Airport. The limited expression is available to purchase exclusively in World of Whiskies and World Duty Free stores in all terminals at Heathrow as part of a dedicated in-store activation until January 2018.

Taking you on a historical journey of Old Pulteney, this exquisite Vintage tells a tale of craftsmanship and dedication, dating back over a quarter of a century. This full-bodied spirit began its story in American oak ex-bourbon casks, developing its characteristically complex nature, before moving to Spanish oak where it became richer, darker and adopted a sweetness with hints of spice. The unique expression finished with a brief spell in casks which previously held heavily peated whisky – providing a unique smoky final flourish for this powerful Maritime Malt.

Glimmering bronze in colour, the 26 Year Old 1990 Vintage Cask has an aroma of spice, vanilla, toffee and sweet honey, balanced by a thin veil of warming wood smoke and oak. Bitter orange marmalade and caramel apples soon follow on the nose to create a long-lasting sensory experience for this exquisite and complex dram.

Rich in mouth feel and intense in flavour, the palate opens up with strong praline and sultana sweetness on a thick bed of warm, savoury smoke. Citrus strikes the top note with hints of vanilla lingering in the background, giving a finish, which is long and smoky.

James Bateman, Director, Global Travel Retail at International Beverage commented: “We’re very excited about the exceptional new Old Pulteney 1990 we’re releasing exclusively with World Duty Free for Heathrow airport. We’re looking forward to giving Heathrow travellers something special to pick up and enjoy at their journey’s end.” 

Nigel Sandals, Liquor Category Buying Manager UK at Dufry continues, “Customers in our World Duty Free and World of Whiskies stores are always looking for something a little different – collectors and connoisseurs want to add something unique to their collection, whilst many travellers are looking to purchase whisky as a special gift. The Old Pulteney Single Malt 1990 Vintage Cask is an exclusive and outstanding whisky and we’re delighted to have been able to work with closely with our partners at International Beverage, to make this exclusive whisky available to our customers”.

Old Pulteney 1990 is neither chill-filtered nor coloured and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 46% ABV. It has a RRP of £288 per bottle.

For further information about Old Pulteney visit www.oldpulteney.com

Notes 

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades – and most recently the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’ of 2016 by the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

About International Beverage

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com/) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com/) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries. The holding was also named ‘Distiller of the Year’ 2016 and 2017 in the Scotland round of Whisky Magazine’s annual Icons of Whisky Awards.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

About Heathrow:

Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport and one of the world’s top international aviation hubs. As the UK’s global gateway, Heathrow welcomes more than 76 million passengers every year with a commitment to making ‘every journey better’. The airport is home to more than 80 airlines and is Britain’s largest cargo port, helping to drive British trade growth by connecting the nation to more than 190 destinations around the world. Following an investment of more than £11 billion over the last 10 years, Heathrow is currently ranked by passengers as the ‘Best Airport in Western Europe’ for the third year running and the ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ for eight years in a row.

Rùdhan wins gold at Global Travel Retail Spirits Masters 2017 

Premium Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, anCnoc is pleased to announce GTR exclusive Rùdhan as a gold winner at The Sprits Business Global Travel Retail Spirits Masters 2017 ¾ less than a year after it launched.

Rùdhan, the latest limited-edition travel retail expression to join anCnoc’s much acclaimed Peaty collection, was described as ‘young and vibrant’ by the judges and was one of six awarded gold in the category.

Bringing together dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavour, the elegant dram takes its name from the peat harvesting process. The term ‘rùdhan’ [roo-an] refers to the final stage, in which the peat is stacked for several weeks to dry out ahead of burning to create the signature smokiness associated with the range.

Measuring 46% ABV and pale straw in appearance, the initial fruity aromas give way to the strong scent of woody smokiness. To taste, the famous earthy peat flavour is followed by warming spices and burnt sugar, ending with a long and smooth finish.

International Beverage Marketing Director Karen Walker commented: “As a brand we have seen a growing demand for Peaty expressions and launching Rùdhan to travel retail was a real opportunity for us to introduce anCnoc’s darker side to a new audience of thousands of travellers. We’re thrilled it’s received the recognition it deserves at The Spirits Business Global Travel Retail Spirits Masters.”

Rùdhan is available at $65 (USD) for 1L.  For further information visit www.ancnoc.com/peaty/rudhan

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

About International Beverage 

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com/) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com/) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

FORTY CREEK CONTINUTES TRADITION OF INNOVATION WITH MAJOR REDESIGN

AWARD-WINNING CANADIAN WHISKY BRAND DEBUTS NEW DESIGN AND PACKAGING

TORONTO, ON – Forty Creek, a brand known for reinvigorating the Canadian whisky category through innovation and attention to flavour, is debuting its first-ever packaging refresh this fall. Developed with input from Canadian whisky drinkers from across the country, the new packaging design reflects the quality of the award-winning whisky found inside each Forty Creek bottle.

Each new element of the design was chosen to help improve premium perceptions of the brand. The new Forty Creek packaging features a proprietary bottle, new aluminum cap, and an embossing that calls out the brand’s home province. Together, the new features give a physical manifestation to the innovative, premium, and bold characteristics that are at the heart of Forty Creek. Forty Creek proudly celebrates its Canadian heritage and the good place it comes from by increasing the prominence of the maple leaf in their logo.

“For Forty Creek, the new packaging was an opportunity to improve overall brand perceptions and to really communicate the premium quality in our range of whiskies,” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager, North American Whiskies “We were fortunate to be able to engage with both Forty Creek and Canadian whisky fans on a personal level at focus groups in Hamilton, Toronto, and Calgary. Their feedback was instrumental in guiding the direction of our new packaging design. The result is something that is as special on the outside as the whisky is on the inside.”

New Forty Creek Barrel Select and Copper Pot bottles will begin to appear on shelves in the coming weeks. New packaging for Forty Creek Cream, Spike Honey Spiced, Double Barrel Reserve, and Confederation Oak is expected to roll out between the fourth quarter of 2017 and early 2018.

Forty Creek employed Claessen’s International, the renowned design and branding agency to bring the design and packaging to life.

Forty Creek’s new packaging is featured in the brand’s new :15s television spot, which will air to a national audience, running primarily during sports programming (MLB and MLS playoffs, NBA, NHL) with a secondary focus on late-night television. In the digital space, the ad is featured as pre-roll on YouTube, as well as on TSN and Rogers Sportsnet properties.

The creative was developed by Cossette’s Toronto office, with Excelerator Media managing the media buy. National media relations for Forty Creek are managed by Your Brand Integrated Marketing Communications Inc.

About Gruppo Campari:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group’s portfolio includes over 50 premium and super premium brands. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, Grand Marnier, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. In 2014,The Group acquired Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., a Canadian spirits company with a portfolioof brands including whisky, vodka, brandy, rum and liqueurs. Internationally-recognized for its superior taste and quality, the multi-award winning Forty Creek Whisky serves as both the fastest growing brand in its category across North America and Canada’s first successfully launched whisky brand in over 70 years. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 18 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 20 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com.