Maker’s Mark® Unveils Exclusive Art Exhibition By Celebrated Artist Dale Chihuly

(Loretto, Ky.) June 29, 2017 – Two American icons are coming together once again to create an experience that captures the imagination and dazzles the senses. Maker’s Mark®, the pioneer of premium bourbon, is proud to celebrate the work of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly with the unveiling of Chihuly at Maker’s.

Inspired by the distillery’s light-filled Burke House Welcome Center and surrounding lush campus grounds, Chihuly at Maker’s is a temporary, site-specific exhibition and the second installation commissioned for Maker’s Mark by Chihuly. His first celebrated permanent installation, The Spirit of the Maker, was unveiled in 2014 as a tribute to Maker’s tradition of bourbon making in Kentucky.

“I had the privilege to visit the landmark Maker’s Mark Distillery in 2014 when we worked together to install The Spirit of the Maker,” said artist Dale Chihuly.  “I was inspired then by its unique landscape and architecture and am excited to share my work from the perspective of its special surroundings.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is comprised of six large-scale art installations sited throughout the distillery grounds.  From July through October of this year, the Maker’s Mark Distillery will be transformed by Chihuly’s dramatic works of art purposefully set throughout the historic landmark campus to complement the distillery’s landscape and architecture. Included in the exhibition is: Summer Sun, a 12-foot tall blown glass and steel sculpture; a collection of five fiery-red Baskets; and an 18-foot wide Crimson and Chestnut Fiori Boat, which combines a range of forms massed together in a traditional wooden boat.

The Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower, which stands at approximately 12-feet, is a classic demonstration of Chihuly’s desire to mass color on a steel armature for dramatic effect. For centuries, blown glass pieces were small, intricately designed and admired from atop a table. In contrast, Chihuly’s Towers rise from the ground like huge stalagmites and have been an iconic aesthetic of installations in art museums and botanical gardens worldwide. Like all Chihuly sculptures, the Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower was designed specifically for its location, in this case, in front of the distillery’s cellar and natural water source.

“Just as my grandparents, the founders of Maker’s Mark, first envisioned, we’re committed to enhancing our visitor experience with culturally immersive opportunities unlike any other distillery in the world,” said Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whisky maker and Chief Operating Officer of Maker’s Mark. “Creating our handmade bourbon isn’t a job – it’s an art form. It’s an honor to have formed such a lasting relationship with world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is one of several site-specific installations from Chihuly that have been featured at high-profile locations around the country, including recent exhibits at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the New York Botanical Garden and the Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, California.

The official Grand Opening of Chihuly at Maker’s will take place Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 6:30 p.m., with a viewing picnic at the Maker’s Mark distillery. Admission is $50 and includes a meal and two drinks from the distillery’s new fast-casual restaurant, Star Hill Provisions™. From July 1 – Oct. 31, admission to Chihuly at Maker’s is included as part of the tour ticket cost ($12) during the distillery’s daytime operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In addition, on Saturday nights from July 22-Oct. 7, visitors will be able to enjoy the remarkable art of Dale Chihuly in a new way with “Chihuly Nights,” an exclusive and stunning look at the exhibition after dark. As the sun sets, guests will experience the enchanting glass sculptures glowing with light against the dark Kentucky sky. Maker’s Mark Bourbon and cocktails alongside fine Kentucky fare from the distillery’s resident chef, Newman Miller of Star Hill Provisions, will be included. Admission to Chihuly Nights is $20 and includes admission to the distillery grounds for self-guided tours. Separate tickets are required for day and night.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.makersmark.com/chihuly or contact the distillery Visitor Center at 270-865-2099.

Jim Beam Black® Announces First-Ever Barbershop Experience at Iconic Clermont Distillery

This article is published today as a ‘catch~up’ article – WI

Chicago – (2017) – In anticipation of Kentucky’s annual Derby season, Jim Beam Black® is helping fans elevate their style with a limited-time barbershop pop-up at the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse. Visitors will be offered complimentary hair cuts and men’s beard trims from 5^th generation Philadelphia-based barbershop, The Duke, from 9-5 p.m. on May 4 and 5.

With more than 12 combined generations of experience in both bourbon and barbering, Jim Beam and The Duke are providing an experience that combines both heritage and tradition for the city’s most historic event. To ensure that guests are looking and feeling their best for the big race, services will be available to anyone of legal-drinking age.

The Jim Beam Black barbershop pop-up is the first of a series of nationwide events taking place throughout the summer of 2017. The world’s highest-rated bourbon according to the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition* is partnering with well-known barbershops in nine cities across the country to host events centered around elevating your style, through grooming and through your cocktail choice.

“We’re traveling across the country, starting right here in Kentucky, to show our fans that it doesn’t take much to elevate your taste and style,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “Jim Beam Black, one of my personal favorites, is a delicious extra-aged bourbon to sip on if you’re looking for a more flavorful drink choice for the big race.”

In addition to complimentary hair cuts and beard trims, the barbers at the Jim Beam Black barbershop experience will provide hair curling and makeup touch-ups to women visiting the distillery as well. Services for both men and women will be offered on a first-come first-served basis throughout the course of the two-day experience.

Jim Beam Black is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a more flavorful character made to be sipped and savored. At 86 proof, this bourbon is aged longer than original Jim Beam Bourbon in the same white oak barrels, giving it a full-bodied flavor with smooth caramel and warm oak notes.

Tours of the Jim Beam American Stillhouse will also be available to visitors throughout the week. A variety of tour options that allow guests to participate in the full bourbon production process – from mixing grains to bottling your own Jim Beam product – are available at www.JimBeam.com.

*Awarded International Wine & Spirits Competition’s Bourbon Trophy. All trademarks are the property of their respective owner

About The Duke

The Duke is the modern man’s answer to a classic barbershop venue. Established by 5^th generation owner and Master Barber, William Brown, the barbershop was created in response to the growing demand for upscale grooming services in the Philadelphia area. The Duke specializes in traditional shaves with hot lather, trims, haircuts and more and is home to several of Philadelphia’s most talented men’s barbers.

About the Jim Beam American Stillhouse

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Clermont, Kentucky, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse provides an intimate look at the world’s No. 1 bourbon. Visitors are immersed in more than 220 years of Beam family heritage through a series of educational bourbon tastings and in-depth guided tours. For those looking to enjoy Jim Beam whiskies in a whole new way, the new Jim Beam® Bourbon Bar located on Beam Hill delivers a best-in-class cocktail experience. Guests can also enjoy bourbon-inspired Kentucky fare at Fred’s Smokehouse, which is named after seventh generation master distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam, Fred Noe. Monthly “Distillery Days” offer everything from blue grass concerts to cocktail classes, offering guests even more reason to come as friends and leave as family.

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

For more information or to reserve your tour tickets online, visit the Jim Beam American Stillhouse online at JimBeam.com. Or, like Jim Beam American Stillhouse on Facebook and follow @JimBeam on Twitter.

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.

About

The Chivas Venture 2017 winners announcement

HALLE BERRY RAISES A GLASS TO STARTUPS

WHO WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Thailand’s Siam Organic announced as standout winner

of the $1m Chivas Venture competition

July 2017: Oscar-winning actress, philanthropist and businesswoman Halle Berry was in Los Angeles tonight to crown the winners of the Chivas Venture – Chivas Regal’s $1 million global search to find and support the next generation of startups that want to succeed while creating a better future for society. The winners were announced after five innovative entrepreneurs pitched in front of a star-studded live audience including Hollywood sensations Javier Bardem and Don Cheadle.  Thailand’s Siam Organic, which aims to end small-scale farmers’ poverty, walked away with the largest contribution from the Chivas Venture fund, receiving $400,000.

The event – hosted by actor and comedian Josh Gad and held at LADC Studios in Los Angeles – was the culmination of the third year of the Chivas Venture, which has seen 30 finalists from 6 continents compete for a share of the total $1 million fund. The judging panel – which comprised Halle Berry; founding Executive Director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, Sonal Shah; founder of MissionU, Pencils of Promise and best-selling author of The Promise of a Pencil, Adam Braun; and Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, which owns Chivas Regal, Alexandre Ricard – assessed each business based on their ability to create sustainable change through a viable business model and potential to scale.

The additional finalists to receive funding and recognition were: Nigeria’s Recycle Points ($200,000) – which helps consumers to create value from their everyday waste; Colombia’s Bioestibas ($50,000) – which produces ecological stowage from flower waste that would otherwise pollute the environment; South Africa’s iDrop Water ($50,000), which aims to change the way water is consumed and sold in Africa, through vending units that purify and dispense water in-store; and Israel’s Intendu ($50,000), which aids brain rehabilitation through the use of video games.

Reacting to his win, overall winner Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak from Siam Organic said:

“I am so happy and grateful – this will have a massive impact. We have extremely limited resources, so to have funding like this from the Chivas Venture is just incredible. It will fast-track our project by 3 or 4 years – and save me a lot of grey hair and sleepless nights!”

When asked by host Josh Gad if social entrepreneurs are today’s superheroes, X-Men star and judge Halle Berry commented:

“All of the finalists here tonight are our modern-day heroes. They are all fighting to make a change and have a positive impact on the world.” 

Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard added:

“The calibre of finalists this evening was extremely high. To see Neil and the other finalists succeed will be the ultimate fulfilment for us as judges. We wish them all the very best.”

Now in its third year, the Chivas Venture has to date received almost 6,000 applications from startups that are striving to use innovation and enterprise to make the world a better place. The $2 million given away over the past two years has been used to support startups that now have over 300,000 beneficiaries in more than 40 countries across the globe. The vision of the future as imagined by this year’s 30 finalists is a place where protein bars are made from crickets and shoes made from garbage; where walls of moss clean city air and human waste is turned into affordable cooking fuel.

Continuing Chivas’ commitment to inspire and support future generations of entrepreneurs, social enterprises from across the world are invited to apply for the chance to win a share of $1 million in funding as entries for the Chivas Venture 2018 open on 4th September 2017. Visit the Chivas Venture website for further details.

Notes:

For more information please contact:

Louisa Humm – Chivas Regal – Louisa.Humm@Pernod-Ricard.com

Alex Andrew – Pangolin PR – Alex@PangolinPR.com

The Chivas Venture

The Chivas Venture is a global search to find and support the next generation of startups that want to succeed while creating a better future for society. Since the Chivas Venture first launched in 2014, almost 6,000 social enterprises have applied for the chance to receive a share of the annual $1 million fund. This year, over 30 countries across 6 continents are taking part in the Chivas Venture.

Last year in New York, global judge Eva Longoria and host Trevor Noah announced the winners of the $1 million fund. Social startup Conceptos Plasticos from Colombia was awarded the largest share of the fund, receiving $300,000.

About Chivas Regal            

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas 18, Chivas 25, ultra-prestige blend and pinnacle of the range Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend. Launched in October 2016, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas and represents the true essence of Chivas Regal.

www.chivas.com

INTRODUCING A SINGLE GRAIN MADE BY A PROUD MANY:

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE GRAIN IRISH WHISKEY 

Inspired by the resilient townspeople of its namesake, Kilbeggan Distilling Company honors both tradition and innovation with its newest expression

Chicago, IL (June 28, 2017) – For more than 200 hundred years, the humble town of Kilbeggan produced a whiskey beloved the world over. As Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery since 1757, Kilbeggan has always been more than just a stone building with a water wheel to power it and its copper pot stills. It has been the townspeople’s heart and soul, their pride and joy.

Today, the town of Kilbeggan celebrates the announcement of another beloved whiskey: Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey. Released in the U.S. this month, the newest addition to the Kilbeggan Distilling Company offers a premium whiskey for enthusiasts and bartenders alike.

When Prohibition in the U.S. and other factors contributed to the shuttering of Kilbeggan Distillery’s doors, the residents banded together to save the whiskey that defined their town. They pooled funds to pay for the distillery license and put in years of hard work, late nights and weekends to restore it until eventually the distillery came back to life and its stills were once again filled. Every bottle of Kilbeggan, an original Irish whiskey built on the strong bond between the town that birthed it and the distillery producing it, is proof that their spirit has never left. It is the townspeople’s dedication to honoring the whiskey-making traditions of the past while creating a better future that inspired the creation of Kilbeggan Single Grain. It can be said that this is a single grain made by a proud many.

“The passion and dedication that the citizens of Kilbeggan put into keeping this distillery alive is truly inspirational,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “Kilbeggan Single Grain is born out of this resilience and we are proud to offer a whiskey to be enjoyed by all – whether that’s as a traditional neat dram or in a modern craft cocktail. The folks at Kilbeggan Distilling Co. are happy to share it with you any way you like.”

The notion that “single grain” describes a whiskey made with just one grain is a common misperception. Rather, the term refers to whiskey made in a single location using malted barley and at least one other grain. Kilbeggan Single Grain is made of 94% meticulously-sourced corn plus 6% malted barley.

Distilled at 86 proof, Kilbeggan Single Grain is a delicate spirit that absorbs the flavors of the casks in which it is aged. After aging in ex-bourbon barrels, it is finished in a marriage of ex-bourbon and various fortified wine barrels. It possesses Irish whiskey’s trademark versatility and smoothness, making it the ideal for modern or classic cocktails, like a Whiskey Sour, but with enough depth of flavor to be sipped neat.

“Kilbeggan enjoyed a tremendous heyday back in the 1800s when Irish whiskey was thriving and distilleries abounded, before the devastation to the industry that came with Prohibition and other challenges,” says Cashman. “A few years ago, I’m happy to say, the world rediscovered the beauty of Irish whiskey. And Kilbeggan once again is rising to the top and setting the standard through innovations like Kilbeggan Single Grain. We can’t wait to see a bottle on every bar, just like in the good old days.”

With the booming consumer interest in brown spirits, Irish whiskey has seen substantial growth over the last decade. Per the Distilled Spirits Council, the national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the U.S., Irish Whiskey volumes rose 18.7% in 2016 to 3.8 million cases and revenues were up an impressive 19.8% to $795 million. The Council reports that much of this growth is fueled by the rise of high-end and super premium Irish whiskeys, which grew an astounding 737% and 3,455%, respectively, since 2002.

The U.S. will be the first country in the world to introduce Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey. Available beginning in late June 2017 with a suggested retail price of $29.99 (750ml), it joins the U.S. portfolio alongside Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey (40% ABV), an approachable, smooth blended whiskey that is still made using traditional methods. With the new expression, Kilbeggan Distilling Company’s portfolio now features several whiskeys that appeal to and are available across a variety of consumer targets, price tiers and whiskey occasions.

KILBEGGAN SINGLE GRAIN TASTING NOTES | 43% ABV

NOSE: Coconut cream, vanilla, jellied fruit and summer red berries

PALATE: Wafer-like biscuit sweetness, hazelnut and light spice with nice oak tannins drying on the side of the mouth

FINISH: Crisp and fruity, glazed cherries drying with a lingering spice 

The Wheel

2 parts Kilbeggan® Single Grain

½ part of Aperol®

¾ part lime juice

¾ part simple syrup

2 dashes of absinthe

Combine ingredients, shake and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon peel or thyme sprig.  

The Brosna Sour

2 parts Kilbeggan® Single Grain

¼ part lemon juice

¾ part grapefruit juice

¾ part simple syrup

1 egg white

Combine ingredients, shake without ice, then add ice (1/2 tin) and shake again.

Serve in a coupe glass without garnish.

Still Steam

2 parts Kilbeggan® Single Grain

½ part lemon juice

½ part genepy (alpine liqueur)

½ part simple syrup

1 black tea bag

Combine ingredients, top with hot water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with a thyme sprig or lemon peel. 

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.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY FORGES AHEAD

WITH EXPANSION PLANS AS PART OF $200M INVESTMENT 

Bourbon Inventory Still Tight; Things Looking Up Long Term 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July 11, 2017) Buffalo Trace Distillery is barreling ahead with its expansion plans announced last year, all in response to the continued rise in the popularity of bourbon whiskey. More than $200 million is being spent at this National Historic Landmark Distillery, as new barrel warehouses are built and the bottling operation is relocated to make room for distillery expansion with new cookers and fermenters.

Already, Buffalo Trace is finishing up the conversion of two former office buildings back into barrel warehouses, with warehouses “R” and “S” being filled with barrels to age now, and warehouses “T” and “U” completed last year. The two buildings hold a combined 200,000 barrels of aging whiskey, but this is still not enough to meet the growing demand for Buffalo Trace.

             In addition to repurposing warehouses, Buffalo Trace is also building new barrel warehouses on the additional 200 acres of farmland it purchased a few years ago. These are the first new barrel warehouses with significant capacity that Buffalo Trace Distillery has built since 1951.  Ground has already been broken on the first warehouse, which will hold more than 55,000 barrels, and completion is expected by the end of this year, with the first barrels planned to be rolled in early 2018. After that, a new warehouse will be built every four months for the next several years. These new warehouses will each cost about $7 million to build and another $21 million to fill with barrels, making this expansion a significant investment.

            All that bourbon needs someplace to be bottled, which is why Buffalo Trace is moving its existing bottling operation into its old Distribution Center, located near the visitor parking lot. The new bottling hall will be more efficient, flexible, and improve overall quality. The move is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.

            Once the bottling hall moves, the Distillery will install larger cookers and additional fermenters for more bourbon production.  Already this summer, bourbon production is scheduled to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the first time in known history.  “This year we plan to match the all-time high of barrel production here at Buffalo Trace, set in 1973,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “Next year we’ll exceed that and set new production records.”

            While Buffalo Trace is preparing for the future, current bourbon inventory remains tight on its flagship bourbon. This shortage will continue for the next few years as demand continues to increase. Brands such as Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller and Blanton’s Single Barrel will see moderate growth. “While we have steadily increased bourbon production over the years, demand for our brands continues to outpace supply,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “Growth will be modest over the next few years, dictated by the number of barrels filled years ago. Most will be sold in the United States where demand continues to rise.”

            Bourbon allocations will continue, as they have for the past few years. Buffalo Trace will continue bourbon allocations monthly across the U.S. to ensure each state receives some every month. “We will not comprise taste nor quality, so rather than empty barrels prematurely, we’ll continue to wait for barrels to mature and allocate bourbon when it’s ready, while increasing production for the future,” added Comstock.

            Buffalo Trace Distillery would like to stress that while the bourbon shortages are prevalent on all of its brands, they speak only for themselves, not for the entire bourbon industry.  The overall whiskey category globally is up 4%, and in the U.S. whiskey growth is up 6.5%, according to International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR).  However, nearly all the bourbon brands made at Buffalo Trace Distillery are experiencing double digit growth despite allocations.

Although Buffalo Trace is moving forward aggressively with expansion plans, allocations will continue, with no foreseeable end in sight.  Buffalo Trace Distillery would like to thank its customers for their continued support as they endeavor to make more bourbon, but good whiskey takes time and Mother Nature cannot be rushed!

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 whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Final chapter in the Smugglers’ story

Isle of Arran Distillers release ultimate bottling in history-inspired trilogy 

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery will release the final edition in its highly celebrated Smugglers’ Series on the 12^th July.

This bottling marks the conclusion of the much-lauded trilogy which honours the exuberant character of those striving to outwit the Government’s representatives in the pursuit of the production of the famed ‘Arran Waters’.

Like proceeding volumes, ‘The Illicit Stills’ and ‘The High Seas’, Smugglers’ Series vol.3: ‘The Exciseman’ is presented in packaging that mimics a beautiful hardbound book, complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle.

The Madeira casks used in this final volume, are similar to the ones utilised by Arran’s illicit distillers, who often stored and transported locally produced whisky in old Madeira casks brought over from the continent by their smuggling counterparts. The use of Quarter Casks is a nod to the type of small vessels which would have been the easiest to transport.

The resulting liquid is complex, full of character and a wonderful way to end a series which has so perfectly paid tribute to the independent characters of Arran over the centuries.

James MacTaggart, master distiller of the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “Smugglers’ vol.1 and vol.2 were tremendously popular, selling out within days.

“There is a real desire for whisky with a story, something the Smugglers’ Series has in abundance.

“As the first legal distillery on the island in over 160 years we draw a great deal of inspiration from Arrans whisky-making heritage and are delighted to be able to share it through this, the final bottling of the Smugglers’ Series.”

The iconic citrus notes of the Arran Malt are at the fore of ‘The Exciseman’, mingling with scents evocative of the outdoors and a hint of coastal character.

Notes of apple and vanilla coat the tongue without a hint of dryness. The addition of water opens up the complexity beautifully and reveals a lighter sweetness of candied lemon.

A long, luxurious and yet delightfully fresh finish give a lightness of character whilst the body remains solidly complex and robust.

Non Chill Filtered and with no artificial colouring, Smugglers’ Series Vol.3 ‘The Exciseman’ is bottled at Natural Cask Strength 56.8% abv.

A limited edition release of 8,700 bottles worldwide, will be available online from 11am on the 12^th July at arranwhisky.com and at specialist whisky retailers – but is expected to go fast.

UK RSP £89.99

Notes to editors: For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/ * Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007)

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

Whisky hunters in quest for rare casks 

Cask brokerage launched to flush out ‘dormant’ rare whisky casks

Whisky analyst, broker and investment expert Rare Whisky 101 has launched a new bespoke cask brokerage service to meet increased demand from global whisky enthusiasts seeking rare whisky still held in wood.

Over the past 12 months, RW101 has brokered over 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe. However, with demand for Scotland’s rare liquid gold showing no signs of abating, the world’s leading whisky hunters are now casting the net wider to include dormant casks, which could be worth, more than £100,000 each based on average values brokered by RW101.

RW101 has already brokered casks (barrels, hogsheads and butts) from a range of iconic brands including Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Macallan, Highland Park, Rosebank and Springbank. These rare wooden treasures, if bottled at cask strength, would fill 13,576 bottles worth a total of £3.574M.  Prices have ranged from £2,500 per cask to over £500,000, with an average cask price of £132,000. RW101 believes there may be some casks in existence which, if they came up for sale, could fetch well over £1 million each.

By launching this new service, RW101 aims to attract owners of casks of rare whisky, which are most likely lying dormant in Scotland’s bonded warehouses, who may be looking to liquidate their stocks.

Whisky investment expert and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, David Robertson said: “While we have always advised our customers against buying casks filled with “new-make spirit”, we believe that the market for older casks of high quality liquid from top tier distilleries will continue to go from strength to strength. RW101 has already seen an increased demand for quality casks from our more sophisticated clients be they connoisseurs, collectors or investors so it made sense to introduce a more formal cask brokerage service.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from any cask owners who may have either inherited old casks or acquired and then left them in storage. Given the booming global demand for rare whisky, these owners could be sitting on a very tidy profit!”

While the market for casks is gathering pace, RW101 is warning owners of the dangers of holding on to casks for too long:

“Many people would assume that as long as their whisky is stored in cask in a bonded warehouse, no harm can come to it. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is most definitely a finite time in which to sell a cask. We recently saw a 50 year old cask that had dropped below the legal minimum of 40% alcohol to 28% and was subsequently deemed worthless! I’d encourage any owners, even if they don’t want to sell, to get their casks re-gauged and sampled. Casks can also leak and become overly-woody so cask owners should ensure that their casks are checked annually.”

The secondary market for rare whisky witnessed another year of significant growth in 2016 outperforming many other well established asset classes, including wine and gold. The total value of rare whisky bottles sold at auction in the UK in 2016 hit record levels of £14.21M exceeding 2015 (£9.56M) by almost 50%. Over twelve months, 58,758 bottles of single malt Scotch whisky were sold in the UK on the open market, an increase of 15,300 bottles and a 35% increase on 2015.

For more information or to download the full report visit www.rarewhisky101.com 

Notes

About Rare Whisky 101 Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering over 230,000 price records across just over 30,000 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Highland Park.

The Whisky Exchange masterclass

Pioneers of the Irish whiskey renaissance – Masterclass with Teeling

Wednesday 19^th July 2017

7.30pm – 9pm

Tickets now on sale

Book here

Teeling are award-winning distillers and builders of the first new distillery in Dublin for more than 125 years. With a family distilling history stretching back more than 200 years and a current generation that helped revive the Irish whisky industry in the 1990s, the Teelings are true pioneers of Irish whiskey.

Join us for an evening of exploration, tasting the Teeling range, including some of the latest new releases. The tasting will culminate in a surprise expression to be announced closer to the date.

Our host for the evening is Teeling master distiller and blender Alex Chasko. He will take us on a journey through the Teeling portfolio, highlighting the importance of craft and innovation in its production.

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Teeling Single Malt Whiskey

Teeling Revival 14 Year Old Volume III

Teeling Brabazon Bottling

Final to be announced…

Alex Chasko is the master distiller and blender behind all of Teeling’s whiskeys. He was the first employee of the company and has been involved in the development from day one. Previously he was the Innovations Manager at Cooley distillery and revived distilling at the historic Kilbeggan distillery in Westmeath.

VENUE

BROWNS COVENT GARDEN

82-84 ST MARTIN’S LN

WC2N 4AG LONDON

SMWS dram & tennis ball Credit – David Parry

WHISKY BAR SERVES UP SPECIAL MENU OF WIMBLEDON COCKTAILS 

Kaleidoscope Bar in the City sets up ‘Murray Lounge’ in the outdoor courtyard at Devonshire Square 

Tennis fans can get into the Wimbledon spirit at Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar’s pop-up ‘Murray Lounge’ on 12^th and 14^th July.

The ‘Murray Lounge’ will bring a taste of SW1 to the bar’s outdoor space in the western courtyard at 9A Devonshire Square in the City.

Featuring tennis-themed décor, the pop-up bar will serve up a special menu of tennis-themed whisky cocktails along with strawberries and cream, which guests can enjoy while lounging on deck chairs and playing swingball.

Created by Kaleidoscope’s manager and mixologist Michael Cook, the drinks include the 40 Love, which features ‘Let’s Get The Party Started’ single cask whisky, orange bitters and soda and the Deuce Juice, which features ‘A Class Apart’ single cask whisky, aperol and martini rosso.

Also on offer are a number of suitably summery drams of the Society’s single cask malts and other spirits, such as the Swaying Palm Trees, an exclusive Kaleidoscope London release which boasts hints of pineapple and Haribo cola bottles and the Tooty Fruity Booty, which is described as light and fruity.

Kaleidoscope, which was opened in June by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, sits beneath fellow Scottish outpost, Mac & Wild. The bar stocks more than 200 of the Society’s rare single cask malts and other spirits such as rum, bourbon and cognac.

Aside from its Murray Lounge cocktails, Kaleidoscope also offers a menu of other whisky cocktails including the Bloody Scotsman, Blood and Sand, and Old-Fashioned. A range of wine, Champagne, craft beer, and light snacks from Mac & Wild, are also available in the bar.

Kaleidoscope’s Michael Cook said: “With the sun shining and Wimbledon on everyone’s minds, what better way to get into the spirit of things if you can’t get a ticket than by kicking back on a deckchair outside with a refreshing whisky cocktail.

“We can’t guarantee that Andy Murray will win Wimbledon, but one thing we can promise is that ‘rain won’t stop play’ for us as the courtyard outside Kaleidoscope where our ‘Murray Lounge’ is situated is covered!”

For more information:

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar https://www.smws.com/kaleidoscope-london

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society www.smws.com

@SMWSUK 

Deuce Juice cocktail – Credit – David Parry

Notes

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 132 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers different levels of membership

o   Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122

o   Member at £61.50 – without gift box

o   Sample Subscription – free.

HOLYROOD DISTILLERY HIRES TOP TEAM OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS 

Holyrood Distillery has reached another major milestone in its aim of bringing back malt whisky distilling to Edinburgh, with the recruitment of a top team of whisky and drinks industry experts.

In a major coup for the project, Holyrood Distillery has recruited three of the whisky industry’s leading lights including Jack Mayo as Head Distiller, Bill Farrar as Sales and Marketing Director and Laura Anderson as Director of Finance.

Jack Mayo has joined the Holyrood team as Head Distiller, arriving after three years at Glasgow Distillery. Jack’s innovative approach to experimenting with flavour combinations aligns perfectly with Holyrood’s desire to build its brand with an emphasis on flavour and creativity.

Bill Farrar joins as Sales and Marketing Director with 30 years of experience in the drinks sector, most recently holding the position of Managing Director, Super Premium for The Edrington Group. Prior to this, Bill was the Group Sales and Marketing Director, with responsibility for global sales, marketing and distribution of The Macallan and Highland Park single malt brands as well as Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark blended scotches.

In his new role with Holyrood Distillery, Bill will focus on growing sales through the on and off trade, in Scotland, the UK and overseas.

Laura Anderson has joined the team as Director, Finance and is responsible for all financial matters related to the distillery’s fundraising and financial controls. Laura is a Chartered Accountant and has a long history in the whisky industry, having worked with Edrington in roles as diverse as Commercial Analyst; Director, Global Pricing and Brand Protection and most recently as Head, Super Premium Strategy Development.

Also providing advice to the Holyrood team is well-known botanicals expert Hamish Martin, owner of Edinburgh’s Secret Herb Garden, and former co-founder of Inverarity Vaults, once Scotland’s largest independent wine merchants.

Rob Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery said: “I’m thrilled by the team we’ve now got in place. Everyone involved brings with them their own unique talents and, importantly, years of experience working at the very top of the whisky industry. The combined experience of our team will not only help us create a distillery which is distinctly different from anything else out there, but will also help us deliver a range of flavour-packed spirits which capture the imagination of today’s consumers. Our immediate priority is to complete our fundraising, so we can crack on with the next stage of getting Holyrood distillery up and running.”

Holyrood Distillery recently launched a £5.5 million funding drive to help fund the balance of its ambition to create a distillery and pioneering visitor centre, spanning 11,969 sq ft, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

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

The distillery will produce a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Its innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set Holyrood apart from more traditional approaches.