Glenmorangie enhances its radiant sherry-finished classic with new recipe

 — Now aged 15 years in bourbon and sherry casks, The Lasanta glows with even more complexity and elegance —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky has reimagined Glenmorangie Lasanta, one of the Distillery’s most popular whiskies, to bring even more elegance to its rich spice and luscious sweetness. Now aged for 15 years in a refined combination of bourbon and sherry casks, this delicious favourite in the Distillery’s core range has been enriched with newfound complexity and finesse.

Glenmorangie’s whisky creators, led by Dr Bill Lumsden, are endlessly imaginative on their mission to dream up delicious whiskies. They craft their more delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky. In The Lasanta, they have bottled mellow flavours reminiscent of a sunset – a magical experience no matter many times you see it.

While that award-winning whisky has long been adored worldwide, Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald believed they could make The Lasanta even more deliciously complex. And so, they were inspired to age the whisky longer and refine its cask recipe for more balanced layers of flavour; bourbon casks bring Glenmorangie’s signature soft elegance, while select Oloroso sherry casks offer rich sweetness and spice. The result is The Lasanta 15 Years Old – an endless horizon of tastes and aromas including raisins and honey, toffee, clove and cinnamon, brimming with sun-drenched finesse.

Dr Bill said: “With its rich spice and luscious sweetness, Glenmorangie Lasanta is a whisky that elicits the radiant wonder of sunset and has been a favourite of Glenmorangie fans for some time. Now aged for 15 years in an enhanced selection of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, we’ve introduced even more complex and elegant notes to this whisky, all working together in delicious balance.”

Glenmorangie’s whisky creators were among the industry pioneers of wood-finishing almost 40 years ago, which is a practice they have perfected to bring new layers of flavour to a variety of their creations. Alongside Glenmorangie Lasanta, the distillery’s port cask-finished expression, the Quinta Ruban, and dessert wine-cask finished whisky, The Nectar, are also in the brand’s core range offering.

Glenmorangie Lasanta 15 Years Old will be available to purchase in the UK from April onwards at Glenmorangie.com and the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, RRP: £54.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

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THE LASANTA

In every corner of the world, the setting of the sun is magical. This single malt is our whisky creators’ attempt to bottle that magic. If you could sip a sunset, it would taste like Lasanta: an endless horizon of reds, oranges and purples, enchanting your eyes and calling out to the rest of your senses. Lasanta begins with our giraffe-high stills, which yield a deliciously delicate and fruity spirit. Next, we mature it in bourbon and sherry casks for 15 years, transforming it into a lush flavour storm. The payoff is a mouth-watering odyssey bursting with rich spiciness and sun-drenched sweetness. It radiates with explosions of raisin, honeycomb and chocolate-covered nuts lightened by cinnamon breezes. Each time you watch the sunset, you see something different – this is how it is to drink Lasanta. 

TASTING NOTES 

Glenmorangie Lasanta is bottled at 43% ABV

Aroma: Rich, aromatic, spicy and deep, with notes of mead, honeycomb, walnut and a touch of charcoal. A splash of water opens up the powerful bouquet, revealing some more floral and fruity top notes, like carnation, flowering currants, chocolate-coated raisins, baking bread and toffee.

Taste: A sizzling, spicy mouthfeel leads into a burst of rich flavours such as Brazil nuts in toffee, molasses, charcoal, cinnamon and clove, with a background of leather, oak tannins and dark chocolate.

Finish: Long and lingering, with hints of Seville orange marmalade, dates and treacle.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

About Glenmorangie’s whisky creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (A Tale of Tokyo), the beguiling flavours of freshly brewed coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Gillian manages the New Product Development pipeline for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

About Glenmorangie’s core range:

Almost 40 years ago, dreaming of adding new layers of flavour to their signature spirit, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators were among the pioneers of wood finishing. This art, which involves transferring Glenmorangie’s elegant single malt into wine casks or other cask types for more wondrous complexity, is showcased in the range’s delicious whiskies, which include:

• Glenmorangie Lasanta, a rich, spicy and sweet 15-year-old whisky aged in bourbon and sherry casks;
• Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, a bold, velvety and deep 14-year-old whisky aged in bourbon and port casks;
• Glenmorangie Nectar, a sweet and dessert-like 16-year-old, aged in bourbon and sweet white wine casks.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

LOST LANTERN ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 COLLECTION

Shining a Light on New American Finishing Traditions

Vergennes, VT (February 26, 2025)— For centuries, whiskey makers have used different barrels to impart unique flavors to their spirits, and today, cask finishing has become a key part of whiskey-making worldwide.

In the U.S., distilleries increasingly finish their single malts, bourbons, ryes, and other whiskies in secondary casks to amplify and enhance existing flavors. While traditional finishes like sherry, port, and Madeira remain popular, many American distilleries are pushing boundaries by experimenting with finishes rooted in their local environment, introducing flavors rarely seen in whiskey. Some of these innovations are now becoming a part of a new American whiskey tradition, just as sherry casks have for Scotch.

“The best cask finishes explore and amplify the intricate flavors already inherent in the underlying whiskey. They enhance what is already there, adding surprising and delightful layers of complexity,” says Lost Lantern Co-founder Nora Ganley-Roper.

Since its launch in 2020, Lost Lantern, an independent bottler of American whiskey, has been dedicated to exploring both traditional and innovative aspects of the whiskey landscape. This spring, the company shines a light on finishes that showcase American whiskey’s depth, diversity, and artistry.

The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Collection, consisting entirely of finished whiskies, highlights these new American finishing traditions. The flagship release, Opulent Orchard, is a New York Distilling Co. 7-year-old rye whiskey finished in apple brandy casks and is the latest entry in Lost Lantern’s Single Distillery Series. The collection also features a range of single casks, each with a finish capturing a distillery’s unique environment and traditions. Alongside returning partners, this release marks Lost Lantern’s first collaboration with Finger Lakes Distilling in upstate New York, featuring a rye whiskey finished in a former Pommeau (a blend of apple brandy and apple juice) cask.

The Lost Lantern Spring 2025 Finish Collection will be available starting Wednesday, April 2nd, at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in California, New York,  and Massachusetts, and in the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

As always, each release is presented at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added.

Opulent Orchard New York Distilling Co. Apple Brandy Finished Straight Rye Whiskey

114.9 Proof (410 bottles), SRP $100

Lost Lantern’s first rye whiskey in the Single Distillery Series, this apple brandy-finished rye from New York  Distilling marries the spice of northern rye with fresh fruit flavors. Blended by the Lost Lantern team, it combines three 7-year-old rye whiskies, each finished in American apple brandy barrels, creating a balanced mix of spice and sweetness. The nose offers fresh apples, rye spice, and black licorice, while the palate bursts with cinnamon applesauce, apple pie, warm oak, and wintergreen mint, leading to a spicy, peppery finish.

Santa Fe Spirits Apple Brandy Finished New Mexico Single Malt Single Cask

110.1 Proof (100 bottles), SRP $100

A pioneer of mesquite-smoked American Single Malt, Santa Fe Spirits offers a distinctly Southwestern take on smoked whisky. Made from 100% malted barley, with 30% mesquite-smoked, it aged 3.5 years in a 53-gallon barrel before finishing for over a year in an ex-Santa Fe Spirits apple brandy barrel. Bright, smoky, and fruity, this is Lost Lantern’s first single cask from Santa Fe Spirits since 2020.

Andalusia Tequila Finished Peated Texas Single Malt Single Cask

122.3 Proof (150 bottles), SRP $100

Based in Texas Hill Country, Andalusia is a rising star in American single malt. This single cask, made from 100% malted barley with 10% lightly peated, was aged for 2.5 years in a cask that previously held Andalusia’s wood-smoked Stryker single malt before finishing for another six months in an ex-Añejo tequila cask. A nuanced whiskey, the nose offers butterscotch and delicate grassy smoke, while the palate features fresh grass, vanilla cream, and deep, complex smoke.

Starlight Honey Finished Indiana Straight Bourbon Single Cask

110 Proof (265 bottles), SRP $80

Founded by Ted Huber, Starlight revives the 19th-century distilling tradition of Huber’s Orchard & Winery, where his family has farmed for seven generations. Known for its expert finishes, Starlight aged their 4-year-old Indiana bourbon for three months in a cask that once held barrel-aged honey from their farm. The result is a vibrant spirit with notes of fresh wildflower honey, white flowers, roses, and a honeyed yet balanced palate.

Watershed Nocino Finished Ohio Straight Bourbon 8 Years Old Single Cask

126.5 Proof (200 bottles), SRP $90

This Columbus, Ohio, distillery is known for its meticulous production, use of local ingredients, and innovative approach to grain. Watershed aged this bourbon for 3 years and 8 months in new oak before finishing it for 4 years and 7 months in a cask that previously held their nocino black walnut liqueur. The nose offers marzipan, butterscotch, and sweet oak, while the palate features dried mint, warm oak, toffee, and candied walnuts.

Finger Lakes Distilling Pommeau Finished New York Straight Rye Whiskey Single Cask

91.7 Proof (205 bottles), SRP $100

Finger Lakes Distilling is best known for its McKenzie whiskey brand and commitment to crafting spirits from Upstate New York’s agricultural bounty. This rye whiskey aged for 6 years before finishing for three months in a former Pommeau barrel from Finger Lakes Cider House. The nose bursts with juicy apple, cinnamon, spice, and plum, while the palate is warm and balanced with spiced apple cider, rye spice, and gentle oak notes.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand has been honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, and founders Nora and Adam were both named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 list for 2025 and named to SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies from across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than three dozen distilleries in over 20 states.

For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

VCL VINTNERS FIRST UK WHISKY BROKER TO ADOPT PIONEERING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY ACROSS OPERATIONS

– VCL Implements Proof 8 SaaS Platform for Full Traceability and Transparency of Inventory –

London, [February 2025] – VCL Vintners (VCL) has become the first whisky broker in the UK to turn to blockchain technology to transform its operations and guarantee full traceability and transparency of its inventory.  Using Proof 8’s proprietary SaaS platform, VCL is now able to track and verify every stage of a product’s life cycle with real-time data and secure, immutable records known as ‘Digital Deeds’, making it easier to prove provenance, maintain compliance and ensure transparency of ownership.

Benjamin Lancaster, founder and partner of VCL, said: “Proof 8 has harnessed blockchain technology to deliver hands-down the best end-to-end cask management solution on the market. Already employed by future-thinking distilleries and warehouses to improve operational processes and productivity, we are proud to be the first broker to fully adopt the Proof 8 platform to manage our clients’ assets.”

Casks that are stored on the Proof 8 platform are assigned a unique ‘Digital Deed’ – a trusted record of ownership which is a digital representation of the physical asset. This approach not only removes all uncertainty around authenticity and ownership, it also enables seamless transfer of ownership, ensuring a secure, transparent and efficient process.

Benjamin added: “Full traceability and transparency is crucial, especially in an industry like whisky where provenance can make or break the value of an asset. Through this innovation, we are modernising the way in which whisky is traded and invested. The digital transformation also addresses some long-standing challenges in the market, including counterfeiting and fraud. Investors now have a reliable way to track their assets, guaranteeing peace of mind.

“Because ‘Digital Deeds’ are securely recorded on the blockchain and are unique to each asset, like a fingerprint, they cannot be copied or modified and so provide a secure, verifiable record of authenticity that buyers and collectors can trust when it comes to their investments.”

VCL made headlines in 2021 when it collaborated with Proof 8 on another of their innovative platforms – Metacask – to auction a rare 1991 Macallan cask, attaching a blockchain-based token (NFT), an early iteration of the Proof 8 ‘Digital Deed’. The cask sold for a record-breaking $2.3 million, setting a new precedent in the world of high-value collectibles.

Benjamin and business partner Stuart Thom became early investors in Metacask and continue to believe in the power of technology to unlock new forms of ownership and bring trust and transparency to the industry.

“Blockchain technology has already had a transformative impact on industries like finance, banking and healthcare – that have complex supply chains, data-sharing requirements and high regulatory and compliance requirements and we were convinced that it could be a game-changer in asset-backed investments like whisky,” Benjamin said. “Before the Macallan sale it was a relatively untapped market and Proof 8 has developed a secure, scalable solution that provides a seamless way to trade, track and authenticate ownership in a way traditional methods simply couldn’t match.”

Rob Hollands, CEO at Proof 8, said: “Moving away from paper-based records, certificates of ownership, and unreliable tools such as Excel to manage the production process, provides a real opportunity for better data across the whole industry. This not only unlocks the potential for greater efficiencies in the production and maturation process but, crucially for collectors, whisky enthusiasts and brokers, brings assurance of ownership and provenance which previously didn’t exist. With our platform, there can no longer be any doubt over the origins, location and ownership of an asset. Every crucial piece of information is collected, stored and tracked on our platform throughout its entire lifetime. And this information is accessible at any time. This level of transparency and traceability, from grain to glass, is now the new standard for the industry today. As the first whisky broker to implement our platform, VCL shares our values of transforming spirits with trust, transparency and innovation at the core.”

Established in 2010, VCL Vintners is a trusted name in whisky brokering and investment, known for its extensive network and expertise in sourcing and trading rare casks. With this latest digital transformation, VCL is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

vclvintners.london

About VCL Vintners
Founded in 2010, VCL Vintners is the pioneer of the spirits investment industry as it’s known today. VCL has a proven history of providing investment-grade spirits for its network of retail and institutional investors, offering investment opportunities that range from new-make spirits to some of the oldest and rarest casks available anywhere in the world. Since inception, VCL has amassed assets under management which are currently valued at over £130m.

About Proof 8

Proof 8 is transforming the spirits industry by digitalising production, maturation and ownership. Their SaaS platform streamlines distillery operations, warehouse management and connects brand products to consumers. Proof 8’s digitalisation creates assets and products that are ‘born digital’ – ensuring traceability, authentication, and valuable consumer experiences. By using innovative solutions, new tech and user-centred design, Proof 8 optimises the entire spirits journey, from grain to bottle, redefining the way businesses and consumers connect in the ever-evolving spirits landscape.

https://proof-8.com/

Charles Leclerc And Chivas Regal Hit The Right Note In New Global Partnership

Luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has announced leading Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador in a multiyear partnership, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in modern sports culture.

Throughout the collaboration, Chivas Regal and Charles will encourage fans to forge their own paths in redefining success. The partnership will celebrate the achievement of personal goals and creativity along the way, exploring Charles’ passion points off the racetrack, with the first being music.

As a talented and self-taught pianist and composer, Charles has been sharing his love of music with fans over the past few years that has seen him release multiple tracks. The time, precision and passion he puts into mastering the notes on a piano is reflective of the craftsmanship required to blend the notes of an iconic whisky.

To celebrate this blending of success, Charles and Chivas Regal are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only pop-up piano bar which brings together the worlds of music and whisky. Dubbed Leclerc’s, the bar will open on March 11th in Melbourne, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season opener in the city later that week.

The immersive event will give VIP guests and a limited number of lucky fans the chance to enjoy bespoke Chivas Regal x Charles Leclerc whisky cocktails, while experiencing a unique evening, centred around music, inspired by Leclerc’s passion for the piano. The event will also feature a special guest appearance from Charles himself, marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Those heading to Leclerc’s will have the opportunity to experience a new side of the racing legend as they explore the fusion and notes of whisky and music like never before, in an evening that celebrates the artistry of piano and the craft of whisky.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director, for Chivas Regal, at Chivas Brothers says: “It’s no secret Charles has had incredible success in his life, but it is his tenacious spirit, commitment to excellence and off-track passions that inspired this partnership. The 88 notes of the piano draw perfect parallels with the 85 flavour notes of our iconic Chivas 18 Year Old expression, showing how both music and whisky blend passion with precision. We’re excited to bring fans on the journey to celebrate our wins together – the ethos that lies at the heart of Chivas Regal.”

Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal, adds: “Success is about blending all the right notes – on and off the track. My craft demands time, precision, and dedication, but what truly drives me is the journey, my passions, and the moments shared along the way. Chivas Regal embodies this same ethos, encouraging people to find their own rhythm and celebrate every win, big or small. I’m excited to redefine success together and share this experience with fans through our partnership.”

To be in with a chance of winning a coveted spot at Leclerc’s in Melbourne and meet Charles, fans can head to TimeOut Melbourne to enter and find out more. Closing date for entry is Saturday 8th March.

This marks the start of a collaborative partnership between Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal, with further moments of celebration to come. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com.

Please enjoy Chivas Regal responsibly and never drink and drive.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – with a retail sales value today of over €2.07bn.

Chivas believes in celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. Chivas continues this vision of collective success through its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years, and now in its latest move as ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global partnership.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon Chivas.

I Rise, We Rise.

www.Chivas.com

About Leclerc’s

To celebrate Charles Leclerc as Chivas Regal’s Global Brand Ambassador, the racing legend and the luxury Scotch whisky are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only piano bar pop-up in Melbourne on March 11th, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The event brings together the two worlds of whisky and music, signalling the start of a collaborative partnership and marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Chivas Regal x Charles Le Clerc Signature Serve – ‘The Leclerc Spritz’

Charles Leclerc’s signature serve. A twist on an Italian classic fit for the French Riviera.

• 30ml Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
• 30ml Elderflower Cordial
• 20ml Lime Juice
• 60ml Champagne
• Glass: Stemmed Glass
• Garnish: Mint Sprig

Talnua Distillery Announces Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep 2025 Release

Arvada, CO – February 2025 – Talnua Distillery, America’s pioneer of Single Pot Still whiskey, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, taking place at the distillery on March 14 and 15 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This 21+ event promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, camaraderie, and the annual release of the exclusive Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey.

Whiskey enthusiasts and St. Patrick’s Day revelers alike are invited to join Talnua Distillery for two days of festivities featuring live music, pipe and drum bands, traditional Irish music sessions, and incredible food trucks. Guests can also enjoy the Trinity Mobile Cigar Lounge, offering a premium pairing experience for those looking to enhance their whiskey enjoyment.

Event Schedule: A full schedule of entertainment and activities can be found HERE

Introducing the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey

A cornerstone of Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition, the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey is an exclusive offering available only at the distillery beginning March 14. Crafted with a meticulous approach to tradition and innovation, this American Single Pot Still whiskey is triple distilled from a mash of 50% unmalted barley and 50% malted barley.

Aging in select barrels has imbued this whiskey with remarkable depth and complexity.

This year’s release was aged for 2 1/2 years in Ex-Bourbon barrels with both French Oak and American Oak staves. From there, the whiskey was transferred into barrels that first held Pedro Ximenez Sherry for 17 years followed by PX Solera Brandy from 1948 for 13 years.

The whiskey rested in those barrels for 2 years and 3 months, giving it a final age statement of 4 years and 9 months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apple Orchard, Buttery Maple, Baking Spices
Palate: Honey Graham Cracker, Dried Stone Fruit, Macadamia Nut Cookie
Finish: Cinnamon, Shortbread, Long Finish

At 100 proof (50% ABV), this whiskey delivers a bold yet refined profile, with limited availability of fewer than 1,000 bottles, making it a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible celebration and to secure a bottle of the 2025 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey. Join us at Talnua Distillery on March 14 and 15 for a St. Patrick’s Day experience like no other!

Maker’s Mark Premieres “Perfectly Unreasonable”

New Global Brand Campaign Celebrates the Remarkable Lengths it Takes to Create Uncompromisingly Delicious Bourbon

LORETTO, Ky. – Monday, February 17, 2025 – Maker’s Mark®, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the launch of its new global brand campaign, Perfectly Unreasonable. The cinematic campaign asserts that going to unreasonable lengths – in life and in bourbon – is what separates good from remarkable. It celebrates those who relentlessly pursue excellence and shines a light on the unconventional decisions that have made Maker’s Mark an icon.

“Perfectly Unreasonable is more than a campaign, it has been our ethos since my grandparents broke with tradition to reimagine what bourbon could be,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark.  “Maker’s Mark continues to be driven by the pursuit of better bourbon and a better world, with our founders’ vision as our north star.”

From the beginning, Maker’s Mark founders Margie and Bill Samuels Sr. committed to doing things differently. Burning the family’s 170-year-old recipe to create something entirely new for the category – a delicious and balanced bourbon – and they chose the homeplace for Maker’s Mark in outlying Loretto, Kentucky because of its unique water source. They were also one of the first to open their distillery doors to visitors – a precursor to today’s Bourbon Trail. This challenger spirit endures today with every bottle hand-dipped in signature red wax, every barrel rotated by hand, and the brand’s dedication to become B Corp and Regenified certified.

Perfectly Unreasonable was shot by acclaimed Swedish film director Marcus Söderlund and serves as a manifesto for a new generation of global bourbon enthusiasts, illustrating that breakthrough accomplishments are born from challenging the status quo with vision and determination. This global campaign marks the first execution for the brand by global creative agency Carmichael Lynch.

“This bold campaign reinforces how Maker’s Mark is unique in its uncompromising commitment to excellent bourbon, as well as the personal and unconventional ways we communicate to consumers,” said Chloe Lloyd-Jones, vice president of global brand marketing, Maker’s Mark.  “We know Perfectly Unreasonable will resonate with Maker’s Mark fans, who expect nothing less from us, and new whisky drinkers around the world.”

Perfectly Unreasonable premiered in the U.S. during NBC Primetime this weekend and will include integrations with NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” as well as ‘The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers’ and ‘Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers’ Podcasts. A fully integrated campaign will roll out nationally and in key markets globally throughout 2025. The hero creative will take 30-second, 15-second and six-second forms across television, streaming, digital and social media, and will be supported via the brand’s website, ambassador program and distillery experiences.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

ABOUT MAKER’S MARK  

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world.  Maker’s Mark began with the innovative spirit of Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr., who in 1953, fulfilled their dream to create a delicious bourbon without the bite, using soft red winter wheat instead of rye to enhance the softness, sweetness and signature creaminess. Highly desired around the world, Maker’s Mark is handmade, hand-dipped in our signature red wax, and every barrel continues to be rotated by hand and is aged to taste not time.

Always true to the founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation. In recent years, the brand has introduced thoughtful, super-premium expressions to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, all Double Gold winners of the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program.

Advancing its mission to cultivate bourbon that betters the world, while crafting the most flavorful product possible for consumers, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified Certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication to sustainable agriculture practices at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS HERE WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL DATE AND IS PUBLISHED AS A MATTER OF INTEREST

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Celebrates U.S.-India Tariff Reduction Agreement

Lower Duty Opens Door to World’s Largest Whiskey Market for Kentucky Bourbon, America’s Only Native Spirit

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today hailed the groundbreaking agreement made by President Donald J. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lower India’s tariffs on Bourbon, opening the world’s largest whiskey market for significant increases in Kentucky Bourbon offerings.

“We have seen worldwide, when trade restrictions are eased, that the elegance and complexity of Kentucky Bourbon attracts discerning palates of connoisseurs and new drinkers alike,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “The agreement to lower tariffs from 150% to 100% is a historic accomplishment.

“We are grateful for President Trump’s collaboration with President Modi to confront this long-standing prohibitive tariff and create a more favorable path towards progress for Kentucky Bourbon. We are eager to share more of our mellow amber spirit with India’s consumers.”

Gregory also applauded Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr for his tireless work in exploring opportunities to help Bourbon succeed, including pushing for lower tariffs in India. Barr’s 6th District is home to many of Kentucky’s distilleries and the thousands of jobs they create.

Barr recently met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador of India to the United States Vinay Kwatra to advocate for greater market access for Kentucky Bourbon in India.

Congressman Barr said, “Thoughtful agreements like this will help protect Kentucky jobs and bring a taste of our state to more communities across the globe. America’s distinct spirit will now be more accessible in a market that will open doors for our state’s signature Bourbon industry.”

Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon, producing 95% of the world’s supply. The homegrown industry is a $9 billion economic and tourism powerhouse, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits, and attracting more than 2.5 million visitors each year to the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.

The Commonwealth currently has three times more aging barrels of whiskey – 15.4 million – than people, 4.5 million.

India is Kentucky’s 14th largest export market sending $3 million in whiskey annually, which is expected to accelerate with the tariff reduction. Gregory said with the current size of Kentucky’s Indian export market, this agreement will unlock more avenues for Kentucky’s distillers to grow and tackle headwinds that are charging towards the industry.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Partners with Navy SEAL Foundation on Commemorative Whiskeys

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 25, 2025) – The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare. Founded in 2000, the NSF is kicking off its 25th year with a partnership with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery through the release of three double-staved™ American Whiskeys, labeled “Sea,” “Air,” and “Land,” celebrating the environments where SEALs operate. The bottles sell individually for $155, or the trio can be purchased for $425 online, with free shipping. J. Mattingly 1845 will donate $30 from the sale of each bottle to help fund the mission of the NSF.

“At the Foundation, we offer more than 30 comprehensive programs to help SEALs, SWCCs, and their families,” said Chris Irwin, NSF Communications Director. “We are honored to have this partnership  with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery to support our mission.” 

​Details of each offering are below.

J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved™ 5-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon Sea Edition is a five-year-old bourbon bottled at 127 proof. Made with a mashbill of 78 percent corn, 10 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley, this bourbon is said to have an excellent balance with subtle baking spice notes on the palette. The finish is described as long, with seasoned oak and spiced cherry.

J.Mattingly 1845 Double Staved™ 9-Year-Old Light Whiskey Air Edition was distilled in 2016 and bottled at 129 proof. This whiskey was created using J. Mattingly’s double-staved process using ex-bourbon casks. With a mashbill of 99 percent corn and 1 percent malted barley, this whiskey is described as full-bodied and complex with sweet notes of crème brulée crust, yellow cake, and sweet graham cracker. The finish is maple syrup overlapped with gentle oakiness at the back end.

J.Mattingly 1845 Double Staved™ 5-Year-Old Rye Whiskey Land Edition is a five-year-old rye whiskey bottled at 119 proof. With a mashbill consisting of 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley, this whiskey is said to contain subtle spices of black pepper, green apple, white pepper, and cloves on the mid-palette. Its finish contains baking spices with a hint of dryness on the finish.

“J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is honored to have been chosen to create the American Whiskey for the Navy SEAL Foundation,” said Harry Richardt IV, president of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. “We have tremendous respect for our military branches and feel privileged we can partner with the NSF on this initiative.” 

The J. Mattingly 1845 Double Staved Trident Collection is available for pre-order online, with orders set to start shipping March 3rd.  A limited quantity of bottles will also be available for sale at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort.  Each bottle is 750 mL and suggested retail pricing is $155 each, or all three in the collection for $425.  For more information on the partnership, check out https://jmattingly1845.myshopify.com/pages/navy-seal

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

Starting in 1845 with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Louisville, Registered Distillery #2, the Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together, father and son offer their proprietary double-staving™ process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at www.jmattingly1845.com

About the Navy SEAL Foundation

The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) through a comprehensive set of over thirty programs under five Pillars of Support: Strength, Resilience, Health, Education, and Community. Charity Navigator has awarded the NSF a 4-star rating since 2009 and a perfect score since 2014 for financial health, accountability, and transparency. It ranks in the top 0.1% of charities nationwide, with ninety-four cents of every dollar donated directly funding its programs or being retained for future mission use. The NSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID: 31-1728910). It is an independent, non-federal entity unaffiliated with the Department of Defense. Learn more at www.navysealfoundation.org.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY’S 100 BOURBON SETS FOR 100 CHARITIES INITIATIVE RETURNS TO CONTINUE NATIONWIDE CHARITABLE GIVING

The Distillery to donate 100 sets of its finest whiskeys to support fundraising efforts for 100 nonprofit organizations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 26, 2025) – Ahead of Bottled-in-Bond Day, Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the return of its annual charitable initiative, 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. The initiative, which honors the legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., celebrates and supports non-profit organizations across the United States that are committed to bringing positive changes to their communities. Taylor, who owned Buffalo Trace Distillery from 1869-1878, is often referred to as the founding father of the modern bourbon industry due to his technological innovations, advancements in distilling, and instrumental efforts leading to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities pays homage to the 100 proof alcohol measurement, one of the key requirements for a whiskey to be labeled as Bottled-in-Bond.

In its inaugural year, the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative supported organizations from 36 states across the country. In total, the program raised more than $134,000 for a variety of causes dedicated to veteran services, youth education and programming, cancer treatment, animal rescue and adoption, among many others.

“It is incredible to see the work being done by nonprofit organizations around the country and we believe Taylor would be proud to know his legacy continues to bring such a positive change to countless communities,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative celebrates those who, like Taylor, have a passion for improving the world. We are proud to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to better lives and communities.”

Featured products for the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative include lineups from some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after brands, including E.H. Taylor Jr., Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller and more. The number of bottles in each set may vary. Interested nonprofits can apply here. 

Charities of all kinds are encouraged to apply for 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. Those interested in applying can do so beginning March 3, 2025, in honor of Bottled-in-Bond Day. All applications must be received within 100 days – by June 11, 2025 – for consideration. Selected charities will be announced the week of July 28, 2025. Bottles sets will be delivered within 30 days following the selection announcement.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to carefully read over the application. Buffalo Trace Distillery will coordinate the logistics of transporting bottles to selected organizations based on the legal requirements in each state. Once received by the organization, it is the nonprofit’s responsibility for executing a program that complies with each state’s legal specifications. Organizations must use their bottle sets and report back their monies raised by December 31, 2025. 

About the Bottled-in-Bond Act

The Bottled-in-Bond Act was first-of-its kind legislation that saved whiskey in America. Passage of the Act led to increased quality and consumer safety across categories (and the formation of the modern FDA) and paved the way for the focus on quality & innovation that Buffalo Trace Distillery maintains today.

Bottled in Bond required distillers to label aged spirits, mostly American Whiskey, as “bottled-in-bond,” meaning the product meets the following criteria:

• The spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery.
• The spirit must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years.
• The aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (or, 100 proof).

For any questions regarding the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative, please email charity@buffalotrace.com. For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery and its ongoing charitable efforts, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

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About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.