Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon Spices Up the Rye Category with Basil Hayden’s® Rye Whiskey

Clermont, KY (2017) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, a distinctive super-premium bourbon outpacing the category, today announced the launch of its first-ever innovation and limited edition product offering – Basil Hayden’s® Rye Whiskey.

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon has long been known for its trademark spicy finish, resulting from the use of twice as much rye than traditional bourbons. Taking inspiration from this beloved rye spiciness, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is a natural progression for the brand.

A Kentucky straight rye whiskey, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey achieves its deepened and distinctive taste with the addition of a unique, re-barreled rye. The re-barreled rye begins as a four-year-old traditional rye whiskey, which is then dumped out and further aged an additional seven years in newly charred quarter cask oak barrels. Just a touch of this re-barreled rye expertly blended with traditional Kentucky straight rye whiskey amplifies the warm aroma of baking spices and adds differentiating depth to Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey. Bottled at an easy-sipping 80 proof, the result is a versatile rye whiskey that is both approachable and flavorful with notes of char and oak.

“The spicy character of rye has always been a signature part of what makes Basil Hayden’s special, so creating a rye whiskey was a natural fit,” said Rob Mason, Vice President of Bourbon at Beam Suntory. “This limited edition release gives our fans a chance to experience everything they love about Basil Hayden’s Bourbon – its spicy character, smoothness and approachable nature – in an interesting rye whiskey expression.”

Featuring the following characteristics, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is best enjoyed when sipped neat, on the rocks or as the base to a modern cocktail:

• Proof: 80
• Color: Golden Amber
• Aroma: Warm baking spices and caramel, with hints of wood rye spice
•        Taste: Charred oak complemented by sweet brown sugar and dried fruit
• Finish: Smoke and char notes wrapped in carame

Packaged with Basil Hayden’s iconic hand-applied parchment bib and copper belt, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is available now in limited quantities nationwide for a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750ml bottle.

About Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a sipping experience to be shared with friends and family. For more information on Basil Hayden’s, please visit www.basilhaydens.com.

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

Jim Beam® Urban Stillhouse Presents Interactive Tableside Cocktails

Louisville, Kentucky – – Cocktails in Kentucky just got more delicious. The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse proudly debuts a premier tableside cocktail experience, “raising the bar” for bourbon tastings and at-home mixology. Featuring classic and contemporary drinks created by a “cocktail concierge,” the program marks an evolution of Jim Beam’s downtown Urban Stillhouse and celebrates one of the first Kentucky bourbon distilleries to offer cocktails for visitors.

“The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse has grown from a best-in-class micro-distillery and retail space,” said Kim Bennett, Senior Director, Kentucky Beam Bourbon Experiences, Beam Suntory. “It’s now also where more than 220 years of Jim Beam history come to life in refreshing cocktails, giving long-time fans and curious newcomers a unique tasting experience.”

The tableside experience combines select Jim Beam^® Bourbons with a trio of non-alcoholic mixers, garnishes and glassware to help legal purchase-age guests craft the perfect drink. Featured bourbon cocktails will rotate monthly, presenting visitors with a variety of traditional and modern options showcasing the entire Jim Beam family of brands.

“In addition to enjoying a cocktail in a special location, we’re educating our guests about how to enjoy our brands at home,” added Bennett. “Whether stiring up a Jim Beam Bourbon Mint Julep for your Derby party or mixing a Knob Creek^® Bourbon Whiskey Sour at your next barbeque, our cocktail team will teach you how to impress friends and family with newly attained skills and knowledge.”

The new guest offering is anticipated to boost traffic and enhance Louisville’s Fourth Street experience while promoting responsible consumption.

About the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse

Located 25 miles from its flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse operates as a small working distillery and visitors’ experience like no other, with special features that include:

A distillation system showcasing a small copper pot still with a unique rectifying column and see-through glass vapor condenser;

Interactive displays and décor that immerse Bourbon enthusiasts in the Jim Beam^® brand and educate them on the fine nuances of whisky making;

A one-of-a-kind tasting bar crafted from reclaimed wood and designed to reflect barrel staves and flowing bourbon;

A sculptural American Oak tree built from barrel staves. The tree features a canopy crafted from laser-cut steel leaves and illuminated Jim Beam bottles, symbolic of the First Family of Bourbon;

A full retail store offering branded items, as well an opportunity for guests to label, fill and customize their own 375ml or 750ml bottle of Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select (50% alc./vol.; SRP: $29.99 and $45.99 respectively).

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse is located at 408 S. Fourth St., Louisville, Ky., and is open Monday through Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

For additional Jim Beam Bourbon cocktail experiences, visitors can stop by the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar at the Jim Beam^® American Stillhouse in Clermont, Ky. Opened in September 2016, the cocktail bar has become a popular spot along the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® tour.

More information about the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse and the Jim Beam American Stillhouse is online at www.jimbeam.com/ or on Facebook and 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

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY UNVEILS TRIO OF EXCLUSIVE ISLAY WHISKIES FOR FÈIS ÌLE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is celebrating its presence at the Islay Festival of Music and Malt with the release of three outstanding peaty single cask whiskies

For those fortunate enough to be travelling to the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle26 May – 3 June 2017), The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will launch three special single cask Islay whiskies exclusively at the event.

The bottles will be available, while stocks last, online at https://www.smws.com/ and at the Society’s UK venues from Thursday, 1 June. However, those attending the festival will have early access from Friday, 26 May.

The whiskies making up the distinguished trio of rare single cask Islay whiskies are called ‘The Crowd Pleaser’, ‘Sweet Smoke on the Water’ and ‘Jazzy Jousting Hastlitude’.

‘The Crowd Pleaser’ is a 10-year-old whisky from a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel from the Society’s Heavily Peated flavour profile, described as having notes of “old first aid kits and sweet hot smoked salmon”. Only 186 bottles are available.

‘Sweet Smoke on the Water’ is 20 years old and matured in a second-fill French hogshead. From the Society’s Peated flavour profile, it delivers notes of “smoked duck and ribs with sticky glaze”. Only 252 bottles are available.

The oldest of the three, ‘Jazzy Jousting Hastlitude’, is 21 years old and matured in a first-fill American oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead. Again from the Peated profile, the Tasting Notes describe this whisky as having hints of “tarte tatin, treacle toffee, herbal smoke”. From one of the whisky world’s most iconic distilleries, only 228 bottles are available.

International roll-out 

All three bottlings will be available at some of the Society’s partner bars in France and Germany, which will be offering special Fèis Ìle-themedwhisky flights and hosting events in celebration of the festival. More information on these events can be found at www.smws.com/events

In addition, the Society’s branches in USA and Australia will also be staging special Feis Ile tastings over the course of the Islay Festival to celebrate the festival and the release of these new whiskies.

Helen Stewart, senior brand manager for the Society, said: “The eyes of the whisky world will be focused on Islay for Fèis Ìleand we wanted to release some incredible single cask whiskies in honour of the event. These three special whiskies reflect the variety of flavours within our Peated and Heavily Peated flavour profiles and are sure to appeal to fans of peaty Islay whisky.”

‘Flavour of Islay’ events

Those attending the festival will be able to purchase the bottles at three ‘Flavour of Islay’ events hosted by the Society at Islay House, Bridgend throughout Friday, 26 May.

These separate masterclasses will feature tastings of different local produce in order to investigate the importance of flavour, which lies at the heart of the Society’s approach to whisky.

The first pairing is a peaty SMWS whisky with 100% Ecuadorian, organic Pacari chocolate. The second takes a local approach to the old tradition of drinking a ‘Hauf an’ a Hauf’, by matching three whiskies with Islay Ales. Finally, later in the evening, the drams are paired with half a dozen juicy and fresh local oysters.

For more information about the Fèis Ìlespecial whiskies, click here https://www.smws.com/blog/2017/05/04/2358/

For more information about the Flavour of Islay events, click here https://www.smws.com/events/islay-house-2017

Rebel Yell® Bourbon Releases 2017 Edition of Single Barrel and Announces

New Option for Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye

Brand sees tremendous growth and earns accolades 

(St. Louis) May 4, 2017 – Rebel Yell® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has released the 2017 edition of its highly sought-after Rebel Yell® Single Barrel, meticulously aged for a full 10 years and bottled at 100 proof, one barrel at a time. This hand-bottled wheated bourbon launched in 2016 in limited quantity, with 2,000 cases available nationwide. In 2017, Rebel Yell Single Barrel will once again be available nationwide in limited quantity – 2,000 cases.

An ultra-premium bourbon, Rebel Yell Single Barrel is robust in flavor with a mature finish and is hand-bottled for a uniquely rebellious experience. By bottling the bourbon barrel-by-barrel, each bottle will have a unique flavor profile – depending on how it aged, its location in the rick house and the flavor development within that particular barrel.  Each bottle, complete with a premium matte finish closure and natural wood cork, is sold in individual boxes.

“Rebel Yell Single Barrel was incredibly popular in its 2016 release and we are pleased to offer another 2,000 cases this year,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “Due to the bottling and aging process, this bourbon offers a unique tasting experience that may vary from bottle to bottle – consumers really enjoyed this concept and the flavors that come with aging bourbon for 10 years.”

Top industry experts also recognize the bourbon’s excellence – Rebel Yell Single Barrel recently earned a double gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As with the 2016 release, the bourbon will be available in 750 ml bottles, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).

Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye

New in 2017, the brand will be offering a 1L option of Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye, in addition to its traditional 750ml bottle. This smooth and spicy rye is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) and offers a mildly woody flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Just like the original Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which also took home top honors with a double gold medal, Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye recently earned a double gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye recently won Masters Gold from the American Whiskey Masters. Both variants have earned many accolades in the past few years, which recognize the brand’s growth.

Rebel Yell Growth

The Rebel Yell brand has seen immense growth, outpacing the domestic whiskey category by 37%. The brand has seen more than 41% growth in the past year.* “Consumers really gravitate to the wheated mash bill, smoother taste and sweeter finish,” says Buchman. “In the last four years the brand has also expanded its reach, and we have seen our sales grow by 316% since 2012**.” 

For more information on Rebel Yell and its product lineup, visit www.rebelyellbourbon.com/. Fans can sign up for the loyalty program at www.bandofrebels.com/.

*Source: NABCA 9L rolling 12 months vs last year through June 2016

**DIVER YTD Shipments 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Southern Sour                                                              Ruby & Rye

2 oz Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon               2 oz Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye

1 oz simple syrup                                                         1.5 oz ruby red grapefruit juice

Shake and garnish with a habanero pepper slice          0.25 oz raspberry puree

Shake over ice and garnish with a raspberry

About Luxco

A leading producer, supplier, importer, and bottler of beverage alcohol products, Luxco’s mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, Luxco remains locally owned and operated by the Lux family. Currently, Luxco is constructing its first bourbon distillery – Lux Row Distillers – bringing the Lux family’s legacy to the heart of Bourbon Country in Bardstown, Kentucky. Lux Row Distillers will be home to many of the company’s bourbon brands, such as Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, and Ezra Brooks. Luxco has also built a new distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – Destiladora González Luxco – where the company’s 100 percent agave tequilas, El Mayor and Exotico, will be produced. Luxco’s innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit http://www.luxco.com/.

Isle of Arran Distillery welcomes a record number of visitors

Award-winning Lochranza site hosts over 100,000 in 2016

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery visitor centre at Lochranza welcomed a record number of visitors last year. 104,000 people made the journey to find ‘the Arran Waters’ in 2016 – a 93% increase since 2012, and 18% increase on 2015.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “The visitor centre has always been core to the distillery. As the first distillery in over 150 years to operate on an island once scattered with illegal stills, we understand and celebrate our place in Arran’s whisky making history.

“These visitor numbers are a reflection of of success in translating this heritage into a world-class visitor experience.”

Lochranza recently reopened after a £1 million investment into rennovations to both the visitor centre and distillery including the replacement of two original stills and two additional stills.

The four brand new stills and a new spirit safe will support the production of 1.2 million litres of alcohol, up from a previous 750 litres.

In the visitor centre, a complete re-design of the reception area includes a modern water feature to replace the original waterfall and a new interactive wall display. The old spirit safe, which was removed during the upgrade of distillery equipment, is exhibited in the main entrance.

A new tasting bar accommodates larger groups of visitors and provides extra space for the increasingly popular tours. Lochranza was recently received an Award of Excellence from the Irish coach tour operator, CIE Tours based on customer feedback.

James MacTaggart, master distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “After our 21^st anniversary celebrations last year, it was important to us to look to the future.

“Our stills had served us well, though, with demand for our whisky constantly growing, we needed to increase capacity.

“The new stills and, crucially, spirit safe, will allow us to sustain production of our core range and give me the chance to create more of our much-loved limited edition bottlings.”

The distillery is also making a large investment in the south of the island with a new distillery site and visitor centre at Lagg. Total visitor numbers to both sites are expected to exceed 200,000 by 2020 once the new visitor centre in Lagg has been opened with an estimated combined turnover of over £2million.

MacTaggart added: “With the new distillery at Lagg, and continued investment at Lochranza, we intend to uphold the rich heritage of whisky making on Arran as we increase production of the Arran Malt.” ENDS  For more information, samples and images, please contact Megan King at Inside Media on megan@insidemedia.uk.com or 01179 066 526. Notes to editors: For more information visit 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.

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.

There Will Be Whiskies Galore! At The Electric This May

The Birmingham Whisky Club has teamed up with The Lost Distillery Company (TLDC) to present an exclusive ‘taste-along’ screening of the remake of ‘Whisky Galore!’ ahead of its official release.

Held at the UK’s oldest working cinema, The Electric, the evening will be one of the first public screenings of the film and will be brought to life by TLDC’s lost whisky legends.

The remake of the 1949 film, ‘Whisky Galore!’, is an adaptation of the book by Compton MacKenzie, and is inspired by the sinking of the cargo ship SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941. The film, which premiered at the 70^th Edinburgh International Film Festival last year, features a star-studded cast including Eddie Izzard, James Cosmo, Kevin Guthrie, Ellie Kendrick and Sean Biggerstaff amongst others.

Ewan Henderson, Global Brand Ambassador for TLDC, will enhance the screening with a tasting of three whiskies from the brand’s award-winning range, served at key points during the film. Offering a modern interpretation of Peter Dawson’s historic whisky, which sank with the SS Politician, the Towiemore expression will give the audience a unique insight into how the whisky in the film would have tasted.

As well as showing the film before it’s general UK release date on Friday 19th May, film fans will get a unique opportunity to get ‘behind the scenes’ as director of the film, Gillies MacKinnon, will be on hand to host an exclusive Q&A session at the end of the screening.

Scott Watson, Co-Founder of The Lost Distillery Company said: “We are really excited to be working with The Birmingham Whisky Club to provide unique drams that will truly enhance the Whisky Galore! Story.

“We’re obsessive about craft and uncompromising when it comes to whisky quality. Each resurrected brand is the subject of an in-depth research project to establish the original character of the long lost distilleries and pay homage to each whisky’s heritage.”

Amy Seton, Owner of The Birmingham Whisky Club said: “We are delighted to be working with Arrow Films and The Lost Distillery Company to bring the story of ‘Whisky Galore!’ alive by giving guests the chance to learn about (and taste) the drams behind the story.

“As ever, we’re looking forward to being back at The Electric Cinema, which will provide the perfect backdrop for this unique, preview ‘taste-along’ event.”

The exclusive screening and tasting will be held on Tuesday 16^th May 2017 at 7.30pm at The Electric Cinema, Birmingham. Tickets can be purchased here. Prices start at £19.50 and include a seat for the screening and the ‘taste-along’ experience.

TLDC’s ever-expanding collection features three ranges of blended malt Scotch whiskies from mature to very old – Classic, Archivist and Vintage. These include modern day interpretations of spirits from lost distilleries such as Auchnagie, Stratheden, Towiemore, Jericho, Gerston and Lossit.

The Birmingham Whisky Club runs ‘dram-actically’ different events with whisk(e)y from all around the world for whisky lovers old and new. The event will be the club’s fourth film-based whisky tasting event.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

ENDS For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or contact Amy Seton on 07966 266511 or email Vicky@birminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk. About The Birmingham Whisky Club The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky night’s, events with distilleries, whisky and food matching, and private and corporate events. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff. Visit our webpage www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

The Lost Distillery Company is owned by Crucial Drinks, a boutique drinks business based at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland specialising in world-class whisky and rum. Its award-winning portfolio of luxury spirit brands also includes Six Saints Rum and West Indies Rum and Cane Merchants.

More information on The Lost Distillery Company can be found at www.lost-distillery.com

More information on The Birmingham Whisky Club can be found at thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk

More information on The Electric can be found at www.theelectric.co.uk

MICHEL ROUX JR. AND THE BALVENIE REUNITE TO SPOTLIGHT THOSE KEEPING AGE-OLD BRITISH CRAFT ALIVE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

– The successful online series ‘The Balvenie Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is back to celebrate modern day artisans from urban bee keepers to experimental cheese makers –

APRIL 2017: Following the success of last year’s series, The Balvenie has launched the second installment of The Craftsmen’s Dinner, which tells the stories of four exceptionally skilled craftspeople through a series of short films, demonstrating that true craft is not about what you make, or where you make it, but how you make it.

This year, the online series, hosted once again by renowned Michelin starred chef, Michel Roux Jr., showcases the dedication to British craftsmanship by a group of specialists, each using traditional techniques to create their artisan products in the most unexpected of places, from a rooftop overlooking The Shard to a council estate in Tottenham.

The series follows urban cheese makers, Wildes Cheese; the family-owned car producer Morgan Motor Company, who embrace new technology whilst preserving tradition; artisan bakery Wooster’s, who restored the old family mill; and Bermondsey Street Bees, who champion food sustainability from a central London rooftop. The stories that emerge highlight the common values between the different craftspeople, Michel Roux Jr. and The Balvenie; who all share an intimate understanding of their trade and a desire to leave a mark through their produce, taking no shortcuts.

The series concludes with the four-course ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ at the Langham curated by Michel Roux Jr. with dishes that showcase the exciting collaborations with each of the craftspeople. The delicious independent menu features spit-roast veal loin with sweet breads glazed in Bermondsey Street Bees’ honey, Wildes Cheese’s Roland cheese with Balvenie soaked prunes and Wooster’s sourdough ice cream.

Michel Roux Jr. commented: “It’s been a pleasure to continue this partnership with The Balvenie, setting out once again to discover and learn from an immensely talented group of craftspeople, all united by the passion and dedication for what they do. This year I have been particularly inspired by how these experts go to great lengths, in this modern world, to preserve traditional craft methods, often in unexpected ways and places.”

Asmita Singh, The Balvenie Senior Brand Manager, added: “We are delighted to bring back The Craftsmen’s Dinner after the success of the first series. The Balvenie’s distinctive character as a whisky is created by the experience, skill and ambition of our own craftspeople and it has been a pleasure to work with Michel again to shine a light on individuals who approach their craft in the same way.”

Series Two of The Craftsmen’s Dinner is now live on https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner and features the following episodes:

• Michel Roux Jr. meets Morgan Motor Company
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Wooster’s Bakery
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Bermondsey Street Bees
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Wildes Cheese
• The Craftsmen’s Dinner at the Langham

#TheBalvenieCraft

Notes:

About The Balvenie:

        The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrates his 55th year at the distillery in 2017. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.

        The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts.

        The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

Website: https://uk.thebalvenie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBalvenie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalvenieUK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebalvenie/

About the craftsmen:

        Wildes Cheese is a small, award winning independent artisan cheese making company based on an industrial estate in Tottenham, North London. They are passionate about quality and provenance and have created their own line of cheese rather than reproducing other cheeses.

Website: https://wildescheese.co.uk/pages/welcome

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildescheese/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildescheese

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildescheese/

        Morgan Motor Company is a family-owned car producer who hand build British sports cars with a unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance. Every Morgan Motor is expertly craft using three core elements: ash, aluminum and leather; designed to work in harmony and deliver a higher quality vehicle.

Website: https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganmotor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/morganmotor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmotor/?hl=en

        Bermondsey Street Bees is built around Dale Gibson’s home rooftop apiary overlooking The Shard. His honey has become an iconic micro-brand, winning awards including Great Tastes ‘Best Small Artisan Producer’ and National Honey Show’s ‘Best Honey in London.’

Website: http://www.bermondseystreetbees.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BermondseyStreetBees/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BermondseyBees

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bstreetbees/

        Wooster’s is a small bakery in rural Suffolk owned and run by Will Wooster in his family mill. They specialise in handcrafted traditional and artisan bread and cakes including: sourdough, batch loaves, baguettes, ciabatta, brioche, buns, croissants.

Website: http://www.willywoosters.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woosters-1866300473595431

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bardwellbakery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woostersbakery/

SOCIETY SET TO UNVEIL KALEIDOSCOPE BAR IN LONDON

Whisky club’s new bar in the heart of the city will be open to all whisky fans

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is set to unveil a new bar in London when Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square opens it doors on Friday 2nd June.

Following the success of Kaleidoscope at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh, the new bar, which will be home to more than 200 of the Society’s exclusive single cask whiskies, will be open to all whisky fans, as well as Society members. The Society’s whiskies are presented in 12 unique flavour profiles, which have names such as such as Old & Dignified and Deep Rich & Dried Fruits.

Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square is situated underneath Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild in the heart of the City, two minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station. Housed in a traditional warehouse the bar will also offer an exclusive menu of whisky cocktails, specially created by mixologists Michael Cook and Jamie Meehan to showcase cocktails with a base of SMWS whisky, such as the Bloody Scotsman, Blood and Sand or a classic Old Fashioned.

It will also offering fine wines, Champagnes and draught beer from Edinburgh and a selection of bottled craft beers. The bar will have a range of light snacks featuring food from Mac & Wild, which is one of the Society’s network of ‘partner bars’.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society already has a members-only venue at 19 Greville Street in Farringdon, but this is its first bar in London that will be open to non-members as well as members.

“We’ve been catering to our members for 20 years at 19 Greville Street, and it will remain an exclusive members-only venue,” said Jan Damen, operations director UK from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

“With Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square we want to open up our amazing selection of bottlings to a new audience of whisky fans, so that they can discover this fascinating world of single cask, single malts.”

The Kaleidoscope Bar will open its doors for a one-off event for World Whisky Day, Saturday, 20 May, from 12-6pm with masterclasses available at 1pm and 3pm.

The official opening of the bar is on Friday, 2 June.

The venue is able to host private events for up to 100 people including tastings, dinner and tastings and receptions. The tastings will be hosted by one of the SMWS Ambassadors, who will enlighten guests about the Society’s single casks whiskies and its 12 flavour profiles. Food, from snacks to a full sit-down dinner, can be provided by Mac & Wild.

www.smws.com/kaleidoscope-london

@kaleidoscope-london

www.smws.com

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
  • Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122
  • Member at £61.50 – without gift box
  • Sample Subscription – free.
  • Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

• For more information about the Society, visit http://www.smws.com/

Sagamore Spirit Distillery grand opening ribbon cutting. From left to right: Bill McDermond, Co-Founder Sagamore Spirit, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, U.S. Rep for Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, Catherine Pugh, Baltimore City Mayor, Boyd Rutherford, Maryland Lt. Governor and Brian Treacy, President Sagamore Spirit

Solid Light and Sagamore Spirit Distillery Developers Create

a Love Story for Maryland

Baltimore — April 20, 2017 — Sagamore Spirit Distillery and Solid Light, a full-service firm that plans, designs and builds exhibits and visitor experiences, are leading a modern-day renaissance to restore Maryland’s forgotten heritage of crafting American whiskey. The new rye whiskey distillery opens on Friday, April 21 – complete with three tasting venues and a visitor center that makes guests part of the unforgettable stories of the people of Maryland’s past.

To bring Maryland’s whiskey history alive, Solid Light’s research team found historical documents and images, and spoke to historians to understand what distilling in Maryland looked and felt like in its prime – before Prohibition. This information became the foundation the team used to create interpretive graphics and interactive media elements, including a digital map of Maryland and Baltimore distilling throughout history. By blending the historical with the contemporary, the visitor experience tells the stories of Baltimore’s distilling pioneers in a way that resonates with today’s audiences.

Everything from the visual media components to the look and feel of the tables in the tasting venues were designed and created by Solid Light to virtually take visitors on the 22-mile journey from the spring waters at Sagamore Farm — trucked in daily to make Sagamore rye whiskey — to the distillery in Baltimore.

Beyond the exhibit design and build, Solid Light worked with Sagamore Spirit’s developers to bring the brand and visitor experience to life — taking the project from renderings to the fabrication and installation of each design element— while acting as a key driver for the many stakeholders, architects, and vendors to ensure a cohesive design and meaningful visitor experience.

“Sagamore Spirit is one of those milestone projects in a career,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “Everyone felt such passion and enthusiasm for this project, and the more stories we uncovered of Maryland’s history, the more our fascination grew. Helping to bring the Sagamore Spirit brand to life, driving and managing the project, and telling the stories of Baltimore’s distilling pioneers was exciting, challenging and fulfilling. This is spatial storytelling that visitors will remember long after they leave.”

“Sagamore Spirit commissioned Solid Light to design and create a unique and memorable experience at the distillery that would inspire all of our guests,” said Brian Treacy, President of Sagamore Spirit. “The team understood what we were trying to accomplish and helped us bring the Sagamore Spirit brand to life, as well as sharing Maryland’s rich distilling history.”

The result is a Sagamore Spirit love story for Maryland that inspires visitors to discover, return and be a part of the renaissance of Maryland whiskey.

To celebrate Baltimore’s rich tradition of glass artisans and craftsmen, Solid Light designed a custom bottle sculpture featuring real bottles from Maryland’s distilling and glass manufacturing past, demonstrating the history captured in every bottle of Sagamore Rye

About Solid Light

Solid Light designs and builds exhibits and visitor experiences that engage, enlighten, and inspire.  We are passionate champions of a client’s vision, bringing powerful stories to life through comprehensive, start-to-finish content, design, fabrication and installation services. www.solidlight-inc.com

anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces 2002 Vintage as the latest release within its portfolio 

Premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand anCnoc has added an exclusive 2002 vintage to its multi award-winning range of aged expressions.

The limited edition vintage joins the family of single malts crafted at the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire, and follows in the footsteps of the highly successful 2001 release last year.

With just 1200 cases available globally, including the UK, US, Canada, Sweden and Japan, this exceptional single malt will be available for £65 RRP 70cl.

Matured in hand selected Spanish and American oak casks and matured for over 14 years in traditional dunnage warehouses, the 2002 has been bottled in its most natural form, neither chill-filtered or coloured at 46% ABV.

This mature expression is bright amber in appearance and bursting with notes of spicy Christmas cake, liquorice and toffee, closely followed by a spiced vanilla aroma and the citrusy finish anCnoc is known for. To taste, there is the sweetness of chocolate perfectly contrasted with orange zest and a hint of leather, leaving drinkers with a long warming finish.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We’re really excited to release the 2002 vintage to anCnoc fans as it creates the perfect balance between the signature Knockdhu house style we’re so proud of whilst introducing new tastes into our portfolio. With the combined spicy notes and sweet flavours, we’re sure this spirit will satisfy even the most discerning whisky drinker looking to extend their collections.

Staying true to the signature anCnoc style, the 2002 vintage packaging mirrors the minimalist design of anCnoc’s core range and features the contemporary yet traditional illustration of the Knockdhu Distillery in crisp forest green.

The 2002 Vintage is available from 2^nd May at independent and specialist retailers, including Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malts at £65 RRP.

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.” The anCnoc 18 year old was also awarded the title of Best Highland Single Malt in the 13-20 year old category at the World Whisky Awards 2016.

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.