Wyoming Whiskey Pours into California

Kirby, WY (June 1, 2017) – America’s next great bourbon has landed on the West Coast. Wyoming Whiskey is now available in California through its boutique distributor, The Craft Spirits Cooperative. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, Outryder Straight American Whiskey, Private Stock Single Barrel Bourbon, and limited quantities of sherry-finished Double Cask are now available throughout the state.

“We tested the California waters in Los Angeles during a six month trial period.” Said co-founder David DeFazio. “During that time, the Cooperative proved that it is the right partner for our brand and we look forward to seeing them distribute our whiskies across the state.” Peter J. Scheufele, Director of The Craft Spirits Cooperative stated, “With our hybrid program, pairing brand building efforts with distribution, we are singularly focused on bringing exceptional products to remarkable accounts. Our salespeople practice an education-first selling style to let the unique stories and liquids produced by our suppliers shine, and the reaction to Wyoming Whiskey has been outstanding. We are excited to begin introducing these authentic products our accounts across the state.”

Wyoming Whiskey is a family-owned and operated craft distiller built on a simple (but not easy) concept: to create a traditional bourbon in an untraditional place. Using only Wyoming-sourced, non-GMO ingredients, and water from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the state where it is made. Wyoming Whiskey holds fast to its western heritage.

Californians can now experience these award-winning Wyoming spirits firsthand. National bourbon connoisseurs have testified that exceptional bourbon is being made on the Wyoming frontier. This year, Wyoming Whiskey’s limited release Barrel Strength Bourbon received a “Liquid Gold” award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The flagship Small Batch Bourbon received a score of 95 from WhiskyCast’s Mark Gillespie, stating it is “one of the best bourbons [he’s] ever tasted.” The Spirit Journal’s Paul Pacult also called Wyoming Whiskey “a whiskey distiller to watch” after sampling Small Batch and awarding it 4/5 stars.

The following Wyoming Whiskey offerings now available throughout California:

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch ($39.99 / 44% ABV / 88 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon is medium amber in color with a nose of sweet corn, molasses, and clove. It is medium-bodied with a palate of vanilla, caramel, charred oak, and a hint of citrus. The finish is mild with lingering caramel and toast, and is very smooth. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey Outryder ($54.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Launched in October 2016, Outryder Straight American Whiskey is Bottled in Bond and represents Wyoming Whiskey’s first use of rye, along with corn and malted barley, to craft a straight whiskey from two distinct mash bills. These two whiskies were laid down in November of 2011 at the behest of co-founder David DeFazio. The first mash bill contains 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and the second reflects a traditional bourbon mash bill of 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley. Outryder has an initial nose of creamy browned butter with cinnamon, clove and allspice, along with freshly baked, dark-rye bread. Hints of orange blossom honey are on the palate. A long, spicy rye finish is coupled with hints of buttery toffee. Age: 4 years and 10 months.

Wyoming Whiskey Private Stock ($49.99 – $54.99/ 92-112 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey retailers have the option to hand-select one-of-a-kind Wyoming Whiskey bourbon barrels. Head distiller Sam Mead and industry consultant Nancy Fraley will choose the initial barrel samples based on their unique, and varied, flavor profiles. Through the Private Stock Barrel Program, retailers can select from five different 100ml Wyoming Whiskey barrel samples. Accounts will select their barrel, and proof, and it will become uniquely theirs as indicated on the custom label. Depending on the barrel, and proof, a 34 – 38 case yield should be expected. Stores will have the unique option to pick the proof of their chosen bourbon between 92 – cask strength of approximately 112 proof. This gives retailers the ability to further customize their barrel selection to suit the desires of their customers. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years

Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask ($59.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask is the first sherry barrel-finished bourbon offered out of Wyoming. Pedro Ximenez barrels were chosen to compliment the flavor profile of specifically chosen barrels of fully-matured Wyoming Whiskey bourbon. Double Cask features dark, autumnal notes of dried apricot and fig, stewed prune, black currant and toasted nuts. There are hints of candied orange peel, vanilla butter cream, and molasses underneath. The finish is comprised of dark, dried fruit followed by warm, brown baking spices. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey product character highlights:

• All water used to produce WW award-winning bourbon comes from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer in Manderson, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s wheat, corn, barley, and rye have been grown within 100 miles of the distillery in Kirby, Byron, Thermopolis, and Riverton, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s barley is malted in Great Falls, Montana, the nearest malting facility.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s grains are milled on-site daily with a two-stage roller mill guaranteeing freshness.

• All fermentation and distillation occurs on-site through the use of four 2,500 gallon fermentation tanks and a continuous distillation system comprised of a 38’ tall and 18” wide column still and a 42” by 40” pot still.

• Wyoming Whiskey bourbon is bottled on-site. No product, other than their own, makes it into the bottle.

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About Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. Based in Kirby, Wyoming, the company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.

Isle of Arran Distillery toasts international drinks tourism award win

Isle of Arran Distillers has been recognised at the prestigious Drinks Business Awards for their success and investment in wine and spirits tourism.

An international award judged by the biggest drinks trade magazine in the world, the distillery beat off tough competition from wineries and distilleries to win the accolade for ‘Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’.

The judges praised the distillery’s success in enhancing the whisky tourism offering in Scotland, their role in the impressive boost in visitors to the island and for the substantial investment into Lochranza and the new distillery planned for Lagg.

James MacTaggart, master distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We are fiercely proud of our island home and of the welcome we offer to all those seeking ‘the Arran Waters’.

“The Distillery & Visitor Centre at Lochranza, our large network of worldwide distributors and our investment in the south of the island at Lagg, are all central to our business success. It is also core to our wish to introduce the world to the qualities of our malt whisky, and to the people and places involved in its production.

“Arran has a unique position in the history of Scotland’s most recognised product and this award is testament to our contribution to the bright future the industry has.”

Faye Waterlow, visitor centre manager, said: “Everyone is over-the-moon with this award.

“We are one of over 130 distilleries in Scotland, and certainly one of the most remote, but we are proud to offer visitors a very warm welcome complete with fascinating tours, good food and, of course, the finest spirit.

“We work continually all year round to distribute our whisky in countries all over the world and it is important for us to offer a first class welcome to all those who make the long journey to our home in Lochranza.

“Our whole company is dedicated to building on this recognition as we look towards the opening of the new centre at Lagg and an exciting new chapter of whisky-production on Arran.”

The visitor centre at Lochranza welcomed a record number of visitors last year. 104,000 people made the journey to the distillery in 2016 – a 93% increase since 2012, and 18% increase on 2015.

Currently the highest-rated attraction on the island on Trip Advisor, Lochranza recently reopened after the completion of £1 million worth of rennovations to both the visitor centre and distillery.

The Company currently distributes their Single Malt in 50 worldwide markets.

The business is also making a £10m investment in the south of the island with a new distillery site and visitor centre at Lagg. Focusing on peated single malts, the Lagg centre will overlook the southern fields and cliffs of the island offering a striking contrast to Lochranza in the mountainous north.

Visitors to Lagg are expected to exceed 62,400 in the first full year (60% of visitors to Lochranza in 2016) rising by 10% per year to 75,504 by 2020. It is projected that by 2020 the number of visitors to both sites will surpass 200,000, resulting in a combined turnover in excess of £2 million.

Notes:

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

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.

TALENT OF TOMORROW TO RECEIVE £5,000 CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FOR SECOND YEAR

Today, Chivas Brothers began the search for bright, enthusiastic and dedicated applicants for its popular bursary scheme in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET). The initiative, which launched to great acclaim for the first time last year, offers financial support to ambitious employees or their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations and take their talents to the next level, whether through further education or vocational training.

This sought-after bursary scheme sees Chivas Brothers team up with SIET, a body which provides talented men and women with grants to complete further education studies. The partnership provides employees and direct family members with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year over three years.

Last year, the bursary, which is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers, contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student studying at Cambridge University. Employees throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth are now being encouraged to apply and further their personal and professional goals.

Mia Forbes, one of the three recipients of last year’s bursary said: “The bursary has been invaluable, it has relieved the stress surrounding my financial situation at university and allowed me to be more focused on my education. People underestimate the cost of books and other resources, but without the bursary it would have been a struggle. Chivas Brothers helped me to pursue my dream degree, easing the pressure of financial costs, something I will always be thankful for.”

Adam Donnelly, who is studying to become an engineer in aeronautics said: “It’s safe to say, I don’t know what I would have done without the bursary. It enabled me to travel to college, something which was a high expense in my plans for further education. For anyone wanting to further their learning, I cannot urge you enough to apply, it’s an invaluable opportunity and the business’s support just eases that pressure of the financial demands.”

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers said: “When we launched the Chivas Brothers Bursary last year, we were overwhelmed by the response and the high calibre of those who applied for it. Last year’s recipients have really benefited from the funding provided and we can’t wait to see the aspirations of this year’s applicants. An entrepreneurial mind-set is something that we champion at Chivas Brothers and so to be able to support that with not only our employees but their families too, is something we are truly proud of as a business.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we are delighted to be working with Chivas Brothers again this year. The scheme shows the business’s dedication and commitment to its employees, opening up opportunities for them that might never have been possible otherwise.”

To apply, employees can visit the company’s digital hub for its staff where an application form will be available. Applicants will be required to showcase why they should be selected via three sections on personal details, education and work experience. Here there will also be a variety of information about the beneficiaries from 2016.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

About the Scottish International Education Trust The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie are Patrons of the Trusts and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Investing in Water for the Future of Whisky

 blog post by Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager 

In my past five years working at Chivas Brothers, I have been right at the centre of whisky production and have seen water resources become a more prevalent issue within the industry. A sustainable, good quality water supply is critical for safeguarding the production of Scotch whisky for the future and we cannot take water availability for granted. With the steady growth the industry is seeing, it’s even more important for us to invest in and support research to preserve this important ingredient.

Having assessed the flow levels expected in our catchments in future, there is a need to prepare for or mitigate against periods of low flows, which will occur where the frequency and duration of warm and dry spells increase or change, especially across rural uplands. Less is know about what will happen to water temperatures, as monitoring has been limited in the past but this could limit Scotch whisky production during warmer periods, as we rely on water of a consistent temperature.

Forearmed is forewarned and through our partnership with the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, we will be looking for the most effective techniques to help combat the impact of climate change on distillery water resources. This is not only important for us as a business but can also be passed on as best practice and used by other distillers.

 As we need help to develop and test novel solutions we have been looking at opportunities to support further research, which is why we are enabling a PhD student to embark on a four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship. During the project they will develop an understanding of our water needs for process and cooling, as a part of our environmental sustainability team. Their field research will take place at The Glenlivet distillery, which has two water gathering areas, allowing for comparison research to take place. Much of their work will centre around identifying and testing the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. This will include identifying the best locations to use these techniques as this may vary depending on the type of soil, ground cover and land gradient.  The scale at which these measures are needed to have a suitable effect will also be assessed, using computer models of the area.

Our ambition is that this research will provide a solid foundation for further development in the future, and will take us – and the wider industry – one step closer to securing sustainable water resources in the long term. We hope that we will set the example for others within the industry and will be working collaboratively to ensure we protect an ingredient that plays such a vital role in the development of quality Scotch whisky.

You can read more about our PhD support here

Glen Scotia 25-year-old sets sail 

Independent Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has added a 25-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

The single malt, which is dominated by maritime influences, was launched at the Campbeltown Whisky Festival on Wednesday 24 May.

Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia distillery is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, which is one of Scotland’s five recognised regions of Scotch whisky production. The Argyll town was known as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World” when there were over 30 distilleries operating on the Kintyre Peninsula.

Michael Henry, who is Master Blender for Loch Lomond Group, owners of Glen Scotia, explained the unique flavour of this complex single malt.

He said: “I created the 25 year old with the history of Campbeltown in mind. For many years, trade has come through this port town bringing fruits and spices from all over the world on its salty sea breezes. I wanted the liquid to reflect this.

“The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. On the palate, it boasts tangy orange and juicy red apples mixed with a caramel sweetness. Its finish is a long lingering taste of sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.”

The 25-year-old is bottled at 48.8% ABV and is non-chill filtered for increased depth of character and flavour. The liquid was matured in the finest American oak barrels, before each cask being hand selected by Michael Henry and then married in first fill bourbon casks for a final 12 months before bottling.

Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia distillery manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of our newly released 25 year old malt and we’re confident that everyone who gives it a try is going to love it too. In recent years, our single malts have won some major industry awards and I can see our 25 year old challenging the current leaders for a few more titles.

“While our 25 year old maintains the unique character associated with Glen Scotia single malts, its gentle maturation in American oak and then finished in first fill bourbon casks delivers an intense depth and a nose that will have drinkers almost feeling the Atlantic breeze blowing in over the Campbeltown coast.”

The 25 year old won praise from renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean, who conducted a tasting of the new malt at its launch.

He said: “I’m very impressed by Glen Scotia’s new 25 year old. Even on the nose you can detect the age.

“It has all the characteristics that you’d expect from Glen Scotia but with a roundness to it. It is very nice indeed.”

The single malt will be stocked in all good whisky shops from June and will retail at £250 for 70cl bottles. The emblematic Glen Scotia bottle is presented in an oak case engraved with the Campbeltown coordinates.

Glen Scotia was recently named the Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Glen Scotia 25 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky tasting notes

• Nose – Bracing Atlantic breeze gives strong maritime influence.
• Palate – Red apple and tangy orange peel with vanilla syrup and caramel sweetness.
• Finish – Long lingering sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger. 

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

Glen Scotia variants

• Glen Scotia Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia 15 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia 25 year old

Glen Scotia stockists

Glen Scotia will be available to purchase in June from all good specialists and online retailers including:

• Robbie’s Drams (www.robbieswhiskymerchants.com)
• Royal Mile Whiskies (www.royalmilewhiskies.com)
• The Whisky Shop (www.whiskyshop.com)
• Master of Malt (www.masterofmalt.com)

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Treat your Dad to a special dram this Father’s Day

Whether your dad enjoys the classic peaty malt or prefers the gingery, vanilla notes of a fruity and spicy dram, Benromach has something to offer everyone this Father’s Day.

Based in the market town of Forres in Speyside, Benromach has a range of expressions that will suit all tastes, from sweet and fruity to heavily peated. It’s available across price points to suit every budget. At Benromach, we handcraft our single malt Scotch whisky and make it slowly, the time-honoured way. Using the finest natural ingredients, our distillers orchestrate every second of the distillation process; there are no short cuts to perfection. Every cask is hand-filled, hand-weighed and hand-stamped before maturing for many years in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

A bottle of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is sure to put a smile on your dad’s face this Father’s Day.

For the traditional whisky fan   

Matured in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and first fill sherry casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is an impeccable dram. It exemplifies the classic pre-1960s Speyside single malt character, with notes of rich sherry, delicate spice, green apples and a touch of light peat smoke. It is the perfect malt for those dads who appreciate the sweet notes of a traditional Speyside whisky. RRP £34.25.

For the whisky connoisseur 

A full bodied and complex dram, Benromach 100° Proof will be a welcome Father’s Day surprise for whisky loving dads across the globe. Intense sherry notes lead on the nose, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla aromas that give way to delicious toasted malt with an underlying menthol edge. Flavours of cracked black pepper and juicy fresh strawberries and raspberries lead on the palate, before creamy notes of milk chocolate emerge. With a long, rich finish of lingering, subtle smokiness and bonfire embers, it is a sumptuous dram. RRP £48.25.

For spice lovers  

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue. RRP £50.25.

For the father with a sweet tooth

The world’s first wholly certified organic single malt Scotch whisky, Benromach Organic is a beautifully balanced malt matured in virgin American oak casks. A delightfully sweet and malty dram with vanilla, toffee and banana influences on the nose. Savour the taste of creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours followed by a dark chocolate edge with a smooth long finish. Organic from start to finish, this rich, fruity and spicy whisky is the finest choice to serve your father after dinner this Father’s Day. RRP £36.99. 

For the Dad who loves seriously smoky whiskies 

The seriously smoky taste of Benromach Peat Smoke is a unique gift for fans of peated whisky. Sweet vanilla, honey and cured meat aromas combine with hints of apricot and lemon and a subtle tobacco note, followed by the rich flavours of cracked pepper and the lingering edge of bonfire embers. RRP £36.99

For the extra special treat this Father’s Day

If your dad really appreciates a special dram, or maybe he is celebrating a big milestone this year, he will be sure to appreciate Benromach 35 Years Old, a satisfying, complex malt with beautiful golden amber hues. The nose offers rich sherry influences with orange marmalade, kiwi and grapefruit aromas, complemented by gorgeous cinnamon spice. The flavour opens up with water to a fabulous combination of white pepper followed by dried tobacco, dewy stewed pair, raisin and zesty orange peel flavours, all heightened by a delicate edge of charred oak. A mature, contemporary whisky. RRP £425.

For further information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available alongside stockist information, please visit www.benromach.com.  

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

Smooth Ambler

Long time residents of the Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia, both TAG Galyean and John Little knew that they wanted to make something, something that would leave a mark on Greenbrier County and the folks that call it home, something to be proud of.  That’s when TAG came across the TIME article featuring the re-emergence of craft distilling in the United States. With a sly comment of, ‘we should do this, in your garage…I’m serious’, began the journey of Smooth Ambler Spirits.

SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT AMERICAN WHISKEY

This Whiskey from Smooth Ambler is a blend of two whiskeys. One in fresh american oak casks and one in a re-charred cask.  Sweet and spicy, this release is not one to miss and sits at a generous 49.5%

BUY NOW

Smooth Ambler Wheated Bourbon

This is the first wheated release to come from the distillery’s own stocks. This release from Smooth Ambler is made from a wheated mashbill.   Rich in caramel and with a slight spice, this whiskey has a delightful whiff of orange peel and tobacco.

BUY NOW

SAZERAC’S Tennessee Distillery burning for Whiskey Production 

            Newport, TN (2017) Some distillers take pride in being hands on in their whiskey production, but Master Distiller John Lunn and Distiller Allisa Henley took that to a whole new level in late March when they unloaded four ricks of sugar maple wood from the trailer hitched to the back of John’s pick-up truck and began burning it in his backyard.

            Burning maple creates the charcoal for the Lincoln County process, essential for making authentic Tennessee whiskey, something Lunn and Henley are anxious to do now that they have joined the Sazerac family.  Late last year, Sazerac purchased the distillery in Newport Tennessee, and although the distillery has yet to have a formal new name, Lunn and Henley are not letting that stop them from making authentic Tennessee whiskey.

            “We know it’s going to take many years for this whiskey to age up, so we were anxious to get started on production as soon as possible,” stated Henley. And what a start! The wood was sourced from a sawmill in Tennessee and each rick contains pieces of maple approximately two inches by two inches and stacked in a specific way to let air flow through for a more consistent burn. Lunn and Henley took extra care in burning this charcoal and plan to be involved very closely in each step of the production process to ensure the highest quality Tennessee whiskey is produced.

            “We believe we can produce a better charcoal ourselves rather than buying it from a third party,” said Henley. “It is a very controlled process. We don’t want it to burn too long, but not too short either.”  To be classified a Tennessee whiskey the whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal. The charcoal mellowing process will influence the whiskey making for a unique finish that distinguishes it from bourbon.

            Lunn and Henley will continue to burn more wood themselves as it is needed for the future, but for now, the next step is whiskey production. “The grains are in, the charcoal is ready, the barrels are here and we’re gearing up to start distilling in our pot stills, so stay tuned for more updates,” added Henley.

            The Tennessee whiskey, like the distillery, does not have a brand name yet, but announcements will be forthcoming as new developments are made.  To see the video of John and Allisa’s hands on maple charcoal burn, click here

About the Sazerac Company

         Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com

The Milk & Honey Distillery – Israel’s first whisky distillery is proud to launch:

Israel’s first single malt whisky!

The wait for the first single malt whisky in Israel is over. Gearing up for World Whisky Day, that was marked on May 20, Milk & Honey bottled the first cask in its experimental series, an integral component of the formulation of the final product, now in production at the distillery. On May 20 – World Whisky Day, the first Israeli whisky was launched, and the initial sales of the distillery’s first 391 bottles of single malt whisky will go on sale later in June. 

Milk & Honey – Israel’s first whisky distillery is chalking up another achievement, with the announcement of the hotly anticipated sale of Israel’s first single malt whisky. On World Whisky Day, which marked on May 20 2017, the whisky will be launched and towards mid-June a sales event with 391 bottles from the first cask of the distillery’s “Experimental Series” will be held at Milk & Honey Distillery and at selected stores throughout the country.

Israel’s first single malt whisky by The Milk & Honey Distillery is the first whisky to be produced and bottled in Israel after being aged in cask for minimum three years. It therefore complies with the definition of whisky in Scotland and most countries around the globe. It is the harbinger of what is yet to come – special Israeli whisky that is well mature, thanks to the warm Israeli climate.

The distillation of this historical whisky began at the distillery’s early stages – even before it was established at its current location in south Tel Aviv, before the current industrial equipment was purchased, and before the successful crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo. The barrel was distilled in January 2014 in a warehouse in the Northern Sharon region , by Head Distiller Tomer Goren, together with internationally renowned master distiller, the late Dr. Jim Swan, as part of his role as consultant to the distillery at the time.

The liquid was aged for 31 months in a 225-liter virgin American oak cask and then for another seven months in an ex-bourbon cask matured at the distillery’s cask room in Tel Aviv.

The first bottles of Israeli single malt whisky will go on sale to the public in June, distributed by Hacarem at select stores nationwide. Sales of the first bottles in the special edition (numbers 1-100) will begin on July 7, 2017 for 10 days through a special international online auction.

About the distillery

The Milk & Honey Distillery is Israel’s first whisky distillery. It produces high-quality distillates and is working on Israeli single malt whisky that will be sold commercially. The first edition, the founders’ edition, was sold entirely through a successful crowd funding campaign and is currently aging in barrels. It will be launched in 2019. All of the raw materials, equipment, barrels and processes were selected to ensure that the final product – white distillates or aged whisky – meets the strictest and most uncompromising standards of quality and flavor, without any shortcuts on the lengthy journey until the whisky is rolled out: training and consulting by the late Jim Swan – world-renowned master distiller, who specialized in maturation in warm climates; equipment that was custom designed and ordered; fastidiously selected barrels, and selection of the finest raw materials available.

The Milk & Honey Distillery

16 HaThiya St., Tel Aviv, +972 (0) 363 20491

mh@mh-distillery.com www.mh-distillery.com

DORNOCH CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS DRINKS AWARDS!

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars celebrates its 1st Birthday with a National Award! As we approach our first full year of trading, we were extremely pleased to be nominated by the public for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards. As the only finalists North of Inverness in our category, we were even more pleased to be named as winners in our regional category of North of Scotland! We were, however, thoroughly surprised and delighted, not only to win that but to take the top award for best independent off license in Scotland.

This adds to a stellar year for Dornoch, as the world famous Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar next door to the Carnegie Courthouse took top awards for Whisky Bar of the year at the SLTN awards and pub of the year in Caithness and Sutherland in the CAMRA awards, they are also the number one ranked Whisky Hotel in the World on whiskybase.com. The town itself was the only Scottish finalist in the Great British High Street awards in the Rising Star category. Adding to this, the Thompson Brothers whose family owns the Dornoch Castle Hotel started production at the new Dornoch Distillery – housed in the towns old 1881 Fire House – on the 30th November and they recently launched their first ten experimental batches.

As a very small but dedicated and enthusiastic team we are grateful for the amazing support our customers have shown over the past year. It was this support from our local and international customers, including our local MP, Dr Paul Monaghan that took us to the top. You can see what some of our customers are saying on TripAdvisor or Facebook.

This last year, in our bid to become a centre of excellence for Scotch whisky we have seen our disused Courthouse building in the heart of historic Dornoch, transformed into the stylish and vibrant community asset it is today, housing several local independent businesses including our Whisky Cellars, you can see our shop for yourself with our new Google virtual tour.

Whisky tastings in our elegant tasting vault have proved extremely popular and we have, over the year, developed a great customer base among locals and visitors alike. We have whisky and gin club monthly meetings, and once again the local support has been amazing.

Ultra-special bottlings have appeared, (and disappeared again very quickly!) in the form of the 400 years of Golf at Royal Dornoch bottling created by Glenmorangie, our own Wolfburn Dornoch Whisky Festival bottling (which proved a winning collectable) and a single cask Caol ila bottling exclusive to us, a stunningly good expression which met with great approval by all those lucky enough to taste it! Our second exclusive single cask bottling will be with us in July – watch this space…

Last year was the second year for the Dornoch Whisky Festival which included tastings by Charlie Maclean and the Thompson Brothers. We also had tours at all of our local distilleries including Brora and Teaninich. This year’s festival will take place during the last weekend of October. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for more event details.

So, this year we’ll celebrate our 1st birthday with our Courthouse colleagues, and give our hearty thanks to all our customers, whose fantastic support has made us award winners! For those yet to sample the delights of our extensive selection of malt whiskies, Scottish gins, collectable whiskies and more, we extend a warm welcome and look forward to seeing all our customers old and new in the coming months – Sláinte

You can contact our team directly on 01862 811791 or email us at whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk