On your marks, get set, go – scramble expected as exclusive tickets for Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival go on sale 

Tickets for the 2017 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will go on sale next week – and organisers expect a scramble for a handful of exclusive tickets that will allow visitors to enter the doors of distilleries which have never before opened to the public.

It is anticipated that tickets for tours of Speyburn, Knockdu and Balmenach distilleries – all taking part in the Festival for the very first time – will sell out within a matter of hours when the event website opens for business on February 7.

In previous years, whisky connoisseurs from the UK and overseas have jumped at the chance to step inside distilleries which are only open during the Festival and tick another visit off their ‘bucket list’.

Speyside is the most prolific whisky producing region in Scotland. With more than 50 distilleries to its name – including world leading brands like The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Cardhu, Glenfiddich and The Macallan – it is home to more than half of all Scotland’s distilleries.

Speyburn, Knockdu and Balmenach will be joined by a range of other venues which have previously featured in the Festival line-up but do not host visitors at any other time of the year.

Other distilleries which are only opening to the public during the Festival from April 26 to May 1 include Tamnavulin, Speyside, Dalmunach, Tormore, Glenallachie, Glen Keith and Longmorn. Boormalt Maltings at Buckie will also be inviting festival goers inside: it took part last year and its tours were among the first events to sell out.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival manager Pery Zakeri says she expects many hot tickets to disappear within hours of going on sale on Tuesday.

She adds, “If you are a real whisky enthusiast then you will understand and appreciate just how special it is to be able to access these distilleries, and it is why tickets for these events sell out so quickly.

“It is almost like belonging to a small and exclusive club because so few people can say that they have stepped across the threshold. For those who are truly passionate about Speyside whisky, being able to say they have visited somewhere only a handful of other people have been is like wearing a badge of honour.

“There are many distilleries in the region with facilities that allow visitors to turn up at any time and take a tour, but only during the Festival can people get inside virtually all our 50-plus local distilleries.

“Our ability to get venues that do not usually host visitors to run exclusive tours over the five days of the Festival is what makes the difference between our event and other festivals. We have been running for almost 20 years and connoisseurs – as well as those who are just getting a taste for Scotch whisky – know that this is where they need to come if they want an authentic whisky experience.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to plan their visit and draw up a hit list of events they want to attend today (Thursday, February 2) when the programme for the Festival is revealed at www.spiritofspeyside.com

Tickets will go on sale a few days later at 12 noon on February 7. The time has been selected so that people across different time zones have an equal chance to get their hands on the most popular tickets.

However, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival offers more than just distillery tours that will appeal to die-hard whisky fans. The programme has been designed to appeal for everyone from connoisseurs to those with a curious interest in Speyside whisky – and it’s possible to visit without touching a drop of the region’s most famous export.

During the five-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to go take part in whisky tastings and nosings, learn how to match the amber nectar with food, enjoy Scottish traditional and contemporary music, take tours of whisky country on foot, by road, by rail and even by canoe, and enjoy fun activities like glass blowing and whisky tumbler carving.

Festival chairman James Campbell says, “For years Speyside has been a bit of a hidden gem, but we now welcome visitors from all over the world and a huge number travel to the event from outside Scotland.

“We’ve previously welcomed visitors from Australia, North America, South America, Africa and Asia as well as Europe and we are standing by to see yet another increase in international guests when the tickets go on sale on Tuesday.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, says, “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a fantastic event, attracting people from all over the world. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just discovering the delights of Scotland’s national drink, the Festival offers everyone an exciting and innovative programme of events to enjoy.

“EventScotland is delighted to again be supporting the Festival, which is the perfect stage for celebrating whisky and the cultural heritage of Speyside.”

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises over 500 events, taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.

More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com and tickets are also available to buy on the website. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17

Tickets for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – celebrating Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region and home to a host of internationally renowned brands – will go live at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 7.

Notes

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from Festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Event Scotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

EventScotland  

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. 

EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

Wyoming Whiskey Releases Double Cask Sherry-Finished Bourbon 

Kirby, WY (Jan. 31, 2017) – Wyoming Whiskey is releasing a limited edition, sherry-finished bourbon this month. Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask is the first barrel-finished product from the Wyoming-based distiller. Pedro Ximenez barrels were chosen to compliment the flavor profile of specifically chosen barrels of five-year-old Wyoming Whiskey bourbon.

Wyoming Whiskey Head Distiller, Sam Mead, developed the creation with the tasting input of industry specialist and master blender, Nancy Fraley.

Fraley gave the Double Cask excellent marks. According to Fraley, the Sherry-Finished Bourbon 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.

“While traditional bourbon continues to be our focus, it is important to show that a variety of great whiskies can be made in Wyoming,” said Co-Founder, David DeFazio. “Both our recent Outryder Straight American Whiskey and Double Cask Sherry-Finished Bourbon are outstanding. We decided to finish our five year-old bourbon in Pedro Ximenez barrels because they complement our base spirit perfectly. We may experiment with other finishes in the future, but we’re really pleased with Double Cask’s flavor profile.”

A limited release of 110 cases of Double Cask will be available for purchase in Wyoming, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Texas and California. Double Cask retails for $59.99 per 750 ml bottle. The first state to receive this unique whiskey will be Wyoming.

Wyoming Whiskey is holding fast to their western heritage, producing whiskey the right way, not the easy way: from the ground up. Using all regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the place it was made.

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.

NBA AND JACK DANIEL’S ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP 

— Jack Daniel’s Becomes Official Spirit Brand of the NBA — 

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2017 – Jack Daniel’s and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a new multiyear partnership making Jack Daniel’s an official marketing partner of the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NBA Development League (D-League), and USA Basketball.  This marks the largest partnership with a professional sports league in the brand’s history.

Jack Daniel’s will tip off the partnership during NBA All-Star 2017 in New Orleans with Jack Daniel’s House No. 7 – its hospitality and experiential event, which will be open for two nights bringing local fans and NBA guests together for musical performances, guest rooms with unique programming, eclectic eats inspired by southern cuisine, and basketball-themed activities.  Jack Daniel’s will also serve as a partner of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

“We are proud to partner with Jack Daniel’s, an iconic brand with a rich history and a reputation for unique and innovative marketing,” said Emilio Collins, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships.  “Our new partnership creates a wealth of opportunities for us to connect with new and longtime fans and celebrate our game.”

“We are thrilled to be entering into this partnership and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with the NBA for years to come,” said John Higgins, VP Jack Daniel’s Brand Director for North America.  “The NBA is a perfect fit for Jack Daniel’s as we both share the same values of integrity, loyalty and community.  We couldn’t be more excited for our fans and consumers who love the great sport of basketball.”

Jack Daniel’s, which celebrated its 150^th anniversary in 2016, will host a variety of events, media and hospitality programs throughout the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League and USA Basketball.  Jack Daniel’s will also develop NBA-themed programs at retail stores and create custom marketing and advertising campaigns.

Jack Daniel’s is currently a partner of five NBA teams: Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, L.A. Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs.

Jack Daniel’s, the first registered distillery in the United States, is based in the quiet town of Lynchburg, TN where every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is produced.  

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League.  The league has established a major international presence with games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 49 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on 6 continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2016-17 season featured a record 113 international players from 41 countries and territories.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com and the NBA App, which achieved record viewership and traffic during the 2015-16 season.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 1.3 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

Best Canadian whisky of 2017

VICTORIA, B.C., Jan. 23, 2017 /CNW/ – As the popularity of Canadian rye whisky continues its meteoric rise worldwide, the best of the best for 2017 has been crowned. Masterson’s 10 Year Old Rye has been named the Canadian Whisky of the Year. Such is the judgment of the seventh annual Canadian Whisky Awards held this weekend in Victoria, B.C., where distillers, blenders and fans alike came together to celebrate and raise a glass to the passion and craftsmanship of Canadian rye whisky.

Chairman of the judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, described the winner, “as that rare combination of balance, complexity and robust flavour that exemplifies the best traditions of rye whisky. It is at once spicy, muscular, with an ever-so elegant nose and palate. It is this combination that has spurred the unprecedented interest and demand for Canadian whisky. Indeed, when the rye whisky renaissance took off in the US five years ago, it was Canadian distillers who supplied much of the whisky, and of these, Masterson’s is one of the best.”

As the country’s preeminent Canadian whisky competition, the independent and blind judging panel, served up some surprise honours to relative newcomers like Toronto’s Stalk & Barrel Rye and Twelve Barrels from Ottawa, which took home top spot as the Domestic Value Whisky of the Year. Long-established brands like Crown Royal, Gooderham & Worts, and Forty Creek were also well represented, taking home numerous distinctions for their continued innovation and well-established commitment to quality.

If this year’s record setting submissions are any indication, Canadian whisky fans the world over have an extremely exciting 2017 to look forward to.

The list of all the winners is now available at http://www.canadianwhisky.org

Note to editors: About the Canadian Whisky Awards The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

RELATED LINKS www.canadianwhisky.org

GLENMORANGIE BACALTA – LATEST RELEASE IN PRIVATE EDITION RANGE

Glenmorangie is proud to announce the eighth annual release in its Private Edition range. Scots Gaelic for ‘baked’, Bacalta is the first Glenmorangie expression finished entirely in sun-baked Malmsey Madeira casks.

The inspiration for this limited edition first began more than 20 years ago, with the release of Glenmorangie Madeira Finish, the world’s first whisky extra-matured in Madeira casks. For Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, the memory of that expression lingered on. Determined to realise his vision of the perfect Madeira-finished Glenmorangie, he drew on the expertise gained from the Distillery’s years of pioneering work in cask management.

First, Dr Bill arranged for bespoke American oak casks to be created and heavily toasted. The casks were then seasoned to his exacting specifications by Malmsey wine – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines –  and baked to maturity within as the casks lay in the heat of Madeira’s sun. Emptied, shipped to Scotland and filled with specially selected spirit – already matured in ex-bourbon barrels – the Malmsey casks lend complex layers of sweetness to Glenmorangie Bacalta.

Dr Bill said; “For years I had longed to create the best Madeira-finished whisky possible. Realising that ambition took time and dedication, as every step of extra-maturation was tailored exactly to our specifications – rather like haute couture. Connoisseurs will recognise the radiating warmth of our bespoke sun-baked casks in Glenmorangie Bacalta’s aromas of ripe apricots, white chocolate and mineral notes.  There are complex tastes of mint toffee, baked fruits, honeycomb, almonds and dates, mingling with marzipan, white pepper and melon – and a rich, syrupy finish.  Glenmorangie Bacalta is a burst of sunshine in a glass.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, and non-chill filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Bacalta will be available from specialist whisky shops worldwide priced at £79. 

http://www.glenmorangie.com/

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Bacalta is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour: Light gold.

Nose: Fragrant, honeyed and sweet.  Some ripe apricots, mead-like, and a curious minerally/flinty note, followed by some sweet white chocolate.  A little water brings out a classic ‘rancio’/aged Balsamic tone, with a suggestion of baked bread, malty/biscuit notes, meadow flowers and some peach crumble.

Taste: An initial burst of mint toffee, with baked fruits such as caramelised oranges and apricots, lots of honeycomb, almonds and dates… Milk chocolate, marzipan, white pepper and ripe, juicy honeydew melon.

Finish: A rich, syrupy aftertaste, with more caramelised citrus and pears, some creamy fudge, but always an intriguing mentholic/eucalyptus sensation in the background.

The Glenmorangie Private Edition:

Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award-winning range which provides an annual opportunity for whisky connoisseurs and aficionados to experience a rare and intriguing single malt.  Glenmorangie Bacalta is the eighth release in this range.  Previous releases include Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (IWSC 2010 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Finealta (IWSC 2012 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Artein (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Ealanta (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal and World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014); Glenmorangie Companta (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2014); Glenmorangie Tùsail (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2015); and Glenmorangie Milsean (ISC 2016 Gold Medal). 

Extra-maturation:

Glenmorangie has long been renowned for its expertise in cask management.  In 1987, the Distillery pioneered a process called extra-maturation, now widely used in the industry.  Extra-matured whisky is first matured in ex-bourbon casks, then is transferred into ex-wine casks where it spends additional time gaining further layers of flavour.

In the case of Glenmorangie Bacalta:

• Casks were created specifically for the extra-maturation. Made from tight-grained, air-seasoned American oak staves, the casks were heavily toasted to ensure the finest flavours would emerge;
• They were filled with specifically sourced Malmsey Madeira on the island and baked by the heat of the sun for two years, to season them to Dr Bill’s exacting specifications;
• The casks were then emptied, transported to Scotland, and filled with specially selected Glenmorangie whisky, already matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to create Glenmorangie Bacalta.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

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.

whisky legend tempted out of retirement by role at new islay distillery 

Industry icon Jim McEwan appointed Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery 18 months after retiring

World-renowned whisky distiller Jim McEwan has been appointed Production Director of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay – 18 months after he retired.

The Islay-born whisky industry icon, who has 53 years’ experience under his belt, has been hired by Hunter Laing & Co, the family-run Glasgow whisky company behind Ardnahoe, the first distillery to be built on Islay for more than a decade.

Ardnahoe is being built on the north-east coast of Islay and will become the ninth distillery on the island. It expects to start distilling whisky in early 2018.

As Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery, McEwan is playing a pivotal role at the distillery for the Laing family – father Stewart and sons Andrew and Scott. From shaping its design and installing his preferred pieces of distilling equipment, to fine-tuning the production processes and selecting casks, he will influence every step of the whisky-making journey at Ardnahoe.

The distillery, which will include a visitor centre café, shop and tasting room, will produce traditional peated Islay single malt.

McEwan will also work on a number of other as-yet-secret creative projects that are sure to make waves across the spirits world.

Prodigious career

McEwan retired from the whisky industry in July 2015 after a prodigious career that began in 1963, and later saw his name become synonymous with both Islay and the Scotch whisky industry.

In his last role, he was Master Distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery for 15 years where he produced a series of innovative whiskies, including notably Octomore, the world’s most heavily-peated whisky, as well as revered Islay gin, The Botanist.

Prior to that, he spent 38 years in a variety of roles at Bowmore, the distillery he first joined as a 15-year-old apprentice cooper in 1963. During his career there, he worked in every aspect of the distillery, from warehousing and cellar master, to trainee blender, distillery manager and Global Brand Ambassador.

During his brief retirement, McEwan turned his hand once again to gin distilling, spending time in the Australian rainforests sourcing botanicals to help Cape Byron Distillery launch Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin.

“One of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world” 

Reflecting on his choice to come out of retirement to work at Ardnahoe distillery, McEwan said: “I had intended to ride off into the sunset, but I’ve known Stewart for many years and have always been impressed with Hunter Laing whisky. When the call came in, it really excited me.

“Then when I visited the distillery site with the Laing family, it absolutely blew me away. It’s an incredible spot up on a hill overlooking the Sound of Islay out to Mull in the north and across to Jura – it has to be one of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world.

“It felt as though the stars were aligning; the amazing location, my history with Islay, my relationship with the Laing family, their passion for the project, the calibre of architect Iain Hepburn, plus my chance to get involved with the design of the distillery for the first time in my career, all made it feel like it was ‘meant to happen’.”

Andrew Laing, Director of Hunter Laing & Co, said: “It’s hard to think of anyone better qualified than Jim McEwan to develop the character of the newest Islay malt whisky. Jim has lived and breathed Islay whisky his whole life and is bringing all of his passion and knowledge to Ardnahoe Distillery. The three of us are hugely impressed with the whiskies he’s produced in the past and can sleep easy knowing that he is in ultimate charge of whisky-making at Ardnahoe”.

Hunter Laing & Co have also revealed that they will be taking part in Feis Ile, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt, which runs from the 26^th May to 3^rd June. The exact details remain under wraps for now, but they will be hosting tastings of Islay casks from the Hunter Laing stocks that have been hand selected by McEwan.

Notes

Hunter Laing 

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent bottler and blender based in Glasgow run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £1.4m on a turnover of £6.4m for its last full year of trading (end 30 April 2015).
  

INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS WITH OLIVER CHILTON

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY
7.30-9PM

Independent bottlers are the alternative music scene of the whisky world – away from the mainstream and exploring the fringes of the whiskies distilleries are producing. Join us for an evening of exploration, learning some of the history of the biggest bottlers and trying whiskies from across Scotland, including the sold-out Laphroaig 1996 Masterpiece, a huge hit at The Whisky Show 2016.

Gordon & MacPhail Tormore 1996

Signatory Blair Athol 1988

Douglas Laing Glenrothes 2004

Caol Ila 2009 Carn Mor

Sovereign Cambus 1988

Glenburgie 1998 Single Malts of Scotland

Laphroaig 1996 Masterpiece

Our host is Oliver Chilton from Speciality Drinks Ltd, The Whisky Exchange’s sister company and bottler of the Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malts of Scotland ranges. Having worked in whisky for his entire adult life, he’s not only an expert on indie bottlers, but now runs one himself.

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY
7.30-9PM

£40 PER TICKET

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK NOW »

VENUE

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE SHOP
@ COVENT GARDEN
2 BEDFORD STREET
LONDON WC2E 9HH

DIAGEO TO LAUNCH PREMIUM BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY ROE & CO

PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR EXCITING INVESTMENT IN WHISKEY DISTILLERY AT ST. JAMES’S GATE

Irish Whiskey is the fastest growing spirit in the world with global sales increasing by over 300%

31^st January 2017: Diageo is to launch a new premium Blended Irish Whiskey, Roe & Co, the company announced today. The move by Diageo into the premium Irish Whiskey category comes as the company announced plans for investment in a whiskey distillery in the once Power Station at St. James’s Gate. The total project investment comes to €25 million (£18.6 million) over three years.

As seen in other spirit categories in recent years, Diageo identified a clear opportunity in Irish Whiskey to drive overall category growth via premiumisation. Responding to this, Roe & Co was born. The brand has been created to reflect modern, contemporary luxury, in everything from pack to liquid, and with a focus of making Irish Whiskey more prominent in Europe’s booming cocktail culture. Roe & Co is made from the finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies and aged in bourbon casks. It has the signature smoothness of Irish Whiskey with remarkable depth of flavor – a luxuriously smooth blend, with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies.

Roe & Co is named in honour of George Roe, the once world-famous whiskey maker who helped build the golden era of Irish Whiskey in the 19^th century. His distillery, George Roe and Co extended over 17 acres on Thomas Street in Dublin and was once Ireland’s largest distillery. As neighbours for hundreds of years George Roe and Co and Guinness were the two biggest names at the heart of Dublin’s historic brewing and distilling quarter. Diageo will now build on this rich heritage with the creation of a new distillery by converting the historic former Guinness Power House on Thomas Street. The new St. James’s Gate distillery, will be situated just a stone’s throw away from where the George Roe and Co distillery once stood and subject to planning approval will begin production in the first half of 2019.

Using her 30 years of experience, Diageo’s Master Blender Caroline Martin and her team set about meticulously sourcing and selecting stocks of the very finest Irish whiskies.  Having trialed over 100 prototype blends since December 2014, Caroline has created an extraordinary expression of Irish Whiskey. The high proportion of first-fill casks gives notes of creamy vanilla balanced with its hints of fruit and soft spice and a remarkable depth for such an elegant and refined whiskey. Roe & Co is non-chill filtered and bottled at 45% ABV. The first blend of Roe & Co will be available in key European cities from 1st March 2017 as part of Diageo’s growing Reserve portfolio.

Speaking about the launch Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD said: “Irish Whiskey is experiencing a renaissance and is truly an Irish success story.  It is seeing a return to the success it experienced in its golden era in the 19th Century and is now the fastest growing spirit drink in the world with global sales increasing by over 300% and record exports of over €400 million* in the last ten years. This commitment and investment by Diageo comes at an opportune time for the sector which is experiencing unprecedented global demand. €25 million investment in this project over 3 years will support the local economy, create jobs, and bring a welcome new addition to the City’s tourism offering. The Irish Whiskey market has a great story to tell and today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter in its development”.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovations, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said, “It is great to see Diageo continue to invest in and further enhance the historical Dublin 8 area to create a fantastic attraction for tourists and locals alike. The proposed distillery will play a major role in the overall regeneration of the Liberties through the repurposing of the St James’ Gate Power House.

“Irish produced whiskey has never been as popular, garnering international acclaim and recognition. Diageo’s decision to move into the premium Irish whiskey category and its plans to invest in a new distillery will further enhance Ireland’s reputation as one of the finest premium whiskey producers in the world”.

Commenting on the launch, Tanya Clarke, General Manager of Reserve Europe said: “This is a wonderful project for us at Diageo, highlighting the opportunity we see to develop the premium segment of Irish Whiskey and contribute to the category’s growth as it sees new investment and entrepreneurial interest.  In crafting Roe & Co we explored the demands of today’s consumers for more premium drinking experiences and the desire of bartenders for an adaptable, flavourful whiskey that works in both traditional and new cocktails.” 

Colin O’Brien Operations Director of Diageo said: “The planned distillery will provide employment in the coming years – both at construction and operation stages. It will complement what is already the country’s most popular tourism offering, The Guinness Storehouse. This investment further demonstrates Diageo’s commitment to the growing vibrancy of The Liberties, one of the City’s most dynamic districts and the home of Irish Whiskey during the original golden age of Irish distilling. We are excited that the planned distillery will help revive the proud tradition of distilling in the Liberties.”

NOTES

Roe & Co is made from finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies, aged in bourbon casks. Using her 30 years of experience, Master Blender Caroline Martin has created a versatile, premium whiskey. Roe & Co is a luxuriously smooth blend with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies. The high proportion of first-fill casks gives notes of creamy vanilla balanced with its hints of fruit and soft spice and a remarkable depth for such an elegant and refined whiskey.

Roe & Co is non-chill filtered and bottled at a higher than usual ABV of 45%. Perfect in a cocktail, with a mixer or on its own Roe & Co will initially be available in the hottest bars around Europe.

*Irish Whiskey Association December 2016

In 2015 food and drink exports reached €10.9 billion, marking continued year on year growth. Irish Whiskey experienced double digit growth and record exports of €400 million. Global sales of Irish Whiskey have increased by over 300% in the last ten years and have been growing by double-digits since the mid-1990s.

TASTING NOTESOn the nose Roe & Co is creamy, delightfully fragrant and remarkably rounded with notes of soft spice and mellow spun sugar along with warm hints of woody vanilla. The quality and perfect balance of the blend is immediately apparent on the palate through its velvety texture

and sweet flavours including spiced pears and vanilla. The finish is lingering and gentle, ending with a light creaminess. The sweet pear notes readily apparent in Roe & Co are a wonderfully apt tribute to the once-great Dublin whisky distillery of George Roe & Co. Among the remnants of George Roe’s distillery are its old windmill tower, known as St. Patrick’s, and a magnificent pear tree dating from 1850. 

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

2017 Hidden Spirits Bottlings available from March 

We are proud to announce the first two 2017 Hidden Spirits Whisky Bottlings. 

Ben Nevis 13yo Heavily Peated & Glentauchers 20yo Highproof.

In January 2004, Ben Nevis Distillery produced malt spirit from a load of heavily peated malted barley. This was the first time that peated malt had been used to produce whisky at Ben Nevis Distillery in many long year. Our cask, namely Cask ref. BN417, is one from the initial filling of only 83 hogsheads and was filled with spirit produced entirely from the heavily peated malt.

After 20yo of silent sleeping we decided to get bottling a surprising Glentauchers whisky version… full of fruity note, tropical tones… we love it. Available from the end of February 2017.

“FROM DREAM TO DRAM”

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY WELCOMES NEW VISITOR CENTRE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Kingsbarns Distillery is delighted to welcome Scott Robertson into the position of Visitor Centre Development Manager.

Scott joined his local Distillery at the end of last year and is enjoying the getting to know his new team and making plans for the coming months. Scott has previously worked at Blair Castle and Atholl Estates, VisitScotland and the Fairmont Hotel, so is well placed to take on this exciting role.

William Wemyss, Managing Director at Kingsbarns Distillery: “We are delighted to welcome Scott to the Visitor Centre team. We have been open for just over two years and I am sure that we will benefit from Scott’s hospitality and tourism experience for the new season and beyond.”

The first Single Malt from Kingsbarns Distillery will be exclusively available to members of its Founders’ Club in mid 2018, with a more widely available release expected to follow later in 2018.

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/

Twitter: @KingsbarnsDist           Facebook: Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre

Notes to Editors:

• Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014 and has been subsequently been awarded a 4 star visitor attraction award by VisitScotland.
• While the Kingsbarns spirit is maturing, Kingsbarns has also launched the Founders’ Club. Membership benefits include a Welcome Pack and the first ever bottling of Kingsbarns Single Malt expected in mid 2018. A further 4 exclusive bottlings will follow.
• Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was formerly head brewer at a craft brewery near Glasgow.
• The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The Wemyss family also own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whiskies comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are avilable for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.