Day 2 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Singlemalting Whisky Blog # 135 – 3rd edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Day 2 – Wemyss Barrista’s Dram Craigellachie

Off to the wonderful and magical land of Wemyss Malts. I might have said this before in fact I definitely have but I love the creativity that Wemyss bring to their single cask range with an awesome descriptive title that gives everyone an idea of what they might expect from each unique bottling.

There has certainly been a lot of attention on the US of late and its actually a bit of relief that there are other events of note that are getting media attention now. I wanted to throw in a tiny 2 cent info piece to get some feedback from the calendar community if I may. Wemyss Malts are colourful and creative when it comes to their naming of casks. When you as a consumer see the title of today’s whisky “Barrista’s Dram do you think of possible coffee notes or do you think that this might be a flavoured whisky that includes a coffee infusion?

I ask because I know that there can be confusion about flavours found in whisky. The label approval process in the US makes it very clear that any descriptive term on the label should not lead the consumer to believe that there is something held within the whisky that there is not. We found this specifically challenging when trying to register whiskies like Kumquat Cluster and Aromatic Orange Tobacco from the second edition calendar. Makes it tough for companies like Wemyss and Compass Box. The label clearly states that this is Craigellachie Single Malt Whisky so I ask you, should that be good enough to clear things up or should labelling be more protective? Just thought I would stir the pot a little on this second day of December. I am fairly transparent in my blogging so I’m sure you already know where I stand on this issue.

So onto the whisky – Wemyss Malts Barrista’s Dram Craigellachie 13 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. Bottled from a refill Sherry Butt numbered 900083 – region Speyside and bottled at the usual Wemyss strength of 46% ABV.

Craigellachie is a distillery that I really enjoy and has made several appearances in past editions. It is also a town in Scotland that has an awesome couple of whisky bars that I was lucky enough to frequent earlier this year on my first trip to Speyside. The Highlander at the Craigellachie Hotel was awesome and you can catch my blog on the trip here……

The Distillery was planned and building commenced in 1891 with whisky production starting in 1898. Owned by Bacardi and used for their Dewars Blended whiskies. Craigellachie is a workhorse distillery that is not a picturesque tourist attraction like so many other gorgeous Scottish Distilleries. It does however produce some delicious whisky and also has a proprietary label in the market. It is from independent bottlers though that I have found this distillery really shines.

Colour:     Just a hint of a blush to give you a wink and a nod that this was indeed aged in a sherry butt. Without that slight tinge it could easily be mistaken for an American oak aged whisky as it is honeyed amber beyond that tiny flush of pink.

Nose:     Ahhh there it is and unmistakable – Sweet sherry and bitter chocolate mocha with a deep dark almost tar like note. As spock would say “fascinating”. I could go along with Wemyss on this as the mocha could easily be dark roast slightly bitter coffee grounds.

Palate:   Crema, that tiny but tasty top layer on only the best double espresso’s is right there rolling into those softer sherry notes that spike some sweetness into the mix.

Finish:     Dry and lingering with some crusty orange peel and I get that earthy bag of spent coffee grounds that you would spread on the garden as part of that drying effect.

Really interesting dram and probably the most unusual Craigellachie I have ever had. I love it.

So those that are coming along to the Edmonton launch party tonight you can leave your bottle of Barrista’s Dram at home because you will be toasting in the Advent season with day 1 (albeit a day late).

Last year on day 2 we had the amazing Portsoy Sauterne from Malt Whisky Company (another Stuart Nickerson special). This whisky turned out to be one of the most sought after bottles of the second edition. You can read all about it here.

Would love to get some feedback on your thoughts about labelling. Get ready for tomorrow as we head to somewhere way up North and I mean WAY for a really cool whisky put together by our friend Stuart Nickerson of the Malt Whisky Company and Shetland Island Distillery.

If you like this whisky email me for retail options.

See you tomorrow

Cheers

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/

TOAST THE FESTIVITIES WITH A FAMOUS WINTER COCKTAIL

The Famous Grouse has created a selection of serves for the festive season. Whether you are looking for a delicious winter warmer or unique cocktail recipe for your Christmas and New Year celebrations, there is a perfect serve to fit the occasion.

The Famous Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

50ml The Famous Grouse

A squeeze of Lemon juice

1 teaspoon runny honey

1 spiced tea bag such as apple and cinnamon

Hot water

Lemon zest to garnish

Method:

Add the spiced teabag and pour in the hot water to the hot toddy glass. Then add The Famous Grouse,honey, and lemon juice and stir. Remove the teabag and finish with a sliver of lemon zest.

Contains two units of alcohol.

Crimson Crush

Ingredients:

• 35ml The Famous Grouse

• 2 barspoons Bols Raspberry Liqueur

• 2 barspoons Premium Damson Liqueur

• 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 barspoons runny honey

• 6 fresh raspberries

• Ginger beer

Method:

Add all of the ingredients except the ginger beer into a cocktail shaker and muddle together using a muddling tool. Fill shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 12 seconds. Strain into a pre prepared glass, top with the ginger beer, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves and a slice of lemon, and serve.

Contains two units of alcohol

Smoked Orchard

Ingredients:

50ml of The Famous Grouse Smoky Black

1 wedge of fresh lime

Half cranberry juice

Half pressed apple juice

Method:

Fill a tall glass with ice, squeeze in a generous wedge of lime and drop it into the glass. Add The Famous Grouse Smoky Black and fill the rest of the glass half with cranberry and half with apple juice. Stir and serve with a garnish of raspberries and lime.

Contains two units of alcohol

Ae Fond Kiss

Ingredients:

50ml The Famous Grouse

12.5ml elderflower cordial

1 fresh lime wedge

Pressed apple juice and lemonade

Method:

Fill a tall glass with cubed ice, squeeze a wedge of lime and drop it into the glass. Add The Famous Grouse, elderflower, apple juice and top with lemonade, stir and serve.

Contains two units of alcohol

Notes

About Maxxium UK

Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK. The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse. Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington. Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka(Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock).

Day 1 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Singlemalting Whisky Blog #134 – 3rd edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar December 1 – Secret Spirits 18 Year Old Speyside 

Welcome again to another rollicking 25 days of whisky whisky whisky. What a ride it has been this year to get to this day. If you are not attending our launch party tonight in Calgary then hopefully you will be tomorrow in Edmonton. If not then put it in your calendar for next year because toasting in the Advent season with the first whisky in the calendar is a lot of fun with a roomful of SWAC (Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar) community friends.

It is a real treat for us this year to be able to offer up the first ever whisky selected and bottled by Secret Spirits. We are not looking to turn ourselves into a full time independent bottler but rather just throw our hat into the ring a little as we go on this journey. I feel extremely humbled that we are amongst great companies like A.D. Rattray, Wemyss, Malt Whisky Co. Samaroli and Single Cask Nation that have all been a part of making it all happen in previous editions. This time around we are even adding a few more amazing companies that we will get to meet in the coming weeks.

So without further ado lets look at Whisky No. 1 for the 3rd edition SWAC. Our first stop is the Speyside region which as you are probably aware accounts for the vast majority of Scottish distilleries and as such normally makes up a good portion of the SWAC offerings every edition.

Secret Spirits Speyside 18 Year Old undisclosed Single Malt Whisky – 58.1% cask strength. No colouring, no chill filtration, refill Bourbon cask # 3299 – Region Speyside

Coming from or near the town of Rothes there are a few distilleries that could be potential candidates for this one lets check out the nose and the taste and you can make up your own minds because I have been sworn to secrecy. A quick look online will reveal the small number of distilleries to choose from so get googling. Time to grab that NEAT glass and get stuck into the fun part. We decided to go with this unusual glass to further the cool collection of unique whisky glasses that we have started and because I was really impressed with how open this glass is and yet how much the nosing is enhanced without being overpowering. This will be going into my next series of whisky glass comparison blogs coming in 2017.

Colour:     Firstly it is light in colour more like a rich Chardonnay than an 18 year old whisky. This is no doubt definitely due to this being a refill cask that is probably on its third time around the block aging delicious whisky just for you.

Nose:     Peaches and Cream on a pavlova base. No wonder I liked this whisky. Flavors from my childhood. Cindy got Creme Brulee which is her absolute favourite dessert so when we looked up from the wee sample bottle on a wild and wet day in Scotland and gazed deeply into each others eyes we knew straight away that this was going to be our first Secret Spirits whisky.

Palate:     Very slightly sweet and creamy palate here bursting out all over with notes of honeysuckle and French vanilla.

Finish:     58.1 leaves a little lingering tingle to let you know its up there but does not take away from the whisky. The finish takes on an earthier note with a hint of aromatic bitters that I like a lot and actually has me craving another sip to load up the sweetness again. Dying hints of watermelon salad with just a touch of mint.

This is one unique whisky with a lot of interesting layers. So fun to find this our first time out looking to bottle our own selection. I didn’t play with water but I’m sure it would be interesting to give it a little splash.

Anyone like to take a guess at the distillery in question here? We of course could have and will in the future bottle whiskies with the distillery name on the label but those that have read some of my blogs in the past will know that sourcing an “undisclosed” cask can be really fun and invariably less expensive than it would otherwise be. Besides Secret Spirits just had to release a Secret Whisky its first time out right.

So thankyou for joining in either on your first journey through our Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar or for coming along again. For those that want to reminisce over the Day 1 whisky last year you can look at my blog here and think about that lovely sherried Tomintoul from A.D. Rattray. Please head on over to Whiskylassie.com to read Johanne’s take on our Speyside 18 along with all the whiskies from the 3rd edition.

If you like this whisky and want a full bottle you can email me for a list of retailers that carry it.

Tomorrow we will be tasting something from those fun people at Wemyss Malts that love to tell you all about the whisky in the title.

Heres to the next 24 days and by the way my calendar is number 736 what’s yours?

Cheers

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/

CHRISTMAS WHISKY CONCIERGE SERVICE LAUNCHED TO HELP SHOPPERS FIND THE PERFECT PRESENT 

Experts at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will help make finding the right whisky easy and fun

Christmas shoppers searching for a whisky to buy can now get expert advice thanks to The Christmas Whisky Concierge, a new service launched by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (www.smws.com/).

The Society is inviting shoppers searching for whisky to sign up and join a Christmas Whisky Concierge session at its Kaleidoscope Bar.

The weekly group sessions, which start on Tuesday 22 November, will be hosted by a Society Whisky Concierge, who will help make the often-tricky job of choosing a whisky to buy as a present easy and fun.

The Whisky Concierge will guide shoppers through the different flavours of whisky available, and give them the opportunity to sample some whiskies from the Society’s range of 12 different flavour profiles. The Society has released 60 new single cask whiskies for Christmas, which are now on sale.

For those who can’t visit one of the sessions at Kaleidoscope, the Society has also posted an ‘Ultimate Christmas whisky gift guide’ article on its website at www.smws.com/gift-guide

The Society’s online shop at www.SMWS.com/whisky also offers a live chat ‘Whisky Concierge’ service.

Jan Damen, Operations Director at the Society, said: “Whisky is top of many people’s Christmas wish-lists but with so many styles of whisky now available, we know that choosing the right one can be complicated.

“At the Society, we bottle whisky from different distilleries around Scotland and the world every year and we focus on the flavours of whisky. This makes it easier to understand and more fun for people who are often daunted by traditional regional classifications and distillery brand names.” 

To reserve a place at a Christmas Whisky Concierge session, visit www.SMWS.com/christmas-whisky-concierge 

The Christmas Whisky Concierge sessions, Kaleidoscope Bar, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX.

£15, 22 November, then every Tuesday and Wednesday 6-7pm, and every Saturday and Sunday 3-4pm, until Thursday 29 December 

@SMWSUK

#whiskyconcierge

Notes:  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club which bottles rare single cask whisky, and a range of other spirits

• The Society releases a new batch of around 20 single cask single malt whiskies every month
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history.
• The Society offers 3 levels of membership

1. Membership Pioneer with gift box containing 3 samples, £122
2. Member at £61.50 – without gift box
3. Sample Subscription – free.

For more details, visit www.smws.com/society-membership

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar – In Stores Now! 

The only Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar in the world. Independently bottled and selected just for our calendar. Designed to take you on a journey through the regions and styles that make Scotch the most sought after whisky in the world.

The vast majority of the scotches in this calendar have never been seen before and not be seen again. They are single barrel bottlings exclusive to our calendar and you.

Now releasing our 3rd edition of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Secret Spirits has been forging a new category in the world of spirits that encompasses the three tenants that make up the foundation of their releases. Explore, Experience, Entertain.

Boasting a unique tasting glass each edition, a collector’s lapel pin, tasting booklet with background on all the independent bottler’s and room for your own notes the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar is truly unique.

The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar contains 25 x 50ml bottles that are filled by Secret Spirits direct from the cask or occasionally decanted from rare single cask bottling’s from years past.

Utilizing world class independent bottlers like A.D. Rattray, Wemyss Malts, Samaroli, Malt Whisky Company, Adelphi, Single Cask Nation, Ainneamh, and now our own Secret Spirits selections.

Limited to only 2000 calendars plus the gorgeous Collector’s Editions with solid rosewood and brass fittings of which only 100 are made.

Available for order throughout Canada the UK and EU in 2016 and the US in 2017.

Go to www.scotchwhiskyadvent.com 

Video: CTV Calgary Morning Show LIVE

www.secretspirits.com

THE FAMOUS GROUSE BRINGS BACK THE BIRD THIS CHRISTMAS 

There’s already a sense of Christmas in the air but it will all become very real on Monday when The Famous Grouse is back on our screens with a brand new advert.

For over 20 years the famous bird has graced our TV screens, heralding the start of the festive season, and this year sees the brand’s icon return but in his natural habitat, in the Highlands of Scotland.

The UK’s No.1 whisky has created two new TV adverts communicating ‘perfectly balanced’ and ‘smooth’ – two key characteristics of The Famous Grouse – underpinning the quality of the nation’s favourite whisky.

The ‘Perfectly Balanced’ advert will air for the first time on 17 October on various channels and VOD with the second advert set to air in November.

“Our fans tell us they know Christmas is coming when they see our icon on TV” explained Johna Penman, Marketing Controller for The Famous Grouse. “This year he is back and can now be seen enjoying life in his natural habitat, whilst retaining his playful sense of humour.”  

Notes

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka (Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock).

Rabbit Hole Distilling Announces First Release of Bourbon and Rye Whiskey

The craft producer is releasing three whiskeys throughout Kentucky and Illinois

Louisville, Kentucky – October 20, 2016

Rabbit Hole Distilling announced today that their inaugural release is now available at restaurants and retail outlets throughout Kentucky and Illinois. The product line includes their signature Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and a Straight Bourbon Finished in PX Sherry Casks.

Some consumers have already had an opportunity to sample the bourbon, which took home top honors at the Bourbon Mixer in August, being named “Fan Favorite” by the Whisky Chicks and Bourbon Brotherhood. The Beverage Tasting Institute recently awarded medals to each of the whiskeys, including a Gold Medal going to the Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

CEO and Founder Kaveh Zamanian, along with his wife Heather Bass, began Rabbit Hole in 2012 to pursue his vision to craft unique spirits, with a focus on Bourbon, America’s native spirit. “For us, Bourbon is more than just a drink. It is a symbol of individualism, self-sufficiency and living life to the fullest. I started Rabbit Hole with a singular mission to make exceptional spirits.”

The outfit recently celebrated the groundbreaking at the site of their distillery in NuLu with Mayor Greg Fischer and Colleen Thomas, Bourbon Ambassador for the Kentucky Distillers Association, as guests of honor. The distillery, located at 711 E. Jefferson Street in Louisville, is slated to open Fall 2017. Approximately $12.5 million is going into the project, which will house a distillery operation producing 20,000 barrels per year. It will also include multiple tasting rooms, a restaurant, gift shop, as well as a 160+ person event space. Tours will be offered daily.

Rabbit Hole Distilling chose NuLu as the site for their distillery in order to be a part of what Zamanian calls “the Southern vibrancy of Downtown Louisville.” Award- winning architect Doug Pierson (http://www.podand.com), well known for designing Louisville’s Green Building, conceived this project as a way to join Market Street to Jefferson Street by way of a public walkway and civic gathering space.

The distillery operation will be overseen by Master Distiller Cameron Talley, a veteran of Wild Turkey and Brown Forman. Other collaborators in the project include Larry Ebersold, former master distiller at Seagram’s and Pernod-Ricard, Dave Scheurich formerly at Brown-Forman, and Randy Allender from Jim Beam.

Other planned releases include a London Dry Gin Finished in Rye Barrels and a High Rye Bourbon.

Distribution in Kentucky is through Republic National Distributing Company (www.rndc-usa.com/) while Illinois distribution is being operated by Heritage Wine Cellars (www.heritagewinecellars.com/).

For more information, visit their website www.rabbitholedistilling.com/.

Ballantine’s toasts 21 Year Old American Oak

A Signature Taste Worth Waiting For
Ballantine’s toasts 21 Year Old American Oak, available now

Ballantine’s, Europe’s No. 1 Scotch whisky and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world, raises a dram to the highly anticipated second edition of its Signature Oak range, Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak, now available exclusively at Duty Free stores.

Following the success of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old European Oak unveiled in 2015, the limited release is an exceptionally smooth prestigious whisky that celebrates the flavours brought forward while aging in wooden casks and is ideal for the discerning traveller looking for a unique gift to bring home.

The distinct and creamy whisky displays the sweet vanilla characteristic of American Oak cask influence and pays homage to Ballantine’s founding father and visionary, George Ballantine, who recognised the importance of the cask in the development of rare, complex whiskies.

The qualities of American Oak casks are similarly prized by true creators like the Ballantine’s Master Blenders for their creamy vanilla and toffee keynotes, which are revealed to perfection in the Signature American Oak edition of the original Ballantine’s 21 Year Old blend.

 “Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak, with its mellowness and depth of flavour, is the ultimate expression of American Oak cask influence,” said Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender.

 “Drawing the best from Ballantine’s prestige whisky reserves, we use only rare and exquisite whiskies and nose each cask to ensure a balance between wood and whisky that results in a distinguished blend.”

Travellers are encouraged to discover the story of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak for themselves at a special installation in South Korea’s Incheon and Jeju International Airports, running throughout November and December.

The installation heroes the role of an American Oak, reflecting its 21 rings to show growth over time through an interactive tasting table. By passing a glass across the rings, travellers can discover the unique tasting notes of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak and immerse themselves in a film that follows the growth of an American Oak tree alongside the maturation of whisky.

Whisky aficionados can also explore an interactive new website – www.echoesofwood.com/ – to create a personalised film clip showcasing their life’s key events through the lens of the American Oak, pulling photos and videos from Facebook. The website also links to redeemable vouchers for Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak tastings at the airport activation stations.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak is available exclusively in duty free stores globally, at a RRP of USD $140 in Asia. For more information visit www.echoesofwood.com.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak: Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vibrant fruity notes of ripe peach, creamy crème brûlée and sweet oaky vanilla
• Taste: Indulgent chocolate orange flavours, and vanilla fudge with a warming ginger spice
• Finish: Smooth and honey sweet

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.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 world’s No.1 single malt whisky; 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

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader 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 80 “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.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Wolfburn Wins Gold!

Wolfburn whisky has won a top award in its first ever competition. Entered into the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, Wolfburn’s “Northland” expression won the coveted Gold Award in the category “Single Malt Scotch Whisky – No Age Statement.”

“The whole Wolfburn team is absolutely delighted,” enthuses Shane Fraser, distillery manager. “Right from the launch of our inaugural release back in February people have been loving our whisky – and now we’ve won our first award. It’s a very special day for everyone at the distillery.”

The IWSC judging panel is made up of master distillers from around the world and, as might be expected of such a prestigious award, competition is fierce, with dozens of entries in all categories. Winning the award means that Wolfburn’s Northland bottles will now be adorned with a gold medal on the shoulder – something that buyers everywhere recognise as a mark of quality.

“Wolfburn has always been about quality,” says Shane. “We maintain the highest standards in everything we do, with the simple aim of making the best possible single malt whisky. Winning the gold award means we must be getting it right!”

Wolfburn’s Northland expression is made via a long and gentle production process, which creates a sweet, smooth spirit. This is matured in top-quality ex-bourbon quarter casks, which impart a mellow flavour to the spirit, making a wonderfully easy-drinking and enjoyable whisky. “I’ve enjoyed it from the very first dram,” says Shane, “and I’m incredibly pleased that it’s already gaining worldwide recognition.”

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s first expressions were launched globally in 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

Randy Strand Named North Central Division Manager for Heaven Hill Brands

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands is pleased to announce that Randy Strand has been named North Central Division Manager. In this role, Strand will manage Region and Area Managers, as well as wholesaler execution of our business strategies for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. He will report to Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. This newly created position comes amidst a reconfiguration of Heaven Hill sales staff to address new opportunities out of the Southern-Glazer’s Wine & Spirits merger and other spirits industry changes.

An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Strand came to Heaven Hill in 2013 as Indiana Regional Manager. Previously he was Regional Manager for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. He has also worked in similar positions with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Schieffelin & Sommerset.

“Randy has an extensive background in our industry and we are excited to have him continue to lead our growing sales team,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales.

Strand is a graduate of Michigan State University. He resides in Carmel, IN.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com/) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”