Shelter Point Distillery releases premiere Single Malt Whisky

Oyster River, BC – Shelter Point Distillery has confirmed that it will release its premiere single malt whisky on May 13, 2016. Aged on-site for over five years in white oak barrels at Shelter Point’s oceanfront distillery, the Shelter Point Single Malt Whisky will be the distillery’s second spirit, and the first major release of a Vancouver Island made single malt whisky. Grown, fermented, and pot distilled in traditional Scottish copper pot stills, the Shelter Point Single Malt Whisky was produced from field to flask entirely in BC.

The inaugural batch of Shelter Point Single Malt Whisky will launch as a limited release at 12pm on May 13, 2016, at the Shelter Point Distillery storefront. The Shelter Point Single Malt Whisky will then be delivered to independently owned liquor stores across Vancouver Island and the Vancouver mainland over the following weeks. A restored 1929 Ford will be on display at some locations, including Shelter Point Distillery, at launch.

“Trucks like these were the original rum-runners, smuggling from Canada into the US during the prohibition,” says Shelter Point owner Patrick Evans. “There’s something about Canadian heritage that just makes us want to share, and we want to share our whisky with the world.” 

About Shelter Point Farm and Distillery

Located along the banks and delta of the Oyster River (halfway between the Comox Valley and Campbell River) on northern Vancouver Island, Shelter Point Farm and Distillery sits on rich bottomland facing a long expanse of the Strait of Georgia. Ample moisture and fresh water is collected and filtered by the surrounding mountains and rich rain forests, fed by pure Pacific Ocean winds making landfall after a 10,000-mile journey. The moderating effect of the ocean and sea level location allows for extended growing seasons, and bountiful and varied crops. Shelter Point farm is one of the few remaining original ‘oceanfront’ farms on the west coast of Canada.

Shelter Point Distillery is privately owned and funded.

Kensington Wine Market
Donates $3000
Red Cross Fort McMurray Relief Fund

The Kensington Wine Market is pleased to donate $3000 to the Red Cross Fort McMurray Relief Fund. The monies for our donation were generated from the ticket sales for our annual Spring Wine Festival held this evening. Calgarians are no stranger to the devastation wrought by the forces of Mother Nature. The 2013 Calgary flood displaced so many of our family, friends and customers and while the Wine Market did not suffer any flood damage, our business was closed for several days as the city’s first responders struggled to get us back up and running. Fort McMurray has suffered terrible losses, both commercial and personal, and at a time when our province is already under tremendous stress. It is for this reason we are reaching out to our northern neighbours.

We want to thank all our customers for their patronage and for helping us make this contribution the Red Cross Relief Fund possible. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 24th birthday!

STORE HOURS

10:00 to 8:00 Monday to Wednesday
10:00 to 9:00 Thursday and Friday
10:00 to 8:00 Saturday
12:00 to 6:00 Sunday

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

MASTER DISTILLER KEN PIERCE TO RETIRE FROM 1792 DISTILLERY  

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 4, 2016) – After more than 30 years in the beverage industry, Master Distiller Ken Pierce is retiring from Barton 1792 Distillery.

Pierce’s early days in the distilled spirits industry started with Barton Brands of Georgia (now defunct) where he was Plant Chemist and later Quality Control Manager. After six years, the company transferred him to Bardstown, Ky. to its distillery now known as Barton 1792 Distillery. Pierce started his work in Bardstown as Senior Chemist; a short time later was named Chief Chemist, then Director of Distillation before being named Master Distiller.

During Pierce’s time with the company, he had the opportunity to train under three previous Master Distillers. He was also able to lend his expertise to many industry-wide projects, including the George Washington Distillery project, as part of a group that used historically accurate equipment to distill rye whiskey at Mount Vernon Plantation in Virginia. The distillate was aged and sold at auctions to raise funds to rebuild the distillery.

At Barton 1792 Distillery, Pierce was involved in all aspects of bourbon production, from the evaluation of incoming grain to the selection of mature whiskey. He was instrumental in the development of 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and in the recent line extensions.

Pierce’s retirement is effective May 13, 2016.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

On the island of Hven located in the strait of Öresund between Denmark and Sweden lies the Spirit of Hven distillery. Founded in 2008, this family owned distillery became the third pot still distillery ever to be built in Sweden and is one of the world’s smallest commercial pot distilleries.

Although Hven only covers an area of 3 square miles and has a population of around 350 inhabitants, from this remarkable island comes some of the highest quality handcrafted spirits produced – a true testament to the skill and expertise of Master Distiller Henric Molin.

Described as “Taste & Scent with Sustainability”, Spirit of Hven produces a diverse range of oak matured distillates including Organic Vodka, Gin, Aquavit and Summer Spirit. However, it doesn’t just stop there; with the heart and soul of the distillery being the production of world acclaimed single malt whiskies. In fact, their single malt whisky was Sweden’s first ever island whisky. Handcrafted using only certified organic ingredients, distilled in unique copper pot stills, matured in oak casks and bottled without additives or prior chill filtration; each spirit is one of a kind with an enticing character and sensational flavour. Everything from distillation to the bottling is done on site. Each bottle is individually numbered and approved before they are hand signed.

Spirit of Hven is now distributed in the UK by Amathus Drinks PLC. For more information, please visit http://www.hven.com/ or contact holly@amathusdrinks.com.

Diageo Brands Awarded Top Honors for Superior Quality at the 16th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Caledonian Sleeper Raises a Glass to World Whisky Day with Tomatin Distillery 

The Caledonian Sleeper is inviting overworked city slickers keen to escape the bustle of the Big Smoke to enjoy a nip of award-winning Tomatin single malt at a series of on board events in celebration of World Whisky Day (21 May).

Guests looking for a break north of the border will avoid the hassle of airport queues and begin their experience with a showcase of the distillery’s range of whiskies on board the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 25 May.

The tasting provides the perfect nightcap before tucking into bed and being teleported overnight from the hubbub of London to the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, awaking refreshed and revived at their destination.

Alistair Mutch at Tomatin, said: “World Whisky Day has become an annual phenomenon which shines a spotlight on Scotland’s national drink and we are excited to share these tastings with guests to mark the occasion.

“What better way to celebrate than to raise a toast to ‘the water of life’ than with a dram on board the historic Caledonian Sleeper.”

The Tomatin tasting events form part of a series of on board food and drink events that were introduced last year to the Caledonian Sleeper.

Caledonian Sleeper Guest Experience Director, Ryan Flaherty, added: “Enjoyed from the comfort of the lounge car, the on board events are the perfect place to relax and unwind whilst socialising with family and friends.

“Guests can enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced produce, freshly prepared in our Highland kitchen and with kids under the age of 12 eating free, there’s something for everyone to indulge in before bedding down for the night.”

For more information about the Caledonian Sleeper and future on board events, visit www.sleeper.scot/.

For more information about Tomatin, visit www.tomatin.com/

Notes

About the Caledonian Sleeper

• The Caledonian Sleeper service is an overnight rail journey between the Scottish Highlands and central London.
• Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper service has been hailed as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Super Sleeper Trains’ and the London to Fort William service made the world’s best-selling travel guidebook’s top ten list.
• Every night, apart from Saturday, guests are transported both north and south between Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston.
• Travel bookings can now be made up to one year in advance on www.sleeper.scot/.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service currently offers a range of ways to travel – comfortable and affordable seated carriages, shared berths and first-class private accommodation – with a dining car offering an extensive locally-sourced menu.
• Caledonian Sleeper is committed to supporting local communities and suppliers:
  • 92% of food produce is sourced within 50 miles of the food production operation in Dingwall.
  • All guests are provided with an Arran Aromatics sleep pack which includes sleep mask, socks and toiletries.
  • The Head Office and Guest Services Centre are located in Inverness employing around 30 people from the locality.
• Brand new trains are going to be launched in 2018, which will offer innovative ways to travel in comfort on the Caledonian Sleeper service as well as a brasserie-style club car for dining.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service is operated by Serco on behalf of Transport Scotland.

About Tomatin Distillery 

• The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
•  Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 www.facebook.com/CuBocan Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
• More information on the products here http://www.tomatin.com/home-1
• Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
• The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
• Tomatin Distillery also produces Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
• The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
• The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

AMERICA’S OLDEST REGISTERED DISTILLERY TURNS 150 IN 2016

Jack Daniel’s celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – Jack Daniel’s has announced plans to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg and around the world in 2016. Through events, special promotions and new products, Jack Daniel’s will share the authentic stories of America’s oldest registered distillery with friends of Jack, both old and new.

In 1866, Jasper “Jack” Daniel had the foresight to place his distillery at a source of limestone water flowing from a cave spring in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s has been at the forefront of whiskey-making ever since. Today, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is a true global icon found in more than 165 countries around the world and is revered for its individual character and authenticity.

“In a world where change is a constant, it is an incredible achievement to be making whiskey in the same way, in the same place, after 150 years,” said Mark McCallum, President of Jack Daniel’s. “I believe the endurance and success of Jack Daniel’s is the result of our ability to continue to operate according to Mr. Jack’s lifelong motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ During this milestone anniversary, we will celebrate our history, traditions and values by continuing to tell the unique and powerful stories that make Jack Daniel’s the unique and very special global brand that it is today. We are looking forward to delighting our brand fans all over the world in some very special ways to celebrate this milestone for Jack Daniel’s.”

Jack Daniel’s 150^th yearlong celebration includes:

• Commemorative 150^th Anniversary Bottles
• Global Barrel Scavenger Hunt
• Global Master Distiller for a Day Contest
• Renovations and New Facilities at the Jack Daniel Distillery
• Celebration Event in Lynchburg in October
• Closing Bell Ringing and Anniversary Reception at the New York Stock Exchange

In the 150 years of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the distilling process has largely remained unchanged. From meticulously crafting each barrel to mellowing each drop of whiskey through 10 feet of charcoal, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is made with the same process pioneered and perfected by Mr. Jack himself. Today, the quiet town of Lynchburg still produces every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s, proof that mastering a craft with a focus on quality can propel a brand beyond borders and across cultures.

For updates and more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com/.

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 oldest 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.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

14 Million Barrels and Counting: Jim Beam Makes History with Milestone Fill

Clermont, Kentucky – May 2, 2016 – Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, made history today with the filling of its 14 millionth barrel of bourbon since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. The milestone barrel — a bourbon industry first — was personally filled and sealed by seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin at the company’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky.

“History is what you make it,” said Noe. “And, here at Jim Beam, we’re proud to make it one barrel at a time. This milestone is cause for celebration both for our employees and bourbon fans around the globe. Fourteen million is a big number, and it says a lot about the success of our whiskey and the growing passion for bourbon around the world.”

The historic milestone, achieved just two years after the filling of Jim Beam’s 13 millionth barrel, serves as a testament to the continued global bourbon boom.

“Kentucky bourbon has become not only an American icon, but an international symbol of our proud heritage and craftsmanship,” said Governor Bevin. “I’m pleased to toast Jim Beam’s impressive milestone, rich history and spirited future.”

The 14 millionth barrel will join the nearly two million barrels of bourbon currently aging in Jim Beam’s rackhouses across the Commonwealth.  It will be stored inside the distillery’s historic rackhouse D, a nine-story warehouse re-built by Jim Beam after Prohibition on the Clermont distillery grounds. The rackhouse is open to visitors as part of the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse tour.

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, bourbon is now a $3 billion state industry, providing more than 15,000 jobs and generating more than $166 million in tax revenues annually. Over the past five years, the bourbon industry has grown 35 percent.

As the producer of more than half the world’s bourbon, Jim Beam has played a leading role in this growth. At one time known for primarily one brand, the iconic Jim Beam portfolio now offers a wide range of award-winning expressions including Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam® Apple, Jim Beam® Single Barrel, Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut®, Jim Beam® Honey, Jim Beam® Maple, Red Stag by Jim Beam®, Jim Beam® Bonded, Jim Beam® Rye and Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece.

“When Jacob Beam, Jim Beam’s great, great grandfather, filled his first barrel of bourbon in 1795, he had no real idea of what he was starting,” said Noe, who has been on hand for the previous six “million barrel” milestones, starting at the filling of the 8 millionth barrel in 1998. “All he wanted to do was make the best bourbon possible. The growth of this company reflects that dedication. For more than 220 years, we’ve made every barrel count.”

Beam has continued to expand its operations in Kentucky, fueled by a commitment to innovate and meet surging global consumer demand. Over the next five years, Beam Suntory plans to invest more than $1 billion to make bourbon in the Commonwealth.

For more information on Jim Beam®, please visit www.jimbeam.com, www.facebook.com/jimbeamus, or @jimbeamofficial.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

May Long Weekend Offers Whisky Festival Experience

Whisky lovers don’t have to wait until January to experience their next whisky festival. During the May long weekend the Highland Games Whisky School offers a whisky festival experience in an outdoor setting. Eight classes will be held May 21, 22 and 23. Participants may take classes focused on a specific distillery, sample a range of malts or experience whisky and food pairings. Held in Topaz Park, Whisky School tuition includes entrance to the Highland Games.

Whisky school classes this year focus on single malt whiskies from Scotland and the United States. Tastings are presented by whisky ambassadors who share distillery anecdotes and insider information while exploring each whisky’s distinctive characteristics.

Saturday May 21 classes begin at noon with a selection of Glenlivet malts. At 1:45 enjoy the malts of Glenfarclas with Gavin Cameron and at 3:30 explore the world of Bourbon with Matt Jones.

Sunday May 22 explore the malts of Aberlour at noon, a selection of vintage malts paired with chocolate at 1:45 and Legend of Bourbon, a look at the history and the modern interpretation of Bourbon at 3:30.

Monday May 23 at noon Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm joins Andrew Campbell Walls of Victoria Caledonian Distillery to present a whisky and local food pairing. At 2:45 experience the exclusive malts of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society paired with Xoxolat chocolate.

Advance registration is required for Whisky School classes. Cost for whisky school classes is $35 and includes a day pass to the Highland Games. Cost for the whisky and food pairing is $45. Whisky School students are also able to purchase an engraved Victoria Highland Games Glencairn whisky nosing glass for $15Proceeds of the Whisky School benefit the Victoria Highland Games Society.

More details on each class and registration forms are available at victoriahighlandgames.com/games/attractions/whisky-school

Bikers Roar into Speyside Distillery to choose Thunder in the Glens anniversary bottling

Motorbike enthusiasts were revved up for a special mission at Speyside Distillery – to choose the single malt whisky that will become the toast of Europe’s largest Harley Davidson rally.

The world-famous Thunder In The Glens event at Aviemore will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a limited edition bottling of single malt whisky of the same age from Speyside Distillery.

The boutique distillery is located in the heart of the Cairngorms – an area which has become the bikers’ spiritual home in August for the past two decades – and the bottling will bring together two iconic brands.

A group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts descended on the distillery during the week’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – another event which draws thousands of visitors to the area – to help select the whisky that will be bottled with a commemorative label for the anniversary.

The anniversary bottling builds on Speyside Distillery’s links with Thunder In The Glens as the distillery launched its rich ruby-black whisky Beinn Dubh, during last year’s event.

Rally organisers visited Speyside Distillery were involved in selecting the whisky, with guiding hand CEO John Harvey McDonough and managing director Patricia Dillon – and Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman, James Campbell.

John says, “When we heard that 2016 was an important year for Thunder of the Glens, we thought that a special bottling from Speyside Distillery, located in the heart of the Cairngorms, would be a really good way of marking the milestone year.

“As this is such an important event, we wanted to ensure that the anniversary bottling was a very special one. Our 20 year old whisky is extremely rare so is in very short supply, and anyone who gets a bottle will have a special piece of the distillery’s history.

“The rally has been a real success story, going from strength to strength, and it’s great to know that enthusiasts from all over the UK, and further afield, have such an affinity with the Cairngorms area that they keep coming back, and in greater numbers, every year.

“We’re pleased to be working with the organisers in this way and building on the connections we already have with Thunder In The Glens following the launch of Beinn Dubh at the rally last year.

“In much the same was that bikers make a pilgrimage to Thunder In The Glens, whisky lovers come from all over the world for The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. We were honoured to be able to select the cask during the Festival, bringing two iconic Scottish events together for the first time.”

Thunder in the Glens has become one of the major events in the UK for Harley Davidson enthusiasts, and it is now officially the largest Harley Davidson rally in the UK with an ever growing number of loyal fans. It takes place this year from August 26 to 29.

It has a great reputation amongst Harley fans and visitors who are rewarded with a fantastic programme of events, the thrill of riding through the scenic mountains and glens and experiencing world-famous Scottish hospitality.

This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, with 3,000 making the pilgrimage to the region and many more coming to see the spectacle.

Rally co-ordinator George McGuire was one of the bikers involved in selecting the cask. He feels the commemorative bottling from Speyside Distillery is an ideal way to celebrate the rally’s close affinity to the Cairngorms area.

“We are pleased to be working with Speyside Distillery to produce a single malt whisky especially for our anniversary year. This is a great way to mark 20 years of Thunder In the Glens and the links we have developed with the local area,” George explains.

“We’ve already had interest from people who have heard about our plans and they have requested two bottles – one to drink and the other to keep as a reminder of the 20th year of Thunder In The Glens.”

Speyside Distillery opened its doors to the public for the second year in a row during the festival, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside the picturesque distillery at exclusive behind the scenes tours and tastings.

Speyside Distillery, home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky, has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

Picture caption:

Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough (left) joins Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell (centre) in sampling the cask, while Thunder in the Glens rally co-ordinator George McGuire looks on.