ABERLOUR INTRODUCES THE VOICE-O-GRAPH

22^nd July 2015 – Aberlour, the award winning single malt Scotch whisky, today unveils the latest chapter in its ‘Made from Experience’ series – the Voice-o-Graph, an extremely rare vintage recording booth.

Built in the 1940s, and believed to be one of only two working examples, the booth cuts directly on to a 6″ vinyl, and represents one of the earliest forms of recording. From budding musicians to storytellers, to hopeless romantics recording messages of love, the Voice-o-Graph was used to capture these special moments – a unique method allowing a lifetime of experiences to be captured in those intimate 65 seconds; simply put – each vinyl was ‘Made from Experience’. Just as each drop of Aberlour is carefully crafted using the collective experience, passion and expertise of our craftsmen and Master Distiller and all the experience of quality oak cask maturation resulting in an intricately crafted malt of superlative quality ‘Made from Experience’.

Aberlour has also partnered with iconic and globally renowned independent record store, Rough Trade, to give consumers the chance to capture their own experience on vinyl in the Voice-o-Graph. For the first time in New York for more than half a century, the booth’s unique recording facility will be available for the public to try in-store at Williamsburg’s Rough Trade from July 24^th to 31^st, before moving on to London later this year.

Stephen Godfroy, founder of Rough Trade said: “The romance of vinyl is seeing a massive resurgence. The Aberlour Voice-o-Graph captures sounds, depth and character and then presses them onto vinyl – there’s nothing else quite like it. Our partnership with Aberlour was born out of a discovery of mutual values. At Rough Trade, we carefully consider every experience we offer our customers – from the choice of records available to intimate performances in-store, so partnering with Aberlour felt natural because of their commitment to offering authentic and enriching experiences.”

The Voice-o-Graph builds on Aberlour’s Global ‘Made from Experience’ series, which last year saw photographer and bassist from Mumford & Sons, Ted Dwane produce an exhibition of photographs – a curation of emotive portraits of people he had met and photographed during his experiences on the road with his band.Dwane’s unique and intricately crafted approach to photography uses hand-developed single edition prints that provide layers of contrast, and remain the unique and only result of the photo.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for Aberlour, said: “Our ‘Made from Experience’ series reflects our philosophy of harnessing skill, passion and expertise which culminate in a uniquely crafted result. Whether it be a velvety smooth single malt or a single edition vinyl pressed in our Voice-o-Graph, we believe incelebrating experience and facilitating authentic and meaningful experiences.”

NOTES

About Aberlour

Aberlour was founded in 1879 by James Fleming, the Aberlour distillery is located in Scotland, in the heart of Speyside – Scotland’s premier whisky-producing region. Aberlour is a leading single malt Scotch whisky brand in France, the world’s biggest Scotch whisky market. Since 1995 Aberlour has grown strongly and is now the seventh most popular single malt Scotch whisky in the world. 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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.2 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.

http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. 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 & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization 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 the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Congratulations to Gordon Hynd, Betty and Inverhouse Distillers – OLD PULTENEY is once again the winner of The SPIRIT of WHISKY FRINGE Award 2015. Over the three days of Whisky Fringe, all visitors had the chance to vote for their favourite whisky sampled. Just over one third of attendees voted, while it was the usual exhibitors who really got behind the award to promote their products with pride and passion. Old Pulteney 17 year old, a previous winner back in 2011, has spectacularly triumphed yet again and will sit proudly in our shop display cabinet until next year’s event. It will be widely available throughout all our stores and both of our websites: RMW.com and drinkmonger.com.

As always, commiserations to the runners up. Glenglassaugh retained second place from last year, while the Benriach pushed it’s sister distillery very close with third place. Both these single malts are superb and highly recommended, along with the well received Tomatin 1988. Special mention should also be made about the Tomatin 36 year old as this was only available to sample for a short period of time each day as a special ‘Half Time Orange’ dram. Thanks to all the exhibitors for participating and thanks to all the customers who managed to vote.

1st PLACE
~ The Spirit of Whisky Fringe 2015 ~

OLD PULTENEY
17 Year Old
(£64.95)

 ******************** SPECIAL OFFER ********************
~ FREE UK MAINLAND STANDARD DELIVERY (worth £5.75)
with any order that includes a 70cl bottle of Old Pulteney 17 Year Old
***************************************************************

Royal Mile Whiskies 379 High Street The Royal Mile EDINBURGH EH1 1PW

Tel: 0131 225 3383

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY PROUDLY INTRODUCES A NEW EXPRESSION FROM THE CELEBRATED HIBIKI RANGE:

HIBIKI^® JAPANESE HARMONY^™

Deerfield, IL (August,  2015) – Hibiki^® Japanese Harmony™ encapsulates the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and people. Inspired by the riches and subtleties of Japan’s 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar and mastered by Suntory’s Art of Blending, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a meticulous blend of the finest select whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky. It is a symphony of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies, aged in five different types of casks, from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.

The Suntory Whisky blending team is led by third-generation Master Blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

“In philosophy and making, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is the new dawn of Hibiki, optimizing the same key malt and grain whiskies from the original Hibiki blend. I envisioned a luminous harmony of flavors and aromas.

A pure and simultaneously complex harmony that was at the core of every Hibiki blend.”

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is heralded as the foundation of the Hibiki range, leveraging the same key malt and grain whiskies from the original Hibiki blend, Hibiki 17 Years and Hibiki 21 Years. American White Oak malt whiskies create a solid base. The rare Mizunara (Japanese oak) and sherry cask malt whiskies are the dressing. The smoky malt whiskies enact as subtle accents to create depth and further complexity. Grain whiskies from Suntory’s Chita distillery act as the “dashi,” or broth, to complete the personality of the malt whiskies and enhance their overall harmony.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is extremely versatile. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, blended with water or mixed as a cocktail, the harmony of this blend remains complete. It is a delicately balanced, smooth and subtly sweet blended whisky that enhances any dining experience. We recommend it be enjoyed with a hand-carved ice ball for the ultimate Japanese whisky experience.

Hibiki is embraced as the paragon of the Art of Japanese Whisky. It is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but also among the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is the perfect introduction to the award winning Hibiki portfolio from the House of Suntory Whisky.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is packaged in a glass decanter bottle cut in 24 facets, which represents the 24 hours in a day and the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar, portraying Hibiki’s maturation over a long period of time throughout our four seasons.

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY – 43% ABV

Luminous. Delicate. A transparency that unveils complexity.

Color: Amber

Nose: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood

Palate: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate

Finish: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

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

News release from The Shetland Distillery Company  

First ever whisky from Shetland Islands goes on sale

A unique and exclusive series of whiskies from the country’s most northerly distillery has been launched.

Until now, Shetland has been the only part of Scotland never to have produced a legal single malt Scotch whisky.

But (Bottled in Shetland) Shetland Reel Single Malt Scotch Whisky marks a new chapter in the history and geography of the multi-billion pound Scotch whisky industry.

Four different cask strength whiskies, distilled in Portsoy but bottled in Unst by the Shetland Distillery Company, have gone on sale.

Stuart Nickerson, director of The Shetland Distillery Company, said: “This a hugely exciting development for us and for Scotch whisky.

“It literally puts Shetland on the map as far as whisky production is concerned – and for the first time.”

“These four casks represent a start to whisky production in Shetland and we have plans to introduce more ‘Bottled in Shetland’ Scotch whiskies, with the long term plan being to install our own distillery and start distilling Scotch whisky on Unst.”

The casks of whisky were distilled and matured on the mainland of Scotland and then shipped from Aberdeen to Lerwick on the overnight ferry. They were then transported via another two ferries and across the island of Yell before reaching their final destination in the far north of Unst.

Only after a suitable period of resting were they bottled as the first ever “Bottled in Shetland” single malt Scotch whisky.

All of the casks emptied were octaves (50L capacity). Two of them were refill Scotch whisky casks and two were German virgin oak casks.

Twenty-one bottles have been produced of a peated whisky from one of the German oak casks. This has a price of £130 per bottle.

The remaining 151 bottles from the other three casks are on sale at £100 per bottle.

The whiskies are non-chill filtered, bottled at cask strength, and no colouring has been added.

The whiskies will go on sale on 1st September 2015 but further information can be sought by emailing whisky@shetlandreelgin.com and pre-ordering will also be available at the same email address.

Mr Nickerson has a 35-year pedigree in the Scotch malt whisky industry, having managed several distilleries and revived Glenglassaugh Distillery before selling it to the BenRiach Group.

He and his wife Wilma own The Shetland Distillery Company along with Frank and Debbie Strang, owners of the Saxa Vord Resort in the beautiful island of Unst.

Kilchoman’s winning streak continues

Not too long after Machir Bay was chosen as Islay’s best Whisky under 12 years old by The Spirits Business Magazine in its annual Scotch Whisky Masters competition, we are now delighted to announce that all three of Kilchoman’s core range have won medals at the 2015 IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition).

Machir Bay won a Gold Medal, Loch Gorm won Silver Outstanding and 100% Islay 5th Edition won a Silver Medal.

 It’s always nice to win awards! Spread the news!

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BARTON 1792 WINS GOLD MEDAL AT 2015 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Aug. 5, 2015) – Barton 1792 Distillery’s namesake brand, 1792 Small Batch, was awarded a gold medal at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition for its exceptional taste profile.

The Distillery’s 1792 Small Batch bourbon was ranked among 365 spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries, and was ultimately awarded for demonstrating superior quality and taste.

“We feel honored to receive this gold for our 1792 Small Batch at the LAIWS,” Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, said. “To have placed so well among all the excellent spirits entered is truly humbling.”

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

Complete results of the 2012 LAIWSC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with 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 Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent Best of Category winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit www.1792bourbon.com.

BENROMACH LAUNCHES COMPETITION TO FIND THE IDEAL DRAM DESTINATION

Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is savoured the world over; from its spiritual home in Scotland to the sunny shores of Australia, The United States of America and beyond. To celebrate, the team at Benromach is on the hunt to find the perfect place to enjoy a dram of the award-winning classic Speyside single malt whisky.

To launch their campaign to find the ideal Benromach destination, the Benromach team is asking you to get involved in the #Benromachplaces competition. Share a picture of your favourite place to enjoy a dram, whether that’s with friends as you look out over the rolling Scottish hills, or on a beach with a glass in one hand and a book in the other, and upload to social media using the hashtag #Benromachplaces to be in with a chance of winning.

One lucky winner will not only see their dram destination chosen as the best place to enjoy a glass of Benromach, but they will also win an illustration of their winning image drawn by Scottish artist Jill Calder.

To put forward your special place to enjoy your favoured expression, and to be in with a chance of winning this exclusive prize, share your images on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #Benromachplaces.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “We have seen Benromach grow in popularity across the world year on year, and we are delighted to have customers as far afield as Canada and Australia. We love to see all of the pictures that are shared with us on social media of customers enjoying Benromach, and are looking forward to seeing many more throughout our #Benromachplaces competition.

“Jill Calder is an incredible illustrator and we are thrilled to partner with her to offer one lucky winner the chance to receive an illustration of their perfect dram destination. Everyone enjoys whisky in different ways, whether served straight, on the rocks, with water or in a whisky cocktail, and we are looking forward to finding out where people choose to enjoy their favourite serve.”

For more information on the campaign and to see existing entries please visit www.summerplaces.benromach.com.

Notes

Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. Established in 1898, the distillery was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993.

Following careful restoration and re-equipment, it was re-opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

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

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

STAGG JR NAMED BEST OF WHISKEY AT

2015 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Buffalo Trace named Best of Category

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 4, 2015) – Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Stagg Jr received highest honors at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, being named Best of Whiskey. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon also garnered top praise, winning Best of Category. For demonstrating superior quality and taste, these two bourbons were ranked among 365 other premium spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries.

            In addition to these honors, the Distillery won five gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies earning medals include:

• Gold Medal
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Eagle Rare Single Barrel
  • Stagg Jr.
  • Sazerac Straight Rye
  • E.H. Taylor Small Batch
• Silver Medal
  • Benchmark
  • Wheatley Vodka
• Bronze Medal
  • Blanton’s Single Barrel

“These honors distinguish us among a range of highly regarded premium spirits,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We couldn’t be more proud of these recognitions.”

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

Complete results of the 2012 LAIWSC are available at http://www.laspiritscomp.com/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

A TOAST TO SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY 

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. partners with the Scotch Whisky Association for environmental gains 

Hamilton, Bermuda, August 4, 2015 – In Scotland, a small country of just five million people, Scotch whisky is at the heart of the economy. Estimates are that 36 bottles of Scotch whisky are exported every second – yes, every single second – in an industry that supports some 35,000 jobs.

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. – one of the world’s most established and respected spirits producers – works closely with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to protect its 169-year history and ensure its viability for centuries to come. That means a spot-on commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The environment is so important to Scotch whisky,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons Ltd., part of the Bacardi group of companies. “We are so closely tied to the air, the water and the landscape where we grow our barley and distil our whiskies that it’s crucial we have a sustainable future. Without our barley, there is no Scotch whisky industry.”

“Working with companies like John Dewar & Sons, the SWA is implementing an award-winning, industry wide environment strategy,” says David Williamson, Public Affairs & Communications Director, for the Scotch Whisky Association. “It’s the first of its kind here in Scotland. Our aim is to reduce our emissions and increase our investment in renewables – at a time when production is growing.”

“By reducing carbon emissions, we believe we are playing our part in making the environment in Scotland sustainable,” adds Lochhead. “Because we use natural ingredients to make our whisky, we want to return at least as much as we take away.”

The Scotch Whisky Association partnership is part of a broad scope of sustainability initiatives by John Dewar & Sons, producers of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S®  Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON®  and ROYAL BRACKLA®.

As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:

• 34 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
• 46 percent reduction in water use since 2009
• 30 percent reduction of waste to landfill since 2010

Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28 percent and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28 percent. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40 percent of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100 percent by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10 percent and achieve 15 percent by 2022.
3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55 percent and GHG emissions by 50 percent. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.

To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.  John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland. DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.  http://www.bacardilimited.com/

Great Northern Distillery           

The Stills are Alive in Dundalk with completion of €10m whiskey distilling development  

30 million bottle a year capacity distillery is now producing new spirit

Additional 12 million bottle distillery will begin distillation by the end of August

Distillation expected to continue on site for another 100 years

Dundalk, 31 July 2015. The Great Northern Distillery (GND) has begun to distil in the first of two distilleries built on the former Harp Brewery site in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  The two new distilleries adapted and extended, at a cost of €10 million, the world class brewing facilities which existed on the site which had been brewing for 120 years up to 2014.

Following the investment by GND a 30 million bottle a year capacity three-column still grain whiskey distillery is now producing new spirit.  This will be casked in oak barrels and matured in bonded warehouses for at least three years before it can be called Irish whiskey.  A sister distillery on the site is being commissioned and will begin distillation by the end of August.  The second distillery has three large copper pots capable of distilling 12 million bottles a year of single malt and pot still whiskey.

The site, only the third grain distillery in the country, was identified as being most suitable to house the distillery due to a range of factors.  A dedicated water supply, perfect for distilling whiskey, is piped directly to the site from the Cooley Mountains.  Natural gas is delivered on site.  A sophisticated effluent control system feeds into the Dundalk Town sewerage system.  Excellent local engineering skills were available and a deep pool of skilled workers.  Some of the new employees, in what is a largely automated plant, are former Harp workers.

GND will supply a range of whiskies to the new Irish distilleries coming on stream and to the Retail Own Label and Private Label segments worldwide.  Irish whiskey is growing rapidly and is expected to double sales to 250 million bottles by 2024, still only a small fraction of Scotch sales.

As more and more international drinkers discover the superior qualities of Irish whiskey, mellow and smooth, the range of Irish whiskeys offered is expanding to serve different tastes.  The bulk of Irish sold will be a blend of grain and/or malt or pot still.  Most of the new distilleries under construction or consideration are pot still.  The owners will need a consistent supply of quality grain whiskey to blend with their premium malts and pot still whiskeys.  GND expects to be a major supplier to this market.

The second market for GND is Retail Own Label and Private Label whiskeys.  These will be mainly entry level and value labels not of interest to most of the new distilleries.  GND has the scale and the capacity to supply these markets on an international basis.

GND is owned by the Teeling family and two former directors of Cooley Distillery, Jim Finn and David Hynes

John Teeling co-founder of GND, commented “It is 95 years since the last whiskey stills went dark in Dundalk, where the Dundalk Distillery had operated since 1800.  It is 120 years since brewing started on what is now the Great Northern Distillery site.  Dundalk is a good town for business.  Good local skills, a good tradition of engineering, a pro-business council all combined with a strong project management team and a top class distiller.  We are reviving the whiskey tradition and continuing alcohol production on what is a wonderful site.  With fair winds, distillation will continue on the GND site for the next 100 years. 

Irish whiskey is on a roll – but from a tiny base.  When the Dundalk Distillery was set up in 1800 Irish whiskey was the dominant force in world markets.  Up to 1860 this strengthened to a position where Irish had about 60% of world sales and was sold all over the world.  Due to a combination of circumstances and poor management, Irish whiskey was virtually wiped out.  From hundreds of distilleries it fell to one in 1973.  The share of Irish in the world market fell to less than 2% of Scotch.  Even then it was mainly sold in Ireland as brands and aboard as Irish coffee. 

When the GND founders set up Cooley Distillery in 1987, it was the first new Irish whiskey distillery in 100 years.  It was a long road to success.  Now look at Irish whiskey, the fastest growing brown spirit in the world.  Most of the world’s major drinks companies are now in the sector.  There are 20 plus new distilleries in the works.  But, critically, Irish is now the drink of choice for 25-39 year olds, almost half of them female.  The revival is only in its infancy.  Irish is not available in most of the world.  Worldwide sales are about 10 million cases now.  The Indian market for whiskey is 350 million cases!!!  Carpe Diem. 

GND has an important role to play in the renaissance.  We know how to distil good whiskey.  Because of the size and automation of our distilleries we can supply at good prices.  We have the capacity to meet needs for a long time.”