KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY WELCOMES COPPER POT STILLS 

The Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre, located in the East Neuk of Fife celebrated another momentous milestone as the copper pot whisky stills arrived at 09:00 this morning (Thursday 2 October). 

Both copper pot stills travelled from Rothes, Speyside and have been hand-made by Forsyths of Rothes. 

The Wash Still, weighing three and a half tonnes and holding 7,500 litres and the Spirit Still, weighing three tonnes and holding 4,500 litres will both play an integral part in determining the light character of spirit produced at Kingsbarns Distillery. 

Kingsbarns Distillery Founder and Visitor Centre Manager Douglas Clement commented;

“Our distillery and visitor centre has been a long time in the making, six years infact.  It’s only been in the past two years, thanks to a Scottish Government grant and the backing of the Wemyss Family, one of Scotland’s oldest and most established family businesses, that has turned this dream into a reality. 

“Construction commenced Spring 2013 and today is hugely important in the development, with the final pieces of our distillery jigsaw, the copper pot stills, finally positioned in their new home”. 

Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd added;

“Now that we have reached the important date of our copper pot stills arrival, we are well on our way to the final goal of producing Kingsbarns unique, light, Lowland spirit”. 

Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre will open its doors to the public 1 December 2014.

Notes

The Wemyss family bought the Kingsbarns Distillery project in January 2013 and construction at the site began at Easter that year.  Approximately six miles from St. Andrews, the distillery and its visitor centre are being built close to the world famous Kingsbarns championship golf course on the Cambo Estate.  The site of the actual distillery is the historic and charming East Newhall Farm steading. 

The new Kingsbarns Single Malt Scotch whisky will be classified in the Lowlands region and available after a minimum of three years maturation in oak casks.  Fife grown malted barley has been secured to make the spirit and it will be matured predominantly in ex-Bourbon casks. 

FAST FACTS

• The Wemyss family is from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s 
• The family already own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whisky range 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        
• 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
• The Wemyss family has a historical link with the site of the new Kingsbarns Distillery as the 7^th Earl of Wemyss actually owned part of the Cambo Estate between 1759 and 1783
• The Wemyss family is being supported in this exciting new development with a European Food Processing and Marketing grant via the Scottish Government for £670K
• The Kingsbarns Distillery team are: Distillery Manager Peter Holroyd who joins from craft brewer Strathaven Ales; and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Founding Director Douglas Clement 

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR DRAM

— Ardbeg – the first distillery in space – has returned home after three years in orbit — 

ISLAY, SCOTLAND – As part of a pioneering research experiment, a vial of Ardbeg re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, on September 12, 2014, after nearly three years orbiting the globe aboard the International Space Station.

For the first time, the expedition will allow scientists to decipher the impact gravity has on the whisky maturation process. Having blasted off from earth in 2011, the spirit, from the island of Islay in Scotland, has been on a galactic journey – one destined to change the whisky industry forever!

Specially designed for the mission, the vial of Ardbeg has been orbiting the earth’s atmosphere at 17,227 miles per hour, 15 times a day for 1,045 days. At the same time an identical vial had a slightly easier journey, having been housed at Warehouse 3 at the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay to act as a control sample.

Now the two samples will be reunited in a laboratory in Houston, Texas for an experiment researchers believe could change the future of whisky production. Scientists will compare the two samples, examining the interaction of the Ardbeg-crafted molecules with charred oak to document what differences occur between earth whisky and space whisky.

It is the first study of its kind.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, will lead the research, working alongside Ardbeg’s space partners – US-based space research company NanoRacks LLC.

Considered one of the leading innovators in the whisky industry, and a chemist by trade, Dr Lumsden explained: “Ardbeg is known for taking risks in its development of some of the most coveted whiskies in the world, so it is fitting that it is the first distillery ever in space. We are now close to the end, close to finding answers to something previously unknown, which is truly exciting.

“This is one small step for man but one giant leap for whisky, and the team hope to uncover how flavours develop in different gravitational conditions – findings which could revolutionise the whisky-making process.

“We hope to shine new light on the effect of gravity on the maturation process but who knows where it will lead us? It could be to infinity and beyond!”

The single malt has landed back on solid ground in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz-U rocket, and is now on its way to Houston to begin the analysis of its space odyssey. The final white paper with the full research findings will be published in 2015 once all testing is complete.

To celebrate Ardbeg’s journey – where no whisky has ever gone before – the distillery has released a new expression of their peatiest single malt: the sold out, highly sought-after Supernova. Fittingly named after a super bright explosion of a star, Ardbeg Supernova 2014 is bottled at 55% ABV and is available as of September from local Ardbeg embassies in Alberta and from provincial liquor stores in BC, MB,SK, ON, NB, NS, and NF later in 2014. 

Mission control has called Ardbeg home with what could be the most gravity-defying new knowledge the whisky world has ever known. 

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.

Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded by the formation of ‘The Committee’ in 2000 from thousands of Ardbeg followers across the globe keen to ensure, “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF WHISKY 

The Whisky Shop Unveils Luxury New Retail Website  

Premium drinks retailer The Whisky Shop has launched a luxury new retail website at www.whiskyshop.com, further raising the bar for whisky retailing across the globe. 

The new digital platform has transported The Whisky Shop’s bricks and mortar flagship store concept into the online world, offering a whisky journey of knowledge and discovery and creating an internet whisky buying experience that is luxurious, educational and accessible. 

Whiskyshop.com provides a curated user experience, featuring magazine style, high quality imagery and cinematic videography to create a premium online shopping proposition. 

Designed by The BIG Partnership, the luxe new look website benefits from superior functionality and navigation and presents information in an engaging and interactive format to demystify whisky, unlocking the mystery surrounding the spirit.  It is designed to appeal to whisky novices and connoisseurs, leading them on a whisky journey of discovery and celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the product.  

Whiskyshop.com showcases an unrivalled product collection of malts and blends from around the world and high quality brand communications and video content on special product releases which bring the products to life online, propelling whisky to a luxury status. 

A whisky knowledge bar, video tastings and access to Distillery Managers, and the brand’s award winning Whiskeria magazine at the touch of a button, are just some of the key features which position the site at the pinnacle of online drinks shopping destinations.  

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Our vision for the new whiskyshop.com was to take online whisky retailing to a new level through providing an unprecedented level of knowledge to consumers in an accessible way, replicating the experience offered in our physical retail stores and unlocking the mystery of whisky.   

“The visual and experiential quality of the website, including the brand-led videography and our whisky knowledge bar, have been designed with providing an interactive and engaging user experience at the forefront of mind.” 

The Whisky Shop recently won the ‘Best Specialist Drinks Retailer of the Year’ at the Harpers Awards 2014.   

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with 22 stores nationwide and an online shop at http://www.whiskyshop.com/

Brown-Forman to Build Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row

anCnoc Vintage 2000 is here

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the release of Vintage 2000, another remarkable single malt in the line of exclusive vintage releases from Knockdhu Distillery, celebrating the art of whisky-making with a modern twist. It has become a tradition at anCnoc to annually offer vintage releases from consecutive years to the most dedicated whisky fans around the world.

Only 1,000 cases of anCnoc Vintage 2000 will be made available in select markets from September 2014. The whisky was selected and bottled with the most discerning whisky drinker in mind and will offer a wonderful insight into the distillery style and the impact of on-site maturation in a combination of Spanish oak ex-sherry butts and American oak ex-bourbon barrels.

anCnoc Vintage 2000 has been bottled non chill-filtered, at its natural colour and at the premium strength of 46% ABV.

Hot copper in colour, the whisky is dark and masculine on the nose. A surge of ground Oriental spices, burned vanilla and unrefined cocoa beans gradually relaxes its grip and subtle aromas of lemon grass, orange peel and fragrant cut flowers come to life, unmistakably highlighting the provenance of this remarkable Vintage. On the palate it is smooth but firm-structured, envelops the mouth in creamy vanilla, spicy sherry notes, pralines and silky tannins. Lively citrus follows shortly after leading to a long, balanced finish, finally revealing a whiff of wood smoke.

anCnoc Assistant Brand Manager Stephanie Bridge commented:

“The unique taste profile of the Vintage 2000 is set to be a hit with malt enthusiasts everywhere. Releasing the next Vintage in the anCnoc collection marks the end of a very exciting spring and summer for the brand. I’m confident that the exclusive expression will be a welcome addition to anyone’s malt collection.”

anCnoc Vintage 2000 will be available in the UK, Sweden, Japan and Russia, to name but a few markets, at a recommended retail price of £55.

Notes 

• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly
• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the most enchanting in Scotland
• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a time-honoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs
• Core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old, anCnoc 16 Year Old and anCnoc 22 Year Old
• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim
• In 2014 anCnoc launched the Peaty Collection, a selection of peated single malt whiskies from Knockdhu Distillery. To date, the Collection consists anCnoc Rutter, Flaughter, Tushkar (Swedish exclusive) and Cutter, all named after traditional peat-cutting tools.

To coincide with Just Whisky’s auction going live on Friday 10^th October, the guys over there have produced a great few blog posts specialising in Japanese Whiskies. Featuring Hanyu, Kawasaki & Karuizawa this is a must read for anyone interested in these beautiful collectable bottles.

Head over to Just Whisky’s blog to read on …

JOHNNIE WALKER® BECOMES THE OFFICIAL WHISKY OF FORMULA 1®

anCnoc Releases Limited Edition Vintage 2000 

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today (22^nd September) announced the latest addition to its outstanding portfolio, the exclusive  Vintage 2000. Only 1000 cases of this exceptional single malt will be available in the UK, Sweden, Japan and Russia, to name but a few, from September 2014 with a retail price of £55 per bottle.

The whisky has matured in Spanish oak ex-sherry butts and American oak ex-bourbon barrels at Knockdhu Distillery in Knock, Banffshire, and has been bottled in its most natural form – neither chill-filtered nor coloured at 46% ABV. The Vintage liquid is bronzed honey in colour with rich amber highlights and a hint of oriental spices on the nose. To taste, the expression is smooth and creamy with a balanced finish.

Staying true to anCnoc style the packaging of this stylish single malt mirrors the minimalist design of anCnoc’s core range and features the contemporary yet traditional illustration of the Knockdhu Distillery.

anCnoc, which is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, is a brand closely associated with the arts and renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a modern twist to the traditions of fine whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions.The brand recently launched its peated collection earlier this year with four expressions of varying peat strength – aiming to help drinkers find a dram to suit their palate and to ‘shine a light’ on the dark, enigmatic world of peat.

anCnocAssistant Brand Manager, Stephanie Bridge commented: ‘The unique taste portfolio of the vintage 2000 is set to be a hit with malt enthusiasts everywhere.Releasing the next vintage in the anCnoc collection marks the end of a very exciting spring and summer for the brand. I’m confident that the exclusive expression will be a welcome addition to anyone’s malt collection.’ 

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was established in 1894 and is one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for producing a single malt that makes every day a special occasion.

The new peated collection from anCnoc aims to unravel the mysteries of peated whisky for modern drinkers, this new range from the Knockdhu Distillery features anCnoc’s classic light, easy-drinking style but with a dark, distinctive and smoky twist.The first four releases in the collection Rutter, Flaughter, Tushkar and Cutter were unveiled earlier this year.

About International Beverage 

International Beverage Holdings (http://www.interbevgroup.com/) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (http://www.inverhouse.com/) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED

“BRAND INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR” AT WHISKY MAGAZINE’S

ICONS OF WHISKY AMERICA AWARDS 2015

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley Named Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 1, 2014) – Buffalo Trace Distillery received two coveted awards at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015, and also two “highly commended” awards. 

Named “Brand Innovator of the Year,” Buffalo Trace was cited for this prestigious award for its quest to find the perfect whisky through its Experimental Collection and the building of its Warehouse X.  Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley was also named Distillery Manager of the Year.

Buffalo Trace’s Visitor Center was recognized as “highly commended” as Visitor Attraction of the Year, the Distillery itself was named “highly commended” in the Distiller of the Year category.

“The number of nominees in each category increases each year with the proliferation of new distilleries opening,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “To be recognized in four categories amongst some very tough competition within the U.S. is both an honor and a thrill.”  

The Icons of Whisky Awards were created by Whisky Magazine to celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world. Nominees are self-nominated, and voted on by those working in the spirits industry. The editors of Whisky Magazine then cull down the votes into final winners. This year’s contest had more than 4,000 votes in the 13 different categories.  The winners from the Icons of Whisky America Awards will go to compete at the World Whiskies Awards taking place in London, England, in the Spring of 2015.   

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

News release from Gordon & MacPhail 

Historic whisky releases mark new era for family firm

A unique and historic series of whiskies is to be launched by single malt specialists Gordon & MacPhail to celebrate the steady transition of the family-owned business to the next generation.

Four extremely rare Speyside whiskies chosen jointly by members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family will be released under the prestigious Private Collection Ultra label this autumn.

The whiskies are:

• A 61 Year Old Linkwood, the oldest ever released, from cask No.279 of Linkwood in the company warehouses, selected by retired director Rosemary Rankin and her son Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of UK Sales

• A 62 Year Old Glenlivet initially matured in first fill Hogshead before being transferred to another first fill Hogshead in January 1969, selected by retired Managing Director Ian Urquhart, his son Neil, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Logistics and Facilities, and daughter Jenny Houldsworth, who is a Non-Executive Director of the company

• A 63 Year Old Mortlach from the company’s last cask of 1951 Mortlach, selected by retired Joint Managing Director David Urquhart and his twin sons Stuart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Whisky Supply Manager, and Richard, Export Sales Executive

• A 57 Year Old Strathisla, the oldest ever released, selected by current Managing Director Michael Urquhart and his daughter Laura Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail Brand Manager

Rosemary, Ian, David and Michael are the daughter and sons of Gordon & MacPhail pioneer George Urquhart, who succeeded his father John in the business and established its reputation as custodian of some of Scotland’s rarest and oldest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Michael Urquhart, who will retire as Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail this autumn, said: “The release of the four whiskies marks a historical period of time for Gordon & MacPhail. Our business is built on a foundation of the long term vision and of the handing down of knowledge and expertise, along with stocks of maturing whiskies, to future generations.

“Embracing this philosophy the Executive Directors, members of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family and the whole team at Gordon & MacPhail, look forward to continuing to release single malt whiskies of the highest quality for whisky drinkers around the world to enjoy.”

The four whiskies in the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultra are presented in beautifully-designed decanters, individually numbered, with the whisky details engraved and in-filled with silver colour. A silver-plated neck collar and stopper adorns each decanter.

Wood, metal and glass are combined in a striking and innovative way to protect and display the whisky; the decanter nestles in a glass-bottomed pack, revealing a hint of the whisky colour.

A series of four books by whisky writer Jonny McCormick, one for each of the whiskies, tells the story of Gordon & MacPhail and the whisky and regales the reader with tales of origins and ancestry, of people, place and belonging.

Mr McCormick said: “It has been a privilege to sit down with each of the four members of the third generation and their children already working in the business.

“As well as revealing a good deal about themselves, they gave some powerful insights into what has made this family business such an extraordinary success for more than 100 years.”

Fifty-five decanters of Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultra Linkwood 1953 will be released for sale worldwide; sixty-nine of the Glenlivet 1952; sixty-one of the Mortlach 1951; and sixty-one of the Strathisla 1957. The UK recommended retail price will be £6,250 for each decanter (prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes).

About Gordon & MacPhail 

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with “new make” spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. 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.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing a 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011.

Gordon & MacPhail is proud of its Moray roots and the company, its directors and its staff play an active role in their local community by supporting local charities and sponsoring local events.