BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WINS SEVEN MEDALS AT THE 2014 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 24, 2014) – The results from the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition are in, and the whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery had an excellent showing, with each entry receiving at least one medal, for a total of two gold, four silver and one bronze.

Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies earning medals include:

• Gold Medal
  • Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Silver Medal
  • Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • E. H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
  • Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
  • Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Bronze Medal
  • Pappy Van Winkle 15 year

Buffalo Trace Distillery also won a gold medal in the Packaging Competition:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

“Having won medals in the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition with each of the whiskies we entered is an honor,” Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, said. “We are proud of our accomplishments in such a highly regarded competition.”

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, Aug. 29-Sept. 28, 2014 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 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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

Long-term view and independent spirit pays off 

Isle of Arran Distillers has reported record results with turnover up 25% in its latest end of year accounts. 

The independent distillery, which now employs 30 people (full & part-time), saw net profits increase by almost 60% in 2013 – in what was its best ever year. 

Euan Mitchell has been managing director of the business for six years, and his forward-thinking strategy has been instrumental in the distillery’s success. He said: “As a team we have worked hard to build Isle of Arran Distillers into the business it is today, and we continue to keep adding to our capacity and capability to support our long-term success. 

“It is really pleasing to see that our approach and hard work is delivering results. We are something of an overnight success, nearly 20 years in the making. 

“We are again performing ahead of the market, which saw exports rise by 5% whereas we increased this market by 26% last year. Our portfolio of single malts is varied and interesting, which is reflected in the on-going interest in the Arran Malts around the world.” 

Since the business was established in 1995, sales have gone from strength to strength and exceeded 4.5 million pounds in 2013. 

Growth has come principally from export sales – which rose 26% last year – and brand sales which increased 28% over the same period. 

Arran reported notable success in America, which is now the largest market for the Arran Single Malt, whilst France remains the distillery’s biggest market overall. 

Gains were also made in Taiwan, Belgium and the UK, and the business reported growing sales of the core range as well as increased demand for limited edition bottlings such as the Arran Malt 16 Year Old. 

To ensure this level of growth can be maintained in the coming years, the business has invested in a new warehouse due to open at the end of 2014, which will give the distillery capacity to store 12,000 extra casks. Plans are also in place to install a further two pot stills by 2016 and effectively double the Distillery’s production capacity in the coming years. 

With increased demand for Arran’s whisky across the globe, the distillery’s visitor centre welcomed 60,000 visitors during 2013 and an upgrade to the facility is planned for early 2015 to cater for the growing tourist numbers expected from the introduction of RET (road equivalent tariff) to the island’s ferry service later this year. 

Euan added: “This investment in the distillery is a mark of our confidence that we can continue building sales around the world for many years to come. We have achieved a lot in recent years though the potential to grow is enormous and we need to lay down the stocks now to ensure we can meet the anticipated demand.” 

Notes to editors: 

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/ 

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) 

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

The Relaxed Whisky Weekend
5 – 7 September 2014

Hellooo relaxed whisky lovers,

Almost Sold Out:

We are sorry to say that almost all the beds at Maltstock are sold. At the moment we have just a couple of beds left and just two cabins. Once they’re booked the only way you can still enjoy the relaxed whisky weekend is when you arrange your own accommodation. There’s a campsite just across the road and a hotel about 4,5 kilometer away. Please check our website for more information.

Cabins:

We still have 2 cabins available for you. Cabins can be rented by a minimum of 2 people per cabin. (Please order your Maltstock ticket first and then email us to rent a cabin.)
http://maltstock.com/index.php/en/maltstock-info/location-facilities/maltstock-cabins-camp

Maltstock 2014: MASTERCLASS TIMETABLE:

We know many of you are eagerly awaiting the masterclass schedule. Well, not for much longer now. At July 1st the schedule will go online. And everybody with a Maltstock ticket will receive an e-mail with a link to the reservation page.

We have some fantastic masterclasses lined up for you. It will probably not be easy to choose your favorites. Simply use the reservation page to let us know which masterclasses you would like to attend. And we will try our very best to make everybody happy again. As always the masterclasses are free at Maltstock.

There’s plenty of time to let us know your preferences. Relax! You have until August 24th. After that we can’t accept any new reservations. We only take reservation requests through our reservation page, which will go live on July 1st.

Maltstock promo tour:

Bob and Teun are very excited to visit the Dramboree! It sounds like a very relaxed weekend.

Tag Maltstock at the Dramboree and become the most relaxed of all!

Dramboree – 4\5\6\July http://www.dramboree.co.uk

We hope to see you at Maltstock 2014,

Annette, Bob, Jeroen, Klaas, Stan and Teun

Managing Director of malt whisky specialists to retire 

The Managing Director of renowned single malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail is to retire later this year, it was announced today. 

Michael Urquhart will hand over to the Elgin-based firm’s current Chief Operating Officer, Ewen Mackintosh, in September.  

Mr Urquhart, a member of the third generation of the Urquhart family which owns Gordon & MacPhail, joined in 1981 as Finance Director after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. 

In 2007, he became joint Managing Director with his brother David. Since 2012 he has been the firm’s sole Managing Director. 

Mr Mackintosh, 46, who is from Elgin, has spent his entire career at Gordon & MacPhail after joining as a graduate from St Andrews University.  

Mr Urquhart said: “After 33 years – most of my working life – with Gordon & MacPhail, it is time to hand on the reins. It is gratifying to be able to do so at a time of such strong, sustained growth in the company. 

“I’m particularly pleased that I will be succeeded by Ewen, who has been an instrumental figure in the company since 1991. 

“He was a member of the team which restored Benromach Distillery after we purchased it in 1993 and has looked after our bulk whisky stocks and product quality.  

“He is a very safe pair of hands and it will very much be business as usual for Gordon & MacPhail.” 

Mr Mackintosh, who was recently made a Master of the Quaich in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the Scotch Whisky industry, said: “It will be a very rare privilege to lead this unique and well-respected company. 

“Along with my colleagues I will continue to promote our values of investing in quality for the long-term and look forward to helping Gordon & MacPhail grow and develop.” 

Mr Urquhart, who has travelled the world promoting single malt whisky, said he was very proud of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade awarded twice to Gordon & MacPhail, in 2009 and 2013. The company exports to more than 60 countries. 

Mr Urquhart was made a Master of the Quaich in 2012 and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 by The Whisky Advocate, one of North America’s leading drinks publications.  

His daughter Laura is among several members of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family now working for Gordon & MacPhail. 

Mr Urquhart, who chairs the Highlands & Islands committee of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), added: “I will remain active in the community and continue to serve the whisky industry where I can, including remaining on the management committee of the Keepers of the Quaich. I will also be non-executive director of Gordon & MacPhail.”

ROCK TOWN BOURBON SOCIAL

The Athenaeum Hotel, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London

“AN EXCLUSIVE FOOD PAIRING EVENING”

July 4^th, 2014 at 7pm 

Little Rock, AR – (June 19, 2014) – On July 4th, as America celebrates Independence Day, the Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments will re-commence their popular Whisky Socials, aptly offering guests the chance to sample the delights of some of the world’s finest Bourbon Whisky from Rock Town Distillery, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. As is tradition, the evening will feature a specially prepared menu, with each course designed by Head Chef David Marshall and Whisky Sommelier Ivo Silva to complement the flavors and depth of the accompanying spirit. 

The Athenaeum’s distinguished Whisky Sommelier, one of only two in the UK, will be on hand to guide the guests through the legendary distilling and blending process that is used to create one of the most popular drinks in the world. Guests will be able to sample the different Bourbons produced by Rock Town Distillery with tasting notes to introduce guests and guide connoisseurs. Despite its relatively recent arrival onto America’s burgeoning craft distilling scene, Rock Town’s impact has been immediate and far-reaching with the remarkable capture of the World’s Best Bourbon prize at the World Whisky Awards 2013 – a landmark achievement quickly followed by a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Rock Town is the first legal distillery in Arkansas since Prohibition and today makes the state’s only bourbon whiskey. Phil Brandon, Rock Town’s Founder and Head Distiller, will discuss the whiskies during the meal, take questions and share his stories about the wild world of whisky. 

Whisky Social tickets are priced at £55 per person. Ticket price includes cocktail and canapés on arrival and a full 3-course dinner with specially paired Whisky. 

See the menu here: http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/media/573387/rocktown-bourbon-menu.pdf 

For more information and to book a ticket, visit: http://athenaeumhotel.com/food/offers/whisky-socials/ 

ABOUT the athenaeum 

The fabulous 5 star Athenaeum hotel and apartments on Piccadilly is your home away from home in London. It offers you a huge choice of rooms, luxury suites and townhouse apartments, all with stunning leafy or Mayfair views. Here, you’re in the middle of everything. You’re right opposite the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace. The Anthenaeum is down the road from museums and galleries, the chic-est shops and Theatreland, and just a few stops from the City, Soho and Canary Wharf. 

ABOUT ROCK TOWN DISTILLERY 

Rock Town Distillery produces the award winning Brandon’s Vodka, Brandon’s Gin, Arkansas Bourbon, Arkansas Hickory Smoked Whiskey, Arkansas Rye Whiskey, Arkansas Lightning, and Rock Town Vodka which are distributed in Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the United Kingdom. 

Rock Town Distillery, Arkansas’ first legal distillery since prohibition, is located in downtown Little Rock at 1216 E 6^th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.  The distillery is open for tours 7 days a week. To find out more please visit http://www.rocktowndistillery.com/

The relationship continues with the Cutty Sark Clipper ship…

Having been originally named after the Cutty Sark Clipper ship, our two brands have always had a relatively close relationship.

After an extensive six-year conservation project, the Clipper was re-opened two years ago and is maintained by the Cutty Sark Trust as part of Royal Museums Greenwich. Much like our whisky brand, the Trust is constantly looking for ways to stand out from the other visitor attractions in London and has taken a pioneering approach to its marketing.

Several international sponsors, including ourselves (Cutty Sark), have supported the Trust to ensure the ship is open for visitors all year round.

Happy Birthday to PennyPacker Bourbon!

It has already been a full year since PennnyPacker Kentucky Straight Bourbon has been launched in the U.S. market in May 2013. Over the course of the past year, PennyPacker has received tremendous feedback, including 91 Points from the Tasting Panel Magazine, 87 Points from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Three Stars in the Spirit Journal’s Hall of Fame Issue among several other awards. PennyPacker has also been reviewed and featured on several websites and blogs, including WhiskeyIntelligenc.com, Bourbonblog.com, BourbonandOak.com, DrinkHacker.com, and many more.

With National distribution, PennyPacker has made its way from New York to California with appearances in various Chain Retailers such as Total Wine & More, Spec’s, Kroger’s, and more. PennyPacker is also being featured in bars and restaurants across the nation as a house-pour bourbon or used in Specialty cocktails, including “Blackberry Fig Infused PennyPacker” at Sip Rooftop Bar in Greenville, SC and the “Spring Packer” featured at The Strand Smokehouse in Astoria, NY.

What’s more is that out of approximately 130 labels imported/distributed by Niche Import Co. PennyPacker Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has quickly made its way into the Top 5.

On the rocks. Neat. In a fancy cocktail. In a simple mixed drink. However you drink it, raise your glass, and join us in wishing PennyPacker aHappy 1st Birthday!

Niche Import Co.
At Niche Import Co., a woman owned company, it is our mission to form strategic partnerships with international wine and spirit producers from around the world to import, define, find and maintain distribution channels for high quality specialty brands in the U.S. market.

We are determined to offer outstanding service and competitive pricing to our clients through a dedicated understanding of our brands, their history, the market and target end-user within each geographic region in order to give them the energy, focus, and resources they require to thrive and grow.

Quality in your glass; quality in life. Drink responsibly.

To learn more about our products and services, please visit: www.ourniche.com

THE 1975 and TIRED PONY Rock the World’s Only Whiskey and Music Festival in an Irish Distillery 

Bushmills Live™ 2014: A special blend of established and up-and-coming artists take to the stage at age-old distillery  

Bushmills Village: 13^th June, 2014

Global stars including THE 1975 and Gary Lightbody and Peter Buck’s supergroup TIRED PONY came together along with friends of BUSHMILLS to complete an unforgettable day at ‘Bushmills Live 2014’ – the festival of handcrafted whiskey and music that took place yesterday at the Old Bushmills Distillery on Ireland’s north coast.  

They were joined by rising stars JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW, LUKE SITAL-SINGH, DAVID C. CLEMENTS, MATTHEW AND THE ATLAS, LEVITY BREAKS and RUBBLEBUCKET on what was a fantastic day of music.

The intimate festival on Ireland’s north coast was attended by 700 music and whiskey fans from around the world, including countries as far-flung as the US, Bulgaria, Portugal and Russia. 

Artists more used to playing to crowds of thousands performed a series of small gigs in centuries-old buildings at the Old Bushmills Distillery where the art of whiskey-making, perfected over generations, is practiced every day. 

Gary Lightbody from TIRED PONY said: “Last night was TIRED PONY’s first gig in Ireland and it was unlike any other gig we’ve played before. The atmosphere was great.”                                                                                                                                  

Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery, Colum Egan, said: “Bushmills Live 2014 was a great success. 

“I was looking around and everywhere people were smiling and having a great time, enjoying the wonderful music  – and the exceptional whiskey, in moderation of course. 

“THE 1975 and TIRED PONY were sensational and it was fantastic to continue to provide a platform to up-and-coming talent. The atmosphere backstage was like an old school reunion with so many friends of the festival in attendance – the craic was brilliant!”

Notes  

About Bushmills Live

Bushmills Live is an annual music festival which hosts both iconic and emerging artists for a series of intimate gigs in age-old buildings at the historic Old Bushmills Distillery, where the art of distilling has been perfected over generations.

Keep up with Bushmills Irish Whiskey at: Facebook: facebook.com/bushmills
Twitter: @BushmillsGlobal

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES LATEST BATCH OF GRANDEUR 24 YEAR-OLD 

THE Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said that “spring is the time of new plans and projects”…and the season sees the latest project by GlenDronach coming to fruition with the launch today (11 June) of its newest batch of the Grandeur 24 year-old single malt. 

Designed for the serious connoisseur, the Grandeur 24 Years Old is yet another example of the sweet, gutsy, full-bodied style for which award-winning GlenDronach is renowned. 

Matured for almost a quarter of a century in the finest sherry casks to create the luscious and luxurious Grandeur 24 Years Old, it’s a classic, traditionally-crafted Highland single malt. 

At 48.9% vol and beautifully gift-boxed, this remarkable whisky has been specially selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker from some of the oldest and most unique Oloroso sherry casks at the Forgue distillery. 

This bottling, batch number 5 of the Grandeur releases, is limited to 600 bottles. Individually numbered by hand, each bottle is a one-off and truly unique, making it a very special single malt. 

Billy Walker’s evocative tasting notes paint a vivid picture of this outstanding expression. 

Appearance:  Glistening burnt amber holds a rich crimson heart. 

Nose:  A magnificent combination of honey-drenched dates and succulent raisins which gently ebb and flow with waves of delicate orange blossom, mint and cracked black pepper. Hints of glazed cherries and toasted almonds perfectly complement the seductive nose – a nose to be appreciated slowly and often. 

Palate:  A fabulously full-bodied, vibrant palate captures a multitude of classic sherry cask characteristics. The delicate sweetness of rum-soaked golden sultanas refines rich espresso, dark chocolate and treacle toffee. Zesty orange oil softens to a deep clove spice and prolongs the ever-changing palate. A sublime example of understanding the relationship between cask and single malt perfectly. 

Conclusions: The Grandeur 24 Years Old encapsulates the perfect harmony of exquisite sherry oak casks, masterful maturation and traditional crafted Highland single malt. A dram to be savoured in order to reveal the depth of dramatic flavours held in the glass. A truly memorable and captivating GlenDronach expression. 

Sales Director Alistair Walker commented: “Spring is the time to lift your spirits after a long winter and this latest batch of Grandeur does just that. This really is GlenDronach in all its sherry maturation grandeur – it’s a superb dram that brilliantly sums up everything we do well.”