One Step Closer to English Whisky Production 

England’s newest and largest whisky, gin and vodka distillery, The Lakes Distillery, is one step closer to production following delivery of its stills at the site in Cumbria. 

The distillery took receipt of its three handmade copper stills – wash, spirit and gin – earlier this week which were lifted into place through the roof of the building. The stills, made near Edinburgh by specialist manufacturer McMillan, have a capacity of 5,500 litres and will enable the £5m distillery to produce 1million bottles of English single malt per year, in addition to gin and vodka. 

The distillery, based on the banks of Bassenthwaite Lake, sources its water directly from the nearby River Derwent and is the only distillery in Cumbria to both produce and distill its spirits on site. Last month the distillery sent a sample of the water for comprehensive analysis by the leading analytical chemist to the whisky industry in Scotland. The resulting report shows that the water is of an ideal PH level, is very soft and has a turbidity of 0.6 which is exceptional. 

Paul Currie, The Lakes Distillery’s founder and managing director, said: “We will now start commissioning the stills and from September 2014 will begin production of The Lakes Single Malt, our lightly peated liquid gold which we expect to be more akin to highland whiskies. 

“We have paid great attention to the plant installed in the distillery to ensure the very highest quality of our spirits. We have also introduced a number of innovations to the process which are at the cutting edge of distilling and will be the first distillery to use both copper and stainless steel in our distilling process which we believe will develop a malt with a greater character. 

A select number of whisky enthusiasts around the world are invited to become part of the early stages of The Lakes Distillery story. The company has launched a Connoisseurs’ Club, where just 60 members will own their own cask of The Lakes Single Mal. They’ll to the distillery to make their own whisky, fill their own rare sherry cask, and then come to annual tasting ceremonies when they can taste their maturing whisky. 

In addition, the Lakes Distillery will set aside the first 100 casks of its single malt whisky produced exclusively for members of its Founders’ Club. Each year for ten years, members will then receive one 70cl bottle and two tasting bottles, making up a collectible set of the distillery’s first ever production. 

For more information on The Lakes Distillery, please visit http://www.lakesdistillery.com/

THE ONE BECOMES MANY AS LAKES WHISKY GOES GLOBAL 

The first whisky from a brand new £5m distillery being built in the Lake District has already gone global. 

The ONE is the first blend of whiskies from around the British Isles ever to be produced, and has been created by The Lakes Distillery team that includes former Isle of Arran Distillers co- founder, Paul Currie, and Chris Anderson, Master Distiller, formerly of Dewars. 

Only a few months after its UK launch last Autumn, The ONE blend has already clinched distribution deals in The Netherlands, France and Belgium, and will launch in the UAE this May. 

The Lakes Distillery managing director, Paul Currie, said on his return from an Eastern Europe trade mission this month: “To create The ONE, we searched far and wide to bring together a range of very special whiskies from the British Isles. These have been blended with great care and passion to create a perfectly balanced whisky and, as we hoped, exports have taken off in a big way already. 

“As well as the distribution deals already secured, we are in talks with partners in Spain and Poland, and have other territories in Europe and Asia in our sights. 

“We all know the global success story of Scotch, and now England is seeing a real whisky boom with several new distilleries planned to open this year. Our £5m development at Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria will be the biggest new distillery in England and the first official one in the Lakes. Building work is well underway and we plan to start production of whisky, gin and vodka in the summer and open our bistro, tours and shop to the public by the December 2014. 

“The ONE is an important brand for us in the growing premium whisky sector, and it has received an outstanding response both with its smooth taste and innovative packaging. We will start production of The Lakes Malt in the summer, and we also plan for that to be a global brand. The stills arrive in the June and our experienced team, who all have decades of distillery experience, are now very excited about creating a new quality malt from scratch.” 

A select number of whisky enthusiasts around the world are invited to become part of the early stages of The Lakes Distillery story. The company has launched a Connoisseurs’ Club, where just 60 members can come to the distillery to make their own whisky, fill their own rare sherry cask, and then come to annual tasting ceremonies when they can taste their maturing whisky. 

In addition, the Lakes Distillery will set aside the first 100 casks of malt whisky produced exclusively for members of its Founders’ Club. Each year for ten years, members will then receive one 70cl bottle and two tasting bottles, making up a collectible set of the distillery’s first ever production. 

More information is available at http://www.lakesdistillery.com/e-brochure/   

Notes:

The Lakes Distillery

Close to Bassenthwaite Lake, in an area of unimaginable beauty encircled by Cumbrian fells, is the perfect home for the first-ever Lakes Distillery. 

The experienced team behind the Lakes Distillery, which includes managing director Paul Currie who co founded the Arran Distillery, Master Distiller Chris Anderson with over 30 years’ experience and Alan Rutherford the former Production Director of Diageo, are renovating the historic buildings of an old Victorian Model Farm next to the famous river Derwent and close to Bassenthwaite Lake, with the aim to produce a new world-class single malt whisky. 

The water from the famous River Derwent, with its source high up in the fells, a team steeped in whisky experience, and perfect conditions for distilling are set to create a very special malt. 

The Lakes Distillery will open to the public in late 2014. The Lakes single malt will begin production this summer, and will be ready to taste in 2015. Its blended whisky from the British Isles, called The ONE is available to buy now. 

The ONE Whisky

The ONE is the first British blended whisky ever to be produced.  As opposed to blends made only of scotch whiskies, The ONE has been carefully created from whiskies from around the British Isles, leading to a very unique whisky.  This is very much an artisan blend – the team in Cumbria has enormous experience in making the very finest whiskies, and their expertise has put together this outstanding blend, which has a lightly peated character.  

Blended whiskies are made up of grain and malt whiskies, and it is the quantity of malt whisky in the blend that dictates the quality – so the more malt whisky in the blend, the better the quality. The ONE has a very high malt content and its quality is very much in line with single malt whiskies. 

Distributors

–      Netherlands – launched Dec with Van Wees. 

–      France – launching this month with La Maison du Whisky

–      Belgium – launching this month with Nectar


–      UAE – launching in May with MMI


–      Spain/Poland – currently in discussions with potential distributors 

The Connoisseurs’ Club  

The company has launched a  Connoisseurs’ Club, offering the opportunity for just 60 members to own their own very rare cask of The Lakes Malt. 

Each cask is estimated to contain more than 100 bottles and members can be there on that historic first day to make the whisky themselves, fill their own Connoisseur’s Cask and see it stored in the distillery warehouse. The Connoisseurs’ Club limited membership is valued at £12,000, which includes the unique signature cask, exclusive annual events, accommodation at the nearby 4-star Trout Hotel, delivery, all duty and VAT. It’s estimated if kept, the cask will be worth over £20,000 in years to come. 

The Founders’ Club

The first ever distillery in the beautiful Lake District, opening later this year, is setting aside the first ever 100 casks of malt whisky produced for members of its Founders’ Club. 

Each year for ten years, members will receive one 70cl bottle plus two tasting miniatures of the maturing malt, making up a collectible set of the distillery’s first ever production, all with unique, limited edition labels. These casks will not be available for the general public and are uniquely reserved for members. 

Founders’ Club membership costs just £595, with an expected value of over £1,400 over the ten years period. Delivery of the first bottle will be in 2015.

Old Pulteney Launches Limited Edition

35 Year Old Single Malt 

Multi award-winning Old Pulteney Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has added a new, exceptionally rare whisky to its distinguished range, the limited edition Old Pulteney 35 Year Old. Only 450 cases of this outstanding single malt will be rolled out to global markets with a retail price of £500 per bottle. 

The embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship, this new expression is matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which have been expertly hand selected by Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring. Each striking 700ml bottle is non-chill filtered at 42.5% ABV. On the palate this full bodied expression is sweet and spicy to start then quickly develops a range of signature Old Pulteney flavours from honey, rum soaked raisins and oranges to the heavier notes of seasoned leather, pralines and a touch of the salty North Sea air. A truly indulgent, perfectly balanced whisky, it has a long slow finish and is light amber in colour. 

The eye catching detail and design of the limited edition reflects the brand’s rich maritime heritage, which includes a stunning wooden box with porthole revealing the unique Old Pulteney bottle which carries the classic herring drifter, which has become a symbol of the brand. 

Founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom, Pulteney Distillery is one of the most Northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is this unique maritime heritage that gives the whisky its identity as the ‘Maritime Malt’. A long-held favourite tipple for whisky enthusiasts, many say they can taste a faint hint of the sea in Old Pulteney maltsthanks to the Distillery’s windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea. 

The launch of the 35 Year Old follows the success of Old Pulteney’s 40 Year Old single malt which was released in 2012, Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke commented:  

“Old Pulteney 35 Year Old is a world class expression and we are delighted to add another high age, limited edition to our existing portfolio. 

From its eye catching packaging to its superior taste, the new malt is a true reflection of Old Pulteney’s outstanding quality and craftsmanship. We are confident that it will take its place amongst the best luxury whiskies available today and cement our position as one of the UK’s top ten single malts.”  

Notes

About Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney distillery team continue to craft their whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Old Pulteney continues to celebrate all things related to its maritime heritage and is renowned for its long standing support of sailing adventure across the globe.

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.