BOURBON IS HOT, SO IS SUMMER—EVAN WILLIAMS KENTUCKY SLUSH TO COOL DOWN CONSUMERS IN SELECT TEST MARKETS 

Evan Williams Introduces the Coolest Way for Bourbon Drinkers to Refresh Their Summer 

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams, are giving Bourbon lovers in select markets a new way to chill out this summer—Evan Williams Kentucky Slush.  The only Bourbon-based pre-mixed cocktail, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is made with real Evan Williams Bourbon and the natural flavors of Lemonade, Orange Juice, and Sweet Tea, and can be frozen, poured or blended.  It is best served frozen in the bottle or any personal container, blended with ice for an instant frozen Bourbon Slush, or simply poured straight on the rocks. 

As the Bourbon category grows year after year, now surpassing 16 million cases in the US and topping the $1 billion mark in exports for the first time, traditional seasonal trends, whereby consumers trade in their whiskeys for “white goods”—Gin and Vodka—during the summer months, have largely gone by the wayside. In fact, share of Bourbon consumption is now as high in July and August as January and February.  Given this trend, and given the dynamic growth of Evan Williams Bourbon, named both an Impact “Hot Brand” and a Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” this year, Heaven Hill is test marketing Evan Williams Kentucky Slush in 11 markets this summer. Test markets will include Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. 

Evan Williams Kentucky Slush will be shipping mid to late May, and is to be available in market at off-premise accounts from June until August in a 1.75 liter PET bottle suitable for storage in the freezer.  Strongly branded with the Evan Williams logo and graphic theme, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is intended to be merchandised and displayed within the Bourbon aisle using the POS materials made available, either on the shelf or as part of an impactful floor display.  All marketing materials, from case cards to posters and bottle neckers, use the tagline “For Seriously Refreshing Bourbon…Just Chill.”  Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is bottled at 25 proof or 12.5% alc./vol, which is a higher proof than other similar slush-type products, with an average national suggested retail price for the 1.75 liter bottle of $14.99. 

“As the Evan Williams brand franchise grows, we have identified additional usage opportunities, and one of these is clearly to expand Bourbon as a refresher during the hot summer months,” said Susan Wahl, Senior Brand manager, Whiskeys, at Heaven Hill.  “We know through both research and anecdotal evidence that many of our newer Evan Williams consumers look for different, more refreshing ways to drink Bourbon in the summer, whether at backyard cookouts, at the lake, or other summer gatherings.  We feel that we have a great taste profile, and with the flexibility to freeze it straight in the bottle, blend it with ice, or simply pour it on the rocks, we look for great results in our 11 test markets.”    

Founded in 1934, Bardstown,KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

A DRAM FOR ALL DADS

If you’re looking for the perfect gift this Father’s Day, then look no further than our handpicked selection of award-winning single malt whisky… 

The Macallan Gold

Why not treat your Dad to a bottle of The Macallan Gold, the first expression in the innovative 1824 Series, which showcases this single malt’s natural colour and is matured in 100% sherry seasoned oak casks. The Macallan Gold has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons (RRP £35.99). www.themacallan.co.uk  

Highland Park 12 Year Old 

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the perfect gift for Dad’s who are fans of flavour. This single malt whisky boasts a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke and a flavour that just keeps on delivering. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £34.04). www.highlandpark.co.uk. 

Laphroaig 10 Year Old 

The classic 10 Year Old Laphroaig offers a bold smoky taste followed by a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. This is the foundation of the iconic Laphroaig range and makes the perfect Father’s Day gift for fans of the unique peaty character offered in any of Laphroaig’s signature expressions. Laphroaig 10 Year Old is available in all major multiples including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda (RRP £35.10). www.laphroaig.com 

Ardmore Traditional Cask 

Ardmore Traditional Cask is the perfect whisky for a Dad who appreciates time honoured craftsmanship. Ardmore has continued to adhere to their traditional ways of distilling since 1898, when the distillery was first founded. This single malt whisky offers a full and rich taste, with unique and rare highland peat-smoke tones, followed by a smooth, subtle sweetness. Ardmore Traditional Cask is available in selected major multiples including Asda and all good whisky shops (RRP £32). www.ardmorewhisky.com

LCBO RELEASES FIRST ONTARIO SINGLE MALT WHISKY 

Vaughan, Ontario, May 23, 2014 – Still Waters Distillery announces the release of its STALK & BARREL SINGLE MALT WHISKY at the LCBO. This is the first Single Malt Whisky to be distilled, aged and bottled in Ontario. The whisky, available in limited quantities, will be launched at the Summerhill LCBO store on May 31, 2014. The distillers will be on hand from 11:30am until 3:30pm to meet customers, offer samples, and sign bottles. They will also be at the Oakville LCBO on Cornwall Drive on June 7 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  

STALK & BARREL SINGLE MALT WHISKY was first released last year directly by the distillery and in other markets, but this is the first LCBO release. It has received excellent reviews from critics and consumers alike. It is bottled as a single cask offering in individually numbered bottles. The whisky is made by hand from 100% Canadian two-row malted barley in small batches in a custom built copper pot still. It is bottled with no chill-filtering or artificial colouring. 

Distiller and company co-founder, Barry Bernstein, said, “We set out to restore the tradition of small batch craft distilling in Ontario that goes back centuries. We are excited to be releasing Ontario’s first craft whisky.” Barry Stein, co-founder and fellow distiller remarked, “We are pleased with the support the LCBO has given to locally produced products that consumers are now seeking”. 

Still Waters Distillery is Ontario’s first craft distillery. Their focus is on handmade whiskies, with their STALK & BARREL SINGLE MALT WHISKY being the first release. A 100% rye whisky will be released in the fall. They also produce an award-winning blended Canadian whisky, and an award-winning vodka. They are the recipient of the 2013 Canadian Whisky Awards, “Distillery of the Year”.

Spencerfield Spirit Shine at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2014 

Fife drinks company Spencerfield Spirit is celebrating after being crowned a double winner at the national Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. 

Spencerfield scooped the coveted Drinks (alcoholic) category with its whisky, The Feathery and also the overall Small Business of the Year award. 

The winners were announced last night (Thursday 22 May) at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by Scottish television presenter Kaye Adams, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. With 22 award categories celebrating excellence across Scottish food and drink, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards showcased a broad spectrum of food and drink companies from across the country. 

Commenting on the awards, Alex Nicol, Managing Director of the Spencerfield Spirit Company said:  “We are delighted to be recognised at the prestigious Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and it’s particularly exciting that The Feathery has secured its first award since launching earlier this year.

“We are also thrilled to be recognised as overall small business of the year – 2014 is going to be a very exciting year for the business and we are pleased to have got off to such a great start.”

The award judges tasted 115 food and drink entries and examined submissions for 154 entries from 102 businesses across all the categories. 

The Feathery is a blended malt which has been entirely matured in first class sherry wood which makes it slightly sweeter, fuller and more rounded than standard malts. It is the first expression of a range being developed by Spencerfield to celebrate the original Scottish craftsmanship.

For more information, please visit http://www.spencerfieldspirit.com/.

The Whiskey Ice Co. Partners with Sharper Image to sell its Spherical Ice Ball Makers 

Dallas, TX, USA – May, 21 2014 – The Whiskey Ice Co has teamed up with Sharper Image, one of the most well known retailers of gadgets and specialty gifts, to sell their 2.6 inch (66mm) Spherical Ice Ball Maker for only $399.99 (approximately £248). The partnership strengthens The Whiskey Ice Co.’s position as a leader in the manufacture and sales of the world’s best and most affordable ice ball maker set. 

The Whiskey Ice Co. Spherical Ice Ball Maker is the only complete package on the market at this price point and includes everything required to create 2.6 inch (66mm) spherical ice balls: 

• 2.6 inch (66mm) Spherical Ice Ball Maker Set • Ice Tongs • Flexible Ice Plug Molds • Water Catch Drip Pan 

According to The Whiskey Ice Co., the 2.6 inch (66mm) Ice Ball Maker size is an optimized size that fits in more glassware sizes and allows for a normal volume of your favorite beverage to be served (approximately 1.5 -2.5 oz. for a double old fashioned glass) and can be used in a variety of glass sizes and shapes. 

“We have always been big fans of Sharper Image and we wanted to offer our product to the thousands of loyal Sharper Image customers that trust the Sharper Image name” says Mr. Clinton Compton, Marketing Director for The Whiskey Ice Co., “the strategic move to allow our product to be sold by one of the preeminent specialty gift retailers really sets our product apart because Sharper Image is a brand people trust. We are proud to be working with such a strong brand, like Sharper Image.” 

Sharper Image offers The Whiskey Ice Co. Spherical Ice Ball Maker in Silver as part of their Kitchen and Entertaining category of products. 

The Whiskey Ice Co. offers a variety of products with new products on the way, including apparel and vintage bar & liquor memorabilia. The Whiskey Ice Co. operates from 9am to 5pm US/Central time, Monday through Friday. Wholesale and custom-branded reseller opportunities are available for retailers and distilleries who would like to offer The Whiskey Ice Co. Spherical Ice Ball Maker to their customers, including with their own brand and other color options are available, including copper, black and more. 

View the video of The Whiskey Ice Co. Spherical Ice Ball Maker in action:

http://whiskey-ice.com/images-video/videos.html

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY EXPERIMENTS

WITH AGING BARRELS ON DIFFERENT WAREHOUSE FLOORS  

Bourbon Aged on Three Different Warehouse Floors

Are the Latest Experiment in this 12-Year-Old Bourbon Release 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 22, 2014) What happens when you age the exact same bourbon, for the same length of time, but on different warehouse floors?  Does the altitude make a difference? Buffalo Trace Distillery attempts to find out in its latest experiment. 

The Warehouse Floors Experiment was started in 2001, when Buffalo Trace’s Rye Mash recipe #1 was put into barrels and then aged on floors one, five, and nine of Warehouse K. This brick warehouse has nine wooden floors in total and was chosen for this experiment due to the variety of tastes it provides during the aging process. Here’s how the experiment panned out:

The barrels aged on the first floor of Warehouse K resulted in a bourbon with a delicate flavor, subtly sweet, with a very mild oak taste.

Barrels aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse K yielded a bourbon that tasted of sweet vanilla and a light caramel, coupled with light wood flavors.

The ninth floor of Warehouse K resulted in a bourbon with a deep aroma. The flavor was of a roasted nut sweetness paired with green pears and figs.    

“Through this experiment, we learned that something as simple as varying which floor a bourbon ages on does bring out different flavors in the bourbon, said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “The higher floors had slightly deeper, woody notes as well as more varying fruity flavors.”  

These barrels are part of the more than 2,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles and packed 12 to a case, with three bottles from each warehouse floor in a case. Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.35 each. These particular rare experimental bottles should be available in June.  For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.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 www.buffalotracedistillery.com. 

Celebrate World Whisky Month with the House of Johnnie Walker – Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

With World Whisky Month underway, embrace the pioneering spirit of the House of Walker with Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s luxurious Perfect Serve; a remarkable rare blended scotch whisky, enjoyed over ice.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve has been specifically crafted to mark symbolic moments in life and is perfect for those looking for a dash of glamour with the blend of exquisite bold flavours. We suggest celebrating World Whisky Month with your very own Flower cocktail. The honey blends combined with fresh lemon juice and floral notes of elderflower make the perfect summer tipple.

Through unique flavours that celebrate the heritage,
craftsmanship and innovation of Whisky, Johnnie
Walker continues to create distinguished and
captivating blends which have been passed down
from generation to generation –
“Celebrating life, every day, everywhere”

Enjoy the Perfect Serve of Johnnie Walker Blue Label on the rocks for a traditional tipple.

50 YEAR OLD GLENFIDDICH AND THE MACALLAN MILENNIUM 50 YEAR OLD LEAD BONHAMS WHISKY SALE  

A bottle of 50 year old Glenfiddich and a bottle of The Macallan Millennium Decanter 50 year old are the star lots in Bonhams next Whisky sale which will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 18 June. 

The Glenfiddich was bottled in 1991 and is numbered ‘5’.  It comes in a wooden presentation case accompanied by a certificate and is estimated at £12,000-14,000.  The bottle of The Macallan Millennium was distilled in 1949 and bottled in 1999. It comes in a Caithness glass decanter accompanied by a stopper and in its own fitted oak presentation case.  It too is estimated at £12,000-14,000. 

Two bottles of Chivas Regal 25 year old bearing the inscription – Purveyors to His Majesty King George V and to Her Majesty Queen Alexandria, Chivas Brothers, Aberdeen  – and from the early years of the 20^th century also feature. 

One, in a three piece moulded green glass bottle is pre First World War strength and has the words “Chivas Brothers, Whisky, Aberd…” embossed into the top of the wax capsule.  It is estimated at £3,500-4,500.  The other bears a label reading, Imported by Fred L. Meyers & Son, The Sugar Wharf, Kingston, Jamaica, B. W. I (British West Indies). The lead capsule is embossed with the words “Chivas Aberdeen” around the neck and on top.  It is estimated at £2,500-3,500. 

Bonhams Whisky specialist Martin Green said, “In a strong sale these bottles stand out. The Chivas Regal bottles are particularly interesting. The brand was created in the early 1900s specifically for export to the United States to satisfy a growing demand for luxury products. Chivas Regal 25 year old was introduced in 1909 in a limited edition and it’s likely that these two bottles date from around that time or shortly after.”  

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is the world’s third largest auctioneer of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com.

2014 ISLAY FESTIVAL SPECIAL BOTTLINGS ANNOUNCED FOR LAGAVULIN AND CAOL ILA

Caol Ila Feis2014 bottling

To mark this year’s Islay Festival of Malt & Music, Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries have now announced details of their special Festival natural cask strength bottlings available only to visitors.

The CAOL ILA™ special bottling was personally selected by David Wood, Caol Ila Distillery Manager. It was distilled in 2002 and has been matured in Refill American Oak Hogsheads. It has been bottled at 55.5% ABV in an edition of 1,500 bottles.

David Wood’s tasting notes read:

Nose: Soft, elegant, vanilla, sea breeze, touch of smoke, meadow flowers.

Palate: Developing peat smoke, spice, vanilla. Citrus fruits. Typical Caol Ila character. Oily and acidic.

Finish: Exceedingly long. Smoke lingers as the vanilla and sea breeze fades.

Lagavulin Feis2014 bottling

The LAGAVULIN™ bottling is drawn from casks filled in January 1995. Matured in European Oak Sherry Butts, the liquid was personally selected by Lagavulin warehouseman Iain McArthur. At 54.7% ABV, it comes in an edition of 3,500 bottles.

Tasting notes offered by Georgie Crawford, Distillery Manager at Lagavulin, state:

Nose: Neat the initial nose is boat tar and peat ash balanced out with spicy sweet stewed apples. Water releases some star anise and sweeter wood smoke.

Palate: Without water there is hot ash up front smoothing away to reveal hints of marzipan. Water brings out a sharp sweetness of floral perfume.

Finish: Long, initially hot and dry with sweetness developing. A good lingering Lagavulin with plenty of damp wood and peat ash in the finish.

Both whiskies are priced at £99 per bottle. Sales are limited to two bottles per personal visitor.

Georgie Crawford commented:

“Once again we are pleased to be able to present two very appealing and exceptional whiskies from Lagavulin and Caol Ila.

“The Festival gets stronger and better every year, and all of us at Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries hope that this year’s special Fèis bottlings, and those offered by other distilleries on this wonderful island, will add to the delight of those visitors who come to celebrate Islay’s great whiskies and whisky-making traditions with us during the Fèis.”

Diageo asks Fèis visitors to consume their whiskies responsibly.

NOTES

This year’s annual Islay Festival runs from 23rd to 31st of May 2014: see http://www.islayfestival.com/. The Lagavulin Distillery Open Day is on Saturday 24th May. The Port Ellen Maltings Open Day is on Sunday 25th May. The Caol Ila Distillery Open Day is on Monday 26th May.