Suntory Global Spirits announce second partnership with RSPB Scotland in latest expansion of Peatland Restoration Programme

The programme has funded £250,000 to restore 80 hectares of peatland in partnership with RSPB Scotland on Islay, the island home of Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries.

This is the fourth major restoration project the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ has funded since launching in 2021.

SCOTLAND, UK (15 May 2024) – Suntory Global Spirits, previously known as Beam Suntory, announces that it has restored a further 80 hectares of peatland through the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) programme. The restoration work was carried out at The Oa reserve on Islay in partnership with RSPB Scotland and will help to maintain the important role of peatland ecosystems in Scotland’s natural environment.

The Oa is a large and diverse reserve with freshwater lochs and peatland bogs, as well as sea cliffs and coastal grasslands. It is home to many important breeding and wintering birds, including golden eagles, choughs and twites, alongside wildlife like otters and grey seals. Suntory Global Spirits has contributed £250,000 to re-establish the original peatland vegetation and water table, which will revive the natural ecosystem.

This project is the second partnership between Suntory Global Spirits and RSPB Scotland. In November 2022, the two organisations partnered to restore 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire. It also follows Suntory Global Spirits’ recent announcement in March that it is partnering with Northern Peat & Moss to restore peatland using novel techniques on Craigculter Moss in Aberdeenshire.

The completed restoration work at The Oa brings Suntory Global Spirits’ total area of restored peatland on Islay up to 150 hectares, with a further 70 hectares having been already restored near the Bowmore distillery.

As part of its commitment to promoting peatland conservation education and action, Suntory Global Spirits collaborated with RSPB Scotland to host a peatland awareness day at The Oa nature reserve. Conservation experts, members of the local community and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) attended.

The SWA is wholly committed to achieving a sustainable future for the use of peat in the Scotch Whisky industry, and published the Commitment to Responsible Peat Use (CRPU) in 2023. The CRPU was developed with an expert group of Scotch Whisky producers, the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) and supply chain partners such as The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB) to create a tangible action plan that aligns with Scottish peatland protections identified in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4.

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distillation & Environment, Suntory Global Spirits comments: “We are proud long-term partners of RSPB Scotland as sponsors of the RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards for over a decade, and now collaborating on two important peatland restoration projects. The restoration at The Oa is not only integral to sustaining its resilience to climate change, but also in promoting a protected nature reserve on our special island of Islay, home to our Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries and a thriving local community.”

Jack Fleming, RSPB Scotland Area Manager for Argyll, Arran and Ardnamurchan, adds: “We’re thrilled to have taken this latest step in our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. As well as trapping carbon, healthy peatlands provide homes for iconic wildlife such as Curlews and Hen Harriers. They are among the most effective tools we have for tackling the nature and climate crisis, so to have restored 80 hectares at The Oa, on top of the previous work at Airds Moss, is an achievement well worth raising a glass to.”

Anna Graham, Head of Environment, Science and Innovation, Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Peatland restoration is a key pillar at the heart of the industry’s Commitment to Responsible Peat Use, and is crucial in ensuring the longer-term sustainability of what is a precious resource, not just for our sector but for its wider role in supporting climate change resilience. Initiatives and investment like that on display at Suntory Global Spirits’ peatland awareness day demonstrate the Scotch Whisky industry’s clear understanding of the responsibility it has to care for the land, and we look forward to seeing continued progress in the coming years.”

Harumichi Seta, Senior General Manager, Biodiversity/Water Stewardship Lead, Sustainability Management Division, Suntory Holdings comments: “Now in our fourth year, we are excited to see our PWS initiative making positive impacts in restoring Scotland’s peatlands, which play a vital role in improving water retention and quality as well as supporting carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Nature and water being the core of our business, the great progress we are making in Scotland exemplifies our commitment to furthering our efforts to protect the environment in which we operate.”

About Peatland Water Sanctuary™

The Peatland Water Sanctuary™ is a large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects in Scotland launched in 2021 by Suntory Global Spirits (previously known as Beam Suntory) and its parent company, Suntory Holdings. Through PWS™, the companies have committed to invest more than $4 million to the restoration and conservation of a minimum of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Suntory Global Spirits uses to make its peated whiskies on an ongoing basis. Beyond this, there is a longer-term aim to restore sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate twice what Suntory Global Spirits uses.

The PWS™ programme began with work to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery in November 2021 in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry & Land Scotland. Since this time, it has also partnered with the RSPB Scotland to regenerate peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland, and at The Oa nature reserve on the island of Islay, Scotland. In 2024, Suntory Global Spirits announced another PWS™ partnership with Northern Peat & Moss to restore peatland using novel techniques at Craigculter Moss in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Across its projects, Suntory Global Spirits has already restored 206 hectares of peatland, with a further 435 hectares in active planning stages. The PWS™ programme aligns with the Suntory Group Sustainability Vision and Suntory Global Spirits’ ambitious Proof Positive sustainability strategy, as well as the Scotch Whisky Association’s environmental commitments.

About Suntory Global Spirits 

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About RSPB Scotland 

RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. Protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY MATURED IN AMERICAN VIRGIN OAK CASKS 

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 10-year-old limited-edition single malt whisky matured in the finest Virgin American Oak casks.

The Contrasts range features whiskies designed as a twist on the delicately smoky profile of brand’s core range, with other releases including Contrasts Triple Distilled and Contrasts Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask.

The unseasoned casks featured in this release were handmade by expert coopers in Speyside, then gently charred before being filled with Benromach’s signature subtly smoky spirit. The result is a fragrant whisky with dried banana aromas and lemon and fudge on the nose. Bursting with Seville orange zest combined with butterscotch and smooth smoke on the palate, it finishes with long-lasting citrus.

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is currently available for purchase via independent whisky specialists at a recommended retail price of £60.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Every drop of this single malt whisky is made by hand using the sharpened senses of our distillers who put their heart and soul into creating our whisky. Having matured for ten years in Virgin American Oak casks, the result is liquid that is packed with fruity aromas from the offset, followed by zesty citrus and sweet butterscotch flavours. It’s a cracking dram.

“With a limited number of bottles available for purchase, this is the perfect dram for whisky enthusiasts looking to explore something a bit different.”

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak

RRP: £60

ABV: 46%

Nose: Fragrant dried banana aromas with lemon and vanilla fudge.

Taste: Seville orange zest flavours combine with butterscotch and smooth smoke.

Finish: Long-lasting citrus and mature oak on the finish.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

Extraordinarily rare Glenmorangie encapsulates the wonder of nature

 — Aged 23 years, elemental whisky celebrates special collaboration with Azuma Makoto —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today presents a rich, elemental and extraordinarily rare limited edition, embodying the wonder of the natural world. Glenmorangie Dr Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old arises from a partnership between Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden and the Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto. Dr Bill’s delicious single malt reflects their shared love of nature and all that it encompasses, a concept known in Japanese as shinra bansho. Inspired by that whisky’s complex notes of flowers, rain-soaked moss and earthy hints, Azuma Makoto has created a botanical masterpiece, depicted on the edition’s packaging.

During a trip to Glenmorangie’s Highland Distillery, Dr Bill and Azuma – a close friend of the brand – were inspired by the beauty of their surroundings. The acclaimed botanical artist shared with Dr Bill the notion of shinra bansho, which embraces the ground, the sky and everything in between. And together they imagined how they might collaborate to create a uniquely delicious single malt which celebrates nature in all its forms.

Dr Bill began to envision a whisky entwining Glenmorangie’s floral side with the underground world which brings all plants to life. With such a single malt in mind, he first took a classic Glenmorangie, long aged in bourbon casks, heady with aromas of lemon balsam and orchids. He united that single malt with Glenmorangie’s first whisky ever finished in casks which once held Chardonnay white wine from the Meursault appellation in Burgundy. With its notes of moss dampened by rainfall, burning oak and earthy scents of the forest floor, he created a truly elemental whisky: rich, mellow and intriguingly deep.

In his Tokyo studio, Azuma Makoto drew on the whisky’s flavours to create his own masterpiece. Gathering orchids, roses and countless wild flowers from Scotland and around the world, he skilfully wove them through tree bark, roots and moss. His complex, flowing botanical sculpture (entitled Shinra Bansho to reflect the notion at its heart) is Azuma’s own tribute to nature’s evolving harmonies. Beautifully reflecting the layered depths of Dr Bill’s creation, it is showcased on the whisky’s packaging.

Dr Bill said: “Our collaboration with Azuma Makoto is a delicious celebration of nature’s wonder. Including our first whisky finished in Chardonnay casks from Burgundy, this 23-year-old single malt encapsulates nature in all its forms, through notes of lemon balsam, poached pears and cocoa powder layered on the oaky, earthy tones of the forest floor. Azuma-san’s stunning sculpture, featured on the whisky’s packaging, evokes the fragrant scents and elemental depths of this extraordinarily rare whisky – a gift from nature itself.”

Azuma Makoto said: “I was honoured to partner with Dr Bill for this special celebration of shinra bansho. My sculpture is a response to my view of Earth’s blessings – my sense of gratitude for nature – and for the flavour of the Highlands, expressed deliciously in Dr Bill’s whisky.”

The whisky will be available in select retailers in the UK, China, Japan, Taiwan, India and the USA, on glenmorangie.com, as well as Glenmorangie’s inaugural boutique at London’s Heathrow airport, Terminal 2. It has already charmed whisky critics, having received a Double Gold award at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

The whisky will be available in select prestige retailers in the UK, China, Japan, Taiwan, India and the USA for an RRP of £1,050

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s World of Wonder at https://www.glenmorangie.com/members

Tasting Notes:

The limited edition is bottled at 46% ABV

Colour: Deep Copper

Aroma: Rich, heady and fragrant. A burst of syrupy fruits such as peach, pineapple, damson and plum, followed by some more savoury notes like burning oak bark, roasting chestnuts, baking sourdough bread and some hints of damp forest floor. Water releases some herbal and floral notes, with a touch of scented incense, aromatic orchids and even some grapey, vinous notes.

Taste: Rich, sweet and fruity, with an almost waxy mouthfeel. There are flavours of lemon balsam, honeycomb, poached pears with a dusting of cocoa powder, followed by some gentle woody or balsamic notes.

Finish: Lingering and mellow, with hints of eucalyptus, lemon and toasty oak.

RRP: RRP €1,250/£1,050. 

About Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from Glenmorangie House to its colourful new brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Dr Bill Lumsden

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a walk in the forest (Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.

About the making of the limited edition

This extraordinarily rare limited edition was distilled in 1998, just three years after Dr Bill first joined The Glenmorangie Company. It was laid down in bourbon casks, to gain all Glenmorangie’s signature fruity and floral notes. Then as part of his experiments with wine casks, in 2006 Dr Bill transferred a parcel into French oak casks which had previously held Chardonnay white wine from Burgundy. Such casks had never before been used at the Distillery and, during its long finish, that whisky gained earthy notes, hints of burning oak, and rain-drenched moss. Brought together with whisky aged wholly in bourbon casks, it creates his rich, deep and elemental limited edition – an inspired reflection of the natural world. The edition is packaged in a cylindrical gift box which beautifully displays the different facets of Azuma Makoto’s work. Opened by the removal of two copper-coloured pins, it reveals an evocative wooden plinth evoking the flowing lines of the sculpture, on which the bottle is showcased.

About Azuma Makoto

Azuma Makoto began his floral art after setting up a haute-couture flower shop, JARDINS des FLEURS, in 2002. A few years later, he began to explore the world of botanical sculpture – and soon his work began attracting attention from around the world. Starting with a solo exhibition in New York, he has exhibited his works at art museums, galleries and public spaces all over the world. In 2009 he launched the experimental botanical lab Azuma Makoto Kaju Kenkyujo (AMKK). In recent years, he has been pursuing projects that take flowers to locations impossible in the natural world. For instance, he has plunged floral art more than 1,000m deep below the sea and launched it high into the atmosphere. Azuma previously collaborated with Glenmorangie to create a botanical sculpture reflecting the floral character of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old. A depiction of the sculpture adorned the packaging of a limited gift edition of the award-winning whisky.

About the collaboration

Azuma Makoto has been a friend of Glenmorangie for some time, having partnered with Dr Bill to create a limited gift edition for Glenmorangie 18 Years Old in 2021. And recognising this fellow creative as a kindred spirit, Dr Bill was keen to collaborate again with Azuma. He invited the artist to visit the Distillery and Glenmorangie House. There, a walk through the Highland landscape, inspired their latest partnership, to celebrate the idea of shinra bansho. Introduced to this notion by Azuma, Dr Bill first created his exceptionally rare whisky. Then, in his Tokyo studio, Azuma tasted the whisky and became inspired to create his flowing masterpiece. He first sketched his ideas on paper and on an iPad over some months. Finally he created his work using almost 100 different varieties of flowers and plants native to Scotland and around the world. The finished work, entitled Shinra Bansho, is showcased on the gift box and labels of the limited edition.

About shinra bansho

The Japanese term shinra bansho means all things in nature, the universe, the whole of creation. “shinra” means countless rows of trees of different varieties. “Bansho” means all forms and things – all natural phenomena. Combined, the phrase means: “All the things that exist in the universe without limit”.

Loch Lomond Whiskies unveils Scotland’s first whisky golf trail in celebration of The Open 

Loch Lomond Whiskies, The Official Spirit of The Open, has launched Scotland’s first whisky golf trail ahead of The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon this summer.

Inviting golf fans to enjoy the build-up to the sport’s most prestigious championship, the distiller has partnered with 10 bars in Glasgow and Troon, mapping a trail to the site of The Open’s highly anticipated return to Scotland this July.

From Glasgow’s Merchant City to Troon Harbour (between 12-21 July), golf fans and whisky enthusiasts will find a bespoke serve from Loch Lomond Whiskies’ diverse range on the menu in each participating bar, ideally located for those travelling to the championship or watching the action from Glasgow city centre.

The participating bars include The Absent Ear and The Piper Whisky Bar in Merchant City; Devil of Brooklyn, The Raven, Malo Wine & Negroni Bar and The Pot Still in Glasgow city centre; The Bon Accord in Glasgow’s west end; and Lido, Scott’s Bar & Restaurant and The Fox in Troon.

The development of Scotland’s first whisky golf trail follows Loch Lomond Whiskies’ release of three new single malts in celebration of The Open.

The Open Special Edition 2024 (RRP £45; 46% ABV), The Open Course Collection 2024 (RRP £290; 47.1% ABV) and The 152^nd Open Exclusive 29 Year Old Single Malt – French Sauternes Finish (RRP £1,520, 47.8% ABV) pay tribute to the people, players and courses throughout the history of the championship. All three whiskies will be available to sample as a dram at Loch Lomond Whiskies’ stand at The Open and at three of the bars taking part in the whisky golf trail: The Bon Accord, The Pot Still and The Piper Whisky Bar.

The rest of the participating bars will focus on cocktails as part of the whisky golf trail. Designed by award-winning bartender and mixologist Jamie Moran, one of the owners of The Absent Ear, each serve will also be available to purchase at The Open, and will showcase Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke.

Joanne Carlin, sponsorship and events manager at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: 

“At Loch Lomond Whiskies we’re proud to be the official Spirit of The Open, and our development of Scotland’s first whisky golf trail is an exciting new milestone in our ongoing commitment to this prestigious sport.  

“We hope the trail will be a welcome pit stop for those travelling to The Open by train, and those enjoying the championship from afar. Jamie will be working with us on our stand at The Open, and it’s been a privilege to collaborate with him on a range of unique cocktails and serves which showcase the distillery’s unique approach to creating flavour.”  

This year marks the seventh year of the Loch Lomond Whiskies’ partnership with The Open. The world’s oldest golf championship brings together professional players from across the globe to compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

Returning to Scotland this year, The 152nd Open will be held from 12-21 July 2024 at Royal Troon in Ayrshire. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned as one of the world’s greatest links courses, and last hosted The Open in 2016.

A map of the whisky golf trail is available to view here.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

The bars participating in the whisky golf trail include:

The Bon Accord, 153 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA

Malo – Wine & Negroni Bar, 12 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 6LU

The Pot Still, 154 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2TH

The Raven, 81-85 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 1NQ

Devil of Brooklyn, 42 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 1NF

The Piper Whisky Bar, 57 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, G1 1HL

The Absent Ear, Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF

Scott’s Bar & Restaurant, Harbour Road, Troon, KA10 6DJ

Lido Troon, 11-17 West Portland Street, Troon, KA10 6AB

The Fox, 18 West Portland Street, Troon, KA10 6AB

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

2024 EDITION OF THE TURBO ANNOUNCED BY MEIKLE TÒIR

Award-winning Speyside peated single malt brand reveals this year’s edition of sought-after limited release

Independent Scotch whisky producer The GlenAllachie Distillers Company issues peated single malt brand Meikle Tòir’s annual limited release: The Turbo 2024 Edition.

The new label, launched in September 2023, features Scotch whisky produced at independent distillery The GlenAllachie in Speyside.

With veteran whisky maker Billy Walker at the helm since 2017, the distillery introduced annual peated productions of approximately six weeks starting the following year.

The annual outturn of peated new make spirit amounts to around 100,000 Litres of Alcohol (LOA): roughly a tenth of the distillery’s total output.

Since its launch, Meikle Tòir has scooped exceptional accolades, including 93 points for The Turbo 2023 Edition (IWSC, 2024). Judges commented that the “palate is a delight of peach and fruity notes, balanced by a zesty finish”.

Following extraordinary demand for its previous iteration, The Turbo 2024 Edition (50% ABV, UK RRSP £55.99) is a marriage of five American virgin oak casks and four Oloroso hogsheads, producing just 2,200 bottles.

The product name, coined by Walker, is intended to reflect the intense smoke character achieved by capturing the spirit cut with the highest phenol level during distillation.

The phenolic content of the spirit at the point of bottling was an impressive 70 Parts per Million (PPM), balanced with “waves of toasted nuts, salted caramel and dark chocolate truffles” delivered by five years in the rich casks.

To create Meikle Tòir, The GlenAllachie used mainland peat from St. Fergus to contribute a sweeter smoke flavour in comparison to island peat.

The whisky also underwent an extended fermentation period of 160 hours—part of Walker’s adaptations implemented when he took ownership—to develop a complex and flavourful distillate rich in esters.

All Meikle Tòir products are proudly presented with a five-year age statement, without added colouring and non-chill filtered.

Additionally, the brand’s packaging, which features a hand-drawn illustration by Scottish artist Iain McIntosh, is sourced exclusively from UK-based suppliers to reduce its carbon footprint.

The peated label’s core range consists of three other products: The Original, The Sherry One and The Chinquapin One.

Remarking on the new release, Walker comments:

“We have been thrilled at the reception of Meikle Tòir among the whisky community and beyond over the last ten months. For the team and I, it was essential to begin a peated campaign when we took over the reins at The GlenAllachie and use mainland peat to complement the spirit’s heather honey DNA.

“The Turbo, by its nature, is incredibly limited, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. The 2024 Edition is a very moreish dram packed full of sweet campfire smoke alongside dried fruit and chocolate tones.”

Meikle Tòir The Turbo 2024 Edition will become increasingly available worldwide from today, with a UK RRSP of £55.99.

ABOUT MEIKLE TÒIR:

Guided by revered Master Distiller, Billy Walker, our team is on a ‘Meikle Tòir’ (meaning ‘big pursuit’). The goal: to carefully craft and cask-perfect a peerless peated single malt at our Speyside home, The GlenAllachie Distillery.

Being independent, we have complete freedom to do things our way. Every step of the whisky-making journey has been meticulously considered and masterfully optimised to steer the ensuing aromatic and flavour characteristics of the whisky.

Using premium mainland peat for an oaky, sweet smoke style; a process of extended fermentation, exacting distillation and expert maturation elevates the spirit to its pinnacle. After years of patient slumber, the spirit within each cask must meet Billy’s rigorous standards to reach the bottle.

Where pioneering passion and painstaking precision are paramount. All in the pursuit of peated perfection. 

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 ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

At The GlenAllachie, each decision in creating our award-winning Speyside single malt merges logic with instinct. In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts.

Our brands include The GlenAllachie Single Malt, Meikle Tòir Single Malt, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

TASTING NOTES:

Meikle Tòir The Turbo 2024 Edition, 5-year-old – 50% ABV

• Nose: Smoked blood orange, cinnamon spice and manuka honey, with bursts of rich dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts.

• Taste: Worn leather, baking spices and cigar box, followed by honey, hazelnuts and dried red berries, with burnt orange peel and salted caramel.

Remus Bourbon introduces Remus Babe Ruth Reserve

The collector’s release features a medley of three mash bills, inspired by Ruth’s legendary #3, along with a total of 10,624 bottles available, one for each of his plate appearances

ST.LOUIS – The Bambino meets the Bootlegger. Remus Bourbon is proud to announce an official partnership with the estate of Babe Ruth that has culminated in the release of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve – a blend of three high-rye bourbons aged for six-to-seven years and offered at 111 proof (55.5% ABV). A limited supply of 10,624 bottles, one for each of the Babe’s plate appearances, will arrive at retail this July at a minimum suggested price of $149.99 per 750mL bottle. A QR code on the back label allows consumers to scan and find out what Ruth did in their bottle’s plate appearance.

“Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is a special collector’s release inspired by one of the most iconic figures in American history, the immortal Babe Ruth,” said Ross & Squibb Distillery Brand Manager Allison O’Brien. “Remus is inspired by the finest bourbon of the 1920’s, and partnering with the finest baseball player of the 1920’s gives bourbon and baseball fans a unique and memorable way to celebrate America’s pastime.”

To honor Babe’s famous #3, Remus Babe Ruth Reserve features a medley of three high-rye bourbon mash bills, which include specially selected barrels from 2016, 2017, and 2018, consisting of 49% rye, 44% rye and 36% rye bourbons, respectively. The result showcases the expertise of the Ross & Squibb Distillery in distilling and blending rye bourbons. Consumers can expect brown sugar and fig on the nose; some subtle mint, brown sugar, light fennel and candied pecans on the palate; and a warm rye spice with cinnamon on the finish.

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is packaged in an ornate rectangular art deco-inspired glass bottle featuring an embossed baseball-diamond pattern and wooden-cork closure resembling the knob of a baseball bat. The front and back labels incorporate Ruth’s signature and elements of a baseball diamond.

Remus Bourbon is sending four lucky sweepstakes winners to Arlington, Texas, for the 2024 All-Star Game. Consumers also can be part of the excitement and celebration of the new release by participating in nearby launch parties the week of the big game. To learn more about Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and the rest of the Remus portfolio, visit RemusBourbon.com.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Following our announcement of our new blend, the ultimate whisky to celebrate with, ’The Summer of Sport’… the whisky was featured on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh as one of the best spirits for cocktails at home this summer.

Inspiration has been taken from the success of other GreatDrams flavour and occasion-led releases “which is seeing our customers buying for occasions as well as great quality and taste” says Kirsty Dillon, GreatDrams co-founder.

The Summer of Sport is released to mark exactly that. Not only do we have the usual summer treats such as the Open Championship and Wimbledon, we also get to enjoy football’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, as well as the Olympic Games in Paris. There’s also heaps more besides!

When Greg and Kirsty, founders of GreatDrams, were looking at their release schedule “It just makes perfect sense,” said Greg Dillon, “sport is a big part of our lives, as is whisky so we put the two together.”

Kirsty continues “When selecting the casks we knew it had to be vibrant yet smooth and have the ability to stand up when made into cocktails – because who doesn’t love a summer cocktail?”

‘The Summer of Sport’ release is a 10 Year Old sherry cask matured blend with aromas of sticky dates, raisins and undertones of sweet sherry. Delve a little deeper with that first sip, and there are more sweet sherry notes, complemented beautifully by crisp orchard fruits, sweet Madagascan vanilla, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth, mature, and full of character.

This remarkable sherry cask matured blend has been aged for 10 years in Oloroso sherry casks. The sherry influences are present on the nose from the get-go. Immediately you get aromas of sticky dates and raisins, with undertones of sweet sherry. Delve a little deeper with that first sip, and there are more sweet sherry notes, complimented beautifully by crisp orchard fruits, sweet Madagascan vanilla, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth, mature, and full of character.

MORE HERE

GreatDrams
Brook House
Park Lane, Poynton
Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1RG
United Kingdom

WEAR THE GARMENT: BALLANTINE’S AND HIP HOP LEGEND RZA DROP CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH NEIGHBORHOOD

Ballantine’s and RZA have come together once again to create a limited-edition capsule collection, designed in partnership with Japanese streetwear brand, NEIGHBORHOOD

RZA Presents: Ballantine’s x NEIGHBORHOOD collection will be available to purchase from 26^th October 2023 at HighSnobiety Shop and END. clothing.

Ballantine’s, the world’s second largest Scotch whisky, presents the next phase in its partnership with Wu-Tang Clan frontman, RZA, dropping a limited edition capsule collection with streetwear brand, NEIGHBORHOOD.

The ongoing collaboration between Ballantine’s and RZA sees the pair celebrating self-expression through a series of drops that define what it means to ‘stay true’ to yourself. The first drop in the partnership brought together their shared love of music through a collaboration with Crosley Radio, and the latest drop with NEIGHBORHOOD puts fashion at the heart of self-expression.

The collaboration coincides with 50 years of hip hop, a cultural movement that has long shaped streetwear and fashion culture. Multi-hyphenate RZA, the de facto leader of one of hip hop’s defining groups, Wu-Tang Clan, has worked with Ballantine’s and the iconic Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, to design the bespoke fashion and accessories collection, which is available from October 26th globally on HighSnobiety Shop and END. clothing.

The hero piece is a classic black ‘zip work jacket’, emblazoned with the mantras, ‘Stay True’ and ‘Craft With Pride’, above the outline of a Ballantine’s Chevron. In true NEIGHBORHOOD style, the jacket is crafted using TC twill for a boxy fit; and embroidered onto the left cuff of the jacket is RZA’s distinctive three-letter signature.

Within the collection are two stylish matching black twill accessories, adorned with the collaborative logos and RZA’s signature – a baseball cap and an eco-friendly tote bag. And for whisky fans, the collection also includes a bespoke Tsukamoto ceramic whisky decanter with an intricately designed skull motif and a Tsukamoto black clay drinks tumbler with an inner blue glaze.

When asked about the partnership, RZA said:

“Fashion is one of the greatest ways to show self-expression; we use clothes to express everything, from our style to other interests such as sports and music, and even our communities and neighbourhoods. The whole collection came out great, but having Ballantine’s ‘Stay True’ motto on the jacket is my favourite detail – it encapsulates our shared belief of doing things your own way.”

Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine’s Global Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds:

“Ballantine’s and RZA have a shared DNA – one of legacy, history, excellence, and good taste – and a belief in staying true to who you are. This next step in our collaboration with the hip hop legend and NEIGHBORHOOD encourages people to express themselves in their own unique way, which is what Ballantine’s Stay True ethos is all about. RZA is known for subverting expectations which reflects the spirit of our founder George Ballantine, who was breaking conventional codes of whisky since the 1820s. We can’t wait for this capsule collection to drop to fans around the world.“

Haruchika Mitsui from NEIGHBORHOOD said:

“RZA has a unique style; while it has evolved over time, it remains unmistakably true to his essence – timeless and multi-faceted. Likewise, the items in this collection are physical expressions of different art forms – namely fashion and pottery – through multiple cultures: a Japanese streetwear brand partnered with New York hip-hop culture and the legacy of an iconic Scotch whisky.”

To get your hands on the limited-edition collaboration and to be the first to hear about exclusive content and future drops, visit Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Hidden Barn Releases Seven-Year-Old Bourbon Finished in French Oak

Gold Medal Winner and Oldest Release to Date will be Available Starting July 7 

SPARTA, KY (June 27, 2024) –Hidden Barn, a bourbon brand launched in 2022, is releasing a seven-year-old double-barreled bourbon on 7/7 (July 7th).  The brand has been acquired by Royce Neeley from the Neeley Family Distillery, and continues to be created in partnership with Master Blender Jackie Zykan. This acquisition elevates the brand from its inception as an NDP (non-distiller producer) into having a brick-and-mortar home. The first release for Hidden Barn under the Neeley family of brands is a seven-year-old expression, aged five years in 24-month open-air seasoned barrels, and then barreled in new charred French oak barrels for an additional two years.

“We’re excited to continue partnering with Jackie on Hidden Barn, and to release what is ironically, her seventh blend of Hidden Barn Bourbon. Jackie has access to all my inventory for her blending,” said Royce Neeley, Master Distiller and owner of Neeley Family Distillery.  “Basically, I’ve given her the keys to the warehouse, and we can expect to see more one-of-a-kind releases in the future now that she’s got thousands of barrels to play with.”

The Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Bourbon has already snagged a gold medal with a score of 91 at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  The release is a blend of five barrels distilled at Neeley Family Distillery with a mash bill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.  Like all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, this bourbon was double pot distilled after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a practice of the Neeley Family dating back generations. The unique process also includes utilizing sweet mash as well as open cypress fermentation tanks to achieve products with rustic depth and dimension.

Through Jackie’s meticulous blending process, which starts with sampling from the multiple barrels available to her at the Neeley Distillery in Northern Kentucky, blends are constructed to represent harmony amid what seems unlimited diversity in profiles. For this particular blend, Jackie utilized just five barrels to achieve the final profile.  “It’s actually more difficult to create a blend with fewer barrels than one might think,” Zykan noted.  “People think starting with a smaller base is easier, since there are less flavor components in play, but it’s actually harder.  With big batches, it’s easier to achieve consistency and camouflage outlying components.  But with a smaller batch, such as this with only five barrels, everything has to be intentionally incorporated because any disconnect will show up immediately.”  This speaks to Jackie’s approach to blending, (and life), which is a focus on balance, structure and celebrating unique nuances.

With that in mind, Jackie notes the Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Bourbon has a gorgeous bouquet of overripe blackberry and red currant, coupled with crème brulee and a hint of spearmint.  Rich and full bodied on the palate, with a semi-dry rounded finish, coupled with toasted allspice, banana bread, and black pepper.  This whiskey was not chill filtered before bottling, and is bottled at cask strength, 109.4 proof.  Suggested retail pricing for the Hidden Barn Seven-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is $79.99. It will be released on July 7th at Neeley Family Distillery and will also be available online and at retail in Kentucky, Indiana, New York, California, Georgia, Colorado and New Mexico.

About Hidden Barn Bourbon

Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition.  This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three partners, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  Together, the three friends bring their own strengths – a superior palate, distilling prowess, and a powerhouse connector to form Hidden Barn Bourbon.  Previous Hidden Barn Series have earned Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024 and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival.  Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery.   The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com

GLENALLACHIE INTRODUCES DUO

OF REGIONAL EXCLUSIVE WHISKIES

Award-winning Speyside single malt brand

announces limited editions for the UK and Europe

Leading Independent Scotch whisky producer The GlenAllachie launches a set of two Regional Exclusive single malts aged in fine European wine casks.

Spearheaded by universally respected industry veteran Billy Walker, the Speyside distillery has earned a reputation for its peerless cask procurement and maturation capabilities.

The new duo of whiskies, which join the brand’s Wood Collection, consists of a 12-year-old Sauternes Wine Cask Finish for the UK (RRSP £67.99) and a 10-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish for Europe (RRSP £61.99).

Each expression underwent initial maturation in Bourbon barrels before being transferred into casks chosen by renowned cask innovator Walker.

The 12-year-old UK exclusive enjoyed a secondary ageing period in hogsheads that previously hosted Sauternes: a white dessert wine from the famous French region of Bordeaux. The resulting whisky delivers “elegant layers of toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream, coconut shavings and peach torte.”

For Europe, the 10-year-old single malt spent additional time in hogshead casks that formerly held vibrant Ruby Port from Portugal’s celebrated Douro Valley. The rich wood has “bestowed a rose gold hue and flavours of forest fruits, ginger biscuits, honeycomb and mocha.”

Aged in on-site warehouses, the whisky was regularly monitored until Walker deemed the perfect level of wood influence was achieved.

Both single malts were bottled at 48% ABV without chill filtration or artificial colouring.

Commenting on the new expressions, Walker reveals:

“It is my view that ageing in quality casks provides 70% of a whisky’s flavour. These two Limited Edition single malts underwent an interesting maturation journey in the finest wood. We work with niche, boutique cask suppliers that align with our values and prioritise quality. We’re delighted with the outcomes here; each of the whiskies offers unique qualities: the Sauternes Cask Finish is smooth and fresh, and the Ruby Port Cask Finish is fruity and indulgent.”

The news follows the recent unveiling of the first Wood Collection expressions since the brand underwent a packaging refresh. Released in April, part one of the ‘Sherry Series’ includes single malts matured in Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso casks, with the second tranche expected later this year.

The GlenAllachie Wood Collection exclusives for the UK and Europe will become increasingly available from today, with RRSPs starting at £61.99.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

At The GlenAllachie, each decision in creating our award-winning Speyside single malt merges logic with instinct. In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts.

Being independent offers us the freedom to prioritise what matters most: quality. The pursuit is not of consistency, but perfection. Never resting on our laurels, we work tirelessly to refine and enhance each batch of whisky, striving to better the last.

The result of seamlessly coordinated collaboration is a range of carefully crafted and cask-perfected whiskies, each personally approved by Billy. With a quietly confident team of passionate whisky enthusiasts behind The GlenAllachie, you can be sure we have our whisky in good hands.

Our other brands are Meikle Tòir Peated Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits—which encompasses Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum—and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

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TASTING NOTES:

The GlenAllachie 12-year-old Sauternes Wine Cask Finish, UK Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Nose: Honeycomb, butterscotch and toffee sauce, with crystalised ginger, mocha and peaches.

• Taste: Tropical fruits, heather honey and baking spices, followed by demerara sugar, coconut and marmalade, with citrus notes, caramel and ice cream on the finish.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish, Europe Exclusive – 48% ABV

• Nose: Orange zest, apricots and crystalised red berries, with notes of ginger, heather honey and rich dark chocolate.

• Taste: Raspberry coulis, crystalised honeycomb and red berry ice cream, followed by cinnamon, candied berries and mocha.