STILLS INSTALLED AT EDEN MILL DISTILLERY

Independent Scottish distiller Eden Mill has installed the wash and spirit stills at its new distillery in St Andrews, as the brand gets ready to start production on the Eden Campus.

The beating heart of the distillery, the two hand-crafted copper stills were manufactured by LHS in Speyside and designed in collaboration with Eden Mill head distiller, Scott Ferguson, to achieve a light, floral and grassy new make similar to that which he distilled back in 2014 on the original stills.

The onion shaped wash still (15,000 litres), boil-ball spirit still (11,500 litres), and shell-and-tube condenser were all selected by Ferguson to produce a lighter and sweeter spirit with a delicate flavour profile. Commissioning will begin in March, kicking off the process of fine-tuning the new make spirit before filling the first casks of the new distillery.

Located just seven minutes from St Andrews, the distillery will open its doors to tourists in summer 2025, offering immersive tours, a shop and a 3rd floor cocktail bar where guests will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy views across the Eden Estuary.

Commenting on the milestone, Rennie Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer at Eden Mill, said: “Installing our copper stills on-site is a momentous occasion for the brand and the start of a new chapter in Eden Mill’s story. We have come so far as a business, and we’re now just months away from filling our first whisky cask at our new distillery, which is testament to all the hard work the team has put in behind the scenes.”

Located on The University of St Andrews Eden Campus, the Eden Mill distillery is being built with sustainability at its core. In October, the St Andrews based brand announced a partnership with Scottish firm MiAlgae to recycle effluent – a by-product of whisky making –  into micro-algae, with the aim of eliminating reliance on wild caught fish as a source of Omega-3.

The distillery will also power its gin still using 100% renewable energy, including power from the University’s own solar farm. Additionally, the CO₂ produced during the fermentation process of distillation will be captured for future use.

Eden Mill

https://www.edenmill.com/

Eden Mill distillery, established in 2012 on the banks of the Eden Estuary in St Andrews, was the first distillery to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. Today, Eden Mill has a unique selection of limited release Single Malts, and an extensive gin portfolio crafted from the finest botanicals, many sourced from in and around Fife.

Eden Mill has an ambition to create the finest gins and Scotch Whiskies with minimal environmental impact combining traditional distilling techniques with innovation. Eden Mill is building a stunning new distillery at the mouth of the river Eden, overlooking the iconic, historic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to sustainable businesses and research.

KNOB CREEK® AND ELI MANNING TEAM UP TO ELEVATE BIG GAME CELEBRATIONS WITH BOLD PICKS ON THE FIELD AND IN YOUR GLASS

Bold Picks celebrates those who boldly stick to their standards and drink what tastes right with a limited-edition Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Bourbon, hand-selected by football legend, Eli Manning.

CLERMONT, Ky., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As excitement builds for the 2025 Big Game, Knob Creek^®, an original offering of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and leading American Whiskey, is proud to partner with football legend and New Orleans native, Eli Manning, to introduce Knob Creek^® Bold Picks. To inspire fans to make confident choices, stick to their standards, and savor the perfect pour during the Big Game, Knob Creek^® and Eli Manning introduce ELI MANNING’S 2025 BOLD PICK, a limited-edition Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Bourbon available in select markets nationwide.

Just as Eli Manning’s bold moves have defined unforgettable moments on the field, Knob Creek’s^® bold, full-flavored bourbon elevates celebrations worth savoring. During the Big Game, while some fans reach for the usual, this limited-edition offering honors those who stay true to their own bold picks—whether that means cheering for the underdog or enjoying a glass of Knob Creek^® to elevate the moment.

“As the founding house of Small Batch American Whiskey, our family knows bourbon as well as Eli knows football, so it is an honor to collaborate on this Knob Creek^® limited-edition ELI MANNING’S 2025 BOLD PICK release,” said Eighth Generation Master Distiller, Freddie Noe. “It was a pleasure to welcome Eli to our campus and into the rackhouse, where, together, we developed a full-flavored single barrel bourbon that truly stands out. I’m confident football and bourbon fans will enjoy it as much as we do and I know it’s a whiskey that would make my grandfather and Knob Creek founder, Booker Noe, proud.”

Hand-selected by former professional quarterback and self-proclaimed bourbon fan, Eli Manning, alongside Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, ELI MANNING’S 2025 BOLD PICK is patiently aged for a minimum of nine years in American white oak barrels and bottled at 120 proof, offering a full-flavor liquid that showcases the unmatched quality and craftsmanship for which Knob Creek^® is known. With its complex balance of vanilla and oak, it delivers a rich and unforgettable tasting experience that will elevate game-changing occasions.

“I partnered with Knob Creek^® because it’s my favorite bourbon. Every sip is full of rich, bold flavor, making it perfect for celebrating life’s big moments and wins,” said Manning. “Whether it’s the 9-year-old in an Old-Fashioned or sipping 12-year-old neat for something a little more special, Knob Creek^® is always my go-to, and I’m excited for fans to try my single barrel bold pick.”

Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Bourbon: ELI MANNING‘ S 2025 BOLD PICK is bottled with the following characteristics:

• Proof: 120
• Aroma: Rich vanilla and butterscotch, with subtle cherry and leather notes.
• Taste: Toffee and honey upfront, layered with dark stone fruits and dark chocolate hints.
• Finish: A spicy kick of cinnamon and black pepper, with brown sugar and espresso, leaving a lingering warm taste.

Leading up to the Big Game, Eli Manning will make bold, unapologetic picks around the last playoff games culminating in the Big Game. By celebrating underdog victories and game-winning moments, his picks embody the bold spirit of Knob Creek^®, inspiring fans to make daring decisions of their own. Fans can follow along on Instagram @KnobCreek for his latest insights.

For those looking to make their own bold picks, Knob Creek^® is offering a chance to win an exclusive experience at the Fred B. Noe Distillery, the homeplace of bold bourbon. The winner and three guests will go on a private tour to gain an inside look at the warehouse selection process and the craftsmanship behind Knob Creek’s® renowned flavors, along with airfare, hotel, transportation, and a $1,000 gift card to the American Outpost gift store. Fans can enter the sweepstakes via https://boldpicks.prod.fooji.com/ until February 10, 2025. Entrants must be 21+.

Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Bourbon: ELI MANNING‘ S 2025 BOLD PICK is available for a limited time at local retailers in three key locations, with a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750mL bottle:

• The New York Metro area, where Eli built his legendary football career.
• New Orleans, Eli’s hometown.
• Los Angeles, a beloved sports hub known for their bold spirit.

For more information about ELI MANNING’S 2025 BOLD PICK and Knob Creek’s^® award-winning* bourbon and rye portfolios, please visit www.KnobCreek.com or visit us on Facebook and Instagram @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek^® Bourbon
Knob Creek^® has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek^® bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on their whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek^® is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek^® has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek^® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek^® announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek^® 12 Year Old Bourbon and launched three limited releases, Knob Creek^® 15 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek^® 18 Year Old Bourbon, and Knob Creek® Bourbon x Rye. Knob Creek has continued to build out its rye portfolio; the brand announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek^® 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, and released Knob Creek^® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

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™ (minus one-nine-six) 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

*Further information on Knob Creek® awards can be found at www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek^® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 60% Alc./vol. ©2025 James B. Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.

Penelope Bourbon releases rare American Light Whiskey

Special release of 17-year expression highlights both heritage and innovation

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 15, 2025) – Penelope Bourbon celebrates a unique chapter in whiskey history with its latest release of American Light Whiskey. This year’s rare release features whiskey distilled at 189 proof in 2006 at the historic Seagram’s site in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which is now the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The whiskey was aged for 17 years in second-fill oak barrels and bottled at cask strength of 138.8 proof (69.4% ABV). The result of the unique distilling and aging process is a standout offering with a smooth, mellow profile. A very limited supply of Penelope American Light Whiskey will be available beginning in February in select markets at a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99.

In contrast to higher proof bourbons which can be bold and intense, Penelope American Light Whiskey is an approachable and refined expression. Due to the unique production methods and limited number of bottles available, it’s a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.

“American Light Whiskey is always one of our favorite releases of the year,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “We released a 13-year-old American Light Whiskey in 2021 and a 15-year-old in 2024. This year’s release will be a 17-year-old American Light Whiskey, which are the oldest barrels we have ever released. Rich and flavorful, this is truly a special whiskey, and we are excited to get it out into the market.”

Penelope American Light Whiskey is crafted from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. With sweet and smooth aromas of butterscotch, cake batter and cotton candy, Penelope American Light Whiskey imparts flavors of brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream and light orchard fruits. The lingering finish features notes of light butter, waffle cone and powdered sugar.

“This release is the result of an innovative chapter in the history of American whiskey,” said Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “The high corn mash bill and long aging really brings out unique character in the batch. It’s truly been a pleasure to watch this whiskey evolve with aging and be able to release this 17 year batch after our prior 13 and 15 year releases.”

Penelope American Light Whiskey is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases – exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and more unique barrels, representing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

Penelope’s core expressions, including Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, have won more than 40 awards across the spirits industry. In 2024 alone, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.

Penelope Bourbon continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, further establishing its place among the top premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 49 states and seven countries, proving that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.

For more information, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow us on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook).

Jim Beam and Keegan-Michael Key Team Up to Launch

“7 Stages of Defeat,” a Collaboration to Turn Football Heartbreak into a Reason to Celebrate
Inspired by the Seven-Year Aging Process of Jim Beam Black, This Limited-Edition Care Package Will Help Fans Accept Their Team’s Season End

CLERMONT, Ky., January 15, 2025 – This football season, Jim Beam – the world’s number one bourbon – is reminding fans that no matter the fumble, the missed catch, or the questionable referee call, there’s always a reason to gather, laugh, and toast to next year’s season.

In partnership with acclaimed actor, writer, producer and football enthusiast Keegan-Michael Key, Jim Beam introduces the “7 Stages of Defeat” care package – a lighthearted guide for the 98% of football fans who won’t get the winning season they dreamed of. Inspired by Jim Beam Black’s unique seven-year aging process, the kit was designed to remind fans that great things can come from time and patience—even if this season doesn’t go your way.

While this time of year often spotlights the victorious few, Jim Beam saw a chance to support the many fans facing disappointment. Whether you’re processing a season-ending loss or rallying with friends after a last-minute upset, the care package helps turn tough moments into reasons to gather, share a laugh, and enjoy a Jim Beam Black cocktail together. Because sometimes, it’s the people—and the moments you share—that matter most.

“As fans, we’ve all been there – the ups and downs, the yelling at the refs on TV who clearly can’t hear you, and the utter disbelief when the “winning field goal” hits the goalpost and doinks the wrong way…” said Keegan-Michael Key. “That’s why I teamed up with Jim Beam to help football fans laugh their way through all of the stages of defeat; from denial to acceptance – and maybe even a little hope for next season. We’ve got you covered.”

To keep the spirit alive, Jim Beam will give consumers a chance to win a care package on a first-come, first-served basis post key playoff moments. A limited quantity of packages will be available through a sweepstakes on jimbeam.com/7stages to fans 21+ on the following dates at 12pm ET / 9 am PT:

● Monday, January 20
● Monday, January 27
● Monday, February 10

Jim Beam also teamed up with iconic cultural sportswear brand, Mitchell & Ness to create 100 custom limited-edition jerseys that will be gifted to talent, influencers, and media to further amplify the program.

“Football season is about bringing people together even when your team doesn’t come out on top,” said Regan E. Clarke, vice president, U.S. Brands – American Whiskey. “With a little bourbon, some good laughs, and great company, even the toughest losses become easier to handle. At Jim Beam, we believe people are good for you – no matter the score.”

Fans can also follow @jimbeamofficial on Instagram as Keegan-Michael Key hilariously brings the 7 stages of defeat to life through comedic skits that capture relatable rants to bittersweet acceptance. Key reminds audiences that loving a team – win or lose – is always worth raising a glass to.

Jim Beam will roll out a comprehensive, integrated media campaign spanning TV, streaming, digital, social media and eCommerce to help reach and engage passionate fans nationwide.

Visit Jimbeam.com to learn more about the “7 Stages of Defeat” care package and join the celebration of football, bourbon, and the connections that bring us all together.

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth-generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com, @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

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™ (minus one-nine-six) 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

Suntory Global Spirits Marks World-First Hydrogen Direct-Fired Distillation with Historic Casking Ceremony

Distilled at the Yamazaki Distillery’s pilot distillery in Japan, casked in Japan and Scotland: the spirit will be closely monitored and quality assessed as it matures in both environments

Celebrated with representatives from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, this milestone marks major advancement in finding innovative solutions to decarbonise distilling

Scotland: Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, and Supercritical Solutions Ltd., are proud to mark a milestone moment in sustainable whisky production with the official casking of the world’s first direct-fired hydrogen-distilled spirit for whisky production¹ at Glen Garioch Distillery with representatives from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ).

Following the innovative use of 100% hydrogen to directly heat the stills at Yamazaki Distillery’s pilot distillery in Japan , a portion of the resulting distilled spirit has been transferred to Glen Garioch Distillery in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to be closely monitored and quality assessed under Scottish maturation conditions. With a sister portion being monitored in Japan², results are to be analysed and compared as part of Suntory Global Spirits’ research into the results of hydrogen-fuelled distilling. As well as achieving net zero emissions by 2040, Suntory Global Spirits is wholly committed to ensuring that any evolution of its production processes maintain the highest level of quality at every stage.

In 2021, the WhiskHy project received innovation project funding from DESNZ through the ‘Green Distilleries’ competition to carry out feasibility studies for green hydrogen-based decarbonisation technology at Suntory Global Spirits-owned distilleries, as part of the government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP). The milestone moment at the Yamazaki Distillery’s pilot distillery proved that direct-fired distillation using 100% hydrogen is feasible.

Suntory Global Spirits and Supercritical Solutions reinforced their commitment to decarbonisation with green hydrogen with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at Glen Garioch. Leveraging Supercritical’s novel, high-efficiency electrolysis technology for low-cost green hydrogen production, the partnership will focus on commercialising hydrogen direct firing across Suntory Global Spirit’s Scotch portfolio. The two will pursue increased scale through deployment of Supercritical’s technology on a Suntory Global Spirits-owned distilleries in Scotland whilst continuing to monitor the quality of the hydrogen direct-fired spirit as it matures.

The Glen Garioch Distillery underwent a £6 million renovation project in recent years to reinstate traditional malting floors and install its own direct-fired still. Suntory Global Spirits holds an ambition to maintain direct-fire distilling at Glen Garioch in the future through introducing innovative, zero emission fuel sources, like hydrogen, while maintaining traditional whisky production processes.

On Monday, November 25th, representatives from Suntory Global Spirits, Supercritical Solutions, and the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero gathered at the distillery to witness the ceremonial cask filling of the hydrogen-distilled spirit. The event also included presentations on the project’s progress and a tour of the restored distillery.

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distilling and Environment at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “As a company, we are committed to taking bold steps to advance green solutions and decarbonise our distilleries, while always ensuring that the quality of our spirits reach the highest possible standard. It is through unique collaborative projects such as WhiskHy that we are making significant steps towards our ambition of net-zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040 while closely monitoring how our spirits age and mature under more sustainable distilling processes.”

Matt Bird, CEO of Supercritical Solutions, commented: “At Supercritical, we’re proving that even centuries-old traditions like whisky distilling can embrace cutting-edge, zero-emission hydrogen technology. Our electrolyser’s unique ability to deliver high-purity hydrogen at 220 bar is rewriting the rules of sustainability – preserving the art of whisky-making while powering a net zero future. This partnership is a toast to innovation and the possibilities of a net-zero world.”

Kerry McCarthy MP, Climate Minister, added: “It’s innovations like these that will secure the future of our unique British industrial heritage – putting Scottish distilleries on the map with greener production and cutting-edge technology. This celebration marks a significant step towards decarbonising one of the UK’s largest and most important export sectors and highlights what’s possible when we invest in the clean energy transition.”

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

About Supercritical Solutions Ltd
Supercritical is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, with a mission to dramatically reduce the cost of green hydrogen and address the most challenging 20% of global emissions. Established in 2020 in London, our vision is to catalyse a sustainable future where renewable energy solutions, like our pioneering electrolyser technology, are mainstream and financially viable without subsidies. As the creators of the world’s first high-pressure, ultra-efficient electrolyser, we deliver hydrogen and oxygen at pressures exceeding 220 bar, achieving full system efficiencies up to 42kWh/kgH2 with 99% purity. Our innovative approach not only curtails operational costs but also surmounts formidable industry challenges, forging a path towards a zero-emission future. By offering scalable, PFAS-free, membrane-free, and iridium-free solutions, Supercritical aims to lower hydrogen production costs to under £1/kgH2 within this decade, driving the shift from grey to green energy across industries.  Find out more about how we’re shaping the future of clean energy:

LinkedIn 
contact@supercritical.solutions
www.supercritical.solutions

About the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero provides dedicated leadership focused on delivering security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning markets, greater energy efficiency and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries.

The Green Distillery Competition is part of the Department’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems and aims to decrease the costs of decarbonisation helping enable the UK to end its contribution to climate change.

¹Direct-fired distillation on a scale of pot still over 1KL for whisky production (based on its own research).
²For safety reasons, conventional natural gas was used to start and end the burning.

Raise a dram to Robert Burns with Bladnoch this January

As the world prepares to celebrate the life and work of iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Saturday 25 January 2025, Bladnoch Distillery has recommended two of its finest Lowland single malt whiskies to toast Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night.

Commonly referred to as ‘Queen of the Lowlands’, Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland and one of the closest to where Burns spent most of his life in Dumfries & Galloway. The water which gave life to this historic 208-year-old distillery sustained the whiskies of Burns’ era, making Bladnoch the ideal dram to complement Burns Suppers of all sizes this January.

Expertly handcrafted by master distiller Dr Nick Savage and his team, using water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, the Bladnoch Twinned Cask Collection comprises four whiskies – Vinaya, Liora, Samsara and Alinta – each natural in colour and non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

The collection is named to reflect the unique twinning of two cask types which are married together during the whisky-making process.

Bladnoch Vinaya, 70cl, 46.7% ABV, £50

Vinaya, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to Bladnoch Distillery’s original founders who paved the way for the brand’s exciting new era of innovation and production.

Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, Bladnoch Vinaya is matured in a unique combination of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, a process which creates notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate.

A light and refreshing single malt, this is ultimate tipple to raise a dram to Scotland’s national bard on Burns Night.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch Alinta, 70cl, 47% ABV, £75

Bladnoch Alinta is the perfect smoky single malt whisky to toast the bard this Burns Night. Alinta, an indigenous word from several southeast Australian language groups, means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of campfire embers found in each sip.

A sweet, smoky, peated spirit, Bladnoch Alinta takes its flavour from maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry and ex-bourbon casks and is the ideal complement to the savoury earthy and peppery favours of haggis.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Tasting notes

Bladnoch Vinaya

Colour: Summer barley field.

Nose: Sweet floral grass with boiled sweets.

Palate: Fresh green apples and chocolate with a hint of pepper.

Finish: Light and refreshing.

Bladnoch Alinta

Colour: Copper.

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak.

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds and raisins with a white chocolate body.

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY UNVEILS THE SECOND EDITION PROHIBITION COLLECTION

Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives revealed stories from over a century ago and inspired the whiskeys crafted in this year’s Collection

FRANKFORT, KY (January 15, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set featuring five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18^th Amendment was in effect. The second release tributes the following brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, known during the Prohibition era as George T. Stagg Distillery, under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership: Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn and Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey.

During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is arguably the most contentious period in alcohol history, the United States banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. During this time, purchasing alcohol was only legal with a medical prescription, and only six distilleries were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to bottle medicinal whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, as it’s known today, was one of these distilleries.

Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives reveal stories from over a century ago and inspired the five whiskeys crafted in this year’s Prohibition Collection, all of which are inspired by the original, colorful packaging for these historic brands.

• Mirror Brook first appeared in a letter written by Albert Blanton in 1932, in which he directed cases of O.F.C. bottled in 1919 to be rebottled as Mirror Brook to update obsolete pre-Prohibition labeling. Today’s iteration is a 100 proof, bottled-in-bond, blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys that bursts with a ripe cherry aroma, followed by a waft of oak and a hint of rye spice. A vibrant vanilla creaminess layered with a deep, mellow oak character provides a solid foundation for waves of chocolate and rye spice that follow.
• Very Oldest Procurable, also known as V.O.P., was one of the whiskey brands bottled but not owned by the Distillery during Prohibition. Buffalo Trace Distillery archives found that in 1932, Blanton submitted government paperwork to formally register the name V.O.P. for medicinal bottling orders. Uncut and unfiltered, today’s V.O.P is a barrel-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasting a rye spice that intensifies on the palate while balanced by toasted oak, vanilla, and rich cherry notes that develop mid-tasting. The finish is warm, with the oak and rye spice persisting alongside lingering sweet honey notes.
• Anderson’s Belle, not to be confused with the Belle of Anderson brand, was a limited release meant to honor a woman – yet there is no record of who “Anderson’s Belle” was in the Distillery’s archives. However, the package art reminiscent of a Scottish tartan could be a clue. Almost identical in packaging to the original, this recreation is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. On the nose, inviting notes of caramel and maple deliver a rich sweetness with hints of vanilla and a touch of charred oak. It features robust oak and subtle dried fruit undertones that round out its distinct sweet and warm wheat character.
• Old Fashioned Mountain Corn was fully owned and produced by the Distillery during Prohibition, according to an original letter written by Blanton. Featured on the original and recreated packaging is the claim “Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass,” which appeared on many Prohibition whiskey brands, referencing a time before industrialized cities became the norm. On the palate of this 110-proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, the essence of the sweet corn shines, intertwined with toasted oak and balanced by rich caramel sweetness. The finish is warm, with the oak flavor lingering alongside the sweet corn.
• Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, originally made in Midway, KY under Blanton’s supervision, references a 25-year anniversary in a similar manner to Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey’s 50-year celebration. A short-lived, limited whiskey release, it was replaced by Silver Wedding Gin and often paired with Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey at public events.  Today’s 125-proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey features flavors of vanilla and toffee sweetness intertwined with subtle leather earthiness, toasted oak and a kick of rye spice on the palate. The finish of this whiskey pleasantly lingers, with the rye spice persisting alongside hints of vanilla and oak.

“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” remarked Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”

“The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world.”

The entire collection is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery, with each of the five 375ml bottles heavily inspired by their Prohibition Era packaging and original bottle size: even the back cartons feature the cut-out for doctors to apply the prescription for medicinal whiskey, without which one could not legally purchase alcohol.

To celebrate the release of the second Prohibition Collection, Buffalo Trace has partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group on a limited-edition cigar set featuring five unique blends held in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection packaging. Launching in conjunction with the whiskeys, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 cigar set will be available online at Cigora as well by special invitation from Meier and Dutch as the exclusive distributor as of January 15, 2025. For more information, please visit HERE

The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants as of January 2025 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles); state taxes will vary per market.

For more information, please visit HERE

About Buffalo Trace Distillery     

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Kentucky Distilleries and Precision Conservation Management Join Forces to Enhance Regenerative Corn Farming Practices throughout Commonwealth

FRANKFORT, KY.— Four leading spirits companies and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) are joining forces with Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KCGA) to launch a five-year, $2.8 million initiative for Kentucky corn farmers. Together, Kentucky distillers are providing tools for corn farmers to successfully implement proven practices that will support the long-term resilience of the state’s historic agricultural community while providing economic and sustainable value to regenerative agriculture in Bourbon and distilling.

The collaborative Kentucky partnership, formed by Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands and Suntory Global Spirits, will support farmers by hiring additional conservation specialists to maximize management education beginning in 2025. PCM will work with farmers in the central Kentucky region to implement regenerative corn growing practices on more than one hundred thousand acres throughout five years. With these practices and new on-farm resources, the goal is to ease administrative burdens and identify economic and environmental benefits that can be scaled.

“Farmers are spread thin and are already making hundreds of management decisions each year. They want to do a good job, but face time constraints and decision fatigue when it comes to analyzing data and making changes,” said Greg Goodwin, Director of PCM. “Our specialists work hand-in-hand with farmers to identify opportunities to improve the health of their farmland and success of their operation. We are grateful for our partnership with the KDA and Kentucky distilleries as we make these great ideas a reality by supporting our farmers in effective, regenerative practices — a win-win for our industries.”

“Having worked closely with PCM since 2015, I have seen how helpful this program has been to my on-farm decision making. I routinely work with my conservation specialist to analyze data and confirm the economic benefits of decisions I have made to adopt new practices and innovate for the environment,” shared Joseph Sisk, Sisk Farms, Christian County. “PCM has also helped me better understand how our practices are closely tied to the supply chain and allows my markets and end-users to trust that our crops will support their sustainability objectives.”

Eric Gregory, KDA President, shared, “With much of our distillers’ corn being produced in Kentucky, we see the massive impact that Bourbon has on Kentucky’s ag climate. As these four distilleries unite to support regenerative corn growing practices, I look forward to seeing how new resources and incentives can further propel our local farmers without impacting our bottom line.”

The collaborative effort will also expand PCM’s efforts in Kentucky to benchmark individual farm financials against an anonymized, regional and statewide dataset in an annual Resource Analysis and Assessment Plan. This will be utilized by farmers to understand where they can profitably implement conservation practices. This service is free to farmers, and they will receive a sign-on incentive for their time. The participating KDA distillery partners will provide additional acre-based incentives to corn growers adopting reduced tillage, cover crops, and maximizing their nitrogen use efficiency to reduce the impact of corn production within the Bourbon supply chain.

Together, PCM and the KCGA aid farmers in making economically viable conservation decisions by providing a comprehensive range of data and personalized, expert consultations with PCM’s conservation specialists. To learn more about the program, please visit www.precisionconservation.org

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association: Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. About Precision Conservation Management (PCM): Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is the premier conservation program of the IL Corn Growers Association, initiated through funding by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service – Regional Conservation Partnership Program. PCM provides data-driven conservation recommendations and on-the-ground support for farmers in Illinois, Nebraska and Kentucky. For further information regarding their work, visit their website www.precisionconservation.org.

About Brown-Forman Corporation: Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,700 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com and stay connected through LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

About Diageo North America: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA 

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer, the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, and a 2024 Best Managed Company as appointed by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Heaven Hill, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the Samson & Surrey portfolio. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely®.

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™ (minus one-nine-six) 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

Toast the Bard with this multi-award-winning Scotch for under £40

As the world prepares to celebrate the life and work of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Saturday 25 January, Tomatin Distillery has recommended its Legacy single malt as the ideal dram to toast Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night.

Priced at only £36.50, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a drop of Scotland for less.

One of Scotland’s most recognisable historical figures, Burns’ legacy and influence can still be felt more than 200 years later. Holding a similar legacy in Scotch production, Tomatin Distillery has a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century. It has been a home for the whisky-making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897.

Raise a glass of Tomatin Legacy this Burns Night – an exceptional single malt with history and heritage at its core. 

Tomatin Legacy single malt whisky (70cl, 43% ABV, £36.50)

An exceptional single malt Scotch whisky which celebrates the legacy of Tomatin Distillery and the enduring spirit of its people.

Once established in 1897 in the heart of the idyllic yet isolated village of Tomatin, the distillery needed a workforce to manage production; the local inhabitants were scattered shepherds and cattle drovers. The company began a construction project to accommodate its workforce and since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community. Today, Tomatin is one of the few remaining distilleries which provides homes on site for the dedicated craftspeople who distil its single malt whisky. Legacy is a nod to this story.

This unpeated single malt boasts aromas of vanilla bean, white chocolate and cinnamon. Time spent in bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks brings a light sweetness to Tomatin Legacy, with a palate of gentle waves of fresh fruit peppered with ginger leading into a light, clean finish. 

Tomatin Legacy Tasting Notes

• Nose – Opens with a burst of bourbon barrel sweetness – aromas of custard cream biscuits, white chocolate, vanilla bean, white sugar and golden syrup, before hints of sandalwood, desiccated coconut and cinnamon give a nod to the use of virgin American oak.
• Palate – Waves of sweet vanilla and fresh fruit with a gentle touch of white pepper and ginger. The quality of the Tomatin spirit is on full display here, with Pink Lady apples, rhubarb, and candied orange peel.
• Finish – Fruit and oak combine to create a clean yet intriguing finish.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

Notes 

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

How Johnnie Walker Ultra took a leap into the future

The launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra in September caused quite a wave. Luxury in look and feel, 70cl in volume but weighing in at only 180g, it’s a boundary-breaking innovation. But with less than 900 being made, the question might be: why? Jeremy Lindley, Diageo’s Global Design Director has answered this and shown how luxury design innovation can feed the hunger for carbon savings.

Jeremy Lindley and his team have had input into almost every design project at Diageo over the last 18 years.

However, the unveiling of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra last month is perhaps a career highlight – a challenge to create glass packaging for Blue Label that is not only luxury but ultra lightweight and is what we believe to be the world’s lightest whisky glass bottle.

Here he explains more about his role, the Ultra project and how lightweighting in luxury can have a major impact in all parts of the industry.

Jeremy Lindley, Global Design Director, Diageo

“We drink first with our eyes…”

The Design team’s role is to grow Diageo’s capability and output in design. Over time we’ve been able to help the company understand how design can be a growth driver for the business.

Consumers make their decisions based on emotions… and we drink first with our eyes. Of course, then the taste has to be fabulous! My job is to help people understand the importance of visual appeal, of beauty and emotional connection – and then help deliver that.

It is important that all of our products look amazing, but the further you go into luxury the more critical our input becomes.

Execution is really important as well, and we really know how to properly use production techniques like embossing and foiling and all those things that you wouldn’t explicitly notice, but add to the premium feel.

Making Blue Label Ultra…

As a premium drinks company, we’re always thinking about the future of luxury. We observed some brands and luxury categories were starting to move away from ostentatious into understated, more lightweight packaging and products. So, we asked the question, instead of luxury being heavy, what if it was light, delicate, beautiful, and then, of course, you get the carbon benefits from that as well.
We started off brand agnostic – but then Johnnie Walker did become the focus. Blue Label is our iconic, global luxury brand and I loved the challenge of exploring how luxury can also be light and not always heavy.

Teardrop in the fire…

The first thing we did was discover from glass blowers that the lightest, strongest glass bottle you can make is a teardrop shape. It’s the the natural shape that a gob of glass takes under gravity’.

Glass is an amazing material to work with, it’s made from readily available raw materials (mostly sand), can be infinitely recycled and it’s inert – having no impact on the flavour of what you put in the bottle. But it takes a lot of energy to heat sand to 1500 degrees and mould to the viscosity like honey. You can’t control where the glass goes – it flows where it wants to under gravity. You have to make the glass thick enough to be sufficiently strong all over so it’s strong enough at its thinnest point.

Having first hand-blown the glass into this teardrop shape where the wall thickness is even all round, then we started asking, how could we play with the shape? What aspects of the Johnnie Walker bottle shape can I add in? So we added Johnnie Walker neck, shoulders and hinted at the squareness without adding weight. We had to keep the rounded base, which is one of the things that makes it impossible for mass manufacture.

While created very thin, the Ultra bottle still used a mould

Just keep walking…

At multiple points through the process, I had people tell me that it was impossible to achieve a bottle this weight. Initially, people said you can’t get below 400 grams. And then over time, I was told 300 grams was too challenging. We pushed and pushed and kept making bottles lighter until they broke. The backing and support from the business was fantastic, the patience to keep going until we found the lightest bottle that would still pass our safety checks.

Releasing the patent…

It’s standard practice to register our design work and to examine if we have come up with an idea that is sufficiently novel to be granted a patent. And it took us five years of designing, testing and learning to get it right. And now we want to share the knowledge with the wider industry so anyone can use them and can start to build the lightweighting elements into their designs – as a general rule when glass is lighter, there’s a carbon reduction benefit. We hope that by releasing the patent we will not just make an impact on our own products but on the whole glass industry.

The future of light weighting glass…

Due to the craftmanship in hand-blowing and hand filling the bottles, it limits the number of bottles we can sell. But the great thing is that getting to this extreme light weight has taught us so much and we are already applying the learnings to our core portfolio and finding ways to take significant weight out.

One of the analogies I’ve used is that the process has been like creating a concept car. Manufacturers put all of their latest tech into a very limited number of handmade concept cars to stretch their learning. And then later they think, how do we apply this to our mass-produced cars? For this project we stripped away every requirement other than consumer safety. That has allowed us to achieve the world’s lightest 70cl glass whisky bottle and then the learnings have taught us how to design out weight. Going to the extreme has taught us so much more about glass lightweighting, rather than just learning about shaving little bits of weight off the bottle.