2024 Scottish Distillers Conference

Wednesday 30th October

The Scottish Distillers Conference brings together distilling professionals from across Scotland.

Our 2nd annual conference brings together an inspiring line-up of speakers in a one day event of learning and networking when we will tackle the most pressing issues in the sector. To ensure the most relevant delegates are present, a short ticket application is required.  Tickets are £50 +VAT per person and include welcome coffee and lunch.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION 50 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Benromach Distillery in Forres, Scotland, has launched a rare 50 Years Old single malt nurtured by master craftsmen over the past five decades.

With an ABV of 54.6%, the whisky presents notes of lemon and subtle smoke on the nose. Stewed fruit aromas are complemented by orange zest and a hint of aged leather on the palate, before the liquid’s long, full finish ends with cracked pepper and that wisp of smoke.

The whisky is presented in unique handcrafted glass decanters created by Ross-shire-based Glasstorm, one of the UK’s most established hot glass studios.

Benromach’s handmade ethos and dedication to traditional methods has been echoed by Glasstorm who used a highly skilled ‘battuto’ technique to finish the decanters. This technique is only practiced by master glassmakers and sees the glass sculpted by hand, making each bottle a unique work of art.

Only 248 decanters of this single cask release are available worldwide, retailing at £20,000.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “I’m proud to be distillery manager at a time when we release this exquisite single malt, the epitome of our dedication to create exceptional whiskies by hand.

“Each element of Benromach 50 Years Old has been crafted by hand using traditional techniques. This includes the decanter, which not only mirrors the spirit in terms of quality but also embodies the passion and meticulous attention to detail that has gone into crafting it.

 “It is truly a memorable experience for the team to be able to release this very special whisky; a single malt that has been made by hand and shaped by time.”

Brodie Nairn, Glasstorm owner, comments: “There is great synergy between the craftsmanship of glass blowing and whisky making.  It takes years to harness the skills, passing down from master to apprentice.   I first learned the battuto technique from a master glassblower over in Italy 25 years ago and in turn I’ve trained my team.  It has taken me a long time to find a project special enough to use it on but, at last, I found the perfect one.”

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach 50 Years Old, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach 50 Years Old

• RRP: £20,000

• ABV: 54.6%

• Nose: Smooth citrus peel with hints of strawberry and a touch of smoke. Pineapple notes come to the fore, alongside fruitcake and a dash of lemon sherbet.

• Taste: Stewed fruit aromas are complemented by orange zest and a hint of aged leather. Medjool dates and flambeed banana give way to toasted almonds.

• Finish: Full and long finish with cracked black pepper and a wisp of smoke.

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.

Douglas Laing introduces Second Bottling within its Exclusive Old Particular Red Wine Cask Collection

Douglas Laing & Co. today announces the release of a Blair Athol 13-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This special edition, finished in a single Sangiovese Red Wine cask, is the second bottling in their exclusive Old Particular Red Wine Cask collection.

Each pairing in this collection is said to have been “meticulously selected to enhance the inherent qualities of the chosen Malt Scotch Whisky, elevating the complexity and depth to introduce new and exciting taste experiences.”

The journey continues into Italy with this second release, using a Sangiovese Red Wine Cask sourced from sunnier climates. The well-rounded and intricate characteristics of Sangiovese seamlessly intertwine with the rich depth of Blair Athol, bringing tasting notes of “dark cherries, dried fruits, spiced oak and sweet vanilla”.

Bottled at 48.4% alcohol strength and proudly without artificial colouring or chill filtration, this limited edition is expected to retail at £96.00 / €111.00.

Key Bottle Details:

• Finished in a Sangiovese Red Wine Cask.
• Premium red wax dip finish.
• Bespoke design and showcased in a black bottle.
• Neck tag included with QR code to bottle tasting.
• 48.4% ABV.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Exceptional Single Casks are an award-winning family of four distinct brands that carry Single Cask Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from a vast range of Scotland’s Distilleries. Each offered proudly without colouring or chill-filtration and at high alcohol strength, for ultimate and natural liquid quality.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Expands with Exciting New Dining Option

Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen to Begin Serving Lunch and Dinner Celebrating Heritage and Local Flavors  

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 5, 2024) — Heaven Hill is excited to announce the grand opening of the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, adding a new dining option at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky. Starting today, the new restaurant located upstairs in the Five Brothers Bar will begin serving lunch and dinner to visitors from near and far. The bar and kitchen are named in honor of the five Shapira brothers who founded Heaven Hill in 1935.  The new menu offers unique and delicious offerings that reflect the Southern heritage and charm of the Bluegrass.

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is more than just a place to dine: it’s a tribute to the legacy of the Shapira brothers’ bold entrepreneurial spirit. Starting Heaven Hill at the height of the Great Depression and without any bourbon stock available to them, the five brothers took a calculated gamble that paid off in ways they could never have imagined. Today, Heaven Hill Brands stands as one of the largest family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer in the United States.

The new dining experience has been curated by Jeff Crowe, the Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences at Heaven Hill and General Manager Josh Holifield, along with Restaurant Manager Veronica Burger and Kitchen Manager Jeremy Brown. The team is bringing a new and unique dining tribute to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen features dishes that reflect Southern tradition and local flavors. Menu highlights include the savory Fried Chicken Sandwich, the comforting Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and the playful and decadent Fluffernutter – a banana, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich.  The menu also pays homage to Heaven Hill’s rich heritage like Max’s Garden Sandwich, a nod to Max Shapira, the longstanding leader and current Executive Chairman of the company.  Additional Southern staples, such as delicious fried Pimento Cheese balls and other traditional offerings like burgers, salads and sides round out a menu that has something for everyone.

“We wanted to create a place where our guests can experience the warmth and hospitality that Kentucky is known for,” said Josh Holifield, General Manager of the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. “Every dish tells a story, and our menu exudes Southern charm, crafted to bring people together through great food.”

Following a successful soft opening during which the restaurant fine-tuned its service and menu, Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is now open for everyone on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and those living nearby to visit.  It will be open from 11:00AM – 5:00PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00PM – 5:00PM on Sunday. The team is eager to welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy this new dining experience.

Adding to the excitement, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience was recently named 2024 “Best Road Trip” Destination by the Kentucky Living, Best in Kentucky Awards.  This accolade, along with the exciting opening of Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, offers even more reasons to visit and discover their craveable menu options.

ABOUT THE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE:  The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience™ (heavenhillbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the heritage and traditions of the fine art of American Whiskey in the heart of historic Bardstown, Kentucky. The state-of-the-art facility allows guests to experience a tasting in one of our three iconic tasting rooms, walk through the interactive exhibit gallery, have a drink at the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen and take a piece of Bourbon country home from the gift shop. Participate in “You Do Bourbon,” an interactive elevated tasting experience, where visitors can taste, bottle and personalize their very own bottle of America’s Native Spirit. Named Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Global Visitor Attraction of the Year and winning Double Gold at the 2022 International Spirits Challenge Tourism Awards, guests will be immersed in the story behind Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon.

Ferg & Harris launches five new luxury single cask bottlings

Special Craigellachie ‘sister’ drams are part of collection

Luxury single cask, single malt whisky brand Ferg & Harris has released a collection of five exceptional new whiskies, each featuring an inspired cask wood finish for a truly distinctive dram.

The Ferg and Harris team is skilled at sourcing some of Scotch whisky’s rarest, most desirable single casks from distilleries across the country. They then use their expertise to taste and pair each whisky with an ingenious choice of finishing cask, taking the spirit to new and greater heights of flavour and complexity.

The result is a series of unique, limited-edition whiskies that are coveted for their exquisite taste and quality around the world. And this latest batch – the first Ferg & Harris releases of 2024 – is no different.

Featuring one Islay and four Speyside-sourced whiskies, these are drams to discover and savour, selected from Bunnahabhain, Craigellachie, Tormore and Longmorn Distilleries.

The collection also includes a Ferg & Harris ‘first’: a 15-Year-Old Craigellachie matured in an Amontillado Sherry butt which has been divided and used to fill two different finishing casks – one Virgin Oak, one White Port. These ‘sister’ whiskies share the same fruity warmth of their sherry maturation but have developed deliciously different characteristics thanks to the cask expertise of the Ferg & Harris team.

The Ferg & Harris brand was founded in 2021 by Edinburgh-based spirits and bottling business, Young Spirits. Owners and whisky enthusiasts John Ferguson and Alex Harrison – whom the brand is named after – only put their names to the most exquisite liquids, sourced from distilleries all around Scotland, then finished in their unique and one-of-a-kind style.

The brand has a growing following of whisky fans and aficionados around the world, garnering international acclaim with a gold and double gold medal at this year’s prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, two of the five new releases have already made their mark amongst the international whisky community, having scooped accolades at this year’s IWSC awards.

Co-founder Alex Harrison commented: ‘When aged whisky meets exotic wood, there’s an element of alchemy that produces a sometimes unexpected but always incredible dram. The latest five whiskies to join our collection are very special. Each cask was already a first-rate single malt whisky, but we have added that little bit of extra time in a richly flavoured finishing wood, and that’s when we see the magic happen. That quality, character and the extra finish is what distinguishes every Ferg & Harris bottling and we hope whisky fans will enjoy exploring and tasting our latest collection.’ 

The Ferg & Harris range features a core 12-year-old Speyside single malt whisky finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead, along with their numerous previously released single cask bottlings.

The new Ferg & Harris whiskies will be unveiled at The Whisky Show between 6 – 8 September at Old Billingsgate London, stand no.304. They are available to buy from www.fergandharris.co.uk and independent spirits retailers.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes 

Bespoken Sprits as Newest Member

Lexington Distillery Backed By Derek Jeter

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Bespoken Spirits in Lexington is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Stuart Aaron and Martin Janousek, Bespoken began production at its California headquarters in 2019. They relocated their headquarters and production facility to Kentucky – the birthplace of Bourbon and epicenter of American whiskey – earlier this year.

Derek Jeter, the Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop from the New York Yankees, and T.J. Rodgers, renowned Silicon Valley scientist and entrepreneur, joined early efforts as investors, supporting the distillery’s passion for innovation with a strong focus on sustainability.

The facility at 101 W Louden Ave. in Lexington’s Greyline Station features an 8-gallon pot still, a tasting room, gift shop, and a custom blending experience. With capacity for 85,000 proof gallons a year, the distillery will begin welcoming guests for tours this summer.

Scott Savage, Chief Operating Officer shared, “Joining the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is an honor for our burgeoning business. We look forward to learning from the best and joining their research and efforts around the future of sustainable distilling.”

Bespoken Spirits’ brands include a high-rye barrel-aged Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and a twice-toasted American Whiskey. Learn more about Bespoken, its history, mission and its brands at https://www.bespokenspirits.com.

KDA President Eric Gregory welcomed Bespoken to Kentucky and the KDA and applauded the company for its focus on sustainability. “In Kentucky, the only thing we take more seriously than our whiskey is our commitment to responsibility and sustainability.

“Kentucky remains the undisputed home for Bourbon and American whiskey because of our pure limestone water, fertile soil for growing corn and four distinct climates that help age our mellow amber nectar to perfection.”

“As we are dependent on our natural resources, we must continue to be good stewards of the environment and continue to explore and innovate for a sustainable future,” Gregory said. “Cheers to Bespoken, and welcome to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distilleries.”

Gregory also thanked the City of Lexington for welcoming Bespoken into the Bluegrass State and celebrating their recent grand opening, which created an initial 16 new jobs for the company with more on the way.

With the addition of Bespoken, Fayette County now boasts eight distilleries that have created more than 1,600 Bourbon careers with $108 million in payroll. Each year, distilling in Lexington generates about $325 million in economic impact and more than $12 million in local and state taxes.

From a regional standpoint, Fayette and its surrounding counties have 25 distilleries responsible for more than 5,000 jobs and a $404 million payroll. Annual economic impact is $2.3 billion and over $50 million in local and state tax revenue.

The Bluegrass region also welcomes more than 600,000 visitors to the KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour each year, pouring even more money into local hotels, restaurants, shops and government coffers.

“Bourbon Builds Kentucky, and it’s great to see Lexington’s distillery base continue to expand.,” Gregory said. “With another opportunity for tourism, the heart of Bourbonland is creating more reasons for visitors to spend more time and money in our state.”

Bespoken Spirits joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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.

International Beverage announces two senior appointments

New Distilleries General Manager and Marketing Director confirmed

International Beverage has today (27^th August) announced the appointment of two senior leaders during a period of ambitious growth for the company. The seasoned duo will take up strategic roles in the global spirit producer’s team, to drive the success of the company’s expanding portfolio of award-winning brands.

John Stevenson joins as Distilleries General Manager

An accomplished Projects Director and Executive, John has a long track record of building and developing teams in the delivery of complex programmes. He led the design and build of Ireland’s first major whisky distillery in 100 years and Scotland’s first waste to fuel ABE biorefinery using whisky industry co-products. With an MBA in Engineering Management from the University of Bristol, John began his career in the water industry and migrated into the whisky industry in 1996. Recently, John has undertaken a number of diverse roles, firstly as a Project Director in the bio-fuel sector at Celtic Renewables. After a four-year tenure, he then became a Freelance Projects Director at 58 Seasgad Limited, supporting bio-tech start-ups to scale-up novel technologies before moving to North British Distillery Limited as an Operations Manager in 2023. Whilst there he led the development of a robust five-year capital investment plan and provided solutions across technical support, training and architecture.

His remit at International Beverage is to oversee operations at the company’s five Scottish distilleries, which produce Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended whisky and Caorunn Gin. 

Fiona Kennie joins as Marketing Director

A graduate of Strathclyde University, Fiona began her career in 2001 at Jim Beam. She progressed in a number of senior marketing roles, making her mark at Whyte & Mackay, Heineken, and Edrington. Fiona brings 25 years of brand building experience spanning the drinks industry, with particular skills in premium & luxury whisky. She has driven strategic growth for global brands across domestic, international and global travel retail. Fiona returns to the world of spirits following her most recent role as Group Marketing Director in the craft beer industry. She brings a passion for building brands and a strong leadership skillset to International Beverage as it embarks on its brand growth journey. She will lead strategic marketing for the global spirits business and join its Executive Leadership Team.

Both John and Fiona will be based at the company’s Airdrie headquarters, reporting into International Beverage Managing Director Malcolm Leask. He commented: 

“We are delighted to welcome both John and Fiona to the business. Their leadership skills and vast experience in their respective sectors makes them a tremendous asset to our team. I look forward to working with them over the coming months on a variety of initiatives that will grow our global business, sustainability credentials and portfolio of premium spirit brands.” 

As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair, and anCnoc; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister; the Larsen portfolio of Cognacs; New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery spirits; and Caorunn, the small-batch Scottish gin. 

International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.  It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits. These brands are enjoyed by consumers around the world and include Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya Rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits. www.interbevgroup.com

WATERFORD DISTILLERY LAUNCHES FLAGSHIP BIODYNAMIC WHISKY: BIODYNAMIC: CUVÉE LUNA

Waterford Distillery has launched its flagship biodynamic whisky: Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna

The Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is Waterford Whisky’s new bottling in their core range of Cuvée Concepts

Waterford Distillery is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies

5th September 2024: Waterford Distillery, the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies, has launched its new flagship cuvée bottling to its core collection of single malts – Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna.

Certified by Demeter and the Organic Trust, Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna – available to purchase worldwide from today – is made from 100% Irish barley grown using regenerative biodynamic farming methods, widely used by many of the world’s legendary winemakers.

The principles of biodynamic farming were first introduced 100 years ago in direct response to the growth of chemical applications after World War One. Today, such practices are more commonly recognised as “uber organic” and supercharged regenerative agriculture.

Waterford Distillery has embraced the unique biodynamic practices, which seek to create a vibrant living soil and barley crop by treating the farm as a self-contained living eco-system, with the application of homemade organic preparations that follow the ancient lunar calendar.

Working with three biodynamic Irish farmers – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney – Waterford Distillery bottled the world’s first biodynamic whisky in 2021 as part of its Arcadian Farm Origin series, and has since increased its intake to six biodynamic growers in total.

This new radical cuvée is an assemblage of multiple biodynamic harvests for even greater complexity. It was matured in a mixture of 37% First-fill US Oak, 17% Virgin US Oak, 25% Premium French Oak and 21% Vin Doux Naturel casks for harmony and balance.

Building on the distillery’s trademark artisanal bakery aromas, the whisky has flavours of green apple, hay, malted biscuits, peaches and breadcrust complimented with hints of lemon curd, breakfast cereals, herbal tea, porridge, cream and spice giving the whisky a long, creamy and gently-spiced finish.

Mark Reynier, CEO and Founder of Waterford Distillery, said: “Controversial to some, and the ultimate in regenerative farming to others, many of the world’s greatest winemakers and award-winning wines follow biodynamic methods to produce the most expressive and vibrant natural flavours possible.

“Whisky has become an industrially manufactured product, propped up with additives and finishes. Barley is one of the most flavoursome cereal grains and over time, this inherent flavour has been compromised as distilleries prioritise yield. So we go back to the beginning – not just whisky how it used to be, but how farming used to be, and that means taking every grain of biodynamic barley we can get our hands on.”

As with every Waterford Distillery release, a unique TÉIREOIR CODE on each bottle provides unprecedented validation and verification of its individual journey from barley to bottle – harvested, stored, malted, distilled and matured. Every meaningful detail of the whisky is offered for full transparency.

Biodynamic Cuvée: Luna represents the apogee of Waterford Distillery’s investigation of regenerative single malt, making it the distillery’s most radical whisky to date.

Biodynamic: Cuvée Luna is available to purchase now from waterfordwhisky.com (€99.00), Master of Malt and Whisky Exchange as a permanent listing, priced at approx. €85-95/$120/£89.95.

About Waterford Whisky  

Waterford Whisky produces the most naturally flavoursome single malts.

It is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies.

It is agricultural produce, not a manufactured product.

Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.

Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, the distillery searches for natural flavours via three paths: its Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; its Arcadian Farm Origins express the intensity of flavour from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties; whilst its Cuvée Concepts revel in the ultimate complexity, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

For more information, visit www.waterfordwhisky.com.

BOWMORE® LAUNCHES NEW SHERRY OAK BOUTIQUE COLLECTION

 Four new whiskies set to showcase the breadth of flavour possibility.

Crafted with intent, Bowmore® has an inherent appreciation as to how each moment comes to bear on the character of our whisky.  We make our whiskies this way on purpose, shaping every drop, adding depth and distinction of flavour to shape our multi-dimensional single malt.

Now as we reflect on almost 250 years of existence, there are many milestones which have guided this beguiling distillery and its whiskies to this moment.  This year not only represents 60 years since the dawn of the iconic Black Bowmore, but it also marks another landmark in our ever-evolving story.

This new chapter for Bowmore is a story of elevation and premiumisation, reflective of Bowmore’s desirability and collectability within the single malt market.  Due to the inherent scarcity of the spirit, the ambition is to truly realise its full value by investing to retain and enhance its place.  Only by offering a best-in-class global portfolio, showcasing the true breadth and depth of Bowmore can this be achieved.

At the heart of this transformation is the overall design and visual world of Bowmore.  With a clear desire to put the whisky in the bottle at the heart, the new design of Bowmore expresses the spirit story in the clearest and most authentic way.  Inspired by the exceptionally expressive and layered nature of Bowmore’s character, the morphic linework design reflects this.  The dominant use of the colour black, a legacy colour, part of the brand livery for decades, also pays homage to one of the most iconic whiskies – Black Bowmore distilled in 1964.

As part of a driving commitment to this evolutionary process, there has been a desire to showcase the full spectrum of what Bowmore can offer in terms of flavour.  This will see the introduction of a new boutique collection embodying four new whiskies, to support the guiding ambition and provide more choice and variety to the existing and new Bowmore drinker. 

Bowmore Sherry Oak Collection showcases the role of the very best European oak Sherry casks in shaping layers of depth and flavour, both complimenting and enhancing the expressive signature style. Each of the four whiskies capture different dimensions of character and celebrate Bowmore’s innate ability to achieve layers of flavour.

• Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask embraces a rhapsody of flavours to achieve a distinctively harmonious character. Sweet spice and nuttiness come to the fore, while smouldering smokiness blends harmoniously with notes of fruit and woodiness that Sherry casks bring.
• Bowmore 15-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask captures the elegance of our single malt, adding a layer of sweetness from the selective maturation in first-fill Oloroso casks. Confidently rich, with natural smoke, and minerality alongside a woodier, sweeter, and fruitier finish.
• Bowmore 18-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask delivers a long-anticipated, dramatically layered, yet balanced character. Sherry cask finishing first in Oloroso seasoned casks, followed by Pedro Ximenez, adds a fresh sweetness of bright fruit notes without overpowering the smouldering smoke that transports you to our dramatically beautiful island’s serenity.
• Bowmore 21-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask reveals a multi-layered character. Time and carefully selected finishing first in Oloroso seasoned casks, followed by Pedro Ximenez, encourages intensity and complexity, but in complete harmony.

Kirsteen Beeston, Marketing Director of Bowmore, said, “We have a duty of care as custodians of this incredible distillery to best reflect and capture the true essence of Bowmore, out of both respect to all that has been achieved so far but equally out of a desire to ensure we honour the spirit as we know it today.  As such, we made the decision to evolve the world which surrounds the brand, across brand creative, experience, and innovation. This is exemplified by the launch of our new whisky boutique range Sherry Oak Cask which, along with the existing range of Bowmore whiskies, will be offered to our customers and consumers in a new brand livery.  As we look to the future, we aim to redefine what it means to enjoy a glass of Bowmore, transforming each moment into a captivating experience.”

Bowmore Sherry Oak range will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange in the UK from September 2024. In addition, the range will begin to rollout to key global cities including Paris, Toronto and Munich from September 2024 via whisky specialists and luxury retailers. The new collection will also be available from the Bowmore brand home on Islay from the start of October 2024.

The permanent portfolio of Bowmore whiskies will take on the new livery and start to make itself known from early 2025.

www.bowmore.com

Facebook.com/BOWMORE
Instagram.com/BOWMORE 

ABOUT BOWMORE®

For over 240 years, Bowmore distillery has stood on the shores of Lochindaal. Here facing the wild Atlantic Ocean, is home to the legendary No.1 Vaults and the mysterious alchemy within. We are more than an Islay distillery. We are the oldest licensed distillery here.

Since 1779, we’ve been harnessing time in the creation of our exceptional Bowmore whiskies. This time has enabled us to hone our skills and make intentional choices. This means only Bowmore can unlock the depth and breadth of character.

From the careful and intentional ethos at the heart of the Bowmore distillery, every step and stage of the process is considered. We put flavour first.  Taking traditional techniques and uniting them with creative vision we can ensure that each component plays its part. From floor maltings and peat smoke drying, to the long fermentation and slow distillation. The result of this precise and measured approach can be seen in the distinct flavours that Bowmore is famous for.  A truly multidimensional whisky always promising more layers of flavour.

Every bottle of Bowmore celebrates our ability to mature with excellence, aging like no other to capture the definitive expressive character of Bowmore.  Over time, our spirit evolves perfectly in cask, creating an enviable inventory of maturing stock and enabling an iconic archive of releases.

Our signature; a remarkably expressive character.  We are defined by rich and fruity flavours with a smouldering complexity. Each sip of Bowmore is truly captivating. It beckons you, holding your full attention, pulling you into the present moment. This is the uniquely mesmerising magic which always reveals more, in every moment, in every sip. From flavour to flair, there is always more in the glass and in the moment.

www.bowmore.com

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, 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 more than 30 countries, one of Suntory Global Spirits’ core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Suntory Global Spirits, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

OLDEST EVER WHISKY RELEASED BY THE GLENALLACHIE

 Award-winning Speyside single malt brand issues oldest whisky to date

Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie today announces its oldest and most prestigious single malt expression to date: The GlenAllachie 35-year-old.

The leading independent producer is owned and managed by illustrious whisky maker of 52 years, Billy Walker. Over the course of his colourful career, Walker has earned an unparalleled reputation for his superlative cask management capabilities and sensory instinct.

The 35-year-old (UK RRSP £1,479) was devised to represent the distillery’s unwavering commitment to cask craftsmanship and boutique, small-batch whiskies.

Equipped with his decades of experience, Walker hand-selected six outstanding casks holding whisky dating back to the summer of 1989 for the landmark release.

Encased in a lavish oak box, the distinguished, antique single malt was matured in three Pedro Ximénez, one Oloroso and two virgin oak casks. The resulting spirit is said to “promise a luscious symphony of rich mocha, ripe pineapple, sweet spices and treacle tart”.

Handmade in the UK, the weighty presentation box features hand-carved detail on its base, luxurious moleskin-coloured lining, a solid brass ‘angle’, a plaque that champions the cask selection, and a removable oak plinth to hold the decanter.

A booklet with Walker’s handwritten notes on the story behind the bottling and his cask selection accompanies the whisky. Its cover is an FSC-certified paper made of spent malt.

An elegant, wide-shouldered decanter “gives the ultra-premium whisky the presence it deserves” whilst giving a nod to the classic GlenAllachie bottle. The product details are printed directly onto the glass in gold ink.

The premium wooden stopper features gold foiling and the brand’s tagline, ‘whisky in good hands’, around its circumference.

The 35-year-old is proudly presented at a high strength of 48% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered, which the distillery believes “allows the exquisite liquid within the decanter to speak for itself”.

To unveil the exclusive single malt, Walker hosted an intimate pre-launch dinner last week for the media and trade.

Remarking on the historic expression, Walker reveals:

“The 35-year-old is a testament to The GlenAllachie’s dedication, patience and relentless pursuit of perfection. Unifying the six spectacular casks has created the perfect equilibrium between the sweet influence of Pedro Ximénez, the nutty contribution of Oloroso, and the spiciness of the virgin oak. The amalgamation entails a truly spectacular single malt with opulent notes of spiced caramel, rich espresso, tropical fruits and dark chocolate truffles. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, it’s a whisky to be treasured.”

With a UK RRSP of £1,479, The GlenAllachie 35-year-old will become increasingly available from today at specialist retailers worldwide.

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 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 35-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 48% ABV

• Colour: Intense Auburn.
• Nose: Mocha, cinnamon, heather honey and pineapple, with hints of raisins, pomegranate and eucalyptus.
• Taste: Dark chocolate, mocha, raisins and dried fruit, fusing with heather honey, treacle and pineapple, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.