Timorous Beastie Highland Malt launches second addition to its ‘Cheese Cellar Collection’ with the release of a Madeira Finish Limited Edition.

Douglas Laing & Co. today releases the second bottling under its Timorous Beastie ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection. This collection sees the award-winning Highland Malt enjoy a selection of cask finishes, chosen specifically for unique characteristics, in search of discovering the ultimate flavour profile to accompany Artisan cheeses.

Meticulously finished in Madeira casks sourced from sunnier climates, this latest edition offers “an unparalleled depth of flavour and complexity to the already formidable spirit.” Tasting notes are said to bring:

“Nose: Ripe orchard fruits, honeyed sweetness, toasted almonds, and a subtle floral bouquet.

Palate: Toffee, caramelized apples and juicy plums with a gentle spiciness and silky mouthfeel.

Finish: A symphony of sweet vanilla, orange marmalade, and a gratifying warmth.”

The perfect cheese pairing for this new release is said to be “Gruyère due to the complementary flavours, contrasting textures and balanced intensity. The whisky’s notes of dried fruits and caramel balances perfectly with the nutty sweetness of the cheese, allowing each element to shine without overpowering the other.”

Displayed in the same tall black bottle as the first release, this new edition includes the signature mouse character in green colourways alongside premium gold foil finishing and a forest green wax dip seal. It also comes with a premium foiled neck tag providing more information around the flavour profile as well as the ‘Cheese Cellar’ collection.

Bottled at 48% ABV and without colouring or chill-filtration, this bottling stays true to the Douglas Laing family philosophy to provide Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets.”

Commenting on the new release, Scott Morrison, Timorous Beastie Brand Manager said:

“We’re thrilled to unveil the latest gem in our Cheese Cellar Collection. Showcasing our iconic Highland Blended Malt finished in exquisite Madeira casks, this unique bottling embodies the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation, offering connoisseurs a sensory journey like no other.”

The new release is strictly limited to just 4,000 bottles globally. Timorous Beastie ‘Madeira Edition’ is expected to retail at £60.00 / €70.00.

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 Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

NEARLY £50K RAISED IN FIRST AUCTION RECOGNISING

WOMEN IN WHISKY 

The Demeter Collection – created to recognise the work of women in the whisky sector – has raised nearly £50,000 at auction for the OurWhisky Foundation.

The inaugural Demeter Collection hosted by the leading global whisky auction platform Whisky Auctioneer, achieved a final hammer price of £43,614 from 19 specially curated lots. Alongside waiving their auction seller fees, Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission was donated to the OurWhisky Foundation, bringing the total to £49,065.75.

Winning bids came from the UK, USA, Ireland, Latvia and Belgium. The prestigious top bid was claimed by a rare 44-year-old Dalmore, created to honour Margaret Nicol’s remarkable five decades of dedication to the whisky industry as a blend controller at Whyte & Mackay. This exclusive bottle achieved a hammer price of £12,500, marking a fitting tribute to Nicol’s illustrious career.

Funds raised will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation to help further its work providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky. Ongoing projects include its widely acclaimed mentorship programme, which by the end of this year will have directly supported 200 women in their careers; a new, enhanced series of trade and consumer networking and tasting events; and the development of its online magazine, The Cut, into a valuable educational resource. Applications for the next mentorship intake have opened this week.

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“It has been a privilege for us to support the OurWhisky Foundation in providing not just a platform for this ground-breaking sale, but also to promote the contributions of women to the industry as a whole. From the distilleries and independent bottlers who generously donated to the bidders from across the world, it is incredible to see whisky lovers come together to make a real difference.”

The OurWhisky Foundation is the world’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, recognising and empowering professional women in whisky across the globe, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Previous OurWhisky mentorship programme graduates

Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, added:

“We’re blown away by the fantastic amount raised from the inaugural Demeter Collection. The OurWhisky Foundation provides much-needed support and guidance for women in whisky as well as the wider industry, but we are in desperate need of funding if we’re to continue providing our services. Thanks to Whisky Auctioneer, all our lot donors and the hundreds of bidders coming together over a shared love of a dram, the fantastic amount raised will help us continue making whisky an inclusive space for everyone.”

Among noteworthy outcomes was the hammer price of £9,700 for a unique 20-year-old Ardbeg, crafted as a tribute to the 20-year legacy of master blender Gillian MacDonald. In addition, the first bottle drawn from the inaugural cask at Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery, Wire Works’ Love, Sweat & Tears fetched an impressive £3,350 and the Loch Lomond Sonata Collection, a creative trio of whiskies curated to explore peat, sold for  £2,200.

Atonia’s Legacy, the inaugural blend in a series of whiskies to celebrate the Demeter Collection, reached a hammer price of £1,650. Blended by Sarah Burgess of The Lakes Distillery, it marks a strong start to this innovative, groundbreaking series.

Full lot listing:

• Aberfeldy 40 Year Old
• Ardbeg Twenty
• Arbikie Farm Experience + Hand-filled Rye Whisky
• Atonia’s Legacy: The Sarah Burgess Edition
• Cooper King Cask No. 1: Inaugural Release
• Cotswolds Distillery One of One
• CRN57
• House of Hazelwood:  The Long View
• JJ Corry x Tipperary: The Founders Bottles #1
• Laphroaig 25 Year Old: The Bessie Williamson Story
• Loch Lomond Sonata Collection
• Nc’nean Aon 17-302
• SMWS Christmas on the Beach
• Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• The Borders Distillery IWD Quarter Cask
• The Dalmore 44 Years Old
• The GlenDronach 30 Year Old Single Cask
• Wire Works Love, Sweat & Tears

For more information on the lots, see here.  

About The Demeter Collection:

The OurWhisky Foundation is delighted to introduce the Demeter Collection, the world’s first auction of whiskies celebrating female achievement, held in partnership with Whisky Auctioneer.

Named after the Greek goddess of grain, the Demeter Collection will highlight unique and exquisite whiskies crafted and inspired by some of the industry’s most talented women, maintaining a particular focus on the compelling stories of those involved in their creation.

The inaugural auction will be hosted 29 March- 8 April 2024, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, as well as the OurWhisky Foundation’s second anniversary. The carefully curated Collection will be held every two years with all proceeds donated to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Demeter (Duh-mee-tuh) was the Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture, presiding over crops, grains and the fertility of the earth. Known as the ‘good goddess’, she gifted humankind with the knowledge to grow and harvest their own crops. Such was her deep connection to the planet that she is often likened to Gaia, while some claim her name translates to ‘Mother Earth’.

According to legend, her daughter Persephone was abducted and held hostage in the underworld by Demeter’s brother, Hades. Racked with grief, Demeter plunged the world into a deep famine as she searched far and wide for her lost daughter. Ultimately Hades allowed Persephone to return to the surface for just eight months a year. It was only during this time that Demeter allowed crops to grow once more, thereby creating the seasons, a continuous evolution of time that symbolises the eternal cycle of life and passing of knowledge from generation to generation.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Perth, Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community. The business currently sees over 150,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe.

The central Scotland headquarter’s success paved the way for international expansion with secondary offices now located in central London and the Netherlands.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the secondary market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and demographic, wherever in the world they are based. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits online, and are unmatched in volume, variety of bottles offered and prices achieved. Alongside an unrivalled selection of rare Scotch whisky and Irish Whiskey, Whisky Auctioneer has also established the business as the market-leading specialist in presenting world whiskies for sale; from rare American whiskey and bourbon to iconic Japanese whiskies.

In February 2021, the online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection, when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1 million. This was the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online-only auction for one million pounds.

About The OurWhisky Foundation:

The OurWhisky Foundation is the world’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, recognising and empowering professional women in whisky across the globe, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Founded in 2022 by drinks journalist Becky Paskin, the UK-based organisation works with the global drinks industry to provide diversity and inclusion consultancy, as well as surveys, reports, events and initiatives that inspire change.

Its ground-breaking mentorship programme, which pairs mentees with some of the biggest names in whisky while providing free workshops and networking opportunities, has so far guided 175 women and non-binary individuals toward reaching their goals, with many securing new jobs and promotions as a result.

In 2023 the Foundation introduced the Modern Face of Whisky stock image library, an evolving, free-to-use collection of professional photography enabling the media and wider industry to more accurately represent the diversity of today’s whisky drinker beyond the masculine stereotype. Within its first eight months, the library received 10 million views and 100,000 downloads with the images featured across global print and digital media.

In the same year, the Foundation surveyed over 600 women for its Do You Even Like Whisky? report – the world’s first survey of women in whisky, which revealed the extent of sexism and unconscious bias prevalent in the industry. The report has since led to policy changes within many whisky organisations. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Instagram: whiskyauctioneer

Facebook: WhiskyAuctioneer

X:  Whisky_auction

LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY’S SPECTACLE OF FLAVOURS
BRINGS THE SPIRIT OF THE CIRCUS TO ARDBEG DAY

–First Ardbeg aged in port casks sets the stage for a show stopping celebration in 2024-

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, festivities will take a show-stopping turn at the Distillery and around the world on Saturday 1^st June, as Ardbeg marks the occasion with one of its most eclectic experiments to date – Ardbeg Spectacular.

The Distillery’s first whisky aged in port casks, this avant-garde limited edition showcases a spectacle of flavours never before tasted at Ardbeg. Vaulting on to the shoulders of classic bourbon-matured Ardbeg, whisky wholly matured in these port barrels brings a tumbling richness and an acrobatic twist of colour to the Islay malt. Dark chocolate cartwheels across the palate, mint walks the high wire, while aromas of candied fruit, incense candles and smoked pecans swing by on the trapeze.

Taking inspiration from the whisky’s deep, dark cavalcade of flavours — as sensational as any carnival act — the Islay single malt is inviting fans to join its very own “Dark Circus” on Ardbeg Day. For one day only, at the Distillery and at local events across the globe, whisky fans can delve into an offbeat and smoky Ardbeggian take on the circus, through intriguing tastings, outlandish games and an extravaganza of peaty delights.

Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg Master Blender, said: “Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians will never have tasted before. We invite fans to roll up and feast their palates on its peculiar notes of mint chocolate, incense, lavender and smoked nuts, set off by a daring double act of salted caramel and tar. Like the finest performances in the circus ring, this is a whisky not to be missed.”

Jackie Thomson, Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ringmaster Extraordinaire, said: “This Ardbeg Day we will celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style – from this new limited edition, to our core range favourites like Ardbeg Ten Years Old. I’m looking forward to entering into the spirit of the circus with fans at the Distillery, online and across the globe on 1^st June, as we come together to juggle big, bold smoky flavours and marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that is Ardbeg!”

Ardbeg Spectacular will be available in the UK and on Ardbeg.com from 23^rd April, RRP: £110. It will then be available in other markets from late April onwards.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2024 and events near them, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

Ardbeg Spectacular Tasting Notes:

ABV:                46%

Colour:           Sunset Orange

Aroma:           Curiously perfumed and aromatic, a big top note of fragrant lavender tumbles into vetiver and incense candles. Down below, deeper notes of leather and wax dance alongside a rich almond nuttiness. A splash of water reveals gentle wisps of woodsmoke and damp peat moss. Hints of menthol hurl headlong into rich antique leather.

Taste:              A viscous mouthfeel bursts forth to introduce a sparkling array of salty, sweet, and savoury flavours. Peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate and toffee mingle with smoked pecans, creosote, and tar. Subtle sweet pear crumble and fudge lurk in the background.

Finish:              Finally, a long and lingering finale of salted caramel and cooling menthol brings this show stopping spectacle of flavour to a close.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023 to date, Ardbeg has been awarded four Gold and eight silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Lux Row Distillers Introduces Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish

Award-winning brand extends its portfolio with unique new variant

ST. LOUIS (April 9, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the latest addition to the Ezra Brooks brand family: Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish. Finished in port casks from Portugal for six months, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish delivers the great spicy ryed bourbon taste and smooth finish Ezra Brooks is known for in its already bold 99 proof bourbon, with additional flavor notes. The new variant will start shipping to retailers later this month at a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750 ml bottle.

With a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malt, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish is distilled using the highest quality ingredients, aged the old-fashioned way and bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). Distinctive packaging features prominent callouts and a special label color highlighting the port cask finish.

“We created Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish for bourbon fans looking for an elevated taste profile and unique flavor option,” said Eric Winter, Ezra Brooks brand manager. “Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe was intrigued by the juxtaposition of ryed bourbon’s spicy flavor profile and the sweeter, dark fruit notes often found in port wines.”

“This special finish brings notes of vanilla, tobacco and leather together on the nose, and sweet fruitiness and dark chocolate on the palate,” said Rempe. “We’re excited to share this special new variety with consumers as the first in a planned series of annual finishes for the Ezra Brooks 99 family.”

About Luxco

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

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Releases Commemorative Military Bottles to Kick Off New Sunday Hours and Expanded Tasting Experience

Combat Infantry Badge Bottles Support Forgotten Coast K9 

FRANKFORT, KY (April 18, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, created by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, is releasing its highly anticipated Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) Bourbon this Sunday, April 21st, as it kicks off new Sunday visitation hours.  Also making its debut is an additional tasting experience which includes tastings straight from the barrel.

The CIB Bourbon is the latest bourbon release in J. Mattingly 1845’s CIB series.  Combat Infantry Badges are awarded to Army enlisted infantry or special forces officers in the grade of Colonel or below who were engaged in active ground combat.  Each year J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery donates a portion of the sales of the CIB bottles to a military-related nonprofit.  This year’s recipient is Forgotten Coast K9, a nonprofit organization that helps provide service dogs to veterans and first responders with the mission to stop suicide in those communities by getting them the service dogs they need.

The 2024 CIB bourbon was aged for six and a half years and bottled at 116 proof.  It has a smokey, brown sugar and banana nose with hints of sweet tobacco and baking spices.  On the palate, expect banana, oak and brown sugar forward, with leathery oak on the mid palate and a finish of sweet tobacco and baking spices.

J.Mattingly 1845 Distillery has not released a CIB bourbon since 2021, and historically the bottles have sold out quickly.  The first initial 50 bottles of the 2024 release were released during its National Pet Day Festival on April 13 and were met with eager anticipation.  The remaining 450 bottles will be available upon opening on Sunday, April 21st at noon.  Suggested retail pricing for a 750 mL of CIB is $155, with $30 of each bottle sale going to Forgotten Coast K9.

In addition to new Sunday hours, guests can now enjoy a new tasting experience allowing them to taste whiskey straight from the barrel.  Now, guests have three different tasting opportunities when visiting J. Mattingly 1845:

• Heritage Tasting Experience – taste up to six different whiskies from J. Mattingly 1845, including the 90-proof and 100-proof bourbons that started it all, and the latest proprietary blends.  But if you like something, you better grab a bottle of it, as the proprietary blends are made in very small batches and are custom creations by the in-house blending experts, never to be repeated.  The cost of the Heritage Tasting Experience is $20 and it lasts about 20 minutes
• Single Barrel Tasting Experience  – This is the newest addition to the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery guest adventure and it allows visitors to taste straight from seven of barrels.  Each barrel selected for the tasting has been carefully vetted by the expert blenders at J. Mattingly 1845, and has undergone the proprietary double-staving process, which adds charred staves to aging bourbon barrels twice during the blending process to create unmatched flavors.  The cost of the Barrel Tasting Experience is $55 and it lasts a half hour.
• VIP Custom Bourbon Blending Experience – A bourbon connoisseur’s dream – allowing you to become a master blender for a day, choosing your own blend, bottle shape, custom label and even the wax color on the top.  Starting with four pre-selected barrels, you will mix and blend the flavors under the expert guidance of the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery team, then choose the other elements in the packaging and leave that day with your unique creation. No two bottles will ever be the same.  The VIP Custom Blending Experience is $175 and takes approximately one hour.  Additional bottles of your custom blend may be purchased for $120.  Reservations are recommended for this experience.

“Throughout the year we have special releases that benefit many worthy nonprofit organizations,” said Jeff Mattingly, chief executive officer and founder, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  “The CIB release is always one of my favorites, as it honors Army veterans who saw combat on the ground, definitely heroes in my book.  And to partner with Forgotten Coast K9 to help provide service dogs to military veterans and first responders just makes the release even more special .”

The CIB Bourbon will be available on-site at the Distillery and also online, with shipping to 45 U.S. states.  J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery’s operating hours are Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon – 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome for the tasting experiences, but reservations are suggested for the VIP Custom Bourbon Blending Experience.  The Distillery is located at 20 Reilly Road in Frankfort, Ky.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

HATOZAKI WHISKY ANNOUNCES NEWEST ADDITION TO

LIMITED “OMAKASE” SERIES:

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE THIRD EDITION MIZUNARA CASK FINISH 

Exclusive to the US market, the latest innovation is finished in Japanese Mizunara casks hand-selected by Master Distiller Kimio Yonezawa

New York, NY –  (April 12, 2024) – Hatozaki Whisky is pleased to announce the third and latest addition to its “Omakase” Series – Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish. Now available in the US for a suggested retail price of $95 (750ml), the new limited-edition expression showcases the profound aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4^th generation Master Distiller & Blender.

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa-san’s vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillery’s unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of “Omakase,” known as “chef’s choice” in Japanese dining, the “Omakase” collection mirrors the idea of trusting the maker’s intuition – allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.

“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” says Yonezawa-san. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”

In that spirit, Kimio Yonezawa presents an innovative new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, the rare Japanese white oak sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and sold exclusively in the US market.

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish is a testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.

The new product joins Hatozaki’s core range including: Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 ,750ml. bottle, 40% ABV) a blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Sakura casks, the Japanese cherry wood; and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99, 750ml., 46% ABV), a vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks, and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE THIRD EDITION MIZUNARA CASK FINISH, 42% ABV:

Color: Amber

Nose: Immediate rye cereal notes lead, accompanied by fresh oak spice and a hint of menthol. Develops with honeycomb, sawn wood, and tropical fruit. Concludes with yeasty bread and oak.

Mouth: Soft entry with a tickle of fire, mint, and black pepper. Transforms into a robust oaky flavor, soft spice, and a rounded finish. Lingering hints of coconut, orange peel, and cloves.

Style: Harmonious, full-bodied palate with nuanced layers of flavor. 

ABOUT HATOZAKI WHISKY

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery, built in 1657 – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing. Fourth-generation Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa brings blending heritage from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917, and in 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about. The Hatozaki portfolio includes two permanent expressions, Hatozaki Finest Whisky and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky, and a line of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki  “Omakase” whiskies – hand-selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence. Hatozaki presents a portfolio of whiskies that are elegant, smooth, and easy to enjoy. Hatozaki appeals to everyone in a delightfully welcoming way with a selection of balanced, mellow, and delicate whisky. 

ABOUT THE KAIKYŌ DISTILLERY

The Yonezawa family’s experimentation with distilling goes back more than a century and has been a part of their story ever since. Kimio Yonezawa is the fourth generation of this legacy, having taken a keen interest in whisky and embarking on a journey of discovery. He channeled his passion for fine spirits into establishing the Kaikyō distillery and did it all with a single goal in mind: to be instrumental in honoring the past and contributing to the future of Japanese whisky-making. In addition to whisky, the Kaikyō Distillery produces 135°East Japanese Gin and Akashi-Tai Sakes. 

ABOUT MARUSSIA BEVERAGES USA

Marussia Beverages USA is a national importer of premium spirits, sake, and wines including brands such as Hatozaki Whiskies, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Torabhaig Scotch Whiskies, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueurs, 135° East Japanese Gin, and Akashi Tai Sakes. Marussia Beverages USA is part of the global group Marussia Beverages, with 14 distribution companies and 16 production sites throughout the world, achieving a turnover of 294 million euros in 2022. In respect for the deep roots of tradition paired with a taste for innovation, Marussia Beverages mission is to create and distribute quality brands that elevate expectations and provide authentic consumer experiences.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY APPOINTS CRAFTWORK AS NEW UK DISTRIBUTOR

4th April 2024: Waterford Distillery, producer of the world’s most naturally flavoursome single malt whiskies, has appointed Craftwork as its new UK distributor. Craftwork will now expedite product roll-out for the full Waterford Whisky range.

Under the new distribution partnership, announced today, Waterford Whisky will benefit from expanded UK distribution operations. The award-winning products will reach even more UK consumers who value transparency, provenance and natural flavours.

As specialists in distributing premium beverage brands, the appointment of Craftwork marks a vital time of development for Waterford  – highlighting a commitment to the UK market as consumer demand for premium offerings remain high. In total, rum accounts for 14% of all spirit sales in the UK, and whisky owning a 13% share*.

With an established global reputation and recent expansion into the US market, European sales for both Waterford Whisky are growing at pace. With a wide variety of whisky bottlings to choose from, the line-up will include signature bottlings and a brand-new core range of original natural whiskies and rums, over the next two years.

Waterford Whisky were launched in 2014 and 2018 respectively by CEO and Founder, Mark Reynier, who boasts more than four decades of industry experience. Both brands combine world-leading terroir technology with locally-grown ingredients, to distil the world’s most flavoursome single malt whisky expressions.

James Cowan, Sales Director at Waterford Whisky says:

“Craftwork is established as an influential and leading distributer across the beverage segment within the UK market, and I am delighted to assign Waterford Whisky  to their existing product offering.

“We are excited at the prospect of building upon our existing distribution and look forward to a successful partnership, furthering both brands’ presence in the UK as a key territory to support growth.”

Mark Dawkins, Founder and Managing Director of Craftwork, added:

“At Craftwork, we are committed to working with the best producers, brand owners and products for our prestige portfolio. Couple that with our vision to grow our whisky and rum portfolio, and it doesn’t get any better than every credential of Waterford Distillery .

“We are delighted to be the new UK importer distributor and cannot wait to work with the team, on these brands, with our customers.”

*Data from CGA by Nielsen IQ

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.

About Craftwork 

Craftwork, founded in 2018, has established itself very quickly as a full-service UK importer distributor, building an enviable portfolio of premium spirits.

A balance of heritage & tradition, coupled with modernity & innovation, from brand partners such Grupo Osborne from Spain, Scapegrace from New Zealand, Cockspur Rum from Barbados, Rebel Bourbon & Rye from Kentucky, Axia Extra-Dry Mastiha from Greece, and Biggar & Leith (Shanky’s Whip from Ireland, Butterfly Cannon Tequila, Stambecco Liqueurs and Hotel Starlino Aperitivo from Italy), make up their core premium & prestige portfolio.

This has enabled Craftwork to build a broad customer base across all trading channels, supplying Multiple Grocers, on trade wholesale & retail, and e-commerce extensively.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Bargo 459 as Newest Craft Member

Knox County To Benefit From Hometown Family’s 

Pursuit of Bourbon Excellence 

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Bargo 459 in Knox County is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Bargo 459 is led by Matthew Bargo II, his wife, Susie, and their son, Matthew Bargo III.

Perched on Kentucky Highway 3041 overlooking the new Cumberland Run harness racing track, Bargo 459 is a small craft distillery where only a limited number of barrels are finished at a time. Its address is 133 Wes David Road in Corbin, Ky.

Their whiskey is all pot-distilled straight Bourbon that has been proofed with spring water from the Cumberland Gap and finished in either sherry or port casks. “We are focused on quality, not quantity,” said founder Matthew Bargo II.

Before developing his distillery and his whiskey, the elder Bargo said he researched thousands of articles, visited numerous Kentucky distilleries and interviewed older individuals who had been involved in creating moonshine during Prohibition.

“Making Bourbon is hard work,” he said. “Making good Bourbon is really hard work. Our goal is to consistently produce exceptional Bourbon that is a symphony of aroma and color with a rich lingering taste.

“In that spirited journey, we stand honored to join this esteemed association and harness its wealth of knowledge while contributing our own innovative approach. Our alignment with the KDA signifies our commitment to upholding the highest standards in Bourbon production.”

The distillery plans to release speciality small batch and single barrel runs with a diversity of cask finishes and limited-edition releases. It also is preparing to open a tasting room to welcome visitors to experience the Bargo 459 portfolio.

Learn more at https://bargo459.com/.

“Making Bourbon is hard work. Making good Bourbon is really hard work.”

— Matthew Bargo II, Founder, Bargo459

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Kentucky’s Bourbon legacy is full of storied history and rich traditions that have been passed down and shared across the industry, and we applaud Matt and his family for their passion and dedication to our timeless craft.

“The KDA and our 100 distillery members and partners are excited to welcome Bargo 459 to our growing family of the Commonwealth’s finest distillers and the entire Knox County community that will benefit from their investment, their great whiskey and their tourism experiences.”

Bargo 459 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.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) 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

After more than 20 years Japan’s most legendary whisky distillery is back.

The world-renowned Karuizawa distillery closed its doors in 2000 but thanks to a recent investment, and exclusive global partnership with dekantã, the legend lives on.

The Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 at the foothills of an active volcano, Mount Asama. The location was notable for being the highest distillery in Japan at 850m above sea level. Despite being the country’s smallest whisky producer, Karuizawa had a global reputation for producing first-class malt whiskies.

Karuizawa stopped producing whisky in 2000 and has since been known as a ‘silent’ distillery. As global interest in Japanese whisky has grown in recent years, demand for stock from the closed Karuizawa distillery has increased dramatically, with bottles selling for record prices at auction houses around the world.

In 2020 a bottle of Karuizawa 52-year-old became the most valuable bottle of Japanese whisky ever sold, achieving £363,000 / $435,273 through Sotheby’s in London.

Now, some 24 years after the initial closure, Karuizawa Whisky is back, along with members of the original distilling team.

The new Karuizawa Whisky was built by Shigeru Totsuka, who hired the former Karuizawa Master Distiller, Osami Uchibori, as an advisor, who has sadly since passed away, and his apprentice, distiller Yoshiyuki Nakazato, as Master Distiller.

Unlike the old Karuizawa distillery, which was situated in the neighbouring town of Miyota, the new distillery is situated in the town of Karuizawa itself, known for its stunning year-round vistas that range from vibrant green and yellow forests in the summer months to gleaming snow covered peaks that attract skiers from around the globe in the winter.

“I strive to produce a liquid that both respects and surpasses the old Karuizawa whisky” Yoshiyuki Nakazato, Master Distiller, Karuizawa Whisky

The new distillery, built in 2022, located at the base of Mount Asama, sees water flow through volcanic lava rock that surrounds the distillery giving it a unique quality.

Totsuka and his team are more than aware of the rich legacy that comes with the distillery’s name, and they are keen to protect this with everything they have. It is for this reason that they have chosen to use only top-quality sherry casks and each of these has a minimum ageing requirement of 10 years, ensuring that when bottles of Karuizawa single malt finally hit the market, they will be of the highest standard. In keeping with the tradition of the old distillery, the smallest in Japan, Karuizawa Whisky are only filling a very limited number of casks, with a clear emphasis on quality over quantity.

dekantã, the world’s leading online retailer of fine and rare Japanese whisky, has fostered a close working relationship with the new Karuizawa Whisky to bring both the joys of their liquid and their epic story to Japanese whisky lovers across the world.

Through a global partnership dekantã have the exclusive rights to sell a limited number of single malt sherry casks from Karuizawa Whisky which are available for their loyal customers to buy, allowing them to live the dream of owning a full cask of whisky from a legendary Japanese distillery. Cask purchases come with opportunities to sample the liquid, visit the distillery, and create one’s very own independent bottling of Karuizawa single malt whisky, once the 10-year minimum ageing requirement has been met.

“It is nothing short of an honour to be entrusted with Karuizawa’s legacy and liquid.” Makiyo Masa, Founder, dekantã

What’s more, when the time finally comes, limited edition official bottle releases will be available via dekantã, while working on their very own independent bottlings of this exceptional whisky. Until then, dekantã will be keeping their customers and cask owners up to date with regular news, content, offers and updates from Karuizawa Whisky.

“Nakazato is the fundamental route for a successful Karuizawa whisky style. When I look at what they are doing here, I think they will make some very very good liquid for the new, reborn, Karuizawa.” Daniel Lam, Global Head of Wine & Whisky, Spink & Son

Karuizawa Whisky casks are available exclusively through www.dekanta.com

About dekantã

dekantã is a specialist retailer of fine and rare Japanese whisky, proud to have the world’s largest such online inventory.

dekantā’s range covers premium, rare bottles for collectors, small batch and local whiskies from Japan’s young distilleries, and entry-level releases from the most popular Japanese whisky brands.

In 2022 dekantã was named ‘Japanese Independent Bottler of the Year’ thanks to their creative and impressive whisky bottlings that showcase top quality whisky, alongside intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, allowing customers to experience the upper echelon of Japanese whisky while gaining a better understanding of the centuries of hard work that made it possible.

In recent times, dekantā has been at the forefront of the birth of the Japanese whisky cask market and has made strong relationships with several distilleries, allowing them to become leading players in the market. Japanese whisky casks were previously hard to come by, but through tireless work, dekantā is now the leading online retailer of Japanese whisky casks.

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Images courtesy of acclaimed Scotch whisky photographer Konrad Borkowski, his first assignment to Japan. 3-minute hero film telling the story of Karuizawa’s re-birth available to view and download here

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