CHIVAS REGAL WHISKY ACCELERATES INTO NEW ERA IN SPORTS CULTURE WITH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH SCUDERIA FERRARI HP

Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Chivas Regal comes together with Scuderia Ferrari HP in a multi-year partnership, with the iconic blended Scotch appointed ‘Official Team Partner’

14 NOVEMBER, LONDON UK: Announced ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend, luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has been appointed ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global multi-year partnership that unites two iconic heritage brands with a shared legacy in craft, innovation and luxury.

The collaboration sees Chivas Regal – the original luxury blended Scotch whisky – and Scuderia Ferrari HP – the world’s most successful Formula 1 team – come together to celebrate their commitment to collective success, which forms the foundation of the new partnership.

Shining a light on life off-track, the collaboration will offer a fresh perspective on Scuderia Ferrari HP, focussing on telling the untold stories of teamwork that are critical to success. Through unparalleled behind-the-scenes access showcasing a new take on the world of motor sports, alongside exclusive content and live experiences, Chivas Regal and Scuderia Ferrari HP will spotlight contemporary racing culture, championing the Tifosi – Scuderia Ferrari HP’s loyal fandom – and putting the focus on the sport’s ever-growing international fan community.

The partnership will also be used as a powerful platform for Chivas Regal to raise awareness about the dangers of drink-driving, to drive positive impact amongst a global audience of passionate racing enthusiasts. The integrated campaign, which is due to launch next year, will follow recent responsible drinking campaigns run by Chivas Regal in markets such as Mexico and Japan.

Frederic Vasseur, Formula 1 Team Principal at Scuderia Ferrari HP, commented: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Chivas Regal, with whom we share the values of striving for excellence, attention to detail and craftsmanship – founded on years of tradition, while constantly evolving. Together, we share the desire to progress and set the benchmark in our respective fields of endeavour. I look forward to working with Chivas Regal in a partnership that will be beneficial for both brands.”

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman & CEO of Chivas Brothers, makers of Chivas Regal, added: “This partnership marks a significant gear shift as we accelerate into a new era in sports culture for Chivas Regal. Since its foundation, Scuderia Ferrari HP has been a true pioneer at the forefront of culture, making it the perfect partner for us to usher in this new chapter.

In the fast-moving world of Formula 1, success is a team effort – something that sits at the heart of Chivas Regal’s mission of ‘I Rise, We Rise’. We are passionate about using this new platform to engage today’s growing and increasingly diverse community of racing fans in the 2025 season and beyond, and leveraging the collective reach of our brands to ensure motorsports fans around the world know to never, ever, drink and drive.”

Lorenzo Giorgetti, Ferrari Chief Racing Revenue Officer, added: “We are delighted to announce the partnership with Chivas Regal, a dynamic brand entering the world of top-level motorsport for the first time, in collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari HP. We will work together on exciting and innovative activations to bring Formula 1 even closer to its fans, expanding the Scuderia Ferrari HP fan base and that of our sport in general.”

The partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP is the latest move for Chivas Regal in its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – selling more than 4.6 million 9L cases every year.

Chivas believes in the power of blending in life, as well as in Scotch. In celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. This energy can be seen today as Chivas continues this vision of blending success with generosity to elevate the lives of others whether that is through shining a light on grassroots communities through Regal FC or supporting the next generation of creative entrepreneurs who are driving positive change across culture through New Regals platforms.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon

Chivas. I Rise, We Rise.
www.Chivas.com

The Glencairn Glass launches ‘The Last Dram’

crime fiction anthology to raise money for charity

The Glencairn Glass – the world’s favourite whisky glass made by Scottish company Glencairn Crystal – has launched a collection of gripping crime fiction short stories by up-and-coming crime authors. The anthology features tales from 16 different authors, all of whom have previously entered the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story competition over the last three years. All of the profits from the book sales in the run up to Christmas will go to charity.

The Glencairn Glass has supported and celebrated Scottish crime writing talent through its ongoing sponsorship of the prestigious McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing literary awards since 2020. Following this, the Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition was then launched in 2021 – an annual competition open to both experienced and novice crime writers around the world.

Working in partnership with Stirling University, a collection of the most enthralling stories from the competition’s entrants has been collated for the creation of the anthology named The Last Dram. Students from Stirling University helped to create various aspects of the final collection, from assisting with the curation of the stories to the design and layout of the book. 

The Last Dram has been edited by Heather J. Fitt, a Scottish,  crime fiction author based in Hampshire, who appeared at this year’s annual Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival in Stirling.  The talented authors whose stories have been featured in The Last Dram are Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition winners and runners up as well as other entrants whose stories impressed the competition judges.

Money raised from sales of the anthology book will go to Maggie’s – a cancer care charity that provides free expert care and support in centres across the UK and online.

The Last Dram includes grisly tales of murder, retribution and revenge, as well as the chilling confession of a food blogger who sought vengeance on her violent husband. There’s also a disillusioned tourist guide on the Isle of Skye who sends badly behaved tourists to suffer a gruesome fate, a series of murders set in a Glasgow police station in 1928 which the police have to unravel, plus many, many more spine-tingling stories.

Kirsty Nicholson, Design and Marketing Manager at Glencairn Crystal said: “We’ve been blown away by the outstanding quality of the stories that have been entered into our Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition over the last few years. We wanted to showcase these gripping reads for people in a collection to support and celebrate the talented authors and the world of Scottish crime fiction, whilst raising money for Maggie’s – a very special charity.  A fine dram of whisky in a Glencairn Glass is the perfect accompaniment to settling down with a good book over the winter months;  ‘The Last Dram’ also provides the perfect Christmas gift for those friends and relatives who are difficult to buy for.”

The book is available as both an e-book (priced £5.99) and a limited-edition book in print (£9.99). There is also a special gift pack containing the printed book alongside two Glencairn Glasses (priced £25.99) – the ideal Christmas present for lovers of both whisky and crime fiction! The e-book, print book and gift set with Glencairn Glasses are available via the Glencairn Glass website online shop: Glencairn Anthology.

*The McIlvanney and Bloody Scotland Debut crime-writing literary awards are presented at the annual Bloody Scotland International Crime writing Festival in Stirling every September. www.bloodyscotland.com

 The Last Dram Anthology – contributing authors:

This collection of short stories has been compiled from entries to The Glencairn Glass Short Story Competition – an annual competition open to both experienced and debut crime writers around the world:

The list of contributing authors, including both experienced and debut writers, is as follows:

Allan Gaw (2022/23 runner up) – Allan has since gone on to win this year’s Bloody Scotland Debut Prize which is an impressive achievement.

Phillip Wilson (2023/24 winner)

Elisabeth Ingram Wallace (2023/24 runner up)

Brid Cummings (2021/22 winner)

Jennifer Harvey (2021/22 runner up)

Judith O’Reilly (2021/22 runner up)

Other writers featured in the book include the published crime author Morgan Cry, as well as

Gayle Thompson, Louise Sharland, Ewan A. Dougall, Ben Colley, Julian Benson, Shona MacBryer, Anna Wallace, Bryce Main and BV Lawson.

Visit: Crime Short Story Competition

About the Glencairn Glass and Glencairn Crystal:

The Glencairn Glass for whisky was officially launched in 2001, and millions of glasses are now sold each year across the world.

 The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high-quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family-run Scottish company has hand-crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released. Full information at www.glencairn.co.uk

About Bloody Scotland:

Bloody Scotland is Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, providing a showcase for the best crime writing from Scotland and the world, unique in that it was set up by a group of Scottish crime writers in 2012. Full information at www.bloodyscoltand.com

A VERY ROCK N’ ROLL HOLIDAY: FEW SPIRITS RELEASES ICONS OF ROCK COLLECTION FEATURING WHISKEY COLLABS WITH LEGENDS OF MODERN ROCK

Collection includes partnerships with The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

EVANSTON, IL – FEW Spirits, the Evanston, IL distillery unapologetically experimental in its whiskey production that has grown to national prominence in part through its work with some of modern rock’s biggest names, announces today that for the first time three of its collaborations are available in a single collection.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection features Motor Oil Whiskey, the brand’s collaboration with indie darlings Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; All Secrets Known, released in partnership with Seattle grunge legends Alice In Chains; and The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, which sees FEW team up with its Chicagoland neighbors, The Smashing Pumpkins.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection is available to eligible shipping states exclusively through FEW’s direct-to-consumer channel and retails for $149.99.

The whiskeys:

• FEW Motor Oil: Featuring label art inspired by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s logo, every bottle of FEW Spirits Motor Oil Whiskey is a blend of three whiskeys: FEW Bourbon finished in rum barrels, FEW Bourbon finished in vermouth barrels, and a mesquite-smoked wheat whiskey. The result is full-flavored and complex – grassy and sweet from the rum barrel; herbaceous, bitter and vegetal notes from the vermouth barrel; and heavy mesquite smoke that evokes winding back roads, long stretches of highway, and pit stops at roadside barbecue joints of West Texas. The blend was proofed and bottled at a very rock n’ roll 101.

• FEW All Secrets Known: The name is a reference to the title of track one on Alice In Chains’ fourth studio album Black Gives Way To Blue, which has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. For this special whiskey, FEW Bourbon is finished for six months in tequila barrels and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). Bold, sweet, and spicy bourbon top notes are accentuated by grassy agave undertones.

• FEW The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon: The 93-proof bottling is FEW’s signature straight bourbon, aged four years, and cut to bottling strength using Midnight Rose black tea from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium, the independent, boutique tea shop run by The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, entrepreneur Chloé Mendel Corgan. The bourbon, like the band, is a singular experience. Bright aromas of rose water and ripe honeydew melon peek out above more familiar vanilla and caramel. On the palate, fans of FEW whiskeys will recognize signature bold, sweet and spicy bourbon notes, along with flavors of rose water, sandalwood, caramel, vanilla, and black tea all backed by a full body and long finish.

Said FEW Spirits founder and master distiller Paul Hletko, “I think the common thread between what we do at FEW and what these incredible artists do through their music is a willingness to chart your own course. Sometimes, if not most of the time, that means going well against what everyone else is telling you to do. It’s that spirit of defiance and self-reliance that has always drawn me to bands like Black Rebel, Alice In Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins. And the truth is, I’m much better at making whiskey than I’ll ever be at playing guitar. So if I can’t join these legends on stage, this is the next best thing.”

Find FEW Spirits:

• Online: www.FEWspirits.com
• IG, FB, Twitter: @FEWspirits
• Hashtags: #FEWspirits

About FEW Spirits

A grain-to-glass distillery embracing innovation since 2011, FEW Spirits produces award–winning craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in Evanston, IL, a historical town where Prohibition lasted until 1972. Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of any kind to ever open there. Since, he’s collaborated with rock stars, employed experimental distillation and proofing methods, and more.

Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits — produced in the local Chicago area — that offered something that broke the rules of traditional whiskey making and offered something rare and different. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the label design, which pays homage to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago — FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit.

White Peak ramps up Wire Works Caduro with Cask Strength release

White Peak – Derbyshire’s award-winning distillery – is revealing a cask strength edition of one of its signature whiskies this autumn – Wire Works Caduro Cask Strength.

The latest Wire Works release – the name given to White Peak’s range of whiskies – is a limited-edition vatting of the Distillery’s lightly peated house style of single malt, matured in a combination of American first fill ex-bourbon casks and the distillery’s signature STR casks (re-conditioned wine barriques that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred). The vatted spirit has spent a further 18 months marrying, resulting in a rich and intricate harmony of Caduro’s cereal, fruit and honey flavours.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.0% ABV, Caduro Cask Strength is only available in the UK direct from the Distillery and through select trade partners. For the gifting season this release marks a Wire Works first and will be available in a special re-cyclable presentation box.

The original award-winning Caduro was released in March 2023 and was the first permanent edition to the Wire Works Whisky range, named after the global cable brand that was once made onsite by Johnson & Nephew at the former Wire Works, the Distillery home since 2016.

Claire Vaughan, co-founder at White Peak, said: “It’s exciting for us to reveal a cask strength version of one of our signature whiskies. We’ve pushed our house flavour profile with this cask strength spirit, amplifying the fruit notes found in our main Caduro release to bring out more richness, complexity and depth of flavour and allowing the drinker the ability to find their own sweet spot. As with all of our Wire Works whiskies, nothing has been added during the process and there has been no chill-filtration.”

On the nose, pear drops, baked apple and banana notes, moving into more unctuous rich flavours on the palate: marmalade, treacle tart, milk chocolate and nutmeg, with a balance of grapefruit zest. And the finish delivers more sweetness with bonfire toffee, cinnamon and crème brulee, alongside a hint of smoke.

Caduro Cask Strength will be available from 1^st November via the Distillery shop and online, as well as from trade partners, RRP: £79 per 70cl.

The Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

Caduro Cask Strength tasting notes:

ABV: 58.0%

Overview: Orchard fruits, ripe banana and candied ginger on the nose. Marmalade, dried fruits, cereal and honey on the palate. Baking spices and bonfire toffee on the finish. Full mouthfeel, with a wisp of smoke.

Nose: Pear drops, baked apple, banana, orange zest, nutmeg, white chocolate, fudge, marshmallow, marzipan, popcorn, burnt sugar.

Palate: Marmalade, treacle tart, liquorice all-sorts, tobacco, milk chocolate, grapefruit zest, meringue, baklava.

Finish: Bonfire toffee, mace, citrus, cereal, allspice, cinnamon, crème brulee, and a wisp of smoke.

About White Peak Distillery:

Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, White Peak Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and craftsmanship for which this region is renowned. The White Peak journey started with a vision and purpose, rather than any grand marketing plan. To create an authentic English single malt whisky that honours the maker traditions that put Derbyshire on the global map.  This legacy informs the Distillery’s decisions around whisky-making, its place in the community and establishing a destination to celebrate the craft of distilling.

The discovery of the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works site was a pivotal moment for the founders. The Victorian era industrial buildings, rich with character and history, were once at the heart of a community, employing over 500 people. The Wire Works is more than just a location; it is a symbol of the region’s heritage. The process of renovating and repurposing this building wasn’t just about creating a space for whisky production; it was about breathing new life into a building with character and extending the legacy of making. This spirit of innovation, respect for the past and sense of place has resulted in a whisky with a unique character.

White Peak was founded in 2016 by local couple Max & Claire Vaughan and, although a few years have passed, in whisky terms the business is still a start-up. Over the past eight years, the team has meticulously crafted its approach, and the launch of Wire Works Whisky in early 2022 has already led to several international awards.  The recognition is not only for its fruit-forward, lightly-peated single malt but also for the whisky packaging, which honours the back story of the Wire Works. A considered, makers mindset permeates throughout the business.

White Peak has developed a true connection with the region. One example is the use of fresh brewer’s yeast from a local Peak District brewery, contributing flavour that is unique to Wire Works Whisky.  The thoughtful design and construction of the distillery itself includes equipment and engineering sourced locally in county, with every element carefully unpacked to enhance the whisky’s character.  The entire process happens on site, from mashing and fermentation, through distillation, maturation and bottling – a full life-cycle of Derbyshire provenance.  Each stage of whisky-making is designed to develop layers of flavour and creating a whisky that is a true reflection of Derbyshire’s rich heritage.

White Peak Distillery Awards:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

Corrugated Pack of the Year

• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters (Spirits Business):

• 2022 Wire Works Necessary Evil: Gold
• 2022 Wire Works Small Batch: Gold
• 2024 Wire Works Caduro: Gold
• 2024 Wire Works Bourbon Barrel: Silver

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky (2022)
• Wire Works Caduro: Gold (2024)
• Wire Works Caduro: Silver (2023)
• Wire Works Virgin Oak: Bronze (2023)

People’s Choice Awards:

• 2022 Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category

World Whisky Awards:

• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Caduro Gold
• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Alter Ego Masters
• 2023 World Whisky Masters Wire Works Virgin Oak Bronze

International Spirits Challenge:

• 2023 ISC Wire Works Caduro Silver
• 2023 ISC Wire Works Virgin Oak
• 2024 ISC Wire Works Caduro: Silver
• 2024 ISC Wire Works Alter Ego: Silver

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild, that was launched in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently 50+) on the world stage of whisky.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

A RARE UNEARTHING: WIDOW JANE BLACK OPAL STANDS AS CROWN JEWEL IN BROOKLYN DISTILLERY’S COLLECTION OF LONG-AGED BOURBONS

Extraordinary blend of 20-year-old bourbons finished in casks fashioned from the wood of old-growth Mizunara oaks

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY  – In the pursuit of rarer and more intense bourbons, and in a study of the art of patience, Red Hook, Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery unearths Black Opal, the oldest whiskey in the brand’s history. A limited release on strict allocation, it is an artful blend of rare bourbons, each aged for a minimum of 20 years.

Beneath the oak-beamed ceilings, deep within the century-old brick walls of the Widow Jane rick house, Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov painstakingly tasted through more than 100 individual barrels, a multi-week process that yielded an initial sketch of what would become Black Opal.

The barrels selected, Jevremov painstakingly married the liquids – test after test – until she was satisfied with the blend. Finally, the liquid took on an extended finish in casks raised from prized, old-growth Mizunara oak (Quercus crispula). A single Mizunara cask can fetch up to $6,000 on the open market. Mizunara trees, which occur naturally in Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island, are harvested, air-seasoned for 12 months, and crafted into casks that receive medium toast plus a light char. The casks are highly porous and low in tannins, imparting an intense and distinctive flavor on the bourbon.

Says Jevremov, “The 20-year-old whiskey found in this project is like a hefty tome of an epic tale, at first it is daunting in its immensity but the rich characters and surprising unseen twists pull you in. I chose one thread I found alluring and followed it to a whiskey that toys with bourbon’s sweetness, baking spice, and stone fruit. It has complex flavors of burnt sugar, smokey incense, herbal teas, and salted fruit. The Mizunara finish was a clear choice to achieve another layer that beautifully binds it all together. I advise you to take your time with each drop.”

Aroma: Tahitian Vanilla, Frankincense Smoke, Dried Apricot, Rose Hip

Taste: Walnut, Black Strap Molasses, Crème Brulé, Poached Plum, Burnt Sage, Brown Butter

Finish: Beeswax, Ginger Snap, Chocolate Ganache, Nutmeg, Caramelized Sugar

As is a signature of Widow Jane whiskeys, Black Opal is proofed with limestone water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of upstate New York. This mineral-rich, yet sweet water delivers a full, round, lavish mouthfeel and long finish, fitting for a bourbon 20 years in the making.

Widow Jane Black Opal by the numbers:

• Aged 20 years
• 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
• SRP: $500/750 ml
• Allocation: 5,000 bottles/1,700 physical cases (3 packs)
• Availability: In select markets beginning in October

Packaging:

Inspired by Widow Jane’s roots in historically industrial Red Hook, the bold, black steel box that houses each bottle of Black Opal features metal stamped branding and rivets that recall the neighborhood’s shipping and warehouse history. Enclosed within, the subtle and elegant bottle presents a contrast to the rugged outer packaging. Crafted to be cherished, the bottle boasts details like an internal jeweled texture that is revealed as Black Opal is consumed. Every bottle of Black Opal also comes with a limited edition, numbered fine art print featuring one of seven ‘insider’ views of Widow Jane Distillery, giving consumers a first-hand look at the art of making Black Opal.

Widow Jane recommends experiencing Black Opal neat, patiently allowing the precious liquid to breathe in the glass. Sip slowly and discover the expanding notes that are revealed as the bourbon opens up.

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company.

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. Widow Jane Distillery is also open for tours and tastings. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS ‘FORGOTTEN MASTERPIECES’ IN THIRD RECOLLECTION SERIES

 Latest edition of annual series features six rare whiskies from closed or long time silent distilleries including Rosebank and Port Ellen. 

Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled this year’s Recollection Series, featuring a selection of unique and rare single cask whiskies from closed or long time-silent Scottish distilleries.

These remarkably rare releases include single malts from Rosebank, Glenlochy Convalmore, Imperial, North Port, and Port Ellen distilleries. The art theme, reflected in bold new packaging, positions the whiskies as ‘forgotten masterpieces’ and ‘lost works of art’, with the distilleries’ spirit revived using stunning illustrations from Emmy-award winning artist, Bruno Mangyoku.

The vanishingly rare whiskies, each bottled at cask strength, have been maturing in the Gordon & MacPhail warehouse from 32 years for the Rosebank release and up to 44 years in the case of the release from Glenlochy distillery.

It’s thanks to Gordon & MacPhail’s close relationships forged decades ago with now closed or silent distilleries that drinkers now have the opportunity to sample these snapshots of Scotland’s whisky history. 

Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “This year marks our third Recollection Series, which again brings a carefully chosen selection of rare and unique whiskies to enthusiasts worldwide. We’re fortunate enough to have access to a liquid library which is testament to the relationships we’ve nurtured with whisky distillers for almost 130 years.

“We’re proud to be able to revive the spirit of these historic distilleries, bringing their stories back into the present day.”

To celebrate the launch, Gordon & MacPhail has partnered with renowned Emmy award-winning animation director and illustrator, Bruno Mangyoku, who has captured the distilleries in all their former glory in his own unique style.

Bruno’s artwork can be seen on the Recollection Series’ new packaging, as well as being available to purchase separately.

Bruno Mangyoku said: “The brief for the third Recollection Series from Gordon & MacPhail was to bring back to life the forgotten distilleries of this year’s chosen releases and revive their former glory through illustration. It was a fantastic opportunity to take a deep dive into the industry’s rich history.”

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail or the Recollection series, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonandMacPhail

Full list of whiskies from this year’s Recollection Series:

• Rosebank 1991 – RRP £2,100
• Glenlochy 1979 – RRP £4,000
• Convalmore 1984 – RRP £2,300
• Imperial 1990 – RRP £1,650
• North Port 1981 – RRP £3,850
• Port Ellen 1981 – RRP £10,000 

Tasting Notes: 

Rosebank 1991

ABV: 51.2% RRP: £2,100

Nose: Fragrant gorse flower aromas intertwine with lime zest and a hint of milk chocolate. Dried banana notes come to the fore alongside an undertone of peanuts.

Taste: Sweet honeycomb flavours give way to subtle guava and passionfruit. Smooth poached pear leads to vanilla fudge.

Finish: A medium bodied finish with creamy apple and tropical fruit.

About the distillery

The history of Rosebank Distillery has been directly linked with the Forth & Clyde canal which sits in its shadow. The waterway linked Scotland’s west and east coasts, and therefore its two main cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. A distillery called Rosebank was operating as early as 1817.From 1840, under the ownership of the Rankine family, Rosebank prospered. The canal, however, became neglected and the distillery eventually closed its doors in 1993. It was reopened under new ownership to great fanfare in 2024.This release, a lost work of art, is one of the oldest and rarest Rosebank single malts ever released.

Glenlochy 1979

ABV: 53.2% RRP: £4,000

Aromas: Orange oil aromas give way to pressed apple and a hint of ginger. Vibrant dried mango and honeycomb lead to an undertone of beeswax polish.

Taste: Sweet tropical fruit flavours; pineapple and banana combine with lemon sherbet. Strawberry compote and vanilla fudge are followed by notes of pecan.

Finish: A full and smooth finish with toasted almonds and oak.

About the distillery
Founded in 1898, on the banks of the River Nevis shortly after the completion of the West Highland Railway, Glenlochy was well positioned to transport its whisky to Glasgow. The bulk of spirit from its stills was destined for blends so any release featuring the distillery name is extremely rare. Glenlochy was eventually closed in 1983 and sold for redevelopment as a hotel in 1991. All of the original buildings have since been demolished apart from the kiln building, but within this single malt, its spirit endures.

Convalmore 1984
ABV: 51.1% RRP: £2,300

Nose: Rich treacle toffee aromas combine with cinnamon spice and subtle beeswax polish. Stewed raisin comes to the fore alongside soft and sweet butterscotch.

Taste: Clementine intertwines with stewed forest fruit and toasted hazelnut. Demerara sugar develops, accompanied by subtle coffee bean and a hint of dried banana.

Finish: A full finish with black pepper and grapefruit zest. 

About the distillery
Opened as the fourth of Dufftown’s famed seven stills in the heart of Speyside in 1894, Convalmore’s waxy, fruity spirit has very rarely been seen as a single malt whisky. Dedicated almost entirely to blended whiskies, production was interrupted in 1909 by a fire. The distillery expanded in 1964 but was mothballed in 1985. The original buildings are still on the site but the production equipment has been removed. This 39 year old single malt, matured in a bespoke Gordon &MacPhail cask, is a forgotten masterpiece; a lost work of art that revives the spirit of a bygone era.

Imperial 1990

ABV: 52.7% RRP: £1,650

Nose: Rich orange oil aromas infuse with brown sugar and vibrant peanut brittle. Poached pear and clover honey lead to bright pineapple.

Taste: Sweet lime and cocoa powder flavours are balanced by cracked black pepper. Ripe green apple gives way to chilli spice and a herbal edge.

Finish: Full with tropical fruit and charred oak.

About the distillery

Built by Thomas MacKenzie in 1897 – the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee – Imperial Distillery was constructed in the heart of Speyside on a grand scale, the maltings capped by a cast iron crown. Mothballed in 1899, it reopened in 1919, fell silent for another 30 years then opened again, supplying spirit for blended whisky, only to close for the last time in 1998. In 2013, the buildings were demolished and Dalmunach Distillery now stands on the site. Single malt whiskies featuring the Imperial Distillery name are the epitome of rare. Their reputation continues to grow and this forgotten masterpiece was matured in a Gordon & MacPhail cask for more than three decades.

North Port 1981

ABV: 50.9% RRP: £3,850

Nose: Rich citrus aromas complement red apple and butterscotch. Apricot jam intertwines with fragrant walnut, giving way to subtle aged leather.

Taste: Sweet tangerine zest combines with desiccated coconut and soft ginger spice. Demerara sugar comes to the fore, leading to mature oak.

Finish: A medium bodied, dry finish with Brazil nut.

About the distillery
Single malts featuring the distillery’s original name, Brechin Distillery, are vanishingly rare. Founded in 1820 near Scotland’s east coast by three brothers, David, John and Alexander Guthrie, the distillery stood half a mile from the River Esk. It remained in family ownership for over a century, renamed North Port Distillery, before new owners closed its doors in 1928. It reopened after the Second World War only to fall silent again in 1983, with the site demolished in 1994.Whisky writer, Michael Jackson, described its spirit as ‘dry and fruity’ and this whisky, matured in a Gordon & MacPhail cask, is a forgotten masterpiece that revives the spirit of a bygone age.

Port Ellen 1981

ABV: 52.5% RRP: £10,000

Nose: Dark chocolate aromas complement ginger and cinnamon spice. Blackcurrant gives way to medjool dates and sweet vanilla pod.

Taste: Rich fruitcake flavours lead to baked apples and rich, sweet smoke. Peanut brittle comes to the fore alongside dark cherry and spicy pepper.

Finish: A long and full finish with lasting dried fruit and bonfire embers.

About the distillery

Founded in 1825 on the isle of Islay off Scotland’s west coast by Alexander MacKay, Port Ellen has a fabled reputation. John Ramsay took over the lease in 1836 and the site remained in his family’s hands until 1920 before falling silent in 1930. It reopened in 1967 but was mothballed again in 1983, with the stills dismantled and removed. Renowned for the subtle, distinctiveness and rarity of its spirit, Port Ellen single malts have long been revered by drinkers and collectors. In 2024 the distillery reopened its doors but lost works of art, such as this whisky matured in a Gordon & MacPhail’s cask, can never be replicated. 

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies:

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.

Through four generations of family ownership, the company matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks.

It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enabled Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery’ – This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces

About Bruno Mangyoku:

Educated in the craftsmanship of animated movies at the legendary Gobelins school in Paris, Bruno Mangyoku has pursued a career as both an illustrator and an animation director. A globally recognised creative, Bruno won an Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation; awarded for Character Design on ‘Age of Sail’.

Fuelled by his passion for cinema, his illustrative process is also greatly influenced by American cartoonists. He often employs a limited colour palette in his work, comprising of bright and strikingly contrasted shades, whilst his primary focus is the character design and silhouettes, staged around simple yet cinematic backgrounds. The result is super stylish illustrations which ooze sophistication and refinement. Bruno’s more notable clients include Airbnb, Nike, GQ magazine, Mr Porter and Liverpool Football Club.

Scapa Unveils New Signature Range And A Fresh New Look

Introducing Scapa’s first-ever collection of aged Orkney Island single malts. 

Scapa, the Orcadian single malt, has unveiled its new signature range: its first-ever collection of aged single malts, whilst showcasing its fresh new look and style. Distilled and matured on the remote Scottish archipelago, the trio offers a unique take on the flavour profile typical of other island malts.

Crafted by Scapa Head Distiller, Mick Swanney, on the most northern Scottish island known for whisky production, the signature range debuts new 10, 16 and 21 year old single malts into the permanent Scapa range for the very first time; while the design is inspired by the calm pace of life within the sanctuary of the Scapa Flow, where the remote distillery is nestled.

Scapa’s distinctive flavour profile comes from the use of a longer fermentation period and unpeated malted barley, setting it apart from other single malts. Matured in first-fill American oak casks, each of the single malts brings its own unique flavour experience, centred around the tropical and fruity notes that remain true to Scapa’s hallmark style:

• Scapa 10 Year Old is a sophisticated Scotch that brings bursts of fresh pineapple before a subtly spiced finish.
• Scapa 16 Year Old, sitting at the heart of the collection, offers ripe mangoes on the nose and a symphony of sweet, spiced and fruity notes on the palate.
• Scapa 21 Year Old, a cask strength single malt, brings an impressive depth of tropical fruit flavours, with hints of aromatic oak and spices, and a sweet, syrupy finish.

Each expression in the collection is housed in a stunning new bottle with a distinctive shape and a beautiful gift box that is reminiscent of the natural beauty of the Scapa Distillery’s coastal surroundings. Paying homage to the old Nordic dialect word for ‘boat’, Scapa’s namesake sits proudly on each bottle, while the delicate colour palette is reflective of the hues of the area’s wild waters and unique landscape, darkening in shade as the range increases in age.

Mick Swanney, Scapa Head Distiller, said:

“Scapa has been telling its own tale of life on Orkney for 139 years, since its inception in 1885, and the launch of our first collection of aged single malts marks a significant new chapter in our history. The new collection is a celebration of provenance, backed by more than a century of whisky making, which together capture the irresistibly tranquil essence of Scapa.”

Scapa 10 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 21 Year Old whiskies are now available in global markets including Norway and France. The collection will become available globally from mid-November 2024 via The Whisky Exchange with an RRP of €60, €120 and €300 respectively. The trio will also be available for tasting at the Scapa Noust, the distillery’s statement tasting room with undisturbed views across the tapestried Scapa Flow. In addition to discovering the flavours of the new collection, guests are also offered a guided distillery tour.

For more information, visit scapawhisky.com

J.Mattingly 1845 Distillery Honors Veterans with Commemorative Bourbon Release Benefitting Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals

Total of $100,000 Donated this year to Various Nonprofits   

FRANKFORT, KY (Nov. 7, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, created by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, is releasing its fifth edition Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) Bourbon just in time for Veteran’s Day.

Combat Infantry Badges are awarded to U.S. Army Infantry and Special Forces soldiers in the rank of Colonel or below who were engaged in active ground combat. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery has donated a portion of the sales of every CIB bottle to a military-related nonprofit. The recipient of the fifth edition release is  Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrier Foundation, whose mission is to honor veterans, wounded warriors and the families of fallen heroes.

The Foundation has earmarked the proceeds to support the Kentucky Mogadishu Mile event initiative to allow active duty soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division and Special Forces Units to participate in the event held in 2025. Each of the four units lost servicepeople during the battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

The donations from this release, combined with other charitable donations to nonprofits such as Camp Brown Bear, Kentucky Wounded Heroes, Three Rangers Foundation, Forgotten Coast K9, and others, brings J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery’s charitable donations to $100,000 for 2024.

“The Mattingly family has several family members who are current or former military service personnel, as well as some of our team members we work with every day at the Distillery,” said Harry Richart, president of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. “It’s really important for us to give back to our community and we’re honored we have such great fans of our products which allows us to give back a portion of our sales from some of our special releases to very worthy causes.”

This batch of CIB bourbon was aged for five years and like all J. Mattingly 1845 bourbons, has undergone the double-staving™ process which gives the bourbon more surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color. Tasting notes for this bourbon describe a nose with pie crust, dried apples, cinnamon, and roasted malt, followed by vanilla, baking spice, and red fruits of prunes and currants on the taste. Caramel, stone fruit and a soft, but long finish can be expected.

The CIB Bourbon is a limited edition and will likely sell out quickly, based on past releases. Suggested retail pricing for the CIB Bourbon is $155 and it is bottled at 127 proof.  It is available on-site at the Distillery and also online, with shipping to 46 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.  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.

LOST LANTERN MAKES A STATEMENT WITH ITS FIRST 10-YEAR-OLD

SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

Vergennes, VT (OCTOBER 22, 2024)— With the release of their Fall 2024 Collection, Lost Lantern is making a statement, challenging the misconception that whiskey from newer American distilleries is always young.

The new collection, featuring a 10-year-old bourbon, two 10-year-old ryes, and a nearly 10-year-old American single malt, highlights distilleries that have invested in long-term aging. These are the oldest whiskies Lost Lantern has ever released, and in some cases, the oldest ever from these distilleries.

Lost Lantern Co-Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski want to emphasize that new American distilleries have come of age. “As more American distilleries reach new milestones, whiskey lovers will see a greater variety of age statements, proving that age and quality come from intentional craftsmanship, not just tradition,” explains Polonski. “The whiskies in this collection honor distilleries that have demonstrated patience and dedication. After all, there’s only one way for a distillery to end up with a 10-year-old whiskey they made themselves: make it, and wait ten years.”

The Lost Lantern Fall 2024 10 Year Collection will be available starting November 7th at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in California and Massachusetts, and in the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

Each release is presented at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added. Bottles are priced at $150 each.

Westland Peated American Single Malt 9.99 Years Old Single Cask: 109.8 Proof (185 bottles)

A transformative voice in single malt, Westland Distillery in Seattle is at the forefront of creating whiskey that truly reflects where it’s made. This single cask was made from malted barley heavily peated with Scottish peat and aged for exactly 9.99** years in a new oak cask. The nose leads with savory smoke and notes of scorched apples and roasted meats. It tastes like a marshmallow s’mores, fresh from the fire. Smoky, fresh, and elegant.

**This single cask was bottled one day short of its tenth birthday. To date, Westland has yet to release its own 10-year-old whiskey, making this single cask the oldest whiskey Westland has ever released. If and when a 10-year-old is released, it will be done so by the folks at Westland.

Tom’s Foolery Ohio Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old Single Cask: 119.4 Proof (82 Bottles)

This family-owned distillery in Chagrin Falls, OH uses traditional, labor-intensive methods, including wooden fermenters and pot still distillation. This straight bourbon whiskey was aged for 10 years in a 53-gallon barrel, and was made from 63% corn from their family farm, 10% winter rye, and 27% malted barley. A reflection of the Ohio snowbelt, it has maple-drizzled cornbread, french vanilla, and warming oak spice on the nose, with hints of maple, chocolate, and fresh-cut hay on the palate.

Spirit Works California Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 139.2 Proof (120 Bottles)

Based in the heart of Sonoma wine country, the distillery is renowned for its gin and rye whiskey, guided by one of the only female-led distilling teams in the U.S. This release, made from 70% rye, 10% malted rye, and 20% malted barley, was aged for 10 years in a new American oak cask, making it one of the oldest whiskies ever to come from Spirit Works. The nose brings hints of fresh lemon and spearmint, while the palate is fresh and powerful, with deep, balanced oak notes.

New York Distilling Company Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 133.9 Proof (125 bottles)

Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Co. is one of the country’s first and finest urban distilleries and a champion of the rebirth of gin and rye whiskey in the Empire State. This 10-year-old release, made from 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% malted barley, is among the oldest New York whiskies ever. The nose offers lemon custard, fresh mint, lemon verbena, leather, and dense oak. The palate bursts with dark chocolate, mint brownies, and cinnamon-frosted babka. Remarkably fresh, deep, and complex.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand was recently honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards and founders Nora and Adam were both named SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency.  Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than 30 distilleries in over 20 states. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

LITTLEMILL UNVEILS THE SECOND RELEASE FROM ITS VANGUARDS COLLECTION, WHICH PAYS HOMAGE TO THE PIONEERING SPIRIT OF THE DISTILLERY’S UNSUNG HEROES

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill, has unveiled its oldest aged statement to date, a remarkable 47 Year Old single malt, which marks the second release from its Vanguards Collection.

The Vanguards Collection was launched last year as a new annual series from Littlemill, which, following the distillery’s untimely closure in 1994, will draw on its most precious reserves to release a single expression each year for four years.

First distilled on the 4th of October 1976, this exceptional liquid was initially laid down in refill bourbon barrels, before being recasked into refill American oak hogsheads in 1996. It was left to mature for a further twenty-seven years, until Master Blender, Michael Henry, determined the optimum moment for release.

The result is an extraordinarily rare window into the past, complemented by Littlemill’s signature style with bursts of elderflower, summer hedgerow, delicate honey and nutmeg on the nose with a silk-like mouthfeel of crisp apple, pears, and honeysuckle, followed by long layers of fruit and spice.

The Vanguards Collection was created to celebrate Littlemill’s legacy and the trailblazers who worked at its helm; a series of vanguards who innovated with technology and processes to leave an indelible mark on the whisky world.

Vanguards Chapter Two pays homage to Jane Macgregor, Littlemill distillery manager and believed to be one of the first women in history to hold a license for a distillery of scale in 1823, the same year the Excise Act passed. Under her leadership, the distillery witnessed a significant increase in production, and she unknowingly became one of the first of many women who are now shaping the world of whisky today.

The latest release will celebrate the ceilings she broke through in her pursuit of success. Her legacy will be revived via a new partnership with glass artist, Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, located at the heart of the UK glassmaking community on the Stourbridge Crystal Mile.

Drawing inspiration from Jane’s story, Bethany has crafted 250 stunning glass bottle stoppers using tools from the same era as Jane.

Using a foot tool – an implement employed by early glassmakers to produce wine glass feet – Bethany creates the disc base. She then attaches coloured molten glass bubbles that, when exposed to gas, develop beautiful metallic hues. The bubbles are delicately bounced upon the disks, and the top layer is intentionally smashed to reveal a mesmerising ripple effect. This deliberate smashing effect is a metaphor for Jane’s journey, symbolising the glass ceilings she shattered during her career.

By using traditional glassmaking techniques and tools, Bethany not only honours Jane’s legacy but also bridges a connection to historical craftsmanship. This collaboration between Jane’s enduring spirit and Bethany’s artistic expertise creates a powerful narrative of perseverance, innovation, and triumph over adversity.

Each stopper, no two alike, incorporates striking metallic hues, inspired by Littlemill’s copper stills and the Scottish water which plays such an integral role in whisky making. It is presented in the door of a luxurious wooden display cabinet, carefully integrated into the design so it can be viewed from the outside or displayed on the inside.

The liquid is housed within a Glencairn Crystal decanter with delicate cuts which take inspiration from the glass ceilings Jane and Bethany broke through. Each cabinet also houses a branded 50ml miniature and a hardback book of the Littlemill story, so the very few lucky custodians of this exceptional single malt can explore and enjoy Scotland’s most fascinating whisky tale with an exquisite dram.

Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was at the forefront of innovation for its time. It closed in 1994 before it was lost to a fire in 2004. Since then, Master Blender, Michael Henry, has held guardianship of the last remaining casks. 

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, said:

“Between Littlemill’s founding and its lamentable closure, a remarkable story of innovation took place. It is a story rarely told but one that touches the whole world of whisky.  By far the most fascinating part is the stories of the people who we know were quietly overturning traditions, shaping the distillery for what it would become.

“A story of that measure requires a whisky of remarkable quality, so it is fitting that now is the time we release our oldest aged statement to date. Like any whisky of this age, it takes time, patience, and careful monitoring to know when the moment has come to release it. I was inspired by my predecessors and their innovations which shaped Littlemill’s character. With them always in mind, we have crafted a dram full of classic Littlemill delicate, summer-like notes.” 

Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager at Loch Lomond Group, owners of Littlemill, added:
“The unsung heroes of Littlemill passed into history long before the significance of their contributions could ever be applauded, which is why the Vanguards Collection raises a dram to them, their entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship which helped to shape the last precious drops of this incredible distillery. Today, the Vanguards Collection offers a fortunate few a rare glimpse into our legacy.

“When considering the Collection, we wanted to celebrate and revive the past by bringing alive the spirit of Littlemill’s pioneers. There is a real joy in finding and collaborating with artists and kindred spirits who are keeping their traditional crafts alive in today’s age. Bethany Wood is a champion of craftsmanship with her own innovative style of art, making her the ideal collaboration to explore Jane’s legacy with us.”

Bethany Wood, owner of Blowfish Glass, added:

“There are so many wonderful parallels between our two crafts. Steeped in tradition, I see glassmaking as a performance that has been very carefully planned – whisky has the same requirements in artistry, precision and patience. Both art forms rely on the craftsmanship of people, and I love that our creative interpretations are what make each output unique every time.

“Being a female in a traditional trade, I was inspired by Jane’s story and the ceilings she broke through for her era. This paired with a new affection for Scotland’s west coast and all its beauty provided me with the vision to craft these beautiful stoppers which will make a wonderful addition to this truly incredible whisky release. These stoppers are not just functional pieces but artistic representations of Jane’s journey.”

Bottled at cask strength of 44.9% ABV and natural colour, only 250 individually numbered bottles are available worldwide, priced at £14,500.

Vanguard Chapter Two will be available for purchase via enquiry through the Littlemill website and other specialist retailers. For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Starts coastal and saline, before floral bursts of elderflower, early summer hedgerow and

rose petals, with delicate honey sweetness and elegant oak spice of cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Palate: Silk-like mouthfeel, mouthwatering fruits, crisp green apple and pears, fresh pineapple

with grapefruit and lime citrus, honeysuckle and gentle nutmeg spice.

• Finish: Long with layers of fruit and spice. Green fruits continue into the finish with gooseberry

and kiwi before waves of warming cinnamon spice.

About Littlemill

The Littlemill distillery was established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.

It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’, distilling may have taken place there for centuries before.

After one year, on the 2nd of November 1773, local Justice of the Peace records for Dumbarton show that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’, an employee, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to “…retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors”, thus making Littlemill Scotland’s first and oldest licensed distillery.

In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, including the light fruit-forward triple-distilled character Littlemill is most known for today. It was these stills that inspired the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.

Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004. The remaining casks have since been under the care of Loch Lomond Distillery, stored just a short distance from where the original distillery once stood. In 2015 Loch Lomond Group released a limited number of its Littlemill Private Cellar Edition. Since then, a mere handful of bottles have been released annually, which have become sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts around the world.

• Twitter: @LittlemillMalt
• Instagram: @LittlemillMalt
• Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky
• https://www.littlemilldistillery.com/

About Jane Macgregor

Records suggest Jane Macgregor adopted the position of distillery manager in 1823, inheriting the role after the likely passing of her husband, and enlisting the support of her children to help ensure its smooth continuation. What is clear is Jane was therefore the first woman on record to manage a distillery of scale, but what’s more year on year production records show that she took Littlemill to new heights in production (indicative of strong sales and demand). For this reason, Jane is a pioneer not just for the distillery, but arguably for women in the industry and beyond.

About Bethany Wood

Bethany Wood is an accomplished glass artist and the founder of Blowfish Glass.  She is a design graduate of De Montfort University, and it was here where her enthusiasm for glassblowing began. During her studies, she worked with metal, wood, and 3D printing, however, it was her work with glass and its endless possibilities which sparked her passion.

Bethany continued to hone her artistic vision, developing techniques characterised by intricate layering and vibrant colour integration. Following university, she co-founded a successful glass studio with her partner Elliot Wood (the winner of the Netflix series ‘Blown Away’) before launching Blowfish Glass, where she diversified into teaching and creating events that celebrate the art of glassblowing.