WHAT’S THE STORY? WHISKY BOTTLER EXPANDS TEAM WITH DYNAMIC DRAM DUO

Photo credit Mike Wilkinson

‘World Storytelling Day’ 20th March, sees Fife-based whisky bottler The Single Cask announce new members of the senior team and a partnership with a Genealogist to help tell the story of the brand.

In celebration of ‘World Storytelling Day’, Scottish Whisky bottler The Single Cask – home to a warehouse in Glenrothes of over 3000 casks – is expanding its team with two senior hires; Jan Damen joins as General Manager with Helen Stewart taking the role of Brand Marketing Manager to help tell the story of The Single Cask and take the company to the next level.

The highly-experienced pair bring a combined background of 40 years in the single cask spirits industry along with a wealth of whisky knowledge acquired through working together at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Family-focused The Single Cask value their drinking community and believe it’s important to know where you’re from, just like their whisky; to further celebrate ‘World Storytelling Day’, the bottler has partnered with a Scottish Genealogist to launch a social media competition showcasing The Family Series of unique single cask whiskies.

Whisky lovers are encouraged to join The Single Cask Family Fan Club, with one lucky whisky lover winning the chance to explore their own history and embrace the magic of family with certified Genealogist Lorna Kinnaird of DunEdin Links Genealogy, who will delve into the fascinating story of a family tree.

Jan Damen has a rich background in hospitality and single cask whisky – heading up the roles of Operations Director for Europe at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Group Commercial & Operations Director at The Artisanal Spirits Company, before accepting the role of General Manager at The Single Cask.

His focus will be on developing the global strategy for The Single Cask, leading the commercial management and financial planning of the company while growing the team with new and exciting talent. With his love of the hospitality industry, The Single Cask Family can expect to see some exceptional events and exciting experiences over the coming months.

Helen Stewart brings with her a proven understanding of the whisky industry and a career that lead to Head of Brand Marketing & Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, directing global campaigns with an unconventional and fun approach to great success. Her main focus will be developing the global brand strategy, making a big noise through creative campaigns and spreading the good word of The Single Cask to whisky lovers across the globe.

The Single Cask recently announced they are recruiting for their first-ever specialist panel of ‘Taste Masters’ to help in the nosing, tasting, bottling and creation of their luxury single cask whiskies. Receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, the lucky candidates are now down to the final stages of the interview process.

Jan Damen, General Manager at The Single Cask, said: “Feeling the contagious passion and enthusiasm the small team here at The Single Cask have and, of course sampling some of their incredible whiskies, I knew instantly that I wanted to be involved in taking the company to the next level. It was an easy decision to take up the role of General Manager at The Single Cask. We only bottle whiskies with the clear mission of exciting and entertaining our whisky drinking family, and to me that is what whisky is all about.

“The response to our Taste Masters job application has demonstrated the impressive interest people already have for The Single Cask – we’re really thrilled to announce more and more news as the team grows and tell our story to the world. Bringing Helen on board was a no-brainer; working together for so many years, she has an amazing ability to share her own enjoyment of whisky with others, always exploring new and unique ways to bring drinkers together. Her knowledge and experience of the whisky world and sharp creative thinking when it comes to brand and campaign strategy made for another easy decision.

Adding her thoughts, Helen Stewart, Brand Marketing Manager at The Single Cask, said: “Drinking single cask whisky is an incredible experience, one that deserves to be shared and appreciated in imaginative ways. What I love about The Single Cask is the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. There is no finish line. It’s such an exciting vision and drive.

“Being able to use my own whisky experience to connect, create conversations and leave lasting memories is an unbelievable opportunity and it’s a great time to be part of this dedicated team. Whisky should be fun. This is very much The Single Cask brand mantra, and whisky lovers should expect good times ahead. Working together again with Jan, this has never been more true.”

The Single Cask pride themselves on bottling only the most outstanding, characterful and distinctive casks; whiskies that start conversations through their irresistible attraction. Their Family Series offers whisky lovers the unique opportunity to select their own exclusive single cask for bottling, working with them to develop bespoke artwork for the label: https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

Photo credit John Need

The Single Cask
The Single Cask was founded in 2010 by Ben Curtis, built on the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. Bottling unique spirits, hand-picked one cask at a time – The Single Cask bottles award-winning whiskies at natural cask strength, without any intervention such as chill filtration or artificial colours.

Powered by the incredible sense of togetherness whisky creates and a growing fascination with the one-of-a-kind personality of single cask bottlings, the passion soon led to the launch of their first bar in Singapore.

Now with a Glenrothes-based warehouse home to over 3000 casks and counting, The Single Cask’s expertise is in the sourcing of casks and in the maturation – a bold pursuit to uncover whiskies that are both of exceptional quality and character. All their bottlings are tasting panel approved by The Single Cask Taste Masters – an exclusive panel of experts who seek out the thrill of the taste, helping it to become the best experience possible.

I am very happy to announce that ALEXZANDRIA PARKER has joined the Savona Communications PR team and will be working with us across our portfolio of spirits clients (see below). You may be familiar with Alexz, perhaps crossing paths with her when she was at Rachel Harrison Communications, working with brands such as  Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and Brother’s Bond Bourbon.

Things She Loves: Romance reality TV, classic Marvel comics, discovering new music artists, finding the next best cocktail, and her dog-nephew Miles Stan Lee (and yes, he’s named after Miles Morales and Stan Lee from Marvel).

Manuela Savona

Welcome to Alexz and see below for our 2024 Client list and Savona team contact.

DISTILLERIES (Savona Comm team contact: various; contact Manuela Savona)

• BOWMORE DISTILLERY – Islay, Scotland
• JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO. and onsite restaurant THE KITCHEN TABLE – Clermont, Kentucky
• LAPHROAIG DISTILLERY – Islay, Scotland

WHISKEY – BOURBON  (Savona Comm team contact: Stephanie Anger, Alexz Parker)

• OVERHOLT Rye
• BOOKER’S
• LITTLE BOOK
• BAKER’S
• CLERMONT STEEP American Single Malt
• HARDIN’S CREEK

WHISKY – SCOTCH (Savona Comm team contact: Maggie Doherty, Alexz Parker)

• LAPHROAIG
• BOWMORE
• ARDRAY (Blended Scotch)

WHISKY – WORLD (Savona Comm team contact: Maggie Doherty, Alexz Parker)

• HATOZAKI

SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS

917.969.1275 | savonacommunications.com | Instagram

Proudly representing some of the finest spirited companies in the industry.

Elijah Craig Bourbon Celebrates the PGA Championship Returning to Louisville, Ky. with a Commemorative Bottle Release and On-Course Activations as the “Official Bourbon” of the 2024 Major Championship 

Fans will have the opportunity to toast the momentous occasion with a special-edition Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon bottling available nationwide 

(MARCH 19, 2024) – Elijah Craig welcomes the 2024 PGA Championship back to Louisville, Ky. and Valhalla Golf Club after a decade away from the Bluegrass State. To celebrate the Major Championship’s return, Elijah Craig, the Official Bourbon Supplier, will activate the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy” on the course for spectators to enjoy as well as release a special Commemorative Edition of its Elijah Craig Small Batch in honor of the 2024 PGA Championship.

As the Official Bourbon, Elijah Craig will activate onsite during the Championship at the 14^th hole of the course aptly named “On The Rocks,” from May 16-19, and during practice rounds. Larger in size and scale than any previous championship, spectators visiting the Speakeasy can taste the distinctive warm spice & smooth flavor of Elijah Craig Small Batch, enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, and engage in photo opportunities after signing their name on an interactive signature wall. Throughout the course spectators can also find Elijah Craig featured in a signature cocktail at concessions.  Offsite, area consumers will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship. Travelers visiting the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky will enjoy special Elijah Craig golf cocktails and co-branded merchandise to welcome those from near and far.

A special-edition Commemorative Bottling of Elijah Craig Small Batch is now shipping to select retailers across the country to help fans mark the return of the Major Championship to Elijah Craig’s “backyard” where the brand is distilled, bottled and aged. The bottle will be adorned with a neck label featuring the PGA Championship’s Wanamaker Trophy, a gold coin emblazoned cork showing the 2024 PGA Championship logo and a face label prominently showcasing the “Official Bourbon” designation along with the PGA Championship logo. The barrels for this special release are uniquely pulled from Heaven Hill rickhouses P, 1G and A – to further the ties to Elijah Craig’s Official Bourbon partnership with the PGA Championship and the PGA of America. This one-time offering will become available nationally leading up to the Championship on an allocated basis with a SRP of $36.99.

Speaking about the partnership, Max Stefka, Group Product Director, Elijah Craig Bourbon, said: “The Elijah Craig team is honored to be the Official Bourbon of the PGA Championship at Valhalla. We’re thrilled to mark the occasion with a commemorative edition of Elijah Craig Small Batch and look forward to toasting the best players in the world during this incredible Major Championship just a few miles from where Elijah Craig is distilled and aged here in Kentucky.”

Elijah Craig will further support the partnership with the 2024 PGA Championship with an investment in out of home advertisement in the form of billboards across Louisville and Lexington, Ky. as well as featured ads prominently placed at the Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville. Viewers watching the Championship from home will see brand ads running on ESPN+ and CBS during coverage of the event along with digital advertising across social media channels.

”Celebrating the PGA Championship’s return to Louisville, KY, would not be complete without an iconic brand like Elijah Craig,” said Meghan Miller, Director of Corporate Partnerships, PGA of America: “The PGA of America is proud to partner with Elijah Craig as the Official Bourbon of the PGA Championship.”

Elijah Craig continues to leave its mark on the golf world, where it is also known as the Official Bourbon and Whiskey Supplier of the PGA of America, PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and an official partner of the PGA National Club Championship. Elijah Craig is also “The Official Bourbon” of PGA TOUR Professional Golfer Max Homa, sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon

Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Penelope Bourbon returns to Rio

Limited-release straight bourbon whiskey features double cask finish of honey and Amburana

ROSSELLE, N.J. (March 18, 2024) – Looking for a carnival in a bottle? Penelope Rio is set to deliver. Arriving on shelf in March, Penelope Rio will be available at a suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750-ml bottle. This year’s installment will have a limited allocation of 5,000 (6-in) cases.

Inspired by the joy of Brazil, Rio delights the senses with a double cask finish of American honey and Amburana, a Brazilian hardwood. The two finishes combine to deliver a rich and sweet experience with surprising depth.

“Our latest Rio release is a party in a bottle – the finishes complement each other so well, resulting in a fun and surprising mix of flavors,” said Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon. “This year’s release delivers a dessert sweetness combined with a nice baking spice on the finish. It’s a fantastic and different combination of rich and sweet, with depth.”

The bourbon features an aroma of sweet honey coupled with notes of cinnamon rolls; a rich body with notes of gingerbread, honey, nectar and baking spice; and a savory finish highlighted by subtle notes of honey and spice. Bottled at 98 proof, Rio’s blended four-grain mash bill consists of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley.

“Penelope Rio is one of the more complex finishes we release,” said Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon. “We’re really happy with how this one turned out, and we can’t wait to see it on the shelf.”

Last year’s Penelope Rio release received 92 points from Whisky Advocate. It is part of the company’s Cooper Series, which takes Penelope straight whiskeys on a world tour. The other members of the series include Tokaji Cask Finish, Rosé Cask Finish and Valencia. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has been one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope boasts a series of straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended and finished. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail.

Penelope’s core expressions, Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect and Toasted Bourbon, have received over 35 combined awards and industry accolades. In 2023, the brand won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Best In Category at the ASCOT Awards – both for its Private Select.

In addition to its cornerstone expressions, Penelope continues to introduce new and innovative limited releases within its Cooper Series, Private Select and Founders Reserve lines.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 40 states and three countries. Proving that with enough love, care and hard work, anything is possible.

For more information about Penelope, please visit penelopebourbon.com and follow on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram / Facebook).

Introducing Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch –

A celebration of Bladnoch’s most avid admirers

Mr. Arnold

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has introduced Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, the first release in a new limited-edition series celebrating and selected by individuals who have a deep affinity with its exceptional whiskies.

Loch Maberry is the source of the River Bladnoch, which provides the water that has sustained Bladnoch Distillery since it was founded in 1817. The name of the series acknowledges the significance of those who most appreciate Bladnoch’s bold Galloway spirit, and the role they play in keeping the distillery in flow.

Chapter 1 in the series pays tribute to Mr Arnold, a lifelong admirer of Bladnoch whose passion and enthusiasm exemplifies the dedication of the distillery’s highly skilled team. Its release also marks the commencement of the selection process for Chapter 2, which will be conducted via Bladnoch’s website.

Mr Arnold became familiar with Bladnoch when he owned a home in Garlieston, close to the distillery, in Dumfries and Galloway’s Wigtown.

He first visited the distillery after becoming curious about single malt Scotch. After trying Bladnoch’s meticulously crafted whiskies and learning more about the time-honoured skills required to create them, he became a regular visitor to the distillery and a great admirer of the people who worked there.

Dr. Nick Savage & Mr. Arnold

In recognition of his many years of appreciation, he was invited by Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch, to become the first member of the extended Bladnoch family to select a cask for bottling. Guided by Nick, Mr Arnold nosed and tasted a variety of samples before choosing Cask 89. Distilled in 2008 and matured in a first fill Californian red wine hogshead, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch displays notes of fruity blackcurrant jam, ginger, and herbs and delivers a sweet and warming finish.

Mr Arnold said: “It is an honour to be the story of Chapter 1. Spending time with Dr Nick Savage, the Master Distiller, and learning about the process of cask selection was remarkable. His focus is on taste first, and I admire that.

“The sweet and warming flavours of the whisky we chose tell the story of my Bladnoch journey, and how welcome I have always felt at the distillery. Its richness reflects how my Bladnoch experiences have enhanced my life.”

Dr Nick Savage added: “Helping Mr Arnold to explore our casks and find the right one to capture his Bladnoch adventure, was incredibly rewarding and an experience I will never forget.

“As we blind-tasted and compared samples, it was a joy to see whisky making through his eyes and interpret what Bladnoch means to him. I look forward to selecting our next supporter for Chapter 2 of this unique series.”

Bottled at a cask strength ABV of 56.7%, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch has a natural colour of bronze oak and is non-chill filtered. It is encased in a presentation box which also contains letters from Mr Arnold and Dr Nick Savage describing their experiences of collaborating to craft the whisky.

With an RRSP of £150, Chapter 1 of Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch is available from Bladnoch.com in the UK.

Following its release, the distillery is inviting individuals who wish to be considered for the selection of Chapter 2 to share their Bladnoch stories. Those interested should visit the Bladnoch website at Bladnoch.com for full details.

For more information about Loch Maberry: Stories of Bladnoch, Chapter 1, please visit STORIES OF BLADNOCH

Tasting notes

Nose: Dark blackcurrant jam with fir cones, orange peel zest and dark chocolate.

Palate: Strawberries and cream with ginger covered dark chocolates.

Finish: Sweet and sticky, calm warming caramel. 

About Bladnoch Distillery

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

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

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

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH LAUNCHES MIZUNARA OAK FINISHED 21 YEAR OLD WHISKY

The newest iteration in DEWAR’s Double Double Series brings together distilling traditions of Japan and Scotland

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY introduces the newest iteration from its award-winning Double Double series, Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish. Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks, this expression was ranked #7 in Whisky Advocate’s list of Top 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2023, with a rating of 95.

DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Oak Cask Finish brings together the distilling traditions of Japan and Scotland, creating a rare blend that captures the essence of two cultures. Unlike American oak, Mizunara Oak requires more than 200 years to reach maturity and does not grow straight, posing a unique challenge in the process of forming it into casks. However, the extra effort is well worth it, as the liquid results in an intriguing balance of succulence, purity, and smoothness. The captivating amber colored whisky has been bottled at a strength of 46%.

Featuring a balanced mix of tasting notes, the Mizunara Oak imparts subtle hints of sandalwood and coconut, contributing to a smooth mouthfeel. The finish leaves behind a sweet, clean taste with a touch of creamy vanilla.

Every marque in the DEWAR’s Double Double series is crafted with a unique four-stage aging process spearheaded by five-time Master Blender of the Year, Stephanie Macleod. This process has earned DEWAR’s original iteration of Double Double 21 Year Old 1^st place at the International Whisky Competition for Best Blended Scotch 20-24 yrs in 2023.

Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S commented: “The journey of creating this expression has been an exploration of flavors and craftsmanship. Together, my team and I introduced a distinctive twist to our award-winning DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old by finishing it in Japanese Mizunara Oak casks, creating a new and exciting whisky. This latest iteration in the Double Double Series is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our connoisseurs.”

Brian Cox, Vice President of DEWAR’s North America commented: “The unveiling of DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara is a toast to change and growth. This release reflects our steadfast dedication to crafting exceptional whisky experiences that not only bring people together, but also harmonize tradition and innovation. When enjoying this whisky, let it be a catalyst for shared moments of joy and celebration with friends and family in a timeless toast to the blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Scottish tradition.”

Available for $149.99, DEWAR’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara is available in 750ml bottles at spirits retailers nationwide and on Dewar’s.com.

For more information on DEWAR’S whisky products, please visit www.dewars.com or on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

THE ENGLISH DISTILLERY SCOOPS WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT AWARD

–        Norfolk distillery beats off stiff competition from around the world, including Scotland’s finest, to win one of whisky’s ultimate accolades…

–        Just 17 years after laying down its first casks

–        £59 bottles are available now, but be quick they’re selling fast!

A pioneering English distillery that opened its doors just 17 years ago is celebrating winning one of global whisky’s ultimate accolades after scooping Best Single Malt at the annual World Whiskies Awards.

Norfolk-based The English Distillery became the first operational whisky distillery in more than 100 years when it opened for business in 2006.

Now it has claimed an even more impressive first by beating off stiff competition from some of the world’s oldest and rarest whiskies with a sherry cask matured single malt whisky that it launched less than six months ago to critical acclaim.

Bottled by hand at its Breckland-based distillery, The English Sherry Cask is an unpeated single malt whisky, which has been matured from start to finish in the finest PX sherry casks to create a stunning expression that it said had been “well worth the wait”.

The distillery learned of its world-winning success in front of the whisky industry’s finest at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on Wednesday evening (20th March) as awards organiser Whisky Magazine celebrated “the best people, places, and products in the whisky world”.

Founded by farmer James Nelstrop to fulfil a lifelong dream, the distillery – guided by the experience of legendary Master Distiller Ian Henderson – began to lay down whiskies in its dunnage warehouses, with the sole aim of making world class single malt whisky in England following a century’s absence of whisky making in the country.

Like all its whiskies, the winning whisky was made using barley grown locally and on the Nelstrop family farms. The entire distillation process of milling, mashing, distilling with a pair of traditional and beautiful copper stills, maturing in the finest oak casks and hand bottling, all take place at the distillery.

James’ son Andrew, who has led the 20-strong team at the picturesque distillery since his father’s death in 2014.

Andrew said: “We’re stunned. Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation of my father’s sole goal of creating world class single malt whiskies in England, and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world.”

Father of two Andrew, whose wife Katy works alongside him as The English Distillery’s Marketing Director, added: “This is a super way to celebrate our 18th year of whisky distilling. It’s a testament to our distillers’ work and I know my father would have been hugely proud of this achievement, as are we.

“As the English Whisky category continues to grow with pace, this award is another milestone for whisky making in England, particularly when it’s judged against some of the finest single malt whiskies from around the world, including Scotland.”

The winning whisky boasts aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks, which combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate. The result is a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky that is not outshone by the wood.

Bottled at 46% abv, non chill filtered and natural in colour, The English Sherry Cask is a no age statement whisky that is part of the distillery’s core range, which includes The English Original and The English Smokey (both RRP £47.50, 70cl bottle).

Stockist House of Malt describes the winning whisky as a “delightful newcomer to The English Distillery’s core range… with a luxuriously thick sherry character, brimming with flavours of crumbly biscuits, smooth vanilla caramel, simmered berries, and sun-dried figs”.

It is also available to purchase directly from the distillery’s online shop @ https://www.englishwhisky.co.uk/ and through leading global retailers including Bottle Apostle, The Spirt Specialist, and The Whisky World.

The English Distillery

The English Distillery is England’s oldest registered whisky distillery. Founded by the Nelstrop family in Norfolk in 2006, the distillery is still independent and creates multi-award-winning whisky from local barley.

The distillery has a unique place in history. In 1901 the last recorded whisky distillery in England swapped from whisky to gin production before being destroyed by fire. This saw the end of whisky distilleries in England until The English Whisky Co. Ltd was granted a license to distil whisky by HMRC. In 2006 it opened the first registered, operational whisky distillery in England for over 100 years.

Our founder James Nelstrop was the younger son of a Lincolnshire farmer. James spent his formative years farming in Lincolnshire before emigrating to Australia, where farms were bigger and opportunities were plentiful. James returned to England in 1976 and went to work the land in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. He also set up farming charities in Russia to improve the agricultural industry as the country emerged from 30 years of communist control before returning to Norfolk.

As James neared retirement, a lifetime’s dream to make whisky became a possibility. The dream had grown from a throwaway comment made by James’ father, who said it was a “shame all this barley has to go to Scotland to be turned into whisky.”

The decision to build the distillery in Norfolk was quick and with only one caveat: The distillery would produce only the very finest single malt whiskies, regardless of the time it took to get there. This mantra has become the foundation of everything that we do at The English Distillery.

The distillery is now led by James’ son Andrew, who continues to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Trailblazing new light shines in scotch whisky as Port Ellen distillery is reborn

Diageo’s iconic “ghost” distillery returns after 40 years, re-envisioned to push the boundaries of whisky experimentation

Port Ellen, Islay, 19 March 2024 – In a landmark moment for Scotch whisky, Port Ellen Distillery, on the world-famous whisky island of Islay, reopened today with a bold vision to be a trailblazing light for the future of whisky distillation.

Perhaps the most legendary of all the so-called “ghost” distilleries that closed in Scotland more than 40 years ago, the rebirth of Port Ellen has been eagerly anticipated across the global whisky community. Port Ellen represents the final chapter in the £185 million investment by parent company Diageo, which has also seen the reopening of the other famous “ghost” distillery Brora, as well as investment in the company’s Scotch whisky visitor experiences.

Drawing on Port Ellen’s extraordinary heritage as one of the most pioneering distilleries of the 19^th Century, the new distillery has been designed from the ground up to push the boundaries of innovation, experimentation and sustainability.

The striking new distillery building features ultra-modern design with an unobstructed line of sight through the glass stillhouse to the stunning coastline of Islay, across the bay to Carraig Fhada lighthouse.

At the heart of the distillery are two pairs of copper stills. The first pair – The Phoenix Stills – are precise replicas of the original Port Ellen stills and will distil the classic smoky liquid that has made Port Ellen single malt one of the most highly sought after whiskies in the world. The second pair – The Experimental Stills – will take the art and science of whisky exploration to levels of precision never before seen in Scotch whisky distillation.

The Experimental Stills are linked to a signature Ten Part Spirit Safe –a truly innovative piece of distilling equipment – that allows the Port Ellen whisky makers unprecedented opportunity for experimentation. While standard distillery spirit safes allow for three cuts of the spirit run – the head, the heart and the tails – the Port Ellen Ten Part Spirit Safe allows multiple cuts to be drawn from the heart of the run, accessing previously unexplored flavours and characters, and takes the whisky-making art to new levels of intricacy and complexity. The distillery has a dedicated on-site laboratory and a full-time laboratory technician to analyse and catalogue the new experimental whiskies that emerge.

Ewan Andrew, Diageo President of Global Supply Chain & Procurement, and Chief Sustainability Officer, officially announced the opening during a ceremony at the distillery. He said:

“This is a landmark moment for Diageo and for Scotch Whisky. Port Ellen is rooted in the land and the people of Islay, yet it is a name that resonates around the world as a watchword for quality single malt Scotch whisky.

“Port Ellen has a proud heritage of leading innovation and experimentation and we have been true to that legacy in the reborn Port Ellen, creating a distillery grounded in tradition but prepared to be a trailblazing new light in the firmament of the Scotch whisky universe.”

Ali McDonald, Master Distiller at Port Ellen said of the return:

“It is an honour to take up this new position at the helm of an iconic distillery and build on Port Ellen’s pioneering past. Port Ellen holds a very special place in the hearts of passionate whisky aficionados, and to see spirit flow off these stills once again is an incredible moment for the Islay community and wider whisky world. We are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of Scotch through experimentation. I’m excited to see what we can now create.”

Aimée Morrison, Port Ellen Master Blender, spoke of the future of the distillery and its whisky:

“Port Ellen will be defined as a distillery that will push boundaries, with our on-site laboratory giving us the opportunity to delve into scientific research, offering us a deeper look into this Islay malt. We will better understand how the nuanced flavours from cask-to-cask shine in different ways; with the rolling smoke weaving its way through the heart of Port Ellen. Collectively we will endeavour to maintain the undeniable quality of Port Ellen, create whiskies for the future and take the amazing opportunity to learn as much as we can about the enigma of smoke.”

From today, Port Ellen Gemini, a new special release to celebrate the rebirth of the trailblazing Islay distillery, is available to purchase. Presented in spectacular crystal decanters, Port Ellen Gemini presents twin 44-Year-Old Scotch Whiskies, drawn from three exceptional 1978 European oak casks.

Port Ellen distillery will welcome the whisky community, connoisseurs, collectors and invited guests to experience the wonders of the new distillery. Available to book from June, the experiences range from a full day private immersion for connoisseurs, to shorter introductions to the production process. Port Ellen will also open its doors on the first Saturday of every month for anyone on Islay to visit and witness Port Ellen spirit be crafted once again.

The distillery brand home also features works by award winning artists, including multiple Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (of which Diageo is a long-term supporter) scholars Lucy May Schofield, Fung + Bedford, Eleanor Lakelin, and Harry Morgan, Daniel Brophy and Object studio.

About Port Ellen:

Port Ellen distillery was established in 1825. In 1836 management of the distillery was taken on by John Ramsay, who became a legendary figure on Islay and throughout the Scotch whisky industry for his pioneering approach. Under Ramsay’s guidance Port Ellen became an early single malt to be exported to the United States in 1865. He was also associated with experimenting in continuous distillation techniques at the distillery, experimenting with the use of early spirit safe technology and pioneering the bonded warehouse system, cementing Port Ellen’s reputation for innovation. Ramsay also contributed significantly to the development of Islay, extending and improving the pier at Port Ellen for the benefit of the whole island. Upon his death in 1892 ownership of the distillery passed to John’s wife Lucy Ramsay, who was a pioneering woman in Scotch whisky, running the distillery until her death in 1906. The Ramsay Halls in Port Ellen are named in commemoration of John and his family. In the course of the 20th Century the distillery became part of Distillers Company Ltd and closed in 1983 at the same time as many across Scotland because of a falling demand. In 2017, Diageo announced plans to bring Port Ellen, and its fellow “ghost” distillery Brora, back into production. Brora was reawakened in 2021.

About Port Ellen Gemini:

Port Ellen Gemini will be available in selected markets with a recommended retail selling price of £45,000 (inclusive of duties and taxes in the UK). Port Ellen Gemini Original has an ABV of 54.9% and Port Ellen Gemini Remnant has an ABV of 53.6%.

About Port Ellen Distillery Experiences

PORT ELLEN OPEN DAYS
● Port Ellen will hold an open day on the first Saturday of every month to ensure that passionate followers from around the world will have a chance to see inside the re-envisioned distillery and witness Port Ellen spirit be crafted once again.
● This will be a chance to meet the team, see inside the still house and learn of the latest experiments that have taken place.
● Running from June 2024, dates will be released up to a year ahead, bookable online. This will be a complimentary experience.

The Port Ellen Reborn experience is for those looking to learn more about the incredible production process at this cutting-edge distillery.

● New insights will be unearthed into the world of Scotch with guests having the opportunity to draw Port Ellen liquid direct from historic casks, experience a tasting in the warehouse as well as nosing experimental new make spirit, making it possible to glimpse the innovation at the distillery.
● A public tour accommodating up to twelve guests, it is a 90-minute experience priced at £200pp. Available to book online.

THE ATLAS OF SMOKE EXPERIENCE AT PORT ELLEN

● The Atlas of Smoke is Port Ellen’s mission to push the boundaries of experimentation in Scotch Whisky by investigating the mysterious flavours and dimensions of smoke. This experience offers Port Ellen devotees a next level immersion with a personalised guided tour by the experts on the ground.
● Guests will taste the stunning new Port Ellen Gemini twin whiskies, as well as draw direct from an historic cask, nose some of our experimental new make spirit and savour an additional dram.
● This private tour allows up to eight guests for a full day and is bookable only via the Diageo Private Client team which you can send an enquiry on via the website.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice

Old Pulteney Introduces Old Pulteney Harbour

The Latest Addition to its Multi Award-Winning Portfolio

Hailing from its northerly home in the Scottish Highlands, Old Pulteney Harbour is the new single malt Scotch whisky from Old Pulteney

Celebrating Old Pulteney’s connection to the sea, this delightful single malt is the perfect gateway whisky to your voyage with Old Pulteney

This easy-to-drink Scotch whisky introduces drinkers to the coastal character of The Maritime Malt

Matured in a quartet of hand-selected American oak casks, Old Pulteney Harbour is exclusively available to purchase via Tesco (UK stores and online)

Old Pulteney, The Maritime Malt, has today introduced the newest addition to its portfolio, Old Pulteney Harbour – available to buy exclusively at Tesco stores across the UK and online.

Tradition meets modernity with Old Pulteney Harbour. Whilst still taking on the same careful craftsmanship and process that gives The Maritime Malt its coastal character, the portfolio’s latest addition brings something new and vibrant to the brand’s multi award-winning collection.

Taking its name from the point which joins Old Pulteney’s hometown of Wick to the North Sea, Old Pulteney Harbour celebrates the brand’s connection to the sea. The easy-to-drink single malt introduces whisky drinkers to the character Old Pulteney is renowned for with the warm, welcoming flavours representing the beginnings of a new journey for whisky fans wanting to take a voyage with Old Pulteney.

This approachable whisky is matured by the sea in a quartet of hand-selected fine American oak ex-bourbon casks, each imparting unique flavour profiles and cocooned by the sea air of the remote coastal distillery. Second fill barrels, re-charred barrels, first fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill barrels are married together to create this vibrant whisky.

The bright gold whisky is deliciously fragrant with notes of creamy vanilla and coconut up front, followed by rich citrus of marmalade and tangerines, lemon drizzle cake sweetness and a spicy undertone of fresh oak. With an ABV of 40%, sweet tones of raisins and tropical fruits are perfectly balanced with darker tones of hot toffee and fresh tobacco leaf. The finish grows with rich fruit and spice to eventually turn into Old Pulteney’s signature mellow sea brine.

Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Old Pulteney, said: “We’re very pleased to introduce Old Pulteney Harbour, our most approachable whisky yet. Old Pulteney has always been influenced by its home by the sea on the Caithness Coast,​ and Old Pulteney Harbour beautifully balances that powerful tradition with the smooth vibrancy of this welcoming whisky.”

Old Pulteney Harbour retails at £34 and is available to purchase across the UK exclusively at Tesco.

For more information on Old Pulteney, and Old Pulteney Harbour, please visit https://www.oldpulteney.com/

About Old Pulteney: 

Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies. The award-winning core collection, revitalised for the modern market in 2018, includes: Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old, and 25 Years Old.

As the man behind the town’s 19th Century fishing boom, Sir William Pulteney put northerly Scottish coastal town Wick on the map, but today the Pulteney name is better known for its unique, single malt whisky. Distilled and matured by the sea, the award-winning whisky in our casks is cocooned by salty air swept ashore on Arctic winds. Since 1826, Pulteney Distillery has navigated changeable seas and conditions, including 25 years of prohibition. Old Pulteney is inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home which is why it will always be The Maritime Malt.

Instagram: @oldpulteneymalt

CASK TRADE NAMED AS ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES IN EUROPE

Cask Trade has been listed in the Financial Times 1000 fastest-growing companies in Europe.

The London-based cask whisky business is ranked 146th in the prestigious FT1000 list published this month (March).

Cask Trade is a cask whisky merchant for collectors, enthusiasts and independent trade bottlers and is the only cask focussed business to be recognised in the annual list.

Ranking Europe’s most promising companies exhibiting the highest levels of absolute growth and compound annual growth, the FT1000 report is published by the Financial Times in partnership with research company Statista.

As well as ranking within the top 15% of all companies in Europe, Cask Trade comes in as the 4th highest overall in the Food and Beverage sector and is ranked 29th highest of the UK businesses.

Commenting on the achievement, founder and CEO Simon Aron says: “It’s extremely rewarding for myself and the team to be recognised in the FT1000 list among the fastest-growing companies in Europe.
“In 2021 we opened in Asia with an office in Hong Kong. In 2024 we celebrate our fifth year and we are now proud to be selling casks of whisky and other fine spirits on every continent around the world,’ says Simon.

The FT1000 ranking comes hot the heels of Cask Trade being named as one of the UK’s most innovative new businesses when it was placed 24th in the StartUps 100 2024 index and follows a 21st position listing in the 2023 Sunday Times Hundred fastest-growing private companies in Britain.

Despite difficult trading conditions over the last few years, Cask Trade continues to grow its team and customers.
Recently celebrating their 5th anniversary, which will be marked by a tasting event in June, Cask Trade also offers market leading services including Auction Your Cask (founded in 2020) – the world’s first online auction platform for cask whisky and other cask spirits – and Regent Street Cask Bottlers (founded 2021) – a bottling service for cask owners looking to bottle their casks.

The FT1000 ranking, compiled with German research company Statista, showcases those European companies that have grown fastest. They are listed in order of highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue over the period 2019 to 2022. This year, a minimum average growth rate of 36.3 per cent required for inclusion.

To view the full FT1000 list visit: https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2024

ABOUT CASK TRADE:

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies.

The company is unique because it owns all the casks it sells, giving the customer 100% transactional guarantee. Cask Trade only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy marketplace for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.
•    Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
•    Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
•    HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.
•    HMRC-issued AWRS Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme: Licenced to wholesale, bottle and retail.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade.
It also offers:
•    Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
•    Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
•    Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
•    Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
•    Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
•    Regularly updated cask ownership guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
•    Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.

Cask Trade started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy, wherever possible.
Cask Trade validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee customers receive the actual hammer price. The low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com      https://www.auctionyourcask.com