ProtectYourCask.com Helps Cask Whisky Investors Avoid Scammers

Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to providing clear, transparent information about purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. 

In recent years, the Scotch whisky industry has been concerned about the recent proliferation of whisky cask investment firms offering consumers the chance to make money by buying and reselling casks of Scotch whisky. Some of these companies have made misleading claims about potential return on investment, provided incorrect information to prospective clients, or even committed outright fraud where investors were swindled out of their money. 

Alarmed by this disturbing trend and the lack of information available on safely purchasing, owning and selling casks in an unregulated market, Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to spreading awareness on safely purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

The site draws attention to and amplifies the excellent guidance on Scotch whisky cask investment written by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry body representing the vast majority of Scotch whisky producers (ProtectYourCask.com is not affiliated with the SWA).

Designed to be accessible and easy to understand for anyone who is thinking about buying or who already owns a cask of whisky, information on ProtectYourCask.com includes a helpful summary of the legal framework governing the purchase and sale of Scotch whisky casks, suggests red flags to watch out for when Scotch whisky cask investment firms are pitching their services and details stories covering historical Scotch whisky cask investment scams.

To Schrieberg, the promises of potential profits on Scotch whisky casks carry disturbing echoes of the past:

“Every few decades, there’s been waves of new companies, many of them incompetent at best or perpetrating fraud at worst, promising fast and profitable returns on the purchase of Scotch whisky casks using aggressive sales tactics” he says,

“We’re seeing more than a few such firms today using similar techniques to generate enthusiasm and sales as fraudsters from over 20, 50, and even 100 years ago. We think it’s important to fight the misleading claims that have been going around in order to protect the integrity of the Scotch whisky industry.”

Littler warns that the Scotch whisky cask investment market is far from a rosy opportunity and stresses the importance of genuine ownership:

“Investing in whisky casks is inherently risky as it is an unregulated and volatile market. When it comes to cask investment, one of the fundamental issues we’ve come across is ensuring an investor actually owns their cask rather than having rights to a cask through a third party. This is something that the SWA itself affirms in its own advice on the matter. We hope ProtectYourCask.com can help others successfully navigate this precarious landscape or decide they’re better off investing in something safer.”

About Felipe Schrieberg

Felipe is a whisky writer, musician, author, and tastings host. He is the co-director of independent bottler/record label Rhythm and Booze Records and he is also a Keeper of the Quaich.

For his work, he was awarded the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year and the 2021 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year. He was named in the shortlist for the 2022 Fortnum and Mason Drinks Writer of the Year and the 2022 IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year awards.

As a musician, he is the co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia.

About Mark Littler

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. He is the owner and Editor in Chief of The Whiskey Wash (an award winning US whisky blog) and a regular contributor to Forbes.com.

Mark founded his own firm in 2016, creating Mark Littler Ltd after a 10 year career as an auctioneer where he founded the whisky and wine department of a prominent UK auction house. Mark Littler Ltd provides advice around and arranges the sale of whisky bottles and casks as well as collectables, watches, and other luxury goods through auction and private sales.

For more information contact Mark Littler at info@protectyourcask.com

“WHISKY IS A LONG-TERM GAME”: CHIVAS BROTHERS POINTS TO SUCCESSFUL PREMIUMISATION STRATEGY, DESPITE CATEGORY-WIDE SOFTENING

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, today announced its H1 FY24 (July 2023 – December 2023) financial results with organic net sales down -6% against a high comparison basis.

The company attributes its performance to market and inventory normalisation following two years of outstanding growth. Chivas Brothers continues to outperform the market over the same period[1], owing to its world-class whisky portfolio and broad and balanced global footprint. With a +11% CAGR[2] since H1 FY21, Chivas Brothers also demonstrates a strong and stable growth trajectory despite significant global market fluctuations.

The business’ H1 FY24 performance, driven by a high price/mix effect, reinforces the resilience of its long-term premiumisation strategy, with consumers continuing to seek out prestige brands and experiences. Luxury whisky Royal Salute notably saw an uplift of +8% in organic net sales during the reported period.

Chivas Brothers’ Chairman and CEO, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, commented:

“Our H1 FY24 performance paints a clear picture of whisky market normalisation while also demonstrating the positive impact of strategic business decisions made in line with our premiumisation strategy. Whisky is a long-term game: we remain focused on our ambition to open up to new markets and consumers through product innovations and brand experiences.”

Performance across strategic brands

Royal Salute

Royal Salute continued to increase its value share with +8% global growth, as the brand continues to elevate through luxury releases, including the launch of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II and Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition. Notably, Royal Salute saw sustained growth in Asia, Global Travel Retail and South America.

Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal global sales softened –7%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+4%).

Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s global sales were down -8%, partially offset by the strength of Ballantine’s 30, as well as strong growth in its Prestige range through Global Travel Retail.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet global sales softened -5%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+29%). The brand gained share in the US market, despite inventory normalisation, and is growing in Asia, with key performers including India and Taiwan market.

[1] Chivas Brothers exports vs. Scotch Whisky Association exports (Volume & Value) Jul-Dec 2023

[2] Compound Annual Growth Rate or cumulating organic year on year net sales growth

CHIVAS BROTHERS HOSTS OVER 130 INDUSTRY PEERS AT GLENTAUCHERS DISTILLERY ‘OPEN HOUSE’, SHARING ITS CARBON-CUTTING SUCCESS

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, has opened the doors of its Glentauchers distillery to the wider spirits industry to share its successful implementation of heat recovery technology at the company site.

The two-day Open House event (31^st October – 1^st November) took place after the Scotch distiller made the design and implementation findings of this technology open source in July, inviting other players in the industry to learn from its journey to net zero. In the pursuit of a collaborative effort, more than 130 industry peers spanning sustainability, manufacturing and engineering roles from distilleries large and small attended the event.

Participants learnt about the deployment of heat recovery technology at Glentauchers distillery to capture and recycle the heat generated in distillation that would otherwise go to waste, as well as its potential to reduce energy and save carbon emissions.

Glentauchers distillery, located near Keith in Speyside, recently reduced its total energy consumption within the distillation process by almost half (48%), and decreased the site’s total carbon emissions by 53%, following the successful implementation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR).

Chivas Brothers estimates that if applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, these technologies could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen combined.

Commenting on the Glentauchers Open House event, Brian MacAulay, Malt Distilling & Operations Director at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Meeting so many people from across the industry facilitated discussions about the ways in which we can learn and evolve to benefit each other, the industry at large, and of course reduce our impact on the planet. Although not every distillery will be able to implement heat recovery technologies, they have huge potential to accelerate our collective journey to net zero. As a business, we’re committed to opening up to shape the future of whisky; industry collaboration will be vital in creating a sustainable home for Scotch in the years to come.”

Chivas Brothers is committed to achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. The business most recently announced £60 million in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate the roll-out of MVR across its distilleries.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

We are thrilled to announce that Savona Communications has been named the US agency of record to represent Hatozaki Whisky, produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, located on the coast of the Seto inland sea in Hyogo, Japan.

Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery. It is the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, built in 1657, and serves as the namesake and inspiration for the whisky – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing.

Master Distiller Kimio Yonezawa is a 4^th generation family distiller from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917. In 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about – whisky.

The Hatozaki whisky portfolio includes two permanent expressions and a line of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki “Omakase” whiskies – hand selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence.

CORE RANGE

Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 40% abv)

A blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in oak barrels, yielding an approachable, lightly colored blend with a rich malt whisky backbone. Cereal notes and a light sweetness allow for the whisky to be ideal for highballs or sipped neat or with ice.  

Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 46% abv)

A vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

Hatozaki represents a new wave of Japanese producers that are combining the unique heritage of Japanese hospitality, precision and blending technique with new territories of spirit innovation for exciting results for whisky lovers and novices alike.

Stay tuned for news, limited edition releases, and more to come from this exciting Japanese spirit.

www.hatozakiwhisky.com

@hatozakiwhisky

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon

Handcrafted from Rebel’s traditional wheated mash bill, new extra-aged bourbon boasts a full flavor and smooth finish

ST. LOUIS (March 7, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the introduction of Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon, handcrafted according to the original, time-honored wheated recipe since 1849. The new addition will be available nationwide later this month at a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon champions authenticity while defying uniformity. Bottled at six years and 100 proof (50% ABV), the golden amber bourbon features an aroma containing rich scents of vanilla and honey; a palate of dark fruits followed by citrus and oak; and a velvety smooth finish with just a hint of spice.

“Rebel 100 6-Year demonstrates that age is never a bad thing,” said Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. “The combination of spotlighting our original recipe and aging it for six years resulted in a rich and rebellious, full flavor bourbon that I think will resonate with consumers. Six years is a long time to wait, but the wait was worth it.”

About Luxco

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

Auctioneer behind record-breaking £1m Macallan cask celebrates 100th whisky auction and £10,000 whisky giveaway 

– Whisky Hammer to offer a ‘suite of perks’ as a thank you to its loyal customer base –

Specialist spirits auctioneer, Whisky Hammer, is marking its landmark 100^th online auction on Friday 15 March, with a suite of perks as a ‘thank you’ to its buyers and sellers.

Since forming eight years ago, the auction site, which was founded by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne, has successfully sold over 155,000 lots worth £60 million for private sellers, attracting bids from 88 countries across the globe in its monthly auctions.

Whisky Hammer has now become a destination for buyers and sellers of rare and collectible whisky – including a record-breaking million-pound cask of Macallan whisky which lay forgotten for more than 30 years. The Macallan, which fetched $1,295,500 (including buyer’s premium) smashed the previous record at the time for a cask sold at auction of $572,000, which was held by Bonhams. Other high-profile bottles sold by Whisky Hammer include a 55 Year Old Yamazaki which sold for £380,000.

To mark its 100^th auction milestone, Whisky Hammer will be arranging a number of perks in its March auction to say ‘thank you’ to its customers.

Sellers are being urged to submit interesting, unique or rare bottles, before the 100^th auction deadline of Monday 11^th March, in return for one-off incentives. Rather than the usual 5% seller commission charge, sales in the March auction will benefit from not only 0% seller commission, but an additional 1% bonus being paid on top of the hammer proceeds for its sellers.

All successful buyers in the March auction will be entered into a prize draw to win a share of £10,000 worth of Still Spirit whisky vouchers – with 10 prizes in total and first place winning £5,000 to spend in the store. Each bottle won at auction will be the equivalent to one entry into the draw.

Whisky Hammer will also bottle a limited-edition whisky in celebration of its 100^th auction – with just 100 bottles available to bid on. The 11-Year-Old blended Scotch whisky is being bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV) and all bottles will be individually hand numbered, with bids starting at £30 per bottle.

Daniel Milne, co-founder and managing director of Whisky Hammer and Still Spirit, said: “Whisky has been our genuine passion from day one, and we’ve been dedicated to securing rare and hard to find whiskies for our buyers to enjoy ever since.  Thanks to our global buyer and seller customer base, we’ve been lucky enough to represent some true unicorns of the whisky world in our monthly auctions, and are so proud of what we have achieved between our very first auction to us now marking our 100^th.

“Bringing together whisky lovers across the globe has been a real highlight for us and we feel the 100^th auction is a great milestone to give back a big “thank you” to our loyal buyers and sellers with the planned March auction perks.  Here’s to the next 8 years!”

Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky. The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe.

The 100^th auction will go live at 7pm (GMT) on Friday 15^th March. To register to take part in the auction, click here.

For more information on Whisky Hammer or for private sellers to submit bottles to auction, visit www.whiskyhammer.com.

About Whisky Hammer

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers. Whisky Hammer hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. Its sister retail business, Still Spirit, comprises a whisky shop and dram bar offering over 200 rare whiskies based in Ellon, including an e-commerce site. In summer 2023, Whisky Hammer founders also launched independent bottling company, Halcyon Spirits.

Follow Whisky Hammer @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.whiskyhammer.com

Lochlea gives a nod to Islay for new seasonal release:

Ploughing Edition (Second Crop)

Multi award winning, family-owned Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire is delighted to launch the fourth and final release from its Second Crop series of the distillery’s seasonal releases: Ploughing Edition (Second Crop).

The release of Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) marks winter on the farm when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring’s sowing season in the months ahead. It is also the only Lochlea whisky with a distinctive smoky profile, achieved through it being matured exclusively in 100% ex-Islay 200 litre casks.

Inspired by this season, coupled with Production Director John Campbell’s Ileach (Islay) heritage, Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) gives John the chance to talk about his homeland and the influence it brings to Lochlea’s whisky profile, whilst also celebrating the beauty of winter on the farm itself.

John grew up on Islay and, up until he joined Lochlea in 2021, had spent his life living and working on the Inner Hebridian island – firstly as a lobster fisherman, then more famously as Laphroaig’s renowned Distillery Manager for 27 years. His move to Lochlea in 2021 marked his first time living and working off the island and on Scotland’s mainland, whilst still in the whisky industry he is so passionate about.

John said: “We are excited to share our new Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) that shows the experimental side of Lochlea that we are always looking to explore more. As Islay whiskies are so well respected and much loved, we wanted to ensure we tip our hat to this unique style of whisky carefully and done in the right way.”

“We know people love Islay whiskies – with Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) we want to play on our fruit-forward, characterful and biscuity Lochlea house style and give it a special Islay twist using casks that have spent a significant amount of time housing and maturing some of Islay’s finest single malts.”

Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) has been matured solely in 200 litre ex-Islay barrels giving it a distinctive earthy, peaty character, whilst the previous Ploughing Edition (First Crop) in 2023 was matured in both peated quarter casks and ex-Islay barrels, revealing more charcoal smoke characteristics.

Lochlea’s seasonal releases are as follows:

• Ploughing Edition: released in winter when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring.

• Sowing Edition: inspired by spring when the seed is sown for the year’s barley crop.

• Harvest Edition: inspired by the annual harvest on the farm.

• Fallow Edition: reflects the season of autumn on the farm when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest.

As with all of Lochlea’s whiskies, Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) is non-chill filtered – it has been bottled at 46% and has an RRP of £51.50. It is available from Lochlea stockists from 7^th March 2024 onwards.

In addition to the seasonal limited edition releases, Lochlea has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley.

Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) – Tasting notes:

Nose: fresh green apple, signature Lochlea cereal

Palate: succulent fruit, freshly cut summer hay

Finish: sea salt, lingering peaty embers

 ABV: 46%

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222 acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully-operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

WHISKY AUCTIONEER HOLDS WORLD’S FIRST AUCTION

DEDICATED TO WOMEN IN WHISKY

Whisky Auctioneer, the leading global online whisky and spirits auction platform, will host the world’s very first auction dedicated to recognising the achievements and contributions of women in the sector. The auction is in partnership with OurWhisky Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, recognising and empowering professional women in whisky. It will offer whisky enthusiasts and collectors from around the world the opportunity to acquire rare bottles while supporting a worthy cause.

Named after the goddess of grain, The Demeter Collection will feature a curated selection of unique releases, all of which have been crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women. Each bottle in the collection will not only showcase the craft involved in distillation and maturation, but also highlight compelling stories of the women involved in their creation.

The inaugural auction will run from March 29 to April 8 at www.whiskyauctioneer.com. Funds raised from the auction, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s fees, will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation in support of its work providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky. This includes its widely acclaimed mentorship programme, groundbreaking stock image library, The Modern Face of Whisky, and work with brands and stakeholders to build a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive industry.

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

“Historically, our industry has lacked diversity, and that’s something we’re determined to change. To that end, we have been delighted to witness the incredible achievements of The OurWhisky Foundation and are thrilled to host this auction and shine a spotlight on the stories of women within our industry.

“The Demeter Collection is an exciting group of one-of-a-kind and collectible bottlings from very diverse distilleries. Our hope is that this auction will not only catch the attention of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide to raise important funds for The OurWhisky Foundation, but also inspire current and future generations of women in whisky.”

The world’s first survey of women in the global whisky industry conducted by the OurWhisky Foundation last year revealed widespread sexism and bias. More than 80% of respondents making, selling and promoting whisky reported being asked by both colleagues and consumers if they even like the spirit, with a staggering 89% agreeing that consumers still widely perceive whisky to be a man’s drink.

Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, added:

“Despite her important role within Greek mythology, Demeter remains one of the lesser-known of the Olympians, her story largely untold in popular culture. Yet her heroic tale of overcoming obstacles to support her daughter, all while sharing her knowledge and wisdom with others, embodies many similar values as the OurWhisky Foundation.

“Just like Demeter’s sidelining in pop culture, women’s contributions to whisky have been vastly under-recognised. Through the Demeter Collection we want to honour the grain goddess and tell the untold stories of women in whisky, while raising much-needed funds to enable the OurWhisky Foundation to support, recognise and empower future generations of women in the industry.”

A total of 18 lots will be included in Whisky Auctioneer’s March auction. Highlights include exclusive expressions from distilleries such as an exclusive 32 year old blend from House of Hazelwood, The Loch Lomond Sonata Collection, a 44 year old commemorative bottling of Dalmore celebrating whisky maker Margaret Nicol’s 50th anniversary, a 20 year old Ardbeg created by master blender Gillian Macdonald to celebrate 20 years in the industry and an inaugural cask release from Cooper King distillery. 

The auction will be hosted online from March 29, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. To register for the auction, click HERE.

Full lot listing:

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

For more information on the lots, see here.

About The Demeter Collection:

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

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

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

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

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

About Whisky Auctioneer

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

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

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

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

About The OurWhisky Foundation:

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

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

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

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LOST LANTERN CELEBRATES THE MIDWEST

Award-Winning Independent Bottler Introduces its First Regional Collection

VERGENNES, VT (February 22, 2024)—Lost Lantern has traditionally curated and released its collections around specific themes, but the Spring 2024 collection marks the independent bottler’s inaugural regional collection. With a focus on the Midwest, Lost Lantern aims to spotlight a whiskey region it believes deserves more attention.

If you’re not yet talking about whiskey from the Midwest, Lost Lantern plans to change that. “The Midwest is one of the most exciting and dynamic whiskey regions in the United States, yet it’s one that whiskey drinkers often overlook,” says Lost Lantern Co-Founder Nora Ganley-Roper. “Other regions like the Pacific Northwest and Texas may have a higher profile, but distilleries across the Midwest are making truly wonderful, world-class whiskies. This is especially true for bourbon and rye, and we’ve found that many of the best whiskies of the Midwest exhibit a complex yet soft and creamy character. Lost Lantern’s Midwest Collection is designed to showcase some of these whiskies and help whiskey lovers explore a region that has truly come into its own.”

Midwestern whiskies stand out in the American whiskey landscape through a unique combination of the region’s rich agricultural legacy, distinctive climate conditions, and a culture that marries tradition with innovation. With unparalleled access to diverse, high-quality local grains (the region is often known as the breadbasket of the U.S.), Midwestern distillers make spirits that deeply reflect their local terroir, drawing on a farming heritage that can be savored in every bottle.

Lost Lantern’s new Spring Collection celebrates these regional attributes. The release features seven distinct bottlings, each highlighting what makes whiskey from the Midwest so compelling: Far-Flung Rye (a multi-distillery blend of rye whiskies from across the Midwest) and six single casks from distilleries across the region. The Collection features the return of three previous Lost Lantern partners—Starlight Distillery (IN), Cedar Ridge (IA), and Tom’s Foolery (OH), as well as three new distillery partners: Wollersheim Distillery (WI), FEW Spirits (IL), and Middle West Spirits (OH). This release includes Lost Lantern’s first-ever whiskies from Wisconsin and Illinois, as well as its first multi-state rye blend.

The Midwest collection will be available for purchase at the new Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT, and online at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com beginning March 27th. It will also be available at select retailers in New York and California. As always, the new collection is presented at cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added. In addition, Lost Lantern is launching an educational series focused on Midwestern whiskies through its website, which will highlight other great Midwestern distilleries beyond the Collection and will include guest posts from distillers across the region.

Far-Flung Rye: 121.6 Proof (486 bottles) SRP, $100

Lost Lantern’s first blend of straight rye whiskey proves that some of the country’s best rye whiskey comes from the Midwest. This special release brings together a blend of straight ryes, ranging from four to nine years old, from five of the finest distilleries in the region: Cedar Ridge (IA), Middle West Spirits (OH), Starlight Distillery (IN), Tom’s Foolery Distillery (OH), and Wollersheim Distillery (WI). It has bright rye spice and fresh-cut grass on the nose. The palate is spicy, with rich oak and hints of dark chocolate and warm bread. Age: 4 years

Starlight Distillery Indiana Straight Bourbon Single Cask: 118.7 Proof (132 bottles) SRP, $90

Starlight Distillery is part of Huber’s Orchard & Winery, an Indiana institution since 1843. Ted Huber started Starlight in 2001 to capture the flavors of Indiana grain and fruit from the place his family has farmed for seven generations. This straight bourbon whiskey was aged in a 53-gallon barrel for 6 years, including two years in Vermont. It was made with 60% corn, 20% malted barley, 10% rye, and 10% wheat. It has a rich and creamy nose, with notes of cherry, nutmeg, fresh oak, and chocolate on the palate. Very spicy and full, with a long finish. Age: 6 years

Wollersheim Distillery Wisconsin Straight Bourbon Single Cask: 131.2 Proof (200 bottles) SRP, $90

Established in the 19th century, Wollersheim is a family-owned winery and distillery. Its grain-to-glass whiskies truly reflect Wisconsin’s climate and agricultural heritage. This 5-year-old straight bourbon whiskey was made from 66% corn, 22% rye, and 12% malted barley, all locally grown. An intense and powerful cool-climate northern bourbon with notes of leather, chocolate oranges, and pipe tobacco on the nose, and hints of chocolate mousse, dry grain, and spice-blackened meat on the palate. Age: 5 years

FEW Spirits Illinois Straight Bourbon Single Cask: 124.6 Proof (200 bottles) SRP, $90

A pioneer of American craft spirits, FEW has distilled award-winning grain-to-glass whiskies since 2011 in a unique urban setting outside Chicago. This straight bourbon whiskey, Lost Lantern’s first from FEW Spirits and Illinois, was distilled from 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley and aged for 5 years in a 53-gallon new American oak barrel. It has warm, sweet notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and French vanilla on the nose. The palate has a rich and rounded spice, a soft, creamy texture, and notes of milk chocolate and cinnamon rolls. The finish is long and warming. Age: 5 years

Tom’s Foolery 9-Year-Old Ohio Straight Rye Single Cask: 116.5 Proof (170 bottles) SRP, $120

This family-owned distillery uses traditional, labor-intensive methods to make whiskey, including wooden fermenters and pot still distillation. Their whiskies embody the cold, snowy climate of Ohio’s snowbelt. Aged for 9 years in a 53-gallon barrel, making it the oldest whiskey Lost Lantern has released, this straight rye whiskey was made from 70% winter rye and 30% malted rye. It is fresh and elegant, with hints of fresh-cut grass and lemon on the nose and rich rye spice, lemon custard, and balanced oak on the palate. It has an extremely long, warm finish. Age: 9 years

Middle West Ohio Straight Rye Single Cask: 126 Proof (197 bottles) SRP, $90

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Middle West Spirits is one of the Midwest’s largest and most ambitious independent distilleries. This four-grain straight rye whiskey is made with dark pumpernickel rye grain, giving it a full, toasty, chocolatey, and earthy flavor. It was aged for 4 years in a 53-gallon new oak barrel from Speyside Cooperage. It has notes of rich chocolate mousse and warm rye spice on the nose, with cocoa nibs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and leatherbound books on the palate. It is Lost Lantern’s first release from Middle West. Age: 4 years

Cedar Ridge Iowa Straight Wheat Single Cask: 123.1 Proof (203 bottles) SRP, $90

Cedar Ridge has been farming and distilling spirits in Swisher, Iowa, owned by the Quint family, for decades. The area’s dramatic seasonal temperature swings help create whiskies with a soft, clean, yet spicy character. An exceptional cask, this is an elegant and powerful wheat whiskey made from 100% malted white winter wheat that was aged for 6 years in a 53-gallon barrel. It has a very spicy nose, with notes of black cherry and vanilla shortbread on the nose. The palate is bold and warm, with hints of baking spice and cinnamon coffee cake. Age: 6 years

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. In 2023, they were named Independent Bottler of the Year at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards in London and named one of SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators. 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. 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.

HIGHLAND PARK ANNOUNCES UK BRAND AMBASSADOR, MICHAEL MCLELLAN

London: Edrington UK announces the appointment of the latest UK national brand ambassador for Highland Park, Michael McLellan.

Mike started his career in Edinburgh, working in some of the most celebrated cocktail bars in the city, such as The Bon Vivant and Lucky Liquor Co., before moving to Newcastle and eventually down to London, where he took on the role of Head Bartender at acclaimed cocktail and steak restaurant Hawksmoor Spitalfields before moving to the famous East London speakeasy Happiness Forgets to hone his skills behind the bar.

The appointment is exciting for Highland Park as it embarks on a transformation journey, refreshing its take on authenticity and meaning and renewing its brand values and aspirations.

Mike will be responsible for advocating for Highland Park’s products and increasing brand awareness in the UK, helping to educate consumers and bar staff about the magic of Highland Park’s whiskies, leading whisky tastings, and attending trade shows, seminars, and workshops. As the face of the Highland Park brand in the UK, he is also responsible for consumer engagement programs, bringing the brand to life in the minds of consumers.

Andrea Montague, Head of Advocacy, Edrington UK, explains: “I am delighted to welcome Mike into our growing advocacy team. He arrives at a pivotal time for Highland Park, where increased focus and support are needed. A dedicated Brand Ambassador in Mike will help us demonstrate our commitment to Highland Park in the UK market as we go into next year”. 

Mike comments on his new role: “I am hugely proud to be the ambassador for such a distinguished and historic brand. I have been utterly fascinated with whisky since I first stepped behind a bar. From the way it connects us to our traditions and history to the immense value it holds in shared rituals of kinship, bringing people together both at times of celebration and commiseration. 

“I look forward to working with the Highland Park team to create an inspiring advocacy platform which will champion Highland Park’s Orkney home whilst highlighting the creativity, bravery, and progressive nature of the Island’s community. We have lots planned for 2024, and it will be an exciting year”.

For further information, visit www.edrington.co.uk

About Edrington UK:

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of ultra-premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits. 

About Highland Park:

We’ve been crafting our award-winning whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney since 1798. Now, 225 years later, we are one of the ten oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Age, experience, and respect for tradition may define our whisky but it’s Orkney that differentiates us.

It’s not just the influence of the finest sherry seasoned oak casks on our whisky as it matures, it’s the salty sea winds that batter Orkney’s rugged coastlines, the intensely floral character of our treeless but heather-rich peat, and the fiercely independent Viking spirit that drives us. These are the elements that go, untamed, into our whisky-making to create a wild harmony of sweet-smoky flavours that is, uniquely, Highland Park.

www.highlandparkwhisky.com