ImpEx Beverages Announces the Arrival of Meikle Tòir Peated Expressions from The GlenAllachie

Independent Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie revealed its new peated Single Malt Scotch whisky brand: Meikle Tòir (pronounced mee-kuhl tor) in the UK late last year.  ImpEx Beverages is proud to announce that this very special line of 5 year old expressions has arrived to the US and is making its way to specialty retailers across the Nation.

Spearheaded by celebrated Master Distiller Billy Walker, the launch introduces Walker’s first core releases to have been fully overseen by him since he took ownership of the distillery in 2017.

Meikle Tòir, which means ‘big pursuit’, represents Walker and his expert team’s relentless seasonal peated campaign at The GlenAllachie, which began in 2018.

Using mainland peat from St. Fergus, the peated production runs for around six weeks per year, producing approximately 100,000 Liters of Alcohol annually.

The peated label’s core range consists of The Original (50% ABV), The Sherry One (48% ABV) and The Chinquapin One (48% ABV), as well as annual small-batch release, The Turbo 2023 Edition (50% ABV). Each whisky carries a five-year age statement.

All Meikle Tòir expressions were subjected to a lengthy fermentation time of 160 hours – nearly triple the industry average – which adds a fruity, ester-rich character to the subsequent whisky.

Commenting on the new brand, Walker remarks “This incredibly exciting launch is a key milestone for us all at The GlenAllachie. Five years in the making, it represents the culmination of our endeavors since we took over the reins at the distillery. Our intention has always been to release a peated Single Malt, and this is no surprise to those who have followed our journey from the start.

Every element of the production process was carefully considered to ensure our vision was met. It’s not about accelerating the journey; it’s about expanding the experience. One of the key decisions was to significantly extend the fermentation period to 160 hours, creating thick, ester-rich distillate. Another was to use mainland peat, which delivers a more oaky style of smoke. These choices, along with the use of quality Oak casks, are all factors steering us in our pursuit of peated perfection”.

The Original 5-year-old was aged in expertly sourced first-fill Bourbon barrels, American Virgin Oak casks and Rye barrels, imparting “waves of stem ginger, sweet spice, and Oak-smoked sugar”.

After an initial period in American Oak, The Sherry One underwent additional maturation in quality Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry puncheons. The result is a Single Malt with “impeccable balance between dark fruits, mocha, treacle, and puffs of earthy peat smoke”.

The Chinquapin One was first aged in American Oak before being transferred into superior Chinquapin Virgin Oak barrels from the Northern Ozark region of Missouri, USA. Drinkers can anticipate “smoked spices, roasted nuts, campfire smoke, and crème brûlée”.

The Original, The Sherry One and The Chinquapin One all have a spirit PPM level of 35, with the mainland peat delivering a more sweet and oaky smoke style in comparison to the flavor contribution of a coastal peat.

The Turbo, a super limited annual bottling, captures ‘the heart of the heart’ of the peated distillate: the spirit cut with the highest phenol content.  The 2023 Edition, a run of just 2,500 bottles (600 for the US), was left to slumber in three American Virgin Oak casks and five Oloroso Sherry hogsheads for five years. The resulting whisky is said to offer “a powerful punch of peat, amounting to a spirit PPM of 71, alongside notes of toasted honeycomb, burnt orange peel, and worn leather”.

All Meikle Tòir expressions are proudly bottled without added coloring and non-chill filtered for optimum drinking experience.

The eye-catching packaging features a hand-drawn illustration by prominent Scottish artist Iain McIntosh that depicts the rugged terrain surrounding the distillery, including the iconic peak of Ben Rinnes. The complementary “earthy” color palette was chosen to hint at the smoky flavor profile.

For more information on where to find these incredible Meikle Tòir offerings, please email the office at Office@ImpExBev.com

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Sipping Success: Talnua Distillery Celebrates 5 Years of Crafting Unforgettable Whiskey

– And 2024 Olde Saint’s Keep Bottle Release Information –

Talnua Distillery, winner of best American Pot Still Whiskey at the World Whiskies Awards for the third year in a row, will celebrate its 5th anniversary this St. Patrick’s Day. Over the last half decade Talnua has experienced significant growth and is garnering attention both nationally and abroad.

Growing from just two gins and two core whiskeys at launch, the distillery now offers four core whiskeys, rotating special release whiskeys, and the popular distillery-only products Coffee Liqueur and Eggnog. The true stars of the show, Talnua’s Pot Still style whiskeys, have earned gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the American Distilling Institute, and the World Whiskies Awards.

Currently, these offerings are only available regionally in Colorado, where the distillery is based. After hiring a Sales Director in 2022, the amount of on and off premise accounts has doubled in the state, making the spirits more available to Colorado whiskey enthusiasts. Lucky for whiskey drinkers outside of Colorado, Talnua is hoping to partner with a distributor to expand to other states late this summer.

This distribution expansion is possible due to the production space growth that has occurred over the past 5 years. The most visible example of the distillery’s growth can be spotted outside the facility in the two 60,000 lb grain silos storing the barley that is the heart of the Talnua mashbill. Production over time has grown by 8x. Talnua has traded in the humble beginnings of a single hand-made pot still making two barrels per week, for three custom designed copper pot stills with a production capacity of 17 barrels per week. This upgrade has increased production from 100 barrels per year to nearly 900 barrels per year, with a 2025 expansion plan for over 2500 barrels per year. All of this growth has also enabled the distillery to start doing contract distillation while maintaining a steady amount of Talnua spirits production.

The growth occurring at the distillery is not limited to its production capacity. Talnua’s footprint has tripled from 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft with a new tasting room and patio in the plans for later this year. To support the production and hospitality needs of the distillery, the Talnua team members have doubled as well. The tasting room proudly boasts awards for Best of Denver’s “Best Distillery Taproom”, Top of the Town’s “Best Cocktail Menu”, and Best of the Best Arvada’s “Best Distillery” as well as a 4.9 star review on Google Reviews and 5 stars on Yelp and Trip Advisor.

Talnua’s events programming continues to evolve with a rise in philanthropic events featuring special releases that benefit local organizations dear to its team members. Recent beneficiaries include Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital.

The future looks bright for Talnua as they continue to build out both their production space and a new Tasting Room to expand private event space and visitor capacity.

Whiskey lovers should not miss this year’s Olde Saint’s Keep special release whiskey unveiling at Talnua’s annual St. Patrick’s Day event. This year’s celebration will be held March 15th and 16th and marks the distillery’s 5 year anniversary. The 2023 expression of Olde Saint’s Keep Whiskey won Talnua “Best American Pot Still Whiskey” at this year’s World Whiskies Awards and this year’s expression featuring sherry, port, amburana, and virgin American white oak promises not to disappoint! At the event visitors can acquire their bottle of Olde Saint’s Keep whiskey while enjoying live music, food truck fare, pipe and drum bands, and specialty cocktails. Visit talnua.com for more information.

2024 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey

Talnua Distillery’s 2024 Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey is American Single Pot Still whiskey featuring sherry, port, amburana, and virgin American white oak.

100 Proof / 50% Alc/Vol

Fewer than 1000 bottles available

The Whisky List acquires leading Australian whisky festival The Whisky Show

Australia’s largest online whisky retailer, The Whisky List, is delighted to announce the acquisition of The Whisky Show, a leading whisky event company that sees over 6,000 Australians sample hundreds of whiskies across its yearly line-up of whisky festivals across Australia.

Since its creation by David Ligoff and Larry Aronson in 2012, The Whisky Show has become the premier whisky festival in Australia. It’s a favourite for local and international exhibiting distillers, brands, and attendees alike, built on a simple idea of bringing the whisky community together to try exceptional whiskies. Prior to the inception of the first The Whisky Show, Ligoff and Aronson worked together co-founding Australia’s first whisky specialist retail store, World of Whisky. The Show has travelled to all parts of Australia, serving tens of thousands of whisky samples to over 55,000 whisky drinkers in the last decade.

The acquisition is part of The Whisky List’s ongoing commitment to enhancing consumers’ experience with whisky across Australia. “The Whisky List is thrilled to welcome David and The Whisky Show to our growing family of brands and experiences,” said Oliver Maruda, Co-Founder of The Whisky List. “We’ve been working in close partnership with The Whisky Show for several years now, initially with the development of the Show App, facilitating the rollout of virtual shows and events during COVID lockdowns, and assisting the running of their pop-up bottle shop at each Show. It was a natural fit for us to unite forces in this next phase of both of our company’s growth.”

The Whisky Show Australia will continue as a standalone brand. The deal includes The Whisky Show’s co-founder David Ligoff joining The Whisky List full time in the newly formed leadership role as Director Experiences & Events. “David has over 20 years of experience working in the liquor industry, with diverse experience including launching Australia’s first dedicated whisky retailer, World of Whisky, and running dozens of festivals and thousands of whisky tastings” said Maruda.

The Whisky List’s strategic acquisition of The Whisky Show aligns with its consumer-centric approach of catering to evolving consumer expectations, as well as capitalising on the robust growth of the liquor sector in e-commerce, and increasing demand for premium in-person whisky experiences.

“Whilst the last couple of years has been a time of innovation and optimisation for The Whisky List, we’ve updated our operating model to better service our growing customer needs to be in line with what global leaders in whisky retail, such as UK-based The Whisky Exchange, have transitioned towards. The Whisky List is now one of Australia’s fastest growing whisky companies. The direct-to-consumer online store boasts a growing distribution portfolio of local and international whisky brands and is now complemented by a premium in-person festival experience with the addition of The Whisky Show” said Maruda.

Sharing the announcement Ligoff says “We’re immensely proud of what The Whisky Show brand has accomplished. For over a decade over 55,000 Australians have discovered new whiskies and made new friends at our festivals” with Ligoff declaring “the TWL team has been a valuable partner for the last few years, helping us pivot quickly and stay connected by launching the first global virtual whisky festivals during lockdowns, as well as creating the world’s first whisky festival app which captures and shares real-time data on each SKU’s performance to our exhibiting brands. Through partnering on innovations such as these, we realised our united capabilities significantly enhanced the overall Show experience for both consumers and trade. I’m personally looking forward to the next decade of Whisky Shows in Australia with our continued single-minded purpose of providing Australian whisky lovers with their favourite whisky festival.”

Larry Aronson, who joined The Whisky List in 2021 to lead its import and distribution division, is excited to once again work with Ligoff. “David & I had an absolute blast together in the past, introducing new whisky brands into the Australian market. Having The Whisky Show join with The Whisky List feels like family reuniting, whilst enhancing our ability to build brands and maximise value to our customers and exhibitors.”

The Whisky Show runs its popular whisky festivals in capital cities across Australia. In 2022 and 2023, they introduced a series of niche whisky festivals. Returning for its third year is the cult-favourite Feis Ile – The Islay Festival, to be held on June 1st 2024, which will see favourite Scottish distilleries from Islay return to Melbourne to replicate the world’s most popular whisky festival down under. Held in partnership with the Feis Ile committee, the Melbourne event is the only official sister festival held at the same time for those who cannot make the annual pilgrimage to Islay, Scotland. Another niche festival is The American Whiskey Show, which is the largest whiskey festival in Australia dedicated to Bourbon, Rye, American Single Malt and Canadian Whiskeys. The USA Show will be returning to Sydney for its third year running and will be hosted in Melbourne for the first time this year. With well over 100 different whiskeys to taste, a rare whiskey bar, live blues band, and Texan slow cooked bbq brisket food truck, the festivals have evolved into unique experiences for fans of the bourbon and rye categories.

2024 Whisky Show Season

Tickets to all 2024 Whisky Shows are now available at: wsky.me/show2024

23 March 2024 – Adelaide Whisky Show

13 April 2024 – USA Whiskey Show (Melbourne)

18 May 2024 – Sydney Whisky Show

1 June 2024 – Feis Ile Islay Whisky Show (Melbourne)

22 June 2024 – Perth Whisky Show

6 July 2024 – Melbourne Whisky Show

20 July 2024 – Canberra Whisky Show

24 August 2024 – USA Whiskey Show (Sydney)

14 September 2024 – Brisbane Whisky Show

About The Whisky List

The Whisky List is Australia’s largest online whisky retailer, made by whisky lovers for whisky lovers. Established in 2018 as an online whisky search engine, they are now an influential force in the Australian whisky industry. They’ve worked with a host of Australian and international distillers through their virtual and in-person tastings, have released over 25 exclusive bottlings, and in their on-going partnership with The Whisky Show, travel Australia year-round showcasing some of the finest local and international whiskies.

Jack Daniel’s Launches New Batches of 12-Year-Old and 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 and 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3, available now in limited quantities across the US, are the latest releases in the brand’s annual Aged Series

Lynchburg, Tennessee (February 5, 2024) – The Jack Daniel Distillery today announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The expressions are the latest in the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions launched in 2021 to honor the brand’s whiskey-making traditions.

“Our Jack Daniel’s Aged Series has given us the opportunity to produce modern whiskeys that simultaneously capture the essence of the liquid Mr. Jack created over 150 years ago,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “These releases embody the artistry, passion and craftsmanship that define Jack Daniel’s legacy, and I’m excited for our friends to enjoy this year’s batches of special whiskeys.”

While batches within the Aged Series will have slight variations, the predominant notes of oak, butterscotch and tobacco can be found in each whiskey. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Batch 2 has predominant notes of pipe tobacco, oak, and butterscotch, while Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Batch 3 is oak-forward with layers of fruit and cocoa.

Both expressions were charcoal mellowed and aged in new, toasted, and charred American white oak barrels first in the upper floors of our barrelhouse before being relocated to the lower ricks to extend the maturation process. Both share the same grain bill as the classic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye.

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 is offered at 107 proof (53.5% abv) and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 at 97 proof (48.5% abv). They are available in limited quantities across the United States this month in 700 mL bottles for suggested retail prices of $94.99 and $84.99, respectively.

For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 53.5% alc. by vol. and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 48.5% alc. by vol., Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2024 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey unveils Bulleit American Single Malt

With a recycled glass bottle, Bulleit American Single Malt pays homage to the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 2024 – Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is announcing its entry into the rapidly growing American Single Malt category with the launch of Bulleit American Single Malt; a new and permanent addition to its family of whiskeys.

Distilled with a mash bill of 100% malted barley and aged in charred new American white oak barrels, Bulleit American Single Malt is the latest demonstration of the brand’s commitment to pushing the frontier of whiskey by experimenting with aging, finishing, and flavor nuances.

Bulleit American Single Malt delivers notes of sweet vanilla and toasted oak on the nose. On the palate, it is light and fruity with hints of red fruit and pear. At 90 proof (45% ABV) the whiskey follows into a smooth finish of oaky caramel and subtle cocoa notes.

A passion for sustainability, innovation, and design

As a brand that relies on natural resources to produce quality whiskeys, Bulleit has a long-standing history of pioneering sustainability and creativity within its portfolio, reducing its carbon footprint, and investing in restoring the natural resources that go into its production and packaging. This ongoing commitment is brought to life through the design of its Bulleit American Single Malt bottle. Staying true to its iconic, award winning style, Bulleit American Single Malt showcases a sustainably minded evolution of Bulleit’s trademark bottle with a striking and unique green hue, crafted with post-consumer recycled glass.

Bulleit’s dedication to sustainability began In 2017 when it opened a state-of-the-art distillery in Shelbyville, KY. It was designed with a focus on sustainable practices, including natural habitat protection, water conservation, and local ingredient sourcing. The bar at the distillery’s visitor experience is free from single-use plastics, and sources cocktail garnishes grown in the on-site garden.

After forging a partnership in 2020 with the nonprofit American Forests, Bulleit has committed to planting and restoring 2.5 million white oak trees by 2026. These trees will help replenish the natural white oak resource that is necessary for the creation of whiskey barrels, and will also help combat the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon, purifying air, and conserving water.

Later, in 2021, Bulleit began production at Diageo’s first carbon-neutral distillery, located in Lebanon, KY. Designed with sustainability at its core, the distillery operates using 100% renewable energy, and is built to ensure that fossil fuels are not used during production.

Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskies & Liqueurs at Diageo commented:

“Bulleit American Single Malt brings Bulleit’s restless innovation and passion for sustainability into this exciting new category that is set to make waves in the whiskey industry for years to come. With a 100% malted barley mash bill, and a striking green bottle created from post consumer recycled glass, this exceptional whiskey covers a lot of new ground for the brand. I believe we’ve succeeded in crafting a distinctive American Single Malt that whiskey lovers across the country will savor and enjoy.”

Bulleit American Single Malt is offered in a 750ml bottle for a suggested retail price of $59.99. It is available nationwide and at the Bulleit visitor experience in Shelbyville, KY. You can also check out the ‘where to buy‘ page

No matter where or how you decide to enjoy Bulleit American Single Malt, Bulleit reminds consumers 21+ to please remember to taste and serve responsibly.

About Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

Bulleit, founded in 1987, is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America. The brand attributes that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who have adopted it as their own. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste. The award-winning Kentucky whiskey most recently won a Double Gold medal for Bulleit 10-Year Old and Gold Medals for Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017, Bulleit celebrated its 30th anniversary with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art distillery located in Shelbyville, KY. Constructed with a focus on sustainable practices including natural habitat protection, water conservation and local ingredient sourcing. In 2019, a Visitor’s Centre at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened to share our modern, technological, and sustainable approach to making great whiskey. In 2021, Diageo opened its first carbon-neutral whiskey distillery in Lebanon, KY with Bulleit being the first and leading brand being produced at the site. supplementing existing production at the Bulleit Distilling Co. For more information, visit www.bulleit.com or follow @Bulleit on Instagram.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

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

Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

BALLANTINE’S CONTINUES ITS JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF ESPORTS WITH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PARTNERSHIP WITH DOTA 2

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dota 2, Ballantine’s has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that sees the iconic Scotch whisky come on board as the first spirits partner in Dota 2 history. Having launched fully in 2013, Dota 2 is one of the world’s most popular multiple online battle arena games welcoming millions of players worldwide each day. The partnership is the latest move by Ballantine’s in the gaming and esports space, following its debut partnership with Borderlands: The Game, and with BLAST.tv for the 10 year anniversary of the CS:GO Majors in Paris. Most recently, Ballantine’s teamed up with Tundra Esports as the Official Spirits Partner for the team’s title defence at The Dota 2 International 2023.

To kick off the partnership, Ballantine’s and Dota 2 will drop an exclusive short movie on 17^th October. The film features appearances from some of the game’s iconic characters as they head on an epic quest to collect several lost runes needed to get their hands on a dram of Ballantine’s. Exclusive to China, Ballantine’s will also be dropping two limited-edition Ballantine’s Finest x Dota 2 bottles featuring iconic characters from the game’s universe including Juggernaut, Lina, Monkey King, Marci, and Brewmaster.

Chivas Brothers’ Global Marketing Director of Ballantine’s, Mathieu Deslandes comments:

“Ballantine’s has a storied history of collaborating with the unexpected, especially partners who have stayed true to their original vision. Dota 2 is a globally iconic game, with a particularly big influence within China’s gaming community, so it was a no-brainer for us to work together during this historic year for the game. Esports is not just the future of entertainment, but the present, and this partnership is an exciting venture into the arena as part of our broader ambition to open up to new fans to celebrate moments that matter and connect fans both virtually and in real life.”

To further reinforce Ballantine’s commitment to the Dota 2 universe, the brand has teamed up with The International’s defending champions, Tundra Esports, as their Official Spirit Partner for 2023. The partnership will see Ballantine’s launch a series of bespoke behind the scenes content that gets up close and personal with the players, alongside the brand’s debut on Tundra’s The International official 2023 jersey.

Fans of Dota 2 will also be able to bring some of their most-played heroes into their own home, via a series of bespoke cocktails that celebrate each character’s unique abilities. To stay up to date with Ballantine’s x Dota 2 activities, keep an eye out on Ballantines.com.

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

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Releases Annual, Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Single Barrel Bourbon Bottle

The 2016 Vintage, 121 proof Bourbon is dipped in silver wax and features the 52^nd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin on the bottle’s neck

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 23, 2024) – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the eighth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 52^nd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a silver wax, the bottle features a special face label with the coordinating Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2024 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau, and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson, unveiled the official 2024 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping two of the limited-edition bottles.

Beginning February 23, the Bourbon will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $84.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2016 vintage is bottled at 121 proof, commemorating both the 69^th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 52^nd year of the Pegasus Pin. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is honored to host the annual bottle dipping of this limited Single Barrel release with the Kentucky Derby Festival,” said Jodie Filiatreau, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller. “We’re grateful for the Festival’s partnership especially as the Derby city celebrates the 150th running of this iconic race and the amazing events leading up to it.”

The Bourbon is matured in Heaven Hill’s rickhouses under the careful supervision of Master Distiller Conor O’ Driscoll, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“Our partnership with Evan Williams celebrates two things Kentucky is known for – bourbon and the Derby Festival season,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “This year’s Pegasus Pin honoring the 150th Kentucky Derby paired with the special-edition bottle will be a unique collector’s piece to commemorate a historic time in our city.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from March 28 – May 3.

ABOUT THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE:

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high-definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Heaven Hill Distillery Wins Back-to-Back Whisky Magazine Distiller of the Year Awards

The 2024 American Icons of Whisky celebrates the largest, independent distillery as best in country at World Whiskies Awards

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 15, 2024)– The Whisky Magazine American Icons of Whisky Awards announced Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s largest, independent American Whiskey distillery, as the 2024 Distiller of the Year at their annual awards banquet in Louisville, Ky. last Thursday. The award marks back-to-back wins for Heaven Hill in this globally acclaimed category. Sustainability Director Rachel Nally was also recognized as Highly Commended in the Sustainability Officer category. This was on top of being named as Sustainable Distiller of the Year in 2023.

The sequential wins emphasize Heaven Hill’s stature in the industry as the largest, independent distillery dedicated to quality and heritage. With more than two million barrels aging across 70 rickhouses, the distillery’s Bernheim facility in Louisville produces over 440,000 barrels of whiskey per year, in excess of 29 million proof gallons. The recognition also showcases Heaven Hill’s continued commitment to the whiskey industry, investing more than $200 million in the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Ky. slated for operation by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 10 million proof gallons (over 150,000 barrels) a year and will have capacity to increase production to 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s current distilling capacity at Bernheim in Louisville.

The new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery celebrated a major milestone last August with the installation of the first of three stills, crafted in Louisville by Vendome Copper. At 60 feet tall and weighing more than 22,000 pounds, this still is capable of producing 35,500 proof-gallons per day which is equal to more than 500 barrels per day. Crafted from copper, a material celebrated for its role in distillation due to its exceptional heat conductivity, the still represents a marriage of traditional and modern technology. Three Vendome stills of similar size have been operational at Bernheim since the last expansion of the distillery in 2017.

“As the largest, independent distillery, Heaven Hill is proud to carry forth the tradition of distilling American Whiskey and has been since 1935,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller. “The back-to-back Distiller of the Year award is emblematic of our distilling legacy and commitment to producing the best American Whiskeys across all styles.”

The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all the international recognized styles, awarding and promoting the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. In 2023, Heaven Hill was honored to win Distiller of the Year, Sustainable Distiller of the Year, and saw National Spirits Special Lynn House recognized as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. Also in 2023, Master Distiller Connor O’Driscoll was recognized as Highly Commended Master Distiller along with wins in the categories of World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922. In 2022 the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience won Visitor Attraction of the Year along with Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences Jeff Crowe winning Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. National Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers is also a past winner having taken home the prize for American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year three previous times.

“Being recognized as the best in the industry is an immense honor for Heaven Hill as the largest, independent distillery,” said Chief Marketing Officer Matt Blevins. “We congratulate our colleagues in the industry on their awards and wish everyone the best at the World’s Best competition later this year.”

Sustainability Director Rachel Nally joined Heaven Hill in 2019 and leads the company’s Environmental and Sustainability Team. An expert in the areas of cultivating sustainable practices and creating highly efficient and compliant operations, Rachel works tirelessly to ensure Heaven Hill is on track to reach milestones in the company’s 2030 Sustainability Goals. Most recently, Rachel’s efforts lead to Heaven Hill achieving not one, but two of the Environmental Protection Agency’s first ever ENERGY STAR certifications for the Bernheim Distillery and the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery in Buda, Texas.

THE MACALLAN COLLABORATES WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO LAUNCH AN EXCLUSIVE SENSORY EXPERIENCE TO MARK 200 YEARS YOUNG 

In celebration of the single malt’s “200 years young” milestone, The Macallan invites Cirque du Soleil to create a unique experience at The Macallan Estate

The exclusive sensory experience marries the unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship of The Macallan with Cirque du Soleil’s mastery in the performing arts

Guests to The Macallan Estate in Speyside will be transported into the extraordinary and unexpected world of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, a tale inspired by the Scottish Highlands

The experience will run daily – except Sundays – from 9 May to 31 May 2024

 To commemorate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, the renowned single malt Scotch whisky brand has come together with Cirque du Soleil to create a bespoke, theatrical and unforgettable experience. Drawing synergies from The Macallan’s unparalleled expertise in whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil’s indefinable mastery in the performing arts, the result is an unparalleled experience that marries the artistry of both worlds.

The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland – the 485 acres stretch of land in the Scottish Highlands that is home to the brand’s Distillery – will play host to this breathtaking experience. This scenic landscape offers a unique setting to enhance the engaging nature of the event, whilst providing a picturesque backdrop that complements the overarching narrative. With a highly limited run, the experience will run at 8:30pm daily – excluding Sundays – from 9-31 May 2024.

Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is an exclusive sensory experience which transports guests into the theatrical universe of the Scottish Highlands for an engaging journey. Taking individuals on a journey through taste, smell, sounds and feelings, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring performance, whilst feeling immersed in nature.

Jaume Ferràs, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “2024 marks a momentous year for The Macallan as it celebrates its bicentennial. Celebrating two centuries of unparalleled craftsmanship and tradition, this collaboration brings two iconic brands together, both dedicated to constant innovation; resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience which is uniquely inspired by the Highlands and the story of our brand so far.” 

“Bridging the gap between the art of whisky making and the spectacle of performing arts, creating an unforgettable experience that is deeply rooted in the nature that surrounds us at The Macallan, our rich history, and our bold vision for the future. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to our Estate, offering them the opportunity to take in an exclusive experience and a bespoke whisky tasting surrounded by nature, all unique to The Macallan.”

Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT moves guests through different environments of the narrative experience, immersing them in the feelings, scents, tastes and sounds of the bespoke journey. The experience tells the tale of how reconnecting with nature gives life a force to protect our natural world, offering breathtaking performances, intriguing stagecraft and signature tasting experiences at the Estate.

The story focuses on Davonna, a fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands, and a young colourist named Ayla. The daughter of a beloved Master Whisky Maker, Ayla has striven for years to recreate an elusive shade of red that reminds her of her father and the red chalk he would use in his work. Davonna leads their venture deep into the majestic natural landscapes of the realm and through a series of encounters with fantastical folkloric figures along the way, which culminates in a reconnection with nature.

Marie-Hélène Delage, Creative Director at Cirque Du Soleil, said: “Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is a spectacular collaboration based on mutual respect. Through harmony paralleled with nature and storytelling, we’ve forged a unique partnership that highlights the strengths of both of our brands. With this invitation, we’re welcoming guests to a transformative experience in the timeless beauty of The Macallan Estate. Together, we’ve written a tale that celebrates the beauty, wonder and deep connection we all share with the natural world.”

Information on the experience, along with timings and pricing, can be found below:

Location: The Macallan Estate in Speyside

Dates: 9 – 31 May 2024 with one experience per day, excluding Sundays

Ticket price: £200 per person

Timings: 8:30pm – 10:30pm

Link to purchase HERE

Further information

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.

An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.

The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

For further information visit themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity.

Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com

Bladnoch distillery partners with Enotria&Coe

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has partnered with leading wine and spirits distributor Enotria&Coe to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand across the UK.

As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Enotria&Coe to expand the distillery’s core portfolio into new accounts throughout Bladnoch’s home market.

Over the coming months, Bladnoch and Enotria&Coe will work together to expand the brand across all UK channels, with a primary focus upon premium on-trade, independent wholesalers and prestige retail.

Established in 1817, Bladnoch is the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery, and master distiller Dr Nick Savage, who leads Bladnoch’s taste-first approach to whisky making.

Bladnoch whiskies are now available in more than 40 markets worldwide, including Australia, Taiwan and the United States.

Glen Gribbon, CEO at Bladnoch, said: “Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique, and as a result we have seen demand for Bladnoch grow at pace in recent years.

“Enotria&Coe prioritises building strong, long-standing relationships with customers and producers, an ethos which aligns seamlessly with ours, given Bladnoch distillery’s 207-year history. We look forward to beginning our journey with Enotria&Coe’s distribution team to expand our customer base and help more consumers discover our signature Lowland style.”

Ants Rixon, managing director at Enotria&Coe, said:

“As part of our strategy to grow a small, but perfectly formed spirits brands agency portfolio, we are delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with Bladnoch in the UK.

“The company’s ethos of embracing history and learning from it, innovating at all levels and aspiring to always do better (in partnership) resonates very clearly with what we are both trying to achieve.

“Our teams are excited to be working together and we can’t wait to showcase Bladnoch at our Annual Tasting on Monday 26^th February.”

Bladnoch’s partnership with Enotria&Coe, established on 1^st February 2024, follows the appointment of Bladnoch’s first brand ambassador.

Actor Mark Rannoch, whose stage and screen credits include the global hit TV series, Outlander, joined Bladnoch last month [January]. He made his debut appearance at Bladnoch’s inaugural Burns Supper and will help to promote the brand worldwide.

Bladnoch’s signature whisky Vinaya takes its name from the Sanskrit word for respect and gratitude, paying homage to the distillery’s founders, who paved the way for Bladnoch’s exciting new era.

The distillery’s core range also includes Liora, Samsara, Alinta, Bladnoch 11-Year-Old, Bladnoch 14-Year-Old, Bladnoch 19-Year-Old and Bladnoch 30-Year-Old.

With this exciting new era comes a pipeline of innovation from Dr Nick Savage including The Dragon Series, a collection of five exceptional single malt whiskies that celebrate the natural unpredictability and captivating beauty of the whisky making craft.

Hand-crafted from the pristine waters of the River Bladnoch, which flow alongside the distillery, Bladnoch whiskies are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

Join Enotria&Coe and Bladnoch on Monday 26^th February to taste through the range at Enotria&Coe’s Annual Portfolio Tasting at The Brewery, London. To register, click HERE

For more information, visit https://bladnoch.com.

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.

About Enotria&Coe 

Enotria&Coe is the UK’s leading premium wine and spirits distributor.

With a portfolio of over 300 exclusive wine producers and over 1,500 spirits producers, Enotria&Coe supplies 12,000 on-trade sites across the UK. Enotria&Coe’s client base includes fine dining, specialist bars, hotels and events venues, such as Gordon Ramsay Group, Tom Kerridge, The Dorchester Collection and Lord’s Cricket Ground.