Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Welcomes Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company as Newest Craft Member

Veteran-Owned Company Relies on Core Values and Local Bourbon Heritage to Create Jobs and Expand Tourism

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

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company was founded by veteran Greg Keeley, who said he relies on two things as he and his wife, Katie, grow their business: their core Navy values and Anderson County’s Bourbon heritage.

“Our team is a wonderful collaboration of experienced industry hands and others with a love of Bourbon and extraordinary skills,” Greg Keeley said. “As we grow, our commitment is to ensure 50% of our crew are those who have served, first responders and nursing professionals.”

Born in Australia, Greg Keeley is a retired service-disabled Navy Combat Veteran who was commissioned in both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, serving in combat roles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pacific and Middle East area operations. Katie Keeley is a reserve officer.

He said LBC is certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Combat Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, the only distillery in the U.S. so accredited.

Located at 1319 Versailles Road in Lawrenceburg, the new LBC campus includes a distillery, tasting room, gift shop, tours, private barrel room, private cask selections and a Bourbon and cocktail bar.

KDA President Eric Gregory thanked the Keeleys for their service to our country and said, “LBC is more than just Bourbon. They have a mission to serve others and because of that mission, they are going to make a difference for so many Kentuckians.”

“When people like the team at LBC decide to join our Kentucky Bourbon family, they instantly see that the desire to serve and help is reciprocal. Our industry stands strong because we never stop helping each other. We’re proud and honored to welcome them to the KDA.”

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company produces several Kentucky Bourbon and Rye whiskies, including One Cask Bourbon, Very Small Batch Bourbon, One Cask Rye, Ten X Ten Rye, High Wheat Rye, Empirical Series and Bourbon Cream.

Learn more at https://lawrenceburgbourbon.com.

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 60 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.

“I am astonished everyday by the generosity of folks in the Bourbon industry,” Greg Keeley said.

“It has made a tremendous impact on how we operate. One piece of advice that was proffered over and over – join the KDA. The team at LBC have already benefited from heeding that recommendation.”

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

 Spiritory launches world’s first Live-marketplace App for Whisky Enthusiasts and Collectors.

− Spiritory, the first live marketplace for Whisky, allows users to discover, manage, buy, and sell on any device. Whether smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

− The app version brings the innovative simplicity and transparency of the Spiritory website to the app, fulfilling one of the biggest customer requests.

− The website has been completely revamped with a new design and a variety of new functions and inspiration options.

Munich: Spiritory is expanding its offering: customers can now discover, manage, buy, and sell the worlds sought-after whiskies and spirits via the app. Spiritory is fulfilling one of its customers’ greatest wishes and bringing its simple and transparent platform to all devices. Also Spiritory.com gets and extensive update, including many new functions and an overhauled design.

“Spiritory is the first marketplace to launch with a focus on easy-trading, time savings and real-time market prices and has inspired thousands of users in Germany already,” Janis Wilczura, co-founder of Spiritory says. “We are now expanding our offering and showing how easy whisky-trading can be, from the palm of your hands. We are giving even more collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to manage their collection and buy and sell within seconds.”

Over 20,000 whiskies and spirits can be traded on Spiritory and by using a unique stock-market-like model, whisky trading is now easier than ever before. Another new feature are notifications, which allows users to keep up to date at any time. While there wasn’t much to discover on the previous website, the app and new website now offers countless opportunities to get inspired or inspire others. Registering is made easy, as users only need an e-mail address.

Discover the world of whisky at any time and from any device. The Spiritory app is now available for iOS in the App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

The Kentucky State of Bourbon: Steady Growth, Record Taxes

Distillers See Stable Growth Yet Face Record Production Costs & Highest-Ever Barrel Tax Burden As Inflation Roars

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that the number of newly filled barrels of Bourbon in Kentucky continued a steady growth of 3% last year, but distillers are now paying four times as much in barrel taxes than they have aging barrels.

Despite a new milestone of 12.6 million barrels of aging Bourbon, companies remain held back by historically high production costs from inflation that caused barrel taxes to skyrocket to more than $50 million this year, a record 30% increase over the previous year.

With double-digit cost increases in Bourbon inputs like grain, cooperage and labor, barrel taxes have more than doubled in the last five years, soaring 122%. Since 2010, barrel taxes have thundered 316% and continue to escalate at a rapid and untenable pace.

Bourbon industry leaders and advocates are emphasizing that this year’s unprecedented barrel valuation of $6.7 billion and resulting barrel taxes are the exact reason the compromise House Bill 5 was so important in the legislative session.

“Last session, Kentucky’s family of distillers argued that disaster was coming for the home-grown industry if elected officials didn’t do something to reign in the ever-growing discriminatory barrel tax,” said KDA President Eric Gregory.

“Thankfully, the Governor and our champions in the General Assembly saw where this was headed and found a sensible compromise to fix the barrel tax while protecting schools and local communities,” he said.

“This year’s barrel report – and the resulting massive barrel tax liability – prove their work was necessary and sets the Bourbon industry on a path to sustainability in Kentucky instead of across our border.”

The bipartisan House Bill 5 compromise signed into law earlier this year phases out the barrel tax over 20 years while protecting funds for schools, fire departments and EMS districts, and gives local governments plenty of time to plan and diversify their tax base.

“Everyone recognized the astonishing tax liability distillers are facing is unsustainable and would be for any business,” said Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Without our signature industries like Bourbon, Kentucky will lose.”

“We applaud our elected officials in Frankfort who have embarked on a winning strategy to set Kentucky up for the future. From record economic development to tax reform to rethinking how we retain businesses and employees, they are doing the hard work – including last year’s bipartisan House Bill 5 compromise – to strengthen Kentucky for generations to come.”

The new numbers are based on inventories reported as of Jan. 1, 2023, submitted to the Kentucky Department of Revenue for tax purposes and includes all distilling companies in Kentucky, the vast majority of which are KDA member distilleries.

Total new production increased slightly to 2.7 million barrels, the fifth year in a row that distillers have filled more than 2 million. Total inventory, when counting Bourbon and other spirits like brandy, was 13.3 million barrels, also a record. Total barrel taxes were $50.2 million.

“Bourbon is a manufacturing powerhouse every state would love to recruit,” said Frank Jemley, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. “We were losing that competition as distillers faced massive increases in the barrel tax, unique to Kentucky, year after year.

“This year’s numbers are more of the same – steady production growth met with an immense barrel tax liability. But now, with a plan in place to phase out the tax, distillers are looking far into the future right here in Kentucky rather than elsewhere.

“That means more jobs and investment for our Commonwealth, and we’re grateful to the leaders in Frankfort who got it done,” added Jemley.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

(L-R: Edward Odim, George McNeil, Becca Smith)

ACEO APPOINTS INAUGURAL CEO TO SPEARHEAD GROWTH

Aceo Limited, a leading  independent whisky bottler and provider of cask whisky management services, has announced a new chapter in its journey, with a major new appointment. Founder and Managing Director, Edward Odim, is transitioning to Chairman, paving the way for one of Scotland’s leading luxury brand directors, George McNeil, to become its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, for 25 years Aceo has been steadily building its business centred around cask whisky services as well as its own spirit brands which includes flagship Murray McDavid range of premium Scotch whisky. The company has several whisky maturation warehouses in Speyside, including 40,000 casks at Royal Brackla Distillery. Aceo is also reviving the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery in Speyside, with plans to return whisky production to the site and develop a state-of-the-art visitor attraction that honours its Victorian heritage.

Edward Odim, who has been at the helm of Aceo since its inception, has been instrumental in establishing the company’s reputation for whisky and its strong spirit brands, said:

“I am very pleased to welcome George McNeil as our new CEO. His proven track record in Scottish luxury brands and sales will help steer Aceo into an ambitious future, turbocharging a new era of growth focusing on premiumisation of our brands. With George as CEO, this is the perfect time for me to step into the Chairman role, focusing on strategic oversight and leading our Dallas Dhu Distillery project, whilst George helps to drive forward our brands and their sales.”

George McNeil brings innovative leadership skills and a wealth of luxury brand experience to his new role. For the last 17 years, he has been the Managing Director of the Retail Division at world -renowned heritage cashmere brand Johnstons of Elgin. In this role as part of the Senior Management Team, he helped double turnover to £100m with luxury retail flagship store openings in locations from London to Edinburgh.  George also chaired the internal Sustainability Group, which supported the delivery of Johnstons of Elgin becoming a B Corp. His passion for whisky showcased in his recent role as the Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, positions him perfectly to lead Aceo in the next chapter of its history.

Commenting on his new role, Mr McNeil said:

“After 17 wonderful years at world-renowned luxury Speyside textiles company Johnstons of Elgin, I am looking forward to this next chapter where I can combine my experience of retail, sustainable Scottish luxury and importantly, whisky, to build on Aceo’s record and develop the premiumisation and global reach of their expansive portfolio alongside their team. I can’t think of a better way to start 2025.”

ABOUT ACEO

Aceo Limited has been in the Scotch whisky industry for 25 years and has built its own successful spirit brands which are sold around the world – including the award-winning and well-established Murray McDavid whisky. Aceo provides a wide range of B2B services including bottling, label design, cask storage and management, logistics and exports. Aceo has its HQ near Edinburgh but also has strong and longstanding ties with Scotland’s whisky production capital, Speyside. In addition to its whisky maturation warehouses at Kinloss, Coleburn and Royal Brackla (together holding approximately 70,000 casks), Aceo has a Craft Bottling Hall at Dandaleith near Craigellachie.  Aceo is reviving the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery in Speyside, originally built in 1898 and closed since 1983, with plans to return whisky production to the site and develop a state-of-the-art visitor attraction that honours its Victorian heritage.

Aceo is transforming the historic Old Bank in Forres, Moray, into a vibrant whisky hub featuring a bar, restaurant, whisky shop and tasting rooms. Other assets in Speyside include; Dallas Dhu House in Forres, Parkmore Distillery Manager’s House in Dufftown, an old stone-ruined Bothy in the Glenrinnes hills and Tide’s Edge Cottage and Beach Huts in Findhorn.

• Aceo also owns  The Murray McDavid Boat a 60ft traditional ex-pilot wooden boat on the River Clyde in Glasgow which hosts whisky tastings and events
• Click here for more information about Murray McDavid and ULTRA: Masterpieces of Time launch video here.
• Click here for more information on Dallas Dhu Distillery Project

For more information on Aceo Limited visit https://www.aceo.co.uk

Aceo Spirits: X, Facebook, LinkedIn Instagram,

Murray McDavid: X, Facebook, LinkedIn Instagram.

Elijah Craig Returning as ‘Official Bourbon’ of 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy to feature signature cocktails and engaging consumer activations.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Elijah Craig Bourbon is proud to return as the “Official Bourbon” of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. One of the fastest growing spirits in the U.S., Elijah Craig has gained a loyal following for its award-winning family of Bourbons and American Whiskeys. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been designated a PGA TOUR Signature Event in 2024. The result is a reimagined tournament and an unbeatable fan experience, with a central focus on the top players from the TOUR competing at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.

As the Official Bourbon partner, Elijah Craig will activate on the Triangle Plaza in the heart of Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of two Monterey Peninsula golf courses making up the tournament grounds. At the Triangle’s “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy,” spectators can taste the distinctive warm spice & smooth flavor of Elijah Craig Small Batch, enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, and engage in photo opportunities after signing their name on an interactive signature wall. Throughout the course at general concessions, fans can also find Elijah Craig featured in the Elijah Craig Signature Old Fashioned. Offsite, consumers in the area will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship. Elijah Craig will further support the partnership with an investment in digital advertising and across social media channels.

“Team Elijah Craig embodies the striver mindset of those endeavoring to achieve greatness and master their craft whether that is in the boardroom or the golf course,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Group Product Director. “Players participating in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament are the best in their field and we look forward to celebrating their greatness at this PGA TOUR Signature Event.”

One of the most exciting events on the PGA TOUR, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is contested annually in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers and features a mix of professional golfers and amateurs. The tournament and host organization, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is proud to share that the Foundation donated nearly $18 million to over 200 nonprofits in the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties during their last fiscal year.

Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO and Tournament Director, Steve John, added “We’re thrilled Elijah Craig is returning to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Fans and spectators will once again be able to enjoy watching the best names in golf with the best name in Bourbon. We’re grateful for the Elijah Craig partnership and will cheers to another successful year together this week at venues throughout the course.”

With golf consumers twice as likely to drink Bourbon compared to the average consumer, the Elijah Craig Bourbon partnership with AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am offers a strong fit for the brand as it continues to cement its name in the world of golf through the 19^th Hole Campaign. The campaign extends the fan experience beyond the course including premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media, consumer contests, and in-store displays rounding out the 360-degree program. The brand also is proud to be named Official Bourbon of the PGA of America, PGA Championship, Women’s KPMG PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup as well as “The Official Bourbon” of PGA TOUR Pro Golfer Max Homa and Sports Broadcaster Amanda Balionis Renner.  

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern-day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Today, Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of more than $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Welcomes Buzzard’s Roost

as Newest Craft Member

Micro Distillery Brings A Mix of Tradition and Innovation to Louisville’s Booming Bourbon Community

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) today announced Buzzard’s Roost Spirits as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Buzzard’s Roost Spirits, established by co-founders Judith Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner, as a contract distilled brand now is also a micro distillery nestled on Whisky Row in downtown Louisville.

“Building our business on the esteemed Whiskey Row in Louisville was a dream come true for us and we are so excited to now be able to join the Kentucky Distillers’ Association,” said co-founder, Judith Hollis Jones.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of fellow distillers. That’s what is so special about this work, the Bourbon community and the impact we can have on the wider community when we attract tourism and grow our business.”

Jones and Brauner, both native Kentuckians and Bourbon lovers, met doing barrel picks for independent ventures – Brauner’s Bourbon’s Bistro and Judy’s consultancy focused on client gifts.

Jason had been steeped in the bourbon community for almost 20 years ,with a culinary background, had returned to Kentucky and was looking for an entrepreneurial venture. Together they decided it was time to step into building a bourbon brand.

“We researched all aspects of the industry for a little more than two years to ensure we could start with knowledge,” said Jones.

“We have grown our brand by acquisition of aged whiskey from MGP and others and are preparing for the future with new make produced by Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distillery.”

“From the beginning, the makers at Buzzard’s Roost embraced the traditions that make Kentucky Bourbon such a powerhouse. Working alongside other distillers, they found a new way to share the spirit we love so much,” said Eric Gregory, President of KDA.

“When new members join, we help them explore the future, and I am confident Buzzard’s Roost will be a part of Louisville’s Bourbon community for years to come, bringing new jobs and tourism to the state’s largest city.”

Buzzards Roost joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year.

The KDA now has more than 60 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.

Buzzard’s Roost produces Buzzard’s Roost Barrel Strength Bourbon, Buzzard’s Roost Toasted American Oak Bourbon, Buzzard’s Roost Char # 1 Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon for private selection, RYE, Buzzard’s Roost Barrel Strength Rye, Buzzard’s Roost Toasted Barrel Rye and Buzzard’s Roost Char #1 Rye.

Learn more at https://www.buzzardsroostwhiskey.com

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KDA Statement

on Delay of Bourbon Tariff Increase

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As the worldwide voice for Bourbon, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and our 102 distilling and partner member companies welcome the news that the European Union will delay reimposing tariffs on American whiskey and other goods from the United States for another 15 months.

The retaliatory tariffs were set to double to 50% on January 1, 2024, which would have caused a devastating blow to our signature industry and the 22,500 hard-working Kentuckians it employs, as well as the countless wholesalers, retailers, and supply chain partners in E.U. countries that count on its future well-being.

As a reminder, the trade dispute that provoked these retaliatory tariffs has nothing to do with the Kentucky Bourbon or American whiskey industry. U.S. and E.U. spirits exporters had enjoyed duty-free access to each other’s markets for more than two decades, which had greatly benefited both spirits producers and consumers, and resulted in increased exports, jobs and consumer choice.

To that end, we strongly urge E.U. and U.S. officials to permanently end the tariffs sooner than later. Our signature industry has worked hard to recover and regain footing from the last short-term suspension of tariffs. As Bourbon takes years of aging to perfect, a permanent solution will bring certainty to our distillers as they look to continued growth and investments in international markets.

We appreciate and applaud the efforts of the Biden administration and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to secure the extended suspension of the tariffs. We look forward to the day when we can return to free and fair trade and our main business of making the world’s finest whiskey.

KDA President Eric Gregory

E.U. statement here

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Raise a dram to Rabbie Burns with Bladnoch

As the world prepares to celebrate the life and work of iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Thursday 25th January 2024, Bladnoch has recommended some of its finest Lowland malt whiskies to toast Scotland’s national bard this Burns Night.

Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland and one of the closest to where Burns spent his life in Dumfries & Galloway. The water which gave life to this historic distillery sustained the whiskies of Burns’ era, making Bladnoch the ideal dram to complement Burns Suppers this January.

The Bladnoch Classic Collection is expertly handcrafted by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage and his team, using water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery. All four whiskies – Vinaya, Liora, Samsara and Alinta – are natural in colour and non-chill filtered, to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

Bladnoch Vinaya, 70cl, 46.7% ABV, £50 / AUD $100 / USD $70

Vinaya, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to Bladnoch Distillery’s original founders who paved the way for the brand’s exciting new era of innovation and production.

Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, Bladnoch Vinaya is matured in a unique combination of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, a process which creates notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch Liora, 70cl, 52.2% ABV, £70 / AUD $125 / USD $90

The name Liora has its origins in Hebrew, meaning ‘the gift of light’. The latest addition to the Classic Collection, Bladnoch Liora is matured in a combination of bourbon and new oak casks and is the first of the brand’s releases to be bottled at distiller’s strength of 52.2% ABV.

Liora embodies the delicate balance between the intensity of the new oak and the sweetness of the bourbon casks, resulting in flavours of fresh cut apples, toasted caramel, peppery spices and fresh oak.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch Samsara, 70cl, 46.7% ABV, £80 / AUD $160 / USD $100

Bladnoch Samsara, meaning ‘rebirth’, is a full-bodied and fragrant blend of malts matured in Californian red wine and ex-bourbon casks.

Rich and sweet with notes of vanilla, fudge and citrus, this unique non-age-statement malt whisky is the perfect dram for the dark winter months.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers. 

Bladnoch Alinta, 70cl, 47% ABV, £80 / AUD $160 / USD $100

Alinta, an indigenous word from several southeast Australian language groups, means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of campfire embers found in each sip.

A sweet, smoky, peated spirit, Bladnoch Alinta takes its flavour from maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry and ex-bourbon casks, which sets this whisky apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers. 

Tasting Notes

 Bladnoch Vinaya

Colour: Summer barley field.

Nose: Sweet floral grass with boiled sweets.

Palate: Fresh green apples and chocolate with a hint of pepper.

Finish: Light and refreshing.

Bladnoch Liora

Colour: Natural.

Nose: Fresh cut apples, with toasted caramel and floral notes.

Palate: Caramelised toffee apples with peppery spices and fresh cut oak.

Finish: Long, with a slightly warming dryness.

Bladnoch Samsara

Colour: Copper gold.

Nose: Vanilla cream, floral with fresh cut apples.

Palate: Thick vanilla fudge, sweet floral grass.

Finish: Rich, mouth coating, leading to refreshing citrus.

Bladnoch Alinta

Colour: Copper.

Nose: Smoky ice cream, delicate floral with sweet oak.

Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds and raisins with a white chocolate body.

Finish: Long with a sweet smoke.

 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.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY RELEASES THIRD BATCH OF ANNUAL CASK STRENGTH BOURBON WHISKEY

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (December 2023) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s oldest distillery, today announces the return of its award-winning Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Now in its third year, the annual cask strength offering showcases the excellence in craft distilling bourbon enthusiasts have come to expect from A. Smith Bowman Distillery.

A.Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon is the result of continuous year-long tastings to blend the best barrels available. Hand-selected by Distiller David Bock, this year’s release is 135.1 proof and aged a minimum of nine years.

“When tasting through our barrel inventory, the 9-year-old barrels had a wonderful complexity and sweetness that I wanted to incorporate in this blend,” said Bock. “We believe our Cask Strength Whiskey is about crafting the best possible cask strength whiskey we can provide from our stocks. I’m excited for fans to try this year’s release!”

Bottled uncut and non chill-filtered, this bourbon boasts aromas of candy apples and strong maple; the palate offers pronounced sweet raisins and vanilla flavors, followed by toasted toffy. The tasting experience starts with very soft notes that continue to build toward a strong crispy finish indicative of higher proof bourbon.

A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #3 will be available in select markets in the United States, as well as through an online lottery. The online lottery will begin on January 3, 2024 at noon EST and ends January 10, 2024 at noon EST. The lottery is open nationwide, but winners MUST be able to purchase bottles in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop within three weeks of winning. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected January 12, 2024, and notified by email immediately following the selection. Bottles are packaged in 750 mL and available at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (local taxes and fees apply).  For more information, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. 

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

WYOMING WHISKEY DEBUTS “MADE OF WYOMING” CAMPAIGN

77 Ventures Creative develops the first brand campaign for Edrington’s Wyoming Whiskey

KIRBY, Wyo.  [December 4, 2023] – Wyoming Whiskey captures the soul-stirring vistas of Wyoming, the state at the heart of the whiskey brand, in their most extensive campaign to date, “Made of Wyoming.” Reinforcing Wyoming Whiskey’s position as America’s premium craft bourbon, the campaign showcases Wyoming’s vast landscapes and rugged beauty, from the Bighorn Basin to the Teton Range, and highlights craftsmanship, western tradition, and the sense of adventure intrinsic to the craft distiller and its home state. 

“Made of Wyoming” was developed by Wyoming Whiskey’s longtime agency partner, 77 Ventures Creative, who collaborated with production company Boomshot on an array of mixed-media assets. Footage and imagery for the campaign come from 7 years of shooting across the state — captured at the Mead Ranch in Jackson, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Parks, and the Wyoming Whiskey Distillery in Kirby. 

Michael Haje, President and Creative Director of 77 Ventures Creative and Boomshot founder, says of the campaign, “It’s another great creative opportunity from Wyoming Whiskey. The chance to tell its authentic brand story, show the whiskey world where we’re from, and demonstrate the impact of our very different environment on our bourbon.”  

Jack Bauer, Senior Brand Manager for Wyoming Whiskey, says of the campaign, “It’s exciting to launch our first ever brand Campaign and communicate why Wyoming Whiskey stands alone. The whiskey is a reflection of the state. Its people, landscape, and weather create one of the most unique whiskeys in the world, and we are delighted to share its story through the “Made of Wyoming” campaign.”

About Wyoming Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey is ‘Made of Wyoming’. At its distillery in Kirby, WY, we distill the finest corn, wheat, barley, rye, and water from the Big Horn Basin to craft a spirit that carries with it the character of the region, and of the Mead family, who first came to the state as ranchers in 1890. In the past decade, Wyoming Whiskey has earned recognition for its high-quality bourbon and rye whiskeys, including its Small Batch and Outryder expressions, as well as a range of sought-after limited editions, most notably The Grand and National Parks series. To learn more, visit http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com . 

About Edrington

Edrington’s vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands.

The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, and Wyoming Whiskey and Noble Oak in the American Whiskey category. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements. 

Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Mexico City, Miami and Orange County.

Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £343 million to charitable causes since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence. 

About 77 Ventures

To venture is to dare. 

77 Ventures is an independent, full-service creative company based in New York and Nashville with a mission to create powerful brand stories for partners who inspire us. 

Our approach is fearless, strategic, and dynamic, honed by years of working with the most legendary names in sports, lifestyle, and beyond.

Find out more about 77 Ventures here:

Witness Me 

Jenny Hollowell

+1 917 733 5832

jenny@witnessme.com 

Agency and Production Credits

Agency: 77 Ventures Creative 

Production Co: Boomshot
President: Michael Haje 

Managing Director: Meredith Weiss 

CD/Writer: Michael Haje

CCO: Galen Bernard 

Head of Design: Alan Leusink 

CD/ Writer: Brendan Gillen

Executive Producer: Kim Daniels 

Head of Production: Krysia Johnstone 

Director of Photography: Will Atherton 

Editor/Photographer: Connor Cassidy 

Colorist: Rob Bessette / Color Refinery 

Sound/Mix:  Rick Van Benschoten 

VO: Will Brood 

Product Photographer: Mark Loader 

Print Producer: Josette Lata 

Group Account Director: Laura Ericksen 

Assistant Account Executive / Social Media Coordinator: Eva Speaker