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  

Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey | Festive Spirits

and American Classics Achieves $2.3 Million
With 99% of Lots Sold

Historic and Rare Whiskey Captivates Buyers,
Representing Three Record-Breaking Lots in the Sale, Including:

A $200,000 The Glenturret Eight Decades by James Turrell 41.5 ABV

Never Before Seen at Auction

&

A $56,250 LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year Old Barrel #1 67.6 ABV

&

A $37,500 Rathskeller Rye 136 Proof 1983

Auction Marks the Highest Number of Bids Ever Placed in a Sotheby’s Spirits Sale

NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2023 – Sotheby’s auction of Whisky & Whiskey | Festive Spirits and American Classics concluded on Saturday, realizing a total of $2.3 million, with an impressive 99% of lots sold, and nearly half above their pre-sale high estimates. The sale attracted interest from bidders across 21 countries, with more than 91% of buyers choosing to purchase online.

Speaking after the sale, Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, said: “This weekend represented a great success for the market, with Sotheby’s final whiskey auction for the year in New York setting a number of new records, not least for Red Hook Rye. This sale garnered the highest number of bids ever placed on a Sotheby’s spirits auction, and contributed to a total of $9M in sales globally over the last 4 weeks alone. We look forward to building upon this result for our first ever Sotheby’s Whiskey Evening Sale on 20 January 2024.”

Saturday’s sale saw exceptional achievements from Bourbon and Rye as well as from prominent collectors in the Spirits industry. Read below for a breakdown of the record-breaking highlights…

The Glenturret Eight Decades by James Turrell 41.5 abv NV (1 BT 70cl), sold for $200,000 (est. $60,000 – $100,000)

The Glenturret, Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery, presents Eight Decades, a collaboration with Lalique and renowned American artist James Turrell, who is famed worldwide for working with light and space to create artworks that engage viewers with the limits and wonder of human perception.

The Eight Decades decanter was created as a celebration of the artist’s 80th year and a poetic tribute to generations of craftsmanship – both The Glenturret distillery (since 1763), and Lalique’s master glassmakers (since 1888). The shape and colour of the bottle, which has a neck injected with violet crystal, created a technical difficulty for the Lalique artisans in Alsace, ensuring that the crystal be evenly distributed to offer a transparency that would magnify the amber-coloured whisky inside.

The whisky was selected by The Glenturret’s Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno using insight from his conversations with James. Drawn from eight casks, ranging from 1987 through to 1998, each represents a different facet of the eight decades of James Turrell’s life, his character and vocation.

Proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to the Roden Crater foundation.

LeNell’s Red Hook Rye 23 Year Old Barrel #1 67.6 ABV, sold for $56,250 (est. $20,000 – $30,000)

In the 2000s, LeNell Santa Ana Camacho owned a specialty liquor store in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Ahead of her time, she reveled in American whiskey: She not only carried brands like Pappy Van Winkle in her shop, but she traveled to Kentucky to see how she could source more. On one of those trips, she met Drew Kulsveen of the Willett distillery; they got to talking, and soon the two were selecting four barrels of rye whiskey, aged between 23 and 24 years and bottled at cask strength. It was a great choice: the barrels came from a legendary run of whiskey distilled at the Bernheim Distillery, in Louisville, in the early 1980s. Other legendary whiskeys came from the same batch, like Rathskeller Rye and the Bitter Truth, but LeNell’s Red Hook Rye has emerged as the most distinctive and sought after American whiskey, perhaps of all time. To top it all off, this bottle is signed by LeNell herself.

Rathskeller Rye 136 Proof 1983 (1 BT 75cl), sold for $37,500 (est. $18,000 – $24,000)

Built by two German immigrants in an opulent European style, the Seelbach is Louisville’s grandest hotel. In its basement sits the Rathskeller, a ceramic-encrusted pub that today is used as a ballroom. In 2007 the hotel’s owners commissioned the Willett Distillery to bottle two whiskeys, a bourbon and a rye, to commemorate its rich history. The 24-year-old rye, known as Rathskeller, came from the same run of whiskey that went into bottles like Doug’s Green Ink and LeNell’s Red Hook Rye – legendary company befitting one of the country’s most desired whiskeys.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announces New Board Officers, Directors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Jessica Pendergrass of Heaven Hill Distilleries has been elected Chair of the 143-year-old non-profit trade group that unites, promotes and protects the signature Kentucky Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Pendergrass, who is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill, will begin her term Jan. 1, 2024, and serve through December 2024. The KDA Board of Directors elected officers during its Annual Meeting last month in Louisville.

Pendergrass first served as Chair in 2020, leading KDA through the global pandemic when the industry came together to create hand sanitizer and fill the supply chain void. She was the third woman to ever serve as Chair of the KDA Board of Directors when she assumed the role in 2020.

“The KDA leads the way for Kentucky Bourbon, America’s native spirit, and to be given the opportunity to serve as Board Chair once again is an honor,” Pendergrass said. “We have a bold strategic plan that will cement Kentucky Bourbon and KDA as the voice of this signature industry and spirit around the world.

“It’s such a dynamic time for our industry, and I’m ready once again to lead us forward.”

Pendergrass was the first woman to receive the KDA’s Esprit de Corps award for camaraderie in the distilled spirits industry in 2020 during her term as Chair. She also is the founder of the KDA’s DEI Advisory Panel to the distilled spirits industry and she led the formation of the KDA’s Lifting Spirits non-profit arm.

Pendergrass also represents Heaven Hill on the board of the American Distilled Spirits Alliance in D.C. She is the executive sponsor of Heaven Hill’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.

The Board named Ken Lewis of New Riff Distilling as Vice Chair; Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Louisville Distilling Co. as Secretary; and Ryan Ashley, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Distillery Operations at Four Roses as Treasurer.

Other Board officers include Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman, the Immediate Past Chairman; Ray Franklin, Founder and President of Garrard County Distilling Co., representing “Proof” level members; and Lynne Dant, Head Distiller, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Log Still Distillery, representing “Craft” level members.

Other Board members for 2024 include:

• Bardstown Bourbon Co.: Mark Erwin, President and CEO
• Castle & Key Distillery: Will Arvin, Co-Founder
• Diageo North America: Antoine Smith, Vice President of Distillation and Maturation North America
• James B. Beam Distilling Co.: Crady deGolian, Director of Public Affairs
• Lux Row Distillers: Erika Lapish, Vice President of Human Resources
• Michter’s Distillery: Andrea Wilson, Chief Operating Officer & Master of Maturation
• Rabbit Hole Distillery: Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Whiskey Maker & CEO
• White Dog Trading & Storage: Tyler Harris, President
• Wild Turkey: Marco Barassi, Government Relations and Sustainability Director, North America
• Willett Distillery: Britt Kulsveen, President
• Jackson Purchase Distillery: David Salmon, Chief Operating Officer
• Kentucky Artisan Distillery: Jade Peterson, Master Distiller
• Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.: Robert Krass, Managing Director
• Moonshine University: Clay Smith, Distillery Operations Manager

KDA President Eric Gregory, who is finishing his 16th year leading the historic organization, said he looks forward to working with Pendergrass and the entire Board of Directors as it implements the new three-year strategic plan to strengthen the KDA as the worldwide voice for Bourbon.

“The tremendous economic and tourism impact of Kentucky Bourbon continues to shape communities across the Commonwealth,” Gregory said. “We are excited to continue sharing that story of success around the globe.

“Bourbon brings people together, and that mission of unity and camaraderie has been the hallmark of the KDA since our founding in 1880. We have elevated Bourbon to an unprecedented level of success by working with industry leaders, elected officials, community members and farm families.

“We still have many challenges at home and abroad, especially with a looming crisis from retaliatory tariffs, but I know we can accomplish more by standing together than working apart. The sky’s the limit for where Kentucky Bourbon goes next.”

 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

DOUGLAS LAING REVEALS NEW CHINESE NEW YEAR BOTTLINGS FOR 2024’S YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Independent Scotch Whisky distillers, blenders, and bottlers, Douglas Laing & Co reveal new Limited Releases today from their Island Malt Rock Island and their Exceptional Single Cask range.

In commemoration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, namely the Wood Dragon in 2024, a Cask Strength edition of Rock Island, finished in fiercely charred ‘Crocodile Casks’ is announced.

Emma Reid, Rock Island’s Brand Manager commented:

“The Rock Island brand showcases the finest qualities of our most celebrated whisky-producing islands. The intricate flavors found across Scotland’s islands are unparalleled, marrying seamlessly to craft a subtly peated style that is accessible and enjoyable for both novices and connoisseurs alike. This edition celebrates charring – the process when casks are met with a flame to open the grain of the wood, therefore enabling the spirit to extract a greater depth of flavour.”

The original Rock Island Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of Single Cask Single Malts distilled only on Scotland’s Whisky islands. The resulting spirit boasts a complex balance of maritime flavours, with waves of sweet, salty, smoky, and earthy notes and accordingly has been decorated with several high-profile industry awards over the years, including double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Packaged in a unique crocodile skin premium tube, with artwork from renowned Asian designer and tattoo-artist, Milkabean.

RRP: £55.00 / 65.00 EUR

Tasting Notes:

Nose

Experience ashy bonfire embers, grilled pineapple and soft peat smoke on the nose.

Palate

Anticipate waves of sea-salt, caramelised sugar and BBQ’d banana.

Finish

The finish has remnants of smoke with brown sugar, coconut and salted caramel.

ABOUT ROCK ISLAND

Twitter/X : @DLaingWhisky

Instagram: @rockisland_whisky

Facebook: /dlrockisland

Rock Island joined Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts range in 2015, offering consumers the opportunity to taste the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Whisky Islands, in one delicious glass. The multi award-winning Small Batch Scotch is a marriage of Single Cask Single Malts from Orkney, Arran, Jura, and Islay. The truly unique spirit is celebrated for its beautifully complex flavour profile. The sweet, salty, smoky, and earthy notes earn this maritime Malt the reputation of being the ultimate dram to pair with seafood. Rock Island is offered at high alcohol strength and always without colouring or chill-filtration. Since 2015, the core range has grown to encompass a 10-year-old and Sherry Edition offering for specialist retail, plus occasional limited releases. 

Exceptional Single Cask Releases 

Douglas Laing’s Exceptional Single Cask range is also celebrating the Year of the Dragon with the release of three new Limited-Edition bottlings, consisting of an Old Particular Craigellachie 10 Years Old, an XOP Bunnahabhain 35 Years Old and an XOP Carsebridge 46 Years Old.

Each bottling has been distilled in the previous ‘Year of the Dragon’ and bottled to commemorate the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The intricate and beautiful illustration seen on the label, celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon was also proudly created by designer and tattoo-artist, Milkabean.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Winners of the Icons of Whisky Scottish Independent Bottler of the Year 2024!

For the third year in a row Paul and I collected the Independent bottler of the year award!

The award is based on a combination of a written entry and a submission of Whiskies that are judged by the Icon’s judges in competition with other entrants.

For us, winning is a huge achievement and an unexpected one when taken into context the competition and the demands required to win each year. We are still the same team of four that won it three years ago but we have continued to grow our operation with the Annex site which is allowing us to closely manage our casks so we are only releasing the very best spirit possible.

Thank you to all of our customers that have continued to purchase our releases despite what has been a challenging year!

Best,

Gregor

And that wraps up this special edition of the Lady of the Glen Newsletter. We hope it’s inspired you to try a dram! We always want to hear from you, so if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, please feel free to email gregor.hannah@ladyoftheglen.com

Visit Our Website

Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Welcomes General George Stillhouse
as Newest Craft Member

Farm Distillery Shows Off Kentucky’s Heritage, Combining Agriculture and Bourbon On-Site

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced General George Stillhouse in Grayson County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Located in Falls of Rough, General George Stillhouse was established in 2022 by Travis Wilson, a professor at Western Kentucky University. The farm distillery is located on property once owned by George Washington three miles from Rough River State Park.

General George Stillhouse operates two pot stills within their 7,000 square foot production facility. A third still will arrive next summer, allowing them to increase production to 12 barrels daily.

Expansion plans include a rickhouse, bottling line, additional staff and a tasting room in the next phase of the buildout.

KDA President Eric Gregory congratulated Wilson on his endeavor and noted this is the first distillery in Grayson County in south-central Kentucky. There are now distilleries operating or set to open in nearly 50 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

“The vision, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of new craft distillers like General George Stillhouse showcases the history and backbone of our extensive distilling heritage here in Kentucky,” Gregory said.

“We are proud to support Travis and his team in their venture, and we look forward to working with them and our friends in Grayson County. We are honored to officially welcome General George Stillhouse to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Wilson said the Kentucky Distillers’ Association has been supportive by providing resources and connections.

“We at General George Stillhouse are excited to become members of the Kentucky Distillers Association,” Wilson said. “The organization’s long heritage and leadership in making Bourbon central to Kentucky’s identity is one of many reasons for us to join.”

“As lifelong Kentuckians, we are honored to be members of the world’s premier spirits association.”

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

General George Stillhouse 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.

“Kentucky Bourbon entrepreneurs are showing people across the world how to do Bourbon right. Combining a passion for Kentucky, spirits, and making a difference in their local communities through job creation, tourism and agriculture,” Gregory said.

“Bourbon brings people together. And together, distillers are able to support each other and continue to innovate and grow the world-renowned industry that builds Kentucky while telling our story across the globe.”

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

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Advances its Pursuit of Flavor Through Nature With the Filling of its First Certified Regenified Barrel

Douglas Laing Unveils Exclusive XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old: A Culmination of Craftsmanship and Canine Charisma

Douglas Laing & Co. is proud to reveal the latest limited-edition bottling as part of their 75^th Anniversary: the XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old. This special release marks a momentous collaboration between the family’s feisty fox terrier and the prestigious XOP series, creating a celebration-worthy Single Cask Single Malt that is sure to captivate whisky enthusiasts.

This exclusive bottling is a testament to Douglas Laing’s commitment to craftsmanship and a nod to the legacy of independent bottling that has defined the company for three-quarters of a century.

Tasting Notes are said to bring “A sweet symphony of vanilla essence, decadent dark chocolate, and spiced oak on the nose. The palate delivers a velvety journey where juicy red berries dance alongside warming cinnamon spice and candied orange peel. The grand finale is marked by an elegant and enduring finish, leaving lingering hints of zesty orange and the indulgent essence of freshly baked fruitcake soaked in sherry.”

With only 285 bottles available globally, each numbered and presented in the signature XOP glass bottle and black suede gift box with certificate of authenticity, this XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old is destined to become a cherished addition to any discerning whisky enthusiast’s collection.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky commented:

“This limited-edition Single Cask Single Malt is a celebration of time, skill and the artistry of whisky-making. A toast to luxury, a nod to tradition, and the perfect embodiment of our 75th Anniversary celebrations—this exceptional bottling is a testament to our commitment to excellence and one we are extremely proud to share.”

Currently retailing for £750.00/€866.00 on douglaslaing.com and selected specialist retailers.

About Scallywag

Facebook: /scallywagwhisky
Instagram: @scallywagwhisky

A marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from the Speyside region of Scotland, Scallywag is matured predominantly in Sherry casks, affording the spirit a rich, dark colour and a deliciously fruity, chocolatey flavour profile. The multi-award winning Scotch Whisky belongs to Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts – “the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions” – also encompassing The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

About Douglas Laing:
www.douglaslaing.com

Twitter/X: @DLaingWhisky

Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

White Peak showcases Wire Works Full Port

& collaboration with Michelin Star Chef Sat Bains

White Peak Distillery from Derbyshire has added a special limited-edition whisky to their Wire Works collection for Christmas this year: Wire Works Full Port.

This latest special release of Wire Works has been matured exclusively in Tawny Port casks, giving it a rich marzipan, chocolate and cinder toffee flavour profile – perfect to enjoy and gift to whisky lovers this Christmas.

Wire Works Full Port is the first whisky from White Peak that has been fully matured entirely in Port casks, bottled at 52.4%, with just under 2,000 bottles available.

The port casks were chosen to compliment the lightly-peated Wire Works spirit and the cask supplier is borne out of a whisky-making ethos around provenance, heritage and flavour. For over 5 years, founders Max & Claire Vaughan, have worked closely with Sandra Dias and the team at her cooperage near Porto, Portugal. Dias Cooperage is a 4^th generation, family-run cooperage, producing quality oak casks in a time honoured way, that White Peak has selected for all of its wine casks.

Claire said: “We wanted to create a whisky that celebrates a twist on our provenance, heritage and flavour. We have visited the cooperage where we sourced our port casks from on numerous occasions and greatly admire the intimate style of the business, the highly-skilled small team and the traditional techniques used that are passed down through the generations of the same family. All these factors ensure that we are using casks of an exceptionally high quality, which lead to a complex maturation of our whisky, adding further layers of complexity to the final spirit.”

Max said: “With Wire Works Full Port we were looking to maintain the house style but with an explorative, complimentary new twist on what people might have previously tasted. On the nose, there’s lots of cinder toffee and burnt sugar, with marzipan, vanilla fudge and dark chocolate  coming through on the palate, and a bonfire toffee and hibiscus finish. Our Wire Works house style is ever present, but with some of the signature rich sweet notes amplified through the port wood influence.”

Wire Works Full Port is available now via specialist retailers and the Distillery, RRP: £67.

Wire Works Full Port:

Tasting Notes  

Cinder toffee, burnt sugar and cherry lozenges on the nose, with flavours of vanilla fudge, dark chocolate and marzipan on the palate with a bonfire toffee and hibiscus finish.

Nose

Bakewell pudding, milk chocolate, cinder toffee, burnt sugar, cinnamon buns, liquorice all sorts, cherry lozenges, toasted almond, candied ginger, strawberry jam.

Palate

Marzipan, strawberries and cream, tinned peaches, lemon curd, vanilla fudge, spearmint, dark chocolate, grapefruit zest and iced buns.

Finish

Cherry pie filling, bonfire toffee, hibiscus, biltong, and eucalyptus.

WHITE PEAK AND SAT BAINS COLLABORATE ON WIRE WORKS WHISKY:

In addition to Wire Works Full Port release, this festive season White Peak is also celebrating a partnership with leading Michelin Star Chef Sat Bains, renowned for his much-decorated Restaurant Sat Bains (RSB) in Nottingham.

Sat and his team at RSB visited the Distillery back in February to understand White Peak’s approach to whisky-making, taste some Wire Works whisky and share ideas on a possible collaboration.

The resulting whisky comprises three separate co-branded Wire Works / RSB releases. Each of the three whiskies has been crafted in very small batches that celebrate variety in taste, aroma and texture. English single malt whiskies with roots firmly in Derbyshire, where Sat – like Max and Claire – grew up.

After sampling numerous casks with the RSB team, the 3-bottle collection developed from one of the original first fill ex-bourbon barrels that the Distillery team filled back in 2018. The team then worked with Sat to understand what whiskies he enjoyed and arrived at two separate finishes to the ex-bourbon foundation spirit. The collection consists of 3 (very limited-edition) 90-bottle releases. RSB Cuvee #1 is full maturation ex-bourbon, RSB Cuvee #2 is finished in an Oloroso sherry quarter cask and RSB Cuvee #3 is finished in virgin English oak. All are bottled at 48% ABV.

Sat said: “As a Chef, I have been obsessed with flavour for as long as I can remember, it is something I am fortunate to create every day in my working life of over 35 years.​ ​The idea of creating a limited release whisky with Wire Works was a no brainer.” 

“​Meeting up with Max and his team at Wire Works and being asked to go on this incredible journey made so much sense, both of us from Derby celebrating our professions of flavour and taste. ​Picking the aging barrels based on my favourite cask finishes and tasting the whisky at each stage has been an eye opener into the level of detail and expertise this collaboration has harnessed”.

Wire Works Whisky RSB Cuvee Collection is available exclusively through the RSB website (whilst stocks last) from 6^th December.

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

White Peak Distillery Awards:

2022 and 2023 has seen White Peak also win numerous awards for their whiskies and packaging, as below:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

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

The Global World Whisky Masters 2022:

• Necessary Evil: Gold
• Small Batch: Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022:

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2023:

• Caduro: Gold

People’s Choice Awards 2023:

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

2023 World Whisky Masters, Wire Works Caduro: Gold Medal

2023 World Whisky Masters, Wire Works Alter Ego: Master Medal

2023 Spirits Business Design and Packaging Masters, Wire Works Whisky: Master Medal

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the 11 founding members of the English Whisky Guild, that was established in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently 40+) on the world whisky stage.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

One last update – Friend at Hand – Barántúil

We had to make an exception to sending out a rare press release because we keep getting so much good news, this will be the last one for a while but should leave you in a high.

1. Frend at Hand Exclusive – Barántúil – The Silent Valley – Gleann An Chiúnais
2. Killowen wins Gold – Again

Friend At Hand exclusive Barántúil – The Silent Valley – Gleann An Chiúnais

The legendary Friend At Hand Belfast is a mecca for whiskey enthusiasts with so many brands hoping to have an exclusive bottling there, only a few are ever approached. As such Killowen are delighted to be among them.

Belfast legend Willie Jack who many see as curator of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has been as a pivotable to the blossoming of the city centre in recent decades. The iconic Hill Street, Duke of York and her umbrellas are just some of these examples and this exactly why Killowen are delighted to have a cask here.

The cask pays homage to the men of Mourne who built the Silent Valley in 1923 a century ago, as a water source for the expanding city, Silent Valley has created a connection between Belfast & The Mournes which continues to this day; with people, culture, trade & especially whiskey. Made predominantly with oats originating where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, this bottling was slightly reduced in strength by Willie Jack himself using water drawn directly from Silent Valley on bottling day. Killowen has only produced three firkins of this incredible whiskey, each in a different cask. After years of contribution to Irish whiskey and to the city of Belfast, it is only fitting that the The Friend at Hand receive such a valued cask. The perfect spirit for Belfast’s most prestigious whiskey destination.

The small batch whiskey was then filled into a fresh Cabernet Sauvignon cask was reduced from litres to 70 litres, then re-charred to a medium toast before filling. This provides a red fruitiness that marries beautifully with the creaminess of the rare Mourne oats. This small cask only allowed us to fill 108 bottles of which only 50 are being sold by Friend at Hand – what’s more, they are only being sold to walk-ins.
Willy Jack and Jill went up the Hill

In order to fetch a pale of water Jack and I walked up the hill to The Silent Valley under the guidance of Joanne Jack. This wasn’t simply a fun excursion on a cold and wet November day but instead Willy was put to work to collect water so the cask could be diluted to his own desired drinking strength of 53.87% – unfortunately many bottles where devoured in the making of this decision. This symbolic gesture was an iconic one in cementing the link between the Silent Valley and the Belfast city Whiskey – watch the short clip here

Killowen wins Gold again

Killowen’s Peated Port Cask #KDC031 won gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards. Considering the consistent approach of all Barántúil releases this cask was particularly beautiful and we were delighted to receive Gold. Sadly these all sold out some months ago but there are other treats available on our webshop.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas!

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