Don’t make pour decisions that leave your finances on the rocks: City of London Police urges people to stay vigilant over misleading whisky investment ads

City of London Police is urging people to take proper measures online, after whisky investment advertisements on social media left people high and dry.

The lure for potential investors is that you buy a cask of whisky when it is first produced and as the whisky ages in the barrel, it becomes something worth more to the consumer and as such, your initial investment becomes more valuable.

Claiming that potential investors of whisky could expect to see modest returns of between eight – 12 per cent a year, paid advertisements on social media sites for one company have now been found to be misleading.

Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji, from the Fraud Operations team at the City of London Police, said:

“As we approach the run up to Christmas, we would like to remind people of the potential risks associated with investment opportunities, especially around whisky.

“Much like gin, the interest in micro-breweries and independent distilleries has grown exponentially over the last decade as the British consumer has become more interested in home grown spirits versus imported beers and wine.

“An investment of a cask of whisky may seem like a wise choice, and perfect as a Christmas present to some, but we would encourage everyone to stay vigilant and to not be sucked in – especially if adverts guarantee you will get year-on-year returns. Certain companies prey on peoples lack of knowledge around investing, which is then exploited at a great cost to the consumer.”

The City of London Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee oversees the Square Mile’s Trading Standards operations. Its Chair, Mary Durcan, said:

“City Corporation Trading Standards team has serious concerns over the whisky investment schemes that have sprung up over the last couple of years.

“Casks are being sold as a long-term investment because whisky takes time to mature in the cask, consumers are being told. This means that it could be several years before investors realise their investments aren’t performing.

“It is vitally important to remember that whisky investments are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority which means that there is no recourse to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if anything goes wrong.”

The investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that these risks were not highlighted in advertisements on social media, with some claiming that whisky cask investment was a suitable means to fund early retirement.

The terms and conditions provided in some advertisements also didn’t state that fees would be incurred, meaning that some investors were stung with a charge later down the line.

In one particular case, complaints were raised regarding the misleading advertisements of Blackford Casks Ltd. Subsequent investigations upheld these complaints, determining that although no fraudulent activity occurred in this case, the ads needed to be revised and not to quote average returns without adequate evidence. This was found by the ASA to be irresponsible as the adverts were not easy to understand and took advantage of consumers’ lack of experience and credulity.

In 2023, there were 89 reports made to Action Fraud about alcohol investments, with losses totalling over £3 million. This shows that aside from misleading advertisements, fraudulent activity is taking place with whisky investments proving to be an enticing opportunity for unsuspecting investors.

Whisky investments, like any investment, are never a sure thing when it comes to seeing a profitable return. External factors, mostly out of the investor’s control, play a part in either a dip or a rise in the market.

To prevent becoming a victim of investment fraud:

• Take your time considering investment opportunities:don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot.
• Seek advice first:before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice.
• Check the FCA register:use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

Lastly, if you aren’t an expert in a certain field of investment, or feel that you don’t know enough of the markets, then it’s probably best not to invest. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

City of London Police would also urge the public to follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud advice.

• Stop: taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe
• Challenge: could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore ant requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

If you think you have invested money into a fraudulent investment, or you have been contacted about an investment that doesn’t seem right, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk. Reports can also be made by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, reports of fraud should be made directly to Police Scotland on 101.

Craftsman Brands Presents Three-Quarter of a Million Dollar Check

to Vendome for First Still for New Distillery

Louisville, KY – Craftsman Brands co-owners and staff presented renowned still maker Vendome Brass and Copper a check for $750,000 last week as a down payment for a 28-inch copper still expected to be delivered next August at the distillery’s proposed location near Louisville, Kentucky.

           According to Avrie Fenney, Co-Founder and Director of Distilling Operations, “A still crafted by Vendome Brass and Copper is especially important because Vendome’s expertise is incomparable, and their people are motivated. I have a lot of respect for Rob Sherman, President of Vendome; his experience in the industry speaks volumes, and those achievements influence his employees on all levels.”

           The company plans to build an eco-friendly distillery to create premium and luxury Bourbons and high-end spirits to capitalize on premiumization in the alcohol industry. Craftsman Brand Distillery will be part of a high tourism resort featuring tours of the distillery and rick-houses, an upscale hotel and restaurant, a bottling and canning plant for “ready-to-drink” spirits, and other hospitality venues. The distillery will begin operating in 2025, and up to sixty high-paying jobs are expected to be created.

            Craftsman Brands was founded in 2023 to offer consumers an opportunity to enjoy elite spirits in a new mainstream alcohol market. Behr Neighbors, Co-Founder and Director of Special Projects for the new company, explained that Craftsman will be a premium alcohol company that crafts, purchases, and enhances top-shelf spirit brands.

          Co-founders attending the check presentation were Isaac LaFond, Steve Camisa, PJ Fox, and Behr Neighbors. Craftsman’s current brands include Crème of Kentucky, High Plains Rye, Square One Vodka, Merlet Cognac, and Kentucky Par Bourbon.

Spearhead eyes growth as Loch Lomond Group brings UK distribution of the innovative single-grain whisky back into its portfolio

Whisky brand, Spearhead, which is part of the Loch Lomond Group, has announced plans to accelerate growth of the innovative spirit.

As part of the plans, Loch Lomond Group will part ways with its UK distributor, Mangrove, and bring distribution back in-house, allowing it to focus on expansion of the brand.

Launched in 2021, Spearhead is a unique single-grain scotch whisky crafted using 100% malted barley. The spirit undergoes an extended fermentation time of 92 hours, before being distilled in a continuous Coffey style still.

Spearhead is matured in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of fire and infra-red toasted American oak barrels, which creates a lighter whisky with a complex range of rich, sweet notes.

The product is now available in 26 markets worldwide, including top UK accounts such as TT Liquor, Callooh Callay, Nauticus, Silverleaf, Gungho!, Tom Thumb and Smithfield Social.

Loch Lomond Group’s decision to bring distribution back in-house follows a series of successful UK trade events hosted with Mangrove over the past 18 months, including Passing Fancies Industry Night in Birmingham, a bar takeover at Bread & Jam in Bath, and the Alternative Burns Night with artist LVRA at The Lower Third in London.

 John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Spearhead is a community spirit that brings like-minded people together. This, alongside our unique proposition as a single-grain whisky, has seen demand for the brand grow, and our focus now is on continuing to expand our customer base across the world. We thank Mangrove for all their support in helping us to establish the brand.”

The distribution change will take effect from 1^st December 2023.

Spearhead is bottled at 43% ABV and has a RRP of £30.

For more information, visit www.spearheadwhisky.com

About Spearhead

Spearhead is a single grain whisky crafted at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, Scotland.

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, Spearhead is finished in a unique combination of infra-red toasted and fire-toasted virgin American oak barrels. This process creates a boldly sweet spirit, rich in character and distilled with flavour at its heart.

Spearhead works with a cooperage in Kentucky to select custom toast levels for these infra-red toasted barrels. The toast levels are set to a profile that extracts properties in the wood, which results in sweet notes appearing in Spearhead whisky. These notes are impossible to achieve with traditional toasting.

Spearhead is ideal for mixing, or serving alongside craft beer.

About Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group markets a diverse portfolio of high-quality whisky, gin, vodka and Champagne brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide, including Loch Lomond Whiskies, Littlemill, Glen Scotia, Noble Rebel blended malt whisky, and Ben Lomond Gin.

Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814. An independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies in the world, Loch Lomond Distillery’s heritage is amongst the oldest in the industry.

Exploring English Whisky Launches Inaugural “Explorer Series”

Exploring English Whisky are delighted to announce the launch of their inaugural “Explorer Series” release. This is the first release by Exploring English Whisky and has been created in partnership with Whiskyside.com, an online retailer of English Spirits, who hold the largest known collection of English Whisky at their bar in Yorkshire. Deviating from their traditional cask shares model on stillincask.com, Exploring English Whisky have joined forces with Adnams, a renowned brewery & distillery, for this limited-edition release.

Exploring English Whisky’s journey, catalysed by an online St. George’s Day tasting during the first Covid lockdown, has evolved into a membership club and an annual festival held in Birmingham. Founder Richard Foster remarks, “There’s not much to thank Covid for, but we’re one of the feel-good stories from that period of time. I love English Whisky and the people behind every bottle, it’s a fascinating category so I wanted to shine a light on it and help spread the word so more people could enjoy it across the UK and dispel a few myths about non-Scotch along the way!”

Adnams make multiple styles of whisky with different mash bills, but this is their single malt recipe and it’s been maturing for 7 years in Adnams’ signature second-fill French Oak casks. The liquid is then finished for approximately 2 years in French sweet Sauternes wine casks – an increasingly popular choice in whisky maturation. The French Oak casks impart a Bourbon-like character with a twist, delivering delightful notes of melted butter, fennel, stone fruits, and grappa – before washing over the tongue with more smooth buttery deliciousness, a layer of apricot jam and a sprinkling of baking spices. The finish is a warm, rich, and spicy symphony, maintaining a bright and lively quality from the influence of the exquisite Sauternes wine casks.

Foster expressed his excitement about the release, stating, “There are very few age statemented English Whiskies on the market, so we are excited to be able to stamp nine years onto this bottle – in part to showcase the lengths that Adnams have gone to in maturing this whisky in such a great combination of casks – but also due to the surprise most people have when they find out how long Adnams has been making whisky for. Not only is English Whisky ‘a thing’ – but it’s also now able to compete alongside Scotch in the traditional age brackets of 8, 12 and 15 years, albeit in far smaller quantities.”

He emphasises the craft and sustainability of Adnams, using locally sourced barley, long fermentations, and slow, careful distillation, resulting in a distinct distillery flavour profile that relies less on wood for flavouring. He notes, “Craft whisky distilleries like Adnams do more than just make whisky, and when this opportunity arose – I knew I had to jump on it.”

“This whisky has a clear salinity that – I believe – comes from Adnams’ proximity to the North Sea – probably more so through the maturation, but every process takes place in Southwold so the coast always within view of this whisky until it’s bottled. That’s why we put the coast on the label – a nod to mother nature’s power and impact on whisky through ageing in unique micro-climates like the one Adnams finds itself in Southwold, on the Suffolk coast.” Regarding the bottle’s design, Foster states, “Creating our first label was a big moment for us,” describing it as a fusion of brand identity and a unique representation of the distillery, featuring an ‘Explorer Series’ black ‘X’—the symbol of the range. The remaining elements, such as the textured paper and gold foiling add layers of opulence to the design – reflecting the rarity and quality of Sauternes wines and Suffolk whiskies.

The Explorer Series launch marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Exploring English Whisky, with promises of more unique bottlings to come in the years ahead.

The release is limited to 700 bottles and is available for £70 from Whiskyside.com, members of Exploring English Whisky can also enjoy £10 off per bottle.

For more information, visit EXPLORING ENGLISH WHISKY 

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Melted butter, fennel seeds and stone fruits washed down with grappa

Palate: Buttery smooth with apricot jam and baking spices

Finish: Warm, spicy, and rich

 RECOMMENDED SERVE

“Southwold Lighthouse”

This twist on a “Mott & Mulberry” (named after an intersection in NYC) features our Adnams 9yo ex Sauternes Cask in place of spicy American Rye Whiskey. We think it’s delicious and a perfect Autumn / Winter cocktail. Give it a go:

30ml Adnams 9yo

30ml Benedictine (or Amaro / Chartreuse / Cynar)

30ml English Cider (ideally from Suffolk)

10ml Lemon Juice

10ml Maple Syrup (or Demerara sugar syrup)

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Strain and pour into a tumbler. Garnish with thinly sliced apple on a skewer over the glass.

International Beverage welcomes new talent with two leadership appointments

New Global Sales Director and Operations Director join the team

International Beverage has announced the appointment of two senior leaders this week. Both will join the management team to lead the global spirits producer through a period of ambitious growth.

Veronica Amago joins as Global Sales Director

With over two decades’ experience in the global spirits business, Veronica is a graduate of the University of Essex and holds a Masters in Positive Leadership and Strategy. After beginning her career with a series of national and international roles at Dyson, her progression into the world of spirits began at Beam Suntory International, where she worked across Eastern Europe and India, latterly as Commercial Director Nordic and Eastern Europe.

Veronica Amago and Alan Mitchell

She then moved to Whyte & Mackay, with roles including Director, Greater Europe. Here, she was responsible for delivering top-line growth as well as developing and extending the company’s portfolio of products. 2020 saw her spearhead the business’s response to the Covid pandemic, proposing, establishing and leading a nerve centre to steer strategy for the organisation. Her most recent role as Director, Developing Markets involved developing previously untapped markets, including Australia, Nigeria and South Africa.

Alan Mitchell joins as Operations Director

Alan graduated from the University of Glasgow and began his career at Hiram Walker. A move to Allied Distillers, where he held roles as both Distillery Manager and Head of Quality, exposed him to every aspect of distilling. After working for Pernod Ricard Pacific in Australia, Alan spent over a decade with Beam Suntory where he held roles including Vice President Quality and Monozukuri – USA, and Director of Global Lean Transformation – USA. During this time he led Casa Sauza Tequila through the agave crisis, and developed a global CO2 and water reduction programme.

After holding Operations Director roles with both DEVRO and Competitive Capabilities International, Alan is delighted to be returning to the spirits business, bringing his global expertise and extensive experience to International Beverage.

International Beverage’s Managing Director Malcolm Leask commented: ‘Both Veronica and Alan will further strengthen our management team as we continue to grow our portfolio of brands and businesses. As our two recent acquisitions – Larsen Cognac and Cardrona Distillery – show, we’re continuing to invest and grow in over 85 global markets. It’s equally important to continue to invest in our team; Alan and Veronica both have a truly global skill-set and are exceptionally talented individuals. There’s no doubt we will continue to face challenges but, thanks to the experience leaders like Alan and Veronica bring to the table, I know we’ll be able to continue to move forward with confidence. I look forward to working with, and learning from, them both.’

As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister; and Caorunn, the pioneering super premium Scottish gin. 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.  It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits and beers. These brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 countries and include Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya aged rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits.  www.interbevgroup.com

International Beverage ‘people first’ approach wins big at top HR Industry Awards

Sam Kirk named HR Director of the Year; Human Capital team win for Health and Wellbeing programme

Global spirits business International Beverage is celebrating being recognised for the excellence of its human resources programme after scooping two top awards at one of the biggest nights of the year for HR professionals in Scotland.

Sam Kirk, HR Director, International Beverage

Human Capital (HC) Director Sam Kirk and her team were announced as winners in two of the most prestigious categories at the 16^th annual HR NETWORK National Awards, which took place at a glittering gala dinner in the Glasgow Hilton last night (9^th November), with the aim of recognising and rewarding the champions of the Scottish HR profession.

In front of 750 nominees and fellow industry professionals, Sam Kirk was named HR Director of the Year, for the trailblazing role she plays within the International Beverage business, delivering a dynamic growth agenda and driving innovation to get the best from people – always with integrity and compassion.

The HC team also scooped the Health and Wellbeing Award of the Year for International Beverage’s proactive, always-on ‘Sustaining Our People’ programme, which judges agreed marks a leap forward in HR planning within the spirits industry; underpinned by a belief that every person is unique and that connections, understanding and support are the keys to happy people at work.

The HR NETWORK judging panel, which is made up of industry experts, were impressed with the high levels of innovation and commitment displayed by the International Beverage HC team overall, as they support the company’s current growth plans and driving a dynamic change programme across all business teams.

Having been shortlisted for four awards, Sam Kirk – who is based at the company’s Airdrie headquarters – was thrilled by the evening’s results. She commented: ‘So much of what we do in the HR world goes on behind the scenes, so it’s wonderful to have the hard work and dedication of our whole team recognised amongst our peers in the HR industry. Our business is in an exciting phase of growth and transformation, and the highest value is placed on our people and ensuring we have the strategies in place to bring out their very best. This recognition from the wider business community is very rewarding, and I want to say a huge well done to our whole HC team for everything we have achieved together.’

As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of an award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister; Cardrona spirits and liqueurs; Caorunn, the pioneering super premium Scottish gin; Phraya Rum and Larsen Cognac.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.  It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits and beers. These brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 countries and include Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt Scotch whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya aged rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits.  www.interbevgroup.com

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Campaign Wins Prestigious Tourism Award

“Book, Now, Bourbon Later” Marketing Campaign Takes Home the Gold Traverse Award for Tourism Excellence

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) announced today that the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail® (KBT™) has received a Traverse Award for Excellence in Kentucky Tourism from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association. The award was presented during the 2023 Kentucky Travel Industry Annual Conference held November 8-10 at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® received a Gold Traverse for its “Book Now, Bourbon Later” digital marketing campaign.

“We are thrilled to receive this Traverse Award,” said Mandy Ryan, Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences. “ The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and our member distilleries strive to improve the visitor experience in our state everyday– it’s wonderful to be recognized for our efforts.”

The “Book Now, Bourbon Later” campaign was created in 2022 in response to the surge in tourism coming out of the pandemic when most distilleries were facing new challenges in the hospitality space. Challenges include guests showing up without tour reservations, decreased guest numbers per tour, rerouting of tour paths to avoid sensitive production areas, staffing shortages and burnout, and the generally cranky and underprepared “revenge tourists.” The digital campaign was launched with three main goals:

• Shift public perceptions away from the belief that distillery tours are walk-in experiences.
• Position KBT™ distilleries as world-class tourism destinations requiring reservations.
• Educate visitors on why booking reservations is the best way to ensure optimal distillery experiences.

“Based on data from our booking software partners at AnyRoad, in Q2 of 2022, visitors were booking tours about 12 days in advance.” reported KDA President Eric Gregory, “By Q4, they were booking tours 35-37 days in advance. That’s a big change!”

“The overall campaign drove tourists to take action and become part of the Kentucky Bourbon community. It served as a brand awareness campaign, putting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in front of 378K people more than 1.3 million times, continuing to build the Bourbon economy in communities across the Commonwealth,” continued Gregory.

With more than 75% of KBT® visitors coming from outside Kentucky, planning their trips in advance is crucial now more than ever.

Kentucky travel and tourism businesses and marketing organizations vied for Traverse Awards in 11 categories. A panel of out-of-state tourism industry experts judge the Traverse Awards. Award criteria include concept, creativity, results and impact. A total of 199 entries were submitted from throughout Kentucky for the 2023 competition.

According to KTIA president & CEO Hank Phillips, ”With nearly 200 entries and based on the judges’ comments about the across the board high quality of the entries, the 2023 Traverse competition was as close as it was intense,” added Hank Phillips, KTIA President & CEO.. “The larger picture of the awards is how they reflect the results-oriented talent and creativity that exists throughout Kentucky’s tourism industry. That talent and creativity last year attracted over 75 million Kentucky visitors bringing with them the many benefits tourism provides to the people of the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association represents and serves all segments of Kentucky’s tourism industry, which despite the pandemic’s severe impact, contributed $12.9 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2022. The nearly 1000-member association engages in advocacy and provides its members with education, information and business development opportunities. The association also works to inform the public of the enormous economic, employment and tax revenue contributions tourism makes to the people of Kentucky.

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.

TOAST YEAR OF THE DRAGON WITH BERRY BROS. & RUDD’S WINTER RELEASE

Britain’s oldest curator of spirits and wine, Berry Bros. & Rudd, is set to conclude its 325th anniversary year with a final seasonal release of whiskies including a special Lunar New Year bottling.

The 2023 Winter Release comprises bottlings from handpicked casks that can be paired perfectly with the colder months, including robust and smoky malts from Islay distilleries Caol Ila and Williamson, boasting rich flavours of chocolate orange.

Richly sherried spirits including a Dailuaine single malt have been bottled to especially celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. For something unique, a single-grain whisky from Strathclyde Distillery is bursting with fresh fruit and vanilla cream.

Joe Whittaker, Global Brand Ambassador for Berry Bros. & Rudd, said:

“For me, the ideal spirit in winter months is all about rich and luscious flavours that tantalise the taste buds and warm the senses, and I believe our selection of casks in the Winter Release encapsulates this.

Our passion at Berry Bros. & Rudd lies in championing quality and celebrating diversity, and we hope you’ll find as much delight in discovering these treasures as we did in curating them.

We’ve lovingly assembled a range that explores spirits from the iconic ports of Islay to the Highlands of Scotland and the final bottling of our English Whisky Collection from the idyllic Cotswolds Distillery.”

The last of four 2023 bottlings celebrating English distilleries, an offering from the Cotswolds Distillery provides notes of prunes and dates, an excellent finale to the English Collection.

Rounding out the Winter Release are a 33-year-old Exceptional Cask Miltonduff, one of the unsung heroes of Speyside and a magnificent representation of the Elgin-based distillery.

The 2023 Winter Release, featuring Caol Ila 2011, Williamson 2015, Dailuaine 2012, Strathclyde 2005, Cotswolds 2018 and Exceptional Miltonduff 1990, will be available from 7th December 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

 TASTING NOTES 

Caol Ila 2011

Fresh aromas of warm orange, chocolate, peat smoke and unlit cigars rise slowly from the glass before a lighter note of sugared almonds appears. The palate is luscious and heavily peated whilst fruity orange, savoury peat, cocoa powder and grilled lime all balance perfectly. Clove and yet more orange linger long on the palate. This is something akin to a peated chocolate orange.

ABV: 46.0%

RRP: £75.00

Williamson 2015 Cask #181

This feisty Islay whisky surges from the glass on a gale of sooty peat, turf, iodine and lanolin oils. Herein lies great complexity, unlocked by a teaspoon or so of water and a little time. Those with patience are rewarded with rich farmyard aromas, smoked hay, damp earth and kippers. The palate follows this theme, flowing from pure turf smoke to dark orange chocolate and composting fruit. Smoke and spice flow in waves on the long finish.

ABV: 60.8%

RRP £80.00

Dailuaine 2012 Cask #5052 / Oloroso Finish Lunar New Year Special Edition
Aromas of grassy, light green fruits fly out of the glass followed closely by tell-tale signs of thick, Sherry wood. Prunes, dates and spiced oak scale the olfactory senses. The palate is rich and full, holding one’s attention but balancing between distillate-driven orchard fruits and heavier Sherry notes. Spice roars across the finish building in intensity with a puff of wood smoke at the tip. Dailuaine’s heavy spirit is made for Sherry cask maturation and this meaty Oloroso butt has embraced the challenge beautifully.

ABV: 55.3%

RRP: £90.00

Strathclyde 2005 Cask #106490
The nose is initially reticent but some time in the glass brings out subtle banana bread, coconut milk and peach. The palate, conversely, is a crescendo of rich vanilla, cream soda, desiccated coconut and dark chocolate. It is incredibly powerful and integrates well with the high alcohol. The finish brings tingling spice and more subtle vanilla. Grain whisky really hits its stride at around 18 years and this is a prime example.

ABV: 56.5%

RRP: £102.00

Cotswolds 2018 Cask #2194
Aromas of dry, nutty Oloroso Sherry initially rise from the glass, building into dates, prunes and figs, before a little time to breathe reveals orchard fruits and a fresh floral side. The palate is pleasingly chewy, moving in waves from Sherry wood to green apples, honeycomb, and Victoria sponge. A long, lingering finish shows baking spice, prunes and a little citrus.

ABV: 53.5%

RRP: £125.00

Exceptional Miltonduff 1990 Cask #3809
This elegant Speyside dram gently rises from the glass with soft notes of coconut, warm malt loaf and stewed, spiced apples. A little time in the glass brings out candied pecans and peach skin. The palate is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with spice, soft fruit, citrus and honey. There is a perfect balance of subtle oak and fresh, peach driven distillate. Once again, we are reminded there is no substitute for long maturation in a delicate refill cask.

ABV: 54.1%

RRP: £680.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and this year it celebrates 325 years in business. It’s survived over the centuries because, as a family business, it has always operated with family values in mind. Recognised as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As it marks its 325th year, it continues to collaborate with our community of customers, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so it can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.

THE ART OF THE BLEND

This holiday season, give the gift of experience.  46+ years to be exact.  The first release in the series was created by Max McFarlane, with over 46 years in the Scotch whisky industry. Now available at Wally’s in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and online via this link  while supplies last.

The Art of the Blend, a new concept in blended malt, working with multiple whisky makers to create a series of one-off blends. Max has carefully selected and married three first fill Oloroso sherry casks from Craigellachie, Aultmore and Glenrothes, creating an absolute masterpiece, an award winning work of art, never to be released again.  Each release in the series will be created by a different whisky maker.

Limited to only 1968 bottles worldwide.  $350 per 700 ml bottle.  58.8% abv, non chill filtered, natural color.

news@theartoftheblend.com   www.theartoftheblend.com   @theartoftheblend

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2023 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky.(November 27, 2023) – Today Heaven Hill Distillery announced the release of the Fall 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 8 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in Fall 2015, the twelfth national release ushers in the latest edition to the decanter series which adds to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Fall edition is denoted by a black label. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $109.99.

The Fall 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright burnished copper color, with a nose of brown sugar and toasted bread in addition to cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste is smooth on the palate beginning with notes of peaches and cream, followed by peppery spice and caramel sweetness. Spice notes linger in the finish along with peach and pear notes and a caramelized brown sugar finale.

“As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio,” said Conor O’ Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “The Fall 2023 8-year-old Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond has the best qualities of a classic Kentucky Bourbon with the unique sweetness and spice this beloved brand is known for.”

Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald, whose legacy is also heralded by the Larceny Bourbon brand.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”