Beam Suntory Rebrands to Suntory Global Spirits

Company marks 10 years since Suntory acquisition
New positioning sets global business up for next era of growth and leadership

New York, April 30, 2024 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announced that it is rebranding to become Suntory Global Spirits, reflecting the company’s evolution into a truly global leader across categories in spirits and Ready-To-Drink cocktails. The new name is introduced as the company marks 10 years of sustained, profitable growth since Suntory Holdings acquired Beam Inc. in 2014.

The company has grown significantly over this time period – including from a $2.5 billion-dollar company to a $5.5 billion-dollar global spirits powerhouse today – and its team has also expanded, now comprised of more than 6,000 employees around the world. The rebrand includes the launch of a new website and visual identity that celebrate Suntory Global Spirits’ distinctive, unmatched focus on quality, craftsmanship and sustainability – defining brand attributes connected to and complemented by those of its parent company, Suntory Holdings.

“Suntory Global Spirits demonstrates our global leadership and premium position in the market, while enabling us to build upon the strong and positive brand recognition that Suntory has worldwide,” said Greg Hughes, President & CEO of Suntory Global Spirits. “The dedication that Suntory CEO Tak Niinami and Suntory Holdings have shown to advancing our culture and business growth – while also preserving the legacy of craftsmanship and interplay of traditions exemplified in brands from Jim Beam to Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark to Yamazaki – is extraordinary. Becoming Suntory Global Spirits is the natural next step in our evolution.”

“Now is the right moment to deepen our shared passion for the innovation and artistry that deliver incredible experiences through our products and fully unlock our unified advantage across our leading spirits portfolio,” said Tak Niinami, President & CEO of Suntory Holdings and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Suntory Global Spirits. “Since the acquisition of Beam Inc. in 2014, the company has gone through an incredible transformation to become an even stronger organization, led by our shared values of Yatte Minahare, Growing for Good and Giving Back to Society. We’re grateful to the entire global team under Greg’s leadership as we continue to inspire the brilliance of life in harmony with nature and grow the trust and love that people have for Suntory around the world.”

The company’s new brand platform showcases the art of crafting the highest quality products with great attention to and respect for the water and natural ingredients that are vital across its iconic spirits portfolio. It also pays homage to the bold steps that Suntory and Beam Suntory, now Suntory Global Spirits, have taken over the last decade in pursuit of Suntory Global Spirits’ ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.

The rebrand is expected to help the company drive value as one global team and focus on key priorities including American whiskey, Japanese Spirits, Scotch, Tequila and Ready-To-Drink, while providing flexibility for growth in the future.

To learn more about Suntory Global Spirits, visit the company’s new website at suntoryglobalspirits.com.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Sotheby’s to offer exceptionally rare 49 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

from The Dalmore, housed in a unique glass sculpture co-created with Zaha Hadid Architects

Luminary No.2 – The Rare co-conceived by Melodie Leung of ZHA and award-winning Whisky Makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE

Auction open 14th-31st May and expected to raise six-figures, with all proceeds donated to Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee

The second in The Luminary Series from Highland Distillery, The Dalmore, was unveiled in March to much acclaim from attendees spanning the worlds of whisky, art, design and luxury. 

The Dalmore Luminary Series is a unique three-part partnership between The Dalmore and V&A Dundee, which celebrates the worlds of whisky mastery and architectural design. Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects is the esteemed talent and creative collaborator behind Luminary No.2.

Each edition of The Luminary Series offers two entirely different whiskies. Firstly, ‘The Rare’, which will be offered for auction by Sotheby’s London and comprises a 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, one of only three bottles to be made, uniquely housed in a striking glass sculpture, designed by Leung.

The exquisite sculpture is made of one continuous piece of glass, which swirls and loops, inspired by and depicting the layers of age and the interactions of flavour found in the whisky making process and the whisky itself.

The creation of this precious sculpture has been incredibly high-risk and has taken hundreds of hours of work. When commissioning the glass work, only a handful of artisan markers across the world had the necessary experience and vision to manipulate the glass to deliver the desired form.

Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry combined modern techniques with centuries-old craft to create the sculpture, placing it in kiln in a handmade mould, taking the glass to temperature before lowering one degree at a time across a tense 12 week period.  Weighing a substantial 80kg, the sculpture’s liquid-like texture and gloss finish comes from over 500 hours of hand polishing.

‘The Rare’ whisky itself, is exceptional and was created in further true collaboration between Leung and The Dalmore’s master makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, as together they explored flavour and form, with inspiration ranging from childhood memories, to travel, food and music.

This 49 Year Old Single Malt has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in an assemblage, encompassing a rare Port Colheita 1963, an exceptionally rare 30YO Apostoles Sherry and select Bourbon. The whisky has been further finished in a unique 1951 / Virgin Oak hybrid cask, air dried at The Dalmore and bespoke toasted by Gregg Glass himself.

Only three bottles and two sculptures have and will ever be created. One set will be offered at auction In London via Sotheby’s online, as part of a Finest and Rarest Whisky sale, open 14th-31st May. This auction will be presented as part of ‘The Luxury Edit’, a series of sales at Sotheby’s in London, showcasing watches, jewellery, spirits, wine and pop culture.

The Dalmore Luminary No.2 ‘The Rare’, is expected to reach six-figures at auction, with The Dalmore donating all proceeds to V&A Dundee. Both the sculpture and decanter will be on display in Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries from 24th-29th May, alongside an array of items, also featured in the luxury auctions.

The second set will be displayed at The Dalmore distillery in the Highlands, with the third bottle released as part of a compendium of the series, in years to come. A designer proof of the sculpture will be on permanent display at V&A Dundee, joining the designers’ proof from Luminary No1, released in 2022.

This auction marks the second milestone in The Dalmore and V&A Dundee’s Luminary Series, which celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence through compelling collaborations between luminaries from the worlds of whisky making mastery and architectural design.

Alongside ‘The Rare’, the second whisky available as part of The Dalmore Luminary Series 2024, is ‘The Collectible’. Strictly limited to 20,000 bottles worldwide, ‘The Collectible’ is a 16 Year Old Single Malt and draws inspiration from both ‘The Rare’ whisky and sculpture. This release offers whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to be part of The Dalmore Luminary Series and is selling rapidly via Global Travel retail and the finest luxury retailers worldwide at an RRP of £275.

Quotes:

The carefully crafted elements of The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition were conceived entirely collaboratively, with Glass, Paterson and Leung working symbiotically to explore flavour and form. Glass said: “This was a true meeting of minds, and the new releases beautifully express the shared journey we’ve all been on in mastering our crafts. 

“We were struck by the symbiosis between our two disciplines, which are simultaneously art and science, sensing and seeing, nature and nurture. They are about perfect structure and proportion leading to harmony, and harmony enhancing the human experience over time. We are delighted to finally be sharing this exceptionally rare whisky and Melodie’s incredible creation, with the world.” 

Leung adds: “Experiencing The Dalmore’s outstanding pursuit of excellence first-hand and being initiated into the complex world of whisky making by Gregg and Richard provided extremely fertile ground for design inspiration. The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavour notes in the whisky-making process, including the unique silhouettes of the copper stills. It mirrors the multiple layers of ageing and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channelled over time.” 

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “It’s an honour to partner once again with The Dalmore to offer one of their rarest releases for such a good cause. This whisky exemplifies The Dalmore’s signature style of highly aged liquid with complex maturation and brings in the additional elements of collaboration and high concept design. The result is a true collector’s piece and a unique auction opportunity for only the most dedicated Scotch whisky collectors.” 

Carina Villinger, Head of 20th Century Design, Sotheby’s, added “This exquisite glass sculpture, designed by Leung, is a true collector’s piece. It seamlessly blends architecture and design, showcasing an impressive swirling form reminiscent of Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature treatment of architectural forms.”

Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee said: “The Dalmore and V&A Dundee partnership is ambitious. It brings our worlds of design, whisky, internationalism, innovation, and a deep commitment to celebrate Scotland’s unique icons, landscapes and crafts together. The Dalmore are generously donating the entire proceeds from the auction of the unique sculpture and decanter. This collaboration is invaluable to V&A Dundee and supports our work to generate joy, spark curiosity and to deepen our social impact through design.”

For more information on The Dalmore Luminary Series, please click here.

The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: Madagascan vanilla, rich dark berry fruits, cinnamon and dark cacao

Palate: Freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenné pears, and soft patisserie spices

Finishing notes: Sugared almonds, plums, roasted Colombian coffee with lifts to a subtle sweet wood smoke

Bottled at 40.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered

MATURATION

The 49 Year Old was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and unique hybrid casks

A final flourish in a bespoke 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask air-dried at The Dalmore distillery and hand-toasted by Glass himself

THE DALMORE LUMINARY – THE RARE – 2024 EDITION GLASS SCULPTURE

The Dalmore worked closely with Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry – one of the few master glass artists with the necessary experience and vision to manipulate glass to the desired form – to combine modern techniques with a centuries-old craft to deliver this unique sculpture

The sculpture was in the kiln at The Glass Foundry for 12 weeks

The initial moulding was made at 890 degrees and held at that temperature for 15 hours to ensure all moisture and air bubbles were released. The temperature was then gradually lowered around a degree a day until it was at room temperature. After this proving period, it was lifted carefully from the kiln, weighing in at 80 kilograms

In a process that took over 500 hours, the sculpture was then fine-polished by hand across the entire surface area to achieve the liquid texture and gloss finish 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

In addition to the set offered at auction at Sotheby’s, a second complete set will be held at the distillery’s Highland home and one further decanter will be saved for a final Luminary Series Compendium Edition No 1, 2 and 3

Two designer proofs will also go on display at V&A Dundee and Zaha Hadid Architects

About The Dalmore

Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows renowned Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and his team to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

About V&A Dundee

V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is at the centre of Dundee’s reimagined waterfront and is part of the V&A family of museums that celebrate creativity in all its forms from across centuries, for everyone.

V&A Dundee features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.

The V&A and The Dalmore share a historic legacy of pioneering work and innovation. Founded in 1839, The Dalmore holds exclusive use of the royal 12-pointed stag emblem after the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the distillery’s historic owners, saved King Alexander III from a charging stag. Just over a decade later, in 1852, the V&A was founded with a mission to educate designers, manufacturers and the public in art and design. This followed the Great Exhibition of 1851 which was created and championed by Prince Albert.

From their respective homes in Scotland, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are integral community and cultural hubs at the heart of the region.

Today, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are proud champions of Scottish culture, and unite to celebrate a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their collaboration is anchored in exporting shared purpose, talent and stories, and in curating and advocating exceptional design and craftsmanship.

About Melodie Leung

Leung is Director at the internationally acclaimed design studio, Zaha Hadid Architects.

Having joined in 2005, Melodie worked alongside the late Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Zaha Hadid for 11 years, who entrusted her to lead a team of 500+ designers and architects. Our Luminary continues Zaha Hadid’s philanthropic endeavours, including nurturing up-and-coming designers to think individually, generate creative visions and aspire to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Leung was born and raised in Chicago, now living, and working in London, and is of Hong Kong heritage. She studied architecture at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and proceeded to a Masters of Architecture from the Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning at Columbia University, New York.

Zaha Hadid was described by many as one of contemporary architecture’s most influential figures, Leung narrates “…working with Zaha, in the practice that she founded, it was much more about challenging the process – so challenging each other, and our preconceptions in our design ideas.”

About Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) redefined architecture for the 21st century with a repertoire of projects that have captured imaginations across the globe. Form and space are woven within the structure of buildings that engage the senses, creating unrivalled spatial experiences that are clearly organized and intuitive to navigate.

Receiving the highest honours from civic, professional, and academic institutions worldwide, ZHA is one of the world’s most consistently inventive architectural studios—and has been for four decades. These 40 years of research are inscribed within more than 70 award-winning projects built for clients with reputations for excellence and visionary communities across six continents.

With over 80 pioneering designs currently in development around the world, ZHA is a global leader in improving how the industry constructs. Marrying advancements in design technologies with ecologically sound materials and sustainable construction practices, ZHA does not look at the disparate parts but works to understand them as a whole to meet the aspirations of each new generation. 

About Sotheby’s Wine

Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s leading destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s facilitates access to and ownership of exceptional works of art and luxury goods through auction and immediate purchase channels, including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a state-of-the-art technology platform and a network of specialists covering 40 countries and 70 categories, including Contemporary Art, Modern & Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Art, Jewellery, Watches, Wine & Spirits, Design, as well as Collector 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.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune).

In addition to auctions, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail shop located at Sotheby’s headquarters in New York and an e-commerce site at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully selected range of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Compiled by our experienced specialists, this selection is based on long-standing relationships with winemakers around the world. It includes bottles ready for immediate consumption, as well as investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second outlet was opened in the galleries of Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2014, followed by a third at Bucherer in Zurich in 2022.

The Dalmore
www.thedalmore.com
Facebook & Instagram @thedalmore

V&A Dundee
www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
Instagram & X @VADundee

Zaha Hadid Architects
www.zaha-hadid.com
Instagram @zahahadidarchitects
X @ZHA_News

Rosebank Distillery celebrates final expression in first series of revered legacy releases

Rosebank Distillery has released a 32 year old, the third and final expression in its highly-anticipated legacy series

To mark the iconic launch of this bottling, renowned composer Des Oliver has created a moving piece of music inspired from its tasting notes, performed at Rosebank Distillery, by world-famous Chineke! Orchestra 

This 32 year old Rosebank is composed from a careful selection of rare casks from the limited stocks left prior to the distillery’s closure 30 years ago

Rosebank Distillery has unveiled the final expression in its celebrated Legacy Series, a 32 year old.  To celebrate this landmark, a bespoke piece of orchestral music has been commissioned, inspired by the whisky itself.

Collaborating with esteemed composer, Des Oliver, tasting notes from the first sip of this exceptionally crafted Scotch whisky have inspired the composition of “Rosebank Reawakening”, a new musical piece performed by the globally revered, contemporary orchestra Chineke!

The score celebrates the crescendo of the much-loved first global series of releases from the distillery under the custodianship of Ian Macleod Distillers and commemorates the revival of the Rosebank Distillery as it opens to the public later this summer after ceasing production more than three decades ago.

Des Oliver, who holds a doctorate in composition from Oxford University and has previously worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, was invited to immerse himself at the revived distillery. Emma Oakes, Blender and Malcolm Rennie, Distillery Manager, introduced Des to a first sip of this rare 32 year old Rosebank earlier this year to inspire the composition.

From the tasting experience, a musical journey that perfectly encapsulates this Scotch whisky was written and then performed by Chineke! Orchestra at the distillery.  Its recording now provides a new way to savour this rich and complex whisky.

Des Oliver comments: “My piece was conceived as a journey inspired by the unique flavours of the Rosebank 32 year old.  I was drawn to the idea of translating the nuances of the spirit into a sonic landscape, choosing to write it in a way that reflected the multifaceted nature of this whisky.

“The composition evolves like my tasting experience, with each moment capturing a different aspect of the whisky’s flavour profile – from its initial smoothness and richness to the subtle hints of oak and spice. The piece invites listeners to immerse themselves fully in the sensory journey of the whisky, from the initial anticipation to the subtle echoes of flavour that resonate long after the final note has faded.”

Malcolm Rennie, Distillery Manager said: “I am extremely proud to announce the arrival of Rosebank 32 year old, it is an exceptional dram, which perfectly exemplifies the qualities that earned Rosebank reverence as the “King of the Lowlands”.  It not only marks the final expression in our first legacy series, but also symbolises a new era for Rosebank, as we prepare to open the doors of our revived distillery.”

“Working with Des and Chineke! has been fascinating, and to see them interpret their experience of this whisky and create such stunning piece of inspired music fills me with so much pride. Listening to it whilst savouring a dram completely elevates the tasting notes, making for a magical experience.”

The 32 year old, which follows releases of a 30 and 31 year old, has been composed from the limited casks retained from before the distillery closed, more than 30 years ago.

Rich and complex, yet elegant and balanced, Rosebank 32 year old offers sweet aromas of pineapples and candied ginger, mingling with lemon and marzipan with hints of white pepper and coffee. On the palate, the mouthfeel is velvety and showcases hints of malt, thyme, butterscotch, and tropical fruits. A soft, long finish has notes of lemon, honeyed porridge, and toasted walnuts.

Rosebank is one of the first Scotch whisky brands to launch this expression with Near-Field Communication technology tags on every bottle. Consumers hold their phone over the NFC tag for immediate bottle authenticity and an enhanced consumer journey. This then provides an exclusive deep dive on this 32 year old release, including bespoke tasting videos, and further expression information.

Rosebank 32 year old has an ABV of 47.6%, and an RRP of £2,100. It will be available to purchase at https://www.rosebank.com/rosebank-32-year-old-release-three from 13th May 2024 at 9am.

To find out more about Rosebank Distillery, please visit www.rosebank.com

About Rosebank 32 year old

Nose: Elegant and balanced, boiled sweeties, pineapple cubes, dried apricot, gentle oak, candied ginger, lemon drizzle, marzipan, hints of white pepper and café latte.

Palate: Velvet mouthfeel with good body, hints of malt, thyme, butterscotch, tropical fruits, drying oak and softly warming spice.

Finish: Soft and long with lemon, honeyed porridge and toasted walnut.

ABV: 47.6%

RRP: £2,100

About Rosebank Distillery

Owned by Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers, “The King of the Lowlands” makes a highly-anticipated return on 7th June.

After being mothballed in 1993, Rosebank will open to visitors next month, with the renovation that breathes life back into this esteemed Scottish distillery and the surrounding community in Falkirk. Rosebank single malt was once known as the “The King of the Lowlands”, and the distillery’s meticulous restoration has spanned the last four years, resulting in its’ stunning revival that retains much of the history of the original buildings.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased directly at www.rosebank.com

About Des Oliver:

•    Des has been in the music industry since he was 14 years old; plays the trumpet and piano.
•    Studied at the Guild Hall of Music and Drama followed by the Royal Academy of Music. Since then, he has been composing music.
•    He has taught composition at Brunel University, Magdalen College, St John’s, St Hugh’s, Christ Church, Exeter, and University College, Oxford and was a Senior Lecturer in composition and music production at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), Guildford.
•    Completed his doctorate in composition and critical writing at Worcester College, Oxford and was recently appointed as Jerwood Composer-in-Residence at the London Symphony Orchestra.
•    Des made a documentary film called ‘The identity and anxiety of influence’ which explored issues surrounding black identity with the breadth of new music produced by BAME composers across the UK. Part of the documentary included an interview with Chi-Chi- Nwanoku CBE (double bass player and founder of the Chineke! Orchestra).

About Chineke! Orchestra:

•    Chineke! was founded in 2015 by the double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, to provide career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Chineke!’s mission is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’.
•    The Chineke! Orchestra, the Foundation’s flagship ensemble, works closely with its sister ensemble, the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, a youth orchestra of Black and ethnically diverse players aged between 11 and 22, with senior players acting as mentors, teachers and role models to the young musicians.
•    In 2017, the Chineke! Orchestra made its BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall in August and performed at many other leading festivals throughout Europe including Lucerne Festival and Edinburgh Festival, all to great critical acclaim. The ensemble is currently a Resident Orchestra at the Southbank Centre. Chineke! has released five CDs to date, which you can hear on Spotify

Elijah Craig Bourbon Introduces “The Mulligan” as Official Bourbon Cocktail of 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla

Hundreds of Avid Louisville Golfers Enjoyed the Cocktail with a shot at a Mulligan for $25,000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Monday, Elijah Craig introduced the Official Bourbon Cocktail of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, “The Elijah Craig Mulligan.” The cocktail debuted at a fundraiser partnership with First Tee – Louisville where hundreds of avid golfing fanatics from across the city vied for a chance to win $25,000. Although there were no big winners from the contest, the ultimate winner was First Tee – Louisville, who received a sponsorship check from Elijah Craig for $10,000.

The Elijah Craig Mulligan is a refreshing cocktail that utilizes lemonade, tea infused with Elijah Craig Small Batch or Straight Rye Whiskey, soda water, a mint and lemon wheel garnish. There are no do-overs in tournament play. Fortunately, we’re a little more forgiving with an Elijah Craig Mulligan.

“Elijah Craig is putting a spin on a golf classic with The Mulligan, a refreshing sip for a swing refresh,” said Max Stefka, Group Product Director, Elijah Craig Bourbon. “Mulligans may not be required in the official rule book, but we recommend this Bourbon-forward riff for your next rounds of golf.”

The Elijah Craig Mulligan will be available at the 2024 PGA Championship across the Valhalla Golf Club and at the Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy at the 14th hole of the course, aptly named “On The Rocks,” from May 16-19, and during practice rounds. Larger in size and scale than any previous championship, spectators visiting the Speakeasy 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.

Offsite, area consumers will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship. Travelers visiting the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky will enjoy special Elijah Craig golf cocktails and co-branded merchandise to welcome those from near and far.

The Elijah Craig Hole-in-One challenge gave golf participants one free shot at the target, with a mulligan shot available with a donation of $5 or more to First Tee – Louisville. Elijah Craig and Heaven Hill Brands matched up to $10,000 of donations from the event. The $10,000 donation makes it possible for over 60 young, aspiring golfers to learn the sport.  One hundred percent of these scholarships support youth who could not otherwise afford the cost of lessons.  This year alone, First Tee – Louisville served over 657 unique youths, one third of those being female participants and one third being ethnically diverse participants.

“Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill Brands, and First Tee – Louisville, are a ‘hole in one’ partnership. We are proud to support activity-based programs for youth from underserved and under-represented communities,” said D’Shawn Johnson, Executive Director of First Tee – Louisville. “Today was a win-win for everyone involved.”

The Elijah Craig Mulligan

• 2 oz. Tea-Infused Elijah Craig Bourbon
• 4 oz. Lemonade
• Splash of Soda Water
• Garnish: Mint & Lemon Wheel

Steep one green tea bag in three ounces of Elijah Craig Bourbon for ten minutes. Fill highball glass with ice. Pour lemonade in a highball glass over ice. Top with soda water. Float tea-infused Bourbon on top. Stir & Sip.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon: Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led 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 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

About First Tee – Louisville: First Tee – Louisville is a youth development organization that enables kids ages 6 to 18 the opportunity to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. First Tee is Building Game Changers through its junior golf programs. In 2023, First Tee – Louisville served nearly 1700 kids through its various programs and has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to Louisville Metro Youth. For more information, please visit www.firstteelouisville.org.

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES ‘COLLECTOR’S SERIES’ WITH 37 YEAR OLD BLENDED MALT

The first in the Collector’s Series of blended malts pays homage to the whisky-making tradition of Speyside

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY has unveiled its highest age expression released to date – DEWAR’S Double Double 37 Year Old – a rare, limited edition. The first in the brand’s Collector’s Series, it is one of four blended malts in the set, with each expression finished in a unique and innovative way.

 DEWAR’S Double Double 37 Year Old is the first in the collection, honoring the whisky-making traditions of Speyside. A blended malt – it was made from a combination of single malt whiskies – it has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks that once held AULTMORE® Single Malt, a Speyside whisky. The result is a profile rich with notes of cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, with a finish that borders on decadent. The natural color and non-chill filtered whisky has been bottled at a natural strength of 48%.

 Created by DEWAR’S award-winning Master Blender Stephanie Macleod and her team, the new whisky has already achieved remarkable recognition, scoring #12 on the International Whisky Competition’s list of Top Whiskies of 2023, and is the highest rated Blended Scotch at 93.8 points.

 Available for $1,799, every 375ml bottle of this rare, limited-edition whisky will be presented with two exquisitely crafted Baccarat Massena Tumblers to further elevate each tasting experience into a celebration.

 Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S commented: “The team and I are driven by creating new and exciting whiskies – interesting flavors and experiences that make our loyal drinkers excited for what we might come up with next. With the Collector’s Series we wanted to take our award-winning Double Double series to the next level with a set of blended malts and, with this first expression, to pay homage to the style of a specific Scotch whisky region, all in one bottle. We’re excited to hear what our whisky connoisseurs think, and to reveal more about the rest of the collection in due course.”

 The four rare whiskies in the Collector’s Series will be released over consecutive years, with the second in the series due to launch in 2024, the third in 2025, and the fourth and final in the series in 2026.

Brian Cox, Vice President of DEWAR’S North America commented: “This extraordinary whisky is a testament to the talent of Stephanie Macleod and the team of blenders. Exquisite whisky also deserves exquisite glassware and so each bottle of Double Double 37 Year Old comes with a matching pair of Baccarat crystal glassware to savor every drop in luxury. So, raise a glass of DEWAR’s Double Double 37 Year Old this season and toast to the bonds that whisky helps us forge, the stories it helps us share, and the joy it brings to our lives. Slàinte mhath.”

 Inclusive of the Baccarat Massena Tumblers, the set is available in limited quantities, sold at select fine wines and spirits retailers as well as online HERE.

 The Dewar’s Double Double range, introduced in 2019, boasts a distinctive four-stage aging process.  Double Double 37 is the latest addition to this award-winning range, which already includes the acclaimed Double Double 21 Year Old, 27 Year Old, and 32 Year Old, with Double Double 32 Year Old named World’s Best Whisky by the International Whisky Competition in 2020.

 About DEWAR’S

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S® has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12-Year-Old, DEWAR’S 15-Year-Old, DEWAR’S 18-Year-Old, DEWAR’S Double Double Series, DEWAR’S Caribbean Smooth and the exclusive DEWAR’S 25.  These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process, which involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

 About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or X, formerly known as Twitter.

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

TAMDHU LAUNCHES TWO NEW EXCLUSIVE BOTTLINGS FOR SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 2024 

Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced its two latest expressions, exclusively released for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in May 2024.

In keeping with tradition, the two exclusive festival bottlings include the next chapter in the well-loved Dalbeallie series, and a specially selected Single Cask chosen by the Tamdhu Dedication Society. Both expressions will be available to purchase at the Tamdhu Distillery pop-up shop at the Dalbeallie Station on 3rd and 4th May, and offered to Dedication Society members for early access online purchase from today and to the public online from 3rd May while limited stocks last.

Dalbeallie Dram VII (£100, 61.8% ABV)

Tamdhu was born over 125 years ago, in 1897, on the banks of the River Spey. Two years later, Dalbeallie station was completed on site, bringing barley, passengers, and the finest sherry casks from Spain to Speyside. The Dalbeallie Dram series takes its name from this iconic Victorian train station, in honour of its pivotal role in shaping Tamdhu.

Tamdhu exclusively matures all its whisky in the finest Oloroso sherry casks from beginning to end, and Dalbeallie VII is no exception. Each of the 1,000 bottles available is individually numbered, bottled at batch high strength (61.8% ABV) and is non-chill filtered, retaining its natural amber colour.

On the nose, the whisky presents a bittersweet combination of vanilla, a hint of clove, raspberry jam, dark chocolate and orange peel. The first sip reveals flavours of rich demerara sugar, toffee, dark berries and toasted oak, paired with shortbread and baked fig. On the finish: a long, warming sherry note, gentle spice and lingering fruit.

Dalbeallie Dram VII will be available to purchase exclusively at the Dalbeallie Station during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and from Tamdhu’s online shop. Dalbeallie Dram VII is available for £100 per 70cl bottle. Due to very high annual demand, Dalbeallie Dram VII will be on allocation, one bottle per person this year.

Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003 (£379, 55% ABV)

Tamdhu’s Dedication Society is for true whisky aficionados who appreciate the deep, rich flavour that the finest Oloroso sherry casks create. 15 members were chosen from a ballot to visit the Tamdhu Distillery in August and taste a series of carefully-selected single casks. Together, they chose our Dedication Society Single Cask for 2024, they directly influenced the outstanding flavours and characteristics of this year’s expression.

There were 4 casks, specially selected by Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager from our traditional dunnage warehouses to choose from. Two were American Oak and two European Oak, but after the members’ tasting the clear winner was a European Oak Butt, cask number 5986.

The aroma reveals soft ginger spice, a twist of orange, stewed fruits and caramel, with frangipane and aged oak giving depth. To taste, there are notes of dry sherry and shortbread, with subtle layers of vanilla and cola. The finish offers hints of apple, toffee, dark cherries, oak and leather, synonymous with Tamdhu’s signature sherried body.

During the festival, only 568 individually numbered bottles of the Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003 will be available to purchase exclusively at Tamdhu Distillery. It will also be available from our online shop for £379 per 70cl bottle. Cask strength and natural colour.

Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager, said: “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a yearly highlight of the Tamdhu calendar. It brings together whisky lovers across the globe to visit world-renowned distilleries and witness the stunning landscapes that Speyside has to offer.

“We’re excited to unveil two new exclusive launches for this year’s festival. The Dalbeallie Series is always a favourite with our Tamdhu family and we’re confident the seventh one will be no exception. We’re also very pleased to introduce the ultra-rare expression chosen by our Dedication Society. It’s a stunning dram which we’ll be celebrating with the society’s members themselves.” 

 For more information on Tamdhu see: www.tamdhu.com/our-collection

Tasting Notes

Tamdhu Dalbeallie VII

Nose

Vanilla, hint of clove, raspberry jam, shavings of dark chocolate and orange peel.

Palate

A richness of demerara sugar and toffee, mixed with shortbread, baked fig, dark berries and toasted oak.

Finish

Warming with long sherry notes, gentle spice and a lingering fruit finish.

Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003

Nose

Soft ginger spice, frangipane, aged oak. With an orange twist, hint of caramel and stewed fruits.

Palate

Layered and warming notes of dry sherry and shortbread, with hints of vanilla and cola.

Finish

With a good sherried body, apple, toffee, dark cherries are met with oak and leather.

Cù Bòcan releases limited-edition Creation #6 single malt whisky

Award-winning Highland whisky Cù Bòcan, the experimental spirit distilled at the Tomatin distillery every winter, has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt, Creation #6.

Launched in 2013 and inspired by the lightly-peated spirit historically produced at Tomatin more than a century ago, Cù Bòcan uses unique cask maturations to create a collection of vibrant flavours.

Creation #6 (46% ABV, non-chill filtered, RRP £60) is made with lightly peated Scottish barley and is a fusion of liquid matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for nine years and characterful Jamaican Rum casks for ten years.

The result is an intriguingly smoky spirit boasting a surprisingly lively character. A tantalizing burst of the Caribbean captivates the senses, carrying notes of toasted Jamaica ginger cake, bonfire toffee, and banana and walnut loaf, followed by rum-soaked pineapple and raisins and all rounded off with a subtle hint of Daim crunchy almond caramel.

On the palate, it has a deliciously dark depth of flavour which begins with amaretto cherries and salted caramel-coated liquorice, before a burst of spiced plum jam and a kick of Fisherman’s Friend lozenges. A velvety satin-like texture envelopes the palate before a lingering treacle finish.

This latest release is presented in Cù Bòcan’s impressive bespoke bottle. Ascending contours engraved into the glass emulate the signature wisp of smoke in the whisky’s character, while horizontal lines nod to the staves of casks which are so central to the production.

The external packaging comes in striking orange and mint green with a textured finish to mimic the peat, which captures the whisky’s smoky character.

Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador, said: at Tomatin Distillery, said: “Cù Bòcan is renowned for exploring innovative maturations, creating whiskies full of flavour guaranteed to bring intrigue and surprise. Continuing this tradition, Creation #6 is a bold experiment where Europe and the Caribbean meet to create a whisky that is rich, sweet, and lively. Infused with the signature subtle smoke and vibrant rum and raisin, it promises an unforgettable sensory journey.”

Cù Bòcan Creation #6 is available online and in specialist shops worldwide.

https://www.cu-bocan.com/stockists

https://www.cu-bocan.com/shop

Cù Bòcan is a Highland Single Malt distilled, matured, and produced at the Tomatin Distillery (near Inverness), famous for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland Single Malt, The Antiquary, The Talisman, and Big T.

In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of Optic Barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

Then, on September 3rd, 2013, this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – A single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and Virgin Oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand limited edition collection.

Cù Bòcan rebranded in August 2019. It is an experimental Highland Single Malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.

The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo International, https://www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Website: www.cu-bocan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cubocan

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cubocanwhisky

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cubocanwhisky

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfCCt2Wkep2Z_pr3PnpVHw

Bladnoch Distillery unveils 2024 Single Cask Collection

Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has released an exceptional new single cask collection into its portfolio of Lowland single malt Scotch whiskies.

Marking the final release in a five-year series, the Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection features six unique single malt whiskies, each hand selected by Dr Nick Savage, Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, to showcase some of the distillery’s finest casks.

The annual release collection depicts the distillery’s taste-first approach to whisky making, bringing together a diverse selection of cask types and aged spirit to offer a variety of taste profiles.

Bladnoch Distillery has a rich history and heritage spanning over two centuries and the new single cask range draws upon the extraordinary spirit laid to rest in the distillery’s 207-year-old bluestone warehouses, which are perched on the edge of the River Bladnoch in the Lowland whisky region of Scotland.

The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Dr. Nick Savage, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery. The 2024 Single Cask Collection marks a key milestone for the distillery by featuring two single cask releases which were distilled in 2017, under the new ownership.

Varying in cask type and rarity, each of the whiskies in the single cask range has been bottled at cask strength and is non-chill filtered with natural colour.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: “Our taste-first philosophy, rooted in our whisky-making knowledge provides us with the freedom to explore a wide array of cask types and vintages to demonstrate the breadth and quality of the distillery’s maturing stock and showcase our bold Galloway spirit.

“There is an incredible breadth of taste experiences within this year’s selection, from the sweet, floral notes of the first single cask whisky to the herbal, nutty, oak characteristics of the final vintage single malt whisky.

“Only the most remarkable casks which have displayed exceptional, unique characteristics or extraordinary maturation have been selected from our 207-year-old bluestone warehouses to craft the Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection.”

• The first release in the collection, Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/01 is a sweet and refreshing single malt distilled in 2017 and matured in a sherry butt cask. With an ABV of 57.6%, it presents floral, sweet notes with hints of apple crumble and is limited to 219 bottles.

• Imparting sweet notes of creamy soda, lemons and coconut and a sweet, dry finish, the Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/02expression was distilled in 2007 and matured in a single bourbon barrel. It has an ABV of 52.6% and is limited to 170 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/03is a sweet and smoky peated whisky distilled in 2017 and matured in a canasta butt cask. With an ABV of 58.3%, it displays smoky notes on the nose and flavours of bonfire toffee apples and apricots on the palate and is limited to 676 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/04single malt reveals popcorn, minty and creamy notes and a sweet and creamy finish. Distilled in 2008 and matured in a bourbon barrel, it has an ABV of 51.2% and is limited to 237 bottles.

• Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/05is a dry whisky imparting chocolate, coffee bean and nutmeg aromas and herbal spice with dark chocolate flavours and has an ABV of 49.9%. It was distilled in 2006 and matured in a sherry butt cask and is limited to 660 bottles.

• The final release in this year’s collection, Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/06is an extraordinary vintage single malt whisky with notes of floral pinecones with walnuts on the nose and almonds with plum jam on the palate. Distilled in 2001 and matured in an Amontillado sherry hogshead cask, this exclusive release has an ABV of 50.1% and is limited to 281 bottles.

The first five whiskies in the collection have an RRSP of £160 and the rare vintage Bladnoch Single Cask 2024/06 has an RRSP of £450. They will be available from Bladnoch.com in the UK from 5pm UK time on 23 April 2024 before rolling out in international markets including Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Taiwan.

The Bladnoch 2024 Single Cask Collection brings the five-year series to a close and sets the tone for future releases from the distillery. A new single cask collection, which will mark the start of a new series will be unveiled in 2025.

A bold Galloway spirit, liberated by taste and elevating whisky making in the Lowlands region, Bladnoch focuses on providing whisky lovers with the opportunity to appreciate whiskies which appeal to their tastes, rather than being constrained by traditional whisky conventions. Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival.

Tasting notes

2024/01

Apple Crumble. Floral. Sweet.

Nose: Salted caramel with subtle orange blossom

Palate: Apple crumble with vanilla pod custard

Finish: Sweet yet refreshing

Colour: Golden syrup

ABV: 57.6%

2024/02

Cream soda. Lemons. Coconut.

Nose: Earthy honey with lemons

Palate: American cream soda with coconut

Finish: Sweet turning to dry

Colour: Golden sun

ABV: 52.6%

2024/03

Bonfire. Toffee Apple. Apricots.

Nose: Smoky treacle with heather

Palate: Bonfire toffee apples and apricots

Finish: Sweet and sticky smoke

Colour: Bold Galloway sunset

ABV: 58.3%

2024/04

Popcorn. Minty. Creamy.

Nose: Baked apples with mint leaf tea

Palate: Buttery popcorn and fudge pieces

Finish: Sweet and creamy

Colour: Deep amber

ABV: 51.2%

2024/05

Coffee. Herbal. Dry.

Nose: Chocolate, coffee beans and nutmeg

Palate: Herbal spices with dark chocolate

Finish: Dry and peppery

Colour: Honey

ABV: 49.9%

2024/06

Herbal. Nutty. Oak.

Nose: Floral pinecones with walnuts

Palate: Almonds with plum jam

Finish: Oak warmth and dryness

Colour: Blood orange

ABV: 50.1%

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.

THE LAST DROP DISTILLERS PRESENTS ITS 2024 COLLECTION: CELEBRATING THE CRAFTMANSHIP, SERENDIPITY AND THE TEST OF TIME

Celebrating the unique, the experimental and the bold with three exceptional liquids: a 40 Year Old Single Malt from the Auchentoshan Distillery and the oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky released by The Last Drop to date 

LOUISVILLE, KY  – The Last Drop Distillers, curators of the world’s most remarkable spirits, is thrilled to announce its 2024 Collection featuring bottlings that celebrate the unique possibilities of spirit-making and blending: a 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Auchentoshan Distillery (Release No. 34) and a 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Tomintoul Distillery (Release No. 36).

Each release celebrates a different facet of the fine craft of spirit making, from the unique production methods of Auchentoshan, to the experimentation and foresight used to create the bold spirit of innovation imbued within this early whisky from Tomintoul. United by a vital ingredient – time –  each has matured to a great age, revealing remarkable layers to be discovered.

Release No. 34

The Last Drop 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Auchentoshan Distillery

Auchentoshan Distillery is renowned for its unique production processes, honed over two centuries of whisky making. It is the only extant distillery in Scotland to distill its spirit three times, producing a liquid that is delicate, refined and luxurious. With Release No. 34, The Last Drop celebrates the craft and creativity of this Lowland distillery, famed for the soft mellowness of its single malts.

This release has been richly-aged for four decades and with just 74 bottles produced, it presents an inimitable characteristic of Auchentoshan with a surprising sweetness.

Tasting Notes by Colin Scott, Master Blender, The Last Drop Distillers

APPEARANCE A light, delicate straw gold, with glints of yellow diamonds.

NOSE Light and delicate but with the richness of fruitcake and stewed apples, complemented with the ripe sweetness of raisins and black cherries. Notes of toffee and hazelnuts with hints of liquorice entice, with sweet spices and oak.

PALATE The richness of black cherries remains: cut grass, enhanced with the sweetness of raisins and caramel, intermingles with spices, vanilla, and a hint of oak, developing into a sweet floral, liquorice and spicy oak aftertaste.

CONCLUSIONS A soft, deep finish to linger over, this is a whisky full of surprise and delight. 

Release No. 36

The Last Drop 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Tomintoul Distillery

The Last Drop’s oldest single malt release to date was born in the ‘Swinging Sixties’ when Scotch whisky was booming and new distillation technology was changing the game. The spirit of innovation was ubiquitous when these casks were put down to rest in Speyside – a time when the Tomintoul Distillery itself was less than 5 years old.

After aging for more than 53 years in six oak casks, and the angel’s claimed their share, the remaining liquid was married into an Amoroso butt for a further 20 months resulting in a liquid of richness and complexity, yielding 582 bottles.

Tasting notes by Colin Scott:

APPEARANCE A deep golden amber in colour, speaking of long years in rich sherry casks.

NOSE The colour heralds rich and ripe notes of dark fruits, sweet raisins, and fruitcake. This is followed by a gentle floral fragrance, grassy nettles, and notes of toffee, enhanced with the nuttiness of hazelnuts, spices, and an oaky sweetness.

PALATE The taste is an explosion of ripe fruits, and richly caramelised apples. A dance of spices and herbs tingles on the tongue, with buttery notes of sticky toffee pudding coming to the fore.

CONCLUSIONS The finish is long and lingering, as befits a whisky of such great age. Sweet oak and surprising floral notes alongside the complexities of fresh, ripe, and dried fruits aplenty.

Rebecca Jago, Managing Director of The Last Drop Distillers says: “We take great joy in sharing our discoveries and stories, and we are delighted to present The Last Drop’s 2024 Collection of Remarkable Spirits. It has been a fascinating mission to curate these releases; each reveals a different element of what makes our business unique: the originality of the Auchentoshan process and the spirit of innovation within the Tomintoul release from the distillery’s early years.

The Last Drop 2024 Collection will be rolling out in limited quantities to its United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants as of May 2024 at a suggested retail price of $5,300 for the 40 Year Old Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch (89.6 proof; 700ml + 50ml miniature) and $8,300 for the 55 Year Old Tomintoul Scotch Whisky (83.4 proof; 700ml + 50ml miniature); state taxes will vary per market.

For more information, please visit www.lastdropdistillers.com.

About The Last Drop Distillers

The Last Drop Distillers was founded by two icons of the spirits industry, Tom Jago and James Espey with over 80 years of experience between them. Their aim was to curate the world’s most remarkable spirits by finding treasures across aged spirit categories and sharing them with those who seek the genuinely extraordinary. This passion for exploration and discovery continued under the careful direction of Tom and James’ daughters: Rebecca Jago and Beanie Geraedts-Espey, who joined The Last Drop in 2014 to help bring their fathers’ vision to a wider audience. In 2016 The Last Drop was acquired by The Sazerac Company, one of America’s oldest private, family-owned, distillers. Rebecca continues to lead The Last Drop as Managing Director.

Since the company was founded in 2008, The Last Drop Distillers has released just 36 limited bottlings across Scotch Whisky, Cognac, Bourbon and Rum, Japanese Whisky and Irish Whiskey, as well as aged Ports and Pineau des Charentes, comprising fewer than 14,500 to date. Seeking nothing less than the remarkable in the spirits they curate, the company’s unwavering commitment is to the quality of the liquid and the pleasure of sharing the treasures they uncover.

About The Sazerac Company

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

The Cabrach Distillery prepares for launch in heartland of malt whisky

A new Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery, which will breathe new life into a remote area of north-east Scotland, is preparing to open its doors this summer, having reached a major milestone with the arrival of its new stills.

The Cabrach Distillery will herald the return of real Cabrach whisky after a long sleep of more than 170 years and is the cornerstone of The Cabrach Trust’s transformational regeneration masterplan for the area.

A social enterprise and the first Community Interest Company of its kind, The Cabrach Distillery will distil, mature and bottle a single malt Scotch whisky of unparalleled provenance and repute. Due to the distillery’s unique purpose and limited scale, bottles of The Cabrach whisky will be scarce and highly sought-after.

The Cabrach is a unique part of Scotland on the rugged edge of Speyside where highland geography, rich cultural history, and a distinctive community spirit intersect to create an inimitable sense of place. The area’s storied history of illicit distilling paved the way for modern whisky production methods and traditions that live far beyond Speyside. Once home to more than 1,000 residents, depopulation and decline have resulted in fewer than 100 people today.

As a purpose-driven and community owned distillery, the project aspires to meet the highest social and environmental standards, creating 12 full-time jobs and 50 volunteering opportunities in the process. All future profits will be legally enshrined to further progress the Trust’s regeneration vision.

Jonathan Christie, Chief Executive Officer of The Cabrach Trust, said: “The Cabrach is renowned for its role in the birth of malt whisky and completion of The Cabrach Distillery will contribute to a tale of renewal like no other. Whisky distilleries are so often the lungs of rural communities, and our new distillery will anchor our regeneration vision, creating much-needed permanent, skilled employment whilst attracting thousands of visitors to this special place, who will be able to discover the area’s rich history, heritage, and natural beauty.”  

The Cabrach Distillery stands pride of place at the centre of Inverharroch Farm, within painstakingly restored 19th century stone steadings which will also house a café and heritage centre. World-renowned coppersmiths Forsyths, based in nearby Rothes, has built the copper stills, which have now been transported to The Cabrach, and undertaken all major aspects of the construction.

In a first for the whisky industry, the Trust agreed a unique partnership with Forsyths which included a generous philanthropic contribution. In recognition of its support, the Trust will enshrine Forsyths as a founding partner alongside the Ethos Foundation and Bently Foundation which have both generously supported the project, alongside further funding from Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government.

Forsyths Chairman, Richard Forsyth OBE, said: “We are honoured to use our decades of expertise in helping to build some of the finest distilleries in the world to support The Cabrach Trust in realising its innovative vision for The Cabrach Distillery.

“The unique location, famed for the vital part it played in Scotland’s malt whisky story, and the distillery’s unique status as a Community Interest Company, which will directly benefit the local Moray community we share, were the main draws for us to become involved and support the project as much as possible.” 

Ahead of the opening, The Cabrach Distillery has introduced The Cabrach Collective, a small community of founding champions who will join the journey to revive the long-lost craft of whisky making in The Cabrach. The Collective will be limited to no more than 1,849 members, in tribute to the old steadings, home of The Cabrach Distillery, which have stood at Inverharroch since 1849.

Membership includes an exclusive range of bottlings, headlined by the premier release of The Cabrach single malt whisky once produced; The Feering series of three Speyside blended malt whiskies; access to future Collective-only distillery releases for annual purchase; alongside a wider suite of benefits. Membership is available for £1,245 per person.

The Cabrach Distillery has also unveiled its inaugural whisky proposition; The Feering, named after a ‘feering’, the first furrow ploughed which acts as a guide for all the rest. Marking the first release in a trio of rare expressions, carefully curated by Master of Malt, Alan Winchester, The Feering Early Harvest edition is an exceptional blended malt which marries together single casks donated by four local Speyside distilleries surrounding The Cabrach. Limited to only 6,000 bottles worldwide, The Feering Early Harvest has an RRSP of £75 GBP / $95 USD and is available for purchase from The Whisky Shop and select local retailers.

Alan Winchester, Master of Malt at The Cabrach Distillery, said: “Ahead of the opening of the distillery we are proud to launch The Cabrach Collective, an opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to join us on this remarkable journey and play a vital part in restoring a proud community like few others. One of the key member benefits is The Feering, which has been created for the sole purpose of beginning the regeneration of this special place in Scotland’s malt whisky story.

“Across our series of three, each expression will offer whisky lovers a different flavour experience and we are excited to share The Feering Early Harvest, a beautifully mellow, yet sprightly dram. A dram that reflects the whisky making mastery the Cabrach was once famed for in the 1800s, combining a pervading warmth akin to the fabled hospitality of the area.” 

The Cabrach Distillery will reach another important milestone of first distillation in August this year. Thereafter the wild spirit of The Cabrach will be filled into fine casks to begin its patient maturation journey, which will culminate in the return and release of The Cabrach single malt whisky.

A registered charity formed in 2013, The Cabrach Trust was set up to preserve the cultural heritage of The Cabrach and safeguard its remote community. Founded by Grant Gordon OBE, it has developed a community-led regeneration plan that will see the development of projects such as the historic distillery and heritage centre. For further information about The Cabrach Distillery or to sign-up to The Cabrach Collective visit www.thecabrach.com.

The Feering Early Harvest Tasting Notes

Colour: Natural colour of early evening sun on a field of barley.

Nose: Gentle floral, heathery tones and notes of honey combine with the distant hint of dying embers on a bothy hearth.

Palate: The nose continues in the palate. Fresh butterscotch combines with sweet vanilla and heather. The hint of sweet smoke continues, subtle in the background.

Finish: The finish is clean and fresh, leaving just enough to tempt you back for another taste.

ABV: 46% and non-chill filtered.

About The Cabrach and whisky

The illicit distilling of whisky in Scotland was seen as a ‘right of man’ at the end of the 17th century and no place in Scotland did a higher concentration of illicit distilling happen than in The Cabrach. Attempts to enforce excise duty on the spirit were therefore met with resistance, ranging from riots to the adoption of ever more inventive ways of avoidance.

The Cabrach’s inhabitants showed extraordinary ingenuity in this clandestine activity, creating an unparalleled network of stills and distribution to evade revenue officers. Spirits travelled far and wide, across the border into England, to Scotland’s North Sea ports and beyond, lending solidarity to the struggles of the Jacobites – and making many rich in the process.

However, legal production in The Cabrach also boomed for a short but crucial period in Scotland’s malt whisky story. By the time spirit once again flows from Cabrach stills, over 170 years will have passed since legal distilling in the area came to an untimely end. In 1823, a significant change in legislation succeeded in encouraging three Cabrach families to establish legally-regulated distilleries on their farms – Blackmiddens, Lesmurdie, and Tomnaven. For more than 30 years, these distilleries flourished and real Cabrach whisky was held in the highest possible regard, securing top billing alongside The Glenlivet. However, various factors impacted on their economic viability, and one by one they closed.

The Cabrach Trust’s development of The Cabrach Distillery is well underway. This transformational project is designed to breathe new life into the area; famed for its role in the birth of malt whisky. Production scheduled to commence later this year, will showcase the craft and alchemy of making Scotland’s national drink and tell the story of the historic region.

Once complete, The Cabrach Distillery, wholly owned by The Cabrach Trust, will be unique in quality, purpose, and limited scale. Producing 100,000 litres of spirit each year, with barley sourced from the fields adjacent to the distillery and from nearby farms, the project will maintain an overarching commitment to sustainability, incorporating an innovative energy and recycling circularity. Importantly, the distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future revenues set to support the Trust’s community regeneration mission.

About The Cabrach Trust

A registered charity formed in 2013, The Cabrach Trust was set up in response to the need to preserve the cultural heritage of The Cabrach and safeguard its remote community. It was founded by Grant Gordon OBE, a philanthropist and member of William Grant family of distillers.

In 2013, through its generous donors, the Trust acquired the historic Inverharroch Farm and its 170 acres of land and through community asset transfer acquired the Old School and Hall and the Acorn Community Centre.

The Trust has developed a community-led regeneration masterplan that will see the development of projects such as a historic distillery and a new heritage centre on its land. Herein, Inverharroch will be developed as a community learning, rural skills, and heritage hub.

Last year, more than 2,000 people visited the new all-abilities Cabrach Discovery Trail, which combines information on the natural landscape, habitats, and wildlife of the Cabrach, as well as opportunities to engage with nature through activities such as bird watching in a custom-made nature hide on the banks of the River Deveron and pond-dipping in two new nature ponds.

In February, The Cabrach also created worldwide headlines. In 2022, the Trust reintroduced The Cabrach Picnic and Games after a hiatus of 87 years and last year initiated the hunt for the lost silver Rose Bowl which was traditionally awarded to the best-performing athlete at the event. After a public plea last summer, Adrian Taylor in Devon, grandson of the last winner of the Rose Bowl, returned the silverware to Moray so it could be awarded once more at the Picnic and Games.

Earlier this month, the Trust marked National Tweed Day (Wednesday 3 April) with the launch of its inaugural Cabrach Tweed. This project was delivered by a group of eight women from the Cabrach community, who curated a palette and pattern which brought to life the natural beauty of the area.