FROM SPEYSIDE TO SWEDEN:

BERRY BROS. & RUDD UNVEILS 2024 SPRING RELEASE

Berry Bros. & Rudd, the leading wine and spirits merchant, continues to demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the finest spirits from around the world with the launch of its 2024 Spring Release. Building upon a rich history and tradition of excellence, the latest  spirits lineup showcases an exceptional selection of whiskies from both emerging and iconic regions, including Sweden, Speyside and the Scottish highlands.

Renowned for their elegance and complexity, single malt Scotch whiskies hailing from Speyside take centre stage with releases from Knockdhu, Craigellachie, Glenlossie sitting alongside a Benrinnes distilled in 1979 from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s  highly coveted Exceptional Cask Collection. Accompanying the Speyside single malts is a peated Madeira cask finish from highland distillery Ardmore, offering earthy aromas that merge seamlessly into notes of sweet apricot and gummy fruits.

Representing the pinnacle of Swedish whisky craftsmanship and its flourishing distilling scene is a High Coast Peated 2012, a bottling with unmistakable nordic character that delivers an exceptional sensory experience.

Felix Dear, Spirits Curator for Berry Bros. & Rudd, commented:

“Building on the success of previous releases within our seasonal portfolio, we continue to pour our expertise and passion for spirit into selecting each bottle and curating these collections, with a goal of showcasing a diversity of flavour and makers. The 2024 Spring Release is no exception.

‘It is always a pleasure to shine a light on distilleries from the iconic Speyside and Highland regions, many a stone’s throw from where I have hosted whisky tastings in the past, and representing the burgeoning Swedish distilling scene.”

The 2024 Spring Release, featuring Benrinnes 1979 Exceptional Cask, Small Batch Glenlossie 2013, Craigellachie 2013, Knockdhu 2012, High Coast Peated 2012 and Ardmore 2009 will be available from 19th March 2024 at bbrspirits.com.

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TASTING NOTES

Benrinnes 1979 #62 Exceptional Cask

The crescendo of aromas in this whisky begins with musty hessian and attics before rising into honey-soaked pineapple and peaches. Magnificent hints of leather and elderflower soon follow. The palate expands on this theme with apricot jam, stewed apple and lychee before developing into antique oak, cigar boxes and musty earth. The finish offers dried fruits and aged tea. This kind of complexity requires nearly half a decade of quiet ageing so accept no substitute.

ABV: 42.1%

RRP: £1,800.00

Small Batch Glenlossie 2013

Aromas of spiced vanilla yoghurt open the nose of this Glenlossie leading to warm orchard fruits and green boiled sweets. The palate is fresh with flavours of apples and pears with honey, caramel, and clove rock. A long finish brings waves of sweet fruit and lingering wood spice.

ABV: 46%

RRP £70.00

Craigellachie 2013 #302040
Craigellachie’s muscular spirit shows emerging aromas of fresh hay, malt and fireworks, before orchard fruits and a softer floral side of rose petals and Port. The palate is notably thick, with more barley, eau de vie, underripe vanilla and blackberries before a puff of wood smoke and digestive biscuits appear. The finish is long and one can feel the spirits oils lingering and showing a touch of peppery spice.

ABV: 55.4%

RRP: £90.00

Knockdhu 2012 #7127
This Knockdhu has a dry, nutty nose expanding with time in the glass. It shows almonds and walnuts before green fruits and banana bread notes appear. The palate is an equally complex meeting of fruits, wood spice and distillate-driven nuttiness, offering an excellent mouthfeel. A little tobacco dances across the finish, with a burst of citrus and some honeyed green fruits.

ABV: 58.8%

RRP: £75.00

High Coast Peated 2012 #4333
The nose on this whisky is unmistakably High Coast. Opening with clean, chiselled peat smoke then fresh orchard fruit and icing sugar showing with time. The palate is powerful yet sophisticated and everything we’ve come to expect from this distillery. Peat smoke, crisp green apples, wood ash and some nice minerality shine through. The two years in an ex-Islay cask bring out a little more peat reek on a long finish. This is a wonderful dram from one of Sweden’s best.

ABV: 59.8%

RRP: £110.00

Ardmore 2009 #709317

This peaty Highlander has spent years luxuriating in a sweet Madeira cask. Its earthy aromas mingle nicely with sweet apricot notes and plenty of gummy fruits. The palate is wonderfully viscous with hugely chewy notes of fruity smoke, plums, charcoal, earthy peat, peaches and oak spice. There is huge complexity here. Lingering smoke comes in waves against an oily fruitiness.

ABV: 54.2%

RRP: £96.00

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.

bbrspirits.com

Whisky Hammer celebrates landmark 100th auction – its largest to date featuring over 5,000 lots

 – …and puts £10,000 of whisky up for grabs for auction bidders –

Specialist spirits auctioneer, Whisky Hammer, is hosting its largest online whisky auction to date, with rare and unique bottles amongst the 5,000+ lots available for sale.

Marking the company’s 100^th auction, buyers have the chance to get their hands on some truly special whiskies going under the hammer, which include a 50 Year Old Macallan (Millennium Decanter) distilled in 1949, a 40 Year Old Brora (distilled in 1972) and a 1976 Single Cask Ardbeg.

Whisky Hammer has also bottled a limited-edition whisky in celebration of the milestone – with just 100 bottles available to bid on. The 11-Year-Old blended Scotch whisky is being bottled at 100 Proof (57.1% ABV) and all bottles will be individually hand numbered, with bids starting at £30 per bottle.

Now a go-to destination for buyers and sellers of rare and collectible whisky worldwide, Whisky Hammer is known for its previous high-profile sales including the record-breaking million-pound cask of Macallan whisky which lay forgotten for more than 30 years and a 55 Year Old Yamazaki which sold for £380,000.

As a thank you to customers for their support over the last eight years, successful bidders in the 100^th auction will be entered into a prize draw to win a share of £10,000 worth of Still Spirit whisky vouchers – with 10 prizes in total and first place winning £5,000 to spend in the store. Each bottle won at auction will be the equivalent to one entry into the draw.

Daniel Milne, co-founder and managing director of Whisky Hammer and Still Spirit, said: “The response from customers looking to take part in our 100^th auction has been incredible. Our entire team have been inundated with an impressive array of stand-out whiskies, some of which are rare, unique and hard to come by.

“We’re giving successful bidders the chance to win a share of £10,000 worth of whisky in our prize draw. This is just a small token of thanks to the customers who have helped build and shape the business over the last eight years, and an opportunity for anyone looking to take part in the auction for the first time to be in with a chance to win an impressive amount of whisky!”

Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky. The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. So far, Whisky Hammer has sold over 155,000 lots valued over £60 million to 88 countries worldwide.

The 100^th auction will end at 3pm (GMT) on Sunday 24^th March. To register to take part in the auction, click here.

For more information on Whisky Hammer or for private sellers to submit bottles to auction, visit www.whiskyhammer.com.

About Whisky Hammer

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers. Whisky Hammer hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. Its sister retail business, Still Spirit, comprises a whisky shop and dram bar offering over 200 rare whiskies based in Ellon, including an e-commerce site. In summer 2023, Whisky Hammer founders also launched independent bottling company, Halcyon Spirits.

Follow Whisky Hammer @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.whiskyhammer.com

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES AS CHIVAS BROTHERS UNLOCKS THE VAULT: THE ULTIMATE LUXURY EXPERIENCE TO DISCOVER A HAND-PICKED SELECTION OF EXCEPTIONAL SCOTCH WHISKY CASKS

The Vault takes whisky lovers through a sensory tasting journey at Speyside’s iconic Strathisla Distillery, offering exclusive access to Chivas Brothers’ highly desired portfolio of whiskies.

Chivas Brothers, makers of world-class Scotch whiskies including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet, unlocks The Vault; a bespoke tasting experience in the hallowed chambers of its Strathisla distillery, leading up to the unveiling of exceptionally rare and sought-after casks from its enviable reserve of high-aged Scotch whiskies. Fourteen precious casks have been revealed for the first time, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of Scotch heritage.

Guests stepping inside The Vault will be taken through a one-of-a-kind tasting experience which promises to elevate any Speyside visit. The journey will start with a private tour of Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working whisky distillery in the region, founded in 1786, followed by a walk-through of Chivas Brothers’ incredible history with its Archivist. The multisensory journey, guided by Chivas Brothers’ team of experts, will continue in The Vault’s impressive whisky library. A bespoke selection will be drawn from 240 exclusive samples, including distillates, high-aged whiskies and one-off rarities, to lead guests through a fully personalised tasting, before entering the chambers of The Vault itself to enjoy a final dram.

The Vault houses fourteen casks, none of which have been available for purchase before, hand-picked by Chivas Brothers makers, Blending Expert Sandy Hyslop and Cask Expert Kevin Balmforth. Together, they combine more than sixty years of experience and passion to meticulously assess the vast inventory across Chivas Brothers’ reserves. From iconic Speyside single malt, The Glenlivet, to the last remaining whiskies from the now-closed Caperdonich distillery, to the master of exceptional blended Scotch Royal Salute and the newly reintroduced Longmorn single malt, each cask has been chosen for its unparalleled character.

Under a Chivas Brothers expert’s guidance, whisky lovers looking to own an exclusive cask will be taken through a series of tastings best suited to their individual palate, before discovering their perfect cask match to purchase. The elevated experience offers whisky collectors an opportunity to not only own a piece of a Scotch whisky history but also to invest in time, as once a cask is sold it can be safeguarded within The Vault for a further four years of maturation before bottling.

Sandy Hyslop, Director of Blending and Inventory at Chivas Brothers commented:

“Every cask safeguarded inside The Vault demonstrates Chivas Brothers’ unrivalled quality, heritage, and craftsmanship. By opening the doors of The Vault, we are providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity for those visiting Speyside, bringing some of the world’s rarest and most remarkable whiskies into the spotlight for whisky connoisseurs and collectors to enjoy, savour and purchase.”

Jacques-Henri Brive, Head of Luxury Development at Chivas Brothers added:

“The Vault is a unique place where we invite whisky aficionados to discover our exceptional cask programme through a tasting experience like no other. Every journey into The Vault is entirely bespoke, paired with the potential to own one of Chivas Brothers’ most desired whiskies and maturing it in the optimal conditions for up to four more years – which makes this offering a very special one.”

The Vault by Chivas Brothers will be officially unlocked in March 2024. Whether visiting Speyside to discover the incredible world of Scotch, or looking to own a one-of-a-kind cask, The Vault has something to offer and is an experience you will want to explore. To discover more about the exclusive collection and book a personalised experience, which starts at £1,200 per guest, visit www.chivasbrothersvault.com. Guests seeking the ultimate country retreat can extend their stay at Chivas Brothers’ newly reopened private guest house, Linn House.

Follow @chivasbrothersscotch for the latest news and information.

WU-TANG DRAM: RZA AND BALLANTINE’S DROP LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE THAT SEES SCOTTISH AND U.S. CULTURES COLLIDE

Hip-hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA and Ballantine’s, the world’s second-most popular Scotch whisky*, have joined forces to release a limited-edition bottle. Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition is the culmination of their multi-drop collaboration that celebrates going against the norm and staying true to who you are.

The first-ever bespoke iteration of Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, the bold look of the new bottle is inspired by RZA’s poetry written during his time spent at the home of Ballantine’s in Scotland. The beauty of the surrounding green farmland, blankets of rolling clouds across Scottish Highland plains, and the whisky-making process inspired RZA to capture the experience in a poem that he then left in founder, George Ballantine’s, library.

Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition epitomises Scotch whisky meeting American attitude. The label features an intricate pattern constructed from the handwritten words of RZA’s poem, complete with the iconic Wu-Tang Clan hands.

The whisky itself is aged for seven years and finished in American oak barrels, expertly combining the depth of Scotch whisky with the sweet touch of American oak to give a true fusion of both Scottish and US cultures. Expect creamy notes complete with the classic vanilla and apple characteristics of the Ballantine’s signature style, as well as extra layers of sweet caramel coming from the American barrel.

When asked about creating the new bottle design RZA said,

“This is a true representation of my entire journey with Ballantine’s. On my first visit to Speyside I found the land and the people so inspiring, it compelled me to capture the experience in a poem. To see this come to life through the bottle design is a true coming together of our cultures.”

Paul-André Vacheron, Ballantine’s Marketing Director at Chivas Brothers adds:

“Our shared belief in doing things your own way is what this collaboration is all about and the unique bottle design adorned with RZA’s words from his time in Scotland, is the perfect poetic note to end our journey together on.”

Over the last year, the partnership between RZA and Ballantine’s has seen the pair launch a bespoke Crosley record player and speaker, a fashion collaboration with Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD, and, most recently, a Ballantine’s inspired hot sauce with Flying Goose. The partnership has been a celebration of RZA’s shared DNA with Ballantine’s, which champions authenticity, showing that when you stay true to who you are there’s no wrong way to live.

The Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel x RZA Limited Edition will be available to purchase worldwide and from thewhiskyexhange.com for RRP £29.99 but is only available while stocks last so is a must-have for whisky lovers and hip-hop fans alike.

For more information on Ballantine’s partnership with RZA visit www.Ballantines.com/RZA or follow @Ballantines on Instagram.

RZA’s Poem

Scotland, greenery on the countryside

Enjoying the scenery on a country ride

Stone cottages adorn the road on opposite sides

It seems beauty has no place to hide

Surrounded by farmland of sheep and grain

Blankets of clouds, skies preparing to release the rain

Showering life-giving water onto the Highland plains

That will be used to infuse the malt and then it’s drained

With the best parts separated from the rest

And we all take a sip, to put the process to its test

The Perfect Fifth Releases 14-Year-Old American Whiskey

“Born and Bottled” Canongate Series Celebrates Ties between Kentucky and Scotland

NEW YORK (March 6, 2024) – The Perfect Fifth, an American independent Scotch Whisky bottler known for its rare, ultra-premium single cask Scotch Whiskies, is releasing a 14-year-old American Whiskey with roots in Kentucky under its Canongate line.  Distilled in Bardstown, Ky in 2009, this whiskey spent three years aging in Kentucky before being sent to Scotland to age another 11 years.

The unique blend of Kentucky’s tempestuous weather, combined with Scotland’s more temperate climate, has resulted in a whiskey with a complexity of mixed honey tones, multiple layers of vanilla, and hints of cocoa and light spice.

“Distillers in the United States, in particular, Kentucky, have always had a harmonious relationship with Scotland, largely due to sending used bourbon barrels to Scotland for a second life, to mature spirits distilled in Scotland.  Our Canongate expression, which is our ‘born and bottled’ line, is an ode to that symbiotic relationship,” said Karl Schoen, founder and chief executive officer, The Perfect Fifth.  “This series celebrates the long history of cask sharing between the two countries by selecting single cask whiskies distilled in the U.S., and aging and bottling them in Scotland.  Our latest release, the Canongate 14-Year-Old American Whiskey is not only well-traveled, but is a unique combination of the environments of Kentucky and Scotland.”

The 14-Year-Old Canongate joins two other Canongate releases: a Canongate 11-Year-Old American Whiskey, which was a sister barrel to this current release and released in 2020, as well as Canongate Glentauchers 24-Year-Old Scotch Whisky released in 2018.  Canongate 14-Year-Old American Whiskey is a limited edition with only 232 bottles available in the United States.  It can be found at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California or online at www.theperfectfifth.com.  The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 64.4 percent, (128.8 proof). Suggested retail pricing is $175 per 750 mL.

About The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up.  As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others.  This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland.  Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions.  Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Calls Consumers to Recognize ‘Spirited Women’ with Personalized, Limited-Edition Label

Douglas Laing Unveils New Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ with a twist: A Fusion of Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky and Port Cask Luxury

Douglas Laing & Co. today announces the release of their latest Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ annual bottling. As the seventh addition to the series, this expression offers up something different from the Feisty Fox Terrier.

Crafted with precision and passion, this newest expression sees Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky enjoy a full Sherry cask maturation followed by a lengthy finishing period in Port casks. This unique combination imparts a rich and indulgent flavour profile, setting it apart as a truly exceptional release. The tasting notes detail who the Whisky reveals “layers upon layers of brown sugar, juicy forest fruits, decadent dark chocolate and a comforting warmth of baking spices.”

The black bottle and bespoke paper wrap are both a first for the Scallywag brand. This deliberate look and feel was chosen to capture the key characteristics of a classic Port bottling whilst maintain Scallywags main brand attributes.

As this is part of our Chocolate Series, Douglas Laing are marking the release with an exciting Golden Ticket competition where consumers have the opportunity to win prizes if they come across a Golden Ticket or a Scallywag Golden Bone (the star prize), concealed within the pack. The competition is running throughout the UK, Germany and Netherlands.

Scott Morrison, Brand Manager commented, “Being the seventh Scallywag Chocolate Edition we wanted to bring something different to consumers, something new and exciting that’ll get the tastebuds tingling. The Port cask finish is not something we’ve explored before with our Speyside Malt but made perfect sense for this new expression with its classic characteristics. The consumer competition, inspired by the iconic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film, adds an interesting dimension to the release and keeps things fresh – something we pride ourselves on here at Douglas Laing.”

Scallywag ‘The Chocolate Edition’ bottling proudly bears no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, allowing the natural spirit to shine. Now available at select retailers, whisky specialists, and online with a suggested retail price of £60.00.

Key Details:

• Presented in a unique black, screen-printed bottle.
• Encased in a bespoke paper wrap featuring a subtle map of Portugal.
• 48% ABV.
• No colouring or chill-filtration.

ProtectYourCask.com Helps Cask Whisky Investors Avoid Scammers

Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to providing clear, transparent information about purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. 

In recent years, the Scotch whisky industry has been concerned about the recent proliferation of whisky cask investment firms offering consumers the chance to make money by buying and reselling casks of Scotch whisky. Some of these companies have made misleading claims about potential return on investment, provided incorrect information to prospective clients, or even committed outright fraud where investors were swindled out of their money. 

Alarmed by this disturbing trend and the lack of information available on safely purchasing, owning and selling casks in an unregulated market, Whisky writer and Keeper of the Quaich Felipe Schrieberg and whisky broker and consultant Mark Littler have launched ProtectYourCask.com, a website resource dedicated to spreading awareness on safely purchasing and owning a cask of Scotch whisky while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

The site draws attention to and amplifies the excellent guidance on Scotch whisky cask investment written by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry body representing the vast majority of Scotch whisky producers (ProtectYourCask.com is not affiliated with the SWA).

Designed to be accessible and easy to understand for anyone who is thinking about buying or who already owns a cask of whisky, information on ProtectYourCask.com includes a helpful summary of the legal framework governing the purchase and sale of Scotch whisky casks, suggests red flags to watch out for when Scotch whisky cask investment firms are pitching their services and details stories covering historical Scotch whisky cask investment scams.

To Schrieberg, the promises of potential profits on Scotch whisky casks carry disturbing echoes of the past:

“Every few decades, there’s been waves of new companies, many of them incompetent at best or perpetrating fraud at worst, promising fast and profitable returns on the purchase of Scotch whisky casks using aggressive sales tactics” he says,

“We’re seeing more than a few such firms today using similar techniques to generate enthusiasm and sales as fraudsters from over 20, 50, and even 100 years ago. We think it’s important to fight the misleading claims that have been going around in order to protect the integrity of the Scotch whisky industry.”

Littler warns that the Scotch whisky cask investment market is far from a rosy opportunity and stresses the importance of genuine ownership:

“Investing in whisky casks is inherently risky as it is an unregulated and volatile market. When it comes to cask investment, one of the fundamental issues we’ve come across is ensuring an investor actually owns their cask rather than having rights to a cask through a third party. This is something that the SWA itself affirms in its own advice on the matter. We hope ProtectYourCask.com can help others successfully navigate this precarious landscape or decide they’re better off investing in something safer.”

About Felipe Schrieberg

Felipe is a whisky writer, musician, author, and tastings host. He is the co-director of independent bottler/record label Rhythm and Booze Records and he is also a Keeper of the Quaich.

For his work, he was awarded the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year and the 2021 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year. He was named in the shortlist for the 2022 Fortnum and Mason Drinks Writer of the Year and the 2022 IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year awards.

As a musician, he is the co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia.

About Mark Littler

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. He is the owner and Editor in Chief of The Whiskey Wash (an award winning US whisky blog) and a regular contributor to Forbes.com.

Mark founded his own firm in 2016, creating Mark Littler Ltd after a 10 year career as an auctioneer where he founded the whisky and wine department of a prominent UK auction house. Mark Littler Ltd provides advice around and arranges the sale of whisky bottles and casks as well as collectables, watches, and other luxury goods through auction and private sales.

For more information contact Mark Littler at info@protectyourcask.com

“WHISKY IS A LONG-TERM GAME”: CHIVAS BROTHERS POINTS TO SUCCESSFUL PREMIUMISATION STRATEGY, DESPITE CATEGORY-WIDE SOFTENING

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, today announced its H1 FY24 (July 2023 – December 2023) financial results with organic net sales down -6% against a high comparison basis.

The company attributes its performance to market and inventory normalisation following two years of outstanding growth. Chivas Brothers continues to outperform the market over the same period[1], owing to its world-class whisky portfolio and broad and balanced global footprint. With a +11% CAGR[2] since H1 FY21, Chivas Brothers also demonstrates a strong and stable growth trajectory despite significant global market fluctuations.

The business’ H1 FY24 performance, driven by a high price/mix effect, reinforces the resilience of its long-term premiumisation strategy, with consumers continuing to seek out prestige brands and experiences. Luxury whisky Royal Salute notably saw an uplift of +8% in organic net sales during the reported period.

Chivas Brothers’ Chairman and CEO, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, commented:

“Our H1 FY24 performance paints a clear picture of whisky market normalisation while also demonstrating the positive impact of strategic business decisions made in line with our premiumisation strategy. Whisky is a long-term game: we remain focused on our ambition to open up to new markets and consumers through product innovations and brand experiences.”

Performance across strategic brands

Royal Salute

Royal Salute continued to increase its value share with +8% global growth, as the brand continues to elevate through luxury releases, including the launch of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II and Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition. Notably, Royal Salute saw sustained growth in Asia, Global Travel Retail and South America.

Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal global sales softened –7%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+4%).

Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s global sales were down -8%, partially offset by the strength of Ballantine’s 30, as well as strong growth in its Prestige range through Global Travel Retail.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet global sales softened -5%, partially offset by growth in its Prestige portfolio (+29%). The brand gained share in the US market, despite inventory normalisation, and is growing in Asia, with key performers including India and Taiwan market.

[1] Chivas Brothers exports vs. Scotch Whisky Association exports (Volume & Value) Jul-Dec 2023

[2] Compound Annual Growth Rate or cumulating organic year on year net sales growth

CHIVAS BROTHERS HOSTS OVER 130 INDUSTRY PEERS AT GLENTAUCHERS DISTILLERY ‘OPEN HOUSE’, SHARING ITS CARBON-CUTTING SUCCESS

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, has opened the doors of its Glentauchers distillery to the wider spirits industry to share its successful implementation of heat recovery technology at the company site.

The two-day Open House event (31^st October – 1^st November) took place after the Scotch distiller made the design and implementation findings of this technology open source in July, inviting other players in the industry to learn from its journey to net zero. In the pursuit of a collaborative effort, more than 130 industry peers spanning sustainability, manufacturing and engineering roles from distilleries large and small attended the event.

Participants learnt about the deployment of heat recovery technology at Glentauchers distillery to capture and recycle the heat generated in distillation that would otherwise go to waste, as well as its potential to reduce energy and save carbon emissions.

Glentauchers distillery, located near Keith in Speyside, recently reduced its total energy consumption within the distillation process by almost half (48%), and decreased the site’s total carbon emissions by 53%, following the successful implementation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR).

Chivas Brothers estimates that if applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, these technologies could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen combined.

Commenting on the Glentauchers Open House event, Brian MacAulay, Malt Distilling & Operations Director at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Meeting so many people from across the industry facilitated discussions about the ways in which we can learn and evolve to benefit each other, the industry at large, and of course reduce our impact on the planet. Although not every distillery will be able to implement heat recovery technologies, they have huge potential to accelerate our collective journey to net zero. As a business, we’re committed to opening up to shape the future of whisky; industry collaboration will be vital in creating a sustainable home for Scotch in the years to come.”

Chivas Brothers is committed to achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. The business most recently announced £60 million in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate the roll-out of MVR across its distilleries.

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