Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes 

B.H. James Distillers as Newest Member

Bourbon’s Growth Across Commonwealth Continues to Impact New Regions & Communities

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced B.H. James Distillers in Logan County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.  

Founded in 2022, B.H. James Distillers team includes founder and owner Shawn McCormick, Distiller JR Hunter, Assistant Distiller Tim McKinney and Bottling Assistant Felicia Hampton. The facilities include a small pot still operation with blending and bottling capabilities. A small tasting room and gift shop are open Wednesday through Saturday. 

“KDA is a tremendous resource for distilleries of every size. But for new craft distilleries like ours, the KDA advocacy work and connections to the industry are invaluable,” said McCormick. “Our burgeoning distillery has a bright future and I’m excited to share our story, product and small town with new audiences.” 

The distillery has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support from the local Adairville community, McCormick said. All corn, rye and malted barley are sourced locally to produce their line of Kentucky Grit® whiskeys. 

Their portfolio includes Burton James® Uniquely American® Whiskey, and Kentucky Grit® Whiskey.

Wanting to share their product further and bring new visitors to the community, the company will soon install an 800-gallon pot still distillation operation and open a new larger 25-seat tasting room with bar and gift shop.  

Learn more at www.burtonjameswhiskey.com. 

B.H. James Distillers joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 0 and 10,000 barrels per year.  

“The team at B.H. James Distillers is working to create a positive and lasting impact on their local community and we are excited to help them grow and share their story,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. 

“Bourbon’s recent growth in South Central Kentucky has expanded the industry’s reach, bringing good jobs and exciting Bourbon tourism potential to new parts of the state. We proudly welcome B.H. James to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.” 

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

UK Minister declares Titanic Distillers officially open for business

UK MINISTER FOR EXPORTS Lord Offord visited Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock this week to officially open Belfast’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.

The Minister, who took up his position at the Department of Business and Trade in April this year, performed the opening ceremony at the new distillery, where whiskey production is now under way for the first time in Belfast since the days of prohibition in the 1930s.

Lord Offord unveiled a commemorative plaque at the distillery which is based on the site of the historic Thompson Dock and Pumphouse, the birthplace of the Titanic.

As well as meeting with Titanic Distillers directors, the Lord enjoyed a brief tour of the £8M distillery and visitor centre, including a whiskey tasting with Head Distiller Damien Rafferty.

He also took time to chat with attending members of the Dockers Club in Pilot Street and Welders Club in Dee Street, in keeping with the company’s ‘Blood, Sweat And Years’ theme which celebrates Belfast’s industrial and maritime past, and is inspired by the people who worked in the city’s shipyard more than a century ago.

The retired workers, from both sides of the community, shared their stories with the Minister, who said he was honoured to be invited to perform the official opening.

“It is an honour to officially open Titanic Distillers at the iconic Thompson Dock today in Belfast,” said Minister for Exports Lord Offord.

“The distilling industry has been part of Northern Ireland’s fabric for generations, and it’s been a pleasure to meet with the team and members of the community to see their skills first-hand.”

The visitor centre at Titanic Distillers opened its doors to tourists in April this year.  Last month (August), the company received its Distillers License to start producing spirits and the stills have been fired up and pouring ever since.

Titanic Distillers director Peter Lavery reflected on the company’s journey to date.

“We are delighted to welcome Lord Offord here today to perform the Official Opening of Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock,” said Peter.

“Today is the culmination of many years’ hard graft to bring this amazing project to life – and while it marks the end of the first ‘construction’ phase, it also signals the start of another phase as we start producing a whiskey and a brand that the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland can be proud of, and that will represent us well all over the world.”

Fellow director Stephen Symington added: “We believe the famous Titanic name resonates around the world and we have very ambitious plans to take the product to a global audience – with coast to coast distribution in the US identified as a major commercial objective for the brand.

“With this in mind, it is very fitting that Lord Offord, in his role as UK Minister for Export, be here today to officially open our new distillery. Outside of our location’s massive tourism appeal and historic significance, we’re very aware that we are now a working distillery and we are all focussed on producing our own products to build on our success to date and make the most of the growing global demand for Irish Whiskey.”

The new distillery will produce single malt premium whiskey made from ingredients that have been carefully selected to produce the best possible flavour.

A unique house blend of malted barley and yeast is used to produce the ‘wash’ which is then distilled in the three Forsyth’s stills, situated on a mezzanine floor overlooking the Pumphouse’s original Gwynne pumping engines which are deep in the building’s pump-well.

The Thompson Dry Dock first opened in 1911 to service and accommodate the massive White Star transatlantic liners Olympic and Titanic.

All of the original pump equipment and associated internal historic features in the adjacent Pumphouse have been retained and are available to view as part of the associated visitor tours, while the exterior includes a new food and beverage area.

Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock is within walking distance of Titanic Belfast, the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition centre and Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, having welcomed more than 7.5 million visitors since opening its doors in 2012.

Also resident in the Titanic Quarter is the SS Nomadic tender ship which ferried passengers to the great liner, and HMS Caroline, a decommissioned C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw combat service in the First World War and served as an administrative centre in the Second World War.

For more information, visit www.titanicdistillers.com.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY BOTTLES IRELAND’S MOST HEAVILY-PEATED WHISKIES OF ALL TIME

Waterford Distillery has bottled Ireland’s most heavily-peated whiskies of all time: Peated: Lacken and Peated: Woodbrook

The bottlings form the latest additions to the distillery’s Arcadian Farm Origins, which revel in the old ways of whisky production, and follow the first Irish-peated whiskies experienced for generations

By combining 100% Irish barley with purely Irish peat, both whiskies display unique flavour profiles

13th September 2023: Waterford Distillery, producer of naturally flavoursome single malts, has today announced the launch of Peated: Lacken and Peated: Woodbrook, the most heavily-peated Irish whiskies of all time.

Made from barley grown on two distinct Single Farm Origins, Lacken in Co. Wexford and Woodbrook in Co. Dublin, the new single malt whiskies use the old ways of whisky production of Irish peat to impart more unique flavours, at a phenol parts per million (PPM) rate of 57ppm and 74ppm respectively. This makes them the most heavily-peated Irish whiskies ever produced.

The two new bottlings are the latest additions to Waterford Distillery’s Arcadian Farm Origins series, joining Peated: Fenniscourt and Peated: Ballybannon, which were released in August last year, and were the first in generations to use real Irish peat in whisky production. The series also includes the world’s first Biodynamic whisky, and Ireland’s only Organic whisky.

By harvesting barley from Lacken and Woodbrook farms, and combining it with Irish peat from the ultra-deep inland of Ballyteige Co. in Kildare, Waterford Distillery has produced whiskies with rich, distinct, and complex flavours, each displaying the nuances of their respective terroir-derived flavours.

As with other Waterford Distillery releases, a unique TÉIREOIR CODE on each bottle provides unprecedented validation and verification of its individual journey from barley to bottle – harvested, stored, malted, distilled and matured. Every meaningful detail of the whisky is offered openly.

Mark Reynier, Waterford Distillery Founder and CEO, says:

“Our ongoing exploration into the old ways of whisky-making have taken us, once again, to forgotten flavours: Irish peat, the original taste of Irish whisky. Having demonstrated the unique flavours from our first peated Single Farm Origins, and that terroir trumps peat, we decided to dial up the smoke.

“This new brace of Single Farm Origins – using Irish peat and Irish barley – have been peated to levels higher than most of the famous Islay whiskies, and certainly the most for an Irish whisky. And guess what? Those terroir flavours are still distinct and still apparent.”

Tasting Notes by Ned Gahan, Head Distiller at Waterford Distillery

Peated: Lacken

Appearance: Virgin olive oil with tears to match.

Nose: High-toned, vibrant, fresh smoke-on-the-breeze-on-a-spring-morning style of peat.

A coastal walk; brine, oyster shells, barley sugar and orchard fruits: soft apples and pear skins. A little warm hay too as it opens in the glass.

Taste: Full-bodied, oily, unctuous. Grist, driftwood, campfire and creosote. Sheepswool and Lapsang Souchong tea. Juiciness comes in the form of white peach and apple sauce.

Finish: Complex cigar tobaccos, green tea and tar.

Peated: Woodbrook

Appearance: Pale straw with oils that are in no hurry.

Nose:  Lemon skins, beeswax and recently-extinguished candles. Freshly-torched crème brûlée. Very fresh, with meadow flowers and hemp alongside a light, complex touch of medicine cupboard.

Taste: Dry spices, dry rub and shortbread biscuit. The ashes of a beach campfire. Preserved lemons and Lapsang Souchong tea. Very citrusy – lemon oils and thick-cut lime marmalade.

Finish: Long with more of the spices and comforting bonfire tones emerging.

The new Peated: Lacken and Peated: Woodbrook will be available to purchase at waterfordwhisky.com, with a RSP of approximately €95/£90 (varying by location).

About Waterford Distillery 

Waterford Whisky produces the most naturally flavoursome single malts.

It is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies.

It is agricultural produce, not a manufactured product.

Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.

Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, the distillery searches for natural flavours via three paths: its Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; its Arcadian Farm Origins express the intensity of flavour from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties; whilst its Cuvée Concepts revel in the ultimate complexity, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

For more information, visit www.waterfordwhisky.com

GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ 74-YEAR-OLD WHISKY FROM GLENLIVET DISTILLERY

Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled the latest addition to its prestigious Private Collection range – a single malt described by acclaimed whisky writer, Dave Broom, as ‘extraordinary’. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Glenlivet Distillery was laid down in a refill Sherry butt selected by Gordon & MacPhail on New Year’s Day 1949 and bottled on 6^th March 2023. Priced at £35,000 RSP and retaining a cask strength of 49.3%, only 192 bottles of the ultra-rare whisky are available for sale.

Its remarkable age means the whisky is among one of the oldest Glenlivet released by Gordon & MacPhail, having been aged in its warehouse for over seven decades. Adding an extra layer of rarity, the single malt is the company’s last ever 1949 cask from Glenlivet Distillery.

Layered with complex notes and full of vibrancy and character, the whisky displays sweet, stewed fruit aromas that combine with fragrant cinnamon, aged leather, clementine, and beeswax polish. On the palate, autumnal spices and fruitcake are balanced by cracked pepper, with undertones of garden mint, dark treacle, and charred oak.

Dave Broom, whisky writer, said: “To find a whisky of this age is absolutely extraordinary. What comes across immediately is the fruit – there’s richness and there’s depth. You have this wonderful interplay of distillery character, of oak and oxygen. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

“When you taste it, you taste time. You can taste all the vintages and everything that’s happened. The concentration of fruits, the layers and the complexity are off the scale. You’d think it’s an old whisky but it’s not just an old whisky. It’s an extraordinary whisky.”

Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Patience, knowledge, skill, and a commitment to quality are all principles exemplified in this greatly aged single malt. Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Glenlivet Distillery is extremely scarce – our very last cask of Glenlivet from 1949, making it a must for whisky enthusiasts looking to savour a remarkable greatly aged single malt exuding layers of character and decades of maturation expertise.”

Those looking to be among the first to taste this latest Private Collection release can purchase the whisky at Dubai International Airport. Launching in partnership with Le Clos on Friday 1^st September, the Dubai airport store will have an exclusivity period, before the whisky becomes available worldwide on the 19^th of September.

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has bottled spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries, developing unique experience of how to mature single malts for many decades in their own casks.

For more information, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonandMacPhail 

RSP: £35,000 ABV: 49.3% 

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet stewed fruit aromas combine with a fragrant cinnamon spice and aged leather. A hint of aniseed gives way to clementine and beeswax polish.

Palate: Autumnal spice and fruitcake flavours are balanced by cracked black pepper. Undertones of garden mint come to the fore alongside dark treacle and charred oak.

Finish: A spicy finish with lasting citrus fruit and mixed nuts.

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its casks. It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

ELEMENTS OF ISLAY LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION

 BEACH BONFIRE GLOBALLY 

Elements of Islay, the award-winning independent whisky brand, is releasing its limited-edition whisky Beach Bonfire to global markets following an initial launch at Islay’s iconic whisky festival Fèis Ìle earlier this year.

The team wanted to create a whisky that captured the essence of the island’s rugged wilderness and transport the drinker to the heart of this untamed land with each sip. Head Blender Oliver Chilton took inspiration from a bonfire night where colours, smoke, flames, and sand all collided on a beach – truly representing the unique spirit and terroir of Islay.

The new release, bottled at 54.5% to be consistent with Elements of Islay’s core range, is matured in new oak, bourbon refill and sherry casks. The result is a powerful, herbaceous Islay malt with a rich, complex profile, laden with bonfire ember smoke and a sweet spice finish. Similarly to the rest of the range, Beach Bonfire is non-chill filtered and retains its natural colour.

“We’re thrilled to be releasing Beach Bonfire to markets across the world following its limited release at Fèis Ìle 2023,” said Elixir Distillers Head Blender, Oliver Chilton. “Beach Bonfire takes three distinct Islay spirits matured in a variety of different cask styles to bring a singular location and experience to life through flavour. The chance to condense and reimagine the incredible atmosphere of Islay’s coast by bonfire light into a glass of whisky is another step on our journey as blenders.”

The whisky is the first limited edition release from Elements of Islay since the re-launch of its core range in 2022.

Elements of Islay, Beach Bonfire, 70cl, 54.5% ABV, RRP £79.95, $115.00, €85.00 will be available in key markets across Europe in October 2023. It will be rolled out to Asia and the US from 2024.

Tasting Notes by Oliver Chilton, Head Blender

Nose: Oyster shells and bonfire smoke blend with rich baking spices and subtle notes of cherry and tarragon. Hints of mint and black pepper temper lemon oil and caramel cooking on a wood burning stove.

Palate: Bourbon-soaked Amarena Cherries, with baked vanilla pods, cinnamon and light ginger are surrounded by rich wood smoke. Touches of traditional, medicinal Islay peat play against a wonderful herbaceous character.

Finish: Warm and long, with more wood fire and soft brown sugar. A gingerbread spice starts to develop long after the last sip.

Jack Daniel’s Introduces New Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey as Permanent Extension of its Bonded Series

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey is the first rye whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery with the Bottled-In-Bond designation

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 6, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey as the newest member of its Bonded Series, a line of innovative expressions that honors the distillery’s heritage of whiskey-making excellence. Available now across the U.S., Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is a Tennessee Rye Whiskey bottled at 100 proof (50% alc. by vol.), and is the first rye whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery with the Bottled-in-Bond designation.

As stipulated by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bonded whiskey must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.

“The Bottled-in-Bond designation on Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is another stamp of quality, assuring consumers that every drop of our whiskey is made right here in Lynchburg at the Jack Daniel Distillery with the highest standards possible,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “Bonded Rye features our uniquely crafted rye grain bill at 100 proof, delivering a unique and balanced profile that drinkers have come to expect and seek out from our rye releases.”

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye has a grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley and is charcoal mellowed before aging in new, handmade American white oak barrels. It opens with notes of dried fruit followed by lingering hints of toffee, imparting a bold, complex, and balanced taste with a rye spice finish.

With packaging inspired by the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye will be available in 700mL bottles across the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $31.99. It will be available for pre-sale through ReserveBar starting September 6 including a limited edition Jack Daniel’s gift item while supplies last.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series includes Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Triple Mash and now Bonded Rye. For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2023 AUTUMN RELEASE
INCLUDES CHRISTMAS BOTTLING

Britain’s oldest spirits and wine merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd has released its third seasonal release of 2023.

The collection exhibits a well-varied range of spirit types, flavours and ages to appeal to an array of palates, including a Christmas edition bottling.

With unparalleled expertise in the vast world of spirits, the Berry Bros. & Rudd team of experts have selected eight bottlings for the Autumn Release, with a broad geographical span encompassing the northern Highlands of Scotland to the warm climes of the Indian Ocean.

The release largely centres on showcasing the most prolific distilling region in Scotland, Speyside, including an exquisite 1975 Exceptional Cask from Dufftown, offerings from Glenlossie and Balmenach and a duo of bottlings from Linkwood.

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

“This year’s Autumn Release celebrates the outstanding and wholly distinguishable talents of Speyside distillers. For instance, we have two bottlings from Linkwood Distillery which could not be more singular. 

One of which is a Christmas Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottling, Linkwood 2010, that has been finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask. Its flavours epitomise the festive season, making it the quintessential dram to be enjoyed and shared over Christmas.”

Completing the portfolio of Scottish whiskies is a Ledaig bottling hailing from the Isle of Mull, matured in Oloroso casks which balances peat-smoke and Sherry wood style wonderfully.

As part of its 325th anniversary year, Berry Bros. & Rudd continues its exploration into English whiskies, the Autumn Release features a cask from White Peak Distillery, offering a worthy introduction to the burgeoning English whisky scene.

The 2023 Autumn Release, featuring Linkwood 2013, Balmenach 2011, Glenlossie 2010, Linkwood 2010 Pedro Ximenez Finish, Wire Works 2018, Ledaig 2009 and Dufftown 1975, will be available from 7th September 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

TASTING NOTES

Linkwood 2013

This is an excellent example of Bourbon cask matured Speyside. Aromas of warm Victoria sponge, buttery coconut and fudge lure you into the glass. The palate follows the theme with spiced vanilla yoghurt, aniseed, and toasted oak before lighter stewed apple and pear come to the fore. Spice shows through on the finish alongside a lick of vanilla iced tea.

ABV: 46.0%

RRP: £75.00

Balmenach 2011 Cask #121

At first sniff, zesty and grassy notes rise out the glass followed by vibrant green fruits and orange. The palate is wonderfully citrusy, with tangy Granny Smith apples and a pleasing dollop of spirit sulphur. The finish brings grilled lime, barley sweets and a touch of hay. This is a thoroughly pleasing, distillate driven dram.

ABV: 54.4%

RRP £75.00

Glenlossie 2010 Cask #4884
This Glenlossie – matured in a first fill ex-Bourbon cask – sings from the glass, announcing itself with rich flavours of spiced crème brûlée, fresh apples, lime zest, vanilla pods and clove. It is a huge, muscular whisky. This theme continues on the palate, demanding your attention with waves of fresh shortbread, wood spice, fresh fruit and a touch of new leather. This style of wood-forward whisky works wonderfully at cask strength as the alcohol integrates beautifully with the rich character. Cinnamon and cloves linger on the finish, leaving one thoroughly impressed and ready for that second sip.

ABV: 50.5%

RRP: £75.00

Linkwood 2010 Christmas Edition Cask #301235 Pedro Ximenez Finish
Spice and apricot jelly aromas tease on the nose before vanilla and nutmeg develop with time. The palate is a pleasing balance of orange liqueurs, dark chocolate and marzipan all rolled in a layer of oak and cinnamon. More orange notes roll across the finish alongside apricots and clove. This is a hugely fulfilling dram, perfect after a long Christmas day to be enjoyed with friends and family.

ABV: 52.4%

RRP: £96.00

Wire Works 2018 Cask #128
Matured in a barrel which was left over smoke, after the charring process this whisky showcases the deliciously fruity distillate found at White Peak Distillery and pairs it with dense oak and complex smokes. Wood smoke and peat smoke delicately wisp around on both the nose and finish. Flavours of skin-on almonds, toasted spices and touches of nectarine make this a splendid Derbyshire dram.

ABV: 60.9%

RRP: £125.00

Ledaig 2009 Cask #700327 Oloroso Finish

Smoked bacon, grilled meats and bonfire ash draw you into this glass before it develops into peat bogs, hearths and soot. Everything deepens on the palate bringing more smoked meats, with Cullen skink and wood smoke. Lingering savoury smoke and cocoa endure on the palate. A dram to enjoy while mulling over why peat devotees always flock to Islay.

ABV: 53.5%

RRP: £130.00

Dufftown 1975 Cask #10430
Bottled at natural strength, this suave, old dram makes an entrance with beguiling aromas of buttered toast, rosewater and wildflower meadows. The palate gently builds with 45 years of character displaying fruit salad chews, sandalwood, argan oil and smoked pineapple. Warm cherries pop on the back palate. A long and contemplative finish brings subtle spice and orange zest.

ABV: 40.1%

RRP: £1,000.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Tracing its history back to 1698, when an enterprising woman called the Widow Bourne started an “Italian grocers” at No. 3 St James’s Street in London, selling tea, snuff, spices and the most fashionable drink of the day, coffee. In due course, the focus shifted to something a little bit stronger. As wine became important to the business, so too did spirits, and Berry Bros. & Rudd started bottling casks under its label in the early 19th century, making it Britain’s oldest independent spirits bottler.

From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the start of the 20th century, Berry Bros. & Rudd remains at the forefront of spirit innovation. Its team of experts search and develop unique spirits around the world. While much has changed over the years, Berry Bros. & Rudd are still owned and managed by members of the Berry and Rudd families, and continue to supply the British Royal Family, as it has done since the reign of King George III.

bbrspirits.com

CHIVAS BROTHERS MAKES ITS CARBON CUTTING SUCCESSES ‘OPEN SOURCE’ TO HELP THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY REACH NET ZERO GOALS

The Scotch whisky producer has deployed highly efficient heat recovery technologies within the whisky distillation process, halving carbon emissions at its Glentauchers distillery

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of global Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet, has today made the expertise and learnings from its successful integration of enhanced heat recovery technologies ‘open source’. The move was made after the application of the technology at its Glentauchers site showed significant benefit in carbon emissions reduction, providing insights that will benefit the industry at large if adopted at other suitable distillation sites.

The sharing of its design process and implementation insights is intended to put collaboration ahead of competition on the road to net zero, rooted in the belief that distillers must work together to create a sustainable future for Scotch, Scotland’s largest export.

The heat recovery technologies, including Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR), are designed to capture and recycle heat generated in the distillation process that would otherwise go to waste.

To date, these have reduced total energy consumption almost by half (48%) at Chivas Brothers’ Glentauchers distillery, near Keith in Speyside, Scotland, reducing the site’s total carbon emissions by 53% as a result. This represents an energy saving equivalent to powering 4,979 average UK homes¹ – more than all the houses in Keith² – for an entire year.

The business’ ambitious plans to roll out these integrations across all viable sites is part of a drive to achieve carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. Chivas Brothers expects these technologies to reduce its overall energy consumption and carbon emissions in distillation by one third, which is more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ per annum, or the equivalent of 67,226 UK homes.

While not suitable for application in every distillery, Chivas Brothers estimates that if these technologies were applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, this could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year¹, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen² combined.

Commenting on the ‘open source’ move, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said:

“Heat recovery forms a critical part of our commitment to achieve carbon neutral distillation by 2026. Findings with such significant impact must be shared; this technology has the potential to transform our industry and accelerate its progress to net zero.

“That’s why today we’re making our design process and implementation learnings available to all”, he continued. “As a business with a long history of innovation, we believe this is the right thing to do. Collaboration across our industry will be fundamental if we are to meet collective ambitions around sustainability, safeguarding the long-term future of our product and our planet. Understandably, this technology won’t be right for every distillery, but we encourage our peers to explore whether it has the potential to reduce their own carbon output.”

A case study has been published by Chivas Brothers, outlining the benefits and savings achieved, plus additional detail on the basis of design used. The business will also host a series of dedicated open house events at its Glentauchers site, creating an opportunity for other distillers to see the technology, how it has been integrated and facilitate industry learning, while aiming to demystify some of the recurring hurdles around the implementation of these technologies.

The company’s recent successes in heat recovery are a continuation of its 2021 pilot programme, which achieved energy reductions of 88% on a single pot still and showcased the potential if adopted across distillery operations. The pilot programme at Glentauchers was part-funded by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which aims to support decarbonisation and energy efficiency in Scotland’s industries.

Scottish Government Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said:

“Chivas Brothers has led the way with an innovative approach which has halved energy consumption at their Glentauchers distillery. Sharing this breakthrough with the wider whisky industry has the potential to advance efforts to reach net zero across the sector.

“Recycling heat from malt that would be the equivalent of powering all the homes in Edinburgh and Aberdeen could be a game changer for the industry, and a boost to Scotland’s economic growth while helping reach our climate change goals.”

The successes of this programme are shared with the company’s supplier, Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH, manufacturers of high-performance blowers and compressors for the process industry, whose team worked alongside Chivas Brothers to adapt its technology for distillery applications. As a result, the technology achieved a Co-efficient of Performance of 12, meaning for every 1 kwh of electricity input, 12 units of heat were generated. This level of performance is essential if the technology is to make a meaningful contribution to carbon reduction, while also delivering cost-effective improvement in energy efficiency.

The case study and basis of design will be available for download via https://www.chivasbrothers.com/sustainability/open-source/

Registrations of interest to attend the Open House sessions can be lodged via https://www.chivasbrothers.com/sustainability/open-source/

Disclaimer: Each distillery requires a bespoke heat recovery solution that is fit for purpose for its size and layout. The information provided in this document has been compiled internally by Chivas Brothers Limited and reflects the successful installation at Glentauchers. This information is provided in good faith; however, it is the responsibility of the system designer to ensure that their particular installation suits their specific site and equipment layout. Results from any installation may differ from those achieved by Chivas Brothers Limited.

MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCES NEW UK BRAND DIPLOMAT, CHARLOTTE PEDERSON

30^th August 2023, London: Edrington UK announces the appointment of its latest UK Brand Diplomat for Maker’s Mark bourbon, Charlotte Pederson.

Pederson’s new role will centre around brand engagement and education within the UK on- and off-trade, providing bespoke educative programmes into the brand and bourbon category, as well as supporting the brand development strategy. Pivotal to the role, will be driving and communicating the brand’s higher purpose credentials, having earned its B Corporation Certification last year – making Maker’s Mark the largest bourbon distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve this distinction.

Pederson will transition from her position as Whisky Specialist at Edrington UK, where she played a key role as an education provider for the business’s portfolio of luxury and premium whiskies, which includes Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Bowmore and Laphroaig.

Andrea Montague, Head of Advocacy at Edrington UK, states:

“We are excited to see Charlotte transition into her new role as Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat. Her experience and skillset gleaned through leading in-house training sessions and drink development strategies as Whisky Specialist means she is perfectly placed to shine in the role and continue educating others on this growing category.”

Prior to joining Edrington UK, Pederson enjoyed a successful and highly respected career as Head Bartender and Bar Manager across venues in London, Paris, and Barcelona. Commenting on her new role, Charlotte Pederson says:

“Maker’s Mark is not only an iconic American Whisky, but a brand that is committed to being a force for good, with years of industry-leading efforts to benefit the lives of their team, customers, communities and shared natural environment.  I could not be more excited to be the new Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat in the UK to communicate these credentials as well as the rich brand story that sets Maker’s Mark apart. Having recently visited the home of Maker’s Mark at Star Hill Farm and seen where the magic happens, I am even more looking forward to sharing the exciting things in store for the brand this year.”

 About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Gold medal at the esteemed International Spirits Challenge in 2022. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Selection, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. Today, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal. As a distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2023 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

https://www.makersmark.com/

International Beverage acquires New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery

Global drinks business International Beverage has today (13^th September) announced its acquisition of Cardrona Distillery, one of New Zealand’s pioneering premium spirits producers.

The acquisition includes the Cardrona Distillery and visitor centre near Wanaka in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains; plus Cardrona’s portfolio of super-premium brands including Cardrona single malt whisky, The Reid Vodka, The Source Gin and the Rose Rabbit liqueurs.

Following the company’s recent acquisition of the Larsen Cognac business, this deal will give International Beverage a foothold in the dynamic New World spirits category, to complement its established and highly successful Scotch whisky and spirits brands which include Old Pulteney, Speyburn and Caorunn Gin. Desiree Reid, who founded Cardrona Distillery in 2015, will remain as Managing Director.

Cardrona is celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most innovative craft spirits producers. Its spirits are produced from grain to glass at the site and have earned multiple accolades since launch, including category wins over 4 consecutive years at the World Whiskies Awards.

International Beverage will focus on investment in the purpose-built distillery site and maximising the potential of Cardrona’s brands in the core New Zealand, UK and USA markets. They will also deploy International Beverage’s global network to build select new routes to market.

Cardrona Distillery founder and Managing Director Desiree Reid said: ‘This is an exciting day for all of us at Cardrona Distillery. Building Cardrona has been a remarkable journey, made possible through the work and support of many, many people. I’m thrilled that International Beverage shares our belief in Cardrona’s quality and potential as we embark upon the next chapter of our story together. I look forward to working with their team to bring our spirits to more people in markets around the world in the future.’

Malcolm Leask, Managing Director (UK) of International Beverage added: ‘A warm welcome to Desiree and everyone at Cardrona Distillery to International Beverage. We are delighted to have their skilled team and exceptional craft spirits join our business. The team has done an excellent job in building Cardrona’s super-premium brands to date with so much integrity, quality and potential for the future. We are very much looking forward to working with them to build on their success within our international network, as we strengthen our premium spirits portfolio for the global market’. 

About International Beverage

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

About Cardrona

Founded in 2015, Cardrona Distillery is situated in the beautiful Cardrona Valley, in the Crown Range Mountains of New Zealand.  All Cardrona spirits are hand-crafted from grain to glass on site, and start with just three ingredients: pure Cardrona alpine water, malted barley and distillers’ yeast. The portfolio includes Cardrona Single Malt Whisky, The Source Gin, The Reid Single Malt Vodka and the Rose Rabbit Liqueurs. Founder Desiree Reid spent years researching distillation prior to establishing the purpose-built distillery. Cardrona’s The Reid featured in the World’s 50 Best Vodkas and Cardrona Whisky has been a category winner at the World Whiskies Awards for 4 consecutive years from 2020-2023.