Woodford Reserve Announces 5-Year Commitment to Buy Rye from Kentucky Farmers as Part of Research Project

INTRODUCING MAKER’S MARK® CELLAR AGED, AN INSPIRED NEW TAKE ON OLDER AMERICAN WHISKY

Matured in a Limestone Whisky Cellar, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is Aged to Taste, Not Time

London, UK (August 2023) – Maker’s Mark® is proud to debut Maker’s Mark® Cellar Aged Bourbon, an annual, global limited-release expression that proves whisky aging is about more than just a number. Featuring a marriage of 11- and 12-year-old bourbon, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged delivers the distillery’s highly anticipated oldest release, stemming from the question: What if age isn’t just about time, but instead about how you use that time to evolve, develop and mature? 

Since its founding in 1953, Maker’s Mark has aged its whisky to taste – not time – to achieve the vision set by its founders: bourbon without the bite that’s always smooth, soft, and creamy. Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged stays true to this philosophy, delivering a richer, deeper, and more complex older bourbon, free from the harsher tannic effects commonly found in extra-aged American whiskies, as a result of our innovative maturation process that starts in traditional Kentucky warehouses and finishes in the distillery’s one-of-a-kind limestone whisky cellar.

“For more than 65 years, aging our whisky for a decade-plus wasn’t something we did,” said Rob Samuels, 8th generation whisky maker and grandson of the founders at Maker’s Mark. “It’s not that we didn’t believe in it; we simply hadn’t found a way to do it that didn’t compromise on our taste vision – until now. Cellar Aged embodies an older whisky that’s distinctly Maker’s Mark. One rooted in challenging convention, delivering new flavour experiences from the environment that surrounds us, and building on a taste vision that’s been generations in the making.”

To become Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, barrels of the distillery’s classic distillate first spend approximately six years aging in traditional bourbon warehouses, where they endure the Kentucky climate and its temperature swings season after season until they reach full maturity and can be called “Maker’s Mark.” Barrels are then moved into the distillery’s proprietary whisky cellar for an additional five to six years of aging before being blended to taste and bottled. Built into the natural limestone shelf of the Kentucky hills, the cellar’s consistently cool environment slows down the tannic impact that occurs during maturation, while allowing the bourbon to develop a deeper, darker flavour with hidden depths, but no bitterness.

This innovative and taste-led approach in pursuit of an older Maker’s Mark expression continues the boundary-pushing mindset that has shaped the brand since the beginning. Founders Bill and Margie Samuels challenged category norms when they burned their 170-year-old family recipe, choosing to use red winter wheat instead of rye in their mashbill for a softer, smoother bourbon. This spirit of asking “what if?” was present in the introduction of Maker’s Mark 46, which is crafted using a proprietary wood-stave finishing technique, and in Maker’s Mark Private Selection, which became the industry’s first custom barrel program upon its launch in 2016.

Cellar Aged will be an annual, limited release available in specific markets around the world. The unique maturation approach of Cellar Aged will be consistent every year, but the specific blend of aged bourbon will vary based on which barrels are ready, by taste. The inaugural release of Cellar Aged is a marriage of 12-year-old and 11-year-old whisky – 87% and 13%, respectively – bottled at cask strength (115.7 proof).

Cellar Aged will be available in the UK from October 2023 at £145 RRP at retailers including Berry Bros & Rudd London.

For more information about Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

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 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/

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® Inducts

Eight New Members

NEW HAVEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® today inducted eight luminaries into its elite ranks, including distillery founders and craftsmen, influential government leaders, a groundbreaking activist and the first father and son to share the prestigious honor in the same class.

An all-time high of 300 guests attended the luncheon ceremony at The Legacy at Log Still Distillery in Nelson County. The invitation-only event, known for attracting the industry’s most revered legends and champions, is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated the inductees and thanked the packed crowd for investing billions of dollars to grow the global industry here at home while building and strengthening local communities in every part of the Commonwealth.

“Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry employs thousands of our people to produce a product that is known and loved around the world,” Gov. Beshear. said. “The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame ceremony is a great chance to celebrate this industry and the innovators whose vision keeps pushing Kentucky Bourbon to new heights.”

Created in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry.

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is always my favorite event of the year. It’s the one time where we all gather together to share our successes and toast the lives, legacies and journeys of those who have forever changed our timeless craft and played a major role in building a stronger Kentucky for generations to come.

“On behalf of the KDA, we offer our deepest thanks and heartfelt gratitude to this year’s inductees for their distinguished service to our industry and our beloved Commonwealth. We are an industry built on friendship and collaboration, and this year’s class is a testament to that tradition.”

This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order (full bios, as provided by each inductee, are attached):

• Jerry O. Dalton, retired Master Distiller, Jim Beam. A 22-year industry veteran, Dalton worked as a chemist for Barton Brands before moving to Jim Beam where he spent 12 years, finishing out his career as Master Distiller succeeding the legendary Booker Noe.

• The late Mrs. Dixie Sherman Demuth, Owner, Dixie’s Elbow Room. A bar owner in the 1950s, Demuth took her fight for women’s rights to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which overturned a 200-year-old law to allow women to serve and enjoy alcohol in a public bar.

• Greg Fischer, former Mayor of Louisville, Ky. As a three-term mayor, Fischer is hailed for coining and promoting “Bourbonism,” a burgeoning hospitality movement focused on Louisville’s leading position in the Bourbon, tourism and local food scenes.

• Pete Kamer, Owner, Distillery Engineering. After retiring from a 45-year industry career with Seagram’s and Barton Distillery, Kamer started a leading consulting business that has helped launch dozens of distilling companies, including many Kentucky craft distilleries.

• Joseph J. Magliocco, President & CEO, Michter’s Distillery. Celebrating an industry career that spans 40 years, Magliocco resurrected the storied Michter’s brand and brought it to Kentucky, helping to lead the Whiskey Row renaissance in downtown Louisville.

• Dean Watts, Former Nelson County Judge-Executive. As the longest serving judge-executive in Nelson County history, Watts created a hospitable economic environment for the industry to flourish and welcomed several new distilleries during his 28 years in office.

• Chester ‘Chet’ Zoeller, Author, Historian and Co-founder, Jefferson’s Bourbon. After years of research, Zoeller wrote Bourbon in Kentucky, a comprehensive publication of his findings, cataloging nearly 1,000 distillers and brands across the Bluegrass State.

• Trey Zoeller, Founder, Whiskey Maker & Chief Strategist, Jefferson’s Bourbon. Since founding Jefferson’s Bourbon in 1997, Trey has developed dozens of award-winning Bourbon and rye expressions using unique blending and maturation techniques.

Candidates are nominated each year by the KDA and its member distilleries. A blue-ribbon committee – including all living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award – painstakingly reviews and selects applicants in three categories: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.

Representatives of the prestigious Parker Beam award include Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller of Wild Turkey; Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands and Even Kulsveen, Executive Director of Willett Distillery.

Other member of the 2023 selection committee were Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ and Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp.; Kevin Smith, immediate past chair of the KDA Board and Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs for Beam Suntory; and noted author Dixie Hibbs of Bardstown, who was appointed by KDA President Gregory.

Since the event was sold out, the KDA worked with noted Bourbon author Fred Minnick for day-of-event live streaming coverage in celebration of the ceremony, which can be viewed and shared at Live Stream Event  @FredMinnick.

The 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony was sponsored by Blue & Co., LLC, Independent Stave Company, Joseph & Joseph Architects, Mint Julep Experiences, Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourism, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp.

Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission was the presenting sponsor of the luncheon and the signature toast with spirits from the annual Bardstown Collection of hand-picked expressions from local distilleries celebrating the rich heritage of Bardstown and Nelson County.

The KDA once again commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, copper and water.

For the first time ever, the award bases are made of Kentucky limestone from Kentucky Cut Stone in Lancaster, Ky. Limestone is one of the chief reasons why Kentucky continues to produce the overwhelming majority of America’s only native spirit.

Limestone acts as a natural filter for water used in the Bourbon-making process, removing iron and other impurities that could damage the whiskey’s color and taste. It also adds important minerals that are used by the yeast during the fermentation process.

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

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

Ross & Squibb Distillery Honors the Repeal of Prohibition with September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII

Latest edition features a medley of five rare bourbons aged since 2007-2014

ST.LOUIS (Aug. 24, 2023) – Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman announced the upcoming release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. The limited-edition bourbon is the seventh-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities starting in September in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by Stirsman and the distillery’s team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VII is comprised of barrels aged between 9-16 years from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in Ross & Squibb’s signature high-rye style, Remus Repeal Reserve features a new medley of bourbons each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII is comprised of 6% 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (36% Rye), 21% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 21% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye). Series VII leads with aromas of caramelized pecans, candied cherry and maple syrup. The taste begins with rich caramel, maple and candied raisin, leading to a candied cherry, barrel char and rich cinnamon body. The finish delivers intense cinnamon and peppermint spice, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel and oak.

“We believe we have some of the best whiskey in the world aging here at the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The Remus Repeal Reserve series allows our team the opportunity to showcase these great spirits, as well as showcase our expertise at blending our best barrels to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “As the latest in this award-winning collection, Series VII is certain to be a highly sought-after and much-enjoyed member of the Remus Repeal Reserve family.”

Previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including winning Best Of Class at the 2021 Sunset International Spirits Competition, being named among the Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2021 by Fred Minnick, and earning 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine (for both Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV and V). Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI earned a Master medal in The Spirits Business’ 2022 American Whiskey Masters competition, received the Double Platinum medal in the 2023 ASCOT Awards and was named among the top 10 whiskeys for 2022 by both Drinkhacker and The Whiskey Wash. 

Click here for a video of Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman discussing this year’s release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Gov. Beshear Proclaims September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky

Bourbon Boom Continues to Build Strong Local Economies and Increase Tourism Across the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Recognizing the Commonwealth’s centuries-old distilling industry, its deep agricultural roots and its growing economic and tourism impact, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear today proclaimed September as Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky.

The proclamation, available here, highlights the state’s $9 billion Bourbon and distilling industry, how it drives and elevates tourism across the Commonwealth and sustains more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.23 billion.

It cites Kentucky Bourbon as a chief part of the Commonwealth’s agricultural, agritech and agritourism industries, with distillers purchasing more than 13.5 million bushels of corn and other grains every year from local farm families – a number that continues to grow.

“Bourbon is essential to building Kentucky’s economy, supporting local communities and farmers, and giving thousands of families a good-paying job,” Gov. Beshear said.

“We are grateful to these industry leaders for their commitment to growing right here in Kentucky – because when Bourbon succeeds, so do we. During my administration alone, we’ve announced a record $2.2 billion plus in investment across 56 projects, which are expected to create over 1,200 jobs in this signature industry.”

Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory welcomed the Governor’s proclamation and the spotlight it brings to the industry’s growth and impact.

“With worldwide interest continuing to escalate for our historic and signature distilling industry, Bourbon is building Kentucky in new and exciting ways,” Gregory said.

“We proudly carry forward the historic distilling traditions that have been a defining agricultural and manufacturing endeavor since before Kentucky was a state, while expanding the impact of tourism every year to our local communities through our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

We’re grateful for the Governor’s ardent support of the Kentucky Bourbon industry that impacts every community in Kentucky and the fervent interest from enthusiasts and tourists around the world,” added Gregory.

With 100 licensed distilleries across 40 of the Commonwealth’s 120 counties, Kentucky’s distilling industry continues to add jobs, locations and economic and tourism impact for local communities.

The industry is in the middle of a $5.2 billion, 10-year building boom. Those projects include investments in production capacity, warehousing and bottling, as well as tourism-related amenities such as dining, entertainment and lodging facilities.

Since the turn of the century, Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 475%. Kentucky now boasts more than 11.4 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the greatest amount ever in its distilling history.

Distillers filled more than 2.6 million barrels in 2021 alone, up from 2.4 million the prior year and the fourth consecutive year that production topped 2 million.

Bourbon tourism continues to break records, as well.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourists made a record 2.1 million distillery visits last year, the first time the KBT® experiences eclipsed two million in total attendance in its history. In the last 10 years, the amber adventure has skyrocketed by a phenomenal 370% in attendance.

KDA President Eric Gregory said KBT® experiences are an integral part of local and state tourism efforts. Research shows Bourbon tourists trend younger, spend between $400 and $1,200 on their trip, travel in large groups and stay longer than the average visitor to Kentucky.

More than 70% of visitors are from outside Kentucky and nearly half have household incomes over $100,000, all of whom bring new revenue and additional economic momentum to Kentucky counties and cities.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® welcomed four new members this year, for a total of 46 distilleries across the two trails. These additions create new and engaging tourism opportunities and experiences for the state’s spirits-producing communities.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com

Still Installation Brings Heaven Hill One Step Closer to a ‘Bourbon Capital Homecoming’

Heaven Hill Brands marks major milestone in Heaven Hill Springs Distillery construction

with installation of Vendome copper still

Bardstown, Ky. (August 31, 2023) – Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest family owned and led spirits producer, marked a major milestone today in the more than $200 million project to build a new distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World. Construction partners and media joined the company as they completed installation of the distillery’s Vendome copper still. This critical piece of the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery marks a major step towards returning the company’s distilling processes to Bardstown for the first time since the 1996 fire that destroyed the original distillery.

The major milestone in the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery project coincides with the start of Bourbon Heritage Month and upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival, celebrations that have become synonymous with the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“This project represents a significant investment in the future of bourbon production, solidifying Heaven Hill’s commitment to upholding the time-honored traditions that have made Kentucky Bourbon world-renowned,” said Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands.

The distillery is being built at 1015 Old Bloomfield Pike and is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 150,000 barrels a year, and over time will have capacity to ramp up to producing 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s distilling that occurs at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will continue to operate at full capacity of 450,000 barrels annually.

The new Vendome copper still was shipped by Vendome to Bardstown in two pieces on separate flatbeds. At nearly 60 feet tall and weighing more than 22,000 pounds, this still is capable of producing 35,500 proof-gallons per day which is equal to more than 500 barrels per day. Crafted from copper, a material celebrated for its role in distillation due to its exceptional heat conductivity, the still represents a marriage of traditional and modern technology. The state-of-the-art piece of equipment is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the character and flavor profile of Heaven Hill’s future whiskeys.

In line with Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the design of this new distillery reflects the company’s dedication to play a role in forming a more eco-conscious distilled spirits industry. The new still is insulated and then wrapped in a copper skin to enhance energy conservation throughout the whiskey-making process. The site will also include other sustainability efforts such as a wastewater pretreatment system and program to harness energy creation and recovery which will alleviate demands on the city’s electrical and water treatment plants. Once construction is closer to completion, the campus will use native plants and natural systems to manage stormwater runoff and improve habitat on the property.

“Our Bourbon Capital homecoming is one step closer as we mark this significant milestone in the development of our Heaven Hill Springs Distillery with the installation of the Vendome copper still,” said Kate Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we uphold the values and heritage of our industry, this moment reflects our commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon and continuing our Heaven Hill legacy of excellence.”

For more information about Heaven Hill Brands and the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery project, please visit heavenhillsprings.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio

James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits opens distillery and maturation facility on University of Kentucky campus

Explore the Italian Collection

It is with great pride that we celebrate the launch of our latest limited release — The Italian Collection.

This exciting trio of single malt scotch whiskies showcases our craftsmanship at its finest. We’ve masterfully combined our exceptional Highland malt with the aromatic richness of Italian wine casks to create three harmonious profiles.

Initially laid down in December 2010, the whisky in this collection has been gently matured in traditional oak casks for 10 years. We then took it a step further by finishing it in Marsala, Amarone, and Barolo wine casks for an additional two years.

Each type of cask has imparted its unique character into the whisky, resulting in a trio of expressions that pay homage to Italy’s esteemed wine regions.

In the Marsala Edition, you’ll find enticing aromas of panettone and candied lime that open up to a palate filled with the flavours of white chocolate, lemon truffles and hazelnuts. The finish is a sweet citrus melody, accompanied by notes of toasted oak.

The Amarone Edition offers aromas of poached pears and traditional rhubarb and custard sweets. Its palate unfolds to reveal notes of strawberry jam, Turkish delight, and light butter pastry, concluding with a luxuriously rich finish that boasts cinnamon-spiced red apples.

For the Barolo Edition, you’re greeted with aromas of mulled wine and dark chocolate. Your palate will discover spiced mead mingling with cranberry, while an undercurrent of fresh citrus, reminiscent of grapefruit, adds vibrancy. The finish is marked by light tannins and delicate sugared almonds.

The Italian Collection is our third release in the series of country-inspired ranges, all of which reflect our dedication to cask selection and our first-class wood policy.

This collection is a true celebration of both Scotland’s heritage and Italy’s illustrious wine history, which spans over 4,000 years. It also nods to our ‘To What Matters’ brand platform, emphasising the importance of human connection and honouring the legacy of the people and place involved in the creation of our finest Highland whisky.

Scott Adamson, our Blender & Global Brand Ambassador, summed it up beautifully:

“The Italian Collection combines the rich tapestry of Italian wine culture with our elegant Highland single malt whisky. Italy has a historic, unrivalled passion for single malt scotch whisky, so this latest trio of releases, is a tribute to that longstanding relationship with a unique take on our traditional Highland malt.”

“We aimed to capture the essence of Italian wine—its history, nature, landscape, and traditions – and weave it into our whisky, all embodied within a single glass. Each expression in this collection is a testament to the seamless blending of these two worlds, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience for whisky lovers.”

Available now from select specialist retailers worldwide or direct from the Tomatin website.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH LESTRANGE TO BLEND SINGLE MALT WHISKY AND SLOW FASHION

Waterford Whisky, the leading producer of organic whisky, has announced a new collaboration with London-based low-impact menswear brand, LESTRANGE

The partnership brings together two companies that are passionate about innovation, quality, traceability and regenerative agriculture

The limited collection will include two signature items by LESTRANGE, with bespoke detailing highlighting product provenance and Waterford’s signature cobalt blue colour

31 August 2023: Waterford Distillery, the leading producer of organic whisky, has today announced a new partnership with London-based B Corp certified menswear brand, LESTRANGE, to bring fresh flavour to its signature garments.

As part of a limited collection and designed with the planet in mind, the bespoke capsule will include the LESTRANGE 24 Overshirt and the LESTRANGE Heavyweight 24 Trouser made from fully-traceable, regenerative cotton, to raise awareness of the importance of agriculture that benefits the soil and earth, and transparency in the respective industries.

Without compromising on style and luxury, the garments are created as an antidote to mass production and over-consumption.

Taking inspiration from Waterford Distillery’s unique terroir methodology, the clothing includes signature detailing to celebrate the complexity of flavour found in its whiskies. Custom colourways are inspired by the tones of organic barley, and are complemented by Waterford’s signature cobalt blue tones.

The two garments will be on sale to customers online and at LESTRANGE flagship biophilic-designed Coal Drops Yard store in London, and will include a 100ml sample of Waterford’s Organic: Gaia 1.1 from its Arcadian Farm Origin series. One per cent of sales proceeds will be given to the DIRT charity, an organisation dedicated to supporting regenerative agriculture across the UK.

Waterford Distillery’s commitment to regenerative agriculture is underscored by its position as the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies. The distillery works exclusively with Irish farmers to create the healthiest soil conditions possible, for growing the highest-quality barley. This is then turned into single malt whisky that boasts complex, natural flavours.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, LESTRANGE moved its entire supply chain of its bestselling 24 Trouser, 24 Overshirt and other products to regenerative farming, partnering with the largest farms Scheffer in Brazil with the aim to move its full supply chain to regenerative farming by 2025. This achievement resulted in moving the rest of the supply chain under one supplier, ensuring complete transparency from garment manufacturing to fibre production.

Regenerative farming improves soil health, sequestering carbon, increasing biodiversity and reduces flooding amongst other benefits. It is the front line method of protecting the Earth’s topsoil, with 90 per cent at risk by 2050 according to the UN.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mark Newton, Head of Brand at Waterford Distillery, comments: “Waterford Distillery and LESTRANGE are kindred spirits. We are both visionaries that take regenerative farming seriously and understand its positive impacts. For us, it helps to create the most flavoursome whisky, and for LESTRANGE it contributes to a unique sense of style.

“We are excited to bring a fresh take to LESTRANGEs bestselling signature items and highlight our shared focus on quality, innovation, provenance and traceability.”

Will Green & Tom Horne, Co-founders of LESTRANGE, add:

“When we first came across Waterford Distillery, we were captivated by their innovative and radically unique approach to distilling whisky. Both of our industries are opaque and we’ve come together in our shared values of pioneering transparent farming practices that benefit the soil and the planet. The capsule blends timeless style with inspiration from nature which is what we always strive for at LESTRANGE.”

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

About LESTRANGE

LESTRANGE is an impact-conscious menswear brand for the modern essentialist who share a common belief of living better within planetary means. Our mission is to lead with essentialism as an aspirational way of life. We design finer essentials for life that represent a “With Less do More” mantra for anytime, anywhere.

LESTRANGE strives to innovate at every stage of the garment life cycle. From designing for versatility and disguising performance properties or launching the world’s first-ever widely available rejuvenating laundry tablet, the brand aims to reverse overconsumption and spearhead making more intentional choices with our wardrobe.

LESTRANGE has been seen on Tom Holland, Eddie Redmayne, Taron Egerton, Jack Whitehall, Frank Lampard, Michelin-star chefs including Andrew Wong from A. Wong, and Jeremy and Iré from IKOYI among many others.

LESTRANGE is a certified B Corporation and committed to using business for good for people and the planet. Visit LESTRANGE at lestrangelondon.com or at any of its retail locations in London and Amsterdam.

Instagram: @lestrangelondon

LESTRANGE Coal Drops Yard
Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard
N1C 4FQ, London
Mon – Sat: 11:00 – 7pm
Sun: 11:00 – 5pm

About DIRT Charity

DIRT is a charity that works to regenerate soil. Regenerating soil is one of the most important actions to be taken in the face of climate change. DIRT regenerates soil through supporting the biodynamic farming movement.

DIRT is an organization that knows the meaning of the word regeneration is two-fold; social and environmental regeneration happening in tandem gives lasting change the best chance possible. We recognize the impacts of colonialism are negative both on the colonized and the colonizer. This understanding is interwoven throughout everything that we do to work towards a future where everyone’s needs are met.