Bladnoch whiskies for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate love, and whether that’s romance, friendship or self-love, the 14^th of February warrants a special dram. Scotland’s southernmost distillery, Bladnoch, has curated a list of recommended whiskies to enjoy with those who mean the most to us.

Bladnoch presents its core age statement range, an 11, 14 and 19-year-old, as well as its oldest limited-edition expression, a 30-year-old, as fitting expressions to pour for the day of love. Each whisky was expertly handcrafted through intricate cask selection by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage. All four whiskies are natural in colour and non-chill filtered, to be loved just the way they are.

Bladnoch 11 Year Old

70cl, ABV 46.7%, £75

An 11-year-old single malt matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. Each cask used to create this expression was hand selected by Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, to bring together this refreshing and sweet expression. Whether you are celebrating 11 years with your partner, or your partner is just as unique as an 11-year-old whisky – this expression would make the perfect gift for your other half.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers. 

Bladnoch 14 Year Old

70cl, ABV 46.7%, £110

A befittingly aged whisky to celebrate the 14^th of February. Released in 2023, exclusively aged in oloroso sherry casks. Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, carefully curated this rich flavour profile which shows notes of fruit cake, dark chocolate and subtle sweet cinnamon. Non chill filtered and natural in colour, enjoy Bladnoch 14 Year Old on the day of love.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch 19 Year Old

70cl, ABV 46.7%, £190

Bladnoch 19 Year Old is the first Pedro Ximenez, sherry cask expression to be released by Bladnoch. The flavourful casks have imparted delectable notes of dark liquorice sticks, dried fruit and warming nutmeg. A golden-hued whisky, Bladnoch 19 Year Old is a truly exceptional expression to be enjoyed on special occasions. Say you love them with Bladnoch 19 Year Old.

Available at www.bladnoch.com, Amazon and specialist whisky retailers.

Bladnoch 30 Year Old

70cl, ABV 45.5%, £1200

Matured in two exceptional and rare cask types: Oloroso Sherry and Moscatel, Bladnoch 30 Year Old, is the oldest release from Bladnoch to date. This single malt carries aromas of dried fruits, warm nutmeg and light floral notes. On the palate you can expect a rich almond, marzipan like flavour paired with Seville oranges. The finish will surprise you with a light and fruity end, with a hint of cracked black pepper. Limited to just 950 bottles worldwide and to one bottle purchase per person. Show your partner they’re the one with Bladnoch 30 Year Old.

Available at www.bladnoch.com. and specialist whisky retailers.

Notes 

Tasting notes

Bladnoch 11 Year Old

Colour: Lemon grind.

Nose: Delicate floral with notes of honey, refreshing citrus and cut grass.

Palate: Floral Parma Violets with fresh cut apples and hints of wood spice.

Finish: Sweet mouth coating leading to a refreshing finish. 

Bladnoch 14 Year Old

Colour: Bronze sunset.

Nose: Wood spices, rich raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange peel and chocolate.

Palate: Raisins, dried fruits, rich fruit cake with sweet cinnamon and chocolate.

Finish: Rich and long with slight dryness. 

Bladnoch 19 Year Old

Colour: Dark sunset.

Nose: Dark liquorice sticks and aged oak with a floral background.

Palate: Liquorice sticks with dried apricots, almonds and nutmeg.

Finish: Long with a dry sweetness.

Bladnoch 30 Year Old

Colour: Copper.

Nose: Dried apricots, floral, nutmeg and Seville oranges.

Palate: Almonds and marzipan with Seville oranges.

Finish: Light, floral and fruity with a crack of black pepper.  

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announce Newest Bourbon Economy Numbers

 Celebrate a Thriving Industry Thanks to Decade of

KY Policy Advancements

Frankfort, Ky.— February 1, 2024— Spurred by a decade of legislative changes to Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) will join with Kentucky’s elected officials to release a new study examining the Bourbon industry’s impact on local, state, and global economies. The biennial report produced by Dr. Paul Coomes looks at the signature industry’s economic impact across the board, from jobs and tax revenue to agriculture and tourism and more.

WHAT: 2024 Bourbon Economy Report

*Based on most recently available data as of December 31, 2023

WHEN: Tuesday February 6 at 12:45 PM

WHO: Governor Andy Beshear

Senate President Robert Stivers

Speaker of the House David Osborne

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell

Jes Pendergrass – KDA Chair, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill

Eric Gregory – President, Kentucky Distillers’ Association

WHERE: Kentucky State Capitol, State Reception Room

700 Capital Avenue, Room 220

Frankfort, KY 40220

LIVE STREAM: The event will be live streamed on KDA’s Facebook page.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

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

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Holyrood Distillery picks wine and spirits finance platform Ferovinum to support growth plans

Edinburgh’s pioneering Holyrood Distillery has secured a major new funding package with specialist wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum, to support their ambitious domestic and international growth plans in 2024 and beyond.

The new £2 million plus deal will be used to release capital from Holyrood’s maturing cask inventory, primarily to fund new fill casks and carry cased goods to overseas markets, as the business rolls out a busy programme of new releases and market expansion for its innovative whisky, gin and rum brands.

At the vanguard of Scotland’s dynamic new wave of whisky production, Holyrood Distillery was founded in 2019 and is dedicated to producing spirits that are truly worthy of the capital city and its proud past as a centre of brewing and distilling.

Today’s announcement follows the release last October of the Distillery’s inaugural whisky ‘Arrival’ – one of the first single malt whiskies to be produced in Edinburgh in a century.

Ferovinum is the only funding platform dedicated solely to wine and spirits enterprises. Its proprietary, first-of-its-kind technology is deployed to meet the specific funding and growth needs of businesses in these sectors, in a more agile and cost-effective way compared to traditional funding options.

The platform works by holding ring-fenced assets during production, storage, global distribution and retail fulfilment, giving companies the flexibility to convert their maturing stock into capital at any point, whenever its needed. Crucially, Ferovinum’s technology also integrates with supply chain, logistics and other business functions to deliver greater efficiencies across the business process.

The specialist capabilities of Ferovinum’s technology and team were key for Holyrood Distillery Managing Director Huw Wright, who explains: ‘Ferovinum has allowed Holyrood Distillery to unlock future plans earlier, with ease and speed. The Ferovinum team go above and beyond to be true partners, finding solutions to any hurdles that arise. Holyrood Distillery has some ambitious plans in place so we require partners who can keep up, see the vision and enhance it. This is exactly why Ferovinum was chosen and asked to come on board, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to come along on this exciting journey with us.’

Ferovinum’s Director of Spirits Gregor Mathieson added: ‘The Holyrood team has achieved a remarkable feat in the past few years, bringing a thriving new Distillery to the heart of Edinburgh and leading a bold new era of modern whisky making in Scotland. Following the success of their excellent first single malt Arrival, this is their time to grow, and to showcase their highly innovative and extraordinarily good spirits to the world. Their need for partners who share their ambition, and who can provide genuine, specialist and hands-on support, means they are a perfect fit for Ferovinum and our technology. With the brilliant foundation they have put in place, we know that Holyrood’s spirits are ready for take off, and we are very proud to be playing a part in their ongoing success’. 

Ferovinum was founded in 2018 by finance experts Mitchel Fowler and Daniel Gibney – both also wine and spirits enthusiasts. Initially launched to support the UK’s burgeoning wine industry, the business expanded into the whisky and spirits sector in 2022. The Ferovinum platform is now favoured by a growing list of businesses  – distilleries, wineries, merchants, independent bottlers and brand owners.

www.ferovinum.com/

Linkedin.com/ferovinum

About Ferovinum

Ferovinum is a first of its kind funding platform designed exclusively for the wine and spirits industry. Its software integrates with the supply chain, logistics and ecommerce infrastructure of the industry, providing users with fast, flexible and cost-efficient access to funds at any point in the business process – from production, through to distribution and retail fulfilment.

Ferovinum has created a ring-fenced platform that holds assets during production, storage and distribution, allowing companies to convert their maturing stock into a just-in-time asset. This flexibility allows businesses to access capital when they need it, reducing their liquidity risk and reliance on payment terms, as well as protecting profitability should supply chain disruptions occur. Ferovinum clients can also take advantage of supply chain and inventory management tools to access automation and reduce the operational burden of getting their products into the hands of consumers.

For banks and financial institutions, Ferovinum’s technology provides a risk-managed and cost-efficient way to deploy capital into this traditionally hard to bank sector, where high levels of fragmentation have led to a historic lack of access to working capital. It uses structures adopted by investment banks in commodity markets to deploy a broad range of capital from credit funds, banks and other institutions.

Ferovinum was founded in 2018 by Mitchel Fowler, an experienced investment banker and commodity supply chain expert; and Daniel Gibney, who has years of experience in corporate finance, debt restructuring and hospitality. With bases in London, Scotland and the USA, Ferovinum has a growing team of specialists in finance, tech, wine and spirits, led by Chief Technology Officer Ho Yin Lai, Head of Growth Max Noble and Director of Spirits Gregor Mathieson.

About Holyrood Distillery

Opened in 2019, Holyrood Distillery was founded by Canadian couple, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot, David Robertson. The distillery’s founders had a vision to create a new kind of distillery, one that would reflect the dynamism and diversity of present-day Edinburgh.

Holyrood is a modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh. Inspired by its surroundings, and never afraid to experiment, the distillery is dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow. Their range includes New Make Spirit, which showcases their whisky vision and enables whisky drinkers to fully appreciate the spirit before it enters a cask as well as their multi-award winning Height of Arrows Gin and Elizabeth Yard Rum.

The distillery offers a range of tours including ‘The Distillery Tour’, which shows how the team make whisky and gin using innovative new methods and ideas with drinks and sampling throughout (£22pp).

Naked Malt announces the ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’ cocktail making competition winners

30th January 2024: Naked Malt, the award-winning* and top-trending** blended malt today unveils the champions of its renowned 2023 bartender engagement programme, the ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’. Five bars have been crowned national winners from France, Denmark, Taiwan, the Netherlands and South Korea, following a rigorous three-stage competition, focused on the brands signature serve, a reinterpretation of the classic whisky sour, a ‘Naked Sour’.

Recipients of this year’s prestigious industry award are Cuckoo Bar, Tainan, Taiwan; The Cambridge Public House, Paris, France; Zest, Seoul, South Korea; Ruby, Copenhagen, Denmark and Fitz’s Bar, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As part of the prize, the winners will go on to take part in a global bar exchange this year, to inspire them and offer a fresh perspective, living out Naked Malt’s ethos. The ‘swap’, which will see two bartenders from winning accounts switch countries with their peers, will be a culturally immersive experience and help participating bartenders expand their knowledge, learn new skills and build relationships across the global bartending community.

The bar swaps will take place in the first quarter of the year, and will see the Taiwanese and French winners swap, champion bartenders from Denmark will visit Korea, the Korean victors will visit the Netherlands and the Netherlands winners will visit Denmark. As part of their prize, the international champions have also been automatically appointed to the judging panel of the 2024 competition in their visiting country.

Isac Melander, Global Brand Ambassador at Naked Malt, said: “This year’s ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’ was a spectacular celebration of the very best industry talent working across the globe. After an incredibly challenging period for the hospitality industry, we wanted to reunite our Naked community over a Naked Sour serve. We aimed to inspire a new generation of bartenders and consumers to explore the very best of Scotch whisky and challenge conventional thinking. Through liberating, inspirational, and educational experiences bartenders were able to reconnect, share their creativity, their skills and most importantly experience what it means to ‘Live Naked’.”

During the ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’ competition two bartenders from each participating bar were tasked with designing their perfect, stripped back Naked Sour serve and asked to share the story of their creation through a series of engaging social media posts. Competition participants were then invited to attend a national finale event where they presented their Naked Sour in front of an expert panel. They were finally challenged on the spot to serve up a bespoke cocktail, using only a selection of mystery ingredients.

Competition finale events in each country were underpinned with interactive and immersive activities, designed to embody the brand’s ‘Live Naked’ ethos – freedom from conventional thinking – and provide a memorable out-of-bar experience, this included various creative and outdoor activities such as yoga classes, sand surfing, painting workshops. The aim was to take entrants away from the pressures of everyday life behind the bar to enjoy the spirit of freedom the brand represents.

Produced in Scotland by ultra-premium spirits company, Edrington, Naked Malt, launched a new bottle design with 100% recyclable packaging in 2021. The launch saw no change to the liquid which is comprised of the world’s finest single malts, extra matured in first-fill (or naked) Oloroso sherry casks for 6 months. The brand seeks to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers by offering a great quality, yet accessible whisky that’s versatile for any preferred whisky serve.

Venues interested in entering the next ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’ competition should get in touch with their Naked Malt account manager or representative to find out more.

Notes

For more information about Naked Malt or the ‘Live Naked Bar Swap’ please contact: bronte.stephens@havas.com Naked Malt is available in 70cl at 40% ABV In the US & South Africa its available in 75cl at 43% ABV In Global travel retail Naked Malt is available in 1L at 40% ABV

About Naked Malt

Naked Malt is a blended malt whisky produced in Scotland by ultra-premium spirits company Edrington.  It initially launched as a blended Scotch under the name Naked Grouse in 2011 before relaunching as a blended malt in 2017, in line with the increasing popularity of contemporary whiskies. In 2021, a new brand name of Naked Malt was revealed to cement the brand’s place as the drink of independent and freedom-seeking consumers with a revised bottle design including a portrait of the first-fill casks against a sleek, modern glass bottle.

Naked Malt is comprised of a selection of Scotland’s finest single malts – a unique blend of the world’s finest single malts. The blended malt is matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry oak casks, and it is from these “naked” casks that have never held whisky before, that Naked Malt takes its name and its distinctive flavour. The ageing process, along with the blend of single malts, results in a rich and fruity whisky with a soft spice finish.

Naked Malt has become the fastest growing contemporary whisky with consecutive years of double-digit growth and is currently distributed in 63 markets globally. (IWSR 2022).

Naked Malt tasting notes:

Nose: Buttery toffee, apples, sweet spice

Taste: Vanilla custard, stewed fruit, raisins and sultanas

Finish: Rich sherried spice

*Naked Malt award wins

2024

**Drinks International, Top Trending Scotch Whisky #6 Drinks International, Top Ten Best Selling Scotch Whisky #10

2023

Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Excellent (94 points) Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Finalist Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Great Value World Spirits Competition, Double Gold Drinks International, Top Trending Scotch Whisky #4 Drinks International, Top 50 World’s Most Admired Whiskies #43

2022

Drinks International, Top Trending Scotch Whisky #10 International Spirits Challenge, Silver (Taste) World Spirits Competition, Best of Class World Spirits Competition, Double Gold Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Excellent (94 points) Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Finalist Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Great Value IWSR, Silver

2020

International Spirits Challenge, Gold

2019

World Spirits Competition, Double Gold

INTRODUCING TALES OF THE MACALLAN VOLUME II

The first new release from The Macallan in landmark 200^th anniversary year 

London, UK – The Macallan readies for a momentous year celebrating the company’s 200^th anniversary with the unveiling of a rare single malt whisky which pays homage to Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan.

Tales of the Macallan Volume II is the second edition in a remarkable series of rare single malt Scotch whiskies which tells the story of The Macallan pioneers and their whisky-making legacy.

In honour of Alexander Reid, who distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside in 1824, the second release in the series depicts Reid as a teacher, farmer, and distiller, on his journey to ultimate mastery. It is a fitting tribute that encapsulates Alexander’s story and the standards of excellence in craftsmanship he instilled then, that have passed on through each generation of whisky masters and still held today.

Crafted by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker Euan Kennedy, this exemplary 1949 vintage whisky, bottled in 2022, was selected at the apex of its maturation, for its release in The Macallan’s landmark year.

Each Tales of the Macallan release represents a culmination of creative collaborations of the greatest craftspeople, reflected in each detail of the collection.

Encased in a bespoke handcrafted crystal decanter fashioned by master French crystal maker and long-standing partner of The Macallan, Lalique,  this exceptional single malt is concealed within an extraordinary almanac.

A true work of art, the Tales of The Macallan Volume II book was hand-crafted by traditional London-based bookbinders, Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf, demanding extraordinary technical expertise to conceal the decanter within its 800 pages.

Each chapter tells the story of Alexander Reid, and features beautiful illustrations by renowned British illustrator, Andrew Davidson. Known for his traditional print techniques using wood engravings, Andrew’s work has included postage stamps for the UK’s Royal Mail and designs for the glass doors at Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

Artisan printer, Imprimerie du Marais in Paris, which creates luxury pieces using specially developed paper, ink and printing processes, expertly printed each individual page.

Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker for The Macallan, said: “Tales of The Macallan Volume II is a tribute to our founder Alexander Reid, whose commitment to quality and craftsmanship established the pursuit of uncompromised excellence that has continued to guide successive generations of The Macallan’s whisky makers, like myself, to this day.

“Displaying beautiful tones of bronzed oak, and subtle red hues that reflect the original meaning of Alexander Reid’s surname in Scots – The Red One – this rare and unique single malt whisky possesses an incredible complexity achieved through age and patient maturation. Enjoying a lingering smokiness redolent of whiskies of Alexander’s time, it is a fitting tribute to his living legacy as we celebrate our 200^th anniversary year.”

Alexander Reid, fascinated with the alchemy of distillation that transformed barley into whisky, established the Distillery on Easter Elchies Estate, Speyside, Scotland, in 1824.

A driven individual with a keen sense of curiosity and thirst for knowledge, he strived for perfection by establishing core production principles. Holding firm that small stills produce better flavour and character, he resisted the adoption of large, higher volume stills, instead preferring the value of patience to deliver the uncompromised excellence for which The Macallan continues to be renowned.

The curiously small stills favoured by Alexander Reid continue to be a fundamental guiding principle for The Macallan, featuring in its Distillery and remaining one of the brand’s Six Pillars, the foundation stones for The Macallan’s character.

To mark the launch of Tales of The Macallan Volume II, a remarkable zoetrope-style animation has been created to bring to life the story of Alexander Reid. The short film features a selection of Andrew Davidson’s illustrations and is set to a captivating, original piece of music composed by acclaimed Scottish composer, Craig Armstrong. His bespoke, modern folk piece reflects on legacy, and what it means to create and be influenced by the landscape of Scotland.

A limited release of 344 decanters, Tales of The Macallan Volume II has an RRSP of £77,391 / $89,000 / €89,000 and will be available at The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Boutiques and premium retailers, including Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Shop and Berry Bros & Rudd from 26 January 2024.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind these extraordinary single malts.

Whisky Maker’s Notes – Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker

Colour: Bronzed oak

ABV:  44.8%

Nose:

•       Rich forest fruits, sweet aromatic woodsmoke, antique oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla pods, subtle herbal note, treacle toffee.

Palate:

•       Black cherries, plum jam, dark chocolate orange, almond and custard pastry, ginger sponge with hints of cloves, sweet woodsmoke and a hint of loose tea leaves.

Finish:

•       Long & complex, with a sweet lingering smokiness.

ENDS

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Whiskygenie.com launches NEW online whisky store

The online whisky store is offering collectable Scottish single malt whiskies at the CHEAPEST PRICE ANYWHERE

Launched a couple of weeks ago this small family run business in Lancashire has big ambitions aiming to bring rare and collectable whiskies to everyone at the lowest price on the Internet

“We are a small business with big plans we want to bring the small family run business values to the big stage with customer service being at the forefront along with the cheapest price ANYWHERE and superfast delivery”

Visit the shop online at WhiskyGenie.com or via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Cask Trade announces the launch of Beyond the Cask – an exploration of the cask marketplace.

Combining years of whisky industry experience with data driven insights, the first edition of the new annual report provides a realistic view on the industry and aims to help people navigate the buying and selling of casks with confidence.

This must-read guide for whisky lovers and potential investors highlights some of the pitfalls to avoid, offers advice on what to look out for, and shines a spotlight on the rise of English Whisky.

Getting real

The boom in the cask trading market has arguably been great for the sector, but has ultimately moved the goal posts for investors.

Like any alternative investment, the cask whisky market has grown over time; the prices have moved up and potential profits squeezed. There is still money to be made, but this has rarely been a short-term venture and people need to be prepared for a longer investment.

CEO of Cask Trade Simon Aron says the company’s DNA is one of trust and transparency. His passionate and knowledgeable team avoid false promises, instead giving open and candid support. These credentials that were rewarded with a placing in The Sunday Times Top 100 companies of Britain in 2023 and a listing in the prestigious Startups 100 Index this year.

“We believe it’s important to be open about the changing trends in the market and, following a three year bull run, we expect a consolidation phase in the short-term with the long-term growth intact,” explains Simon, who adds: “What a cask whisky portfolio still provides, like many luxury goods, is a collection that is tangible and engaging as a product. What sets cask ownership apart is that it creates a community that knows and loves its craft and skill.”

Debunking myths

Beyond the Cask offers interesting insights and even goes as far as busting a few myths about whisky. It emphasises the importance of naming rights and warns these should not be overlooked; explains older is not always better when considering the age of whisky and dispels the belief that distilleries buy back whisky.

The guide also offers advice and tips on the Do’s and Don’ts for investing in 2024 and shares some of Cask Trade’s own data on examples of casks from top performing distilleries as well as a list of factors that can have influence on the brand equity of a distillery.

To download a copy of Beyond the Cask click here.

ABOUT CASK TRADE

Founded in 2018 by Simon Aron in partnership with several of the world’s foremost whisky masters, including Keeper of the Quaich Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade buys and sells exceptional cask whiskies.

The company is unique because it owns all the casks it sells, giving the customer 100% transactional guarantee. Cask Trade only sells whole casks: it is not a whisky cask broker and it does not offer fractional sales.

A passionate whisky collector for more than 20 years, Simon Aron suffered many false promises from whisky investment companies and this drove his ambition to create a real and trustworthy marketplace for whisky collectors and investors, and bottlers:

The company’s casks are held in the best HMRC bonded warehouses, regularly visited and approved by Cask Trade whisky masters. All stock holdings have a complete paper trail.
•    Delivery orders from supplier to Cask Trade
•    Invoices for transfer of ownership, storage insurance, re-gauging, sampling or movement
•    HMRC-issued WOWGR (warehouse keepers, warehouse premises, owner of goods and registered consigners): a fully regulated and closely monitored license requiring due diligence on suppliers as well as customers.
•    HMRC-issued AWRS Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme: Licenced to wholesale, bottle and retail.

Included in its extensive list of customer services, Cask Trade’s rigorous processes means that the company will guarantee to buy back from its clients the casks they buy from and have had managed by Cask Trade.
It also offers:
•    Regular sampling and re-gauging of casks
•    Re-racking (sherry wine, port etc)
•    Estimates of bottles and strength in cask (effects of angels’ share 0ver years of maturations)
•    Financial modelling for each cask based on age and rarity with estimated % returns
•    Costings for bottling, labelling and shipping (duty & tax)
•    Regularly updated cask ownership guide which includes statistics from two authoritative third parties (independent of Cask Trade)
•    Cask Trade will arrange for clients to receive samples of their whiskies and visit their barrels(s), upon request – wherever possible.

Cask Trade started the first live auction website dedicated to exceptional whisky casks: auctionyourcask.com.

Hosted four times a year and helping private owners/investors sell their cask to independent bottlers and other investors all around the world. All casks will be re-gauged ready for auction and a full 70cl sample will be drawn so that bidders have the opportunity to try the whisky before they buy, wherever possible.
Cask Trade validate all the sellers and confirm proof of ownership and the history of the cask enabling bidders to safely buy. With complete transparency and no sellers’ fee customers receive the actual hammer price. The low buyers’ fee of 15% + VAT offer the opportunity to buyers, trade or private, to buy rare casks.

https://www.casktrade.com

https://www.auctionyourcask.com

DISCLAIMER
Like any investment, the value of casks can rise and fall

Glenmorangie unveils first Calvados cask finish as 12-Year-Old small batch whisky 

 –Uniquely fruity and floral release is latest in Distillery’s Barrel Select series

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today reveals a uniquely fruity and floral whisky – its first ever finished in French Calvados casks. Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is the fifth release in the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts, which explores the flavours that arise from different cask finishes. Entwining scents of jasmine with baked apples and pears, this rare 12-year-old bottling offers new mellow depths to Glenmorangie’s signature fruity tones.

For 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have been endlessly imaginative on their quest to create delicious single malt whiskies for more people to enjoy. Led by acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, they craft their delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma, then age it in the world’s finest casks. Some time ago, Dr Bill became fascinated by the soft, orchard notes of Calvados, which is distilled from apples (and sometimes pears) in France. And he began to wonder how these casks – never used before at Glenmorangie – might further enhance the whisky’s classic, fruity finesse.

Inspired to experiment, he took a whisky which had spent more than 10 years ageing in American white oak bourbon casks, for Glenmorangie’s elegant style. He transferred that whisky into casks which, for 20 years, had held Calvados du Pays d’Auge, from Normandy, in France. After a carefully judged finish, Dr Bill’s creation was ready to share. Soft and delectably rich, Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish unites mellow fruits of baked apples and pears with subtle notes of jasmine, narcissus and vanilla.

Dr Bill said: “At Glenmorangie, we are always experimenting with ways to create delicious whiskies. Since Calvados casks have never been used before at Glenmorangie, I was intrigued to see how their elegant, orchard notes would complement our whisky’s award-winning fruity style, with a judicious finish. Glenmorangie Calvados Finish is a wonderful addition to our Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts. Entwining scents of baked pears, vanilla and jasmine with tastes of toffee apples, lemon balsam and spice, this rare whisky takes all that is good about Glenmorangie, to richly delicious new heights.”

Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is now available exclusively in the UK at Glenmorangie.com, RRP: £75.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

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Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV

Colour: Bright Gold

Aroma: A most fragrant whisky at full strength, with notes of baked apples, pears, vanilla, almond and a slightly waxy note. With water, some fragrant, floral notes emerge, like narcissus, jasmine and heather honey. Finally, the aroma of baking sweet pastries is found.

Taste: The mouthfeel is oily and spicy at the same time, and leads into a burst of rich sweet flavours.  Baked pears, toffee apple, almond marzipan, star anise and chocolate praline are found, along with some lemon balsam, eucalyptus and a touch of charcoal.

Finish: Long, lingering and almost slightly cooling in nature.

RRP: £75.00

 About the Barrel Select Release series:

Glenmorangie’s Barrel Select Release series comprises small-batch bottlings exploring the flavours which arise from different cask finishes. The first release in the series was the indulgently sweet and rich Glenmorangie Malaga Cask Finish, a 12-year-old whisky finished in Spain’s Malaga wine casks. The second release was Glenmorangie Cognac Cask Finish, an elegantly oaky and fruity 13-year-old whisky, finished in Cognac casks. Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Finish was the third release in the series. This deeply sweet and nutty 12-year-old bottling was Glenmorangie’s first ever to be finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks. The fourth release was the nutty and spicy Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish, inspired by Dr Bill’s favourite style of sherry. Floral and gently fruity, Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is the fifth Barrel Select release. 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a walk in the forest (Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.

About Calvados:

Distilled from apples (and sometimes pears), Calvados is produced only in the department of Calvados within the Normandy region of France. Calvados Pays d’Auge is a sub-region of the department and has its own appellation d’origine contrôlée. The appellation’s renowned Calvados comes from fruit trees grown in the clay and limestone soils of the Pays d’Auge. It is double distilled in a traditional alembic pot still.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Honors Industry Veteran

With Prestigious “Esprit de Corps” Award

Kevin D. Smith, Former Master Distiller and Industry Executive, 

Honored For More Than Three Decades of Service and Leadership to Kentucky Bourbon

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Kevin D. Smith is a recipient of the “Esprit de Corps Award,” an elite recognition honoring leaders who personify the legendary group’s spirit of camaraderie and integrity.

The esteemed Esprit de Corps Award can be bestowed by the Chair of the KDA’s Board of Directors to individuals who have, “by demonstrable and honorable action,” gone above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission of the KDA and Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Smith has 34 years of distinguished service to the KDA and the Bourbon industry, having worked at top distilleries in the state as the former Master Distiller and Vice President of Production at Maker’s Mark and the last eight years as the Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs for Beam Suntory.

In addition, Smith has served on numerous civic and charitable organizations, including Chairman of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce from 2022-2023, Chairman of the Governor’s Workforce Innovation Board, Chairman of the Japanese American Society of Kentucky and many more.

“If you’re involved in Bourbon, you know the name Kevin Smith is synonymous with respect, experience and leadership,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “I’m proud that KDA has recognized his many contributions to the betterment of our Association, our iconic industry and our beloved Commonwealth.”

KDA Board Chairman Chris Morris conferred the award to Smith at the KDA’s 2023 annual State Dinner in Louisville. Smith received a commemorative plaque and engraved medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

Morris said Smith joined the KDA Board of Directors in 2019 and served as Chairman in 2022. He also chaired the KDA’s Kentucky Spirits Collaborative, its Governmental Affairs Advisory Group, its Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative, and was Secretary of the group’s non-profit Lifting Spirits Foundation.

“Kevin has been a vocal and vital leader of the KDA for the last decade and is widely respected for his ability to calmly communicate and collaborate with fellow distillers and partners to advance our signature industry and our venerable Association,” Morris said.

Smith said, “To be honored by my fellow distillers and Bourbon legends leaves me immensely grateful. I’m grateful for those who came before me in this industry, I’m grateful for those who work alongside me now, and I’m eager to see how our industry innovates and grows into the future, all right here in my Old Kentucky Home.”

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

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

Lochlea marks 5^th Anniversary with

statement whisky from across half a decade

Multi-award-winning Ayrshire distillery, Lochlea, is celebrating its 5^th Anniversary this year, marking the milestone birthday with a limited edition first age-statement whisky release. 

Lochlea 5 Year Old is a vatting of five different casks from the distillery – each one showing a different side to the house spirit, hand-selected by Production Director John Campbell and the team.

This exclusive single malt whisky is incredibly special to the Lochlea team – it is their first ever age statement release since the distillery was founded half a decade ago on Lochlea Farm – where Robert Burns lived and worked, inspiring his thinking and development as a poet.

Two of the five casks used are from the very first filling in August 2018, making this the oldest Lochlea whisky that has ever been bottled and released!

The final spirit of this limited 5 Year Old release is made up from two first fill ex-Bourbon casks, one first fill Oloroso sherry cask, one double matured Oloroso Sherry cask and a double matured Pedro Ximenez Sherry cask, giving it a delicious rich flavour and texture.

John Campbell said: “To mark our 5th Anniversary milestone, we wanted to create a whisky that shows off the best of Lochlea spirit that has been matured in different styles of casks over the last half a decade. We have carefully chosen these five casks that have matured our single malt to perfection, then vatted them together to create a unique bottling of Lochlea that we won’t replicate ever again – it’s an incredibly special dram to mark our first special milestone birthday. And as always with our whiskies, it’s made entirely from barley grown on our farm here at Lochlea.”

“In celebration of this special milestone, we felt it was fitting to release it on Burns Night as a nod to Robert Burns who once worked the land that we rely on for our own barley and, ultimately, our final spirit.”

Lochlea is one of the very few full grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland, growing all its own barley, distilling its spirit, and maturing all stocks on site at the distillery (and farm) in the stunning region of Ayrshire. Not only does this keep production quality consistent, but it also helps to ensure the distillery is naturally as sustainable as possible.

In addition to this special anniversary release, Lochlea has a range of limited-edition seasonal whiskies that are released each year to mark the seasons on the farm, as well as a Cask Strength series. The distillery also released a signature expression in 2022 – award-winning ‘Our Barley’, that is available in over 20 markets globally, throughout the year.

Limited edition Lochlea 5 Year Old is available from 25^th January onwards, from Lochlea stockists* while stocks last, RRP: £89.99.

Lochlea 5 Year Old

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Baked pineapple, brown sugar, hazelnuts, sourdough bread

Palate: Lemon zest, candied pear crumble, orange peel

Finish: Caramel with hints of black pepper, rose petals and leather

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222-acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-glass distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

*For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

Lochlea Distillery has recently won the following awards:

– Icons of Whisky Scotland 2024: Single Estate and Brand Innovator

– Icons of Whisky 2023: Single Estate Distillery of the Year

– San Francisco Spirits Competition 2023: Our Barley – GOLD

– Scottish Field Summer Whisky Challenge 2023: Distilleries under 10 Years Old – GOLD