Three Glasgow-based artists commissioned by Chivas Regal adorn tanks with murals

Blended Scotch whisky Chivas, has partnered with three artists local to Glasgow to create striking murals on the 9.4m tall, rounded tanks at its Strathclyde Distillery, one of oldest grain distilleries in Scotland.

The project, delivered in partnership with Glasgow-based production company artpistol Projects, sees Molly Hankinson, Michael Corr and Rogue One transform the tanks with paintings of iconic local figures, with additional typography woven throughout by artistic signwriter Ellie Mills.

The art initiative was inspired by the close ties parent company, Chivas Brothers has with the Strathclyde Region. The Strathclyde Distillery’s single grain whisky is an essential part of Chivas Regal giving the iconic blend a delicate character that leads to the generously smooth taste synonymous with the brand.

The project is the latest activity under Chivas’ ‘I Rise, We Rise’ platform which demonstrates the brand’s continued commitment to celebrate and elevate the next generation of hustlers who are forging their own paths to success. Each mural pays homage to those who embody this ethos and have uplifted their community along the way. From Margaret Macdonald, an artist said to have helped define the ‘Glasgow Style’ movement of the 1890s-1900s, to Tom McGuire, frontman of 8-piece Glaswegian funk and soul band Tom McGuire & the Brassholes. The final mural celebrates the spirit of human adversity and triumph in overcoming obstacles and setbacks, by paying homage to Mark Coyle’s countless achievements whilst navigating the diagnosis of Perthes disease at an early age which left him wheelchair-bound and with his mobility restricted.

Ali Smith, Founder at artpistol Projects, said:

“Glasgow is known as the place where grit and glamour coexist. It’s the kind of city that gets into your bones, so it comes as no surprise that it teems with creative talent. 

“It’s brilliant to be able to work with a Scottish-born global giant like Chivas who really understands this notion and understands the unique market here. They’re just as passionate about uplifting the Glaswegian community as we are, and we can’t wait to see how the finished pieces turn out.” 

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director at Chivas, added:

“Chivas and Strathclyde share a long and storied history; one that dates all the way back to the 18th century. 

“As a location, it’s close to the hearts of everyone at Chivas and we’re honoured to be able to highlight its importance to us through the creation of these murals. We’re passionate about paying forward the kindness shown to us by the community here, so it felt right that we work with artists who either live nearby or have a clear connection to Glasgow and the Strathclyde region.”

The murals are available to view at Strathclyde Distillery, 40 Moffat St, Glasgow G5 0QB. For more information, please visit Chivas.com/en/stories/strathclyde-mural/ or follow us on Instagram @ChivasRegal.

This article is published as a matter of interest and is published after it’s original release date

Laphroaig® unveils packaging redesign in line with long-term sustainability goals

The Epicurean Pays Homage to City of Glasgow with Launch of New Ex-Cuvée Oak Finished Edition

Award-winning Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Epicurean, today reveals the latest release dedicated to “his” home City of Glasgow – also home to independently family-owned parent company, Douglas Laing & Co.

This limited-edition expression marries together the finest Single Cask Single Malts from the Lowland region of Scotland, before enduring a lengthy finish in some of the “finest” French ex-cuvée oak casks. Offered at a natural cask strength of 50.4% alcohol, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration and strictly limited to just 5,100 bottles globally, this release is expected to be snapped up quickly.

The Epicurean is said to be “the life and soul of the party and a connoisseur of fine food and drink” so this bottle was designed to embody just that. Presented in a black bottle with gold foil detailing and packaged in a premium gift tube, the black and gold design brings a “true sense of luxury” to this release. Tasting notes are said to reveal “bursts of malted barley, vanilla blossom and lemon zest,” a dram the Douglas Laing team describe as a “something truly special”.

Commenting on this new bottling, Scott Morrison, Brand Manager, said:

“This latest Epicurean Glasgow Edition is one we are particularly proud of. The unique finish is a first for the Douglas Laing team and is a credit to the continuous innovation and quality we strive to achieve. The eclectic array of flavours imparted from the French ex-cuvée oak casks combined with the exceptional packaging make this release one not to be missed!”

The Epicurean Glasgow Limited Edition will be available from specialist Whisky retailers around the world, plus online retailers, from August 2023. It carries a suggested retail price of £55.00 / €64.00.

ABOUT THE EPICUREAN

Twitter:  @DLaingWhisky

Instagram: @theepicureanwhisky

Facebook: /dltheepicurean

Meet The Epicurean – our 1930s Glasgow man, a real cheeky character who was ever the life and soul of the party and a connoisseur of fine food and drink. A master of versatility, this fresh, zesty, grassy marriage of the finest Lowland malts is perfect for cocktail hour or simply for sipping.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

ARDBEG EXPERIMENTS WITH SAUTERNES CASKS TO CREATE A NEW

13 YEAR OLD WHISKY

< Distillery launches The Harpy’s Tale, a smoky-sweet ‘hybrid’, as the first release in its new Anthology Collection of unusual maturation styles >

22 August, UK – Islay distillery and smoky malt, Ardbeg has unveiled the first experimental and rare release in its new Anthology Collection – Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale.

Aged for 13 years in a combination of classic ex-bourbon and sweet Sauternes wine casks, this whisky presents a completely unique Ardbeg, characterised by a tussle between powerful smoke and rich sweetness. In homage to this unusual ‘hybrid’ style, its packaging takes inspiration from the fabled half-human and half-bird Harpy – an elusive, winged beast from ancient mythology.

Ardbeg The Harpy’s Tale is the inaugural whisky in the distillery’s new Anthology Collection: a range of experimental single malts that will present rare and exceptional Ardbegs, each matured in cask types that are completely new to the distillery.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said, “We have embarked on a bold maturation experiment to fuse Ardbeg’s signature smokiness with more nuanced, sweeter notes for our new release The Harpy’s Tale – resulting in a very unusual and complex breed of Ardbeg. This is a dram that represents a battle between sweet and smoke – one I believe fans are yet to experience in an Ardbeg dram, and one that I’m sure they will be excited to taste for themselves.

“Collectively, the whiskies in the Anthology Collection will form a legendary, perfectly balanced and delicious series of rare and unusual Ardbegs, rich in both lore and taste. We look forward to revealing more in the Collection in the near future.”

Priced at £141 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale will be available for purchase on Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.

RRP: £141 

For exclusive Ardbeg news and releases, fans and whisky lovers can sign up to the Ardbeg Committee by visiting www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/committee . Membership is free, and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @ardbeg

Facebook: @ardbeg

Tasting notes

SOARING ARDBEG SMOKINESS… WITH SWOOPS OF SAUTERNES 

SWEETNESS

ABV:               46%

Colour Amber

Aroma            Distinctively oily with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood and aromatic herbs, such as coriander and sage, come to the fore. A gentle suggestion of smoked lemon peel appears for a brief moment. A splash of water reveals more oiliness, with linseed oil and an ever so slight waxiness. A burst of perfumed carbolic soap takes flight, leaving behind it a faint whiff of crème brûlée.

Taste               A soft, oily mouthfeel leads the way into a rich, woody sweetness in dark treacle and balsamic. Hints of oak moss break free as smokier notes begin to emerge. Aniseed lozenges, smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil merge in a unique and contrasting patchwork of flavours.

Finish              Finally, a long and lingering aftertaste of sweetness and smoke. A touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut bring this incredible dram to a close.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023 to date, Ardbeg has been awarded four Gold and eight silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

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

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2023 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (August 15, 2023) – Today Heaven Hill Distillery announced the release of the Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 10 years old. Comprised of barrels produced during the Spring season lasting from January to June of 2013 and bottled in the Spring of 2023, the eleventh national release ushers in the latest edition to the decanter series which adds to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Spring edition is denoted by a green label. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond spring edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $139.99.

The Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright burnished copper color, with a nose of brown sugar and molasses in addition to light baking spices with orange peel. The taste is gentle on the palate with notes of butterscotch, subtle oak, and cloves. Its finish is long and warm with tannins and a peppery tingle, followed by a hint of barrel char as the finale.

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald, whose legacy is also heralded by the Larceny Bourbon brand.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. In 2023, Heaven Hill Distillery was named Magazine Icons of Whisky 2023 Global Distiller of the Year. Heaven Hill Distillery also holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

Award Winning Loch Lomond Whiskies Unveils Steam & Fire: a Remarkable Single Malt Whisky Finished in Heavily Charred Casks

Steam & Fire pays homage to the extensive capabilities of the Loch Lomond Distillery

Independent distiller, Loch Lomond Whiskies, is adding to its impressive portfolio of whiskies with the launch of Steam & Fire.

A remarkable single malt whisky, Steam & Fire is finished in heavily charred American Oak casks, flamed at Loch Lomond Whiskies’ own traditional cooperage.

It is an entirely new concept for the distiller and has been crafted to showcase its extensive capabilities in distillation and maturation. Steam & Fire takes its inspiration from the extraordinary distillery – a place where alchemy and engineering meet time-honoured craftsmanship to create an unusual whisky destination which is unlike anything else seen in the industry.

Located near the banks of the iconic Loch Lomond, the distillery is home to innovative feats of engineering, including Scotland’s only set of Straight Neck Pot Stills. As the only distiller in Scotland to use these stills, Master Blender Michael Henry can influence flavour at the point of distillation, as well as during maturation.

It is also one only four in Scotland to house its own cooperage. A vibrant place where a team of experienced coopers repair and char barrels, it is the final stage in the whisky making process before casks are laid to rest.

Steam & Fire begins its journey being distilled in a combination of Straight Neck and traditional Swan Neck Pot Stills before maturing in first fill Bourbon barrels and refill American Oak casks. This exceptional single malt is then finished in heavily charred American Oak casks for 10 months.

The heavily charred American Oak barrels have a distinctive rich demerara sugar influence on the whisky, creating a rich flavour profile characterised by notes of orange, pear and melted brown sugar with a dark chocolate, and a soft smoke finish.

Steam and Fire is presented in bold packaging colours of blue and red, to reflect the brand colours and cooperage, with iconography from around the distillery illustrating the casks and unique stills.

Designed to hero Loch Lomond’s extensive capabilities, the striking creative is intended to ignite an emotive response and bring to life the importance of both distillation and maturation in Loch Lomond’s whisky making.

copper piping flowing in a d

The release of Steam & Fire follows Loch Lomond Distillery’s success at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, winning the title of ‘most awarded distillery’.

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said: “Steam & Fire is unlike anything we have created at our distillery before.

“Intended to capture our extensive and unique capabilities in whisky making, it is a striking expression which speaks to the heart of what Loch Lomond Whiskies is trying to achieve and our ongoing experimentation with flavour.

“Steam & Fire is a representation of our quest to create whisky outside of the ordinary, bringing together our impressive capabilities in distillation and maturation.”

The launch of Steam & Fire includes a collaboration with renowned open-fire chef Genevieve Taylor, who partnered with the distiller for its Remarkable Makers campaign, which sees Loch Lomond Whiskies partner with like-minded creators and artisan craftspeople to lift the lid on the complex whisky making process.

An accomplished chef, she is the author of 12 cookery books and is fascinated by the science of cooking over fire. Genevieve is inspired by her lifelong love of nature and sustainability, with her recipes specifically created based on the seasonality and locality of ingredients.

She said: “Fire as a method for cooking is a time-honoured craft, much like whisky making, which has survived for generations.

“It is such strong primal element and in many ways it can be unpredictable. Like a master blender, you have to very carefully control all of the variables to curate the final flavour you want.

“Too much wood creates a very distinctive smoky flavour, which can distract from delicate dishes, whereas pure charcoal allows the subtleties of ingredients to come to the fore. The slightest change in this balance has a profound impact on the final recipe.”

Genevieve Taylor’s passion for fire cooking is driven by a curiosity to explore the extraordinary. She continued: “Loch Lomond Whiskies and I share a curious spirit, and an eternal desire to seek out new possibilities in our crafts. The traditional domestic kitchen can be a wonderful place, but it can also be restricting to creativity and exploration.

“Fire cooking opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and allows me to experiment with flavour and techniques which are outside of the ordinary.”

Steam & Fire launches 14 August and retails for £45.

It can be purchased at specialist retailers including Master of Malt, as well as directly from www.lochlomondwhiskies.co.uk

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Toffee, apple, fudge, vanilla, cinnamon.

Palette : Silky mouthfeel, orange, peach, marmalade, coffee, melted brown sugar, roasted marshmallow.

Finish: Medium to long dry finish with dark chocolate and soft smoke.

 About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill Distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.

In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbet, towards the north-west end of Loch Lomond; an area which has been at the heart of the whisky industry for centuries. With at least nine distilleries around the loch lost over the years, Loch Lomond Distillers has maintained a proud local tradition into the 21st century.

The multi award winning Loch Lomond Whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.

Earlier this year, Loch Lomond Distillery won “the most awarded distillery” at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Loch Lomond Whiskies was awarded the following medals:

Double Gold

• Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Inchmurrin
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Inchmoan
• Loch Lomond Classic
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Open Special Edition 2023
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Open Course Edition 2023
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain Coopers Collection
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 8 Years Old Madeira
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 18 Years Old Inchmurrin

Gold

• Loch Lomond Whiskies 10 Years Old
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 Years Old Perfectly Balanced
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 14 Years Old
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain (Peated)
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 14 Years Old Inchmoan

Silver

• Loch Lomond Whiskies Original
• Loch Lomond Whiskies 18 Years Old
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain (Unpeated)
• Loch Lomond Whiskies Single Grain Distiller’s Choice

About Genevieve Taylor

Live fire and BBQ expert Genevieve Taylor is the author of 12 cookery books including the bestsellers SEARED, The Ultimate Guide to Barbecuing Meat, FOOLPROOF BBQ, CHARRED, a Complete Guide to Vegetarian BBQ and The Ultimate Wood-fired Oven Cook book.

A proud omnivore, Genevieve is on a constant mission to prove that great BBQ isn’t just about Man vs. Meat, although that said, her latest book, SEARED focuses on the science of cooking good meat over good fire. A biologist by training with a lifelong love of nature; sustainability and seasonality are at the heart of all she cooks. She is currently writing a book on fish and shellfish, naturally all cooked over live fire, and hopes to give people more confidence to source and cook better seafood.

She also runs the Bristol Fire School, a cookery school with the principal aim of helping people light better fires to cook better food.

When she’s not cooking outside, Genevieve can usually be found outside walking her dogs in the woods, growing a few good things to eat on her Bristol allotment and listening to a lot of music a little bit too loud.

She writes regularly on live fire cooking in the national press and a BBC Food Programme regular.

International Beverage boosts management team with two senior appointments

New Head of Supply Chain and Head of Finance & Risk confirmed

International Beverage has announced the arrival of two new senior executives to the business this week, with both set to take up strategic roles in the global spirits producer’s management team during a period of ambitious growth.

Fiona Meldrum joins as Head of Supply Chain

Fiona brings over 15 years’ experience in supply chain leadership and logistics to the role. After studying Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University, she began her career at The Heineken Company, spending eight years working across a number of global export, customer service and logistics projects, latterly as Head of Export – Customer & Logistics.

She then moved to the beer and cider specialists C&C Group where she spent three years managing supply chain planning across the company’s network of own brand and contract products as Head of Planning. After a brief tenure at Hunter Boot Ltd as Global Logistics Manager, Fiona moved to Chivas Brothers as Head of Planning, where she led a team of 30 people and helped to build the company’s supply chain transformation agenda, incorporating bottling and material planning.

Laura Millar joins as Head of Finance and Risk

Laura qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, where she went on to spend six years working in Audit across the company’s portfolio of clients, gaining experience in a diverse range of different industries.

In 2010 she joined the Japanese owned global medical device manufacturer Terumo Aortic – part of the Terumo Group which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Here she has spent the past 13 years working from the company’s UK base in Renfrewshire, during a time when the division’s annual global turnover has grown from c.£70m to over £200m. Having started as Financial Accounting Manager, she progressed through the business to Financial Controller, Head of Finance & Compliance and latterly to Global VP of Finance Control & Compliance.

Both Fiona and Laura will be based at the company’s Airdrie headquarters. IBHL Managing Director Malcolm Leask welcomed the years of experience and expertise that both will bring to the company’s growth agenda, commenting: 

‘International Beverage is delivering a strong performance across our portfolio of brands thanks to investment and ambitious growth plans in over 85 global markets. We still face many challenges in these markets however, and we are investing in bringing on board the very best people to help us navigate our way to success – not least in the fields of finance and supply chain management. Fiona and Laura are two exceptional leaders in their respective disciplines, and we welcome the talent and drive they bring to our growing team. Their involvement on priority projects such as our path to fully compostable and recyclable packaging, plus improving our management information processes, will be invaluable in the months ahead.’

As the spirits arm of one of the world’s top ten drinks producers ThaiBev, International Beverage is responsible for the global sales, marketing and distribution of a multi-award-winning portfolio of premium brands, including single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn; the blended Scotch Hankey Bannister. 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE

International Beverage is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses. Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant spirits.

Pernod Ricard to enter into an agreement in principle on the potential sale of Clan Campbell Blended Scotch whisky brand to stock Spirits Group

Farm-to-cask Lochlea Distillery reveals

second crop of Harvest Edition single malt

Award winning farm-to-cask distillery Lochlea in Ayrshire today releases its second ‘crop’, or batch, of its seasonal release: Harvest Edition.

The distillery’s celebrated seasonal small batch release single malt whiskies showcase Lochlea’s household style across the year, with each season being celebrated through the selection of different casks being used for maturation.

The new release – Harvest Edition Second Crop – has been matured in a combination of carefully selected Tawny and Ruby Port casks, STR barriques and first-fill Bourbon barrels to offer a deliciously different twist to the Lochlea house style.

Production Director John Campbell said: “As a working farm, these expressions tie in to reflect our farming calendar here at Lochlea.

For this year’s Harvest Edition Second Crop we have incorporated a much higher proportion of Port casks as the spirit is another year older and we felt that it could stand up to the richness and intensity these casks add. This has really helped to enhance the whisky’s creaminess, whilst also introducing a delightful peppery, floral spice that the spirit gets from the STR barriques.

We are really proud of this release, which has been inspired by the end of summer, when our golden barley is harvested and eventually used for the next year’s production.”

Lochlea’s seasonal releases are as follows:

• Harvest Edition: inspired by the annual harvest on the farm.

• Fallow Edition: reflects the season of autumn on the farm when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest.

• Ploughing Edition: released in winter when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring.

• Sowing Edition: inspired by spring when the seed if sown for the year’s barley crop.

As with all of Lochlea’s whiskies, Harvest Edition Second Crop is non-chill filtered. It has been bottled at 46% ABV – the same strength as Harvest Edition First Crop, so that the annual releases can be compared and contrasted. RRP is £51.60, available now from Lochlea stockists.

In addition to the seasonal limited edition releases, Lochlea has a core whisky expression available all year round – Our Barley. This unpeated single malt has been matured in a combination of three different casks: first fill ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry casks and STR barriques, all of which add depths of flavour to the spirit. Launched in July 2022, Our Barley has received much acclaim as a superb example of a young non-age statement (NAS) Lowlands whisky, made entirely from the distillery’s own home-grown barley. 

Harvest Edition Second Crop

Tasting notes:

Nose: Dates, ripe red grapes, thick cut marmalade

Palate: Pink peppercorns and dried fruit

Finish: A beautiful lingering creamy finish

ABV: 46%

 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

The Glenlivet introduces whisky cocktail innovation fashioned with boundary-breaking technology: new ‘Twist & Mix’ Cocktails

The Glenlivet’s collection of premium ready-to-serve cocktails can be mixed in the moment with a simple twist of an innovative cap, using spirits industry first, proprietary technology.

The Glenlivet Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio, continues to break conventions with the introduction of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails, a new line of premium, ready-to-serve, whisky-based cocktails – launching exclusively in the US this month.

Using first-to-market technology, the innovation proves that quality and accessibility are not mutually exclusive – simply twist the cap and the cleverly-designed mechanism will burst cocktail flavours into The Glenlivet single malt giving a freshly-mixed cocktail, in an instant. The newest offering from one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies provides a premium, crafted experience without the hassle of leftover ingredients, complex recipes and bar equipment.

The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails are a first not only for Scotch, but for the broader spirits category – setting a new standard for ready-to-drink cocktails using the patented Vessl® closure and mixing technology. The range enables whisky lovers to enjoy these iconic cocktails more often and as part of an elevated at-home experience.

The collection is debuting with the Old Fashioned and New Manhattan, bringing two of the most popular whisky cocktails to consumers’ homes. Maintaining the flavour profiles of the beloved classics, the silky taste of the Old Fashioned is achieved with the tasting notes of orange, nutmeg and cinnamon, while the New Manhattan is a testament to the timeless classic featuring notes of cherry and ginger.

“For nearly 200 years The Glenlivet has broken tradition, so it’s in our pioneering spirit to, together with Vessl, develop a new way to enjoy ready-to-drink cocktails – unleashing a fresh, elevated at-home experience that meets global consumer demand. We caused a bit of a stir when we launched The Glenlivet Capsule Collection back in 2019 —but now we think the world is ready for perfectly-made single malt whisky cocktails.”

said Jayne Murphy, Global Marketing Director, Malts at Chivas Brothers.

Yogesh Gandhi, Global Head of Innovation at Chivas Brothers added,

“This project provided us with the challenge of reinventing the ready-to-serve experience within a highly competitive market segment. What has been achieved puts the consumer at the heart – no mess, fuss or skill required to create a bartender-level, freshly mixed cocktail in seconds.”

“We are impressed with how The Glenlivet has adopted our technology to create high quality, freshly mixed ultra-premium craft cocktails at home,”

said Walter D. Apodaca, Jr., Founder and CEO, Vessl, Inc.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking use of the Vessl®  technology we envisioned, and it tastes even better than we imagined.”

The range follows on from the 2019 launch of The Glenlivet Cocktail Capsule Collection, which turned the idea and format of ready-to-drink cocktails on their head by enabling consumers to experience glassless single malt cocktails served in an innovative sea-alginate based sphere.

The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails debut in 375ml bottle size, each containing eight servings, exclusively in the US for RRP $21.99 from August 2023, with further markets to be announced. The offering is housed in packaging designed by JDO.