A London, Ontario Distillery claims WHISKY OF THE YEAR honours at the 2024 CANADIAN WHISKY AWARDS

More than two dozen accolades were presented at the prestigious 14th annual event

VICTORIA, B.C. (January 19, 2024) – Paradigm Spirits’ 2022 Heritage Collection was named Canadian Whisky of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Whisky Awards, held Thursday, January 18, in Victoria, B.C. The 19-year-old blended whisky was awarded top honours by a panel of 10 judges, who tasted and scored nearly 200 competing whiskies in blind tastings.

Made from 100% Canadian corn, 2022 Heritage Collection spent 19 years maturing in new American oak barrels. The whisky-makers at Paradigm then blended in a touch of classic Oloroso sherry, a recognized practice under Canada’s whisky-blending regulations.

“This is remarkable whisky,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert. “Long maturation in oak imbues it with sublime complexity and elegance, while meticulous blending animates its fresh, fruity top notes.”

Canadian Whisky of the Year was just one of more than two dozen awards handed out at this year’s 14th annual edition of the Canadian Whisky Awards. Other honours included:

• Corn Whisky of the Year – J.P. Wiser’s 18-Year-Old
• Wheat Whisky of the Year – LMD Whisky Release no.0005-Straight Wheat
• Rye Whisky of the Year – GrainHenge Arrowwood
• Single Malt Whisky of the Year – Two Brewers Release 41
• Blended Whisky of the Year – Wayne Gretzky Distillery No.99 Maple Cask Whisky
• Mixed Mash Whisky of the Year – Crown Royal Aged 30 Years
• Whisky Spirit of the Year – DEVINE Distillery Ancient Grains ‘Young Whisky’
• Alternative Grain Whisky of the Year – Last Straw Distillery Rice Whisky
• Flavoured Whisky of the Year – Crown Royal Golden Apple Aged 23 Years
• Cream Whisky of the Year – Forty Creek Original Cream

Held annually since 2010 at the Victoria Whisky Festival, the Canadian Whisky Awards recognizes the very best Canadian whiskies. An independent panel of experts scores each whisky in blind tastings, based on ranking criteria that reflect the industry’s highest standards.

The Canadian Whisky Awards is fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry. In order to qualify for competition, all whiskies must be distilled and matured in Canada.

For more information and the full results of the 2024 Canadian Whisky Awards, visit canadianwhiskyawards.com.

For images, please see: canadianwhiskyawards.com/media.

Media Contacts:

Davin de KergommeauxLaura Chair, Canadian Whisky Awards media@canadianwhiskyawards.com

Beam Suntory France Begins Operations

Johnnie Walker partners with James Jean for Lunar New Year

New Johnnie Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Design is created by one of the worlds’ most influential visual artists, James Jean

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky[1], today announces an intricate new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design created by one of the most influential visual artists in the world, Asian-American artist James Jean.

The vivid design for the Year of the Dragon features an innovative and dynamic interpretation of 2024’s Zodiac animal, the noble Wood Dragon. Regarded by many as the mightiest of all the Zodiac animals, the dragon is symbolic of life and creativity as well as a portent of future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking. In James’ layered illustrations the evergreen Wood Dragon springs from bountiful flora and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition.

Renowned for his ability to work across different genres with an imaginative and multifaceted approach to image making, James fuses contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, and Renaissance portraiture.

Recently James worked closely with a number of Hollywood directors on promotional posters for several award-winning high-profile films.

James, who was born in Taipei and raised in New Jersey and attended the School of Visual Arts in New York, says: “With Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year, we wanted to create a dragon that felt different, new and innovative – respect for the past but also looking into the future with optimism; in the same way that Johnnie Walker stands for progress through that incredible Keep Walking spirit.”

“The Year of the Dragon is rich in symbolism and tradition in Asia. Many consider the dragon the most powerful animal in the Chinese Zodiac and the Wood Dragon felt remarkably close to me because of the natural elements prevalent in my own work. Evolved from traditional depictions of Chinese dragons, my dragon is composed of flowers and organic elements, from which emerge tendrils and arcing lines, evoking the idea of roots and connection.”

James, who currently lives in Los Angeles, sought inspiration for his designs from the layers of incredible flavour that Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team bring to Johnnie Walker Blue Label – a whisky made using some of the rarest whiskies from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, including some irreplaceable casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.

“There are hidden elements in the picture as well – layers to be discovered, just like the layers in this incredible whisky. I included chrysanthemums, from which flow liquid gold – inspired by Johnnie Walker whiskies – and hummingbirds sipping on the precious nectar. I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image. I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”

Johnnie Walker Global Marketing and Innovation Director, Joao Matos, adds: “James Jean’s remarkable interpretation of the Wood Dragon for Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year captures the essence of tradition and innovation. Just as Johnnie Walker embodies progress with our ‘Keep Walking’ spirit, James has beautifully blended respect for the past with an optimistic look towards the future. His dragon, crafted from flowers and organic elements, is a symbol of the power of creativity and connection. We’re thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with this exquisite, limited edition design.”

James Jean also designed incredible artwork for the Lunar New Year John Walker & Sons XR 21 limited edition design. All Johnnie Walker Lunar New Year limited edition designs are available in selected markets globally.

[1] IWSR 2022

Cask Trade Named Among UK’s Most Innovative New Businesses

Cask Trade listed in the prestigious Startups 100 Index

Startups 100 Index has previously identified brands including Monzo, Deliveroo and HelloFresh

Index finds the top 100 start-ups with the most growth potential for the year ahead

The UK’s longest running index of disruptive new start-ups, the Startups 100, has released its 2024 line-up and Cask Trade has made the list.

Run by the UK’s most established website for entrepreneurs, Startups.co.uk, the Startups 100 offers a showcase of new businesses that demonstrate innovation, solid financials, opportunity in their market, a great concept, and a strong customer base or following. The list has previously identified brands including Monzo, Deliveroo and HelloFresh.

Founded in 2018, Cask Trade is run by passionate spirits industry professionals. Built upon honesty and transparency, we created an open cask marketplace where the end goal of selling casks is as important as buying them. The foundation of this is a trusted relationship with collectors, investors, and independent bottlers within the industry. We are proud in our belief that by owning all the casks we sell, customers have 100% transactional guarantee.

In five years Cask trade has successfully grown to become a Sunday Times Top 100 Business in Britain for 2023. Offices in the UK and Hong Kong, alongside agents in Australia, Singapore, India, and the USA, allow us to cater for a diverse range of customer needs. As a result, we have sold approximately 9000 casks to over 1800 private customers and around 150 independent bottlers spanning six continents.

The casks we have sold cover 50 years’ worth of age statements from 1973 to 2023, with an astonishing 170 distilleries represented across the world of whisky and other spirits.

Managing Editor of Startups.co.uk, Richard Parris, comments: “The ingenuity and innovation of the brands featuring in our annual Startups 100 index never ceases to amaze, and this year is no exception. Despite the crises of the past couple of years, we’ve seen some incredible businesses from every corner of the UK in our rankings. They may be tackling different challenges to one another, but there’s a shared mood of opportunity and an optimism for the year ahead that’s invigorating to see as we begin 2024.”

Commenting on the achievement, Simon Aron, founder and CEO of Cask Trade says: “This is truly a pleasant and unexpected achievement to be 24 out of 100 start-ups, alongside so many fantastic companies. I’ve had the pleasure of turning my personal passion into a fast growing business, with success down to the hard work and dedication from co-directors and our fabulous team.”

About the Index:
The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 new UK businesses based on five key areas of analysis: finance, external validation, size of opportunity, innovativeness of idea and strength of concept.

As well as celebrating the best small businesses in the UK, the list is also an opportunity to grow a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners who support and advocate for each other.

Notes to editors:
To feature, all businesses in the index had to have launched in the last 5 years, be UK-based, and be privately owned (at the time of entering). The winners of the Startups 100 Index are chosen by a specialist panel of judges.

For the full list visit: https://startups.co.uk/startups-100/2024/list-in-full/

CHRIS STAPLETON AND BUFFALO TRACE MASTER DISTILLER HARLEN WHEATLEY UNVEIL TRAVELLER WHISKEY

A first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a shared commitment to uncompromising quality

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 8, 2024) – Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton today unveiled Traveller Whiskey, a new, premium blended whiskey that represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration of collective artistry. Proudly blended and bottled at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery under Wheatley’s expert supervision, Traveller is the result of countless hours of testing, tasting and dedication to craftsmanship that have produced powerful songs and world-class whiskeys.

Of the collaboration, Stapleton shared, “Partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery and Harlen Wheatley feels like a bucket list scenario for me. Some things just make total sense – and this is definitely one of those things. Bottles from barrels that Harlen has cared for have been with us for every note we’ve ever recorded, backstage before shows and in all the moments we’ve celebrated along the way. I believe what we’ve achieved with Traveller Whiskey not only represents our shared history but also a common artistic vision and uncompromising standards of taste. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve made.”

Wheatley added: “When making art –  and we really do think that both Chris’ music and the whiskey we make at Buffalo Trace is art – you experiment, test, adjust, and don’t give up until you’ve got it right. That’s why we experimented with more than 50 blends before agreeing that Blend No. 40 would be it for Traveller.”

Bottled at 90 proof, Traveller Whiskey is characterized by notes of oak, sweet maple, tart currant and leather. Complex aromas of vanilla, aged fruit and buttery shortbread are rounded off by caramel and a touch of oak. The flavor profile also showcases a touch of sweetness, followed by spice, toasted nut and oak flavors, closing with a robust finish. Traveller is a completely unique combination of whiskeys hand-selected from The Sazerac Company’s award-winning distilleries.

“This is a whiskey for everyone, whether you’ve been enjoying all the variety in the category for years or are just now discovering it. Traveller stands up on its own as a smooth and sippable whiskey or works great in a cocktail, if that’s more your style,” said Wheatley. “But especially if you’ve tried whiskey before and been turned away by the burn – we think you’ll take one sip of this and think to yourself, “OK, now this I can do.”

Born in Lexington, KY, just down the road from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stapleton’s relationship with Buffalo Trace matured while he recorded his first studio album, Traveller. It was during those recording sessions that he was first introduced to E.H. Taylor, one of the Distillery’s other whiskey offerings, which soon became a staple on his home bar. Since then, Buffalo Trace has collaborated with Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind, for multiple fundraising initiatives.

Traveller Whiskey has been widely released to retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide as of January 1, 2024 at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (local taxes and fees will vary).

To learn more, visit www.travellerwhiskey.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskeys. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Chris Stapleton

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is an 8x Grammy, 15x CMA and 10x ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. In the midst of yet another triumphant year, Stapleton is nominated for three awards at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards: Best Country Solo Performance (“White Horse”), Best Country Song (“White Horse”) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Carly Pearce). The nominations follow Stapleton’s new album, Higher, which was recently released to overwhelming critical acclaim. Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton and recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the record has landed on several “Best of 2023” lists so far including Billboard, Esquire, Los Angeles Times, Vulture and Rolling Stone, who praises, “dazzling…the best evidence yet for the way one man’s voice has become synonymous with the very idea of a musical genre.” Additionally, The New Yorker declares, “Stapleton is the rare country star with both traditional bona fides and broad commercial appeal. He has an outlaw soul and a pop star’s capacity for inescapable hooks,” while GQ proclaims, “In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on.” Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton will continue his “All-American Road Show” tour this year and will also join George Strait for select stadium shows this summer with special guests Little Big Town. In addition to his work as a musician, Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, are also founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Welcomes Heaven’s Door Distillery
as Newest Craft Member

Bourbon Distillery From Bob Dylan Sure To Be A Hit

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Heaven’s Door Distillery in Henry County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Heaven’s Door is a collection of handcrafted Bourbon and American whiskeys co-created in 2018 with the legendary Bob Dylan, one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. The picturesque distillery, located in Pleasureville, plans to open to the public in Spring of 2024.

The unique bespoke iron gates showcased on bottles of Heaven’s Door were created by Dylan at his metalworking shop, Black Buffalo Ironworks. The fascinating gates are made of found objects collected from farms and scrap yards across America.

“Heaven’s Door is proud to join the KDA and collaborate among the best distillers in the world,” said Emily McGee, the distillery’s Director of Business Development. “We look forward to gaining the knowledge, exposure and experience that the KDA offers its members.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said Heaven’s Door will be an immediate tourism draw thanks to its association with Dylan and its remarkable natural beauty over 160 acres of rolling hills.

“It has been exciting to watch this project quietly unfold over the last few years,” Gregory said. “Pairing Bob Dylan’s artistic genius with Kentucky’s iconic spirit makes for a can’t miss experience that will bring tourists and fans from across the world to the birthplace of Bourbon.”

Gregory also thanked Henry County officials for welcoming and working with the distillery, which will create more than 50 jobs, source grains from local farms, and help drive economic growth and other tourism opportunities.

Led by noted Master Distiller Ken Pierce, the distillery will features two separate stillhouses, each in its own towering western horse barn, a visitor’s center with tasting rooms and lounges overlooking Six Mile Creek, an 18th-century grist mill, two 18th-century cabins and a Moravian barn, all of which have been painstakingly restored.

Heaven’s Door is dedicated to sustainable practices, utilizing an underground aquifer to access Kentucky’s pure limestone water for its distilling and geothermal heating and cooling of its buildings. It also supplies protein-rich stillage as feed for cattle on surrounding farms.

Additionally, Heaven’s Door was just recognized as one of only five distilleries in Kentucky to be the first to earn an EPA ENERGY STAR RATING. This means they use less energy and contribute to less greenhouse emissions than traditional distilleries.

Its brands include Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Revelation Double Barrel Whiskey, Refuge Straight Rye Whiskey, Revival Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Decade Series Limited Release Whiskey and Bootleg Series Limited Release Whiskey.

Learn more at https://www.heavensdoor.com.

Heaven’s Door Distillery joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 60 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition. Heaven’s Door is a collection of handcrafted Bourbon and American whiskeys co-created in 2018 with the legendary Bob Dylan, one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. The picturesque distillery, located in Pleasureville, plans to open to the public in Spring of 2024.

Learn more at www.kybourbon.com.

Gregory said, “As a longtime fan of Bob Dylan’s songs, poetry and art – and now his whiskey – I am excited and honored to welcome Heaven’s Door to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

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.

Two Heaven Hill Brands Facilities Recognized as EPA’s First-Ever ENERGY STAR Certified Distilleries

Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim Distillery and Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery honored with distinction for superior energy performance.

BARDSTOWN, Ky (November 20, 2023) – Heaven Hill Brands is excited to announce two company facilities received the EPA’s first-ever ENERGY STAR certification for distilleries in recognition of superior energy efficiency and performance. According to the EPA, distilleries which earn the ENERGY STAR use significantly less energy and contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their peers. The company’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky. has been the lifeblood of Heaven Hill’s whiskey operations since it was acquired in 1999. Also receiving recognition is the company’s Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery in Buda, Texas.

“Heaven Hill has always strived to be a good steward of the natural resources used to create our products,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Brands Director of Environment & Sustainability. “Cultivating sustainable and thriving communities is important for our employees, our partners, and our neighbors. Heaven Hill’s energy efficiency programs improve community resilience by reducing emissions and lessening the load on the area’s energy infrastructure. We are honored to receive this certification from the EPA as it recognizes our commitment to innovation in utilizing energy and responsibly using all the natural resources that support our business.”

Distilleries recognized by the EPA earned a score of 75 or higher using the ENERGY STAR’s Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) which facilities can use to benchmark their performance on a scale of 1-100.  Heaven Hill has implemented a variety of projects over recent years, including completion of multiple boiler efficiency and insulation projects to reduce energy needs, replacement of light fixtures with more efficient LED bulbs, and tree plantings around its facilities in order to reach goals identified in the company’s larger environmental and sustainability strategy. Put into place in 2021, the strategy focuses on reaching the following significant milestones by 2030:

• Drive toward zero carbon emissions by reducing carbon emissions from operations by 30%
• Use water more efficiently by improving water use efficiency by 15%
• Reduce waste by eliminating 10% of waste generated by operations, reducing virgin plastic in bottles by 50%, and working towards zero waste visitor experiences
• Conserve the ecosystems that support the business by sponsoring planting of 5,000 trees of substantial size in local communities, supporting sustainable white oak supply, and supporting sustainable agriculture

Over the course of the next decade, both corporate and branded initiatives will continue to be announced to support these goals as the long-term vision takes shape. To learn more about Heaven Hill’s environmental sustainability efforts, visit this link.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (http://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.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Welcomes Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company as Newest Craft Member

Veteran-Owned Company Relies on Core Values and Local Bourbon Heritage to Create Jobs and Expand Tourism

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company in Anderson County is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company was founded by veteran Greg Keeley, who said he relies on two things as he and his wife, Katie, grow their business: their core Navy values and Anderson County’s Bourbon heritage.

“Our team is a wonderful collaboration of experienced industry hands and others with a love of Bourbon and extraordinary skills,” Greg Keeley said. “As we grow, our commitment is to ensure 50% of our crew are those who have served, first responders and nursing professionals.”

Born in Australia, Greg Keeley is a retired service-disabled Navy Combat Veteran who was commissioned in both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, serving in combat roles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pacific and Middle East area operations. Katie Keeley is a reserve officer.

He said LBC is certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Combat Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, the only distillery in the U.S. so accredited.

Located at 1319 Versailles Road in Lawrenceburg, the new LBC campus includes a distillery, tasting room, gift shop, tours, private barrel room, private cask selections and a Bourbon and cocktail bar.

KDA President Eric Gregory thanked the Keeleys for their service to our country and said, “LBC is more than just Bourbon. They have a mission to serve others and because of that mission, they are going to make a difference for so many Kentuckians.”

“When people like the team at LBC decide to join our Kentucky Bourbon family, they instantly see that the desire to serve and help is reciprocal. Our industry stands strong because we never stop helping each other. We’re proud and honored to welcome them to the KDA.”

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company produces several Kentucky Bourbon and Rye whiskies, including One Cask Bourbon, Very Small Batch Bourbon, One Cask Rye, Ten X Ten Rye, High Wheat Rye, Empirical Series and Bourbon Cream.

Learn more at https://lawrenceburgbourbon.com.

Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 60 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.

“I am astonished everyday by the generosity of folks in the Bourbon industry,” Greg Keeley said.

“It has made a tremendous impact on how we operate. One piece of advice that was proffered over and over – join the KDA. The team at LBC have already benefited from heeding that recommendation.”

 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.

 Spiritory launches world’s first Live-marketplace App for Whisky Enthusiasts and Collectors.

− Spiritory, the first live marketplace for Whisky, allows users to discover, manage, buy, and sell on any device. Whether smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

− The app version brings the innovative simplicity and transparency of the Spiritory website to the app, fulfilling one of the biggest customer requests.

− The website has been completely revamped with a new design and a variety of new functions and inspiration options.

Munich: Spiritory is expanding its offering: customers can now discover, manage, buy, and sell the worlds sought-after whiskies and spirits via the app. Spiritory is fulfilling one of its customers’ greatest wishes and bringing its simple and transparent platform to all devices. Also Spiritory.com gets and extensive update, including many new functions and an overhauled design.

“Spiritory is the first marketplace to launch with a focus on easy-trading, time savings and real-time market prices and has inspired thousands of users in Germany already,” Janis Wilczura, co-founder of Spiritory says. “We are now expanding our offering and showing how easy whisky-trading can be, from the palm of your hands. We are giving even more collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to manage their collection and buy and sell within seconds.”

Over 20,000 whiskies and spirits can be traded on Spiritory and by using a unique stock-market-like model, whisky trading is now easier than ever before. Another new feature are notifications, which allows users to keep up to date at any time. While there wasn’t much to discover on the previous website, the app and new website now offers countless opportunities to get inspired or inspire others. Registering is made easy, as users only need an e-mail address.

Discover the world of whisky at any time and from any device. The Spiritory app is now available for iOS in the App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

The Kentucky State of Bourbon: Steady Growth, Record Taxes

Distillers See Stable Growth Yet Face Record Production Costs & Highest-Ever Barrel Tax Burden As Inflation Roars

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that the number of newly filled barrels of Bourbon in Kentucky continued a steady growth of 3% last year, but distillers are now paying four times as much in barrel taxes than they have aging barrels.

Despite a new milestone of 12.6 million barrels of aging Bourbon, companies remain held back by historically high production costs from inflation that caused barrel taxes to skyrocket to more than $50 million this year, a record 30% increase over the previous year.

With double-digit cost increases in Bourbon inputs like grain, cooperage and labor, barrel taxes have more than doubled in the last five years, soaring 122%. Since 2010, barrel taxes have thundered 316% and continue to escalate at a rapid and untenable pace.

Bourbon industry leaders and advocates are emphasizing that this year’s unprecedented barrel valuation of $6.7 billion and resulting barrel taxes are the exact reason the compromise House Bill 5 was so important in the legislative session.

“Last session, Kentucky’s family of distillers argued that disaster was coming for the home-grown industry if elected officials didn’t do something to reign in the ever-growing discriminatory barrel tax,” said KDA President Eric Gregory.

“Thankfully, the Governor and our champions in the General Assembly saw where this was headed and found a sensible compromise to fix the barrel tax while protecting schools and local communities,” he said.

“This year’s barrel report – and the resulting massive barrel tax liability – prove their work was necessary and sets the Bourbon industry on a path to sustainability in Kentucky instead of across our border.”

The bipartisan House Bill 5 compromise signed into law earlier this year phases out the barrel tax over 20 years while protecting funds for schools, fire departments and EMS districts, and gives local governments plenty of time to plan and diversify their tax base.

“Everyone recognized the astonishing tax liability distillers are facing is unsustainable and would be for any business,” said Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Without our signature industries like Bourbon, Kentucky will lose.”

“We applaud our elected officials in Frankfort who have embarked on a winning strategy to set Kentucky up for the future. From record economic development to tax reform to rethinking how we retain businesses and employees, they are doing the hard work – including last year’s bipartisan House Bill 5 compromise – to strengthen Kentucky for generations to come.”

The new numbers are based on inventories reported as of Jan. 1, 2023, submitted to the Kentucky Department of Revenue for tax purposes and includes all distilling companies in Kentucky, the vast majority of which are KDA member distilleries.

Total new production increased slightly to 2.7 million barrels, the fifth year in a row that distillers have filled more than 2 million. Total inventory, when counting Bourbon and other spirits like brandy, was 13.3 million barrels, also a record. Total barrel taxes were $50.2 million.

“Bourbon is a manufacturing powerhouse every state would love to recruit,” said Frank Jemley, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. “We were losing that competition as distillers faced massive increases in the barrel tax, unique to Kentucky, year after year.

“This year’s numbers are more of the same – steady production growth met with an immense barrel tax liability. But now, with a plan in place to phase out the tax, distillers are looking far into the future right here in Kentucky rather than elsewhere.

“That means more jobs and investment for our Commonwealth, and we’re grateful to the leaders in Frankfort who got it done,” added Jemley.

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