Irish Distillers launches ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’ podcast series

The five-part series brings the history of the highs and lows of Irish whiskey to life focusing on the three families that came together to save it from extinction

Dublin, May 23^rd, 2019 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced the launch of its first podcast, ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’. Produced by Last Cast Media, the five-part series is a story of coming together, sharing, conquering markets and how three families, competitors for generations, united to save Irish whiskey from extinction.

‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’ begins with Irish whiskey on its knees, about to become extinct after 200 years, crippled by war, prohibition, and bootleggers. It then takes the listener on a journey through the never before heard tale of how Irish whiskey was brought back from the brink, beginning with that pivotal meeting of the Jameson, Powers and Murphy families in Tourin house in 1966, and detailing the highs and lows of business in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Using a mix of interviews, archive recordings and dramatic recreation, the listener is welcomed into a story of community, hardship and the courage to succeed against all odds.

Conor McQuaid, CEO and Chairman of Irish Distillers said: “At our core, we believe that Irish Distillers exists to bring people together, be that through the growth of the Irish whiskey category, the experiences we create at our brand homes in Dublin and  Midleton, or the simple enjoyment of our portfolio of whiskeys around the world. From the moment three whiskey families came together in 1966, we have been working hard to sustain and grow an industry that is inextricably linked to our Irish heritage. Everything that we do is driven by a desire to see the continued growth of Irish whiskey on the world stage, and today Irish whiskey has more fans and made more connections than at any other point since the 19th century. We believe that now is the time to tell the story of Irish whiskey to an ever-growing audience and further promote the reputation of one of Ireland’s most iconic exports.”

The podcast features commentary from a variety of guests throughout including, Kristen, Tara and Andrea Jameson, Charles C O’Reilly, descended from John Power and Master Distiller Emeritus at Irish Distillers, Barry Crockett, to name a few – all of whom offer first-hand accounts of events that shaped the landscape of Irish whiskey as we know it.

“The renaissance that Irish whiskey is now enjoying is not only a testament to all those working in whiskey now, but crucially to those that have gone before us and laid the foundations for growth. In our podcast ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’, we tell their stories and honour their contribution to the moments that have shaped the course of history for the better. We are truly honoured to be able to tell the story of Irish whiskey through our podcast series,” McQuaid added.

There has never been a more exciting time for Irish whiskey, which is now the fastest growing premium spirit globally, with sales of Irish whiskey now accounting for more than one third of all Irish beverage exports. Jameson continues to spearhead the renaissance of the Irish whiskey category with the brand reaching its 29th year of consecutive growth in 2018, with 7.3 million cases sold in 2017/18, up from 500,000 cases during the mid-90s. The amount of whiskey distilleries in Ireland has grown from four in 2013, to more than 20 in six years.

Episodes are available to download now on Audioboom, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Castbox, RadioPublic.

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

We know we don’t usually contact you about anything non-Springbank related but we think you will all agree that this is a very special occasion.

We are delighted to be in touch to help announce the release of the Kilkerran Heavily Peated from our friends at Kilkerran Single Malt.

Available Now – Kilkerran Heavily Peated

The Kilkerran Heavily Peated has been matured in 55% Ex-Bourbon casks and 45% Ex-Sherry casks and has been bottled at 59.3% abv.

Nose: Fresh apples, mixed seeds, strawberry laces and confectionary sweets. Smouldering campfire and toasted marshmallows

Palate: Grilled fruits, cooking popcorn, caramelised brown sugar, puff pastry and peppermint creams

Finish: Toasted oats, salted beef, butter, parma ham and crushed vanilla pods.

This bottling is available from today, Friday 29th March 2019, but please note that the release date for different markets and countries can vary. For details on when the Heavily Peated is available near you, please contact your preferred Kilkerran stockist.

The Campbeltown Cadenhead Shop are selling the Heavily Peated for £40.00

As this is not a Springbank product, there is no Society discount.

In-store Pourings

To celebrate the launch of the Heavily Peated there will be in-store pourings in the UK.

Cadenhead’s Edinburgh

Cadenhead’s Campbeltown

Cadenhead’s London

The Green Welly Stop

Valhalla’s Goat

Woodwinters (Bridge of Allan)

TB Watson

Join the teams at any of the above shops to sample the new Kilkerran Heavily Peated today.

You will all receive a more traditional Society email soon, so look out for that!

Thanks for reading

Slainte,

The Kilkerran Sales Team

To Join the Society please contact them at Springbank Society society@springbank.scot

MALTSTOCK 2019

Relaxed spring is in the air

Global warming is kicking in. In February it was 20ºC over here! So spring has already started. Somehow that is very relaxed. And what a relaxed month it has been!

We have started organizing the 2019 edition and that means we can give you a couple of names of relaxed people who will be with us this edition. (See below)

And the whisky festival season is in full swing so we can be found at several different venues, spreading our relaxed flyers and meeting you guys while sharing a couple of drams. Ain’t life wonderful and rel… ah well, you know what 😉

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Hielander Festival Alkmaar

On the 8th and 9th of last month we were at the festival organized by no one less than our breakfast crew: The Hielander Scottish restaurant. It was a great edition and it was very relaxed to meet old and new friends.

Billy Abbott returns

It always makes us so relaxed when we know Billy Abbott will join us again. So it’s with great pleasure we can now announce he indeed will be at Maltstock 2019! And he will be extra in an extraordinary festive mood. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Whisky Exchange this year. So bring your party hats everyone!

Upcoming events

Maltstock wil be present at:

• Whisky Festival Noord Nederland – www.wfnn.nl – March 29-31
• Whisky in Leiden – www.whiskyinleiden.nl – April 13
• Spirit of Speyside Festival – www.spiritofspeyside.com – May 1-6

Colours of whisky festival

We do like colours! So we’re very excited to hear about a new festival being launched in Speyside this October. Another very good reason to travel to Speyside (and if you need a relaxed travel agent….) The Colours of whisky festival is hosted by the excellent team of The whisky Shop Dufftown. So we have high expectations. Read more on this new festival here

THE WHISKYBASE GATHERING

9TH AND 20TH OF OCTOBER
2019

VERY RARE PETER BLAKE LABEL MACALLAN 1926 SELLS FOR £615,000 AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

The Sir Peter Blake Macallan-60 year old-1926. Sold for £615,063 (estimate: £500,000-700,000)

A bottle of the very rare Macallan-60 year old-1926, with a label designed by the British Pop Artist Sir Peter Blake was sold for £615,063 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh today (6 March). It had been estimated at £500,000-700,000. In total the sale made more than £900,000.

Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh, Martin Green said: “Only 12 bottles of the Macallan-60 year old-1926 were issued with the label designed by Sir Peter Blake who is known throughout the world for co-creating the cover for the Beatles 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It is very exciting to have sold one of these incredibly rare bottles here in Scotland for such a very high price.”

Other highlights of the sale included:

• Dalmore-50 year old-1926. Sold for £27,563 (estimate: £15,000-20,000).
• Springbank-1952. Sold for £18,813 (estimate: £15,000-18,000).
• Dalmore-50 year old-1926. Sold for £17,563 (estimate: £15,000-20,000). 

The Whisky Sale Location: 22 Queen Street Edinburgh Date: Wednesday 6 March at 11.00 Specialist: Martin Green

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Reveals New Label

(Lebanon, Ky.) February 26, 2019 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces a vibrant, new Yellowstone Select bottle label. This smooth, well-rounded bourbon features a hand-picked blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky bourbons, each chosen to give this exclusive whiskey a taste that celebrates its deep, family origins.

“We are excited about changing the look of Yellowstone Select’s label – we see this as a refresh of this brand,” says Steve Beam, head distiller and co-owner of Limestone Branch Distillery. “While the look is updated, consumers can still expect the same caramel flavor notes and smoky oak and brown sugar finish from the bourbon inside.”

The new label was designed by David Cole, prominent designer. Keeping the ornate golden lettering, Cole applied a bold and vivid design to a brighter, cream-colored background, making the label easier to read in a retail environment – both on the shelf and behind the bar. Adding to the vibrance of the design is an enhanced, colorful depiction of the classical waterfall at Yellowstone National Park. “Limestone Branch Distillery Co.” was also added to the front of the bottle to make a stronger connection between the brand and the distillery.

“The new design is more attention-grabbing and draws the eye to the iconic Yellowstone logo, which has been used continuously since 1872,” Cole explained. “Additionally, colorizing the waterfall art was inspired by a recently discovered and previously unknown historic Yellowstone label, which featured a gorgeous, similarly colored rendition of the waterfall.”

Taking home gold medals from both the 2018 SIP Awards and the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Competition, Yellowstone Select dates back to 1872 and is known for its smooth-sipping and time-honored original recipe, featuring leather with hints of citrus and oak on the nose. On the tongue, it’s spicy rye with soft cherries fading to smoked caramel and a memorable finish, rich with brown sugar and Kentucky tradition.

The new packaging will hit the market in March and will be available in 750ml. The SRP is $39.99.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches, honoring their long family heritage. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, by partnering with Luxco, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family, just in time to commemorate the brand’s 105th anniversary. As one of the founding members of the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, Limestone Branch Distillery is located in Lebanon, Ky., in the heart of bourbon country. The distillery is well-known for its handcrafted products, including Yellowstone Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

A Can’t-Miss, Closeout Opportunity from a Scotch Master

Gordon & Macphail Company, one of our most trusted sources for Single Malt Scotch, recently ended their relationship with their American importer. Such changes are often a boon for the consumer, as there’s a rush to move inventory, which results in deep discounts. Featured here are the fruits of this recent upheaval—a set of highly collectible Scotches at shockingly low prices. We’ve hit the jackpot with a treasure trove of exceptional malts from across the G&M range being sold for at or below wholesale cost. Never before have we seen such incredible deals on Gordon & Macphail’s core offerings, staples of our shelves, and certainly worth every penny at their original price. We could have just taken the stock and sold what we had at a huge margin, but we want to get this stuff moving. Rest assured you will never see these products at a lower price, and our competitors will be blowing up every step of the distribution chain when they read this email. Unfortunately, there’s no chain left to rattle, but rest assured these stocks won’t last long.

1

THE MACALLAN CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE PIG WITH LIMITED EDITION LUNAR NEW YEAR PACKAGE

January 31, 2019 (NEW YORK, NY) The Macallan has revealed stunning new limited edition packaging for the Double Cask 12 Years Old expression to celebrate the forthcoming Lunar New Year, as the Year of the Pig beckons. Now in the second year of this collectible, limited release, The Macallan Lunar New Year package joins the annual series to commemorate the zodiac on the Chinese calendar.

Featuring two bottles of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the packaging features striking red and gold accents while the liquid remains the same, quality example of exceptional single malt.

Taking design inspiration from one of The Macallan’s iconic Six Pillars, each beautiful gift box shines a light on the Curiously Small Stills through a beautiful illustration in honor of this festive celebration. Recognized as a major focus on the Lunar calendar and one of the most significant and meaningful holidays globally, the Chinese-inspired artistic reimagining of the stills provides a beautiful canvas from which to acknowledge this occasion.

The Macallan Double Cask 12 limited edition Lunar New Year pack will be available to buy from selected retailers across the USA for a suggested retail price of $120.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Harvest sun

Nose: Creamy butterscotch, candied orange and vanilla custard

Palate: Honey, spices and citrus, balanced with raisins and caramel

Finish:  Oak lingers, warm, sweet and drying

ABV: 43%

For further information visit www.themacallan.com/en-us

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed.

Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com/en-us. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

© 2019 The Macallan Distillers Limited, The Macallan ® Scotch Whisky, Imported by Edrington Americas, New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Great Grain Whiskies.

Single Cask. Single Grain. Scotch Whisky.

Single grain Scotch whiskies each have their own unique styles and are highly prized by whisky enthusiasts. The Whisky Barrel has a selection of great value old vintages and grain whiskies from closed distilleries, all regularly bottled by our independent bottlers. Here is our choice selection of the ones not to miss.

Start Shopping – Grain Whisky

Where to drink whisky this Burns Night (25th January) 

Drama cocktails at Beaufort Bar at The Savoy 

In the autumn of 2018, The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar launched a new menu entitled Music, Magic & Drama. Alluding to the Beaufort Bar’s previous incarnation as The Savoy’s cabaret stage, and its jet-black and burnished gold décor, the ‘Drama’ section of the menu explores dark and atmospheric drinks that take guests late into the evening and includes a section of Scotch whiskies, divided be region.

The whiskies at the Beaufort Bar range in style, age, region and complexity, pleasing both malt connoisseurs and curious neophytes alike, and Head Bartender, Elon Soddu would be happy to advise drinkers which Scotch to sip on Burns Night.

Balancing the whisky component in each serve with aperitifs, liqueurs and Champagnes, the mixed drinks in this section are not all merely stirred down and brown and guests can choose from both lighter long and strong short mixed drinks including Birnham Wood (£40) Lagavulin 12 Year Old Whisky, Chartreuse Verte VEP liqueur, Seedlip Garden non-alcoholic spirit, sugar. 

Alberlour at The Gallery | West Hampstead

The Gallery in West Hampstead has become synonymous with two things: Whisky and Beer. With over 101 whiskies behind the bar – including many impressive and lesser-known scotches – and a strong beer list, it is the go to West London bar for a boilermaker. To celebrate Burns Night, The Gallery has created a specialist menu to commemorate Scotland’s greatest wordsmith, Robert Burns, using quintessentially Scottish ingredients.

From Thursday 24^th to Sunday 27^th The Gallery will be serving a dedicated drinks menu which showcases some of the team’s favourite whiskies and Scottish beers expertly paired to create the ultimate boilermakers such as 10-year old Aberlour with Gipsy Hill Hepcat (£7.50). The Gallery will also be serving an eccentric Haggis Tortellini with preserved tomato ragu and crisp sage followed by a cranachan mille feuille. Wash this down with the drink of the hour ‘The Antidote’ which combines 10 year old Aberlour Whisky with zingy lemon and ginger syrup.

Glenfiddich at Skylight Rooftop | Wapping

On Friday 25th January, Glenfiddich whisky will be taking over London’s most imaginative rooftop destination, Skylight at Tobacco Dock for London’s biggest Burns Night celebration. This evening will also kick off the closing weekend of Skylight’s winter season.
In honour of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns, the rooftop will undergo a boozy makeover from the multi award-winning distillery, bringing with them signature whisky tipples. Entertainment, aside from the rooftop ice rink, will come from traditional Scottish musicians alongside the spectacle of a highly-anticipated rooftop ceilidh. Expect music, singing, whisky tastings and dance.

Guests will be greeted with a Glenfiddich cocktail on arrival and will then be able to cosy up under the heated pergola or grab a table and settle in on the lower floor, equipped with DJ to dance the night away. Skylight’s rooftop igloos will also be available to book – the perfect place to pull up a blanket and sip on mulled drinks to warm the cockles. Street food will also be on offer.

Founded in 1887 and situated in Dufftown, the Glenfiddich Distillery is one of the worlds best known whisky brands and is home to the world’s most-awarded single malt.

Tickets available here.

Burns Night’s approaching fast and whether you’re having a good old knees-up or a sit-down dinner, you’ll need some top-notch Scotch to see you through. Visit the blog to see our plan for the perfect Burns Supper or jump straight to our Burns Night whisky selection to see our top picks for celebrating the life of The Ploughman Poet.