PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENTS, HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands announced today the commitment of financial and physical resources against COVID-19 in recognition of the need of employees, the communities in which they work and live, and the greater hospitality community.

“With facilities in the United States, Canada and Ireland, and as a family owned and operated company for 85 years, Heaven Hill has a long history of supporting our employees and their families. As part of our long-term core mission, we also take great pride in our local communities and at a time like this want to provide assistance to those in need,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We particularly share a sense of community with those affected in the hospitality industry. As a result, our sales teams are championing that effort at the local level in partnership with organizations that support our hospitality family.”

Philanthropic Commitments:

Heaven Hill Brands is pledging $400,000 across two main priorities – employee communities and hospitality professionals. Recognizing the effect of coronavirus on so many individuals, Heaven Hill will distribute donations across the following community partner funds:

• Louisville, Ky. – One Louisville
• Bardstown, Ky. – Tri-County United Way
• Austin, Texas – Stand with Austin
• Lethbridge, Canada – United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
• Dublin, Ireland – Community Foundation of Ireland

In support of the hospitality professionals that partner with Heaven Hill day-to-day to support business, Heaven Hill will contribute donations directly to local market charitable organizations. The Heaven Hill sales team will mobilize efforts across their local communities to assist local non-profits directly supporting industry professionals and their families.

Hand Sanitizer Commitment:

In addition, Heaven Hill is committing parts of operations to the production, bottling and distribution of hand sanitizer. These efforts will support healthcare facilities, first responders, and high-risk populations in cooperation with local and state government. Production of hand sanitizer will shortly be underway at the following facilities:

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky.
• Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas
• Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Canada

Social distancing and sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure employees are protected while assembling a critical product to combat the spread of coronavirus. All hand sanitizer formulas follow the approved Federal Drug Administration guidelines.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated 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 and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

A first look at the new creative spot Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is releasing today. It marks the first work to come from Brown-Forman’s new creative agency partner, Energy BBDO.

The spot shares the new reality we are all facing as humanity and how our friends around the world are adapting. It shows the genuine moments that people are having to continue to feel connected.

The spot is titled “With Love, Jack” and will be launched digitally across Jack Daniel’s social platforms beginning March 26. You can take a look at the work here.

The video was created from user-generated footage of real human interactions that were filmed authentically, and safely, from home. It features a new rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” which was also recorded from home by the singers featured in the video.

“Showcasing how our friends around the world are rallying and uniting together during these times was our goal,” said Matt Blevins, Jack Daniel’s Global Brand Director. “It was about capturing real moments that are helping folks find social connection, which is something Jack Daniel’s celebrates.”

“We’ve all had to rapidly adapt to this new reality, and we discovered this magical thing where people are finding really creative and beautiful ways to stay connected during this time of social distancing,” said Josh Gross, Co-Chief Creative Officer of Energy BBDO. “This idea is a celebration of humanity at its best. It’s a timely message of optimism and hope,” added Pedro Pérez, Co-Chief Creative Officer of Energy BBDO.

Jack Daniel’s parent company Brown-Forman has been doing its part to help in these unprecedented times. Last week the organization announced a $1 million donation to COVID-19 response funds and the Jack Daniel Distillery has begun aiding production of hand sanitizer for first responders.

English Whisky Co. Turns Focus to Online Sales as Shop Closes

The English Whisky Co. took the very hard decision last week to close to visitors, lunch goers and shoppers to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

With its shop and restaurant closed, tours on hold and forthcoming events cancelled, the team at St George’s Distillery in Norfolk is now turning its focus to online retailing as the main method of delivering sales of its world-class whisky to those looking for a treat during the hard weeks ahead.

“We are absolutely devastated by what is happening. Closing St George’s Distillery to visitors was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make, but it was the right thing to do at the right time,” says Andrew Nelstrop, Managing Director at The English Whisky Co. “However, with many people now confined to their homes, we’re using this opportunity to promote the fantastic range of products we have on offer on our online shop.”

The distiller’s full range of whisky is available to purchase online, including its The English Original and Smokey, liqueurs, whisky cream and a range of gift ideas for people looking for presents for family and friends over the coming months. “We are putting a lot of emphasis on driving sales through our website at this current time and trying to give people something they can enjoy during this difficult time. It’s going to be a tough few months, but we’ll do all we can to continue offering people our award-winning, hand-crafted whisky,” adds Andrew.

The website also sells other whiskies, gins, vodkas, both local and from around the world. For more information on The English Whisky Co. visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Sazerac Company Adds Production Of Hand Sanitizer 

On Industrial Scale To Help With Covid-19 Crisis

America’s Largest Producer of Distilled Spirits Set to Produce Millions of Bottles of Sanitizer 

LOUISVILLE, KY (March 27, 2020) – The Sazerac Company, the largest producer of distilled spirits in North America, has started producing hand sanitizer for some of the world’s largest organizations in healthcare, government, military, retail, distribution, airline, pharmacy, and banking industries.

            “We have seen the great need for hand sanitizer from industries across the board – many of these organizations are desperate, as supplies have dwindled,” said Matt Maimone, Sazerac’s chief operating officer. “We are adding production capacity to cope with the massive industrial demand.  We have received requests to date for over five million bottles of sanitizer, which we are prepared to meet, and possibly more, across our sites in North America.”

            “A very well deserved shout-out to goes to our workforce who have stepped up to meet this significant challenge in addition to continuing to produce many of the world’s best whiskeys and spirits; their desire to contribute to helping those in need has been inspiring and very much appreciated,” added Maimone.

The initial run of sanitizer started Friday, March 27^th at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Kentucky, but Sazerac’s other plants across the country are gearing up to produce as well.

            If your business has a need for industrial hand sanitizer, fill out this form https://forms.gle/ywtypRX5iDqBHbMS7 or email info@sazerac.com and someone from Sazerac will get back to you.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

KINDNESS. COMMUNITY. CREATIVITY.

Three hugely important things right now. Vital, in fact.

For all of our 20 years at Compass Box, we’ve had incredible support from the hospitality industry. And now during these difficult times, this community really needs ours.

So we’re offering limited edition Compass Box t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags, with the funds raised going to those in need.

The proceeds will go to supporting Another Round, Another Rally and the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation in the US, and equally deserving initiatives across the rest of the world. You can also simply donate whatever you can afford. Together we can make a real difference.

So be kind. Have hope. Look after each other. And please support creatively by visiting www.bonfire.com/store/compass-box

Thank you.

John & the Compass Box team

Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY 

The world’s leading whisky club is helping to lift spirits by bringing its community of whisky lovers together with home tastings, online masterclasses and guidance on how to survive this unprecedented period of isolation

In uncertain times, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is helping to keep spirits high by setting up an online ‘Members’ Room’ where whisky fans can meet up virtually to enjoy a dram, share their experiences and participate in a series of online tastings, from the safety of their own homes.

The Society’s online shop is open for business as normal and their shelves are well stocked with exceptional single cask whisky, ready to be delivered straight to your door. In times of uncertainty, The Society is encouraging members to grab some drams and share them at home.

For non-members, it’s a perfect time to sign up for SMWS membership and become a part of their ‘all together unique’ virtual global community of over 27,000 members.

SMWS offers a print-at-home tasting mat, which can be downloaded here, to guide members through their unique selection of 12 flavour profiles.

The Society will be hosting virtual online tastings, for whisky friends to gather and enjoy their ever-changing range as they’re released.

These tastings and tutorials will give members the opportunity to learn about their selection of wonderful whiskies in the online company of like-minded individuals.

As well as their multi-award winning magazine, Unfiltered, offering members unparalleled access to every corner of the whisky world, SMWS produces a range of rich content, including the Whisky Talk podcast which explores the people and the stories behind the drams.

David Ridley, MD and Chief Member Champion of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We don’t anticipate any issues right now with online orders and deliveries and we’re looking at how we can continue to bring members together in an online environment to share their love of Society whisky and good company.

“Look after each other, and if you’re stuck at home, at least make sure you’re well stocked with Society whisky to see you, your friends and families through. We look forward to seeing you online.”

https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

#SMWS 

Notes 

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 140 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

It’s time again for an update on everything Springbank.

Currently the world is facing uncertain times and, from everyone at Springbank, we hope that yourself, family and friends are all doing your utmost to keep each other safe. Following the advice issued by the UK and Scottish Governments on March 23rd, we have shut down our operations at Springbank, Glengyle and Cadenhead’s until further notice. This does mean that there may be a few delays in regard to any new releases but we hope that business will return to normal before long.

This month we have an update on sales teams events, upcoming releases,  a round-up of distillery news, letting you know what has been happening (and what we are planning for the future) at Springbank and Glengyle, in Campbeltown and beyond.

Distillery News

After the winter break we resumed production in January, with the first mash of the year taking place on Tuesday the 13th of January. Prior to this we had a new lyne arm fabricated and installed on the wash still, as the old one had sprung a hole and was too thin to weld repair. We were sure to get it made to the exact same size and dimensions as the old one so that nothing changes with our wash distillation.

The maltings didn’t start up until later that month, with all our malt bins having been filled by the time we shut down for Christmas there was no room for any more until the 24th of January. Fear not, our malting team were put to good use in bringing all the casks out from the warehouse for our annual ‘vatting season’ whereby we vat all our Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn and Kilkerran products for the following year to allow the different cask types to marry. This is a very labour intensive process and takes 3 months to complete properly but our skilled production team made it look easy, as usual.

Our bottling hall has continued to bottle all of our famous single malts, and great Cadenhead’s bottlings as well, including a number of special releases that you’ll be able to enjoy later this year.

And finally, the new warehouse is nearing completion! We are hoping that by this summer we will be able to show everyone this amazing new facility.

Sales Team Events

The sales team have been grounded in Campbeltown for the time being until it is safe to resume our travelling. Here’s an update on what we were up to at the start of the year and our plans for  future events (fingers crossed we can make them).

Once again we have been travelling far and wide to share the story of Springbank and Kilkerran. David has been busy at work (sunning himself) in New Zealand and Australia. Cara enjoyed her time on Sweden’s Cinderella cruise but came back with a cough so has been drinking plenty of Springbank to warn any virus off. Nicole has been settling into the bright city lights moving from Islay to Campbeltown in between trips to Canada and Prague. Melanie has been keeping us all in line at Campbeltown HQ whilst Grant has been up and down the UK spreading the good word of Springbank and Kilkerran.

Future Events

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, all future sales team events have been suspended.  We will follow government guidelines and hope to be back on the road visiting as many of you as possible soon.

Please remember, the Events Section of the Springbank Website is updated whenever we have new information to share with you all.

Springbank Website – Events Page

New Releases

As we approach summer we shall be releasing some new batches of our regular favourites and a new release from Kilkerran further in advance.

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 3 

The next edition of our peat in progress will soon be available – the exact launch date will be determined, in part, by when our staff are able to return to work.  This batch will be 80% Bourbon to 20% Sherry maturation and still packs a punch of peat and tropical fruits.

Springbank 21yo 

An eclectic mix of bourbon, sherry, port and rum casks have been selected and vatted for the legendary Springbank 21yo, which is scheduled to bottled and released in May.

Hazelburn Sherrywood

Our annual release of Hazelburn fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks is shaping up beautifully and is almost ready to be bottled as a 12yo.

Longrow 18yo 

The rich, smokey and complex character which is Longrow 18yo 2020 edition will be ready to enjoy during the long summer nights. This bottling has been drawn from a mixture of bourbon, sherry and rum casks.

After summer the society can also look forward to Glengyle’s first Kilkerran 16yo release, look out for Society alerts and social media updates for more information when this will be available.

Campbeltown Malts Festival Cancelled

It was with a heavy heart that we cancelled Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020 which was due to take place in May. However, we took the decision to protect our employees, community members and customers from any further spread of Covid-19. We are disappointed that we won’t be enjoying a few drams together in Campbeltown this way but we are working on another project at this time so stay tuned for updates on how we can enjoy some whisky together.

Although this year’s festival won’t be going ahead we hope to still see you at Campbeltown Malts Festival 2021.

Society On Tour 

Here at Springbank HQ we have been racking our brains to enrich our Society members’ Springbank experience and give you all something back to show our appreciation for your support. After great deliberation we have come up with “Society on Tour.” This concept will see our sales team travelling the globe to hold Society member tastings with an eclectic selection of samples.

Some of you may have been lucky enough to come along to our first Society on tour tasting in Edinburgh this February. For those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry we are already planning future events.

Social Media

You can follow Springbank on Social Media:

Facebook – Official Springbank Whisky

Twitter – @Springbank1828

Instagram- springbank1828

You can follow Kilkerran Single Malt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too.

Slainte,

The Springbank Team

All Scottish Whisky Awards entry deadlines and events

scheduled to take place in April, May and June 2020 have

been postponed because of the Coronavirus.

www.scottishwhiskyawards.org.uk
For further information on the programme please contact:
kirsten@kdmedia.co.uk
0131 337 6232