Two of Sazerac’s Global Brands – Southern Comfort and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey Earn High Praise from 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (Aug. 12, 2021) – The Sazerac Company is pleased to announce that its Southern Comfort and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey brands have received stellar rankings from the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Paddy’s Irish Whiskey earned an award rating of 90 signifying a “Excellent, Highly Recommended” standard. Judges cited the blend’s aromas of malt and cereal grains with touch of creamy and toasty finish in their decision. Southern Comfort also received high praise with a “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” award rating for its Black and Original whiskeys, each receiving an 89 and 86 respectively. Black was commended for its medium-bodied and rich taste while Original was recognized for its sweet spice and refreshing flavor.

“We look forward to participating in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge year after year because of their accurate and reliable results. We hope that their high regards for our Southern Comfort Original, Southern Comfort Black and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey products will excite new and existing consumers to try the liquids anyway and anywhere they like – from their next outdoor adventure to their at-home bar,” said Tiffany Wilburn, brand director at Sazerac Company, Inc.

The Ultimate Spirits Challenge seeks to identify the highest rated products across the spirits industry through a rigorous judging process where each product is reviewed under ideal tasting conditions. The process allows for each product to express its best characteristics in a realistic setting. Products are evaluated by the most respected and experienced authorities in the industry through blind panels in multi-stage assessments to remove any inherent or individual bias.

For more information on the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, visit ultimate-beverage.com. Plus, visit southerncomfort.com for Southern Comfort and paddywhiskey.com for Paddy’s Irish Whiskey to learn more about each brand.

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort was created in 1874 by M.W. Heron, a man born to do things his own way. His innovative recipe, blending stone fruit and spices with the harsh whiskeys of his time, created an iconic American taste. Nearly 150 years later, Southern Comfort is as one-of-a-kind as ever and enjoyed around the world. Satisfying on its own. Ideal in any mix. This is whiskey on its own terms. Made to be enjoyed on yours. For more information, visit southerncomfort.com, or follow via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Paddy’s Irish Whiskey

Paddy’s Irish Whiskey is an approachable, triple-distilled blend of grain, malt and pot-still, Paddy’s is mild and yet crisp, with a hint of honey. Paddy’s is the perfect session spirit for gathering ‘round for good times with friends. Triple-distilled from the finest barley and water from County Cork’s Irish countryside, Paddy’s matures for years in three types of oaken casks, acquiring its distinctively rich and golden color in dark, aromatic warehouses before being shipped directly from Ireland. For more information, visit paddywhiskey.com, or follow via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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, visit www.sazerac.com.

SIX WHISKIES FROM SAZERAC COMPANY RECOGNIZED AT 2021 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Collingwood and Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey Finalists for Chairman’s Trophy

Montreal (Aug. 11, 2021) – Judges at the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) named Collingwood Blended Canadian Whisky and Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey as finalists for the Chairman’s Trophy, an award bestowed to the highest scoring entry in each category. Both products were listed as “Excellent, Highly Recommended” during judging, which was held throughout May and June. Collingwood Whisky also received the Great Value Award, which highlights a favorable relationship between a product’s suggested retail price and its final score. Four other Canadian whiskies also received accolades in this year’s competition with a record-breaking number of entries.

Excellent, Highly Recommended

• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
• Collingwood Blended Canadian Whisky
• Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey

Very Good, Strong Recommendation

• Royal Canadian Small Batch Blended Whisky

Good, Recommended

• Canadian Mist Blended Canadian Whisky
• High River Canadian Whisky

The highly rated Mister Sam Tribute Whiskey is a blend of Sazerac’s top-quality Canadian and American Whiskeys and was introduced as a limited-edition blended whiskey in 2019. The “Mister Sam” name was chosen to honor the legendary Sam Bronfman who is widely known as the founder of the modern-day distilled spirits industry. Collingwood Whisky is uniquely crafted at the Collingwood Distillery in Ontario. Collingwood is the only Canadian whisky to take the extra step of resting its mature blends with toasted maplewood staves before bottling to bring a new dimension of flavor to the product.

Each USC entry was rated after review by multiple panels comprised of the spirits industry’s most renowned judges. This year’s judges included buyers, journalists, educators, and bar owners. For more information on the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a full list of results, visit www.ultimate-beverage.com.

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.

Bourbon Women, Kentucky Distillers’ Association Salute Distinguished Tourism Visionary

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Karen Williams, retired President and CEO of Louisville Tourism, received the eighth annual “Lois Mateus Networking Award” last week in honor of her distinguished contributions to Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry.

Bourbon Women Founder and Chair Emeritus Peggy Noe Stevens and KDA President Eric Gregory applauded Williams for her outstanding work establishing Louisville as a Bourbon destination brand.

“Karen Williams’s illustrious career in tourism and her compelling commitment to Bourbon tourism was a driving force in our industry,” Stevens said. “Her leadership in guiding Louisville to become a top destination for Bourbon is not only appreciated by our industry, but we honor her through this award.”

Williams’s 40 year career in the hospitality industry began in Atlanta where she worked as a sales manager at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. During that time, she helped open 18 hotels worldwide.

She relocated to Louisville to serve 23 years at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Williams also served as chairwoman of the Destination and Travel Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to highlighting the impact of travel around the world and serving destination marketing professionals.

In 2012, Williams retired as Executive Vice President. That same year, she received the Dan Mangeot Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism.

In 2014, Williams returned as President and CEO of the Louisville CVB – the agency now known as Louisville Tourism – where she made it a priority to work with the KDA to establish the first Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences in downtown Louisville along the historic Whiskey Row.

Under her leadership, Louisville boasted eight Bourbon Trail™ distillery destinations – the most of any other city.

In addition, Williams helped KDA launch the illustrious Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp that brings Bourbon aficionados from all around the world to Louisville and surrounding communities each year.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Williams’s steadfast and fair leadership was key to aligning the Bourbon industry and its tourism partners. “Karen is one of the finest global ambassadors for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry – and the Commonwealth at large – that you will ever find,” he said.

Gregory also remarked on Williams’s push to integrate Bourbon into all facets of the visitor experience by elevating Louisville as a top “foodie” city and working with Mayor Greg Fischer on “Bourbonism” initiatives including Bourbon-themed hotels and music festivals.

“She has transformed the Bourbon tourism landscape for the state, which is evidenced by the millions of distillery tours given each year. This award is our way of honoring her vision and commitment to the success of our Commonwealth’s beloved heritage.”

The award is named for Lois Mateus, retired Senior Vice President of Brown-Forman, Inc., and the first woman ever to serve on the KDA Board. Her two-year term in 1992 paved the way for other women in high-ranking roles throughout Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry.

Williams thanked the KDA and Bourbon Women for the honor and was presented with the award last Friday evening at Bourbon Women’s annual SIPosium Welcome Dinner.

“It is such a true privilege and honor to be recognized with an award that was named for Lois Mateus, someone that I have always admired, a true trailblazer, a woman with such style and grace,” Williams said.

“I am also honored to have had the opportunity to work with the KDA team – they are so committed, so professional and a true partner to the tourism industry. Working with KDA, the distilled spirits is one of the top brand pillars of our industry, we are the envy of our industry – worldwide”.

The award is given annually by Bourbon Women in conjunction with the KDA based on the following criteria for a woman who has:

·     Excelled in her profession by continuously building key relationships to contribute to the growth in her respective industry

·     Broken through barriers to grow her career

·     Contributed to the community through service and philanthropy

·     Increased exposure for other women to grow their networking and career opportunities

·     Developed creative partnerships and strategic alliances to further the growth of her respective industry

·     Become a role model for female professionalism

Bourbon Women is a premier organization for women who are passionate about exploring Bourbon and the culture that surrounds it.

Designed exclusively for educational, networking and charitable purposes, Bourbon Women’s fast-growing membership is made up of women from over 30 states and continues to form new branches across the country.

Since its inception, the Bourbon Women Association has inspired books on women in the industry, created partnerships with key industry associations, held the first Bourbon weekend for women and continues to raise money for philanthropies through their unique, high-quality events.

Bourbon Women from around the country come together once a year for their annual Bourbon Women SIPosium. This year’s four-day event was hosted in Louisville and featured excursions to distilleries around the area.

Learn more at www.bourbonwomen.org.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.6 billion economic engine that generates as many as 21,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion and pours $235 million into state and local tax coffers each year.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed by 314 percent in the last 10 years. Visitors made nearly 2 million stops at participating distilleries in 2019, the highest mark since KDA founded the tour in 1999.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

The Grand Whisky Auction is closing soon!

www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction

3000+ lots will close Monday 13th September at 9pm!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T. +44 (0)1463 210 427

E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

BERRY’S SPEYSIDE RESERVE BLENDED MALT WHISKY

Many of Scotland’s most famous malts hail from Speyside, known for their approachable, fruity style and floral complexity. Our Classic Speyside Malt captures the very essence of the region, balancing subtle, honeyed fruit aromas with easy-going yet complex aromas.

£26.90

Appearance: Golden Syrup
Bouquet: Honeyed fruit, citrus and soft wood
Palate: Creamy citrus, honey, rounded
Finish: Soft fruits, mid-long

Order NOW

2011 Glen Scotia 10 Year Old “Malts Festival 2021 Limited Edition” Cask Strength Bordeaux Red Wine Finish

Un-Peated Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $100)

$79.99 View

The Malts Festival bottlings of Glen Scotia have been an enormous hit the last several years, and this exquisite bottling is sure to be no different. Sold out instantly from the Glen Scotia website, we don’t expect our small allocation to last long here in California either. The whiskey is made up exclusively of Glen Scotia’s unpeated runs from 2009-2011 and aged in first fill Bourbon casks before a 5-month finish in first fill Bordeaux red wine casks. Bottled at the natural cask strength of 56.1% ABV this edition highlights Glen Scotia naturally sweet fruited malt enhanced by the bright red fruit of fresh Bordeaux wine casks.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 402: Three Ships 12 Year Old 2007 Master Distiller’s Private Collection

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, goes to South Africa! Three Ships is a South-African whisky from the Distell group. That explains the ABV, for they bottle Deanton, Bunnahabhain and Tobermory/Ledaig also at this strength, which makes chillfiltration superfluous. Next to this single malt, they also have Bain’s Cape Mountain Grain whisky. But this Three Ships is a single malt and the 12 years old is currently the flagship (see what we did there?) release.

https://youtu.be/iDcZzkjHmxg

GLENALLACHIE RELEASES CASK STRENGTH OLOROSO-FINISHED

WHISKY EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE UK

The Scotch whisky distillery, led by iconic Master Distiller Billy Walker, debuts

single malt finished in Oloroso casks for UK market

The multi-award-winning Speyside distillery behind the World’s Best Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2021) today reveals a limited-edition created exclusively for the UK. The GlenAllachie 14-year-old Oloroso Wood Finish joins the innovative Wood Finish series.

Presented at natural cask strength of 55.4%, the 14-year-old single malt (UK RRSP £89.99) is a small-batch release initially matured in first and second fill American oak barrels, before being re-racked for over two years aging in Oloroso puncheons personally sourced by whisky industry stalwart Billy Walker.

Walker has earnt widespread acclaim for his superlative wood management and blending expertise. After an almost half century in the whisky industry, Walker was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame earlier this year for his exceptional and lasting contribution to the world of whisky.

After closely monitoring the maturing spirit within the Oloroso-seasoned Spanish oak casks, Walker determined when the perfect balance between distillery and wood character was achieved. The whisky was then bottled without added colouring or chill filtration.

The result is an exceptional single malt that delivers rich sherry-matured indulgence; notes of sticky raisins, gooey dark chocolate pudding, zesty orange and fresh espresso, all coupled with classic GlenAllachie honeyed charm.

Commenting on the exciting UK release, Walker said:

“As soon as we acquired The GlenAllachie distillery, I knew exactly what direction I wanted us to take the liquid in; a single malt known for its bold, indulgent sherried character.

“This UK bottling is no different, with all those archetypal Oloroso tones you would expect – rich cocoa, cinnamon sticks, tangy orange and fresh ginger, all alongside a warming mocha depth. A sophisticated single malt that exemplifies the exciting direction that we have been taking The GlenAllachie in.”

The GlenAllachie 14-year-old Oloroso Wood Finish is available now exclusively from UK specialist retailers, with an RRSP of £89.99.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts an almost 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2021 stands at an eye-watering £1m/$1.2m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol, and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits, encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum, and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie

Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie

Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 14-year-old Oloroso Wood Finish – 55.4% ABV (Cask Strength) – UK Exclusive

• Colour: Burnished Mahogany.
• Nose: Rich butterscotch alongside warming mocha, toasted almonds and gentle pineapple.

• Taste: Fresh espresso and dark chocolate, with zesty orange, sticky raisins and hints of ginger.

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES WHITE DOG TRADING & STORAGE AS NEWEST MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that White Dog Trading & Storage in Woodford County is the newest and 45^th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Located at 167 McKinney Avenue in Midway, White Dog joins the KDA as a “Proof” level member, aging between 10,000 and 49,999 barrels a year. The campus includes a series of 55,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art warehouses, and a Distillery and Event Center to include offices, room for a restaurant and bar, and tourism activities.

Co-founders Mark Harris and Dr. Harry Lockstadt opened White Dog Trading & Storage in 2016. White Dog offers barrel brokerage services and contract storage, and will soon offer contract distilling services for clients.

Harris expects the second warehouse to be fully operational by February 2022 and the Event Center to be ready late Spring 2022.

“White Dog Trading & Storage is excited to join the KDA, whose partnership is immeasurably valuable in our journey toward innovating the future of the Bourbon Industry,” Harris said.

Learn more at https://whitedogllc.com.

KDA President Eric Gregory said White Dog demonstrates a growing sector of the industry by providing sought-after barrel storage and contract production services necessary for Kentucky’s growing industry.

“Mark and his team have built an impressive campus using state-of-the-art systems that will provide essential services for distillers of all sizes,” Gregory said. “We proudly welcome White Dog into the KDA family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues.

Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.6 billion economic engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year.

In addition, the industry is in the middle of a $2.3 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism centers to expanded production facilities, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

There are now nearly 10 million barrels of Bourbon and other spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, the highest number in the modern era of American Whiskey. Of that, 9.3 million are just Bourbon, the first time since 1967 that the number of Bourbon barrels topped nine million.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 360 percent since the turn of the century, with Kentucky distillers filling 2.1 million barrels in 2019, the second year in a row that Kentucky distillers have filled two million barrels, the first time that’s happened in the modern era.

Visit www.kybourbon.com to learn more.

Gregory said the Midway community is excited about the addition of White Dog and its economic impact to Woodford County. Gregory is a resident of Midway, which was the first Kentucky town founded by a railroad, and has a rich history of distilling.

“The advances in sustainable innovation and technology that Mark and his team have employed are essential to the future of our industry,” he said. “We look forward to working with White Dog to strengthen Kentucky’s title as the one, true home for Bourbon and distilled spirits.

“The proof is here.”

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 

STAMP OF APPROVAL

Our Gathering celebrations are in full swing, with members coming together to share drams and good times at events across the globe and even in their own homes. If you haven’t been involved yet, it’s not too late – head to our events page to check out what is coming up.

TAKE ME TO THE GATHERING

The Gathering is all about sharing our love for whisky, and we’re delighted to release some specially selected bottlings for the occasion, including casks which was sampled and approved by members!

HERBSTLICHES PICKNICK MIT ZITRONENKUCHEN

Cask No. 9.212

Back in 2020, we sent out samples, hosted events, and invited members to submit tasting notes and names for this cask. The entries were used by the Tasting Panel to create the final tasting note which appears on the bottle and in the Outturn, and our Austrian member Wolfgang Muellner came up with this uniquely descriptive name. We hope you all enjoy it as much as our sample group did!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video