ARDBEG HONOURS LOYAL FANBASE WITH ‘EUREKA MOMENT’ WHISKY

 < Islay Distillery marks Committee’s 25^th anniversary with ultimate members’ bottling >

Ardbeg today celebrates 25 years of its loyal following, the Ardbeg Committee, with the ultimate Committee bottling. Inspired by – and exclusively for – that dedicated fanbase, Ardbeg Eureka! was conceived to capture the many taste preferences of the Committee’s thousands of members in a single dram. In this limited edition’s paradoxically complex flavours of dark chocolate, cinnamon, briny seaweed and smoke, Ardbeg’s whisky creators believe they have cracked it. Eureka!

A quarter-century ago, after Ardbeg was saved from the brink of extinction, a few insanely committed enthusiasts formed the Ardbeg Committee. Its mission was to prevent the doors of the Islay Distillery from ever closing again. Ever since, its membership (now 200,000-strong) have endlessly debated the ins and outs of the whisky they revere as The Ultimate Islay Single Malt.

Recognising the zeal of the Committee’s deliberations, Ardbeg’s whisky creators summoned a select group to a hidden corner of the Distillery on Ardbeg Day 2023, to take part in an experiment named Operation Smokescreen. At the event, 100 members from 15 different countries, a cross-section of Ardbeg’s diverse, global fanbase, tasted and discussed five extreme (and secret) examples of Ardbeg. Then Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald took the findings back to their sensory laboratory, challenging themselves to craft a bottling representing the Committee’s multi-faceted preferences.

After months of experimentation, the pair skilfully combined whisky aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks with roasted malt spirit matured in bourbon casks in a uniquely complex dram. Salted crispy seaweed and sweet cinnamon jostle with dark-chocolate-coated raisins and burning embers, reflecting the Committee’s eclectic tastes. Thrilled to have succeeded in their experiment, they named their creation Ardbeg Eureka!

Gillian said: “Operation Smokescreen was a brilliant opportunity to get inside the minds of the Ardbeg Committee – and has inspired our most bespoke Committee bottling yet. With its medley of flavours, from cherries and red apples to briny seaweed and bonfires, topped with cinnamon and raisin fudge, Ardbeg Eureka! is packed with a variety of flavours, inspired by our eclectic group of Committee members’ tastes, who are united by their love of Ardbeg’s smoky and fruity balance. There was a real eureka moment when, after countless experiments, Dr Bill and I landed upon the perfect recipe.”

Committee Chair and Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Jackie Thomson said: “The Committee have been the lifeblood of Ardbeg for a quarter of a century – you won’t find a more passionate bunch of smoky malt lovers anywhere else. Ardbeg Eureka! is an exuberant reward for our members’ dedication. Slàinte mhath to 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee!”

Ardbeg Eureka! is available exclusively to Committee members on Ardbeg.com from 27^th February, RRP: £72. For those intrepid enough to venture to the Distillery, a small number of bottles will be available to buy in person.

To play a part in the Distillery’s future and keep up to date with all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

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Ardbeg Eureka! Tasting Notes:

ABV:      52.2%

Colour: Amber

Aroma: Full and fruity on the nose with cherry and juicy red apple. Caramel infused coffee grounds and cocoa powder are softened by a subtle backdrop of heather bonfire and hand rolled sweet tobacco leaves. There are some herbal notes like cedar and fennel present in the distant background. With water, dark chocolate and walnut oil come through and more smoke emerges through the sweeter fruits. Like walking alongside a road that’s being freshly tarred!

Taste:   An explosion of sweet flavours like nut toffee brittle, raisin fudge and dark fruits (fig, damson and plump cherries) is balanced with a rockpool salinity. Dark chocolate coated raisins lead into chicory and sweet cinnamon spices alongside a curious drying sensation. The smoke builds up to a crescendo of sweet applewood and a medicinal iodine, burnt moss and ash.

Finish: The finish is long and chewy with sweet treacle toffee aniseed spice, coal tar soap and burning embers.

RRP: £72

Ardbeg

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

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Operation Smokescreen

For Operation Smokescreen, a group of 100 superfans, from 15 different countries, were invited to the Distillery on Ardbeg Day in 2023. Led by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald, they assumed the role of the Whisky Creation Team for the day, tasting five extreme examples of Ardbeg, sharing their views and tasting notes as they went. Gillian and Dr Bill noted their preferences carefully and, taking inspiration from the day’s findings, went on to create Ardbeg Eureka! Those who attended will be invited to a special live preview tasting of the whisky on 6 February 2025.

The Glenmorangie Company

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

Responsible Drinking

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

THE AUCTION closes on Tuesday 18th February from 9:00 pm (GMT)

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Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

Meet MAC-TALLA VIRGIN OAK and discover Islay like never before.

A Sweet and Smoky Revolution Awaits. Today, 13th February 2025, a new chapter in Islay whisky begins. Introducing Mac-Talla Virgin Oak, a limited-edition masterpiece that pairs Islay’s signature smoky peat with the bold sweetness of virgin oak maturation.

Crafted with precision and passion, this one-of-a-kind whisky is matured in bourbon barrels and charred Virgin American Oak casks from Kentucky, unveiling indulgent layers of smoked oak, sticky toffee pudding, and creamy butterscotch.

RRP: £74 | ABV: 53.6%

Available in UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Israel

With limited production, this whisky is set to become a collector’s gem. Don’t miss your chance to experience the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

Discover More & Find a Retailer

Whiskyland Chapter Five: Caol Ila 32-Year-Old just earned 9.2 points from Words of Whisky!

Aged for 32 years, this Islay gem is still in stock—grab it before it’s gone. Don’t miss out on this exceptional whisky that’s been decades in the making. This is a single, refill hogshead of Caol Ila 1992, aged for 32 years and bottled at natural cask strength.

£10 from every bottle sold will be donated to the Whiskyland Cooonicorn Foundation. A noble conservation charity that seeks to re-establish this now extremely elusive and lonesome creature back into the wilderness of Whiskyland.

It’s a glorious old Caol Ila that tastes like a heavily peated oyster dive-bombing a mug of green tea. In a hospital. Near the sea…

£595.00 incVAT

(£495.83 exVAT)

BLEND YOUR OWN AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Introducing The Draftsmen—a bespoke American Single Malt whisky experience that puts you in the blender’s seat. Inspired by the visionaries who shaped America’s Most Award-Winning Single Malt, this experience allows you to craft your very own whisky blend and have it shipped directly to your door.

LEARN MORE

ORDER YOUR KIT

Chinese Single Malt!? Introducing Gisbelle!

THE REVIEW

We’re proud to present for the first time outside of China, three incredibly unique whiskies that took the Victoria Whisky Festival by storm this year. Find out what all the fuss is about, and don’t forget to swing by The Strath to try a dram!

SAZERAC COMPANY TO HOST CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER FEATURING THREE ULTRA RARE BOURBON OFFERINGS

Offerings include the first-ever single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old, a complete set of the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection and a bottle of Eagle Rare 25 with 100% of proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally charities

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 11, 2025) – Sazerac Company today announces it will host a first of its kind fundraiser in support of California wildfire relief efforts, offering consumers the chance to purchase three ultra-rare prize packages featuring some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons. One hundred percent of funds raised through Sazerac’s California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser will go toward two non-profit organizations committed to ongoing relief efforts in the state: World Central Kitchen (WCK), which is working with restaurant and food truck partners in Southern California to provide meals to those in need; and Another Round Another Rally, which is collecting funds for real-time financial support for hospitality workers impacted by the wildfires.

“Our hearts break for those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires that have swept across California this year,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac. “The fires have caused immense destruction, and the toll on the Los Angeles community is profound. Through this program we hope, humbly, to offer a small bit of aid to World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally as they continue their much-needed support of the California community during this difficult time.”

Offerings available through the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser include:

1. Auction*: the first-ever single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old will be available for auction as part of the initiative
   1. This is the first single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle to ever be made available for purchase. The barrel was specially selected from the heart of the aging warehouses at Buffalo Trace Distillery for this auction. On average, a single barrel yields approximately 125 bottles of bourbon.
   2. Funds raised via auction will be evenly split between WCK and Another Round Another Rally
2. Sweepstakes 1**: a complete bottle set of the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection
   1. The very rare, limited-edition Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection features six unique bourbons, each reflective of a craft that blends generational knowledge dating back to the late 1800s. This highly coveted collection features Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year, and Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year.
   2. Funds raised by the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Collection sweepstakes will benefit WCK
3. Sweepstakes 2**: one bottle of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s ultra-rare Eagle Rare 25
   1. At 25 years old, Eagle Rare 25 marks the oldest expression ever released from the Eagle Rare portfolio and defies existing perception of ultra-aged bourbon with its smooth, complex flavor profile. Eagle Rare 25 is the first bourbon aged in Warehouse P, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art warehouse, constructed to test if it was possible to extend favorably both the aging and maturation processes typical for American whiskey and bourbon.
   2. Funds raised by the Eagle Rare 25 sweepstakes will benefit Another Round Another Rally

In early January, wildfires broke out in the Palisades and Eaton communities of Los Angeles and quickly spread to neighboring communities. It is estimated more than 50,000 acres have burned, with the wildfires destroying more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 28 people. From the beginning, both WCK and ARAR have been on the frontlines in Los Angeles helping the communities hardest hit.

• WCK’s Relief Team mobilized immediately in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by the wildfires. In collaboration with 80+ restaurant and food truck partners, WCK is distributing free hot meals to those in need at several locations throughout Southern California. Since the wildfires began in early January, WCK has served more than 600,000 meals to those affected by the wildfires.
• As the fire’s devastation began to overtake Los Angeles and surrounding areas, Another Round Another Rally jumped into action immediately knowing bar and restaurant workers would face an uphill battle with regard to loss of businesses and loss of income opportunities. Their Disaster Relief Fund enables the organization to provide real-time financial support to hospitality workers impacted by California’s wildfires. In the month since the fires started, Another Round Another Rally has given out over $100k in financial assistance to bar and restaurant workers affected by the disaster.

Those looking to support the Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser can participate in multiple ways:

• For the Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old single barrel auction, bidding will begin at $10,000 and those interested can bid as many times as they wish. Bidding will increase in increments of $1,000. The winner of the auction will receive a monetary prize equal to the value of the lot, which may be used to purchase the bottles yielded from the barrel, as well as the empty barrel.
  • Link to bid: www.sazeracgivesback.com
• For both the Pappy Van Winkle Collection and Eagle Rare 25 sweepstakes, entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate. The winners of each sweepstakes will receive a monetary prize equal to the value of the bottle they won, which may be used to purchase the bottles.
  • Link to donate and enter: www.sazeracgivesback.com

The Sazerac California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser begins on Tuesday, February 11 at 12pm noon EST. To enter and make a donation, and to view the full official rules, visit www.sazeracgivesback.com. All entries must be received by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, February 23. One winner for each prize package will be randomly drawn and notified via phone and email the week of March 3.

About Sazerac Company

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

About World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises. Applying our model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 450 million nourishing meals around the world.

When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need.

We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at wck.org. 

About Another Round Another Rally

Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit financial and educational resource for the hospitality industry. They provide professional development resources and immersive educational scholarships to further the education of historically excluded voices in the community, and supply emergency assistance to those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen on unexpected hardship.

*To win the available online silent auction, you must be the highest bidder at the end of the registration period.  **No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of 50 U.S. or D.C, excluding NY, age 21 or older. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 2/11/2025 and ends at 11:59pm ET 2/23/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize descriptions and ARV, visit www.SazeracGivesBack.com. Odds of winning one of the available sweepstakes are based upon number of eligible entries received to each sweepstakes.  No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY.

A new month means a new Outturn and this month we’re focusing on an innate part of the Society: the Tasting Panel. Since 1983, these expert noses have been assessing every sample before it can make it into a Society bottle. Their mission? To leave no nose upturned. What delights await this month? Take a look…

THE BRIGHTEST OF BARRELS

CASK NO. 35.347

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  10 years

STROLLING, LOLLING AND SIPPING

CASK NO. 46.141

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  12 years

OVERPOWERING ENCHANTMENT

CASK NO. 9.288

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  19 years

HOISIN DUCK SKIN

CASK NO. B4.19

CASK:  1st fill 30 US gallons barrel

AGE:  4 years

RICH, DARK AND SUMPTUOUSLY SWEET

CASK NO. 85.94

CASK:  1st fill STR oloroso barrique

AGE:  14 years

A RIVER OF COMPLEXITY

CASK NO. 138.19

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  4 years

THE FINESSE OF A FRAGRANT FURNACE

DISTILLERY 3 RARE RELEASE

CASKS:  2nd fill bourbon & oloroso hogsheads

AGE:  18 years

BROWSE OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Suntory Global Spirits UK Begins Operations

London, UK (3 February 2025) – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has launched its first standalone commercial business in the UK, led by Nick Temperley, Managing Director – UK, Ireland & Eastern Europe. The company is now directly responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of its portfolio of world-renowned spirits brands in the UK, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Hibiki and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, Laphroaig and . Scotch whisky, and Roku and Sipsmith gin. The launch follows the company’s previous announcement in March 2024 that it would establish its own commercial business in the UK.

Suntory Global Spirits has held significant distilling operations in the UK for many years, as the proud producer of Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and Ardray Scotch whiskies, as well as London’s beloved Sipsmith gin. The launch of this new distribution business will significantly increase the company’s employee base in the country, with a team anchored in its central London head office, and additional capabilities in Scotland and in key locations across the country. Temperley will be supported by an experienced UK management team, who together bring decades of experience from previous roles across a wide range of consumer products companies.

Nick Temperley comments: “We are incredibly proud to begin this new era for Suntory Global Spirits in the UK. We have put together a hugely energetic, experienced and talented team, and they will be out in the market every day, building true partnerships with all our customers. Guided by Suntory’s unique East-meets-West approach, we will strive to put quality at the heart of everything we do and build our brands with agility, creativity and care.

The UK is a dynamic, sophisticated and competitive market. We see significant growth opportunities within the categories where we are strongest, particularly in Japanese spirits, Scotch and American whiskey. We have some of the best loved spirits in the industry and we are looking forward to working in partnership with retailers and hospitality to bring great drinks and great times to the UK market.”

Yuri Grebenkin, President of International, Suntory Global Spirits, adds: “The launch of Suntory Global Spirits UK is major step forward for our global company, as we continue to expand our footprint and direct capabilities in select European markets. We are well positioned to expand our share in key categories, invest in our brands and build meaningful relationships with our European customers and consumers as we aim to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.”

About Suntory Global Spirits:

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Kilchoman 13 Years Old Calvados Cask Limited Release

This limited release has been matured for 13 years in a combination of bourbon barrels, octaves and calvados casks. The whisky exudes an abundance of juicy fresh fruits, intense sweetness and waves of Islay maritime peat smoke.

THIS IS A PRE-SALE. ALL ORDERS WILL BE SENT FROM THE 26TH OF FEBRUARY.

£89.95

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Peat is an integral part of making whisky. Usually, it’s associated with Islay and Island whisky, but smoky drams are made in every region, in many different styles and at different peat levels.