James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Bernheim Forest & Arboretum Renew Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance

Renewed partnership underscores joint commitment to protecting vital natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for bourbon production in Kentucky

Clermont, Kentucky, June 5, 2024 – Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, and Bernheim Forest, a 16,142-acre privately held natural resource just south of Louisville, Kentucky, have announced a renewed commitment to their shared dedication to water conservation through the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance.

Through this extended partnership, Suntory Global Spirits will commit up to $100,000 each year over the next five years, to help preserve Bernheim’s extensive 90 miles of waterways and the staggering 21+ billion gallons of rainwater that falls on the forest annually.

“We recognize the significance of water, not only as a fundamental component of bourbon production, but as the lifeblood of the entire ecosystem,” said Nathan Crosley, General Manager, James B. Beam Distilling Co. Operations at Suntory Global Spirits and Board Member of Bernheim Forest & Arboretum. “Kentucky is a huge part of our business and the homeplace for Jim Beam, the world’s number one bourbon, and we’re so thrilled to continue working with our friends at Bernheim Forest on building nature-based solutions for the next generation of bourbon.”

The alliance, first formed in 2018, successfully developed a natural water sanctuary on Bernheim grounds, immediately adjacent to Suntory Global Spirits’ James B. Beam Distilling Co. distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. In addition to continuing ongoing watershed protection efforts, the Alliance extension will work to preserve and promote biodiversity across the wider Kentucky Bourbon Trail environment through the protection and stewardship of native forests, enhancement of native plant populations and strategic improvement of wildlife habitats. Biological surveys, invasive species management and the establishment of various habitats are among the specific tactics for the next five years.

The alliance will also enhance environmental and water cycle education for visitors, employees, and members of the Kentucky community. Hands-on activities, such as discovery stations with trained naturalists, guided walks highlighting watershed and biodiversity protection, and tailored programs delivered to school groups, will help engage the community in critical conservation efforts.

“This Alliance presents an opportunity to integrate discussions about protecting natural waters into broader conversations, engaging communities locally and regionally,” said Dr. Mark Wourms, President & CEO of Bernheim Forest, who highlights the increased recognition of the Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance, maximized by Bernheim’s scientific expertise and the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s brand recognition.

Andrew Berry, Bernheim’s Director of Conservation, underscored the critical role of water within our local ecosystem, saying, “Water is an essential component of healthy ecosystems. Our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits furthers Bernheim’s commitment to supporting clean water for wildlife, recreation and downstream communities.”

About Bernheim Forest and Arboretum 

Bernheim’s mission is to connect people with nature. Spanning 16,140 acres, it stands as the largest privately held contiguous forest block in the eastern United States committed to conservation and education. Established in 1929 by bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim as a gift to the people of Kentucky, Bernheim offers fun and educational programs, diverse tree collections, a renowned art collection, 40 miles of hiking trails, and varied landscapes, accessible every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. A suggested donation of $15 per car is recommended for non-members. For more information about Bernheim, please visit https://bernheim.org/.

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 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.co

Heaven Hill Brands Announces Appointment of Elayne Duff as Global Director of Advocacy

Heaven Hill Brands today announced the appointment of Elayne Duff as the new Global Director of Advocacy. In this pivotal role, Duff will lead Heaven Hill’s strategic efforts to influence the trade on behalf of its brands through education, relationship building and strategic trade and consumer activations in key markets around the world.

Duff, previously the Director of Advocacy for Samson and Surrey, brings over 20 years of experience in the spirits industry to, now, the full Heaven Hill portfolio of beloved brands. Renowned for her expertise, Duff was the first head mixologist and luxury spirits ambassador at Diageo U.S.A. She has also showcased her talents on the popular TV show, Bar Rescue, and achieved notable milestones such as graduating from the rigorous W.S.E.T. Level 3 & B.A.R 5 Day program.

Duff’s impressive career includes serving as the Global Manager of experiential events and education at Ab-InBev’s Craft Beer Division, Z.X. Ventures. As an entrepreneur, she founded the highly successful “Beverage B.A. Academy,” an in-demand online training program for Brand Ambassadors. She also hosts the podcast “Celebrating the Brand Ambassador.”

“Elayne is a force within the hospitality industry and we are thrilled to expand her oversight across the full Heaven Hill portfolio,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Her extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the spirits industry make her the perfect fit for leading our advocacy efforts. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our relationships within the industry and drive our brands to new heights.”

As the Global Director of Advocacy, Duff will work closely across the functions of brand teams, sales and operations to align efforts for advocacy. Duff will supervise the brand ambassador and commercial specialist teams based around the US and key international cities. Her role will focus on building strong relationships with key industry influencers and executing both trade and consumer-facing events on behalf of Heaven Hill’s beloved brands.

“Heaven Hill has a rich history and an exceptional portfolio of brands,” said Duff. “I am excited to bring the full depth of the portfolio under our advocacy strategy and look forward to working with the team to continue building strong programs that will elevate our brands and engage our partners around the world.”

Our July Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (BST) Friday 19th July until 7pm (BST) Sunday 28th July 2024.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 40 Year Old (1977) Single Cask #4139

Balvenie – 40 Year Old (GJ Cleverly Edition) Bottle 1 of 1 (Signed)

Macallan – 1950 Exceptional Single Cask (#1683-13, 2018)

Bowmore – 44 Year Old (‘Gold Bowmore’) 1964

Brora – 40 Year Old (1978) 200th Anniversary

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

K&L-Exclusive, Speyside Single-Cask: Rarity and Value
2005 Glenrothes 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

“This exceptional find is one of the very best values K&L has ever been able to offer.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

We have some truly astounding offerings in the pipeline from our friends at Old Particular, but perhaps none of them present as much bang for your collectible buck as this 18 Year Old from Glenrothes. We can’t overstate how rare this opportunity is in multiple respects. First, we almost never see this elite Speyside distiller on the independent market. Second, we almost never see it in a first-fill sherry butt, let alone one of such high quality. Finally, this price for a Glenrothes with this age statement is just flat-out ridiculous. Needless to say, our spirits team is thrilled to the core with the finished product. For fans of the distillery, this stupendous dram has everything you’re looking for.

2005 Glenrothes 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)

*Pre-arrival item is expected to be available for shipment or pickup in autumn 2024.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: July 4, 2023

This exceptional find is one of the very best values K&L has ever been able to offer. Glenrothes is truly one of Speyside’s most prized distillers, and it’s extremely unusual for them to let go of heavily sherried stocks, let alone something that’s aged over 18 years. This one was distilled in February of 2005 and aged in a first-fill sherry butt. The results speak for themselves—a dense, powerful malt full of powerful spice and complex sherry. The Glenrothes Distillery was founded in the town of Rothes in 1879 by James Stuart & Co., owners of the nearby Macallan Distillery. The distillery boasts its own onsite cooperage and is renowned for the use of high-quality sherry barrels in its bottlings. The few independently bottled expressions of this famed distillery are almost always very expensive and very rarely aged in sherry. This dark, dense malt offers aromas of rich dried red fruit, rich mocha, and deep cacao nibs. The sweet fruit is tamed perfectly by a bold European oak spice and rich, buttery texture on the palate. Expect cinnamon and clove to build on the finish with a gorgeous, zesty orange peel note to balance.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

JAPANESE BLENDED MALT 20 YEAR OLD MIZUNARA FINISH THE LAST DROP

In 2022, The Last Drop released their first Japanese whisky, a 20-40-year-old blend matured in an ex-sherry cask. This latest release is that exact same, exceptional blended malt whisky but matured in a Mizunara cask.

Mizunara is known for imparting a distinctive and unique flavour into whisky, however, it comes with it’s challenges! The tree must be 200 years old before harvesting and is prone to distortion but the results are worth the wait.

The liquid within this blend is made up from 20 and 40-year-old malts from the now-closed Hanyu Distillery which only operated for 20 years.

£3,010.00

Tasting Notes From TLD

Nose: Toasted dry oakiness with sweet floral aromas, dried fruit apricots, spices, almonds and rich spiciness.

Palate: The sweetness of spring flowers combined with rich and tropical mango, papaya and lychee lead to a spicy dry length. Pineapple and coconut follow.

Finish: The tropical fruits and spices linger on the palate, while the dry oak and distinctive Mizunara qualities remain in the mouth and in the memory.

SPOTLIGHT SELECTIONS

Shop the last of our latest releases while stock lasts

These are the very last remaining bottling’s from some of our recent launches. Don’t miss out on your chance to grab one of our bottlings before they’re gone for good!

Whisky Sponge Web Exclusive Ed.11 – Deanston 12 years old

Islay Sponge Part VI Caol Ila 13 years old

Whisky Sponge Ed.91 Glen Garioch 21 years old

How is Scotch whisky made?

While each distillery in Scotland will have their own nuances regarding production, malt Scotch whisky is made through a meticulous process that typically involves six key steps that are explained in this blog post.

📖  Read the Post

Loch Lomond Whiskies unveils new limited-edition 50-year-old single malt

Release of Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is five decades in the making

Independent distiller, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has unveiled a new 50-year-old single malt, the latest addition to the brand’s premium portfolio.

A whisky five decades in the making, Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is drawn from Loch Lomond Distillery’s oldest reserves and is exclusively limited to 100 individually-numbered bottles worldwide.

Distilled in 1973 in the distillery’s unique straight neck pot stills, using 100% unpeated malted barley, this distinctive single malt whisky has been aged in a combination of refilled American oak casks, first fill bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry hogsheads.

The maturation process is carefully managed by Loch Lomond Whiskies’ master blender, Michael Henry, who joined Loch Lomond Distillery in 2007. The distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky casks remain exclusively under his personal care.

Loch Lomond 50 Year Old was initially crafted with gentle maturation in refilled American oak casks, providing the spirit with enough time to develop a rich character. Additional maturation in first fill bourbon casks in 2011, followed by a re-cask in Oloroso sherry hogsheads in 2017, have further enhanced the complexity of this elegant single malt.

The spirit’s six years in bourbon casks has imparted a rich, creamy vanilla flavour that complements the whisky’s fruity aroma. The influence of the final six years in an Oloroso sherry cask is evident on the nose, with notes of nutmeg developing into a warming cinnamon flavour that leaves a long finish of woody spice.

The result is a light whisky with notes of white flesh fruits, crisp citrus and a tropical character that pays testament to its remarkable age.

Since production began in 1966 at the current Loch Lomond site, ingenuity has been at the heart of the distillery’s methods. It is home to Scotland’s only set of straight neck pot stills, installed as part of its founding and exclusively responsible for the first 30 years of production, which allows Michael Henry and his team to carefully shape the character of the whisky at the point of distillation, creating a lighter spirit with a distinctive fruit flavour. To taste the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is to go almost right back to the beginning of this distillery’s incredible journey – one defined by innovation and exploration in its craft.

In homage to these unique stills, a careful selection of copper finishings and touches have been woven into the design of the 50 Year Old’s lead crystal decanter, crafted by Glencairn Crystal Studio in Scotland, and the external wooden display cabinet. The natural oak finish nods to Michael Henry’s careful selection of casks and the beauty of the surrounding forests of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Contour lines and the deep turquoise colours outlining the shape of the loch from which the distillery takes it name, further pays respect to the hidden depths of this remarkable whisky’s history and heritage. Hidden within the display cabinet is a 50ml sample of the liquid and a hardback book that provides its lucky few owners with an in-depth account of the liquid, its distinctive flavour and distillation and maturation journey.

Michael Henry, master distiller at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is a rare example of our timeless distillation innovation.

“The decision to re-cask a whisky of this quality and age is not something I take lightly. However, the complexity and depth of flavour brought by the first fill bourbon​ and the Oloroso sherry casks have made this a truly special single malt, which provides a window into our past and captures the original style of whisky making at Loch Lomond Distillery.

“The expectations are high when you are working with liquid as special and as scarce as this, but it is a true honour to be the final custodian of such a special piece of history.”​

Non-chill-filtered and natural in colour, Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is bottled at cask strength (42.6% ABV) and is available to purchase from the Loch Lomond Whiskies online store (www.lochlomondwhiskies.com) and worldwide through specialist retailers, priced at £25,000.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit HERE

• Nose: Refreshing orange and mint, sweet fruit of grilled peach and mango, nutmeg.
• Palate: Beautiful depth of flavour, melted brown sugar, tangy orange marmalade and dark fruits, plum and cherry before creamy vanilla fudge and warming cinnamon spice.
• Finish: Long, mouth-watering watermelon and kiwi with a grapefruit citrus edge, some green tea and lasting wood spice.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan – Thomas (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

Mull’s Finest 2014 9 Year Old, TyndrumWhisky Exclusive

Murray McDavid filled this Hebridean malt into a 64-litre PX Octave for its final 9 moths. The sundried grapes at the heart of the PX sherry, introduce a delicious cloak of silkiness, beautifully balancing the power of this smoky spirit – a mystery malt to really get the juices flowing.

This release, a peated single malt from a famous distillery on Mull, is an absolute cracker, so much so, we just had to have it bottled exclusively for us! This release was distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2024 from a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Octave. Only 89 bottles have been produced of this exemplary single malt.

Murray McDavid filled this Hebridean malt into a 64-litre PX Octave for its final 9 months. The sundried grapes at the heart of the PX sherry, introduce a delicious cloak of silkiness, beautifully balancing the power of this smoky spirit – a mystery malt to really get the juices flowing.

£72.00

Tasting notes:
Nose: Vanilla, barbeque, smoky honey.
Palate: Juicy raisins, stone fruit, fresh peat.
Finish: Brine, campfire, sweet oak spice.

Bottles exclusively for TyndrumWhisky by Murray McDavid

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

2011 Jura 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $59.9 9 View

2010 Tormore 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $59.99 View

2014 Arran (Peated) 9 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single 2nd Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Isle of Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $64.99 View

2009 Ardmore (Peated) 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $69.99 View

2014 Bowmore 9 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $74.99 View

2002 Girvan 21 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $74.99 View

2008 Dailuaine 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

2005 Glenrothes 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

2006 Mortlach 17 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View