White Peak lays bare its house style and its oldest whisky yet

with Wire Works Bourbon Barrel

Award-winning Derbyshire Distillery – White Peak – hits a landmark this summer with the Distillery’s oldest whisky yet: Wire Works Bourbon Barrel.

This milestone bottling is the Distillery’s first release to be fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels, featuring some of the oldest casks in White Peak’s warehouse since its inception in 2016.

Wire Works Bourbon Barrel is a vatting of a select parcel of American oak, first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 53.5%. Each cask was filled with Wire Works’ signature lightly-peated single malt spirit and has developed into a beautifully balanced complex spirit, showcasing the fruit-forward character of the Distillery.

The new release will join Wire Works Caduro as the second permanent expression in White Peak’s core range of products, a significant marker in the legacy being laid down by the Distillery.

Max Vaughan, founder of White Peak Distillery, said: “We’re so excited to be releasing our second permanent expression to build on our core range of whiskies following Caduro last year.  Bourbon Barrel is a signature whisky for us, elevating our house style and showcasing our unique flavour elements; our Derbyshire home, lightly-peated malt barley, fresh local Brewer’s yeast, long fermentation and slow distillation.”

“Ex-bourbon barrels are considered to be relatively inactive and so their exclusive use in maturation can really highlight a distillery’s true house character.  It’s over 6 years since we fired up the stills, and we feel the time is right in 2024 to open up our soul with this release. This is some of our oldest liquid from some of our favourite casks, and we hope White Peak whisky lovers will enjoy it as much as we’ve enjoyed our journey so far”

Since the first Wire Works release in February 2022, White Peak has released several whiskies under the house Wire Works Whisky name, including Caduro in 2023 – the first permanent edition to the White Peak range of whiskies – and a number of limited editions.

As with all Wire Works whiskies, Bourbon Barrel is natural colour and non-chill filtered. The release will be available from 5^th July via the Distillery shop and online, as well as from select trade partners nationwide, RRP: £65 per 70cl.

White Peak Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

Wire Works Bourbon Barrel

Tasting notes:

Overview: Fruit salad sweets and custard creams.

Nose: Vanilla cheesecake, white chocolate, fruit salad sweets, lemon curd, candied ginger, peaches and cream.

Palate: Custard creams, lemon zest, icing sugar, chocolate covered peanuts, honey, ginger bread.

Finish: Apple crumble, murray mints, lime pickle, white pepper.

About White Peak Distillery:

Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, White Peak Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and craftsmanship for which this region is renowned. The White Peak journey started with a vision and purpose, rather than any grand marketing plan. To create an authentic English single malt whisky that honours the maker traditions that put Derbyshire on the global map.  This legacy informs the Distillery’s decisions around whisky-making, its place in the community and establishing a destination to celebrate the craft of distilling.

The discovery of the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works site was a pivotal moment for the founders. The Victorian era industrial buildings, rich with character and history, were once at the heart of a community, employing over 500 people. The Wire Works is more than just a location; it is a symbol of the region’s heritage. The process of renovating and repurposing this building wasn’t just about creating a space for whisky production; it was about breathing new life into a building with character and extending the legacy of making. This spirit of innovation, respect for the past and sense of place has resulted in a whisky with a unique character.

White Peak was founded in 2016 by local couple Max & Claire Vaughan and, although a few years have passed, in whisky terms the business is still a start-up. Over the past eight years, the team has meticulously crafted its approach, and the launch of Wire Works Whisky in early 2022 has already led to several international awards.  The recognition is not only for its fruit-forward, lightly-peated single malt but also for the whisky packaging, which honours the back story of the Wire Works. A considered, makers mindset permeates throughout the business.

White Peak has developed a true connection with the region. One example is the use of fresh brewer’s yeast from a local Peak District brewery, contributing flavour that is unique to Wire Works Whisky.  The thoughtful design and construction of the distillery itself includes equipment and engineering sourced locally in county, with every element carefully unpacked to enhance the whisky’s character.  The entire process happens on site, from mashing and fermentation, through distillation, maturation and bottling – a full life-cycle of Derbyshire provenance.  Each stage of whisky-making is designed to develop layers of flavour, and creating a whisky that is a true reflection of Derbyshire’s rich heritage.

White Peak Distillery Awards:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

• Corrugated Pack of the Year
• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters 2022:

• Necessary Evil: Gold
• Small Batch: Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022:

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC):

• Caduro: Gold (2024)
• Caduro: Silver (2023)

People’s Choice Awards 2023:

• Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category

2023 World Whisky Masters: Wire Works Caduro Gold

2023 World Whisky Masters: Wire Works Alter Ego Masters 

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild, that was launched in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently 50+) on the world stage of whisky.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

The Grand Whisky Auction is now live for July 2024!

The auction closes on Tuesday the 9th of July 2024!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@TGWA.com

Laphroaig Elements 2.0

Presenting the second edition of Laphroaig Elements, a series exploring the ways the distillery can engineer different flavours prior to maturation. Distilled during a particularly frosty January, Elements 2.0 takes fermentation beyond Laphroaig’s standard of 55 hours by experimenting with of a range of longer fermentations, all the way up to 115 hours. The Islay dram is bottled at a cask strength of 59.6% abv.

The result is a particularly intense flavour profile, with a fruity nose of apple, vanilla, orange peel and subtle peat. On the palate, notes of green apple, runny honey, cream soda and smouldering bonfire and smoked seafood lead to a sweet finish of building warm smoke.

Distilled during a particularly frosty January, Elements 2.0 takes fermentation beyond Laphroaig’s standard of 55 hours by experimenting with of a range of longer fermentations, all the way up to 115 hours. The Islay dram is bottled at a cask strength of 59.6% abv.

With free signed tasting notes

£170.00

SHOP NOW ❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

Sweet Time is a 13-year-old single cask from Aultmore Distillery, meticulously curated by Isabella Wemyss, which celebrates the essence of time and sweetness in every drop. Delve into a palate rich with sweet pastry, custard, and a creamy vanilla nougat finish. Each sip of Sweet Time is a testament to the artistry of independent bottling and the distinct character of Aultmore.  Launching today, Friday 5th July, it is one is not to be missed!

SWEET TIME

Longrow 2003 14 Year Old Sherry Cask

A golden and elegant single malt from Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, this Longrow 14-year-old was distilled in 2003, and matured in a refill Oloroso sherry cask until 2018. The peated expression was then bottled at a cask strength of 57.8% abv. This bottle is from a private collection.

£420.00

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ralfy review 1034 – Glentauchers 14yo @50%vol: (Cadenhead)

Maker’s Mark Announces Its Next Wood Finishing Series Release

“The Heart Release” 2024 Expression is Inspired by the Maker’s Mark Distillery Team

LORETTO, KY (June 24, 2024) –  Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series with the 2024 expression, “The Heart Release.” Inspired by the team that distills its whisky at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, The Heart Release is fruit forward with caramel, maple, and chocolate notes, and will be available at U.S. retailers for $74.99 beginning in July 2024.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series is a collection of one-of-a-kind expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in the brand’s iconic bourbon. Whereas the first series emphasized the production process that impacts the flavor of Maker’s Mark, the second series will focus on the teams behind Maker’s Mark. The first release within this series will shine a light on the unique taste vision inspired by the distillery team – the makers of Maker’s Mark, who craft its handmade bourbon in Loretto, Kentucky.

“Always staying true to my grandparents, our founders’ vision to deliver a full-flavored, soft red winter wheat bourbon with a smooth finish, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and Managing Director for Maker’s Mark. “This Wood Finishing Series release celebrates the entire distillery team, who share our vision and who have contributed their perspective to craft the final expression.”

“It was a very unique, special experience to have the distillery team play a significant role in crafting the taste vision of The Heart Release,” said Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending, Maker’s Mark.  “Distillery team members all have different, yet very important jobs in creating our whisky; each person described aromas and flavors they experience throughout their day, which helped us shape the flavors of this release.”

Fruit forward, with caramel, maple, and chocolate notes, The Heart Release features a rich, creamy mouthfeel that is a pure delight.  For more information, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

About Maker’s Mark®

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.

In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, all Double Gold winners of the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program.  Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

United in Spirit: Jim Beam® And U.S. Soccer Federation Announce New, Multi-Year Partnership

Jim Beam is bringing people together over their love of bourbon and live sport as the Official Spirit Partner of U.S. Soccer

CLERMONT, K.Y., – Jim Beam, the world’s #1 bourbon and an enduring American icon, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation as the exclusive spirit sponsor. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both brands, uniting the rich heritage of Jim Beam with the rising popularity of soccer in the U.S. Together, they will create experiences that bring people together to celebrate.

As Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Jim Beam will have a year-round presence at select U.S. Women’s (USWNT), Men’s (USMNT), and Extended National Team matches across the country, including on-field activations and fan events. Embracing the rich traditions cherished by soccer enthusiasts nationwide, Jim Beam is diving headfirst into the vibrant and growing world of U.S. soccer., which will include our National Teams’ participation in some of the sport’s biggest global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States.

“Jim Beam is thrilled to join forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation ,” said Rashidi Hodari, Managing Director of James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Through this partnership we aim to unite those who love the game worldwide, empowering them to passionately express and exchange their adoration. At Jim Beam, we value new connections that are formed when people can experience moments together, that’s why we’re committed to enhancing and fostering a sense of community across the country. We look forward to raising a glass to the passionate fans of the U.S. Soccer Federation at matches across the country.”

To kick off the partnership, Jim Beam will host a celebratory block party in Orlando, FL, ahead of the U.S. Men’s National Team match against five-time world champion. Brazil on June 12, 2024. Throughout the year, Jim Beam and U.S. Soccer’s block parties will transform vibrant neighborhoods across the country into electrifying festivals celebrating Jim Beam and game days. Each event will be a pre-match celebration for both the Men’s and Women’s National Teams, pulsating with passion, live music, interactive games, delicious food, and the finest American Whiskey, Jim Beam.

“U.S. Soccer is thrilled to welcome Suntory Global Spirits as its Official Spirits Partner during this incredibly exciting runway for our sport,” said Dan Gaiman, Sr. Vice President of Partnership Development & Strategy at U.S. Soccer.  “Jim Beam is an iconic brand that brings people together and we’re looking forward to collaborating to further enhance the U.S. Soccer fan experience.”

Sign up for Team Beam to learn more about the U.S. Soccer partnership, exclusive events, and bourbon drops. Visit ussoccer.com or follow @jimbeamofficial and @ussoccer on Instagram.

About Jim Beam® Bourbon  

Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by seven generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, has stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

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.com

About the U.S. Soccer Federation  

Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has been the official governing body of the sport in the United States for more than 100 years. As U.S. Soccer looks toward the future amid an unprecedented moment of opportunity, it has aligned its efforts around five strategic pillars: Grow the game by increasing youth and adult participation and accessibility to the sport; Foster best playing environments through quality of referees and coaches, and commitment to participant safety; Develop winning teams through solidified pathways and success of professional leagues; Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment by increasing membership, fandom and commercial success; and Create a world-class organization through revitalized structure and culture, best-in-class talent, progress in DEIB, and more. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.

Heaven Hill Brands Announces New Leadership Appointments, Names Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Production Officer

Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits supplier, announced today the appointment of two world-class executives to the leadership team.

Veteran human resources executive Tony Georges joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all aspects of HR strategy and staffing, aligning them with the company’s overall business objectives. With over three decades of experience in HR leadership, as well as operations and IT roles, Georges brings a wealth of diverse experience, knowledge, and expertise to the Heaven Hill team.

Most recently, Georges served as Vice President, Human Resources for UPS Airlines based in Louisville, Ky. In this capacity, he was responsible for a broad range of areas, including talent management and acquisition, compensation and benefits, and employee engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to building high-performing teams and creating an environment where employees can thrive and succeed.

Proven operations leader Josh Anderson joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Production Officer, overseeing all aspects of operations and manufacturing, providing strategic direction and leadership to achieve the overall business strategy. Anderson is an inspirational leader with a remarkable 25 years of experience in operations, plant management, technical services, continuous improvement, and engineering within the consumer-packaged goods industry.

Anderson spent the last four years with Brown-Forman, where he was Vice President of Manufacturing overseeing 11 of the company’s manufacturing facilities. He also recently served as Global Vice President of Technical Services responsible for corporate engineering, packaging engineering, quality assurance, corporate safety, and environmental and sustainability compliance. Prior to Brown-Forman, Anderson spent over two decades at General Mills in a variety of leadership roles with increasing authority.

Importantly, both will serve as members of Heaven Hill’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for evolving and implementing the company’s strategic business plan, positioning them for future growth.

“Tony and Josh are experienced, people-driven leaders who know how to achieve results and build a best-in-class organization,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Their proven track record of driving organizational effectiveness and empowering high performance will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a company. “

Georges holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Workforce Development and Training from the University of Louisville. For the last eight years, Georges has been a Board Member for KentuckianaWorks where he recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Also, for the last four years Georges served as a Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board Member and on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Louisville Center.

Anderson holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also deeply committed to community service, having served on the boards of The United Way, Books from Birth, and the Newton County, GA Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fund for The Arts in Louisville.

We’re celebrating the 4th of July, with the early release of this American bourbon whiskey from July’s Outturn. Cask No. B7.14: Gelatissimo is available to buy NOW.  This bottle’s mash bill is 51% corn, 45% wheat and 4% malted barley – a real adventure!

GELATISSIMO

Cask No. B7.14

It’s deliciously creamy, floral and fruity, reminding our Tasting Panel of sweet cream chocolate chip ice cream or, as the Italians call it “gelato stracciatella” – bellissimo.

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