THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY INTRODUCES

HIBIKI^® BLOSSOM HARMONY™, A LIMITED-EDITION BLENDED WHISKY

AND HIBIKI® 30 YEAR OLD IN THE U.S.

 The U.S. welcomes Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™, a blended whisky finished in Sakura (cherry blossom) casks for a limited time this fall, and Hibiki® 30 Year Old, a rare annual release. 

CHICAGO, IL (October 4, 2022) – The House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese Whisky, announces the release of Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™, a limited-edition blend featuring whiskies finished in Sakura casks and for the first time Hibiki 30 Year Old will be available in the U.S. 

Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™

Sakura Blossom season in early spring has always been an occasion for celebration in Japan, with many gathering around the beautiful flowering Sakura trees that inspire the Japanese to appreciate life as it blooms. Hibiki Blossom Harmony captures this joyful spirit by blending a rare selection of whiskies finished in Sakura wood casks with diverse matured malt and grain whiskies to create this particular Hibiki.

This limited-edition bottle will be available beginning in October in select global markets including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The expression is bottled at 43 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of $160 USD.

Inspired by Sakura

Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what Japanese Whisky can be, the House of Suntory continues to explore and experiment with various wood types. The Sakura cask was one that intrigued Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

“I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” says Fukuyo. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” 

Achieving the right balance and orchestration proved to be a great challenge from the start since the Sakura cask is one with strong character that can easily become overbearing. After a period of trial and error, Fukuyo found that the grain whiskies finished in the Sakura cask best elevated the overall balance.

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI BLOSSOM HARMONY – 43% ABV

Color: Amber

Nose: Wafting floral scents, sakura, fragrant olive

Palate: Smooth mouthfeel, expanding fragrance, acacia honey, French pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of sakura mochi

Finish: Long-lasting rich and brilliant aftertaste 

Meaning “Resonance” in Japanese, Hibiki embodies the Suntory philosophy To Create Harmony with People and Nature. As a House of Master Blenders, the House of Suntory has gone to great lengths to explore the breadth and depth of what Harmony can mean for a blend. Hibiki 30 Year Old and Hibiki Blossom Harmony celebrate this particular kind of Harmony.

Hibiki® 30 Year Old in the U.S.

Released in 1997 as a rare, limited edition, Hibiki 30 Year Old represents the paragon of the Hibiki brand and the art of Japanese craftsmanship. For the first time, this exquisite bottle will be available in the U.S. as of October for a suggested retail price of $5,000.

Hibiki 30 features a select blend of Yamazaki® malt whiskies that are 30 years and older from Suntory’s treasured historic collection, with mild grain whiskies that have also matured at least 30 years. With a mere few thousand bottles produced each year, each is bottled by hand. This luxurious liquor has received accolades and awards from whisky connoisseurs around the world and it represents the pinnacle of whisky making at Suntory. 

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI 30 YEAR OLD – 43% ABV

Color: Deep amber.

Nose: Leather, raisin, prune, sweet chestnut.

Palate: Brown sugar, dried fig, apricot jam, cedar and pain d’epices (gingerbread).

Finish: Extremely rich, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese Oak) 

ABOUT HIBIKI

The Hibiki brand was introduced to the world in 1989 and since then has been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and people. It is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but also among the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. Today Hibiki is one of the most awarded blends in the world. For more information on Hibiki brand, visit https://whisky.suntory.com/en/na/products/hibiki.

ABOUT HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s number one single malt, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan.

whisky.suntory.com                #SuntoryWhisky                     @SuntoryWhisky

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

A Benromach Tasting Experience with Alastair Milligan Saturday 29th October 2022 7pm

£30.00

Join us for an exceptional tasting event with Alastair Milligan from Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the classic Speyside Distillery of Benromach.  Having undergone a brand change recently, Benromach is in high demand at the moment and features proudly as our Malt of the Month for October.

Your line up will include 6 wonderful and unique expressions, including a special secret dram. (These may be different from the pictured whiskies) Explore the traditional ways of the age old techniques still used at Benromach, providing a unique, mulit-award winning whisky in the Heart of Speyside.

Our unique hybrid style event combines the best of our virtual experiences with our in house event located above the Inverurie Whisky Shop in our beautiful Whisky Bar.

Select from the drop down menu whether you would like a tasting pack sent out to you, or you would like to join us in house.

Limited tickets available

Over 18’s Only

7pm for 7.15pm Start

Shop now

The Loch Fyne
Living Cask Batch 13

We’re now at Batch 13 and The Living Cask® process will never die; always an evolution of its Islay origins. Every batch we craft is different, blended with some of the previous batch, meaning each intriguing expression is a limited edition release, and part of an ongoing series which is as collectable as it is delicious.

Why have one Living Cask, when you can have two? Inspired by our award-winning The Living Cask 1745, we created a second cask of equal quality. To begin, we part filled it with our 1745, which we then topped up with a selection of carefully chosen Highland malts. We christened this The Living Cask ‘Batch 1’. Because of how it was made, stocks were limited, and it soon sold out.

We then set about creating Batch 2. Taking the depleted stocks of Batch 1, we poured in a selection of delicious Speyside single malts. Once again, stock was limited and The Living Cask Batch 2 sold out as well. Next came Batch 3 – we took what remained of Batch 2 and added some amazing sherry cask single malts. Batch 4 followed, taking the depleted stocks of Batch 3 and adding some of the best bourbon cask single malts we could find.

We’re now at Batch 13 and so the process will go on. The Living Cask® will never die and will always be an evolution of its Islay origins. Every batch we craft is different, meaning each intriguing expression is a limited edition release, and part of an ongoing series which is as collectable as it is delicious.

Start your remarkable collection now, and remember, no two batches are ever the same. (Nor are three, four or… you get the picture…!)

£48.00
BUY NOW

Knob Creek 9 Year Old Single Barrel Reserve Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $49.99 View

 This new single barrel expression of Knob Creek tastes very similar to the original “small batch” Knob Creek (when brought down to the same alcohol level). If anything, it’s slightly drier, more elegant, not as heavy on the palate, and more sophisticated — but I am reaching here. The similarity is a good thing, because I really enjoy the original expression. Keeping in mind that no two barrels are exactly alike, your decision to purchase the single barrel might just come down to whether you want to pay a little more for a higher strength version, and whether knowing that it might taste a little different than the standard small batch bottling excites you. This is a stylish, big, broad-shouldered bourbon with a thick, sweet foundation (nutty toffee, pot still rum, maple syrup) peppered with spice (cinnamon, but also vanilla and evergreen) and dried fruit. Dry, warming, resinous finish. (JH, Winter 2010) 

Rebel “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #7903533 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

High proof wheated Bourbon is back on the menu. Rebel barrels offer one of the rare opportunities to get your hands on that sweet sweet KY wheated Bourbon without paying through the nose for the unicorns that drive the category. It’s unfortunate that Rebel has made the choice to bottle these with a giant “cask strength” on the front when all of the barrels are proofed to 60% ABV, but no matter, it’s still plenty high and those that prize those sweet creamy flavors but want a good kick will find it here a at reasonable price. Barrel #7903533 was filled 1/16/18 and dumped in Q3 of 2022.

ralfy review 948 Extras – My history with Springbank

ralfy review 948 – Springbank 10yo @46%vol: (2019/2022)

Jack Daniel’s and Uncle Nearest Celebrate Byron Copeland’s Graduation from Leadership Acceleration Program

Copeland appointed to management position at the Jack Daniel Distillery following two-year apprenticeship as part of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative 

Lynchburg, Tennessee (September 21, 2022) – The Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery celebrate Byron Copeland’s graduation from the Leadership Acceleration Program, a comprehensive whiskey industry apprenticeship program that’s part of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. Copeland has been named Manager of Leadership Acceleration and Maturation Innovation at the Jack Daniel Distillery.

Launched by the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery in 2020, The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative aims to advance diversity within the American whiskey industry with the Leadership Acceleration Program, Business Incubation Program, and partnership with Motlow State College. The Leadership Acceleration Program is designed to fast-track the development of candidates from under-represented communities for future master distillers, distillery managers, and other senior management positions within the American whiskey industry. Byron Copeland and Tracie Franklin are the first two participants completing the program.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than being part of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. Learning so many aspects of the industry and working hands-on with the Jack Daniel’s and Brown-Forman teams was invaluable,” said Copeland. “It’s been a dream to work side-by-side with some of the best whiskey makers in the industry at the Jack Daniel Distillery over the last two years. Having the opportunity to help others just like me is something that I cherish, and I can’t wait to help others establish their careers in this industry.”

In his new management role, Copeland will oversee operations with a focus on ongoing improvements to the whiskey making process and site management, lead and mentor others in the Leadership Acceleration Program for Jack Daniel’s, and work closely with Master Distiller Chris Fletcher and Assistant Distiller Lexie Phillips to lead whiskey maturation innovation and development.

Prior to being selected to the Leadership Acceleration Program, Copeland served as Operations Team Leader at the Jack Daniel Cooperage. Byron joined Brown-Forman in 2015 after previous operations roles for Sabra Dipping Company, Target, and Atlanta Gas Light. He earned a BA from Morehouse College and an MBA from Columbia Southern University.

For more information on the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, visit NearestandJack.com.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 380 awards and accolades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 46 Best in Class honors. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Welcome to this week’s American episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at two new releases from Jack Daniels and some other assorted Bourbon’s.

https://youtu.be/eCAfgudA9YA

Titanic Distillers invests £7.6m in historic Pump-house conversion

Belfast drinks company to create 41 jobs at city’s first working distillery in almost 90 years

NORTHERN Ireland’s Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that a £7.6million investment to develop a new whiskey distillery and visitor centre in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will create more than 40 new jobs in the city.

The investment by Belfast drinks company Titanic Distillers includes the conversion of the historic Titanic Pump-House into a working distillery and world class tourist attraction, both of which are due to open later this year.

Visiting the site, where work is nearing completion, the Minister said: “I’m pleased to see Titanic Distillers’ investment coming to life at this historic Pump-House today. Once the redevelopment is complete, the distillery will produce quality single malt Irish whiskey, contributing to the growth of Northern Ireland’s whiskey cluster.

“By making such a significant investment, this local start-up has already been able to increase its global sales and is now set to provide an exciting new tourism offering for Belfast and Northern Ireland.  This significant investment by Titanic Distillers will create 41 jobs by the end of 2024, with over £1million of additional annual salaries contributing to the local economy once in place,” added the Minister.

A listed building in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, the Pump-House, and neighbouring Thompson Dry Dock, first opened in 1911 to service and accommodate the massive White Star transatlantic liners Olympic and Titanic.

The redevelopment of the Pump-House by Titanic Distillers will include the installation of three large stills on a mezzanine floor overlooking the original pumping engines which are situated deep in the pump-well.

All of the original pump equipment and associated internal historic features of the building will be retained and available to view as part of the associated visitor tour. Aside from restoration requirements, the exterior of the pump house will also remain largely untouched.

Richard Irwin, Director of Titanic Distillers, said: “There is a significant global market opportunity for Irish Whiskey and we’re already seeing great success for our Titanic Distillers Premium Irish Whiskey in retailers throughout Great Britain. With significant investment in a dedicated distillery, we’ll soon be able to produce and bottle our own products on this historic site and build on our success to date to grow in global markets, with an initial focus on the US.

“We’re very excited to embrace the history of our distillery’s location to create a unique product and visitor experience in a World Heritage Site, immersed in the spirit of Belfast’s industrial and maritime past and inspired by the people who worked in Belfast’s shipyard more than a century ago.”

Once completed, visitors to the Pump-House will ‘clock in’, as workers did a century ago, to view the workings of the distillery and hear the story of Belfast’s whiskey tradition, why it disappeared and how it has returned with the city’s first working whiskey distillery since the 1930s.  

“In the days before Prohibition, Belfast was once the largest producer of Irish Whiskey on the island of Ireland,” said Titanic Distillers Director Peter Lavery.  “Whiskey has played an important part in the history of our city but there hasn’t been a working distillery here for almost 90 years so we want to revive this great distilling tradition and bring Belfast back to the forefront of Irish Whiskey production, while at the same time telling the story of a glorious past when we led the way globally – not just in shipbuilding but across many areas of industry, manufacturing and innovation.”

Invest Northern Ireland has provided support towards the creation of the 41 jobs and property assistance towards the redevelopment of the Pump-House.

Mel Chittock, Invest NI interim CEO, also welcomed the company’s investment: “It’s great to see the ongoing growth of the Irish Whiskey sector in Northern Ireland, and for us to be able to support this.

“We’ve worked with Titanic Distillers since 2020, offering business advice, and our property team has offered support to help create this state-of-the-art distillery and visitor centre. We’re also helping it to create a strong local team to drive business development and exporting, helping it to find its place on the world whiskey map.”

Ten jobs are already in place and recruitment is underway with operations, distilling, hospitality and sales opportunities available.

Titanic Distillers has also availed of £2million of funding from Whiterock Finance through the Growth Finance Fund, part of Invest NI’s Access to Finance suite of funds, with finance provided by the British Business Bank, Invest NI and private investors, Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC).

The Titanic Pump-House is within walking distance of Titanic Belfast, the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition centre and Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, clocking up more than 800,000 visitors per annum in the days before Covid-19.

Also resident in the Titanic Quarter is the SS Nomadic tender ship which ferried passengers to the ill-fated liner, and HMS Caroline, a decommissioned C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy that saw combat service in the First World War and served as an administrative centre in the Second World War.