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Scotch Malt Whisky Society SPEAKEASY SPECIALS – Scotch Whisky News

November 15th, 2021

SPEAKEASY SPECIALS

Password please? Enter the Society speakeasy and let us delight you with our latest selection of 14 spectacular bottlings. Revel in seasonal favours with a Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits, satisfy your sweet tooth with something Sweet, Fruity & Mellow, or truly indulge yourself with an Old & Dignified bottling from our Vaults Collection, featuring a distillery very rarely seen at the Society. Whatever you choose, be sure to grab it soon before the secret gets out!

VIEW NEW BOTTLINGS

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

Posted in New Products @ 12:00 am by admin

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Diageo distilleries first to achieve water stewardship certification globally

November 14th, 2021

Diageo distilleries first to achieve water stewardship certification globally

A new world-first for Scotch whisky has been achieved by a group of eleven distilleries on the River Spey – the most famous whisky waterway in the world.

Today we’re proud to announce that Scotland-based Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), which sets a global benchmark for water sustainability, has awarded 11 of our distilleries the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) certification, a prestigious certification for how they manage precious water resources, ahead of the COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow.

The new Dufftown Weir will boost sustainability of salmon and trout stocks in the River Dullen.

The River Spey is one of Scotland’s longest rivers and is famous for its fishing and whisky, with 50 per cent of all Scotch whisky distilled on the Spey. The entire river is protected under European legislation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of its importance for the protection of biodiversity such as wildlife species, including the Atlantic salmon.

The pioneering water stewardship work of the Diageo Spey Catchment Group*, which includes such world-famous distilleries as Cardhu, Mortlach and Cragganmore, has seen it awarded the certification.

The iconic River Spey in Speyside.

The AWS Standard is the international standard for responsible water use and encompasses social, cultural and environmental criteria, including engagement with local communities. The Standard recognises continual improvement and commitment to ongoing action in response to the ever-changing nature of water and climate-related threats.

To gain the certification, a team from across our business engaged with local communities and stakeholders to initiate projects across the River Spey, designed to care for water use and improve water efficiency, as well protect against climate-related impacts by improving water balance sustainability. This included engagement with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Spey Catchment Initiative, Spey Fishery Board, Scottish Canoe Association, Spirit of the Spey, and others during the certification process.

Work with RSPB to restore peatland at Abernethy Nature Reserve, in the Cairngorm National Park, is just one recent example of our efforts, where water retention within the catchment was identified as a key issue for improvement for both biodiversity and business continuity. In Summer 2018, some Speyside distilleries were forced to halt whisky production, after a heatwave caused them to run out of water.

“Water is an absolutely crucial ingredient of our whisky, but it is also a precious shared resource that is coming under increasing pressure in many parts of the world, including Scotland. We know how important it is that we protect the iconic River Spey that makes our whisky special. The certification of our Speyside distilleries recognises the efforts we have led in the catchment, to ensure high quality and sustainable water stewardship, so that our natural landscape is preserved for everyone.”

Ewan Andrew

Chief Sustainability Officer, Diageo

“The Diageo Spey Catchment Group is the first group of distilleries globally to be certified to the AWS Standard, meaning they have shown a high level of water stewardship performance. Water is the primary medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change. Diageo’s leadership will not only help safeguard one of Scotland’s most important exports, but it also serves as a model to other companies on the power of collective action as water availability becomes less predictable in many places.”

Adrian Sym

Chief Executive Officer of Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)

“Collective action, such as that we have seen from Diageo working with its partners in the Spey Catchment Initiative, is going to become even more vital in the years ahead. Only by working together do we stand a chance of making the River Spey more resilient to the ravages of climate change and averting the climate emergency which confronts us all.”

Roger Knight

Spey Fishery Board Director

*The Diageo Spey Catchment Group includes the following sites: Auchroisk Distillery, Benrinnes Distillery, Cardhu Distillery, Cragganmore Distillery, Dailuaine Distillery, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Dufftown Distillery, Glendullan Distillery, Glen Spey Distillery, Knockando Distillery, and Mortlach Distillery. The Speyside sites have achieved ‘Core Level’ certification.

With water stress being one of the world’s biggest challenges, The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 focuses on better water management as key to climate change and all businesses have a role to play in this. We have set ambitious targets for 2030 to address water sustainability across our business:

30% improvement in water use efficiency globally and 40% in water stressed areas
Replenish all direct consumptive water used in water stressed areas
Complete 150 community water projects, including providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene
All of sites in priority water basins engaged in collective action to improve water security and certified to the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard.

About the Alliance for Water Stewardship

Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) is a global membership collaboration including businesses, NGOs and the public sector. Our members contribute to the sustainability of local water-resources through their adoption and promotion of a universal framework for the sustainable use of water – the International Water Stewardship Standard, or AWS Standard – that drives, recognises and rewards good water stewardship performance.

AWS is registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) (SCO45894).

Posted in Press Releases @ 12:03 am by admin

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Diageo opens its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in North America – American Whiskey News

November 14th, 2021

Diageo opens its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in North America

Our new Kentucky whiskey distillery producing Bulleit is one of the largest of its kind in North America, and will operate using 100% renewable electricity, zero fossil fuels for production and virtual metering technology, reflecting our ongoing commitment to become net-zero carbon across direct operations by 2030.

We’re proud to announce we’ve opened our first carbon neutral distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. The site will support the local community with 30 full-time jobs while also sourcing 100% non-GMO corn locally. The 72,000 square-foot facility has the capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year and has begun distilling Bulleit Bourbon using electrode boilers that are powered by 100% renewable electricity throughout the cooking, distillation, and dry house processes. Bulleit is the first and lead brand being produced at the Lebanon Distillery –and supplements existing production at the nearby Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the distillery is built to ensure that fossil fuels are not used during production. By partnering with Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), we are sourcing a mix of wind and solar energy to power the electrode boilers, onsite electric vehicles, internal and external lighting and equipment making the facility one of the largest of its kind in North America. The site has implemented virtual metering technology to advance visibility of water, electricity, and steam usage, collecting key data that is used to drive the company’s resource efficiency and sustainability. These technologies will allow the distillery to avoid approximately more than 117,000 metric tons¹ of carbon emissions annually, the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for a year².

“Two years ago, we set a vision and commitment to build our first carbon neutral distillery in North America. Now that the Diageo Lebanon Distillery is operational, I’m incredibly proud of the innovative actions from our teams and partners to fully electrify the facilities and power them with renewable electricity. This is a significant step in our journey to create a low carbon future and be part of the solution to tackle the ongoing climate crisis.”

Perry JonesPresident, North America Supply for Diageo

In addition to the sustainability features of the new facility, we implemented an optimized staffing model consisting of Bourbon Production Experts (BPE’s) responsible for all aspects of distillery, dry house, and operations. By rotating the BPE’s through each operational area to ensure depth of knowledge and flexibility, we aim to accelerate the development of future leaders, ensuring a focus on gender equity and diversity to help shape the industry.

“At Bulleit, we believe we have a responsibility to our environment, our communities, and our planet. We are proud to initiate the production of Bulleit Bourbon at the carbon neutral Lebanon Distillery, as we take a significant step forward in the brand’s long-lasting commitment to sustainability.”

Sophie KellySVP Whiskies, Diageo NA

Bulleit brand’s continued commitment to sustainability

Bulleit has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint at the existing distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, which was honored with the award of Highly Commended for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Icons of Whisky American Awards.

In 2021, the brand committed an annual $25,000 grant to support Kentucky State University students in the Master of Agriculture Sciences in Environmental Studies program for the next five years, helping build a pipeline of diverse talent into the spirits industry by supporting the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.
Bulleit recently partnered with American Forests to plant one million trees by 2025, providing a variety of environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, air purification, water conservation, and providing vital wildlife habitat.
The Bulleit Distilling Co. production is a zero waste to landfill site.
The Bulleit Visitor Experience includes a partnership with the non-profit Oceanic Global to ensure its tasting experience and cocktail bar aligns with The Oceanic Standard (TOS) a certification for venues that have adopted sustainable operating practices and are committed to eliminating single-use plastics.

Our plan to building a low carbon future

Combatting climate change and its associated impacts is at the heart of our ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ action plan. We’ve already halved the carbon emissions associated with our operations since 2008 and we are now working to reach net-zero carbon across our direct operations by 2030, harnessing 100% renewable energy. As part of our action plan, we are developing site-by-site roadmaps and working to achieve net-zero carbon across the entire supply chain by 2050 or sooner, with an interim milestone to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030.

Building on a long track-record of environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress globally, we are now in the top 1000 companies in the world taking action to address climate change in a science-led and systemic way. Our goals in this space have been calculated in accordance with the principles of Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and recently validated as meeting the criteria for the 1.5oC pathway.

We are part of a pioneering group of organizations that are championing a green recovery and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, through membership of the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition and other key global advocacy organizations. As a signatory to RE100, we aim to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In addition, we have signed onto the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier. In North America, we have joined the Renewable Thermal Collaborative to share best practices and work together to scale up renewable thermal energy.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SOCIETY 2030 CARBON TARGETS

Carbon neutrality of our new Lebanon, Kentucky distillery for all Scope 1 and 2 emissions from site operations will be achieved by Diageo in accordance with PAS 2060 for the period commencing with the first grain delivery to completion of distilling operations, certified by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. View the PAS 2060 Qualifying Explanatory Statement. Through sourcing for renewable electricity and the electrification of operations, the site will only require residual amounts of carbon offsets to be purchased, associated with operational elements such as emergency back-up power.

^{1 Both direct and indirect carbon emissions – comprising over 35,000 metric tons direct emissions, and over 82,000 metric tons of indirect emissions of CO2-eq

2 According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator): https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator}

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Kensington Wine Market’s Pre-Christmas Sale Ends Tonight! – Whisky News

November 14th, 2021

OUR PRE-CHRISTMAS

FALL SUPERSALE ENDS TONIGHT!!!!

Our Fall Super Sale is on now… This is our final sale before Christmas, and there are huge savings throughout the store on thousands of products. Almost in-stock Whisky, with the exception of some recent arrivals and most but not all SMWS bottlings, is 10-40% off.

The sale ends in-store at 6 PM Today (Sunday, November 14th, 2021) and at ends online at 11:59 PM this evening as well.

I have attached a PDF highlighting Whiskies and other spirits discounted 15% or more,

The sale is in-store and online-only. No phone orders, please.

For in-town customers, please give us at least 4 hours to confirm, process, and pull your order before coming in to pick it up. We will send you a confirmation email receipt when your order is ready.

You may also want to note that there may be some obstructions to roads in the Kensington area on the weekend. One further reason to consider ordering online.

If you want your order packed for pick-up, please be patient, we are expecting there to be a considerable backlog. While we always hope to do better, please be prepared to wait up to a week. All orders will be packed in the order the requests are received.

There are lots of great deals, and we know you’ll have fun browsing them all. Happy Hunting!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market

Most In-Stock Whiskys are 10-45% off, excluding most SMWS Whiskies and other recently arrived items.

Browse Whiskies discounted 15% or More

by Downloading the PDF Linked Here!

Sale Rules

There are always conditions, but we believe ours are fair!

In the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

The prices quoted do not include GST.

Sale pricing will not be applied retroactively or extended beyond the end of the sale Sunday, November 14th, 2021 at 11:59 PM.

The sale pricing applies only to in-stock inventory.

Sale pricing cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Payment info is required at the time of purchase or order.

The Sale is in-store and online through our website only.

Please do not attempt to place orders by phone.

Posted in Events @ 12:01 am by admin

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The Grand Whisky Auction Ends Soon! – Auction Whisky News

November 14th, 2021

The Grand Whisky Auction Ends Soon!

Auction Ends 9PM BST Monday 15th, November 2021

^{www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction}

Almost 3000 lots to browse and bid on!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T. +44 (0)1463 210 427

E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Posted in Auctions @ 12:00 am by admin

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KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES KENTUCKY MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY AS CRAFT MEMBER – American Whiskey News

November 13th, 2021

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES KENTUCKY MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY AS CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Kentucky Mountain Moonshine Distillery in Estill County is the newest and 51st member of the nonprofit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded in 2016, Distiller Howard Arvin launched the brand as a way to distill and bottle his own brand of moonshine. A dentist of 30 years, Arvin decided to take his interest in chemistry to craft his sweet but complex beverages.

Located at 465 Cow Creek Road in Ravenna, the distillery is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near the Red River Gorge region. With its proximity to the Gorge, the facility hosts many visitors from the state’s famed attraction.

The facility features two distilling systems and a tasting room complete with signature cocktails for guests. Kentucky Mountain Moonshine is made with 100 percent locally grown corn and ingredients from the surrounding community.

“We are so glad to join the KDA, which, along with the members, have been so supportive over the years,” Arvin said. “We appreciate the camaraderie and look forward to growing our business alongside these distinguished Kentucky distillers.”

Current products include 80 proof Kentucky Mountain Clear Moonshine, Kentucky Mountain Smokey Apple Pie Moonshine and Kentucky Mountain Smokey Cranberry Moonshine.

“Kentucky Mountain Moonshine embodies the entrepreneurial spirit we see so often in craft distilleries,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “We appreciate the hard work Howard and his team have invested in our iconic industry and proudly welcome them to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Learn more at www.kentuckymountainmoonshine.com.

Kentucky Mountain Moonshine is the KDA’s 31st Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year.

The distillery also is now eligible to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

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

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

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

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.

Posted in Press Releases @ 12:04 am by admin

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Introducing Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky – English Whisky News

November 13th, 2021

We’re very excited to introduce you to Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky, our latest whisky to join our growing collection, which is now available on our website and in-store. Smooth and elegant, our Cotswolds Reserve showcases the influence of our first-fill ex-Bourbon casks which provide classic notes of vanilla, honey, butterscotch and a hint of coconut, resulting in a truly smooth and well-balanced dram. A touch of whisky from our wonderful STR ex-red wine casks has been blended in to enhance the richness, fruitiness and sweetness of this remarkable whisky.

Carefully sourced ingredients

Malt: 100% locally grown, traditionally floor malted barley from the Cotswolds.

Yeast: Two complementary varieties – Anchor and Fermentis – to ensure good yields and excellent fruity flavours.

Water: Village water supply – filtered, softened and demineralised before use.

Wood: Premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred) American oak ex-red wine casks.

Tasting notes

Nose: Light caramel, apple and vanilla with a touch of chocolate.

Palate: Toasted cereal with a sweet malt character.

Finish: A lingering finish with warm notes of wood tannin.

Lovingly crafted

We make our Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky in small batches, starting with 100% locally grown barley which is traditionally floor-malted by hand for several days at Warminster. The malt is brought to the distillery where it is milled on-site and mixed with hot water in our mash tun. We then add two yeast varieties to the sugary liquid and run the fermentation for over 90 hours in order to generate plenty of fruity flavour compounds alongside the alcohol produced. During distillation, we only select a small section of the spirit run which is taken unusually early to capture the fruity notes and avoid the heavier, rougher elements that appear at the end of the run. Our slow distillation and high cut point results in our signature rich and fruity new make spirit, which is already smooth enough to drink.

After being diluted to 63.5% ABV, our spirit is put into a combination of premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and STR ex-red wine casks for full term maturation. Once fully matured, we disgorge the casks before blending and bottling the whisky by hand here at the distillery at a ratio of 80:20 – 80% Bourbon and 20% STR. Our Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky is bottled at 50% ABV at its natural colour and is non-chill filtered for maximum flavour.

LEARN MORE

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The Grand Whisky Auction is live! – Auction Whisky News

November 13th, 2021

The Grand Whisky Auction is live!

^{www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction}

Almost 3000 lots to browse and bid on!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T. +44 (0)1463 210 427

E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Posted in Auctions @ 12:02 am by admin

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The Whisky Shop W Club – Scotch Whisky News

November 13th, 2021

UNLOCK THE MYSTERY…

Whisky Club

Discover whisky with The W Club and start enjoying a host of fantastic benefits straight away from just £30 per year!

JOIN OUR WHISKY CLUB

About the Club

Find out all about the W Club and our team of intrepid whisky lovers.

Explore

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New Release – Laphroaig Cask Strength Batch 014 Limited Edition at Hard To Find Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

November 13th, 2021

Laphroaig Cask Strength

Limited Edition | 10 Year Old | Batch 014

70cl | 58.6% ABV

Emphatic, full bodied and utterly unforgettable, the Ten Year Old Original Cask Strength Laphroaig is the authentic way to experience the rugged character of an uncompromising Scotch Whisky. An Islay Single Malt that is matured in ex-bourbon barrels, barrier filtered and bottled at natural distillery strength. This gives a depth of genuine taste and texture normally associated with sampling a Whisky at its source.

£74.95

Shipping Week Commencing 22/11/21

Pre-Order Now