THE SWA ANNOUNCES A RECORD YEAR FOR SCOTCH WHISKY EXPORTS

Scotch whisky exports hit a record £4.70bn in 2018, according to analysis of official HMRC figures, published today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

In 2018, the export value of Scotch whisky grew by 7.8%, and the number of 70cl bottles exported also reached record levels growing to the equivalent of 1.28bn, up by 3.6%.

The Scotch Whisky Association announces a record year for Scotch whisky exports

The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch whisky, growing to £1.04bn last year. The EU remains the largest region for exports, accounting for 30% of global value and 36% of global volume.

Blended Scotch whisky underlined its position as the bedrock of the industry with global exports of £3.04bn. There was further growth in exports of single malt Scotch whisky, growing by 11.3% in 2018 to £1.30bn.

Commenting on the news, Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "2018 was another year of strong export growth for Scotch whisky, attesting to its enduring popularity in different countries and among cultures right across the world. Quite simply, Scotch whisky remains the whisky everyone wants to drink."

She went onto say: "These figures underscore strength of the Scotch whisky category, which has continued to grow despite the challenges posed by Brexit and by tensions in the global trading system. A key driver for global growth is the growing market for premium spirits. Scotch Whisky is in a great position to take advantage of this given its unrivalled reputation for quality, authenticity and provenance.”

She concluded by saying: "However, the industry does not take continued growth for granted. We operate in a competitive global marketplace and so a competitive business environment in Scotland and across the UK is vital to Scotch Whisky's success."

The Scotch Whisky Association, has also made it clear that it wants to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure trading relationships with key markets around the world.

Posted by Steve Rush

FOUR ROSES LAUNCHES ITS FIRST PERMANENT CORE RANGE BOTTLING IN OVER 12 YEARS

The Four Roses Distillery, has announced the launch of its first new permanent core range bottling in over 12 years.

Four Roses Small Batch Select (52% ABV) is comprised of a blend of a number of different bourbon recipes, all of which have been aged for at least 6 or 7 years.

Four Roses Small Batch Select

This latest release, will be the fourth permanent expression in the Kentucky based distillery’s core range, alongside its Four Roses Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon bottlings.

Four Roses is the only bourbon distillery that combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to distil and age ten distinct bourbon recipes.

Four Roses Small Batch Select, is said to deliver notes of raspberries, clove and nutmeg on the nose, followed by notes of apricot, ripe berries, vanilla, light oak, cinnamon and spearmint on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Brent Elliott, Master Distiller at Four Roses, said: “We wanted to add something to our line-up that brings that pure experience you get with a non-chill filtered bourbon, while also showcasing some of our recipes and flavours that aren’t as forward facing in our other existing bottles. I am particularly proud of this bourbon, as it is the biggest addition to the storied history of Four Roses since I became Master Distiller.”

Four Roses Small Batch Select, will initially be available in the US states of Kentucky, New York, California, Texas and Georgia from the Spring, before rolling out further later in the year. RRP (tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush

DOUGLAS LAING & CO LAUNCHES NEW ELEMENTS THEMED OLD PARTICULAR BOTTLINGS

Scotch whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co, has announced the launch of the first expression from a new series of bottlings as part of its Old Particular range, which have been inspired by the four elements of fire, air, earth and water.

Old Particular Elements Single Cask – Fire (54.3% ABV) is a 12 Year Old Craigellachie single malt, which has been matured in a Sherry butt.

Old Particular Elements Single Cask - Fire

All four expressions in the series, which are bottled at natural cask strength, without colouring or chill-filtration, come with packaging that depicts an intricate illustration of each of the four Elements.

Commenting on the launch, Cara Laing, Douglas Laing’s Director of Whisky, said: “Our cask selection and packaging design pays tribute to the natural elements that contribute so significantly to the production of Scotch Whisky. From oak trees to charred casks, peat and of course water, this specialist Single Cask Collection celebrates the role of the Elements in the Whisky-making cycle.”

Old Particular Elements Single Cask – Fire, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £95.00.

Posted by Steve Rush