SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERY VISITOR NUMBERS HIT 2M FOR THE FIRST TIME

Scotch whisky tourism destinations saw record numbers of visitors in 2018, according to the results of a new survey compiled by the Scotch Whisky Association.

Visits to Scotch whisky distilleries hit the 2 million mark for the first time, with visits up 6.1% year on year and 56% more than in 2010.


Scotch whisky distillery visitor numbers hit 2m for the first time


The survey showed spending at visitor centres was up by 12.2% to £68.3m - additional £7.4m compared with 2017 and 154% more than in 2010.

Over 20 different nationalities visited distilleries last year, with Germany and the USA providing the largest number of Scotch whisky tourists. Increased visits from France, Spain, and the Netherlands were also reported, as well as India and China.

Commenting on the news, Karen Betts, Scotch Whisky Association, Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that Scotch whisky distilleries have become such popular places to visit. The growing number of visitors to distilleries reflects in part the growth in tourism in Scotland in general, and people coming to Scotland want to see our local crafts and sample our local food and drink. But it also reflects a growing curiosity about Scotch Whisky. Today’s consumers want to understand and experience how their favourite blends and malts are made, to meet the people who make them, and to see which part of Scotland’s beautiful landscape they call home.”

Karen continued by saying: “Distilleries offer something of an antidote to today’s fast-paced world, where visitors can see the slow, careful craft, rooted in a distinct sense of place, that creates Scotch Whisky. The growth in whisky tourism is also playing a crucial role in Scotland’s rural economy, with more stays at hotels, more bookings at restaurants, and more customers for local businesses, helping communities to grow and prosper.”

Collectively, Scotch whisky distilleries remain the third most visited attraction in Scotland.

Posted by Steve Rush

BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION DISCOVERY BOTTLING

The Bardstown Bourbon Company, has announced the launch of a new limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon, which is said to showcase the brands blending expertise.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #1 (60.6% ABV) is a blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons, aged from between 5 and 13 Years Old.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #1

Led by Master Distiller Steve Nally, the team at Bardstown Bourbon Company, blind tasted more than 30 blends to arrive at a final expression, which is said to have with a complex nose, rich palate and a balanced, lasting finish.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company, currently produces nearly 40 different mash bills for a number of different whiskey and bourbon brands, in one of the most technically sophisticated distilleries in the US.

Commenting on the launch, distiller Steve Nally, said: “With Discovery Series #1, we’ve produced a blend that can rival any product on the market. The final result is truly greater than the sum of its parts. We’ve taken four great Kentucky bourbons and crafted them into one spectacular bottle.”

The Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #1, will be available in limited quantities, from specialist retailers in the US states of Kentucky, Indiana, California, Florida, Nashville and Tennessee, for a RRP of $129.99 - 750ml.

Posted by Steve Rush

ROYAL MILE WHISKIES LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE DAFTMILL BOTTLING

Royal Mile Whiskies, has announced the launch of an exclusive single cask bottling from the Daftmill Distillery.

Daftmill 2006 Single Cask Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive (56% ABV) was matured in a single American Oak bourbon hogshead (cask #44) from the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky.

Daftmill 2006 Single Cask Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive

Daftmill 2006 Single Cask Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive, is one of the very first exclusive bottlings from the Lowland farm-based distillery, where distillery founder and owner, Francis Cuthbert, has always maintained that the whisky he makes is for drinking and sharing.

Royal Mile Whiskies, is also encouraging those who buy a bottle to drink and share it, with the launch of a social media competition, where customers are asked to share an image of themselves enjoying a dram of the Daftmill with their open bottle, including the hashtag #CheersFrancis

One selected winner will receive a bottle of the Daftmill 2006 Single Cask Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive, along with a bottle of Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Mystery Cask bottling, a single cask whisky from an undisclosed distillery, which customers are encouraged to open and taste, then guess the distillery it came from as well as its age.

Commenting on the news, Arthur Motley, Royal Mile Whiskies’ Sales and Purchasing Director, said: “It was one of the most pleasurable days of my whisky buying career, spending hours with Francis in his warehouse opening any cask we liked the look of. We think we have found a perfect example from one of my very favourite distilleries.”

Also commenting on the news, Jonny McMillan, Assistant Reserve Spirits Manager at Daftmill’s Distributor Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: “It’s very tempting with ‘rare’ bottles like this to squirrel it away for many years, or even flip it into auction, so we’re very excited to back Royal Mile Whiskies’ incentive to help persuade Daftmill fans to open and enjoy this glorious bottling.”

Daftmill 2006 Single Cask Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive, will be available exclusively from Royal Mile Whiskies from July 18th, for a RRP of £144.95. Details of its #CheersFrancis competition, will appear on its social media channels over the next few weeks.

Posted by Steve Rush