DIAGEO PLEDGES MORE THAN 8 MILLION BOTTLES OF HAND SANITISER

Diageo, the producer of brands including Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky, has today announced that it is pledged to enable the creation of more than eight million bottles of hand sanitiser.

The drinks giant will be donating up to two million litres of alcohol to manufacturing partners, to help protect frontline healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19.

Diageo pledges more than 8 million bottles of hand sanitiser

Diageo will provide Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS), a 96% strength ethyl alcohol used primarily in production of vodka and gin – and make it available at no cost to hand sanitiser producers in multiple countries, to help overcome shortages in healthcare systems. This donation will enable the production of more than eight million 250ml bottles of hand sanitiser.

The spirit will be made available in supply chains according to local circumstances, working with the relevant authorities and hand sanitiser manufacturers. This will ensure the donation is used for maximum impact in protecting health workers and patients and that sanitiser reaches the frontline as quickly as possible.

The plan includes: 

The UK and the Republic of Ireland: 500,000 litres of GNS to be made available for national healthcare systems and workers across the UK and Ireland.

Italy: 100,000 litres of GNS to support the healthcare system and other national needs.

USA: 500,000 litres of GNS to be supplied to meet local community needs.

Brazil: Diageo’s Ypioca plant will produce 50,000 litres of spirit for the local healthcare system, in conjunction with the Ceara State Government.

Kenya: Diageo’s East Africa Breweries Ltd will enable production of 135,000 litres of sanitiser, prioritising vulnerable and at risk groups.

India: 500,000 litres of alcohol to supply to the sanitizer industry across 25 States, for use in national healthcare systems and for consumers.

Australia: Diageo’s Bundaberg Distilling Co. to produce 100,000 litres of ethanol for the Queensland Government, to be forwarded to hand sanitiser manufacturers.

Commenting on the news, Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo, said: “Healthcare workers are at the forefront of fighting this pandemic and we are determined to do what we can to help protect them. This is the quickest and most effective way for us to meet the surging demand for hand sanitiser around the world.”

Diageo has also said it continues to engage with national and local governments across the many countries, where the company has major distilling operations. 

Posted by Steve Rush

TULLIBARDINE LAUNCHES NEW 15 YEAR OLD EXPRESSION

The Tullibardine Distillery, has today announced the launch of a new expression, as part of its Fine Aged Collection.

Tullibardine 15 Year Old (43% ABV) which was distilled after the reopening of the distillery in 2003, has been matured in first-fill bourbon barrels.

Tullibardine 15 Year Old

Tullibardine 15 Year Old, is said to deliver notes of dried hay, parma violets, baked apple, cloves, vanilla ice-cream, freshly baked scones with hints of strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Commenting on the launch, Keith Geddes, Master Distiller at Tullibardine Distillery, said: “It is a joy to introduce the 15-Year-Old to the world. This whisky really is something special with an abundance of beguiling flavours that sync perfectly together. It’s a remarkable whisky that has been carefully crafted by our incredible, passionate team at our distillery nestled at the gateway of the Highlands. The whisky has a sweet and warm character that fills the senses with nostalgic aromas.”

Tullibardine 15 Year Old, will be available later this month from specialist retailers. RRP (tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL CANCELLED

Organisers of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, have today announced this year’s festival will be cancelled in light of social restriction guidelines in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The festival which is now in its 21st year, was due to take place between April 29th - May 4th.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2020 cancelled

The decision to cancel reflects the quickly-evolving situation as a result of the Covid-19 virus and recommendations from the Scottish Government to restrict public gatherings as a preventative measure.

Ticket holders will be contacted as soon as possible by the festival team and refunds will be at the discretion of individual event providers.

Commenting on the news, James Campbell, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “In response to the escalating situation with Covid-19, the Board of Directors have decided that this year's Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is cancelled as a preventative measure. Our Festival welcomes visitors from across the globe to the region each year and it is our priority to keep both our visitors and the local community safe. We very much regret the inconvenience that this will cause our visitors, event providers, members, partners and local communities, and trust that everyone will fully understand why we have had to make this decision.”

The news follows yesterday’s announcement of the cancellation of Whisky Live London later this month, and the closure of numerous distillery visitors centres around the world.

Posted by Steve Rush