CONSTRUCTION ON NEW MULTI MILLION POUND LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY BEGINS

A multi-million-pound project to create a distillery and visitor centre in the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, for the first time in over 500 years, has begun.

The brainchild of Drew McKenzie-Smith and his wife Helen, Lindores Abbey Distillery will incorporate ancient distilling techniques and ingredients to produce a unique Scotch whisky, which will be available by 2023.


Construction on new multi-million pound Lindores Distillery begins

Lindores Abbey is known as the ‘spiritual home’ of Scotch whisky thanks to Friar John Cor, who paid duty on malt in 1494 in order to make ‘aqua vitae’ for the king, an act that was recorded in the Exchequer roll and is the earliest written evidence of whisky distillation in Scotland.

The distillery is being built by converting and enlarging the original abbey steading. The current steading is made from original abbey stone and is over two hundred years old. Wood and stone from the surrounding area will be used as much as possible to carry on the tradition of local sustainability and to minimise the carbon footprint of the build.

Commenting on the news, Drew McKenzie-Smith, Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery said: “To us, the history of Lindores Abbey is just as important as the plans we have to create a distillery. If it wasn’t for the expertise of the Tironesian monks who came to Scotland in those dark and frightening medieval times we may not have the advanced industry we do today.”

He continued by saying: “Building a distillery on this site will bring the spiritual home of Scotch whisky back to life and we will initially produce and market an aqua vitae spirit. We’re working closely with various teams to ensure we respect and maintain the historic integrity of this unique site. We believe a whisky distillery and visitor centre will help drive tourists to this part of Fife and, in turn, have a positive impact on the local economy.”

Forsyths of Rothes have been appointed as fabricators with the building specifically designed by Organic Architects of Helensburgh. International whisky expert Dr. Jim Swan will contribute his skills and expertise to create a world-class whisky which Drew believes will appeal to a global market.

Posted by Steve Rush

REBEL YELL LAUNCHES COCKTAIL COMPETITION AS PART OF ITS UK RELAUNCH

Drinks distributor Cellar Trends, has announced the launch of a cocktail competition for Rebel Yell bourbon, as part of the brand’s UK relaunch.

The ‘Rebel Your Cocktail’ competition, has been launched to find bartenders who dare to take a fresh look away from typical mainstream bourbon and dark spirits serves, and who can create an adventurous new generation of bourbon cocktails.

Rebel Yell Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bartenders across London will compete in several heats, leading to the grand final on the 22nd of August.  The winning bartender will be rewarded with a VIP trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which takes place between the 13th and 18th of September. Runners-up will receive a bottle from the Rebel Yell limited edition series which is not sold in the UK.

Commenting on the news, Caroline Pihoue, Brand Manager for Rebel Yell at Cellar Trends, said: “The new competition encourages bartenders to break from convention and by-pass the norm of classic whisky mixes.  We very much look forward to judging some adventurous creations based on either Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye or Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  Judges will look for cocktails with attitude and soul; cocktails that will really appeal to bourbon lovers seeking a whole new taste experience.” 

Rebel Yell has been distilling wheated whiskey since 1849, and was the first distillery to produce Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey using wheat instead of rye in its mash bill.

The Rebel Yell range has been distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends since January 2016 and comprises: Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Rebel Yell Small Batch Reserve, Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye, Rebel Yell Cherry liqueur and Rebel Yell Honey liqueur.

Full details are available from www.rebelyellbourbon.com Information will also be available from the Cellar Trends stand at the Imbibe Live show in London on July 4th and 5th.

Posted by Steve Rush

TOMATIN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW 44 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT

The Tomatin Distillery has announced the launch of the first bottling in its new super premium Warehouse 6 Collection series.

Tomatin 1971 (45.8% ABV) has been matured in hand selected Spanish Oloroso sherry casks for 44 years.


Tomatin 1971

This latest release from the multi-award winning Highland distillery, is described as having aromas of almond, plum, ginger cake and marzipan merged with warm flavours of caramel, dark chocolate, coffee and winter fruits.

Limited to just 252 bottles, Tomatin 1971 comes encased in a crystal decanter decorated with solid copper along with two crystal tumblers, inside an impressively ornate box comprising of varnished wood laminate, plexiglass and rose gold metal to reflect its exclusivity. 

Commenting on the launch, Stephen Bremner, Sales Manager at Tomatin, said: "We are thrilled to launch our 1971 single malt today, the first rare and limited expression in our Warehouse 6 Collection.  We have spent decades perfecting this delicate spirit that reflects our dedication to producing whisky of exceptional quality.  The single malt evokes the soft house character of Tomatin with an intricate medley of rich tones and flavours which are truly unique."

Established in 1897, The Tomatin Distillery which is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo, produces Tomatin single malt Scotch whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland single malt Scotch whisky.

Tomatin 1971, will be available later this month from specialist retailers for a RRP of £2.500.

Posted by Steve Rush