THE LAST DROP DISTILERS ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION BY SAZERAC

London based, independent spirits bottler The Last Drop Distillers, has announced that it has been acquired by the US alcoholic beverage company Sazerac, the makers of Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare bourbon.

The investment that will be injected into the craft spirits brand through the acquisition will accelerate its ambitious growth plans whilst also allowing the existing Last Drop Distillers board team to continue to run the business autonomously, with the small, personal operation remaining intact.

Last Drop Distillers acquired by Sazerac

The Last Drop Distillers, is a family-run company dedicated to discovering and bottling some of the most exclusive spirits in the world. Spirits pioneers James Espey and Tom Jago founded the company in 2008 after long and successful careers in the industry.

Between them James and Tom, have helped to create some of the world’s best-loved spirits brands, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal, The Classic Malts, Malibu and Baileys Irish Cream.

Commenting on the news, Mark Brown, President and CEO of the Sazerac Company, said: “We are very excited to be partnering with such industry legends as Tom and James.  Equally, we are looking forward to working alongside their daughters Rebecca and Beanie as well as the rest of The Last Drop Distillers team in bringing some of the rarest spirits available to the global consumer market.  As a family owned company we fully appreciate the value of a small, engaged and passionate team in a venture such as The Last Drop Distillers and look forward to continuing the excellent progress the business has made since its inception.”

The Sazerac Company portfolio includes a range of global spirits brands, and this latest acquisition will allow the company to extend its presence in the super-premium, craft market as well as expand its European footprint.

Earlier this year Sazerac also acquired Southern Comfort and the Irish whiskey brand Paddy.

Posted by Steve Rush

ANCNOC ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF A NEW EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE PEATED EXPRESSION

Inver House Distillers has announced the launch of a new limited edition peated expression from its multi-awarding winning Highland single malt whisky brand, anCnoc.

anCnoc Stack (46% ABV) has been matured for more than 10 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, and has a phenol level of 20 ppm.

anCnoc Stack

Stack, joins sister expressions Peatlands, Tushkar, Rutter, Flaughter, Cutter and Rascan in anCnoc’s peated range, carrying the names of traditional peat cutting tools, which reference the heritage within the whisky making process. The term ‘stack’ refers to the last step in the gathering process, where the peat blocks are stored together to dry ahead of being burnt.

anCnoc Stack, has been described by the brand as being pale gold in appearance; delivering smoky, citrus aromas and a palate that is layered with peat smoke, dark chocolate and a green apple led fruity tang.

Commenting on the launch, Stephanie Allison, Brand Manager at anCnoc, Said: “We’re excited for the release of Stack as it complements the existing collection perfectly. Whilst Peaty connoisseurs will revel in its smooth smoky notes, we would encourage all whisky connoisseurs looking for something different to explore this beautifully crafted expression.”

Limited to 6,000 bottles, anCnoc Stack, will be released exclusively in Western and Eastern Europe later this month, before becoming available in Scandinavia from 21st October, for a RRP of £52.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

DRINKS BY THE DRAM LAUNCHES ITS 2016 WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR

Drinks by the Dram has announced the launch of its 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar as part of a range of 23 unique spirit-filled calendars for this year’s festive season.

This year’s new additions to the range include Advent Calendars dedicated to Scotch, American, Irish and Japanese whiskies, as well as collaborations with Glenfarclas, That Boutique-y Whisky Company and Origin Gin.

Drinks by the Dram launches its 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar

The Whisky Advent Calendar RRP £149.95, was launched in 2012, and has since become a tradition among whisky enthusiasts. Each calendar is filled with 24 x 3cl wax-sealed drams, which this year features everything from single grain and bourbon to rare Scotch worth up to £600 a bottle.

This year also marks the debut of the Drinks by the Dram Very Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar RRP £9,999.95, which follows on from the Old & Rare Advent Calendar launched in 2015. Each calendar comes encased in a bespoke wooden box, which is filled with some of the world’s most sought-after whiskies, including one of worth up to £19,000 a bottle.

Drinks by the Dram was launched in 2010 by Master of Malt, as a way of offering whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs the opportunity to sample new releases of single malt Scotch whisky at a fraction of the cost of purchasing an entire bottle. Spirits lovers can now “try before they buy” to find the perfect tipple to suit both their individual tastes and budgets.

The full range of Drinks by the Dram 2016 Advent Calendars are now available to pre-order via www.masterofmalt.com

Posted by Steve Rush