MGP ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF GEORGE REMUS WHISKEY

Kansas, USA, based drinks producer and distributor MGP, has announced that it has acquired the George Remus whiskey brand, from Queen City Whiskey LLC, for an undisclosed sum.

Launched in 2013, George Remus Whiskey, set out on a mission to reinvent Cincinnati’s lost whiskey heritage through honouring local Prohibition legend George Remus, with the aim of creating a brand and experience, authentic to the style, flavours and quality of Prohibition era Cincinnati whiskey.

MGP acquires George Remus Whiskey 

George Remus, for whom the brand is named, was a legendary bootlegger, owning whiskey distilleries and warehouses in the greater Cincinnati area. Referred to as the “King of the Bootleggers,” he leveraged various sources of whiskey to meet consumer demand.

Commenting on the news, Gus Griffin, MGP President and CEO, said: “While our core business will continue to be supplying other brand owners with premium distilled spirits, development of our own portfolio of brands is an important part of our long-term strategy. The George Remus brand is very appealing due to the strength of the brand concept and the outstanding early stage development and marketing work done by the founders. We believe the brand is now at a state of evolution where we can add valuable resources to help it reach its full potential.”

George Remus, which already sources its whisky from MGP, currently has three expressions in its core range; George Remus Bourbon Whiskey, George Remus Rye Whiskey and George Remus Limited Edition Rye Whiskey.

Posted by Steve Rush

DIAGEO'S WORLD CLASS BARTENDER COMPETITION RETURNS FOR ITS NINTH YEAR

Diageo has today announced that its World Class bartender competition will be returning for its nine year.

Kicking off in Manchester on November 14th, and then stopping off as part of a nationwide roadshow in Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth and London, bartenders are in invited to join one of ten sessions, each with 50 spaces, in order to prepare them for this year’s competition.

Aiden Bowie - World Class GB 2016 Winner

Hosted by the Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador team, the roadshow has been designed to focus on what it takes to become a World Class bartender, with three unique training sessions centred on The Art of Blending, Remarkable by Design and the company’s 2016 Future Trends Report.

With the opportunity to represent Great Britain at the global final in Mexico next year, the Diageo Reserve World Class roadshow has been developed to inspire entries, whilst giving bartenders the tools they need to excel.

Commenting on the news, Dan Dove, Head of Diageo Reserve World Class, said: “Bartenders are at the heart of Diageo Reserve World Class, so taking the time to educate and support them ahead of the competition is crucial. This year’s Diageo Reserve Future Trends Report will be central to our training sessions, learning and predicting the evolving ways in which consumers are interacting with cocktails and drinking experiences."

The schedule for the World Class roadshow starting later this month; 14th November: Manchester – Cloud 23, 15th November: Leeds – Head Row House, 16th November: Liverpool - The Old Blind School, 21st November: Glasgow – The Corinthian, 22nd November: Edinburgh – Voodoo Rooms, 23rd November: Birmingham – The Edgbaston Hotel, 28th November: Bristol – Milk Thistle, 29th November: Bournemouth – The Larder House, 30th November: West London – Swift - 1st December: East London – Callooh Callay.

The 2017 World Class bartender competition, is open from today and will close on 15th February 2017, before the judge’s review entries and commence the in-bar judging phase, from which the semi-finalists are selected. 

Bartenders who are interested in taking part in the ninth year of the competition, should email: worldclassclub@sweetandchilli.com for full details.

Posted by Steve Rush

HIGHLAND PARK ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS MIDWINTER SOCIAL

Highland Park, has announced that it will be taking over The Boiler House at London’s Old Trumam Brewery, for their Midwinter Social event.

Following on from the success of their Midsummer Social event in June, Highland Park the ‘Orkney single malt with Viking soul’ will be celebrating the longer nights in anticipation of Winter Solstice, over two evenings from November 24th, at the venue on Brick Lane in East London.

Highland Park announces the launch of its Midwinter Social

The Winter Solstice is an important time of year in the Nordic calendar and at Highland Park’s distillery home on Orkney, which marks the shortest day of the year and is typically celebrated with good friends, bonfires, music and dance.

The Highland Park Midwinter Social, will bring to life the brands heritage through food, cocktails, whisky tastings and music, with performances by Kipps, DJ Finnebassen and Eelke Kleijn. There will also be the chance to meet some of the team from the Highland Park distillery.

Commenting on the event, Mike MacKenzie, Highland Park brand manager said: “Following the success of our Midsummer Social in June this year, we are looking forward to celebrating Highland Park’s Viking heritage once again at our Midwinter Social. With a bigger venue and more immersive experiences, the Midwinter Social is the perfect opportunity for guests to celebrate winter with friends.”

The Highland Park Midwinter Social at The Boiler House, will run from November 24th – 25th from 6:30pm. For more information and to purchase tickets visit eventbrite.co.uk

Posted by Steve Rush