SLANE DISTILLERY TO BEGIN PRODUCTION IN JULY

Brown-Forman has announced that its new Slane Distillery, located on the grounds of Slane Castle, in the Boyne Valley, Co Meath, will begin production in July.

The €47 million distillery, which began construction in September 2015, is being built around a collection of 18th century horse stables and courtyards, which will be restored and converted into a production area and visitor experience.

Slane Distillery stills, produced by McMillan of Scotland

The extensive restoration includes masonry repairs, traditional lime rendering and the restoration of 18th century beams, doors and windows. The buildings Welsh slate roofing will also be restored, along with the stables original chiming clock tower.

The distillery’s three hand-beaten copper pot stills and six column stills were crafted by McMillan of Scotland and were recently successfully installed. The traditional timber washbacks will be hand-built this spring by Joseph Brown of Dufftown of Scotland.

The visitor centre interior work will commence shortly, which will include reinstating the 18th century horse stalls and tack room using the now fully restored original features. As the distillery nears its final phase of construction, the production buildings will soon be enclosed and the interior mechanical work on electrical, gas and plumbing will then be completed.

Commenting on the news, John Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer of Brown-Forman Brands, said: “We are proud and excited to introduce Slane Irish Whiskey and begin production at Slane Distillery. As Brown-Forman expands its whiskey portfolio, we are confident that Slane will offer a superb Irish whiskey experience and taste.”

Slane Irish Whiskey, will launch in April. Its inaugural expression will use high quality whiskey from other Irish distilleries, but will be finished to Slane’s unique specifications using a triple cask process.

Slane Distillery, will be the first new distillery Brown-Forman has built outside of the United States.

Posted by Steve Rush

BENROMACH LAUNCH ITS LATEST WOOD FINISH LIMITED EDITION

The Benromach Distillery Company, has today announced the launch of its latest wood finish limited edition, single malt Scotch whisky.

Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2009 (45% ABV) was distilled in 2009 and initially matured in first fill bourbon barrels, before being finished in Sassicaia wine casks from the renowned Bolgheri wine region.

Benromach Sassicaia 2009

Following the success and demand of its last few Sassicaia Wood Finish bottlings, Benromach are releasing 8,000 bottles, double that of previous editions.

This latest release from the Forres based distillery, is said to be deep ruby red in colour, with notes of ripe berries, milk chocolate drops, and hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle sense of smoke.

Commenting on the launch, Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “Our previous Wood Finishes were incredibly well received and demand has been so great we are doubling the quantity we will be making available. Our Wood Finish expressions allow us the opportunity to provide our customers with a special malt which is full of character, thanks to the final maturation period in casks from distinguished wine regions, as well as offering them the chance to experience Benromach whisky in a different way.”

He went onto say: “As the popularity and success of our Benromach 10 Years Old continues to grow, we are delighted that whisky fans all over the world are still enjoying the classic character of our pre-1960’s Speyside single malt, and we are honoured that it is held in such high regard within the industry, as the World Whiskies Award demonstrates.”

Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2009, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £38.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

LIMESTONE BRANCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES NEW STRAIGHT RYE

The Lebanon, Kentucky based Limestone Branch Distillery, has announced the launch of a new straight rye whiskey.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey (45% ABV) has been aged for two years and finished in sherry casks.

Limestone Branch Distillery launches new straight rye whiskey

This latest release from the distillery founded by Steve Beam in 2010, is said to offer a warm rye spice, complemented by the dried fruit notes which have been influenced from the finishing in a sherry cask.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, will come packaged in a unique flask-style bottle with a letterpress label and a cork topper. All of the details of the packaging are also a nod to the family history and tradition. The bottle features the crest Minor Case Beam used in his labels back when he had his own distillery.

Commenting on the launch, Steve Beam, President and Distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery, said: “My grandfather, Minor Case Beam, made rye whiskey in his day, before prohibition, which was his specialty. This rye whiskey is inspired by him and a tribute to his distilling legacy. His mission was to craft only the finest whiskey – we are honouring him, his passion for distilling and what could’ve been if prohibition didn’t occur with this straight rye.”

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, will be available across the US, from specialist retailers later this month, for a RRP of $49.99.

Posted by Steve Rush