BULLEIT BOURBON TO LAUNCH ITS 10 YEAR OLD VARIANT IN THE UK

Diageo has announced, that it will be extending its range of Bulleit bourbons in the UK, with the launch of its 10 Year Old variant.

Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old (45.6% ABV) is a high rye content bourbon, which has been aged in charred American oak barrels for a minimum of ten years.

Bulleit 10 Year Old

This latest release from the Kentucky based Bulleit Distillery Company, was launched in the US in 2013, and has now been released on this side of the Atlantic, to capitalise on the rising popularity of bourbon amongst UK consumers.

Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old, is said to deliver notes of rich toasted oak, hints of vanilla and dried fruits on the nose, followed by dry spices and smooth caramel notes on the palate.

Commenting on the UK launch, Nick Temperley, Head of Diageo Reserve GB, said: “Bourbon is a category loved by UK consumers and Bulleit is making gains in both the on and off-trade and outperforming the category - up 54% in volume.  We are confident that Bulleit 10-Year-Old will add to the popularity of the Bourbon category, providing a fantastic base for a number of seasonal serves such as the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned.”

Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old, will be available next month from specialist retailers in the UK. RRP (tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush

MAVERICK DRINKS ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION PARTNETSHIP WITH WOLFBURN DISTILLERY

Multi award-winning spirits distributor Maverick Drinks, has announced that it has partnered with Wolfburn distillery, to become their exclusive UK distributor.

Wolfburn, which is the most northerly Scottish mainland whisky distillery, will now form part of Maverick Drinks craft spirit brand portfolio, which also includes, FEW Spirits, St George Spirits and That Boutique-y Whisky Company.

Wolfburn's signature Northland and Aurora expressions 

The original Wolfburn Distillery, was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn - the distillery operated until around 1870.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect Wolfburn. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new distillery commenced production. The new Wolfburn Distillery, operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.

Commenting on the news, Michael Vachon, Maverick Drinks Head of Brand Development, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to represent Wolfburn in the UK. Wolfburn have everything we look for in a brand: extraordinary quality, great design, and amazing people. Shane and his team have a burgeoning reputation for making some of the best whisky in the world and I know we’re going to have a great time working together.”

The strength of Maverick Drinks portfolio and their dedication to driving change in the spirits industry by reducing their customers’ reliance on mainstream brands played a substantial role in them being named Spirits Distributor of the Year at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Posted by Steve Rush

REBEL YELL LAUNCHES ITS SECOND UK 'BAND OF REBELS' COCKTAIL COMPETITION

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, UK drinks distributer Cellar Trends, has announced the launch of its 2017 Rebel Yell, cocktail competition.

Rebel Yell, will be turning up the volume on its trade and consumer activities in the UK this Summer, by expanding its dare to be different ‘Band of Rebels Cocktail Competition’ for bartenders.

Rebel Yell launches its second UK 'Band of Rebels' cocktail competition

In addition to the London heats taking place from between July 17th and August 1st, this year’s competition will also involve bartenders from all around the UK, who will travel to the capital to take part, ahead of the grand final on August 21st.

This year’s competition will be encouraging bartenders to innovate a new generation of bourbon cocktails, and will call out to risk-takers in bourbon mixology, to create an original cocktail with a modern rebel spirit that steers away from typical dark spirits cocktails. Entrants will have a choice of using Rebel Yell’s Small Batch Rye, Kentucky Straight Bourbon or Small Batch Reserve.

The winner will enjoy a VIP-hosted trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in mid-September, with the opportunity to mix the winning cocktail on the Rebel Yell stand. The itinerary also explores the legendary Bourbon Trail and gives an early preview of the new Rebel Yell distillery, which is set to open in 2018.

Also this summer and following its first successful event for consumers in May, Rebel Yell will stage a ‘Band of Rebels’ season of summer cocktails, at the Lockside Tavern in Camden, North London.

The ‘Band of Rebels’ series explores music scenes and its sub-cultures across the UK that are pushing boundaries.  This second event evolves the style of the first night, featuring a mix of artists that are pioneering sounds from across the globe and fusing them into modern electronic music to create heady, innovative sounds for dancing and drinking.

Commenting on the competition, Caroline Pihoue, Brand Manager for Rebel Yell at Cellar Trends, said: “Within the realms of cocktails and music, Rebel Yell will encourage a confident break from the norm, to create new original experiences - in technique, flavour and content.  Above all, it’s about taking a dynamic new kind of risk and breaking all those old rules.  Our first initiatives have been full of bright discoveries, and we look forward to working with more bartenders and artists who would like to contribute fresh ideas and have a daringly different approach”.

To register for this years ‘Band of Rebels Cocktail Competition’ email your name, workplace and phone number to London@cellartends.co.uk by July 9th.

Posted by Steve Rush