GRUPPO CAMPARI SELLS IRISH MIST WHISKEY AND CAROLANS IRISH CREAM BRANDS TO HEAVEN HILL

Gruppo Campari, has announced that it has sold its Carolans Irish Cream and Irish Mist whiskey brands, to Heaven Hill Brands for $165m.

As part of the deal, the two companies will enter into a multi-year exclusive distribution agreement, under which Gruppo Campari will continue to distribute the Carolans and Irish Mist brands in the international markets outside the United States.

Irish Mist Whiskey and Carolans Irish Cream

Carolans and Irish Mist were acquired by Gruppo Campari in 2010 as part of a larger portfolio which also included Frangelico, the key acquisition target. In the fiscal year ended 31 December 2016, Carolans and Irish Mist achieved total net sales of €34m, representing approximately 2% of Gruppo Campari net sales.

Carolans is currently the second-largest selling Irish cream whiskey liqueur in the world, and is produced in Ireland using ingredients including fresh cream, honey and Irish whiskey. Irish Mist Liqueur, the first liqueur to be produced in Ireland, is a blend of Irish whiskey, honey and natural aromatic spices.

Commenting on the news, Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Gruppo Campari on this acquisition. Carolans and Irish Mist are great historic brands that are highly complementary to our broad portfolio of leading brands. We look forward to building on the strong success these brands have achieved both in the US and around the world.”

The deal which is expected to be completed by next month, will include all Carolans Irish Cream and Irish Mist (Irish Mist Liqueur and Irish Mist Whiskey) trademarks, as well as inventory and production assets.

Posted by Steve Rush

TULLIBARDINE DISTILLERY LAUNCHES SECOND EXPRESSION IN ITS MARQUESS COLLECTION

The Tullibardine Distillery, has announced the launch of the second release in its Marquess Collection of single malt Scotch whiskies.

Tullibardine - The Murray Chateauneuf-du-Pape Finish (49%) ABV) was initially matured in first-fill bourbon hogshead barrels, before being re-casked in French red wine barriques from the southern Rhône vineyards.

Tullibardine - The Murray Chateauneuf-du-Pape Finish

This latest release from the Highland based distillery, follows on from the multi award-winning ‘The Murray’ which was the first bottling in the collection named after Sir William Murray, the 2nd Marquess of Tullibardine,

Tullibardine - The Murray Chateauneuf-du-Pape Finish, is said to deliver an assortment of spicy and sweet aromas on the nose, bursting with flavours of juicy cherries and mint chocolate on the finish.

Commenting on the launch, Keith Geddes, Master Blender at Tullibardine Distillery, said: “The Murray Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a true example of our commitment to innovation here at the distillery. The Murray (2004) has been a huge success on a global level after winning three industry awards this year, and following a long process of experimentation and patience we’ve produced a delicious whisky which maintains the light characteristic of Tullibardine spirit, but is full of added complexity and depth as a result of using these classic French wine casks”.

Tullibardine - The Murray Chateauneuf-du-Pape Finish, will be available exclusively in Germany later this month, then rolled out globally early next year. RRP (tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush

TOMATIN LAUNCHES ITS SECOND WAREHOUSE 6 COLLECTION BOTTLING

The Highland based, Tomatin Distillery has announced the launch of a new limited edition expression from their Warehouse 6 Collection.

Tomatin Warehouse 6 Collection - 1972 Edition (42.1% ABV) which is limited to just 380 bottles, has been matured in sherry hogshead casks.

Tomatin Warehouse 6 Collection - 1972 Edition

This latest release, follows on from last year’s 1971 Edition release, which was the first bottling in limited edition, six expression series.

Tomatin Warehouse 6 Collection - 1972 Edition, is said to have a distinct and complex character - with aromas of summer meadow wildflowers and flavours of sweet almond, coffee and winter spices.

Commenting on the launch, Stephen Bremner, Sales Director at Tomatin, said: "It is very exciting to finally launch the 1972 Warehouse 6 Collectionmalt, which has been sitting patiently in some of our most treasured casks, maturing and growing in flavour; just as the Tomatin brand itself has grown throughout the years. We wanted to create a range of whiskies that truly capture the heart of the distillery. This we achieved initially with the 1971, and now with the 1972."

Tomatin Warehouse 6 Collection - 1972 Edition, will be available next month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £2000,00.

Posted by Steve Rush