THE CLYDESIDE DISTILLERY OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS DOORS

The Clydeside Distillery, has today officially opened its doors to the public for the first time, and is now producing the first spirit in the area for more than 100 years.

Located on the site formerly known as The Queen’s Dock, once the beating heart of Glasgow’s shipping industry, The Pump House, with its famous clock tower is now the home to two new copper stills, which will produce Lowland single malt Scotch whisky.

The Clydeside Distillery copper stills produced by Forsyths of Moray

The new distillery site which is owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers Ltd, also includes a visitor centre, shop, café and interactive whisky experience.

Glasgow’s links to the whisky industry have been brought to life through words, pictures and film as visitors make their way through 140 years of history as part of a self-led and guided tour.

The Pump House once controlled entry into The Queen’s Dock, one of the city’s most famous shipping ports built by Morrison and Mason in 1877. This ensured Customs and Excise could keep a close eye on goods in and out, including Scotch whisky.

Commenting on the news, Tim Morrison, The Clydeside Distillery’s Chairman, said: “This is an exciting day for Glasgow and the Scotch whisky industry. After more than a century copper stills are producing spirit on the banks of the Clyde and we’re incredibly proud to be able to open our doors to the public. Glasgow has an affinity with Scotch whisky unlike any other city in the world with The Queen’s Dock previously witnessing the exports of whisky with ships sailing past the Pump House destined for all continents of the world.”

He concluded by saying: “Of course for me and my family there is a very personal link knowing that my great grandfather built The Queen’s Dock where The Clydeside Distillery now sits. We’re looking forward to the future and seeing whisky produced in the heart of Glasgow once again.”

Around 25 jobs have been created at The Clydeside Distillery, including the appointment of Alistair McDonald as Distillery Manager. Alistair was previously the Distillery Manager at Auchentoshan, and has over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Posted by Steve Rush

IRISH WHISKEY MENTORING EVENT HELD AT MIDLETON DISTILLERY

As part of the Irish Whisky Associations (IWA) mentoring programme, last week 15 Irish whiskey distilleries took part in a landmark event at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery, which saw a number of established global Irish whiskey brands offer support to some of the newer names in the industry.

Participants in the programme were provided with information and guidance on creating the finest quality Irish whiskey. Through practical demonstrations participants were taught the distillation, maturation and blending secrets that have driven Irish whiskey become the fastest growing spirits category in the world.


Jameson Head Cooper Ger Buckley, hosting a cooperage workshop

The workshop on cooperage and maturation aimed to provide new and recent entrants to the Irish whiskey industry with the opportunity to learn first-hand from some of the most experienced craftsmen in the Irish whiskey industry. Elements of the programme included sessions on wood purchasing, the skills of cooperage, cask handling and the principles of maturation and blending.

Commenting on the news, Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at the Midleton Distillery, said: “Here at Irish Distillers, we’re always eager to work with people who share our passion for Irish whiskey. Over the years, we’ve always gone out of our way to work with anyone who wanted advice or mentoring on whiskey projects and it’s great to be able to collaborate with even more people thanks to the IWA mentoring programme."

He went onto say: "Days like this when we get to share insights into our cooperage and maturation approach allow us all to build the positive culture of collaboration that is so prevalent within the industry. Seeing the passion of those working in the emerging Irish whiskey distilleries first-hand is invigorating and knowing that the future of Irish whiskey is in safe hands is truly inspiring.”

Ireland's whiskey renaissance has seen the number of operational distilleries increase from 4 to 18 in the last four years. The (IWA) says increased competition is very welcome and its mentoring programme is a testament to this solidarity which at its core has a commitment to maintaining the high standards which form part of the rich and long history of Irish whiskey distilling.

Posted by Steve Rush

PROXIMO SPIRITS LAUNCHES INAUGURAL EXPRESSION FROM NEW IRISH WHISKEY BRAND

New Jersey based spirits importer and distributer Proximo Spirits, has announced the launch of the first expression from a new Irish whiskey brand.

The Sexton (40% ABV) is an Irish single malt whiskey, which has been produced using 100% malted barley and triple distilled in copper pots, before being matured for four years in a selection of first, second and third fill Oloroso Sherry casks.


The Sexton

Initially launching exclusively in the US, The Sexton is said to be born out of a blend between historic Irish whiskey making traditions and modern-day maturation experimentation. Representing the changing face of Ireland, whilst capturing the romance and provenance of the past and the optimism and creativity of the future.

The Sexton, which takes its name from the Medieval Latin word ‘sacristanus’, the custodian of sacred objects, has been produced by Master Blender Alex Thomas, whose fascination for the maturation phase of the whiskey making process led her to source the ideal sherry casks for the brands inaugural release.

Commenting on the launch, Alex Thomas, said: "It's exciting to bring The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey to the United States during a time when the Irish whiskey category is experiencing record-breaking growth. After years of experimenting with different cask profiles and laying the liquid to rest for just the right amount of time, I'm pleased to share a rich and deeply flavourful Irish single malt, perfect for every day and every man."

The Sexton, will be available later this month across the US, from bars, restaurants and specialist retailers, for a RRP of £27.99.

Posted by Steve Rush