HEAVEN HILL LAUNCHES OLD FITZGERALD BOTTLED-IN-BOND BOURBON SERIES

Heaven Hill Brands, has announced the launch of the first expression, in a new limited-edition series of bottlings from its Old Fitzgerald bourbon brand.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon (50% ABV) has been aged for 11 years, in barrels which were laid down to mature between February and May 2006.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The first release in the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series, has met the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond bottling, being the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 Proof.

This latest series of bourbons, which is said to reflect the traditions of both the Old Fitzgerald lineage and the bottled-in-bond designation, will see a new release added during each spring and autumn for the next five years.

Commenting on the launch, Denny Potter, Heaven Hill Master Distiller, said: “For 82 years Heaven Hill Distillery has nurtured and produced historic brands of quality and heritage. It is an honour to join a famous line of distillers behind the Old Fitzgerald name and to continue to uphold the tradition of the brand through its bottled-in-bond designation, which dates to the early 1900s”.

The first release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon, will be available in the US, once bottled in April, for a RRP of $110.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

TOMATIN LAUNCHES THE FINAL TWO BOTTLINGS IN ITS FIVE VIRTUES SERIES

The Highland based, Tomatin Distillery has announced the launch of the final two expressions in its limited edition Five Virtues single malt Scotch whisky series.

Tomatin Virtues – Metal (46% ABV) has been matured in first fill Bourbon barrels. Tomatin Virtues – Water (46% ABV) has been matured in a combination of bourbon barrels and sherry butts.

Tomatin Five Virtues Series

Tomatin Five Virtues, is a collection of five whiskies, which are said to draw their inspiration and take their names from the elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each of which has focused on the effects of different cask maturations.

Tomatin Virtues – Metal, is said to be typically soft, sweet and light with flavours of soft creamy vanilla laced with sweet treats such as milk chocolate, marshmallows and ice cream. Tomatin Virtues – Water, is said to express fruity flavours, with hints of chocolate honeycomb and smooth toffee, which are complemented by rich blood orange marmalade.

Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Marketing Manager, said: "After the tremendous success we experienced when we released our first three expressions in the Five Virtues series last year, we are incredibly excited to see how the public receive the final two elements in the collection: Metal and Water.”

She went onto say: "The Five Virtues series was inspired by global concepts and the growth we've experienced as a brand, so it is incredible to have the series so well received by customers that know us or who are only just hearing about Tomatin."

Limited to 6,000 bottles per variant, Tomatin Virtues Metal and Water, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £49.99 each.

Posted by Steve Rush

ARDBEG ANNOUNCES MULTI-MILLION POUND DISTILLERY REGENERATION INVESTMENT PLANS

The Glenmorangie Company, has today announced its plans for a multi-million-pound investment to regenerate the Ardbeg distillery.

Subject to planning approval, the plans include the building of a new larger still house, which will allow the Islay based distillery to keep up with the ever-increasing global demand for its single malt Scotch whisky.


Ardbeg announces multi-million pound distillery regeneration investment plans

The proposed plans would see the new still house located on a site once occupied by warehouses.  The number of stills will increase from two to four (two wash stills and two spirit stills), while the area in which the stills currently reside will be repurposed to accommodate further washbacks.

Planning has been submitted for the expansion and it is hoped that building work will start later in 2018, for completion in 2019. Planning permission for a new boiler house has already been granted, moving the facility a little further away from the distillery.

Following completion, The Glenmorangie Company has said that Ardbeg would remain one of the smallest distilleries on Islay, and its whisky would be carefully crafted in the same way as it has been for more than 200 years.

Commenting on the news, Marc Hoellinger, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company; said: “We are delighted by Ardbeg’s success since 1997 – and by the growing passion for our whisky from fans around the world.  Ardbeg has been distilled on Islay since 1815 and, with a new still house, we will pave the way for future generations of smoky malt whisky lovers to discover The Ultimate Islay Malt.”

During the coming weeks, local Islay residents will be invited to a meeting, so they can hear details of the Distillery’s plans at first hand. 

The distillery will remain in operation throughout the planned building work.

Posted by Steve Rush