PENDERYN ANNOUNCES THE LOCATION FOR ITS SECOND WELSH WHISKY DISTILLERY

Penderyn, has announced the location for its second Welsh whisky distillery and visitor centre.

Subject to planning permission, the new £5 million distillery located in the Old Board School in Lloyd St, Llandudno, will open in 2021.

Penderyn announces the location for its second Welsh whisky distillery

The announcement follows an offer of funding support from the Welsh Government. The proposed development will be the Welsh Whisky Company’s first expansion from its Penderyn site, in the Brecon Beacons.

Commenting on the news, Stephen Davies, Chief Executive of Penderyn Distillery, said: “The confirmation of Welsh Government support is a major step towards achieving our plans for a brand new distillery and visitor centre in Llandudno. We believe the Distillery will allow us to introduce unique and innovative single malt whiskies, distilled in North Wales, as well as providing an attraction that will complement the already vibrant and diverse tourism scene in north Wales, and contribute towards extending the visitor season further. With our funding package now in place, we will be developing our proposals further over the coming months and engaging with stakeholders and the local community as we prepare our planning application.”

In addition to its new second site, Penderyn are also planning to open a third distillery in Swansea, which is scheduled to open in 2022/23.

Posted by Steve Rush

LAPHROAIG LAUNCHES NEW EXPRESSION IN CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST WOMAN OF SCOTCH WHISKY

Laphroaig, has today announced the launch of a new 25 Year Old expression, in celebration of the first female distillery manager to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th Century.

Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story (43% ABV) has been matured in refill American oak hogsheads and refill barrels.


Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story

Bessie Williamson, was born in Glasgow in 1910 to John Williamson, a gunner in France with the Royal Garrison Artillery and Agnes Whyte. She attended the University of Glasgow from 1927, intending to become a teacher, graduating in 1932.

After graduating with an MA in 1932, Bessie accepted a summer job at Laphroaig distillery intending to stay only a few months. She worked directly with then owner Ian Hunter, eventually taking on responsibility for US distribution following Hunter's stroke in 1938. By the time of the Second World War she had become the full-time distillery manager and the most senior woman in Scotch anywhere in the industry.

Bessie is credited with being among the first to anticipate the coming trend for single malt Scotch whisky and to position the Laphroaig whiskies and by extension other Islay malts, to the American market.  The Scotch Whisky Association named Williamson as its American spokesperson from 1961 to 1964 and she toured the US representing Islay whisky to buyers and distributors.

Commenting on the news, John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager, said: “Laphroaig is a globally recognised whisky thanks to Bessie.  It is well documented that Bessie was universally loved and respected by her colleagues at Laphroaig and the people of Islay. It is this aspect that we celebrate with this whisky, remembering her as a true icon of Laphroaig.”

Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story, is now available exclusively in Global Travel Retail, for a RRP of £410.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

MACALLAN APPOINTS ITS NEW MASTER WHISKY MAKER

The Macallan, has today announced the appointment of its new Master Whisky Maker, for its single malt Scotch whisky.

Kirsteen Campbell, who is the first woman to become The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, will now lead a newly strengthened and enhanced Whisky Mastery Team at the Speyside based distillery.

Macallan's new Master of Whisky: Kirsteen Campbell

The six-strong Whisky Mastery Team includes: Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker; Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood; Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker; Polly Logan, Whisky Maker; Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker; and Russell Greig, Sample Room Assistant.

Kirsteen, joined Edrington in 2007 as a Whisky Quality Technologist and progressed her career to her most recent roles within for Cutty Sark, Naked Grouse, The Famous Grouse and The Glenrothes. She holds a Diploma in Distilling and has also worked at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute.

Commenting on the news, Kirsteen, said: “I feel a real sense of honour and pride to be entrusted as the custodian of The Macallan, charged with leading the Whisky Mastery Team in the creation of The Macallan’s remarkable single malt whiskies. Having been a part of the wider Edrington whisky making team for over a decade, I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the team at The Macallan. The Macallan is at the pinnacle of whisky making across the globe and the Whisky Mastery Team will combine the whisky makers’ depth and breadth of skills and experience to drive forward The Macallan legacy for the future.”

Kirsteen’s appointment and Macallan’s enhanced focus on the art and science of whisky making, marks the start of a new chapter in the history of the distillery. It follows a landmark year in 2018, which saw the opening of its new distillery and paves the way for the brand’s 200th anniversary in 2024.

Posted by Steve Rush