LOCH LOMOND TO DONATE THOUSANDS OF BOTTLES OF HAND SANITISER

The Loch Lomond Group, the producer of its namesake and other Scotch whisky brands including Glen Scotia, has today announced that it has completed production on its first batch of hand sanitiser.

The company has already started working with Fareshare Scotland, who will ensure onward distribution to those who need it most, helping to support Scotland’s most vulnerable people in tackling coronavirus.

Loch Lomond to donate thousands of bottles of hand sanitiser

Produced at Loch Lomond Group’s production facilities in Alexandria, Dumbartonshire and Catrine, Ayrshire, the hand sanitiser has been made in line with World Health Organisation guidelines containing 70% alcohol, and has received duty exemption from HMRC for the alcohol content.

Commenting on the news, Colin Matthews, CEO at the  Loch Lomond Group, said: “It was very important to us that at this time, as we all face such an unprecedented crisis, that we found a meaningful way to help to support the people of Scotland. We operate one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, and quickly realised that we have both the ability and capacity to produce a significant amount of hand sanitiser which is currently in such high demand. By partnering with Fareshare Scotland we can ensure that this donation reaches those people in most need across the country".

Thousands of bottles have already been committed to over 150 organisations and individuals including healthcare and frontline services, helping in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Posted by Steve Rush

ORIGIN SPIRITS LAUNCHES FIRST WHISKEY TO BE FINISHED IN IRISH SEAWEED CHARRED CASKS

Irish craft spirit producer Origin Spirits, has announced the launch of the first whiskey to be finished in Irish seaweed charred casks.

Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey - Atlantic Kombu Cask (46% ABV) is triple distilled and matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Atlantic Kombu seaweed charred virgin oak casks.

Currach Single Malt Whiskey - Atlantic Kombu Cask

This inaugural Currach release, takes its name from the traditional Irish boat made from wicker, animal skins and tar. It is one of the oldest types of boat in the world, possibly going back to Neolithic times.

The Currach is said to be the vessel used by Irish monks to discover the world and bring back religious artefacts and foreign technology, such as the alembic, to Ireland. It was used to transport whiskey across the Irish sea to Scotland (first exports of Irish whiskey), and is still used today to harvest seaweed in Ireland.

The Atlantic Kombu seaweed is traditionally charred in small batches inside virgin American oak casks to impart a delicate and uniform umami fragrance into the wood. Once ready, these casks are filled with single malt Irish whiskey and allow to finish for three months. The result is said to be a magical fusion of two terroirs – land and sea.

Commenting on the news, Patrick Shelley, Founder of Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd, said: "Our vision on Currach was to create a single malt Irish whiskey based on various elements of the Irish terroir. Our land produces some of the best malted barley in the world and our seas yield wonderful organic and sustainable seaweed. Never before have these two elements been brought together in a whiskey and we are proud that this is a world's first". The union of land & sea has become the backbone of Currach, and gives it such a uniquely rich, multi layered and complex character.”

Origin Spirits drinks portfolio, also includes Kalak Single Malt Vodka and Ornabrak Single Malt Gin.

Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey, is now available from selected specialist retailers in Ireland, for a RRP of €55.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS TO PRODUCE 5 MILLION LITRES OF ETHANOL FOR HAND SANITISER PRODUCTION

William Grant & Sons, has announced that it will produce and supply five million litres of ethanol for hand sanitiser production.

The family owned drinks company which produces brands including Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Tullamore D.EW, is said to be proud to lend its workforce, scale and expertise in essential work to help protect people around the world from the impact of the coronavirus. 

Willian Grant & Sons to produce 5 million litres of ethanol for hand sanitiser production

The company’s Scotland based Girvan and Ireland based Tullamore D.EW. distilleries will producing ethanol to be supplied to a range of hand sanitiser manufacturers, whilst its US based Tuthilltown distillery will produce, package and distribute hand sanitiser to local health care providers.

William Grant & Sons, will not keep any profit made through this work. The ethanol is being supplied at the standard commercial rate and all profits will be ring-fenced and invested into future actions that help alleviate the spread and impact of the virus.

Commenting on the news, Simon Hunt, Chief Executive at William Grant & Sons, said: “Through this initiative, we can divert our technology and the skills of our people to contribute to the essential work of protecting people around the world from the impact of coronavirus. Our proud teams are determined to do what they can to help at our distilleries.”

William Grant & Sons, have said that they will review the ethanol production initiative after eight weeks to assess future needs and supply options.

The company has also said that it has implemented extensive health and safety and the relevant social distancing measures in its production sites, as advised by local governments, and the Scotch Whisky Association.

Posted by Steve Rush