Hello Braw Spirit readers!
Here’s what whisky news we’ve been reading this week.
2014 – Week 14
Japanese Distillery expansion. In line with every other major distillery increasing production, Suntory is spending about ¥1 billion to expand its Hokuto distillery.
American Whiskey must sell it’s quality story. CEO of Sazerac says that brands such as Jim Beam and Jack Daniels must reposition to truly compete against luxury Scotch.
Minimum alcohol pricing back on the agenda. Open letters from a group of senior doctors and a response from the SWA have done nothing to determine the most appropriate way to deal with Scotland’s alcohol-related health problems.
Biomass comes into focus. Distillery waste byproducts offers a cheaper fuel source for remote locations, Diageo is already investing heavily in this area.
What to give a man who needs nothing. The Queen meets the pope and gift the pontiff a hamper, including a bottle of Macallan.
Irish Whiskey shows its sexy side. Tullamore D.E.W. brand ambassador says that the category can rival Scotch monolith.
Diageo brands top the tables. United Spirits’ McDowells Brand beomes the worlds second largest spirits trademark by retail value, knocking Smirnoff into third place. Johnnie Walker retains the number one spot.
Gartbreck to keep things traditional. Islay’s youngest distillery will revive a number of historic production techniques to ensure a specific whisky character.
Beverly Hills Hotel launches private label Bourbon for charity. Luxury hotel partners with Evan Williams to create single barrel whiskey which will be sold on International Whiskey Day.
The Feis is here! Tickets went on sale this week for the 2014 Feis Ile. Ardbeg were also the first to announce their Open Day bottling; Auriverdes.
Treasure Hunt with a difference. Part of the Spirit of Speyside Festival, the Liquid Treasures event offers some pretty special whiskies to the lucky winners.
Arran 17 year arrives. The latest in the series of bridging releases before a ‘standard’ 18 year old will be on sale in a few days time.
Limited Edition English Whisky. Chapter 13 is released by the English Whisky Company with only 1300 bottles being released.
Limited edition Dodd’s Gin. London Distillery Company partners with Fortnum & Mason to celebrate their first anniversary with a special release.
It’s not a scotch. J&B Urban Honey is launched to grab a part of the growing flavoured spirit drinks market.
Ballantine’s marketing juggernaut trundles on. The brand launches the ‘Are you a selfie’ campaign and produces a pretty cool new advert for ‘The Art of Drumming’.
(Featured Image: London Distillery Company
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