The Spirits Business’ Post

There's some incredibly exciting whiskies being produced right now. Across the world but also in newer Scottish locations. Anyone who has ever talked whisky with me knows my love for Ardnamurchan Distillery (Adelphi Distillery ltd), which gets a nod in this wonderful article. But alongside them, there's mention of Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd. (I opened my bottle of The Hearach last night and it was a knockout), Isle of Raasay Distillery, which has a cask policy for the geeks, and Torabhaig Distillery too, which is due some new releases this year to follow up from its amazing launch liquids. The list continues to grow. But what struck me as being fascinating is how any new distillery now is able to do two things the older and more established can't. 1 - they can build a sustainable distillery from the ground up. No retrofitting and having to work around old equipment. Obviously, this is a big thing for the whole world, not just whisky. 2 - they can start with stills that offer variety and innovation from the start. There is romance to the old stills that have been labouring for decades but the excitement of having something shiny and new that can produce so many styles of new make - that's special. It's still early days but it just goes to show how much more important new make spirit is now compared to just a few years ago. These younger distilleries want it to shine through. And that can only be a good thing for drinkers looking for their next favourite expression. https://lnkd.in/e7VE-ZYH

It is such a shame to see a classic distillery like this close down. I know direct sales (both DTC and DTT) and not the full answer, but they are a big part of the answer for small craft distilleries. Why the legislators allow this part of the industry to be so constrained only to the benefit of the big producers and distributors is beyond me. The USA for all its advancements, is so backward looking when it comes to helping its own craft industries grow. The existing wholesale system does nothing to hep these craft businesses, let them compete directly and see how it goes. Shame on those legislators that allow this to continue. #DTC #selfdistribution #smallbusiness #craftdistilleries #spiritsindustry Distilled Spirits Council of the United StatesAmerican Distilling InstituteAmerican Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) Craft Wine Association Colorado State Government Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Jared Polis

PRESS RELEASE Golden Colorado - 5-28-2024 PRESS RELEASE We are saddened to announce that Golden Moon Distillery is ceasing operations effective immediately. Founded in 2008, Golden Moon Distillery has, over the last 16 years, become of the highest awarded distilleries in the craft spirit industry. This includes dozens of major awards for our whiskies and spirits, including winning Gold or Double Gold Medals for every single-malt product (whiskey and shochu) we’ve produced at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the top spirits industry competitions in the world today. Golden Moon Distillery was also named at Distillery of the Year in 2019 by the American Distilling Institute, received honorable mention for Gin Distillery of the Year in 2021 by Gin Magazine/Icons of Gin, and was named as “Best Distillery in Colorado” three times by Westword, 2016, 2020 and 2023 (the only Colorado distillery to receive this accolade more than once), and Top Distillery in Denver by 5280 in 2015. Golden Moon Speakeasy, Golden Moon Distillery’s tasting room and cocktail lounge has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named Gin Bar of the Year 2021 by Gin Magazine / Icons of Gin, Best Classic Cocktail Bar in Denver by Westword in 2015 and being listed as one of the top cocktail destinations in either Denver or Colorado several dozen times by various publications including 5280, Eater, Thrillist, Vin Pair and others. The various events of the last several years, including the trade wars, COVID, the war in Ukraine and a variety of more local external and political issues have all negatively affected both the company’s operations and our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue to pursue our business plan in the current economic environment. According Golden Moon Distillery’s Founder, Mr. Stephen Gould, “This is all very sad. Until a few weeks ago we thought we had a buyer/investor that would have allowed the company to continue to grow and prosper, but they unfortunately were unable to deliver the investment and resources they promised. As such the company is now out of cash and time and we have no alternative at this point. We will keep Golden Moon Speakeasy operating in the near term, as we look at ways to keep that part of the business intact, likely with new ownership. That is assuming the bank allows us to do so. We appreciate all the support we’ve received over the years. My co-Founder, Karen Knight and I and the entire Golden Moon Team will miss you all …” Golden Moon Distillery produces the Golden Moon Brand, REDUX Absinthe, the Gun Fighter American Whiskey brand and the Olde Blackhawk Spirits brand. The company’s assets will be liquidated by Live Oak Bank in accordance with their interpretation of SBA regulations in the near future.  

Breaking new ground in the spirits world! Top Shelf International unveils 'Act of Treason,' an Australian-made agave spirit, challenging the traditional boundaries of the tequila category. Find out how this bold move is shaking up the industry and what it signifies for the future of global spirit innovation. #TopShelfInternational #AgaveSpirit #AustralianDistillery #SpiritsInnovation #ActOfTreason #TequilaAlternative #SpiritTrends #AgaveRevolution #CraftSpirits #GlobalSpiritsMarket

The Campbeltown region. 🥃 It’s tiny. In fact, it’s the smallest of the 5 Scotch whisky producing regions, but once a thriving hub of Scotch whisky production. Where is Campbeltown? The Campbeltown region is located by the Campbeltown Loch on the remote Kintyre peninsula of western Scotland. How many distilleries belong in the Campbeltown region? Three. Sorry, three? 😲 Yes, you read that correctly. They are Springbank Distillers Ltd, Glen Scotia and Glengyle Distillery. Why is the Campbeltown region so small? It once was a thriving region of whisky production with more than 30 distilleries in the area. However, the effects of WW1 and WW2 as well as the American prohibition took its toll on the region and distilleries struggled to continue. For many years, the region’s distilleries amounted to just two – Glen Scotia and Springbank - but in November 2000 Glengyle (which had originally closed in 1925) re-opened its doors, producing whisky under the name of Kilkerrin. Are any other distilleries set to open? Yes, Witchburn Distillery, Dal Riata Distillery, and The Machrihanish Distillery are set to open in the coming years. Does Campbeltown whisky have a particular flavour profile? Not really. It produces whisky that encompasses many different flavour profiles from fruit to spice and even a bit of smokiness. Can I visit? Definitely. In fact, it’s a great region to visit. A visit to one of the distilleries is like stepping back in time 150 years, as little has changed in terms of production methods since then. In fact, Springbank even has a malting floor, which is a very rare thing these days. Any festivals I should know about? Yes, every year in May the town hosts the Campbeltown Malts Festival where the distilleries, and Wm Cadenhead Ltd (Scotland’s oldest independent bottler) throw open their doors for tours, masterclasses, live music and special bottlings. Are you a fan of Campbeltown whisky? Have you visited before? Let me know in the comments. 💫 FOLLOW me for more whisky-related insights. 🔗 CONNECT with me if you are interested in content for your business, brand or website. #whisky #scotchwhisky #scotland

Read my newest review of Savage & Cooke Distillery! Savage & Cooke

Ardbeg debuts Rollercoaster set for €100,000 Islay distillery Ardbeg has released The Rollercoaster, a limited edition duo of single malts distilled in the 1980s The two whiskies are taken from turbulent times in the distillery’s history, with the intention of capturing the brand’s highs and lows. One was distilled in March 1981, when the distillery closed, and the other in October 1989, when it was reopened under new ownership. Ardbeg was founded in 1815 but, in the 1970s, when blended whiskies became more popular, only a few casks each year were set aside to be matured as single malt. Created two weeks before the distillery’s closure, The Rollercoaster’s first whisky comes from the final cask remaining from the 1981 stock. This 42-year-old expression was created from Ardbeg’s own heavily peated malt (up to 110ppm) blended with lightly peated malt, used at the distillery only for a very short period. #investment #opportunity #whiskycollection #whiskylover #whiskybarrel #whiskycask #invest #investor #Investing #investors #assets #asset #assetmanagement #assetprotection #whisky #whiskylife #scotland  #scottish #scottishbusiness https://lnkd.in/gV_5kZRi

The Islay region. 🥃 The whisky island! An island much revered by whisky die-hards and world-renowned for just ONE type of Scotch whisky flavour profile. What is Islay? The Islay region – pronounced EYE-LAH - is named after the island of Islay where all the region’s whisky is produced. It’s one of Scotland’s FIVE legally protected Scotch whisky-producing regions and perhaps one of the most popular. Where is Islay? Known as the Queen of the Hebrides it is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides. It’s only 25 miles long, north to south, and only 15 miles long, east to west, with a population of around 3200 people. How many distilleries belong to the Islay region? Currently there are 10 distilleries on Islay: Ardbeg Ardnahoe Distillery Bowmore Dist Bruichladdich Distillery Company Bunnahabhain Caol Ila Kilchoman Distillery Lagavulin Laphroaig Port Ellen - which has only just reopened after being mothballed for 40 years! Any other distilleries set to open? Yes, Elixir Distillers are opening Portintruan Distillery later this year and Ian Macleod and partners set to open Laggan Bay Distillery in 2025. Additionally, Chivas Brothers have announced plans to build an as-yet-unnamed distillery, which will be carbon neutral in its distilling operations from the outset. What is the region known for? The Islay region is world-known for producing PEATED whisky. Most Islay distilleries produce peated whisky by using malted barley that has been dried over a peat fire, EXCEPT for Laphroaig, who infuse their barley with peat smoke BEFORE the drying process. Peat beds are in abundance on the island and indeed all-over northern Scotland. There are few trees, so traditionally peat bricks (cut from the beds) were used as a source of fuel and that tradition continues today. 🪨 What does peated whisky taste like? It has a robust character with a flavour that can be described as smoky, earthy, and often medicinal. Like a late-night beachside campfire - in a glass! 🔥 Should I visit? Yes, it’s almost a MUST if you’re a fan of Scotch whisky, particularly peated whisky. Any festivals I should know about? Yes, Fèis Ìle, or the ISLAY FESTIVAL, is a gathering of Scotch whisky fans from all over the world in the last week of May. This festival is filled with whisky, music and culture. It’s extremely popular with whisky lovers who gravitate to this small island year after year to enjoy the music, and catch up with friends over a dram or two. 🥃 Most of the Islay distilleries will open their doors to welcome guests on different days of the week. Are you a fan of Islay whisky or peated whisky in general? Have you ever visited one of the distilleries on Islay, or do you plan to go this year? Let me know in the comments. 💫 FOLLOW me for more whisky-related insights. 🔗 CONNECT with me if you are interested in whisky content for your brand or business. Please attach a short note and I’ll get back to you asap. #whisky #scotland #scotchwhisky

Sullivans Cove introduces Australia’s oldest single cask whisky to the market: Sullivans Cove Distillery adds another layer to its legacy with the release of its 24-year-old single cask spirit. The award-winning Tasmanian distillery recently announced the limited run of the HH0004. With it comes an expression that not only surpasses the brand’s 22-year-old record-breaking blend, but also exudes newer levels of depth and complexity in flavor. The distillery’s understanding of long-term maturation in full-sized casks is highlighted here. Conceived during Sullivans Cove’s fifth year of operation, HH0004 spent the past 24 years slowly maturing in their bond store. Sullivans Cove’s sensory panel would end up tasting the expression a total of 19 times in the past three years alone to ensure that it has reached its true potential. #comingsoon # #sullivanscovedistillery #singlemaltwhisky #investment #tasmania #tasmaniaaustralia #privateclients #privatewealth #collector #singlecaskwhisky #madebypeople #craftsmanship #oldcask #luxury https://lnkd.in/gg6UVZD9

R&B Distillers Limited has announced a reorganisation of its senior executive team, with William Dobbie appointed as Managing Director and his father Bill Dobbie switching to the Chairman role at the company he co-founded with Alasdair Day in 2014. Bill Dobbie, Chairman, R&B Distillers, said: “William has helped drive double-digit revenue growth at over 20 per cent per annum during his four years as Commercial Director, and R&B’s Board was unanimous in its decision to give him the opportunity to lead the company’s next phase of growth.  We have continued to see solid growth in the UK and internationally over the last few years, including during what was a challenging year for the industry in 2023, and are excited by our prospects to build sales in existing and new markets over the next decade.” R&B Distillers owns the Isle of Raasay Distillery, which opened its doors in 2017, and plans to launch the Machrihanish Distillery near Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre over the next 12-18 months, which will mark the first new farm distillery in the region in over 180 years. There are also longer term plans for The Duke Street Distillery at Coldstream in the Scottish Borders. R&B Distillers reported revenue of £5.0 million in the year ended 31st December 2023, and now sells in 40 markets worldwide after launching the Isle of Raasay Gin in mid-2019 and the Isle of Raasay Single Malt at the end of 2020. The company has set its sights on growing sales to over £25 million in the next decade.   William Dobbie, Managing Director, R&B Distillers, said: “The whole team deserves so much credit for our success to date, and our 10-year vision is centred on taking the business to the next level, increasing our international presence in lucrative markets like North America and Asia. While the high end of the whisky market has come under pressure over the last year, we have managed to significantly increase sales, grow a loyal customer base and brand in the face of industry headwinds.” The Isle of Raasay Distillery, based on the Inner Hebridean island off the west coast of Scotland, sells directly to tens of thousands of consumers, and through hundreds of outlets in the UK and via distributors worldwide. The distillery, which has a visitor centre and luxury accommodation, won Distillery of the Year and Tourism Destination of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards in 2022. R&B has a team of 47 people, with 35 based on the Isle of Raasay, supporting long-term local employment for the community. R&B’s senior management team also includes Stuart Blues (Finance Director), Norman Gillies (Operations Director), and Alasdair Day (Co-founder and Master Distiller).