SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 32

Jefferson’s Bourbon Sails Bourbon Empire Merchants Sues Reliable Churchill from Louisville to NYC Empire Merchants of New York has filed a civil On June 7, Louisville’s Jefferson’s Bourbon began an excursion of floating suit in the U.S. District Court - Eastern District of New two barrels of bourbon down the river system of middle America and up the York against Reliable Churchill, Breakthru Beverage’s Atlantic Ocean as a means of transportation. Maryland operation, naming members of its executive leadership team as plaintiffs: Charles Merinoff, Gregory L. Baird, Tushar C. Patel, Nileshkumar Jasbhai Patel (a/k/a Nick Patel), Pratibha Patel (a/k/a Panna Patel), Tech Pride of America, Inc. (d/b/a Happy 40 Liquors; Happy 40 & Spirits; Happy 40 Discount Liquors), Anil Patel, Dilip C. Patel, Prakash Patel, J & R Company LLC (d/b/a North East Liquors), Jatin B. Patel (a/k/a Jattinkumar B. Patel), Vlamis Liquors LLC (d/b/a Vlamis’ Cut-Rate Liquors), Sam Liquors Inc., Bin Luo (a/k/a Chen), Bao Liquors Inc., Bao Xiong Zheng (a/k/a Bao Xing Zheng; Bao Xion Zheng), Our Liquor, Inc., Alexander J. Lew, Ting Wei, LTT Whiskey Inc. and John Trey Zoeller of Jefferson’s Bourbon on the prow of the boat taking two Doe Defendants nos. 1-50, defendants. barrels of bourbon on a sea journey continued on page 4 Founder and whiskey maker Trey Zoeller took a 23-foot Sea Pro boat downstream and landed in New Orleans in early August for a launch party in partnership with Chef John Besh. From New Orleans, the bourbon was loaded DISCUS on Pennsylvaia onto Besh’s renovated rum runner boat and made its way down the Florida House Bill 2357 coastline stopping in ports such as Saint Petersburg and Tampa for the Tampa The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has Bay Boat Show on September 10. From there, the bourbon will land in Key commended Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Reese West by the end of September before being loaded on a sailboat to sail north (R-Westmoreland) for introducing House Bill 2357, up the Atlantic and landing for a tasting party in New York City by the end which would modernize Pennsylvania’s liquor system of October. by expanding consumer access to spirits. The purpose of the reenactment is to gauge the different ways in which the Rep. Reese’s legislation would create a “spirit bourbon matures on water as opposed to in barrels on dry land and to figure expanded permit,” according to DISCUS, which would out how transportation means of the past affected the taste and finish of early allow restaurants, taverns, grocery stores and hotels to bourbon production. sell up to three liters of spirits for carryout. “My personal theory is that as the bourbon constantly sloshed around in “Consumers want one stop shopping for beer, the barrels, the constant contact with the wood accelerated the maturation and spirits,” said DISCUS Vice President David process,” said Zoeller. “The barrels also sucked in the salt air and the sun Wojnar. “Right now, many have to go to three different caramelized the sugars in the wood and sped up the maturation process, locations to purchase what they need. Rep. Reese’s producing a much different final product than we know today. It’s a bourbon legislation will provide the convenience consumers that, in my mind, tastes much more similar to Jefferson’s Ocean than bourbon demand while also providing the PLCB the tools that is now aged in Kentucky — that’s what made Kentucky bourbon so necessary to do the job. desirable and unique 150 years ago, and why buyers in cities like New York, “This legislation also will protect countless Philadelphia and Boston demanded the bourbon from Kentucky and were jobs created by Pennsylvania distilleries. The willing to pay more for it.” Commonwealth’s distilling industry is undergoing tremendous growth, but the current system puts it at a major disadvantage because sales are limited to state stores. “It’s time to support these Pennsylvania businesses and their employees. We look forward to working with Rep. Reese, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Wolf administration to pass this important legislation.” “The Last Drop Distillers is a family-run indicated that there are many ways Sazerac Buys The Last company dedicated to discovering and consumers may be led to believe a product Drop Distillers bottling some of the most exclusive spirits is : Sazerac has purchased The Last Drop in the world,” according to a company • The use of names or devices Distillers of Scotland. statement. “Spirits pioneers James Espey associated with , like shamrocks or and Tom Jago founded the company in Irish surnames 2008 after long and successful careers in • If a local “” were to be the industry. Between them they created produced in another country containing some of the world’s best-loved spirits brands some Irish whiskey and passed off as including Blue Label, Chivas Irish whiskey Regal 18 Year Old, The Classic Malts and, • A product being called Irish with Malibu and Baileys , two of whiskey when, in fact, it’s not as it doesn’t “This is an incredibly exciting and the most original and successful new drinks meet specific production requirements important milestone in The Last Drop categories in the world. Today, the company • The use of descriptions such as Distillers’ story,” said James Espey, co-founder is run by their two daughters, Beanie Espey “Irish Type Whiskey” or “Irish Style Whiskey” of The Last Drop Distillers Limited along and Rebecca Jago. are forbidden under Irish Whiskey’s with Tom Jago. “With your support over the “The Last Drop Distillers story is now at Geographical Indication protection status past eight and a half years, we have firmly an important stage. Having established its • Misleading packaging, point of sale established The Last Drop in the global brand and business model, the company material and advertising market place, and we are now looking at new is looking towards accelerated growth as • Misleading age claims ways of accelerating growth and responding global demand for luxury goods continues • A product displayed amongst to changing consumer demands within to rise. This was recently acknowledged Irish whiskey the luxury goods sector. We know Sazerac by the appointment of the former CEO of “Food Wise 2025, Ireland’s Local well, and feel that they are a fantastic fit for Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Mike Keiller, as Roots, Global Reach growth strategy, has The Last Drop Distillers as a family-owned a Board Director.” highlighted the growth opportunities for business that shares our values. The Sazerac The Last Drop collection currently Irish whiskey and commits to continuing company portfolio already includes a range includes Release VI The Last Drop 50 Year Old to support, protect and promote Ireland’s of global spirits brands, and this acquisition Double Matured Whisky, Release V The Last Geographical Indications,” said Minister will allow the company to extend its portfolio Drop 1967 Glen Garioch Single Malt, Release Creed. “So today’s launch is timely. My into the super-premium, craft market as well IV The Last Drop 48 Year Old Blended Scotch department works closely with the Irish as expand its European footprint. Whisky, Release III The Last Drop 50 Year Old Whiskey Association on protecting and “The whole team is committed and eager Blended , Release II The Last promoting Irish whiskey. With exports of to move into the next stage of The Last Drop Drop 1950 Cognac and Release I The Last €410 million expected to double by 2020, Distillers story that will see us take the brand Drop 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky. the Irish whiskey reputation is important to into the next phase while retaining and The Last Drop Distillers’ existing Asian the industry and the Irish economy.” building on our core values of exclusivity, distribution arrangements will not be “The Irish Whiskey Association has craft and excellence. The small, personal affected by the sale to Sazerac. been set up to protect and promote the operation we have today will remain in place, Irish whiskey category,” according to an and this investment will allow us to grow Protect Irish Whiskey association statement. “The Irish Whiskey our international footprint and broaden Association devotes substantial resources our search so that we can continue to bring Campaign to this task every year and has hired a legal you the very rarest and greatest spirits in Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and advisor in the protection role, Carleen the world.” the Marine Michael Creed TD recently joined Madigan BL. Ms. Madigan is a former “We are very excited to be partnering with the Irish Whiskey Association to initiate the practicing barrister.” such industry legends as Tom and James,” “Protect Irish Whiskey Campaign,” which “The growing popularity and reputation added Mark Brown, President and CEO of aims to address in international markets the of Irish whiskey may encourage some Sazerac. “Equally, we are looking forward to sale of products that are wrongly advertised, individuals to seek to take unfair advantage working alongside their daughters Rebecca packaged, displayed or named in a way of it,” Madigan said “The ‘Protect Irish Whiskey and Beanie as well as the rest of the team in that they appear to be Irish whiskey. By law, Campaign’ aims to ensure the integrity of bringing some of the rarest spirits available Irish whiskey must be distilled and aged in the category is maintained and will ensure to the global consumer market. As a family wooden casks on the island of Ireland for at that the category maximizes its potential. owned company, we fully appreciate the least three years. The Irish Whiskey Association cannot visit value of a small, engaged and passionate The campaign is directed to Irish whiskey every market worldwide, and accordingly team in a venture such as The Last Drop producers, distributors and all who value we rely on data and information from Distillers and look forward to continuing the Irish whiskey, asking them to highlight others to alert us to instances of misleading excellent progress the business has made any potentially misleading products to the labelling, imitation or unfair competition so since its inception.” Irish Whiskey Association so that action that action can be taken.” can be taken. The Irish Whiskey Association continued on page 4

2 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE 3 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE said Leonard Russell, Managing Director Empire Merchants Irish Whiskey at Ian Macleod Distillers. “Spencerfield Sues Reliable Association’s Protect Spirit Company and Ian Macleod Distillers

Churchill continued from page 1 Irish Whiskey A jury trial has been demanded. The Campaign nature of the case according to the court continued from page 2 “Irish whiskey is the fastest growing document is that “Empire brings this action premium spirits category in the world,” to seek redress for Defendants’ reprehensible added Bernard Walsh, Chairman of the Irish criminal scheme to smuggle wine and Whiskey Association and founder of Walsh spirits, worth millions of dollars, into New Whiskey Distillery. “Global market share York to avoid New York’s high excise taxes is set to grow by 300% by 2030 to 12%. By and deny New York wholesalers such as 2025, production will rise by 41% from 2010 L-R: Alex Nicol of Spencerfield Spirit Co. & Leonard Russell Empire the distribution rights to which they of Ian Macleod Distillers levels. While we have achieved Geographical were entitled. For at least the past eight Indication status for Irish whiskey, which are both family-run businesses with firm years, two of the largest liquor wholesalers is significant in terms of protecting the commitments to quality spirit production. in Maryland — Reliable Churchill LLLP integrity of category, we must not rest on Edinburgh Gin will be a great addition to (“Reliable Churchill”) and Republic our laurels. As Irish whiskey continues to our existing brand portfolio, which includes National Distributing Company (“RNDC”)1 perform well, we are likely to be challenged Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead and (collectively, along with their principals considerably more in terms of misleading Isle of Skye and Atlantico Rum. and agents, the “Maryland Wholesalers”) — products, which is why this enforcement Edinburgh Gin is a multi-award winning, conspired with retailers in rural Cecil County, campaign is important. We very much small-batch gin at the forefront of the gin Maryland (the “Cecil County Retailers”), and welcome the Minister for Agriculture and renaissance in the U.K. We are eager to build retailers in New York City (the “New York the department’s support in ensuring the upon this foundation and the success of the Retailers”) to secretly ship alcohol products category reaches its full potential.” Nicol family.” from Maryland to New York, for illegal sale in return to page 2 Edinburgh Gin — under the parent New York. company Spencerfield Spirit — was Breakthru Beverage Group Replies established in 2010 by Alex and Jane Nicol. Breakthru Beverage replied to the suit Ian Macleod Distillers Besides Edinburgh Gin, brands include with the following statement: Cannonball Edinburgh Gin, Seaside “As you will hear, Empire Merchants of Acquires Edinburgh Edinburgh Gin, Raspberry Gin , New York today filed a civil suit against Gin continued on page 5 Reliable Churchill, Breakthru’s Maryland Ian Macleod Distillers has purchased operation, naming members of our Spencerfield Spirit Co. and its flagship brand, executive leadership team. These allegations Edinburgh Gin. This follows a longstanding are wholly without merit and will be arrangement with Ian Macleod as the fought aggressively. exclusive distributors of Edinburgh Gin and 203-971-8710 “We take very seriously any accusation Spencerfield Spirit’s whisky range of Pig’s [email protected] that impugns the integrity of Breakthru Nose, Sheep Dip and The Feathery in the U.K. www.distilleryage.com Beverage. The foundation of our company Ian Macleod will now take full ownership EDITORIAL STAFF was built generations ago on the pillars of of the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio Publisher/Editor: Gregg Glaser integrity and hard work. Those values hold with all brands being transferred with Contributing Editor: Peter V. K. Reid strong today. immediate effect. Contributing Editor: Michael Anstendig “Breakthru Beverage is focused intently Production of Edinburgh Gin will Copy Editor: Christine Barber on delivering excellent results as we launch continue at the distillery and visitor center the critical OND season and to maintaining on Rutland Place in Edinburgh and at the ADVERTISING our strong supplier relationships. With your second distillery at The Biscuit Factory [email protected] hard work, we are on track to deliver a in Leith. SUBSCRIPTIONS historic first year. Following the takeover for an undisclosed $195.oo a year for 48 issues “We appreciate your support and sum, Edinburgh Gin’s founders Alex and Jane [email protected] confidence and ask for your commitment in Nicol will continue to work with the brands MAILING ADDRESS the months ahead.” during a transition period. The acquisition return to page 1 228 Silvermine Avenue secures all jobs, and Ian Macleod Distillers Norwalk, CT 06850-2032 plans to make further investment in the All content Copyright © Modern Spencerfield portfolio. Distillery Age, 2016 — Copies may not “This announcement is great news for be sent to others & issues may not be both companies and further strengthens posted to websites. our portfolio of premium spirit brands,”

4 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE FID or spec sheets) is required for ranging from the “Glow Gals,” whose faces Ian Macleod Distillers certain ingredients are illuminated by the glow of their phone • Added an “Additional Information” screens from which they’re posting all Acquires Edinburgh field for more information about specific night long, to the “Last Train Sprinters,” who ingredients to the TTB formula specialists maximize the night by staying out until the Gin continued from page 4 • Made it easier to enter both fixed minute the last train departs for home. Elderflower Gin Liqueur and Rhubarb & values and ranges for ingredient quantities Ginger Gin Liqueur. • Included a product-specific “The acquisition came along at the right checklist to aid in making sure a submission Jim Beam Bourbon Bar time for Spencerfield Spirit,” added Alex In light of the recent enactment of is complete before it’s submitted Nicol. “We have built a solid partnership Kentucky Senate Bill 11 (SB11), Jim Beam • Added an (optional) section on the with Ian Macleod Distillers over the last American Stillhouse, located in Clermont, Needs Correction tab for remarks about how three years and feel they are in an excellent TTB concerns have been addressed when position to take forward Edinburgh Gin submissions are returned for correction and the Spencerfield Spirit portfolio. We • Improved the way the form flows. look forward to working with them over With the new release, there are navigation the coming months to ensure a smooth buttons that lead sequentially through transition and to maintain the momentum the tabs from left to right, and the Submit in growth. Ian Macleod Distillers is the button has been moved to the last tab perfect home for Edinburgh Gin’s future. • An asterisk (*) will now appear The company shares our family values and on the Needs Correction tab to indicate artisanal approach to production, and that TTB has requested some changes to a we look forward to working with them to submission before it can be processed maximize its potential”. RumChata Foundation News from TTB: The RumChata Foundation partnered Formulas Online 2.2 with the Illinois Restaurant Association Ky., has created the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar, TTB has announced that Formulas Online Education Foundation to award $16,000 which features a monthly rotation of Jim version 2.2 will be released in the early fall in scholarships to college upperclassmen Beam Bourbon cocktails including with a number of improvements based and women studying the culinary arts. classic, traditional offerings and modern directly on the feedback TTB received during The six winners received scholarships cocktails. The bar opened to the public on this year’s usability study sessions and from ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 to help September 14 in celebration of National producers’ interactions with TTB staff. them continue their education and hone Bourbon Heritage Month and in time for The improvements for this release is their skills as they prepare to graduate to the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The designed to make it quicker and easier a career in the restaurant and hospitality Jim Beam American Stillhouse continues to for producers to complete their beverage industry. Submissions were judged by a offer visitors hands-on mashing, distilling, formula submissions and to provide more panel of restaurant industry professionals barreling, bottling and a tasting experience. clarity regarding the type of information and chefs. Recipients were selected based SB11 modernized Kentucky’s 1930s-era TTB needs in order to successfully on their current achievements, goals and alcohol regulations to aid surging interest process submissions. exemplifying the RumChata Foundation’s in bourbon, craft beer and small-farm wine A few changes to the beverage mission of celebrating the passion and drive products. The legislation increased the submissions include: it takes to create and bring to life an idea that sample size and allows distilleries to apply • Redesigned formula tab to make it started from one’s imagination and vision. for a NQ-3 license, which permits the sale of faster and easier to enter ingredients cocktails by the glass. Jim Beam was recently • Included descriptions of each Bacardí’s Ad among the first bourbon distillers in the product type and links to the CFR to help state to receive its NQ-3 license. ensure selection of the proper class/type for Campaign a beverage Bacardí has initiated a new ad campaign • Added extensive help guidance titled “We Are the Night,” the largest and examples to better answer ingredients investment from the brand to date. are entered “The campaign and activations capture • Added a new category for color the concept that, like the Bacardí bat, people ingredients, which includes a drop-down come to life when darkness falls,” according box with all the color additives that have to a company statement. been FDA-approved for use in alcohol Academy Award-winning screenwriter, beverages director and producer Michel Gondry • Added prompts to alert producers directed the 30-second TV spot, which when additional documentation (e.g. features a cast of nighttime archetypes

5 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE one for each husband), cardamom, cherry Porchlight’s Autumn and smoke. Brockmans Gin’s First • Sass n’ Frass Julep: A a salute to Cocktail Menu sarsaparilla with the Mint Julep as the base, U.S. Ad Campaign Porchlight, a Manhattan cocktail bar Brockmans Gin from the U.K. has initiated Jamaican rum and Cognac replace the in the West Chelsea section of town, with its first U.S. ad campaign titled “Like No whiskey, Branca Menta instead of muddled a Southern accent, was created by Mark Other,” which targets “urban adventurers” mint and sassafras simple syrup. Maynard-Parisi, a 24-year veteran of Union in New York City. The ads were created “For fall, my imagination is often captured Square Hospitality Group. Porchlight by The Baiocco and Maldari Connection, by spices ranging from cinnamon and debuted its autumn cocktail menu this a Brooklyn-based branding and content allspice to cardamom, clove and nutmeg,” week, taking inspiration from Southern pies creation agency. said Bennett. “If these warming spices can including apple and peach as well as orchard be found in Southern pies, there’s a good fruits and baking spices. chance they’ll make it into some of my autumn cocktails.” Porchlight’s signature bar bites include Smoky Beef Jerky, Louisiana Crawfish Fritters, Po’ Boys and Chinese “Take Out” Riblets. Christian Brothers Brandy New L-R: Dale DeGrof, a.k.a. King Cocktail; Mark Maynard- Parisi, creator of Porchlight; Head Bartender Nicholas Bennett; and General Manager Michael Shain Packaging & Creative The cocktails are new riffs on the Old- Campaign Fashioned, Martini, Mint Julep, mulled wine Christian Brothers Brandy from Heaven and the Harvey Wallbanger incorporating Hill Brands has undergone a redesign across The focus of the campaign is outdoor seasonal ingredients, aromatic spices and the portfolio for a premium package with placements and will be featured on phone smoky notes. General Manager Michael a refreshed, modern label. The brandy will kiosks throughout Manhattan. In addition, Shain and Head Bartender Nicholas Bennett also have an “Endlessly Smooth” creative Brockmans Gin had a role during the Hotel took the lead in creating the cocktails, which campaign and a revamped website. McKittrick’s September 17 SuperCinema include: event inspired by the cult classic Clue. • Harvest Moon Cocktail: Inspired by apple pies and made with Laird’s Apple Drambuie’s “The Brandy, maple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, a housemade allspice/chinchona tincture Modern Classics” and a cinnamon garnish. • Vinho Quente: Meaning “hot wine” Competition in Portuguese, made with mulled wine, a William Grant & Sons’ Drambuie, housemade, spice-imbued Riesling syrup, partnering with Chilled Magazine, have blanco tequila and a Douglas fir brandy. initiated “The Modern Classics,” a national • Latitude 49: A Martini variation cocktail competition taking place in Miami, made with coconut fat-washed Fords Gin Chicago, New York City, Austin and Los and Becherovka, a Czech digestif. The name Angeles to highlight Drambuie’s refreshed salutes tiki haven Latitude 29 in New Orleans, visual identity and revamped bottle design while referencing the actual latitude of the Selected by Chilled Magazine, bartenders digestif’s provenance. The cathedral-shaped bottle remains, in each city will create two cocktails, a re- • Harvey Headbanger: The much- and new design elements include a clear creation of their signature cocktail using maligned Harvey Wallbanger is reimagined label, which is a departure from the previous Drambuie and a non-whiskey cocktail using with vodka, orange juice, a Galliano float, gloss black paper background. Key label Drambuie. The cocktails will be judged cinnamon, vanilla, star anise, peppermint elements are the grapevine crest icon, by a panel of experts and attendees for a and lavender. This version adjusts the juice’s Christian Brothers and “VS Very Smooth” chance to win a trip to retrace the history acid level to balance the drink’s inherent logotypes have been upgraded with of Drambuie from the Isle of Skye to the sweetness for a better equilibrium. contemporary font treatments and the gold contemporary cocktail scene in Edinburgh. • Three Rings: An Old-Fashioned black foil neck wrap and capsule have been variation with Wild Turkey Bourbon, Laird’s updated to include the “Since 1882” heritage Bonded Apple Brandy, Black Hand Bitters statement with the repeating CB grape vine (for Erzulie, Haiti’s “patron saint” of passion, crest repeated around the neck. who is often depicted wearing three rings,

6 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Ardbeg Twenty One Glenmorangie has released Ardbeg Twenty One (46% ABV) as a limited edition expression exclusively to Ardbeg’s loyal following, the Ardbeg Committee, in recognition of their role in safeguarding the distillery’s future.

Flaming Jim Beam Apple Leprechaun Spirits Watch 3 Hearts of Ireland in Boston and Beam has released the Malcolm Brown Ltd. in Ireland have Jim Beam Apple Watch, described released Flaming Leprechaun Spirits in as a “drinkable wearable” (there’s a the U.S. in a distribution partnership with YouTube video). In the mid-1990s the Ardbeg distillery United Liquors in Massachusetts, a division on Islay was crumbling, and distilling had of Martignetti Companies. dwindled to almost nothing. A small group including the young Mickey Heads (now distillery manager) set aside a small number of casks for Ardbeg’s future including some containing whisky distilled during those days when the distillery’s future was still uncertain. Some time later, The Glenmorangie Co. stepped in to save Ardbeg from extinction. The Ardbeg Committee, formed to prevent The spirits include Irish Whiskey (46% the distillery’s doors ever closing again, ABV, a blend, about $30 for a 750-ml has 120,000 members in more than bottle), Limestone Filtered Celtic Gin (44%, The watch is an accessory with a 130 countries. about $24), Limestone Filtered Vodka 1.5-ounce shot glass right on a person’s Ardbeg Twenty One, distilled in 1994, (40%, about $22), Triple Distilled Rum wrist. The watch’s streamlined interface aged in ex-bourbon barrels. A 750-ml (40%, about $23) and Fiery Irish Cinnamon opens and closes manually on demand. bottle sells for about $500. Spirit (35%, about $25). Each Jim Beam Apple Watch is aged Each spirit is symbolized by the Irish in a rackhouse at the Jim Beam American leprechaun: King Ultan (Irish Whiskey), Stillhouse in Clermont, Ky., alongside Fintan (Fiery Cinnamon), Lorcan (Vodka), barrels of bourbon. Ronan (Gin) and Brendan (Rum). The story Jim Beam Apple (35% ABV) was first and personality of each leprechaun is told released last year. A 750-ml bottle sells for through a series of original poems on the about $18 (50-ml, 100-ml, 375-ml, one-liter back label of each bottle. and 1.75-liter bottles are also available). Flaming Leprechaun Spirits are available in Massachusetts, will expand throughout New England by years’ end and nationally over the next two years.

7 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Nikka Yoichi Single Malt & Miyagikyo Single Malt in and U.S. importer Anchor Distilling have released Yoichi Single Malt and Miyagikyo Single Malt (both 45% ABV), both non-age statement whiskies, each reflecting the characters of the respective distilleries.

Blueberry Fizz Kilchoman Machir Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile in New Hampshire has released its first bottled Bay Gift Pack cocktail, Blueberry Fizz (16.76% ABV), Importer ImpEx Beverages has released which combines alcohol-soaked berries a gift pack of Kilchoman’s first ongoing (from this year’s spring/summer batch of bottling — Machir Bay (46% ABV) — with a Art in the Age Black Trumpet Blueberry pair of branded Glencairn glasses. Cordial) with apple cider and apple eau de vie. Yoichi, located on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, opened in 1934, resembles Scotland’s coastal distilleries, and offers briny flavor characteristics and direct coal distillation with small pot stills. Miyagikyo, near in the northern part of main island, Honshu, opened in 1969 in a river valley similar to distilleries found in Scotland’s Speyside region. It employs indirect steam distillation and larger copper pot stills. Yoichi Single Malt is distilled from 100% malted barley with some heavily peated malt and is aged in new American oak, Machir Bay, distilled by Kilchoman on sherry casks and casks coopered in the Islay in Scotland, is aged in ex-bourbon Nikka cooperages. A 750-ml bottle sells for The blueberries were left whole, pressed barrels and Oloroso sherry butts. It was first about $80. and re-fermented with champagne yeast. released in 2012. The gift pack (with a 750- Miyagikyo Single Malt is distilled from This re-fermented blend of blueberries and ml bottle) sells for about $65. 100% malted barley with some slightly cider was back-sweetened and fortified peated malt and is aged in new American with an additional blueberry infusion oak, ex-bourbon oak, sherry casks and that spent time aging in used rye whiskey other casks. A 750-ml bottle sells for barrels. Finally, another layer of flavor was about $80. added with some of Tamworth’s pot still apple brandy. A 750-ml bottle sells for about $25.

8 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Loch Lomond 12 Year Old (46%, Loch Lomond about $55) Mount Gay Rum Whiskies Loch Lomond 18 Year Old (46%, Origin Series: The Loch Lomond Group, an about $99) independent distiller and blender of Scotch Glen Scotia Double Cask (46%) is Volume Two, whiskies, has released 14 expressions in finished in bourbon barrels followed The Copper Stills the U.S. with importer A. Hardy USA. by time in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks (about $54). Glen Scotia Victoriana (51.5%) was first Collection Mount Gay Rum of Barbados has made in the Victorian Era (non-chill filtered, released Origin Series: Volume Two, The about $91). Copper Stills Collection, the newest Glen Scotia 15 Year Old (46%) aged in addition to its limited-edition Origin Series. American oak barrels (about $66). The whiskies include Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old (46%, a Reserve and Signature Blends, Loch bout $61). Lomond Original Single Malt, Loch Inchmurrin 18 Year Old (46%, Lomond 12 and 18 Year Old Single about $110). Malts, Loch Lomond Single Grain, Glen Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish (46%) Scotia Double Cask, Glen Scotia 15 Year aged in American oak barrels and finished Old, Glen Scotia Victoriana, Inchmurrin in casks previously used for fortified 12 Year Old, Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, madeira wines (about $68). Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish and High High Commissioner Blend (40%) is Commissioner Blended Scotch Whisky. The a blend selected from grain and malt rare expression of Littlemill 25 Year Old whiskies (about $16). Single Malt, the last of limited stocks from Little Mill 25 Year Old (55.4%) is an a now silent Lowland distillery, will also extremely rare expression from the now be available. silent Lowland distillery (about $3,000). The Loch Lomond Group, formed Created by Master Blender Allen Smith, 250 years ago, currently owns the Loch Baileys Pumpkin the small-batch release features two rums Lomond malt and grain distillery at Spice Irish Cream with names of methods of distillation: the head of the Loch Lomond in the Copper Pot and Copper Column. Each rum Highlands and the Glen Scotia distillery in Liqueur has the same ingredients, fermentation . The Loch Lomond Distillery has extended the Baileys line and aging, but one rum is distilled in a has a pair of standard pot stills as well as with Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream Liqueur copper pot still and the other is distilled in three pairs of pot stills with rectifying a copper column still. heads plus a continuous still, which is used The rums are packaged together in 375- exclusively with malted barley, allowing a ml bottles, and the package sells for about single distillery to produce 11 malt styles. $95. Included is a booklet that gives an Founded in 1832, The Glen Scotia Distillery overview of the creation of the two rums. is one of only three distilleries producing in this area, making Glen Scotia one of the few Campbeltown whiskies available in the U.S. Loch Lomond Single Grain (40% ABV) is distilled from 100% malted barley in a coffey still (about $25 for a 750-ml bottle). Loch Lomond Reserve (40%) is a blended Scotch whisky (malt and grain) married in re-charred oak casks (about $31). (17% ABV), only available now through Loch Lomond Signature (40%) is November. A 750-ml bottle sells for married and conditioned in a 100-barrel about $25. cask solera system of Oloroso sherry casks and American oak casks that have been recharged (about $28). Loch Lomond Original (40%) is a single malt Scotch whisky (about $28).

9 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Rebel Yell Bourbon The Flaming Lips: Benromach 1974 The Benromach Distillery has released Single Barrel Brainville Rye Benromach 1974 (49.1% ABV), a single Luxco has released Rebel Yell Single cask malt Scotch whisky, with only 452 Barrel (50% ABV), a wheated bourbon Whiskey FEW Spirits of Illinois has released The bottles available worldwide and 40 bottles aged for 10 years and bottled one barrel at Flaming Lips: Brainville Rye Whiskey (40% available in the U.S. a time. ABV) in a collaboration with the band The Flaming Lips.

Distilled at the Forres distillery, Each bottle includes the barrel number Benromach 1974 aged for 41 years in a and an “aged since” date on the silk- The whiskey is distilled from rye, corn sherry butt and is packaged in a decanter- screened front label, has a matte finish and malted barley grown within 150 miles style bottle. The contours of the neck closure with a natural wood cork and is of the FEW distillery and is aged in new, and shoulder line are meant to represent sold in individual boxes. Only 2,000 cases charred American oak barrels custom- copper stills with a copper-colored neck are available in September, and 4,000 cases made in Minnesota. The mash is fermented collar. The bottle comes in a presentation are planned for 2017. A 750-ml bottle sells using a French wine yeast. box, and an accompanying book goes into for about $50. A 750-ml bottle sells for about $125, the Benromach history with stories about and only 5,000 bottles are available. the people behind the whisky. La Hechicera Rum The psychedelic label was designed A 750-ml bottle sells for about $2,199. Phillips Distilling has released La by Justin Helton of Status Serigraph, a Hechicera Rum (40% ABV) from Casa Knoxville, Tenn.-based studio. Helton The Dalmore 35 Santana, Colombia’s only privately owned, has designed materials for some of Whyte & Mackay has released The today’s biggest musical acts, festivals and Dalmore 35 (42% ABV), a 35-year-old entertainment brands. limited edition whisky aged in a bourbon

family-run distillery. La Hechicera is a blend of rums aged 12-21 years. It was first released in 2013 and is available in 15 barrel, a Matusalem sherry butt and a port countries. A 750-ml bottle sells for about colheita pipe. The whisky is packaged in a $45, and La Hechicera Rum will initially Baccarat decanter inside a wooden case. A be available in Boston, Chicago, Portland, 750-ml bottle sells for about $5,500. Ore., Austin, Texas, and Denver.

10 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE for Women’s Annex Foundation where she Sophie Kelly – SVP is heavily involved in implementing digital Tom Looney – Marketing for North initiatives in developing nations. President, U.S. Spirits American Whiskey, Charlie Mooney – & Diageo Canada, Diageo Executive Director, Diageo N.A. Diageo has appointed Sophie Kelly Diageo North America has expanded as SVP Marketing for North American Pennsylvania Liquor Tom Looney’s position to include Diageo Whiskey, effective September 1, based Canada and National Accounts. Looney’s in New York. She joins Diageo with a 20+ Control Board new title will be President, U.S. Spirits and The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Diageo Canada, effective October 1. (PLCB) has appointed Charlie Mooney, a 37-year agency veteran who has been instrumental in implementing changes to the agency throughout his career, as PLCB Executive Director, effective November 5.

Sophie Kelly Tom Looney year track record as a global strategic brand and agency leader in marketing and Looney takes over from Jeff Ivey who advertising. She has extensive experience has decided to retire, and he takes the lead in brand transformation, developing of the Diageo Canada business from Jakob integrated communication plans, creating Charlie Mooney Ripshtein, Diageo North America CFO and innovative digital solutions and leading President Diageo Canada. global networks. In her recent role as CEO Mooney will be responsible for directing Peter Kourtis will continue to lead the of The Barbarian Group, she transformed the administrative and business operations Canada sales organization as General the company from a small, innovative of the agency and managing the executive Manager, reporting to Looney. Ripshtein digital production shop to a tech-centric team, and he’ll provide leadership, strategic will continue in his role as CFO for North creative company providing everything planning and recommendations for agency America, singularly focused on leading from brand planning to creative to initiatives to the Board. He’s currently Chief the North America Finance function and technology and experience design. During Operating Officer of the PLCB, overseeing reporting to Deirdre Mahlan, President, her tenure, the agency won major accounts the day-to-day operations of the agency Diageo North America.. including Pepsi, IBM, Etihad and Kind, and and directing core business functions Ivey will remain to support the transition it was the inaugural winner of the Cannes related to marketing and merchandising, through June 30, 2017. Lions Innovation Grand Prix and a winner supply chain and retail operations. of Crain’s Best places to work in 2015. While earning a Bachelor of Science Prior to joining The Barbarian degree in accounting from The University Group, Kelly was Managing Director of of Scranton, Mooney worked as a part- StrawberryFrog, where she was responsible time liquor store clerk from 1979 to 1984. for leading the growth of new and existing Upon graduation, he became manager of clients including Jim Beam, Sabra and a PLCB store in Susquehanna County, then P&G. Previously, she was Global Business grew through store operations positions Director at JWT, where she ran a portfolio of increasing responsibility and breadth of worldwide Diageo brands including until joining the PLCB Executive Team as , Baileys and Jose Cuervo. She Director of Retail Operations in 2014. currently sits on the Interactive Advertising Mooney replaces Executive Director Bureau’s (IAB) agency advisory board, she John Metzger, who has retired. serves as an advisory board member to nonprofit Projects for All and she mentors

11 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Modern Distillery Age Tasting Panel In this week’s tasting panel we tasted four tequilas from Don José Pilar. All spirits are tasted blind. The panelists know only the style and ABV. The notes are a distillation of the panelists’ comments. The panelists vary with each panel but often include: Tom Jensen (Millstone Spirits), Dave Schmier (Producer of the Independent Spirits Expo), David Talbot (Ultimate Beverage Challenge), John Heffernan (Senior Master of Whisky), Renzo Kian-Kubota (Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market), Olie Berlic (spirits and wine sales) Jonathan Forester (distiller & cocktail consultant), Frank Whitman (Silvermine Tavern), Linda Kavanagh (MaxEx PR), Paul Zocco (Zok’s Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies), Ernie Adamo (Legislative Liaison for the State of Connecticut), Steve DeFrank (attorney), Dave Sokoloff (spirits lover), Phil Simpson (PMS Graphics), Tom Conti (Conti Design & Graphics), Melissa Dowling (Editor of Cheers), Pete Reid (Publisher/Editor of Modern Brewery Age), Michael Anstendig (Modern Distillery Age) and Gregg Glaser (Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age).

Don José Pilar Contreras, Jalisco, Mexico Imported by Tequilas & Agaves Don Pilar

Tequila Don Pilar Blanco, 40% (~$35) Clear with an aroma of soft agave sweetness and earthiness, grapefruit and lime. A citrus-forward tequila plus cucumber, white pepper and grassy herbaceousness. Clean with a good body and a lingering finish.

Tequila Don Pilar Reposado, 40% (~$38) Light amber with an aroma of agave sweetness and earthiness, caramel and a touch of oak. Agave sweetness and flavors in the taste plus spiciness and glycerin. A medium body. Spiciness lingers in the finish.

Tequila Don Pilar Añejo, 40% (~$40) Light amber with an aroma of agave sweetness, vanilla, iodine and oak. Agave sweetness and earthy herbs in the taste plus lots of oak, spiciness and floral flavors. A full body and a long finish.

Tequila Don Pilar Extra Añejo, 40% (~$150) aged in new American white oak & finished in French Limousin oak Rich amber with an aroma of caramel, butterscotch, rum and powdered mustard. Lots of oak in the taste, not many agave flavors, plus caramel sweetness, cinnamon, cardamom and spices. A big body. Lingers The Modern Distillery Age Tasting Panel meets once or twice a month. on and on. Samples are sent by distillers and importers and are tasted blind. Samples can be sent to: Modern Distillery Age 228 Silvermine Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850

12 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Total Spirits Categories — Current 52 Weeks Ending September 4, 2016 Total U.S. Multi-Outlet with C-Store (Supermarkets, Drugstores, Gas/C-Stores, Mass Market Retailers, Military Commissaries and Select Club & Dollar Retail Chains. Stats from SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research fim. Dollar Sales Dollar Share of Spirits Case Sales Current %Change Current Change vs Current %Change vs YA YA vs YA Spirits $6,711,064,023 5.5% 100.00 0.00 52,562,043 4.7% WHISKEY $2,210,349,802 7.8% 32.94 0.70 12,130,490 4.8% VODKA $1,913,264,574 5.5% 28.51 -0.02 16,317,595 4.2% RUM $656,584,683 0.6% 9.78 -0.48 4,998,548 0.4% CORDIALS $492,817,229 -2.6% 7.34 -0.61 2,508,260 -4.5% TEQUILA $412,799,507 8.4% 6.15 0.16 1,925,501 6.4% BRANDY/COGNAC $299,719,983 9.6% 4.47 0.17 1,653,222 3.2% PREMIXED COCKTAILS $279,395,973 8.3% 4.16 0.11 5,002,850 16.2% NON-ALCOHOLIC MIXERS $248,300,782 6.8% 3.70 0.04 6,635,538 5.8% GIN $197,831,490 3.1% 2.95 -0.07 1,390,039 -0.0% Case Share of Spirits Price Per Case Price per 750 ml Volume Current Change vs Current Change vs Current Change vs YA YA YA Spirits 100.00 0.00 $127.68 $1.07 $10.64 $0.09 WHISKEY 23.08 0.04 $182.21 $5.08 $15.18 $0.42 VODKA 31.04 -0.14 $117.25 $1.42 $9.77 $0.12 RUM 9.51 -0.41 $131.36 $0.34 $10.95 $0.03 CORDIALS 4.77 -0.46 $196.48 $3.83 $16.37 $0.32 TEQUILA 3.66 0.06 $214.39 $4.01 $17.87 $0.33 BRANDY/COGNAC 3.15 -0.05 $181.29 $10.69 $15.11 $0.89 PREMIXED COCKTAILS 9.52 0.94 $55.85 -$4.05 $4.65 -$0.34 NON-ALCOHOLIC MIXERS 12.62 0.13 $37.42 $0.35 $3.12 $0.03 GIN 2.64 -0.12 $142.32 $4.25 $11.86 $0.35

CITI: Keeping an Eye on CPI - Alcoholic Beverage Prices Were Up The CPI for Alcoholic Beverages (Off-Premise) increased 0.7% this month, which is below last month’s 0.9% increase. The CPI for Alcoholic Beverages (On-Premise) increased 1.8% this month, which is in line with last month. The CPI for Spirits (Off-Premise) was flat this month, which is below last month’s 0.5% increase. The CPI for Beer (Off-Premise) was up 1.6% this month, which is below last month’s 1.8% increase. The CPI for Wine (Off-Premise) was down 0.1% this month, which is below last month’s flat pricing.

13 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE Tasting Events & Competitions

New York City — May 2017 Chicago — September 2017

14 Cities — March-November www.singlemaltextravaganza.com

Calendar of Events September 21-24, 2016: DSTILL, Denver, CO, www.dstill.com September 23, 2016: WhiskyFest, San Francisco, CA, www.whiskyadvocate.com September 29, 2016: Whiskies of the World, Austin, Texas, www.whiskiesoftheworld.com October 22, 2016: Whiskies of the World, Atlanta, GA, www.whiskiesoftheworld.com October 23-24, 2016: New York International Spirits Competition, New York, NY, www.nyispiritscompetition.com October 28, 2016: Pittsburgh Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, Pittsburgh, PA, www.pittsburghwinefestival.com November 1, 2016: WhiskyFest New York, New York, NY, www.whiskyadvocate.com December 7, 2016: WSWA Winter State Policy Conference , St. Pete Beach, FL, www.wswa.org January 27-26, 2017: Spirits Con Symposium, Broomfield, CO, www.winecountrynetwork.com February 16-17, 2017: www.breweryage.com ACSA Convention, Nashville, TN, Covering the beer business since 1933 www.americancraftspirits.org The sister publication to Modern Distillery Age March 2, 2017: WhiskyFest, Washington, D.C., www.whiskyadvocate.com April 3-6, 2017: ADI Conference, Baltimore, MD, www.distilling.com To advertise in April 18-21, 2017: WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition, Modern Distillery Age The full Modern Distillery Age Orlando, FL, www.wswa.org contact calendar is available at [email protected] www.distilleryage.com

14 SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 | MODERN DISTILLERY AGE