A Scotch Distillery Offering of a Different Kind
Limited Edition Launch Gives Whisky Lovers Once-in-a-lifetime Chance to be Part of a New Scotch Legacy
Scotland’s Most Northerly Mainland Whisky Distillery Unveils Its Name – 8 Doors Distillery
Whisky enthusiasts are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, through a limited edition launch offer, to buy into Scotland’s most northerly mainland Scotch distillery, which today (6 October) unveils its name as ‘8 Doors Distillery’.
8 Doors Distillery is a new Scotch whisky micro-distillery and visitor centre set to open in John O’Groats in 2021, after planning permission was granted in March this year. The £1 million project will establish the first whisky producer in the Caithness village since 1837. It is a dream come true for its founders, local husband and wife team Kerry and Derek Campbell, who have developed a passion for Scotch over many years.
The new Highland Single Malt Whisky will be produced using the purest John O’Groats’ water extracted from a borehole on the distillery site. Its flavour profile will be deeply influenced by the local climate and its situation right beside the sea – hence its strapline ‘Whisky. From the Edge’.
With its limited edition launch offer 8 Doors Distillery is giving whisky lovers the opportunity to help create a new whisky legacy, saying the journey starts with the 874 Founders Club and the 874 Club.
8 Doors Distillery is collaborating with renowned whisky master John Ramsay to create its exclusive launch products. John brings with him over 40 years’ experience in the whisky industry, having being involved in the making of some of Scotland’s most well-known whiskies including The Famous Grouse, The Glenrothes and The Macallan.
Kerry and Derek see their limited edition launch as the first step in an incredible journey to realise their distillery dream. They have named the 874 Club after one of the greatest journeys in the UK – the 874 miles between Land’s End and John O’Groats.
The 874 Founders Club offers the exclusive opportunity to become a member and buy one of a limited number of 50 litre and 250 litre Founders Casks. The 874 Founders Club cask packages will be available for sale exclusively through Whisky Hammer for an initial period of one month until 5 November.
Those who join the 874 Club will receive a collection of three bottles from some of the first casks laid down and can purchase these packages directly from 8 Doors Distillery.
· 874 Founders Club – the top tier of membership, limited to 250 members. Founder members will get their hands on some truly unique casks of Highland Single Malt Whisky. There are 250 cask packages available from £1,600.
· 874 Club – the core membership limited to 1,250 members. 874 Club members will get three 70cl bottles of exceptional Highland Single Malt Whisky. Matured in first-fill, tailor made casks from Spain, the three different expressions are derived from seasoning and oak types chosen by John Ramsay. These bottle packages are £420.
Both packages come with a host of benefits including a members’ card entitling the individual and a friend to free tours for life. Founders Club members will also be permanently recognised with their name on the Founders Display within the distillery.
The inspiration for the 8 Doors Distillery branding comes from the story of Jan de Groot, from whom the village of John O’Groats takes its name. Mr de Groot, a Dutchman who once plied a ferry from the Scottish mainland to Orkney, built his legendary house in the area during the reign of James IV (1488-1513). Mr de Groot’s seven descendants quarrelled about succession, so he decided to build an octagonal house with eight doors – one for him and each of his seven sons – and an eight-sided table so that nobody could sit at the ‘head of the table’.
The distillery on the 32,670 square feet site will have the capacity to produce up to 60,000 litres of whisky each year. The distillery and visitor centre will be housed in one large building and whisky will be matured in an on-site bonded warehouse.
The founders are also taking advice from Ian Evans of whisky consultancy Distilled Experience who is a former Operations and Compliance Director with William Grant & Sons.
Kerry Campbell, co-founder of 8 Doors Distillery, said: “The creation of our 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats and our limited edition launch is part of a dream come true for Derek and me. We have a long-held passion for whisky and for the local area in Caithness where we both grew up. We’re so pleased to be able to bring them together with the development of our distillery and visitor centre.
“We love whisky, and for us it’s more than just having an exceptional liquid in the glass. It’s the stories that go alongside it, the memories of special occasions and get-togethers with family and friends. If we can be part of creating not only a fantastic whisky but also great memories for people who drink our whisky that would be amazing.
“We couldn’t think of anywhere better than John O’Groats to make whisky, partly thanks to the climate which we believe is perfect for distilling and maturation, and the great people who live here. Since we’ve announced our plans to the build the distillery we’ve had lots of local support. And we’re delighted to be working with such industry experts as John Ramsay and Ian Evans for our launch products.
“We believe our limited edition offer provides an unmissable opportunity for whisky lovers across the world to join our 874 Club and be part of the creation of a new Scotch legacy. It truly is whisky from the edge.”
“And we’re pleased to be working with another independent Scottish family-run business, Whisky Hammer, as part of our launch campaign. We’ve had direct experience of their premium service and passion for the whisky that passes through their doors so we can’t think of a better partner to launch our founders casks with.”
John Ramsay said: “It has been wonderful to collaborate with Kerry and Derek at 8 Doors Distillery to help them realise their dream of a whisky that reflects the unique environment of John O’Groats. Having worked in the industry for many years, it’s great to be involved in producing the first whisky from Scotland’s most northerly mainland distillery.
“8 Doors Distillery is particularly exciting for me as it’s the first Scotch whisky project I’ve been involved with since I retired in 2009 after 43 years in the industry. When I met Kerry and Derek and found out more about their desire to create a distillery in John O’Groats I wanted to get on board.
“One of the things that really appeals to me is their commitment to producing a whisky that involves maturation as much as distillation. They realise the importance of high-quality casks.
“We are developing a flavour profile that brings to life the local climate and the influence of the sea. Once the spirit has been matured on-site in carefully selected first-fill casks from Spain designed to our specifications, I believe we will be bringing something original to the world of whisky from this remote part of Caithness.
Daniel Milne, co-founder of Whisky Hammer, said: “We’re excited to team up with Kerry and Derek at 8 Doors Distillery, and expect demand to be high for their exclusive 874 Founders Club cask packages. It’s great to see people with such a passion for Scotch bringing something new to the world of whisky. We would urge anyone interested in being part of this legacy to visit our site as soon as they can.”
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is investing up to £198,000 in the new venture. Keith Muir, the agency’s head of business growth in Caithness and Sutherland, said: “This is a fantastic development, and it is great to see a project coming forward even in these difficult times that will be of real benefit to the tourism sector and to the local community.
“We are delighted to be able to help this local young couple fulfil their dreams of creating a new distillery in John O’ Groats. We look forward to the launch of 8 Doors Whisky and wish Kerry and Derek every success.”
Anyone interested in buying exclusive 8 Doors Distillery casks (available from midday on 6 October) or bottles (available from morning of 6 October) to create a new Scotch legacy should visit:
The Macallan Recognised For Sustainability Strategy
THE MACALLAN SECURES ACCLAIMED SUSTAINABILITY ACCREDITATION
The Macallan has been awarded the prestigious Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury for its commitment to sustainability across key areas of the business including innovation, environmental performance, and community development.
The Butterfly Mark is a third-party certification earned by brands that have adopted sustainability as a business strategy. It promotes transparency and enables people to buy better. More than 130 iconic brands worldwide have achieved the mark.
To earn the certification, luxury brands undergo a rigorous assessment to ensure they are meeting the highest standards of innovation within sustainability. The assessment is designed to holistically evaluate a brand’s commitment to sustainability across the following areas: governance, social impact, innovation, community investment, and environmental performance.
The Macallan’s in-depth review covered all areas of the business, including how it protects The Macallan Estate, its supply chain, and its contribution to local communities.
Igor Boyadjian, managing director of The Macallan, said: “We are proud to confirm that we have been awarded the coveted Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury.
“Sustainability is a guiding principle for The Macallan across all aspects of the business, from the way we look after our pristine 485-acre Estate, to the way we treat our people and communities. As a brand proud of our strong Scottish roots and distinguished history, we feel a deep responsibility to act with integrity to preserve our craftmanship and mastery for future generations.
“We look forward to continuing our sustainability journey in partnership with Positive Luxury and doing all that we can to encourage a more positive and progressive world.”
Brands that achieve the Butterfly Mark are assigned a bespoke set of ‘positive actions’, displayed in the form of simple symbols that illustrate the unique environmental and ethical business practices each has pursued.
The Macallan’s positive actions highlight its sustainable packaging, biodiversity protection, marine conservation and measures to promote energy efficiency. They also demonstrate The Macallan’s support for charitable causes and community development, and its dedication to fair pay and working conditions.
As a recipient of the Butterfly Mark, The Macallan will be able to display the certification on its packaging and on The Macallan website.
Diana Verde Nieto, Co-Founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome The Macallan to the Positive Luxury community.
“The Macallan does fantastic work honouring the skills of artisans and craftspeople, creating sustainable packaging and implementing an environmental protection programme that supports biodiversity on their Estate.”
The Butterfly Mark originates from the success story of the Large British Blue Butterfly. This species was extinct in Britain in 1979 yet was brought back to the natural world due to the dedication of multiple organisations and individuals.
For further information on The Macallan please visit www.themacallan.com and for more details on Positive Luxury, please visit their website https://www.positiveluxury.com/
While Not Whisky, We Appreciate a No.1 Cognac
Courvoisier® Introduces New Limited-Edition Cognac to its Esteemed Portfolio
28th September, London: Courvoisier®, the UK’s number 1 cognac and the Most Awarded Cognac House*, has announced the launch of DE LUXE – a new limited-edition liquid that is available exclusively in store and online at Tesco now.
Available for £40 RRP, DE LUXE, was first matured in French Limousin oak barrels before then finishing its maturation in a special selection of new casks made with fine grain oak trees, adding an extra layer of character.
This second maturation contributes to a woodier product which adds new layers of depth and intensity – combining rich and complex notes of vanilla, dried fruits, sandalwood and leather for a truly sophisticated finish.
Courvoisier® celebrates the art of making a truly beautiful liquid by realising the potential of each ingredient – each part of the process can be tasted. This experience is rooted in the deep respect for the rich blessings of the Cognac region, where the art of making is all about harnessing, liberating and revealing the spirit found in the terroir, cru and woods.
Courvoisier® DE LUXE embodies this ethos within the fine quality of its liquid, wrapped up in stylish packaging, perfect for the gifting season.
Nick Ganich, Head of Courvoisier UK says: “As you would expect from the brand that toasted the Eiffel Tower in 1889, Courvoisier® is the perfect choice to celebrate special occasions. The liquid and bottling of Courvoisier DE LUXE was inspired by that momentous time in history and the spirit of the Paris Golden Age, famous for its blend of art, glamour and decadence. ‘Celebrating moments’ was the inspiration for this launch and we hope everyone enjoys drinking it throughout this special season, as much as we enjoyed making it.”
For more information, please contact: ebs@hopeandglorypr.com
September Release of New Macallan Limited Edition No.6
INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN EDITION NO.6 – A WHISKY INSPIRED BY A LEGENDARY RIVER
21st September 2020, London: The Macallan has unveiled Edition No.6, a new limited edition single malt whisky celebrating the natural wonders of The Macallan Estate, and the vibrant lifeforce that sustains it – the River Spey.
Marking the sixth and final release in The Macallan Edition Series, Edition No.6 tells the story of a unique land and an extraordinary river, where whisky making, agriculture and nature all live in total harmony. It brings together The Macallan’s Ghillie, Robert Mitchell; Hardy, the world’s most renowned fly fishing brand; and The Atlantic Salmon Trust, which has over 50 years’ experience in salmon conservation.
The Macallan Estate lies on the banks of the River Spey, one of Scotland’s most legendary rivers renowned across the world as a home to the mighty Atlantic salmon. A day on this river, with its pure water, stunning wild landscape and calmness is a once in a lifetime experience.
The Macallan’s Ghillie, Robert Mitchell is the guardian of The Macallan’s stretch of the River Spey and takes great pride in his role caring for the river. He said: “A day on the River Spey is supremely special. You feel that you are escaping from everything and truly connecting with nature and with our Distillery completing this stunning landscape, there is no other place in the world capable of drawing so many wonders together. We are proud custodians of our one-and-three-quarter mile stretch of the River Spey and advocate for sustainability of the wildlife in and around it and so all fishing at The Macallan is catch and release.”
Inspired by the remarkable experience offered by the Spey, The Macallan Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner, created Edition No.6 by choosing five cask styles that embody unique stories related to the river and its unparalleled natural landscape.
Crafted from a combination of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, Edition No.6 captures the River Spey’s energy; the warm, welcoming personality of The Macallan’s Ghillie; the classic craftsmanship of Hardy; the extraordinary life of the Atlantic salmon on the beat; and the mastery of whisky making on The Macallan Estate, which has taken place since 1824.
The result is a multifaceted whisky delivering aromas of fresh fruits, nutmeg and toffee merged with oak and flavours of ripe plum, vibrant sweet oranges and cinnamon, developing into spicy fresh fruits and creamy chocolate and toasted oats at the finish.
Steven Bremner, The Macallan Whisky Maker, said: “From its early days of whisky making almost 200 years ago, The Macallan has been strongly inspired by and intrinsically connected to nature. It is the force that flows through everything we do at The Macallan and our whisky is enriched by its powerful presence. Edition No.6 is inspired by the natural world surrounding our Distillery, which has so much to offer and enjoy, in particular the River Spey, which is so vibrant, and full of energy.
“This complex single malt provides the perfect conclusion to the Edition Series as there is so much to discover in this whisky. The natural colour of antique brass derived from The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks indicates the richness of flavour that awaits and there is a structure and depth that is uncovered more and more over time.”
To protect the magical sense of the Spey that lies at the heart of Edition No.6, The Macallan has launched a new charitable partnership with The Atlantic Salmon Trust to help to conserve the at-risk fish, whose numbers have declined so rapidly in recent years.
The Atlantic Salmon Trust is protecting wild salmon and sea trout wherever they roam, especially in places like the River Spey, by tracking their migration across thousands of kilometres from their dominion to the open oceans. As a guardian of one of the last sanctuaries of Scottish salmon, The Macallan is supporting The Trust’s vital conservation work on the River Spey and beyond.
The Edition Series explores the unique and defining elements which make The Macallan one of the world’s most revered single malts. Each release reveals the detail of whisky making and showcases the absolute skill of the whisky maker, while sharing the story of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks and mastery behind the perfect cask selection since 1824.
The Macallan Edition No.6 has an RRP of £95 and will be available at The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop and other specialist retailers from September 29th 2020. For further information visit www.themacallan.com
Bowmore – Celebrating ‘The Art of Time®’
BOWMORE UNVEILS ‘THE ART OF TIME®’
UNLOCKING AND CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF OVER 240 YEARS
London, 17th September, Bowmore unveils a new major global campaign celebrating the ‘The Art of Time®’, since 1779. For the first time, we will tell the Bowmore story in depth, unlocking the rich layers of our heritage and paying homage to the craftsmanship and legacy behind our single malt.
‘The Art of Time’ is a global marketing campaign, which will be released in October 2020. It will be deployed across traditional media, social and digital commerce platforms with new still and dynamic content, secondary imagery and a set of key visuals. It will also be executed in stores with dedicated displays for mass retail, and premium visibility and window displays for whisky specialists and department stores, and for events.
‘The Art of Time’ tells the story of Bowmore’s exceptional quality and how our whiskies benefit from the power of time, becoming even more beautiful and precious over the years.
Bowmore is a pioneering house and the oldest licensed distillery on Islay; we have been refining our craft for over 240 years, and we still handcraft our malts today. ‘The Art of Time’ is central to the way we make our whisky. We invest more time than necessary at every stage of our process. We have our own proprietary malt barns, hand-turning our barley. We allow for perfectly timed fermentation periods. And we take our time to hand-select our casks, nosing every single one before it is filled with our new make. This care and attention to detail is what creates the complex balance of not just mild smokiness, but also maritime minerality and fresh stone fruit notes which is so characteristic of our timeless house style. This is the reason why Bowmore ages like no other, making us one of the world’s most collectible Islay malts today.
‘The Art of Time’ has provided the canvas for a refreshing new approach to Bowmore, ensuring a single identity across the core and prestige range, featuring a striking new colour palette and visual feel, inspired by the Islay coastal landscape coming together with the whisky itself.
For the campaign’s distinctive new visuals, Bowmore has drawn inspiration from its stunning surroundings, specifically Islay’s black stone formations that also surround our distillery. These formations have a strong connection to Bowmore’s own story, and Islay is home to some of the oldest strata in the world. These rocks have been shaped over a long period of time, transformed by seasons and enriched by the wild elements, just like our whisky.
Black stones also bring us back to the origins of the Bowmore name. Some historians believe it to be derived from a small black reef just outside Lochindaal whilst others reference the Norse for sunken rock, bogha mor, as its origination. Whichever may be true, this black stone is meaningful to our home and our name. It is central to our new visual identity and the foundation of our new key visual, leveraging black rocks as a metaphor to visually bring to life the layers of time and its transformative power. From rough beauty, our new make, to the smoothest layer of all, our Bowmore whisky, Bowmore is a masterpiece sculpted by time.
Céline Daniel, Global Marketing Manager at Bowmore, comments, “We are delighted to unveil our new ‘The Art of Time’ campaign, bringing Bowmore to life in a bold new way but importantly, remaining grounded in our history and roots on Islay. This is the first time we will be exploring Bowmore’s history and craftsmanship with such depth and with such consistency at a global level.
“We believe that Bowmore is a work of art, and our understanding and respect for time is central to how and why we craft our whisky. With this campaign, we will show how Bowmore uses time to transform our celebrated single malt into a true masterpiece. By drawing inspiration from the black rocks surrounding our distillery, we are also paying homage to the way time has shaped not only our whisky, but also Islay itself.”
‘The Art of Time’ global campaign is launching shortly after Bowmore announced its first collaborative creation with Aston Martin in August 2020, the Black Bowmore DB5 1964, a striking concept which brings together an iconic whisky and a legendary car in a bottle of equal parts, featuring exceptional single malt and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston with only 25 bottles* for sale. This partnership with Aston Martin reinforces Bowmore’s commitment to taking the time to create something special, with the craft and patience required to make sports cars and single-malt Scotch whisky very much intertwined.
