Bourbon 14
Latest Brand Development News From Maker’s Mark
Nicole Sykes Appointed Maker’s Mark UK Diplomat
14th January 2021, London: In 1943 when Bill Samuels Sr. walked away from the whisky founded by his great, great grandfather by burning the only copy of 170 year old family recipe, he set off to personally create a whisky that he could proudly share with his friends and family. Collaborating with his wife Margie Samuels, their result was Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky.
To continue the tradition of proudly sharing this great tasting whisky with our friends and family, we are delighted to share the news that the award-winning UK bartender and drinks expert Nicole Sykes has joined Edrington Beam Suntory UK as Maker’s Mark Diplomat.
Nicole brings 5 years’ experience to the Bourbon Whisky brand, working in some of the world’s most iconic bars in London and Edinburgh including Lyaness, Voodoo Rooms and most recently at Satan’s Whiskers, one of the world’s leading independent cocktail bars.
Nicole has also received numerous awards and accolades for her creativity and commitment to quality. Nicole’s passion for handmade cocktails and crafted American whisky will be key to sharing Maker’s Mark remarkable story.
Commenting on Maker’s Mark new role Nicole Sykes said: “The most compelling part for me is the genuine story behind Maker’s Mark. Each step of the process has its purpose and is there to create the best tasting Bourbon Whisky. It’s much like when bartenders create cocktails, each ingredient and method is well thought out. We don’t use the cheapest or quickest methods; we use the best methods to achieve the best taste experience.”
In her new role, Nicole will share the unique hand-crafted story of Maker’s Mark with bartenders and Bourbon Whisky enthusiasts across the UK. She will also work to support the on-trade during their transition back into service as restrictions loosen in the coming weeks.
Nick Temperley, General Manager for London at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK also commented: “We are extremely excited to have Nicole join the team here at Maker’s Mark. Having proven herself as an outstanding bartender in some of London’s best bars, she will now bring her own sense of fun, energy and cocktail experience to help us grow our remarkable bourbon whisky and support all our customers in 2021.”
For more information visit: www.makersmark.com
Home Grown – Maker’s Mark Grow Your Own Garnish Kits
Maker’s Mark has launched its new Grow Your Own Garnish bottle, including mint seeds so you can get growing at home.
The iconic bourbon is now available to purchase for a limited time with a paper envelope tied round the neck of the bottle containing mint seeds, so you can grow your own mint garnish and create the classic Maker’s Mark signature serve – the Mint Julep. Printed on the envelope itself is the Mint Julep recipe, which brings together all of the key ingredients to create a refreshing cocktail at home.
The Maker’s Mark ‘Growing for Good’ mission statement highlights the importance of sustainability within the production of the whisky itself. The distillery is the only one in Kentucky that owns and controls the water source for its whisky, which reflects its commitment to improving plant diversity and providing wildlife habitat. Launching the new Grow Your Own Garnish Kits builds on Maker’s Mark’s passion for conservation and looking after the environment.
Bottles are available to purchase now in-store at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons for the price of £32.
Raise a Glass and Celebrate World Whisky Day 2020
Celebrate World Whisky Day With These Exquisite Expressions From Around The Globe
World Whisky Day (16th May 2020) is just around the corner, and the question of which whisky to celebrate with remains a question on everybody’s lips.
There are few things more perfect than a fine whisky; patiently matured and rich with flavour, taking the drinker on an unforgettable taste journey.
Bringing together the finest ingredients and flavours, here is a selection of stand-out whiskies perfect to raise a Dram with for World Whisky Day, including classics from The Macallan, Maker’s Mark, The House of Suntory, and more.
Bowmore 15 Year Old
Bowmore is Islay’s oldest distillery, and home to the world’s oldest whisky maturation warehouse, the No. 1 Vaults.
Matured first in bourbon barrels then Oloroso casks, there’s no finer example of a sherry cask finish than Bowmore 15 Year Old. The final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks give Bowmore 15 Year Old the rich, deep colour and robust warming finish.
RRP: £60
Available to purchase from The Whisky Exchange and Amazon
The Macallan Estate
The Macallan Estate, created by Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, is a tribute to The Macallan’s heritage and home.
It is an extremely special new single malt containing rare spirit from a proportion of the barley grown at Easter Elchies estate, which is distilled just once a year over the course of a single week. The liquid delivers a subtle hint of citrus which balances the traditional sherried richness, resulting in a complex single malt with an extraordinarily long finish.
RRP: £195
Stockists: The Whisky Shop and The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo
In collaboration with Danish tattoo artist and modern-day Viking Soul, Colin Dale, Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo’s bold design celebrates the tattoo as a mark of both standing apart and being part of a tribe – just like Highland Park.
The expression’s exquisite tasting notes include the likes of sweet vanilla, sun-ripened peaches, and full-bodied red wine, finished with a light peat smoke.
RRP: £80
Stockists: Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop
Laphroaig Lore
By maturing the liquid in small batches in five unique casks, Laphroaig has created a liquid that is rich, complex, varied and above all, storied.
Laphroaig Lore uses different aged liquids ranging from 7 to 21 years, which allows the richest possible flavour. As the name suggests, this offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.
RRP: £80
Stockists: Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange
Maker’s 46
The first bourbon in Maker’s Mark’s wood-finishing series, Maker’s 46 was created by Bill Samuels, J., to amplify the flavours he loves most in Maker’s Mark.
The innovative wood-stave-finishing process starts with fully matured Maker’s Mark at cask strength, after which 10 seared virgin French oak staves are inserted into the barrel. The liquid is then finished for nine weeks in a limewood cellar, resulting in a bolder and more complex flavour, but without the bitterness typical of longer-aged whiskies.
RRP: £40
Stockists: Amazon and Master of Malt
Toki
Meaning ‘time’ in Japanese, Toki brings together old and new – the House of Suntory’s proud heritage and its innovative spirit.
A blended Japanese whisky that is both ground-breaking and timeless, the finish is subtly sweet and spicy with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.
RRP: £35
Stockists: Tesco and Master of Malt
For more information on expressions from Edrington-Beam Suntory, please contact ebs-consumer@hopeandglorypr.com
The Highly Anticipated Maker’s 46 Luxury Launch
Maxxium UK Is Extending Its Bourbon Portfolio With The Launch Of Maker’s 46
The much anticipated Maker’s Mark variant is targeted at premium on trade and luxury retail outlets and will be available from September following a preview in Harrods from 24th August.
Maker’s 46 is created by removing fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon from its barrel, affixing ten seared French oak staves to the inside of the original barrel, then putting the Maker’s Mark back in and aging it several more months. This second maturation is carried out in the coolest part of the warehouse, resulting in a complex and delicious flavour profile of caramel, vanilla and spice. This rich liquid is bigger and bolder but with the drinkability that is synonymous with Maker’s Mark. The number 46 refers to the 46th recipe Bill Samuel’s Sr created before finally identifying the sought after unique stave profile used to deliver its distinctive taste.
Created to be sipped neat or over ice, Maker’s 46 has been carefully crafted using the traditional Maker’s Mark ingredients, including red winter wheat for its gentle, smooth taste.
The elongated 700ml bottle is premium and elegant, with the Maker’s 46 logo etched on the glass. The iconic Maker’s Mark hand-dipped red wax finishes the look.
The launch is being supported by an interactive bartender event at Dandelyan on 24th August and consumer activity in Harrods from 26th August, including tutored tastings and a caricaturist who will create bespoke gifts.
Maxxium UK’s Marketing Controller for Imported Whiskey, Janice McIntosh, says: “Maker’s 46 is uniquely crafted to deliver an exceptional flavour that is bigger and bolder while maintaining the smoothness of Maker’s Mark. Bartenders and bourbon aficionados will be keen to welcome this premium expression as it meets the growing appetite for quality bourbons and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce it to the UK”
Maker’s 46 is bottled at 47% ABV, 2% higher than Maker’s Mark and has an RRP of £39.99(700ml).
LONDON’S BEST NEW WHISKEY AFFAIR RETURNS
An Exciting Event For Any Casual or Serious Fans of Scotch and Bourbon
The Whiskey Affair continues it’s nationwide tour by returning to Reading on the 22nd October! Coming on the back of their hugely successful Guildford event, it’s a lively and fun night out for any fans of whiskey where they can discover new brands and blends – with the event split into four sections – scotch, bourbon, whiskey and whiskey cocktails – there’s something for all levels of knowledge from beginners right through to connoisseurs.
The event takes place at The Great Hall, London Rd, Reading, RG1 5QA and has two sessions. The afternoon session is 1pm-5pm and the evening 7pm-11pm. Tickets are £8 each and available here now. This new festival started in London last year and has moved nationwide in 2016. It originated from a simple idea: to allow people to comprehensively explore the world of whiskey against a backdrop of For the Whiskey Affair Reading, they’ve stepped it up another gear. Alongside live music and representatives from the brands, they’ve got tasting sessions, free samples from a number of new brands, an array of spectacular moonshines from the guys at Shine London (warning: it packs a punch!) All these factors and more mean you’re in for a great night and even friends and partners with no interest in whiskey can sample the cocktail menu and still enjoy the night. And who knows – with a variety of whiskeys ranging from smooth bourbons to spiced whiskies, you may even be able to change their minds…
Organiser Catherine Jackson is keen to evangelise about the whiskey possibilities and share her enthusiasm with a wide audience:
“Back when I started my affair with whiskey, I had so many friends who were knowledgeable about different whiskeys and I was often lost as to where to start. I wanted to dip my toe into the differences and similarities within the brands and learn how to judge which finishes and ages suited my tastes more but I wanted to do so with friends and have a good night out at the same time.
There are some wonderful, smaller independent distillers involved next to household names so there is a true mix of
brands to sample. We’ll have wonderful live music from Becki Short and speakers to provide our entertainment
for the evening and a photo booth will allow a permanent (and occasionally risqué!) memory of the night. It’s
going to be great fun and we can’t wait to share it!”
Email:info@thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk
