Whisky 33
‘FAMOUS’ NEW MASTER BLENDER
THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES NEW MASTER BLENDER
Wednesday 31st August – Edrington, the international premium spirits company has announced the appointment of a new Master Blender for The Famous Grouse.
Craig Johnstone is a Scot who brings nineteen years of industry experience to the role in the UK and most recently in Tasmania. He returns to Scotland to take on one of the most prestigious roles in the industry as the blender behind the UK’s No 1 Whisky.
Craig follows in the footsteps of renowned Master Blenders including Gordon Motion and Kirsteen Campbell. The 37-year-old has become one of a select few people who know the unique blend of whiskies that combine to form Scotland’s favourite whisky and holder of a Royal Warrant.
The role will be based at Edrington’s famous ‘106 Sample Room’ in Glasgow, where an estimated 11,000 samples of single malts, grains and blends are stored and where a team of blenders nose up to 600 samples a day to guarantee the aroma, flavour and character of The Famous Grouse blend.
After completing a degree in astrophysics, Craig’s first job was as a Scotch Whisky distillery tour guide. The experience led him to focus his ambitions on the industry and develop an interest in sustainability in spirits distillation.
As Master Blender, Craig will work with the Edrington team to develop new sustainability practices within the whisky making and blending processes.
Edrington recently announced a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2045, with an ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions and has joined the Carbon Disclosure Project, the gold standard of environmental reporting.
Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse, said: “Craig is a talented master blender and his experience and passion for the brand and for exploring new ideas in sustainability will help us to build on the global success of The Famous Grouse and also rise to the challenge of our Net Zero ambitions.”
Commenting on his new role, Craig said: “It is a privilege to be Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and to be part of the team that are the current custodians of this amazing brand. This beloved Scotch Whisky has played a prominent role in my life, part of so many celebrations with family and friends – just the aroma gives me a sense of being back home. I’m looking forward to delivering the high quality and character that is expected of The Famous Grouse and continuing the legacy of this well-loved whisky.”
New Malt Launch From GlenWyvis Distillery
GlenWyvis Distillery Launches Its Second Single Malt Scotch Whisky
GlenWyvis Distillery – The world’s first community-owned distillery – has announced the launch of its second three-year-old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Batch two of the Dingwall-based distillery’s 2018 vintage distillation, known as Batch 02/18, follows the launch of its inaugural release whisky in December 2021 and will be available to purchase from 29th June 2022.
8,000 bottles will be available in total, and can be purchased directly from GlenWyvis Distillery’s website, with shareholders given early access, or from selected specialist retailers in Scotland and the UK. A number of bottles will also be available for purchase in Germany, where GlenWyvis Distillery’s largest non-UK shareholder base is.
Five per cent of online sales from GlenWyvis Distillery’s website will go directly to the GoodWill Fund; a fund that will benefit community projects and good causes in the Dingwall and Ross-shire area.
Speaking about the launch, Matthew Farmer, GlenWyvis Distillery Manager, said: “Following the success of our inaugural release – the first whisky produced in Dingwall for almost 100 years – I’m delighted to welcome batch two to the GlenWyvis Distillery family!
“Batch two was created from 23 casks between three and four years old, consisting of 15 first-fill ex-Tennessee/Bourbon, five first-fill ex-Oloroso and three refill Hogsheads. 02/18 has noticeably more oak influence and a deeper colour than our first whisky, while still letting our unique spirit shine through. I hope everyone enjoys getting to know our distillery character.”
GlenWyvis Distillery’s inaugural release whisky was in high demand, selling out via pre-order almost immediately. Since then, the small team has been working hard to deliver an equally sought-after second offering.
Board Chairman, David Graham added: “Congratulations to the team on the launch of GlenWyvis Batch Two Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky! For such a small team at the distillery, they really punch above their weight, and I am very proud of what they have achieved.
“Dingwall is well and truly back on the whisky making map!”
For further information, stockist details or to purchase GlenWyvis Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 02/18, please visit: www.glenwyvis.com
INTERNATIONAL WINS FOR SUNTORY PORTFOLIO
THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE
Among Best in Category Trophy, Hibiki® 21 Wins Double Gold, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® Score Several Gold Awards in Prestigious Global Tasting Event
London, 14 July 2021: – The House of Suntory, the founding house and pioneer of Japanese Whisky, received its latest wave of industry accolades from this year’s 2021 International Spirits Challenge across its core portfolio of premium whiskies, including a category win for Japanese Whisky Distiller of the Year, and a Double Gold win for Hibiki® 21 – one of only 11 Double Golds awarded in the entire competition.
HIBIKI LOGO
Other Gold wins for the House of Suntory went to Hibiki, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® expressions. The House of Suntory received 21 medals in total across the brands, including 13 Gold medals. Held in London in June, the International Spirits Challenge recognises outstanding quality, excellence and achievement in spirits around the world.
“We are honored to continue receiving this level of outstanding recognition year over year by one of the most prestigious industry competitions in the world,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory at Beam Suntory. “These awards are a testament to our company’s commitment to quality, precision and excellence. We congratulate our Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, and his diligent team across our distilleries who exhibit the highest level of skill and passion for their craft. This hard-working group commit themselves daily to producing nothing but the best spirits.”
Hibiki 21YO 70cl w carton JPG
The full list of House of Suntory competition results:
DOUBLE GOLD
Hibiki 21 Year Old
GOLD
Hibiki Blender’s Choice
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select
Hibiki 30 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt 25 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara 2020 Edition
Yamazaki Single Malt Spanish Oak 2020 Edition
Yamazaki Single Malt Bordeaux Wine Cask 2020 Edition
Hakushu Single Malt 12 Year Old
Hakushu Single Malt 18 Year Old
Hakushu Single Malt 25 Year Old
SILVER
Suntory Whisky Chita
Suntory World Whisky AO
The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky
The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2021 Edition
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Puncheon 2020 Edition
The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2020 Edition
Hibiki 21YO 70cl JPG
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).
whisky.suntory.com @suntorywhisky #suntorywhisky
Exclusive Bar Training With House of Suntory
HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM LED BY UK BRAND AMBASSADOR JAMES BOWKER
The DOJO program will return for a second year and aims to educate select bartenders on the art of Japanese bartending
London, 2nd July 2021 – House of Suntory has announced the return of its advocacy programme which will educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of craft spirits: Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, Toki Whisky, and Hibiki Whisky.
DOJO, which translates as ‘a place to master the way’, is a first-of-its kind program that seeks to engage with bartenders to not only improve their skillset, but deepen their understanding of the philosophy and customs that embody The House of Suntory’s roots in Japanese craftsmanship.
Led by House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, James Bowker, the DOJO programme will be supported by traditional Japanese Craft Masters. Together they will provide best-in-class education in Japanese culture, craft and bartending, centring on the three key pillars of House of Suntory: Hibiki, Omotenashi and Monozukuri.
Between June and September, the Japanese Craft Masters will each present an online masterclass with James Bowker:
- Hosted by renowned Ikebana Artist, Keiko Smith, the Ikebana Masterclass took place on 21st June 2021, focusing on Japanese aesthetics and beauty. In addition, participants tasted each botanical distillate of Roku individually in a special Roku tasting experience
- On the 19th of July 2021, Master Sushi Instructor Izumi Nakamura and Japanese seasoning expert Stuart Turner will host a Sushi Masterclass exploring balance and seasoning, which will include a Haku tasting of rice spirits at different stages of distillation
- 23rd August 2021 will see Sake Sommelier, Erika Haigh, owner of Bar Moto, and Head Sommelier of Restaurant Story, Jonathan Kleeman, combine forces to teach the art of flavour matching during the Pairing Masterclass, which will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki
- To conclude the DOJO Masterclass Series on 20th September 2021, House of Suntory are collaborating with leading Urasenke Tea Master, Genshitsu Sen, to curate a Tea Ceremony Masterclass, centring on hospitality and guest experience. In addition, James Bowker and Zoran Peric will host a tasting of Hibiki components following an advanced ice carving tutorial
In addition to this and in the spirit of traditional DOJO training, participants will also be able to take part in Kaizen Challenges, inspired by the idea of Kaizen – continual refinement – wherein participants will demonstrate their newfound skills and apply them to a classic cocktail. The participants who display the most commitment and personal development will be invited to a grand finale where House of Suntory will select the strongest DOJO apprentices to join them for a one-of-a-kind trip to Japan.
Commenting on the re-launch, James Bowker, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory said: “We are extremely proud to bring back DOJO for a second year. The programme is a great opportunity to engage with bartenders across the country and share with them the three pillars behind the House of Suntory brand that makes it so unique. Educating bartenders on Japanese culture has always been a passion of mine and I cannot wait to welcome the next cohort of Dojo ambassadors.”
For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com
Glen Scotia Working to Support British Entrepreneurs
Glen Scotia Whisky invites Scottish firms to enter Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Glen Scotia Single Malt Whisky is encouraging Scottish businesses to enter the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, which opens for entries from today (March 15).
Earlier this year, Glen Scotia revealed a new partnership with the awards, which acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK, in celebration of the entrepreneurial, innovative spirit of its founders. Now, the whisky brand is encouraging like-minded business leaders in Scotland to champion their ventures on a national stage.
The scotch whisky brand, owned by Loch Lomond Group, is one of the last Campbeltown distilleries to have maintained production from the heady days of the 1830s when the region was known as the whisky capital of the world. Glen Scotia continues to enjoy success, now backed by almost two centuries of craftsmanship and experience, and its award-winning whiskies are renowned for their distinctive maritime influence and Campbeltown character.
To mark the partnership with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA), which was founded in 2013 and includes the founders of Cambridge Satchel Company and Social Chain amongst its community, Glen Scotia is sponsoring the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the regional and national ceremonies. Winners in this category will be given their very own, limited edition GBEA bottle of Glen Scotia 15 Year Old whisky, with a bespoke Glen Scotia 18 Year Old presented to all national winners to mark their achievement.
John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer at Glen Scotia, said: “As beneficiaries of the early entrepreneurial spirit shown by our founders back in 1832, we want to celebrate the very best in Scottish business.
“The Great British Entrepreneur Awards provides the perfect platform for up-and-coming Scottish businesses to share their story at a national level and join an engaged community of alumni and judges which features some of the most exciting companies in the UK. We’re pleased to be able to support this year’s event and foster the innovative spirit shown by our predecessors.”
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “When we set up the awards back in 2013, our aim was to establish a community of like-minded businesspeople in the UK that could learn from one another.
“It’s great to see that Glen Scotia recognises the value of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking, which are embedded in its DNA. We’re incredibly excited to be able to open entries for this year’s regional events, and can’t wait to see which businesses will share their stories.”
Do you have what it takes to rub shoulders with the best entrepreneurs across the country? To find out more, and to submit your entry, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com
