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30 Apr 10
William Grant buys Irish spirits from C&C group
Tullamore Drew sells 600,000 cases a year
The distillery company William Grant is to buy the spirits and liqueur business from the Irish company C&C group for around £250m.
The brands include Tullamore Drew, Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist.
William Grant is more than 100 years old with brands including Glenfiddich, Grants and Hendrick's Gin.
Stella David, chief executive officer of William Grant, said: "We have been looking to further develop our non-Scotch portfolio."
She added: "Irish whiskey is a natural fit and C&C's spirits business provides a unique opportunity free online bingo to acquire a number of significant brands and enter the highly desirable and dynamic Irish whiskey category.
"We shall make significant investment in Ireland and invest in the long-term value growth of the brands, including Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey which, at 600,000 cases, and given its potential, will become a core global brand in our business."
The deal needs shareholder approval but William Grant expects the deal to be completed by the end of June.
C&C, which is based in Dublin, bought Tennent's lager in a deal worth £180m last year.
It also owns Magners and Bulmer cider. http://news.bbc.co.uk/
27 Apr 10
200-Yr-Old Whisky Gets Rebrand & Rock Star Chairman
Sales & Distribution Channels: ‘Talks Underway’
One of the oldest whisky brands in the world, Glen Rossie, is being given a fresh rebrand with a new label, new bottle and a new chairman – Francis Rossi, lead singer and guitarist in legendary rock band Status Quo.
What began as a tipple on a tour bus ten years ago has matured into a Chairmanship for Rossi, who has taken a significant minority stake in the 196-year-old brand with The Brand Cellar, which acquired Glen Rossie from First Quench.
It is understood that The Brand Cellar is in talks with a number of interested parties regarding sales and distribution channels for the whisky – both via retailers and direct sales – although a decision on the final selected partners has yet to be agreed.
Dating back to 1814, the brand is being re-launched with a plectrum-inspired label and logo in homage to its new guitar-playing Chairman. Francis Rossi also features heavily on the new website, www.glenrossiewhisky.com, where 30 first-run, limited edition, signed Glen Rossie bottles are being given away.
David Birchall, Chief Executive Officer of The Brand Cellar, said: “Glen Rossie has a tremendous whisky heritage and as we approach its 200th anniversary in 2014 we have the ambition to turn it into a global brand.
“We signed a deal with Francis this year in Melbourne where he was touring and as Chairman – and as ‘front man’ for the Glen Rossie brand – we believe he can help us reinvigorate sales not just in the UK but, as someone who has sold 118 million records worldwide, overseas too.
“We are exploring a number of opportunities to support our sales and distribution strategy and intend to announce those plans soon after the conclusion of our discussions.
“From a marketing perspective, we have some exciting and innovative ideas for the brand which we’re currently planning. For example, to mark the initial unveiling of the new bottle and identity we’re running an online competition to win one of 30 first-run, limited edition, signed bottles on our website at www.glenrossiewhisky.com.”
27 Apr 10
Imminent release of four new expressions of Highland Park exclusively for global travel retail.
The Vintage Editions range will replace the current expressions in duty free and consists of four whiskies which were distilled in 1998, 1994, 1990 and 1973. We looked into our maturing stocks to find sherry-seasoned casks which would showcase different dimensions of the classic Highland Park profile of honey sweetness and aromatic peat. Whisky Maker Max McFarlane identified specific vintage years with exceptional casks.
The differences between the expressions lie in the extent to which first-fill or refill European and American oak casks have been used; as always, maturation influences the colour and complexity of each whisky. So the 1998 and the 1990 Vintages emphasise the smokier notes whilst the 1994 and the 1973 highlight the sweeter characteristics.
We asked some whisky luminaries for their opinions. For example, Charlie MacLean found the 1998 “a flawless malt for its age”. Dave Broom reckoned the 1994 tasted of “ripe fruits and melting dark chocolate”. Dominic Roskrow thought the range as a whole was “amazing to see... totally unexpected characteristics”.
The whiskies are not available anywhere other than duty free – not even at the distillery – and will be priced as follows; 1998 Vintage €46 (1l), 1994 Vintage €65 (70cl), 1990 Vintage €99 (70cl) and 1973 Vintage €750 (70cl).
The Highland Park Vintages range is available with immediate effect. Full tasting notes can be found on our website.
For more information on the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
25 Apr 10
Some changes in the management of Scottish distilleries occured over the last few days and weeks:
SPRINGBANK, the iconic Campbeltown whisky distillery, has this week announced a summertime change of management that will see the first locally-born man take charge of production in over 60 years.
Gavin McLachlan, aged 36, will take over as Manager of Springbank and its sister distillery, Mitchell’s Glengyle, from August 1st 2010.
Neil Clapperton, Managing Director of parent company J&A Mitchell & Co Ltd, said: “Gavin is Campbeltown born and bred and his appointment gives us great pleasure and also reflects our company’s long-term commitment to Campbeltown.”
Gavin, who began his career in the whisky industry in May 2002 as a bottling hall operative at Springbank before quickly moving into malting and distilling within eight months, has been assistant manager for the past four years.
In his new post he will work alongside Director of Production Frank McHardy to oversee the day-to-day operations at Springbank and Glengyle.
Gavin’s promotion follows the resignation of present manager Stuart Robertson, who is leaving the company to take up a new appointment in the north east of Scotland.
Stuart will be with us for a few weeks yet but when he does leave he will do so with the best wishes of everyone at Springbank. Source: http://www.springbankwhisky.com
Huntly Distillery - New Appointment - Stuart Robertson - 20th April, 2010
Duncan Taylor & Co Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Robertson as Distillery Development Manager for its Huntly Distillery project. Stuart’s expertise in this field, gained through his management of Distilleries within Diageo and latterly Springbank Distillers, will bring a wealth of experience to Duncan Taylor and its ambitions of becoming a Distiller in 2010. Stuart who will be joining the company next month will be instrumental in managing the new Huntly Distillery build and its production on completion.
Euan Shand, Duncan Taylor Managing Director, said today that “This is very exciting times for Duncan Taylor, we have had a great year despite the recession. Our new brand lines are introducing us to developing markets such as India and China, it is now time to build our Distillery. We believe we have got the best man to do the job”.
And the oldest one:
John MacLellan, Distillery Manager of Bunnahabhain, moving to Kilchoman Distillery We are delighted to announce that John MacLellan will be joining us as General Manager. John has worked in the whisky industry for over 20 years and for the past 12 years he has been the manager at Bunnahabhain, so brings with him lots of experience in the whisky game . He starts on the 3rd of May and will be responsible for the day to day running of the business, freeing Anthony up to concentrate on developing sales around the world.
19 Apr 10
Diageo reports ‘green shoots’ of recovery in sales
Diageo: customers have regained their enthusiasm for trading up to expensive tipples
Tim Sharp, http://www.heraldscotland.com
The company last year announced plans to close its Kilmarnock bottling plant and its Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, with the loss of 900 jobs as part of a cost-saving drive.
But while it makes preparations for the final closure of the operations later this year, the company acknowledged things are improving on the sales front.
Chief marketing officer Andy Fennell said: “We are now starting to see some green shoots.”
The company has seen accelerating sales of top-end brands in the last three months, although he noted markets like Spain and Ireland are still tough.
Some analysts have questioned whether the strategy of “premiumisation”, persuading customers to buy more expensive tipples, pursued by both Diageo and its main rival Pernod Ricard, the company behind Chivas Regal whisky, would work after the recession.
Fennell said top-end shoppers had continued to snap up its most expensive products, such as its recently launched $3,000 (£2,000) a bottle John Walker whisky, during the downturn.
But he noted there had been changes in habits since the downturn hit the drinks industry in 2008’s autumn.
“For the mass of consumers who were impacted during the downturn there was trading down,” he said.
But he added: “Premiumisation has been a big force in the past and will be a big force in the future. The dynamics of trading up are not cyclical, they are impacted by the recession but not changed by it.”
But Fennell said there would be one lasting impact: “When people have the money again we do not think they will go back to ostentatious frivolous purchases.”
The company, which makes Smirnoff vodka and Guinness, started offering products in more affordable smaller pack sizes in markets such as the UK.
It also introduced lower- end brands, like Bell’s whisky, in markets such as Russia to stop shoppers switching back to domestic drinks.
Fennell said: “When Russians have more money in their pockets they will aspire to the most expensive one they can afford.”
Diageo, which owns the Lagavulin and Talisker single malt brands among others, is seeking to expand the reach of this end of its product suite.
Fennell said: “Malt whisky is still a developed world product apart from Taiwan, so that will be a source of growth for us to take our malt brands to the rest of the world.”
19 Apr 10
Beer brewery in Suffolk moves into spirits production
A well-established beer brewer is to build a distillery at its Suffolk plant to produce gin, vodka and whisky.
Adnams has been granted a licence to distil spirits at its Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold.
Now a planning application, for a micro distillery and refurbishment of the old brewery Copper House, has been submitted to Waveney District Council.
The aim is to produce gin and vodka for sale by November this year and whisky, which needs ageing, in three years. http://news.bbc.co.uk
15 Apr 10
Scotch whisky exports reach record high in 2009
Exports of Scotch whisky reached a record high last year, despite the economic downturn in some major markets.
Figures show the amount of whisky being shipped abroad increased by 4% worldwide during 2009.
The value of these exports rose by 3% to reach about £3.1bn, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
Paul Walsh, chairman of the SWA, said the figures showed the importance of Scotch whisky to the UK economy.
The SWA said there had been a slow start to 2009, partly due to weaker consumer confidence.
But an "impressive" export performance was reported during the second half of the year.
The USA remained Scotch whisky's largest export market by value, with an increase of 13% last year.
The drink is also enjoying increasing popularity in Brazil, where the value of exports grew by 44%.
However in Spain, the third biggest market, the value of exports fell by 5%.
'Leading export'
An extra 3% - or £71m - of blended Scotch was exported last year, compared to 2008, while malt Scotch whisky shipments rose by 1%, or £4m.
Mr Walsh said: "Scotch whisky distillers have delivered record exports in the face of a global economic downturn.
"The industry is continuing to invest and sustain its efforts to secure fair access to export markets."
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA, added: "As one of the UK's leading manufactured exports, all political parties should recognise and support the Scotch whisky industry, both at home and abroad, during the next Parliament."http://news.bbc.co.uk/
13 Apr 10
GLENDRONACH 1996 CASK 197 RELEASED TODAY...BUT ONLY AVAILABLE AT ABERDEENSHIRE DISTILLERY!
GlenDronach is delighted to announce details today (April 13) of an exclusive single cask bottling...and it's available only in a secluded corner of the Scottish countryside!
"1996 Cask 197 has been specially selected for devotees of our renowned richly-sherried malt and is only available at our Aberdeenshire distillery," explained Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker.
"You won't find it anywhere else in the world so if you want to savour this unique expression, you'll have to come here to get one of our 576 bottles...but I assure you the journey will be well worth it!"
Alistair added: "Distilled and filled to cask on 16 February 1996 and bottled in March 2009, Cask 197 has been allowed to mature for over fourteen years. From an Oloroso Sherry Butt, it's bottled at cask strength 59.7% vol. and is a great example of the big, rich, heavily-sherried style of whisky that malt drinkers the world over associate with GlenDronach."
Cask 197's tasting notes confirm it's a classic GlenDronach - smooth, sweet, complex and full-bodied with an incredible concentration of aromas.
Nose: Chocolate toffee sauce and intense raisin notes. Fortified wine elements marry well with roasted hazelnuts and almonds.
Appearance: Rich rosewood with a warm autumnal glow.
Palate: Sweet and full-bodied. Bold mocha flavours with more toasted nuts. An injection of stewed fruit helps to lift this dram to new levels. Chocolate-covered dates and fig jam release towards the finish.
Cask 197 bottles retail at just £47.99 each.
Alistair added: "If you want to get hold of a bottle this spring, I'd advise you to get along to our Forgue distillery as quickly as possible, because once the 576 bottles are gone, they're gone!"
For more information, go to www.glendronachdistillery.com, or email info@glendronachdistillery.co.uk or visit us any day of the week at The GlenDronach Distillery, Forgue by Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 6DB, Scotland, UK, tel : +44 (0)1466 730 202
08 Apr 10
Diageo launch the next batch of their single-cask collection of Malt Scotch Whiskies
Following the first batch launched in September, and a second collection released in January, Diageo are now launching the third batch of their single-cask collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Among the seven expressions that feature in this third release are several single malts familiar to many malt whisky drinkers - Caol Ila™, Glenkinchie™, Glen Ord™ and Royal Lochnagar™.
But Dailuaine™, Inchgower™ and Mannochmore™ normally enjoy only very limited availability.
Each of the whiskies is drawn from one single oak cask, picked after a careful examination of distillery stocks, and bottled at its natural cask strength.
The collection encompasses all 27 of Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies - the first time that Scotland's biggest estate of Single Malt distilleries has issued a comprehensive series of single-cask bottlings. Labelled The Managers' Choice because of the way the whiskies were selected, each distillery is represented by a special bottling of its Single Malt Whisky .
The rare limited-edition series is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs who will enjoy owning and exploring an unusual expression of their favourite Single Malt or even a whole anthology of highly individual Single Malts, chosen to represent a unique take on each of the 27 distilleries' distinctive distillery character.
The fourth and final release is scheduled for May.
Distribution
The Managers’ Choice bottlings are available from specialist retailers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Benelux only.
Release details – third release
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MALT
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CASK FILLED
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NO. OF BOTTLES
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WOOD
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Caol Ila
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1997
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366
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Bodega Sherry - European Oak
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Dailuaine
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1997
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564
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Bodega Sherry - European Oak
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Glen Ord
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1997
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204
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Bourbon - American Oak
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Glenkinchie
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1992
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528
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European Oak
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Inchgower
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1993
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564
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Bodega Sherry - European Oak
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Prices
The UK RRP are as follows:
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Caol Ila
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£300
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Dailuaine
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£200
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Glen Ord
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£250
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Glenkinchie
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£250
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Inchgower
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£200
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Mannochmore
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£200
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Royal Lochnagar
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£250
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Source:www.cognispr.com
04 Apr 10
Roadshow highlights counterfeit whisky law
By Martin Flanagan, http://business.scotsman.com
THE Scotch Whisky Association's overseas roadshow gathers pace this week to promote Scotland's best known export on the back of new regulations aimed at crushing counterfeit products.
SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt will address trade representatives, distributors, retailers and members of the wider hospitality sector at a seminar in New York on Wednesday. It follows similar meetings in Edinburgh in February and Hong Kong in March. The US imports £400 million of Scotch whisky a year.
The regulations adopted by the UK government last year are widely seen as a landmark law governing every aspect of the making, bottling, labelling and advertising of the product.
The regulations are intended to give the highest level of legal protection from imitation products, as well as increasing consumer knowledge of the different Scotch categories.
Hewitt said the rules, introduced last November, were an opportunity to promote the industry worldwide. The SWA has other meetings pencilled in for Sao Paulo in Brazil in May and Paris in June, and a meeting in South Africa is also planned.
"Our seminar programme is helping distillers to take full advantage of what is a unique opportunity to raise consumer and trade awareness of each category in Scotch whisky, whether single or blended," Hewitt said.
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