Latest news with #SingleMalt
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Buffalo Trace's Parent Company Debuts Garavogue, A Game-Changing Irish Whiskey
Garavogue In Sligo, Ireland, a short stretch of river called the Garavogue flows from Lough Gill to the sea. It's not long or dramatic, but it's central—threading past the town's stone bridges and through its history. The river gave the town its rhythm. Now it gives its name to something new: a whiskey that feels both rooted and restless. Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey is the first release from Hawk's Rock Distillery, the newly renamed site formerly known as Lough Gill. It's also the first Irish whiskey launched under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, which acquired the distillery in 2021 and quietly let time, wood, and weather do their work. And while there's plenty of buzz around the rebrand and rollout, the most interesting thing about this whiskey isn't what's on the label. It's what's in the glass—and how it came to be there. Helen Mullholland When Helen Mulholland joined the Hawk's Rock team, she was already a legend in the world of Irish whiskey. The first woman to ever hold the title of Master Blender in the industry, she's spent over three decades defining what Irish single malt can be. But Garavogue? This was something else entirely. 'Never in my lifetime have I created a whiskey like this,' she said during a recent media tasting. 'As a blender, you're taught to be restrained, to find balance. This—this was about letting go a little.' She began with what she calls the 'canvas'—a whiskey that had spent 14 years aging in ex-bourbon barrels. 'That bourbon gives it honey, vanilla, a beautiful face to start playing with,' she said. From there, she started layering. Not just one or two finishing casks, as is common in high-end Irish whiskey, but five—each one pulling the liquid in a different direction, without letting it fall apart. And somehow, it didn't. Hawk's Rock Distillery The final whiskey is built from an ensemble of barrels that don't usually share the same stage. After its time in bourbon casks, the whiskey was portioned into: These casks weren't used sequentially—they were finished separately, then blended. Each component remained visible in the final pour, like instruments in a well-mixed track. 'We don't want to mask anything,' Mulholland said. 'You should be able to pick them out. And when you come back to the glass, it should give you something new.' Garavogue By the time Mulholland stopped tinkering, Garavogue had passed through more cask types than most brands would touch in a decade. 'It wasn't the plan,' she admitted. 'We kept adding. We kept layering. And the more we did, the more it worked.' It wasn't about flash or novelty. It was about balance—a word she used repeatedly during the tasting, but not as a euphemism for safe or predictable. In this context, it meant building a whiskey that could hold tension. Something sweet but not cloying. Complex but not chaotic. A whiskey that could evolve in the glass, or even just in the mood of the person drinking it. 'It's balanced,' she said. 'But it's layered. It changes. It's emotional.' Garavogue The final product is bottled at 47% ABV, unfiltered and without artificial coloring. It's strong enough to stand up to a splash of water—'which I encourage, if you like,' said Mulholland—but soft enough to sip neat. 'If someone poured Coke in it, they might get a look of concern,' she joked. 'But ultimately, it's your bottle.' The design of that bottle nods back to the river that inspired it. Its reversed crescent shape and wave-textured glass recall flowing water, while the label includes the coordinates for Hazelwood House Windmill, a local landmark visible from the distillery grounds. It's a small touch, but one that ties the liquid inside to the place it came from. Garavogue River Garavogue is being billed as Batch No. 1, which, according to Sazerac VP Jess Scheerhorn, is more than marketing language. It's a signal. 'This isn't a one-off,' he said. 'We're making a statement not just about what we can do, but where we're going.' Future Garavogue releases might not be 20 years old. They might not even be single malts. What they will be, according to Mulholland, is 'curious.' That seems to be the thread running through this entire project: a willingness to follow the whiskey wherever it wants to go. 'It's balanced. But it's layered. It changes in the glass. It's playful, it's serious, it's emotional,' said Mulholland. 'I just wanted to create something that would make people come back to the glass again and again.' For now, Garavogue 20-Year-Old will roll out in limited quantities starting in June 2025, priced at $199 (700ml). It will be available through select retailers in the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., and Duty-Free, as well as on Legacy de Forge, Sazerac's new digital platform for rare and collectible spirits. And once it's gone, it's gone.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Man loses money in online liquor delivery scam in Gurgaon
Image used is for representational purposes only GURGAON: A 43-year-old resident of Parsvnath Exotica, Golf Course Road, Gurugram, Haryana, fell victim to an online scam, losing Rs 2700 whilst attempting to purchase a Single Malt whiskey for home delivery during a national holiday. The Gurgaon Cyber Crime police registered a case on Saturday against an unknown perpetrator, following the incident that occurred on January 26, 2024. The fraud took place when the victim searched for a local liquor warehouse on Google. The victim in his police complaint said, "I found the website offering home delivery of liquor. The number for home delivery was provided as 919770118732. I talked to the person, following which I was asked to contact the number 63527 20342 on WhatsApp with the order details. I gave the order of a bottle of Indri Whiskey and made a payment of Rs 2700 from my Google Pay." Despite sending payment confirmation via WhatsApp, the victim received neither a response nor the ordered bottle. Speaking to TOI, he admitted this was his first attempt at ordering liquor online. "I always buy liquor from the store, but since it was a govt holiday and I wanted to check if I could get late evening delivery of whiskey online, I tried my luck for the first time and got trapped. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo People should never buy liquor online and rather should visit the shop instead to avoid getting cheated," the victim stated, requesting anonymity. The Gurgaon Cyber Crime police have registered a case against the unidentified fraudster under section 318(4) (cheating and inducing the delivery of property or causing the making, altering, or destruction of a valuable security) of BNS.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Top Irish Single Malt Whiskey, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
Some of the finalists for Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey at the 2025 SFWSC Irish single malt whiskey is one of the fastest-growing whiskey categories worldwide. Five whiskeys are finalists for the World's Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists. This 21-year-old Knappogue Castle is a limited-edition single malt Irish whiskey that blends a 21-year-old and a 23-year-old single malt. Each was distilled in copper pot stills, matured in ex-bourbon casks, and bottled without chill filtration. The nose exhibits ripe orchard fruit notes of apple and pear, fresh-baked croissants and pastries, subtle clove, baked apple spices, and toasted oak. The whiskey is smooth and rich on the palate, showcasing cooked cereal and malt, baked apple pie, dried orchard fruit, cinnamon, and clove spices. The finish is long and smooth, leaving lingering notes of cooked cereal, digestive biscuits, and dried fruit. This expression combines 14-year-old single malts aged in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. The whiskey presents aromas of apple, apricot, caramel, and vanilla on the nose. It is rich on the palate, showcasing fruity, nutty, and vanilla notes. The finish is medium to long and slightly dry, with lingering hints of dried fruit and digestive biscuit. Teeling is one of Ireland's largest and most innovative craft distilleries. This single malt whiskey matures in five wine casks: Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose features aromas of tropical fruit, chocolate, butterscotch, and vanilla. The whiskey has a rich and creamy mouthfeel, showcasing a fruit cocktail of orchard fruit, tropical fruit, red berries, bittersweet chocolate, and subtle wood spices. The finish is long and rich, with hints of oak and lingering tropical fruit notes. Colorful orange and red doors and shutters on a warehouse at the Middleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland Killowen Distillery, one of Ireland's smallest craft producers, matures this peated single malt in ex-bourbon casks and finishes it in Pedro Ximénez sherry butts as well as Killowen's dark rum casks. The whiskey's nose is smoky and slightly sweet, presenting fresh apple juice, molasses, and fruitcake notes. It is rich and flavorful, showcasing sweet apples, brown sugar, and dried fruits, particularly dark and golden raisins and figs, all layered with a balanced smoky note and hints of dark rum. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cold smoke and sweet dried fruit. Limavady Single Malt is a single-barrel, single-malt Irish whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The nose presents sweet, dried fruit, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, candied lemon zest, and faint herbal notes. The palate is rich and robust, showcasing flavors of dried fruit, mint, and hints of cinnamon candy. The finish is medium to long, with lingering notes of dried fruit and candied cinnamon. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the world's most respected and influential spirits competitions. Founded in 2000, it brings together a panel of seasoned industry experts—including master distillers, spirits journalists, and bar professionals—to perform blind tastings across various spirit categories. Awards from the SFWSC are highly coveted, often serving as a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship within the global spirits industry. Its rigorous judging process and international prestige make it a valuable platform for emerging and established brands. The 2025 SFWSC Irish single malt finalists showcase the diverse range of contemporary Irish single malt whiskey. These finalists feature well-aged heavyweights alongside younger, innovative cask-finished expressions. With price points ranging from $213 to $55, these whiskeys demonstrate that excellence isn't reserved for high-end bottles. Together, they highlight the remarkable breadth and creativity of contemporary Irish single malt whiskey. All these whiskeys are exceptional and well worth sampling.
Irish Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
No mention of Conor McGregor as new owners release new edition of whiskey
The new owners of Conor McGregor's whiskey have brought out a new version of the liquor with no mention of his name. Proximo Spirits launched a new limited edition 13-year-old premier version of the whiskey across America last week for 60 bucks a bottle while the shamed fighter and his ex-sparring partner Artem Lobov were fighting it out over the No Twelve whiskey in the High Court. A source said: "There was no mention of Conor's name at the launch - it was as if he never existed." Whiskey expert Lobov claims the idea of a McGregor whiskey was originally his and Conor promised him a five per cent share in the brand for all the years he worked on the project. McGregor offered him a million quid to settle a few years ago but he turned it down. But now sources say both were shocked when the new 13-year-old version of the whiskey was launched last week with no mention of McGregor - another idea Lobov says was his. It is understood the original idea of number 13 was to commemorate the 13 seconds that it took McGregor to knock out Jose Aldo at UFC 194 on December 12, 2015. The No Twelve idea came from the post code in which he grew up in Crumlin, Dublin. However Proximo, which paid $600 million for McGregor's whiskey, made it clear at the launch of the single malt whiskey that the product had nothing to do with Conor McGregor any more and was a "new era" for the business. He was dropped as the brand ambassador by Proximo last November after he was found liable for sexual assault in the civil action taken against him by Nikita Hand and ordered to pay €250,000 in damages. The fighter is currently appealing that decision. There is no use of his name, face or likeness in relation to Proper No Twelve any more and the same applies to the new 13-year-old bottle. Lander Otegui, executive vice-president of marketing for Proximo Spirits said it represented a new era for the brand. He said: "This 13-year-old Single Malt is a more refined expression that still holds true to our roots - bold, accessible and built for those who appreciate character. "It's a celebration of the exciting future ahead as we continue to expand the brand's Irish whiskey offerings and disruptive approach to the category." McGregor founded his whiskey in 2018 and it became an overnight commercial success story, becoming one of the most popular brands in the USA. He walked away with $130 million from the deal. It is believed he still holds shares in it. The new whiskey is distilled at Bushmill's, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. The 13-year-old whiskey is now on sale in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas and Arizona. The High Court showdown between McGregor and Lobov has been postponed for a couple of weeks while changes are made to the original claim. It is understood private talks between the legal parties involved have so far failed to find a resolution to their dispute. McGregor and Lobov were best mates and used to travel the world together before they fell out. A source close to the case said: "We are all hoping they will sort this row out and make up. The Americans couldn't care less about either of them."
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Opening date confirmed for Scottish ‘cathedral to whisky' distillery
A Scottish distillery that's been billed as a 'cathedral to whisky' is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in June. Ardgowan distillery in Inverkip is set to open on Friday 20 June, with a celebration of the years of work that have gone into this eye-catching new build. Visitors will be invited to explore the brand new distillery, meet the people behind the whisky, and enjoy a day filled with live music, street food, and exceptional drams. One of the standout moments of the day will be the unveiling of the Ardgowan Infinity Cask, a unique and bespoke vessel crafted for ultra long ageing. Designed to mature whisky over decades, it reflects our bold and thoughtful approach to flavour, time, and legacy. The event will also see the debut of a brand new range of Clydebuilt bottlings, with limited numbers available for the first time at the official opening. At the centre of the collection is the exclusive opening day release - a whisky that marks the start of a new chapter for Ardgowan. The design for the Ardgowan distillery uses low environmental impact composite cladding, timber and steel materials to create a light-filled modern Nordic long hall, which is why the distillery is known as a "cathedral to whisky.' Ardgowan in late 2024 Picture: John Devlin In November 2024 the distillery marked a milestone moment with the arrival of the stills, which were made by McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans, were piped into the site during an event attended by locals, press and the provost. As well as the opening date announcement, Ardgowan Distillery has a new Chief Executive Officer, Roland Grain. A seasoned entrepreneur and passionate whisky enthusiast, Mr Grain has been a key figure in the distillery's development from the outset. The management transition has always been a planned succession as the distillery moves from construction and into production. This next phase will focus firmly on sustainability, innovation, and the creation of Ardgowan as world class whisky. Mr Grain said: 'This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with Ardgowan Distillery. 'I'm honoured to lead the team as we build on Scotland's whisky legacy. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience our craft first-hand when we officially open this June.' Martin McAdam, outgoing CEO and founder, added: 'Getting the project to this point has been an odyssey. We have a fantastic team in place. "I'd like to thank all the shareholders who have supported us through this remarkable journey. I wish Roland Grain every success in his new role as CEO. This is just the beginning of something truly special at Ardgowan as we commence production of our own Single Malt.'
