In 1823, The Nant Mill was built by convicts to grind flour, but within months this historical treasure will be distilling Single Malt whisky for enthusiasts worldwide.

There has been tremendous growth in worldwide interest in single malt whisky. The Nant Estate has taken the opportunity to a fill a niche in the world market with the commercial operation of a boutique whisky distillery and whisky bar and lounge in Tasmania’s Central Highlands with over 200 single malt whiskies to sample.

Whisky has always enjoyed popularity for its traditional ways, history and tales from past generations. However, recent reports confirm that single malt whisky is attracting a younger market interested in quality, appreciating the complexity of the spirit, and savouring the moment.

From the pristine and natural Central Highlands of Tasmania enters a new player on the world whisky stage with The Nant Distillery, which (more…)

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Bourbon lovers around the USA are raising a glass to the U.S. Senate today for passing a resolution, just before it adjourned, officially declaring September 2007 “National Bourbon Heritage Month,” according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

“At a time when consumer preferences have led to a renaissance for premium bourbons, it’s great news that the Senate has recognized America’s distilling heritage by designating September as Bourbon Heritage Month,” said Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President Frank Coleman.

“America’s distilling heritage is intertwined with the history of the nation,” Coleman noted. “This legislation will help bring that history back into focus for many Americans, and help us celebrate our bourbon heritage — responsibly!”

Senate Resolution 294, sponsored by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY), and passed unanimously, calls on consumers who enjoy bourbon to do so responsibly and in moderation.

“The bourbon industry is a source of pride for Kentucky and its heritage and has served as a major part of the commonwealth’s economy for over 200 years,” Senator Bunning said in a statement.

Bourbon business is booming in the United States. Since 2003, high-end bourbons have seen revenue grow from $450 million to over $500 million, some 2.2 million cases, in the United States. High-end bourbon sales accounted for eight percent of total spirits growth in 2006. (more…)

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An Islay malt whisky scooped two major awards at a prestigious spirits competition.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition won the Single Malt Scotch Whisky over 15 years old class at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

And the same whisky took the trophy for Special Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky. In total, Diageo’s Classic Malts Selection, which includes six of the company’s regional malts, earned two trophies and 31 medals at this year’s IWSC, more than any other distiller.

The classic malt with the biggest haul of medals was from the Isle of Skye’s only distillery. Talisker 18-year-old confirmed its recent accolade at the World Whiskies Awards as “the world’s best single malt whisky” by winning Gold - Best in Class in the Islands - 18-Year-Old category, its third victory in a row in the category.

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England’s “only” malt whisky distillery is set to become Norfolk’s newest tourist attraction tomorrow .

Officials at St George’s Distillery at Roudham, near Thetford, spoke of their excitement yesterday as they prepared to open their doors to the paying public for the first time.

The English Whisky Company has been producing spirits since October, but will begin tours and tasting sessions from 10am tomorrow - despite its main tipple not being ready to drink for at least another two years.

Staff were yesterday making the finishing touches to the new £1m distillery building, which includes a café, conference room, tasting area, and shop featuring more than 150 different whiskies, bourbons, and liqueurs from around the world.

The new tourist destination, which employs about a dozen people, comes almost two years after father and son whisky enthusiasts James and Andrew Nelstrop came up with the concept of building a distillery on Breckland farmland. (more…)

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Last month saw Glengoyne filling Australian Shiraz casks, “adding yet another unique finish to its range of award winning single malts.”

The casks, previously used for a Gold award winning Shiraz from Australia’s Hunter Valley, have come courtesy of Glenguin Winery. The owner of the winery, Robin Tedder, is in fact the third Baron of Glenguin - which was until 1908 the name of the whisky distillery that is now known as Glengoyne.

It is nearly 100 years ago since Glenguin Distillery became Glengoyne Distillery and so to celebrate 20 empty Shiraz casks have been filled with 16 Year Old Glengoyne. These casks will be monitored on a weekly basis and, if the spirit merits it, will be released later this year as Glengoyne - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish (Limited Edition).

One of only a few “Aussies” with a Master of Wine, Robin Tedder is hugely knowledgeable and is seen as a world authority on the Shiraz (Syrah) grape. Robin is expected to visit the Glengoyne distillery this autumn when he will be in the UK promoting his wines. During his visit Robin will use his expert palate to help decide on the timing for the final bottling of this exclusive malt.

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