Velo Mitrovich

Waste not a berry

When Wimbledon was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Sipsmith stepped into centre court and did the only possible to stop all those strawberries going to waste – it made a new gin ‘Strawberry Smash’. “After an overwhelming response from our Sipping Society Members, we’re excited to bring to you our sensationally sippable Limited…

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Is rice the new grain of choice?

Every distiller is looking for that edge, something that will make their spirit stand out in a crowded field. In the States, some distillers are now using rice as their lead grain. But Distillers Journal questions whether it would work here. Rice spirits are anything but unique in Asia where both China and Japan have…

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Isle of Barra Distillers looking for investors

An opportunity exists to invest in the next planned expansion to the Isle of Barra Distillers, its new purpose built Whisky and Gin Distillery and Visitor Centre on the Isle of Barra. Committed to building strong ties to the island community, the new distillery is expected to bring at least 30 jobs on the island…

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Haig Club announces Mediterranean Orange

Diageo’s Haig Club, best known for its connection with David Beckham, says it is launching Mediterranean Orange, which will be marketed to new and perspective whisky spirit consumers. Mediterranean Orange has a “distinctive blend of fresh and juicy marmalade orange flavours with signature scotch whisky notes”, says Diageo. Beckham says that the concept has been…

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Pubs could demand proof of vaccination

All UK pub drinkers may soon be required to carry a coronavirus vaccine passport if they want entry. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has implied that Covid certificates could be introduced by pubs when they reopen. Customers would then be forced to prove they have received a jab or tested negative for the virus before entering.

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Go-ahead for gaol distillery

Go-ahead for gaol distillery A £15m plan to transform Belfast’s historic Crumlin Road Gaol into a whiskey distillery has been given the green light by Belfast City Council, announced the Belfast Distillery Company. BCC’s Planning Committee signed off on the application, which will also see part of the old prison’s vacant ‘A’ wing turned into…

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Canadian whiskey not Scotch no matter what the label

A British Columbia distillery in Victoria is being held to task for labelling its whiskey as Scotch, which misleads the consumer into believing the product is distilled and matured in Scotland, according to a lawsuit filed against MacMhaol-Onfhaidh (Macaloney) Brewer and Distillers, reports Glacier Media. The Scotch Whisky Association and Glasgow distiller Whyte and MacKay…

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Tariff-hurt two-way street

While news here focuses on the problems caused by US tariffs on Scottish whisky, the hurt goes across the Pond as well, as a tit-for-tat exchange between the USA and EU looks set to continue. The US whiskey industry still faces 25 percent duties, according to financial news Bloomberg, and are set to raise to…

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Deirdre O’Carroll new blender at Midleton

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Deirdre O’Carroll as Blender at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. In her new role, O’Carroll will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery, and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends, marrying together specific and intricate flavours and aromas, ultimately, creating a palette of…

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Hendricks says it’s time to grow your own

William Grant & Sons – maker of Hendrick’s gin – is continuing with its ‘Grow Your Own Cuke’ initiative challenge to raise funds for the industry charity the the Drinks Trust. The challenge encourages participants into growing cucumbers at home, with William Grant & Sons making a donation for each successful first cucumber.  According to the…

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