Weekly Whisky Roundup: Distilleries Making Headlines
This week, the world of whisky has seen some exciting developments, from new distillery openings to innovative spirit releases. Here’s a look at the stories making waves in the whisky community.
From Wine to Whisky: Dave Phinney Sells Distillery
In a significant move for the spirits industry, Dave Phinney, the creator of memorable wines under the Orin Swift label, has sold his Savage & Cooke distillery located on Mare Island in Vallejo. The buyer, Derek Benham, CEO of Purple Wine + Spirits, has ambitions to expand his Redwood Empire Whiskey brand. With production demand significantly outpacing their existing capabilities, this acquisition aims to secure a more robust foundation for growth.
This strategic transaction will not only enhance the scale of Redwood Empire’s offerings but also preserve the traditional methods that have defined their spirits. Benham noted, > “Demand for our offerings has far exceeded our production capacity for several years. This move solves that challenge…”
Historic Opening: Co Tyrone’s First Legally Distilled Whiskey
The inaugural Islandmen whiskey from Wild Atlantic Distillery
A monumental event for the local spirit scene occurred in Co Tyrone this past Saturday, as the Wild Atlantic Distillery uncased its first batch of Irish whiskey, aptly named “Islandmen.” This release marks a historic moment as it is the first fully licensed and legally distilled whiskey produced in the county in over a century, following the closure of the Watt Distillery in 1921.
Approximately 350 bottles will be made available, with many already reserved for loyal members of the distillery’s Whiskey Club. Co-founder Jim Nash expressed their pride in reviving a rich whiskey-making tradition, emphasizing the cultural significance of this occasion: > “Over one hundred years after the last bottle of whiskey was distilled in the Tyrone/Derry region, we will bottle Islandmen for the first time.”
Holiday Spirit: Whiskey River Road Unveils ‘Santa’s Truck’
As the festive season approaches, Whiskey River Road brings a touch of joy with their new holiday single, “Santa’s Truck.” This spirited, toe-tapping country tune paints a magical scene of Santa trading in his flying sleigh for a big red truck—a delightful story set to capture the hearts of listeners of all ages.
With its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody, the band hopes to add a new classic to Christmas playlists everywhere. Songwriter JC Marshal shared the aim of creating something fun and heartfelt: > “This year, we wanted to create something that’s pure fun and captures the spirit of Christmas.”
Conclusion
This week’s whisky news highlights the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the spirits industry. As new distilleries open and established brands innovate, whisky enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Be sure to keep an eye on these stories as they continue to unfold!
