David Cameron’s Father-in-Law Set to Open New Distillery

In a recent announcement, William Waldorf Astor III, better known as David Cameron’s father-in-law and Samantha Cameron’s mother Viscountess Annabel Astor’s second husband, has approached the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Argyle (now Argyll) and Bute Council to set up a distillery in the Isle of Jura.

On August 29 and September 1, Viscount Astor submitted applications with the IP office, to register brand names, including Astor Whisky, Lord Astor Whisky, Glenbatrick Whisky, and Corran River Whisky. He is expected to present a formal planning proposal to the Scottish Council. In a statement, the Council said that the new distillery had the potential to increase employment opportunities in the Hebridean isle, which is home to about 200 people.

Even though the exact location of the distillery is yet to be revealed, sources say it could be in the Tarbert Estate, located north of the Corran River. The 20,000-acre property is registered under the Ginge Manor Estates Ltd., which is based in the Bahamas. Viscount Astor is reported to be a beneficiary in the estate.

A ferry ride away from the Scottish west coast, the Isle of Jura has been known among the liquor circles for having a single establishment that manufactures whisky, the Jura Distillery, run by Whyte and Mackay. It has a rich history spanning 200 years, where it has produced some notable single malt scotches, like the 1984 The Famous George Orwell 30-year old. The distillery was purchased by the Alliance Global Group three years ago.

Viscount Astor’s planned distillery will become the island’s second such business venture. Whisky although is not the only thing on the aristocrat’s plate. Together with his financier son, James, he will also be venturing into venison jerky manufacturing, under the trademark Jura Jerky Company.

As the value for single malts and rare whiskies rise, opening distilleries are becoming a profitable long-term investment option. It is no wonder then that the royalty is delving into it, especially in the Scottish isles.

Whisky News source date:

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Arbikie Releases New Scottish Rye

The revival of rye distillation in Scotland can be attributed to the growing number of distillers who have been initiating the commercial rye distillations recently. Joining the rye whisky trend for a charitable cause is the Arbroath-based, Arbikie Highland distillery. It is the first distillery producing Scotch whisky, vodka and gin on a 2000-acre single estate on the east coast of Scotland.

VIRGINIA DISTILLERY NAMED BEST AMERICAN SINGLE MALT

Virginia Highland Malt Whisky, a flagship of the Virginia Distillery Company, won the title of best single-malt whiskey in America at the World Whiskies Awards.

Arran Malt Marks Distiller Anniversary

Surrounded by the deep waters of the British Isles, Arran distillers has been known for their whisky which is made out of malted barley and “the purest water in Scotland”. This year they are celebrating their 40th year as Scotch whisky producers and the 10th anniversary of their master distiller. To commemorate that, they have brought to you the “James MacTaggart Anniversary Single Malt”. The new beverage has been crafted by master distiller James MacTaggart, from a collection of the Bourbon Barrels which have been in use to age the malt whisky since his beginning at the distillery back in the year 2007.