By Richard Thomas Spirits broadly and whiskey especially experiencing a sales slump and part of the reason is that the generational cohort entering the marketplace, Gen Z, has broader range of choices in legally available mind altering substances then their predecessors to choose from while also sharing the signature characteristic of youth everywhere: buck what …
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Operating out of Columbus, Ohio, Middle West Spirits is one of those distilleries that has been around for years, but drew little attention from whiskey fans outside their immediate area until recently. The distillery was co-founded by engineer Ryan Lang in 2008, who has served as their master distiller from …
The long-awaited restoration of Castletown Mill, a historic landmark on Scotland’s north coast, has officially been completed. Founders Dunnet Bay Distillers are marking the completion of works by launching a crowdfunding campaign inviting whisky fans and enthusiasts of Scottish heritage to become part of the next chapter in the story of this northern landmark. Castletown …
On its tenth anniversary, New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery has announced a leadership change. Desiree Reid, Founder and Managing Director, is moving into the role of Global Sales Director with International Beverage, relocating to Scotland to focus on driving global growth for all International Beverage brands. Henry Caulton, Cardrona Distillery Chief Financial Officer since 2022, will …
Meath-based Boann Distillery has scooped Family Food and Drink Producer of the Year at the 2025 Family Business Awards, recognising the Cooney family’s outstanding contribution to Irish craftsmanship, innovation, and enterprise. The Family Business Awards celebrate Ireland’s most exceptional family-run enterprises – those who set new benchmarks for excellence and continue to make a lasting …
By Richard Thomas Whiskey observers were shocked at the end of last week as word broke that Kirin Holdings Company intended to sell Four Roses for $1 billion. The news arrived in the midst of sliding sales afflicting most of the world’s whiskey industries. According to reports, Kirin was exploring the sale with advice and …
By Richard Thomas Kentucky’s Castle & Key Distillery, located in the revived property of the historic Old Taylor Kentucky in Woodford County, Kentucky, has appointed an industry veteran in Sherrie Moore as their new plant manager. The new appointment comes in the midst of substantial lay-offs at the distillery. Moore began her career in 1975 …
On Tuesday the founder of Washington’s Dry Fly Distilling, Don Poffenroth,, announced his retirement from the distillery. “It just felt like the right time,” said Poffenroth. “Considering our new partnership with Charlie Wagner (of Wagner Family of Wines and Caymus Vineyards) and Patrick Donovan’s 17 years of experience as master distiller, I knew he was …
Baltimore-based Sagamore Spirits has appointed a new master distiller, promoting Ryan Norwood from Vice President of Operations to the new post. In this new role, Norwood will lead innovation and oversee production, continuing to shape the distinctive character of Sagamore’s rye while honoring its legacy. Norwood joined Sagamore Spirit in 2016, relocating across the country …
Earlier in the summer, the sales slump afflicting world whiskey claimed another American victim, not in Kentucky but in New York State: Black Button Distilling. The Whiskey Reviewer has been covering Black Button from its beginning several years ago, and noted the announcement that the distillery would close with concern. Now word has arrived that …
