It a simple case of old school economics. Demand continues to outstrip supply
Welcome to our summer news round up where we update you on trends impacting the whisky market.
While records are being made (and broken) in the Paris Olympics 2024 we’re pleased to share that whisky casks remain a stable tax-free investment.
It a simple case of old school economics. Demand for high quality whisky continues to outstrip supply.
Our guidance here has always been nice and straight forward. Buy young, sell old. Whisky casks are all about investing in time.
What we like to do is make that time as interesting as possible. While your casks remain safe and secure in HMRC registered warehouse we connect you with a network of established distilleries so you can meet the people and heritage behind the craft. Our regular tasting events and trips to Scotland and Ireland give our clients valuable insight into the process and culture of the whisky/whiskey industry. And (we’re told) are enjoyable too. We’ll be publishing forthcoming Autumn dates shortly.
While we are never ones to comment on Politics we were pleased to hear our new prime minister will “ back Scotch producers to the hilt’. You can read more about this in our briefing below along with details on new and emerging trends, the launch of an urban distillery and some delicious whisky summer cocktails.
As ever, if you have any questions about our work please don’t hesitate to get in touch
From all us at Whisky by Time have a great summer.
Oliver O’Donovan
Scottish Whisky Association (SWA) congratulates new PM Keir Starmer
Commenting on the outcome of the UK General Election, Chief Executive of the SWA Mark Kent said:
“We congratulate Sir Keir Starmer on becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister following the General Election. On a visit to Inchdairnie distillery in Fife last year, Sir Keir said that a government he leads will “back Scotch producers to the hilt”. We look forward to working in partnership with him, the Secretary of State for Scotland and his whole Cabinet to keep this commitment, and ensure Scotch Whisky can continue to drive growth, create jobs and boost investment in Scotland, and right across the UK.”
Read more here
Diageo unveils its First Bottle Personalisation Experience, Fuelled by Generative AI
Johnnie Walker Princes Street invites guests to discover Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith, a generative AI-powered experience that allows guests to co-design a personalised bottle of the brand’s Blue Label whisky.
The experience is only available at the Edinburgh venue from 1-31 August 2024 and is believed to be the first to combine Scotch whisky, art and AI. Visitors will be prompted to answer three simple questions that will influence key themes in Scottish artist Scott Naismith’s work and impact the bottle design. The prompts will generate various colours, locations, artistic styles, and times of day, resulting in a unique bottle that will be printed in minutes.
The experience is powered by ‘Project Halo’, from Diageo’s ‘breakthrough innovation’ team, that uses generative AI to allow brands and consumers to co-create personalised label designs and product artwork.
Read more here
Is this the next big drinking trend?
New data has revealed that 63% of British Gen Z consumers are seeking ‘baby’ versions of their favourite alcoholic drink.
Latest data by leading drinks importer-distributor, Paragon Brands, has revealed that almost half of Brits (47%) want a ‘baby’ version of their favourite alcoholic drink, with the largest consumer group turning to the trend falling.within the Gen Z demographic.
The survey of 2,000 respondents also discovered that a third (33%) of Brits now prefer cocktail shooter shots – a shot which combines a mixture of multiple spirits – over regular shots, with almost half the nation (49%) preferring a cocktail shooter shot due to its ‘appetising taste’.
Chris Jones, managing director of Paragon Brands, said:
“Our report has shown a significant shift in consumer trends for shot drinkers in the UK.”
The data has shown the growing popularity of people enjoying the taste of a shot, with the rise of ‘miniature’ cocktail shooter shots, meaning consumers now value taste and aesthetic when purchasing a shot.
The research also found that nearly one-in-six (15%) survey respondents also said they drink miniature shots so they can post pictures of the drink on their social media, with nearly a third (28%) of those aged 35-44 saying that’s why they buy the shot.
Scottish whisky maker plans new ‘urban distillery’
The Herald reported on Glasgow-based Courageous Spirits new urban distillery and the launch of its first “age-statement” whisky. Sited “on the edge of Finnieston’s hub of culture and creativity”, the new base currently offers third party services, aiming to bring dry goods storage, bonded storage, bottling and distribution all under one roof, “significantly reducing road miles and associated carbon”.
Read more here
Pernod Ricard sells Jacob’s Creek and other big wine brands
The broadsheet media reported on Pernod Richard selling its Jacob’s Creek brand portfolio to focus on premium spirits brands.
Pernod Ricard is among the world’s largest wine and spirits sellers, with its brands including Havana Club rum, Jameson Irish whiskey and Perrier-Jouet champagne. It competes globally with the UK’s Diageo, the owner of the Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff brands.It posted more than £10bn in sales last year, and recorded an operating profit of £2.8bn. Wine sales made up just 4% of this, a 2% fall on the previous year.
Read more here
Glenmorangie reimagines its signature whisky
Independent whisky reviewer Dramface reports on the new 12 year Glenmorangie.
“Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky has reimagined its smooth, luscious flagship Glenmorangie Original to make it more delicious than ever. The Distillery’s whisky creators are always exploring ways to bring new flavours and possibilities to their single malt. And in the course of their experiments, they concluded that their signature whisky’s tastes were even more luscious at 12 years old than at 10. “
Read more here:
And finally – Summer Whisky Cocktails
If you’re looking for an alternative to a chilled Rose` this summer, Whisky Magazine has curated four great summer whisky cocktails recipes. Whether you’re mixing up Scotch, bourbon, or an Irish whiskey there’s something for everyone.Take you pick from Sherry Cask Spritz , Ready for Take-off , Irish Iced Coffee and Islay Heatwave
Read more here:
