BRUICHLADDICH HEROES
Would you buy malt whisky from these crazy Laddies? We hope so! The new board of Bruichladdich Distillery meet for their first dram together in our shop in February after their successful and historic acquisition of the distillery. Pictured are the fund raising heroes: Simon Coughlin, Mark Reynier and Gordon Wright (collectively known as Murray McDavid), Jim McEwan and Andrew Gray.
The Gospel according to Jim; page 4.
SEAGRAM PULL OUT
Subject to the approval of monopolies and merger authorities, it looks as if Allied Domeq have lost their yearlong battle to buy the drinks business of the now entertainment-driven Seagram empire. A joint bid from Diageo and Pernod Ricard of $8.15 billion (Diageo $5bn, Pernod 3.15bn)has been accepted.
Diageo, who through UDV is already the Scotch whisky leader, will pass up all Scotch interests (except Windsor Premier—big in Korea) for the wine, rum and brandy interests.
Pernod, with current Scotch sales of 1.8m cases (principally Clan Campbell), will become an 8.4m case enterprise bringing it to 3rd place—very close to Allied. Industry analyst Alan Gray of ING Barings said “This is more good news. To see another committed big player will help to vitalise the market.”
SMALL ADS—WANTED
Would anyone with a couple of spare pot stills please get in touch with Springbank Distillers?
Chairman Hedley Wright has bought the buildings of Glengyle Distillery, just up the road from Springbank. It was started by his great uncle William Mitchell but closed in 1925 during Campbeltown’s gloom years.
This is a significant commitment of expenditure; the buildings are in good order but bare of equipment. Already the search is on for a pair of stills; Rosebank’s and various Speysiders are already under consideration. Production is anticipated to start in 2005.
Mr Wright’s decision to buy the site is clearly an emotive one. Apart from the family connection, he wishes to see Campbeltown producing more great whiskies, as before.
THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS...
...who after having their picture taken with Donald R. Greeter have chipped in a few coins for local children’s groups. Donald stands at the entry to lfw.co.uk (left) and at the door to the shop. Last year he collected over £1,000 in his tumbler! We blew it all by taking 50 under-fives to see the BBC’s Tweenies—Live! in Glasgow. Faberoonie!
