Episode 457: December 21, 2013

Think of Belgium and drinks, and beer is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, Belgians are quite fond of whisky as well, and Etienne Bouillon is trying to satisfy their passion with Belgium’s first single malt whisky. The Owl Distillery has been making whisky since 2004, and sells almost all of its production within Belgium, including a 5-year-old single cask bottled this year at a whopping 76.1% ABV. In the news, an industry panel sides with critics of the controversial Dewar’s “Meet The Baron” video, Diageo runs into another bump for control of India’s United Spirits, and Jim Beam is making plans for a single barrel Bourbon that will even be sold by the barrel.

Links: Owl Distillery | Diageo | United Spirits | Whyte & Mackay | Dewar’s | Distilled Spirits Council of the United States | The Whisky Lassie | Scotch Whisky Association | Jim Beam | Wolfburn | Balblair | The Macallan | Classic Malts | Morrison Bowmore | Canadian Whisky.org | Gordon & MacPhail | Old Rip Van Winkle | Knappogue Castle | Rock Town Distillery