UK IS LAUNCHING THE SCOTLAND GIN TRAIL

If anyone is to grow and compete against Scotch, Irish and Bourbon whiskys, a huge education job lies ahead. Education is key to consumer support.

“That’s why we started our academy down at Midleton,” says Anna Malmhake, CEO of Irish Distillers. “We run courses for the trade from all over the world on Irish whiskey history, its production, what makes it unique and so on. In a year at least 1,000 people have gone through it, and of course these are people who go back home and write about it and talk about it.” (The Spirit Business).

For the longest time, I have said that we need a 'Cognac Trail' like the so famous and successful "Scotch Whisky Trail'.

I guess the Scots are beating us to it again with the first 'Scotland Gin Trail' just launched this month by The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

UK, Scotland, London Gin Trail, i.e., The UK Gin Trail

This launch follows the earlier launch of the London Gin Trail.

“From premium brands, such as Hendricks, to craft distillers such as Crossbill, this new trail captures the variety and diversity of UK gin making, ... There has never been a more exciting time for the industry with the UK being the biggest exporter of gin in the world ... I want to harness the ambition of our Scottish gin-trepreneurs, helping them to grow the UK’s reputation for quality gin both here and abroad. I want to see it up there with Scotch whisky in terms of global sales" says Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss.

This is real support from the government and strong organizational skills.

“The flourishing UK gin industry is being driven by the hard work and ingenuity of distillers and we're proud to be working with WSTA to promote Scottish gin throughout the UK and abroad... Our distillers are creating some really unique gins through experimenting with techniques from the whisky industry and using new blends of local botanicals – it’s exciting to see such innovation within the great British tradition of gin distilling" says David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland.

I wonder what they are going to do next? Succeed?

Source: WSTA

THE SCOTCH'S WORLD IS GOING INTO VOTING

As a graduate of the University of Stirling in Scotland, I am following with interest the debate on the voting for Scotland independence which will happen tomorrow Thursday 18th September 2014. "Uncertainty is bad for business" is a strong argument leading the "no" vote within the Scotch industry. Most polls have announced that the results will be slightly on favor of the 'No' until recently when some results have shown that in fact it might be closer and even possibly a 'Yes' winning.

Scotland Yes and No Vote

1. Uncertainty is driving to the status quo and a 'No' vote.
2. Polls might not be representative of the true responses. Admitting a 'Yes' is admitting being against the English in some ways. Social desirability might lead people to admit a 'No' easier than a 'Yes'.

Hence, it will be interesting to see what will really happen in the private rooms when people are actually voting, and there are still about 15% of the people who are undecided one day before the vote.