Distillers object to bourbon bill

• From the Louisville, KY, Courier-Journal:

Kentucky's bourbon-makers are opposing a U.S. House bill they say would effectively gut federal regulations that govern what can be called bourbon by giving states the upper hand in regulating alcoholic beverages.

If the bill became law, the Kentucky bourbon distillers and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) argue that states could set their own bourbon formulas and requirements for labeling and bottling, overriding the requirements set by U.S. Treasury Department.

"The resulting chaos would undermine" an economic and tourism engine for the state, Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, said Monday.

Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon, with 10,000 jobs, $125 million in tax revenue and more than $750 million in exports, he said.

The change would bring "significant damage to our legendary distillers," he said.

The House bill, filed by Massachusetts Democrat Bill Delahunt, is supported by national beer wholesalers. It would amend two federal laws by declaring that states have the primary authority to regulate alcoholic beverages. States also couldn't discriminate against out-of-state producers to the benefit of in-state producers without justification.

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Old Johnnie Walker site being revived

• From the Carlisle, Scotland, News & Star

ANNAN, DUMFRIES-SHORE, SCOTLAND -- A former distillery that last produced Johnnie Walker whisky more than 90 years ago is set to go back into production.

Under a £6 million project, the dilapidated 180-year-old building will be restored and equipped to distill a distinctive single malt. It also will become a visitor center and whisky academy providing courses on all aspects of the creation of the perfect dram.

Behind the scheme is Dumfries-born businessman and whisky enthusiast David Thomson, an honorary professor of food and nutrition sciences at Reading University, and his wife Teresa Church, an animal nutritionist.

Professor Thomson, 55, said: “We bought the old distillery three years ago and the project is now set to go. We have been given a £350,000 grant from Historic Scotland who are keen to see the buildings restored. Unfortunately, a £150,000 grant awarded by the Scottish government has been withdrawn although I hope it may be reinstated."

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