Entrepreneur Takes A Shine To Moonshine

Before he moved to North Carolina in the mid-`90s, Joseph Michalek’s New York buddies kidded him about coming to the land of moonshine and Mayberry.

Within months of arriving in Winston-Salem, he began to notice a glass jar quietly being passed around at bluegrass festivals and race tracks.

“I’d never seen nor tasted moonshine, but it was pretty obvious that’s what it was,” said Michalek, 38. “I was prepared for the worst, but I sipped it and it was delicious, much smoother than I expected. It had a hint of fruit in it; I’d never tasted anything quite like it.”
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piedmont distillers

note: We’ve added a few backgrounds from the Piedmont distillery, featuring Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine.  Go ahead and select the swatches above for a unique background.

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How Scotch whisky lost battle of the glen

Here was the letter we received from the Scotch Whisky Association.  In essence, our letter simply asked them to let this story die, and let everyone go on making wonderful whisky !

Dear Mr Quint

Thank you for your e-mail earlier today regarding ‘Glen Breton’ and for taking the time to set out your views on the matter. 

The Association has of course no issue with the production of whisky in countries around the world.   However, I am afraid that we will have to agree to disagree on this particular issue.  Internationally, many courts have ruled that words commonly associated with Scotland, such as ‘Scot’ and ‘Glen’, should not be used on a whisky not produced in Scotland.  We believe that is important so that Scotch Whisky is protected from unfair practices, whether in Canada or elsewhere. 

Under the current trademark application, there is no guarantee as to how the trademark ‘Glen Breton’ might be used in the future.  While you are aware of its origins, the vast majority of consumers seeing the name, for example, in a price list would be likely to be misled.  We sought over a number of years to discuss our concerns with the company in question.  Regrettably, they did not respond.  The Association was therefore obliged to oppose the trademark. 

Whilst I recognise it will disappoint you, I can therefore confirm that the Association intends to appeal the case. 

Many thanks again for getting in touch.

Yours sincerely

David Williamson
Public Affairs Manager
Government & Consumer Affairs
Scotch Whisky Association
20 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8HF, United Kingdom
original post….How Scotch whisky lost battle of the glen

Here is another interesting story on the latest ruling over the name “glen”

A transatlantic battle to stop Canada’s only single malt whisky distiller from using the word glen has been lost after almost 20 years….

….The SWA plans to appeal on the grounds that the principle of barring the use of glen on whisky labels has already been established in the laws of various countries…..

….David Martin, member of the opposition board, said in the ruling: “If the opponent truly believed that the world glen’ merits special protection for producers of Scotch whisky, it should have long ago taken steps to protect that word as a geographical indication of Scottish origin much as it did for the words scotch whisky’…..

the Harold

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Whiskey strike looms

A potential strike at the Gimli distillery that produces Crown Royal could dry up production of the popular premium whiskey.

Workers at the facility voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to take strike action if necessary to back up contract demands.

The Gimli distillery, owned by international conglomerate Diageo, is the sole producer of Crown Royal.

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N.S. distiller’s trademark win won’t end fight with Scotch Whisky Association

HALIFAX (CP) - Canada’s only single-malt whisky maker has won the right to continue using the name of its signature spirit, but the victory appears unlikely to end a dispute with Scotland’s Scotch Whisky Association.

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NEW Chronicle Herald

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