EXPOSURE OF FORGED RARE WHISKY JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

Rare Whisky 101, the whisky analyst, broker and investment expert, has unearthed a trove of forged rare Scotch malt whisky, leading to concerns over the authenticity of rare old whisky currently on sale throughout the worldwide auction market.

The forged haul includes a fake bottle of Laphroaig 1903, potentially worth £100,000, and two fake part sets of Macallan Fine and Rare, one worth around £500,000 and the other worth around £250,000.

As a warning to unscrupulous rare whisky collectors and investors, these findings mark the first significant indication that professional fraud is more commonplace than ever previously considered.

As the Rare Whisky market continues to experience dynamic growth in volume and value it is forecast that the UK Whisky Auction market will trade around 55,000 bottles and turn over around £12,000,000 in 2016.

Key to this growth, for buyers and sellers, is absolute trust in the market. As demand continues to soar for very old and rare bottles, prices are continuing to rocket based on confidence in the market’s authenticity.

Rare Whisky 101 decided to embark on a quest to authenticate what was believed to be the oldest Laphroaig in existence. The quest has been captured in a short film by Rare Whisky 101. Purchased at auction by Rare Whisky 101 in 2015, the bottle of Laphroaig 1903 was subjected to a six month long series of forensic tests including:

• Glass dating to match the bottle with the methods used in early 1900s
• Cork and capsule assessment
• Organoleptic assessment of the liquid to prove quality and style fit the profile expected from a Laphroaig
• Analysis of peat derived compounds to prove Islay signature and provenance of smoke
• Analysis of malt and grain whisky derived compounds to prove single malt or blended scotch
• Carbon dating at Oxford University’s Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit to verify the year of distillation.

The conclusion from Rare Whisky 101’s investigation is that the whisky is a modern fake. Results from Oxford University’s Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit suggested a 75% chance that the liquid (a blended scotch) was created between 2007 and 2009, more than 100 years after its suggested label date!

About Rare Whisky 101

Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering some 175,000 price records over 25,000 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Highland Park.

Toulvaddie Distillery is set to become the first Scotch Malt Whisky Distillery to be founded by a woman in almost 200 Years. 

In an industry which has been around for centuries it can be difficult to start something new which stands out from the crowd, however Heather Nelson is aiming to do just that. On an old naval air field in Ross-shire, Highlands of Scotland, Toulvaddie Distillery will be the first Scotch whisky distillery to be founded by a woman in almost 200 years, and the only one to be founded solely by a woman.

Toulvaddie Distillery will be a micro whisky distillery with the capacity to produce around 30,000 litres of alcohol per annum. The stills are a similar size and shape to those used by the whisky “smugglers” in days gone by. This size enables the whole process to be hands on and this is the element that appeals to Heather.

She explains-

“It’s great to see so many distilleries being built just now. However these are by men or are also producing gin as a way of making ends meet until the whisky has aged. I want to build a distillery which has its focus on a quality malt spirit resulting in a whisky I can be proud of. Due to fact that whisky needs time, and to ensure that production can continue, some year 1 casks are available to purchase. There is also a founders club which will receive exclusive bottlings which will never go on general sale from the distillery. I will also be releasing a spirit which has a much shorter maturation time which will tie into the history of the site.”

Women have always been involved in the production of whisky. From the farmer’s wives running the illicit stills after the Union between Scotland and England of 1707 up to the current distillery company CEOs, however Heather’s aim to start a distillery is not because she is a woman, it’s all about the creative process and the final product.

“People always ask – “why do you love whisky?” Well, why does anyone love whisky. It’s the complexity of the flavours, the sheer warmth it yields, and the fact that it just tastes good! The fact there are only three ingredients, but so many different tasting whiskies is what really got me thinking about what makes them different. Being the one who influences those flavours appealed to me and that’s when I started to look into the process in more depth. Yet at this point, being able to start my own distillery was just a dream, but the more I studied the stronger was my desire to actually make my own spirit, and have been working on turning that dream into reality ever since.”

The distillery is to be built on the site of an old Royal Navy Airbase where Navy bomber pilots trained on how to land on the decks of aircraft carriers. Incorporating the site history into the distillery is also important to Heather. “Much of the base has been returned to farmland and most of the buildings knocked down after it was no longer needed by the Navy. I want the distillery to retain some of that history and the spirit of the men and women who worked there and are currently in talks with the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy about doing just that.”

To find out more visit www.toulvaddiedistillery.com/

NOTES 

HMS Owl, Fearn is the Royal Naval Air Service Base where the distillery is to be built. Once an RAF Airfield and then taken over by the Royal Navy for torpedo bomber training.

The distillery will be built on a section of one of the now disused runways.

There are 100 Year 1 casks released for sale and a limited number of founding memberships and these will help the continuation of the distillery in the time waiting for the whisky to mature and are available to purchase now via the website.

There will be limited New Spirit bottlings available and there will also be a short maturation spirit commemorating the history of the site.

Heather Nelson, 37, who lives in Tain, Ross-shire, set up Toulvaddie Distillery Ltd in November 2015 and has received Approval in Principle from the HMRC for the distillation licence.

International Premiere for Yamazakura’s Premium Japanese Whisky

Discerning whisky drinkers can look forward to finding a rare gem under the Christmas tree this year, as 21-year-old Yamazakura 963 is offered for sale for the first time outside of Japan. This top-tier blended whisky of the celebrated Sasanokawa Shuzo distillery is available in just a handful of shops in its country of origin and online only at dekantā – the world’s largest online store for high-end Japanese spirits.

The Yamazakura 963 is meticulously blended using a combination of single malt and grain whisky and has been praised for its mellow fragrance and complex flavour. Instead of making a long trip to source a rare gift, international whisky connoisseurs can order this highly sought bottle online from Japanese whisky retailer dekantā and receive their purchase in 3-10 days.

Arriving beautifully gift-wrapped in the Japanese style, dekantā’s bottles make unique gifts for Christmas. With their wide selection and worldwide delivery, dekantā offers consumers across the globe the opportunity to savour a rare and distinctive Japanese whisky, whether as part of a relaxing evening, or over dinner with friends and family.

Japanese whisky has recently experienced exponential worldwide sales growth, attracting international attention and awards. Distilled in a similar manner to Scotch, Japanese whisky-making processes are refined to better appeal to the local palate. Non-Japanese drinkers often describe the experience of sampling more sophisticated Japanese whiskies as exotic and seductive.

Consumers who would like to learn more about Japanese whisky should visit the dekantā website, which boasts the most extensive repository of information dedicated to Japanese whisky, including distillery history and tasting notes for each bottle. Bilingual concierge service is available 24 hours a day, providing expert recommendations in both English and Japanese.

Read more about the Yamazakura 963 21-year-old on the dekantā website.

Notes:

About dekantā

A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. As well as Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, dekantā offer an extensive range of Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only.

Stocking rare bottles not available through traditional global distribution channels, dekantā offer world-leading Japanese whiskies to an international market. With a selection of more than 1000 bottles, ranging in price from £30 to £100,000; dekantā presents options for both the avid collector and those new to Japanese whisky.

About Sasanokawa Shuzo Distillery

Originally a producer of sake and shochu founded in 1765, Sasanokawa Shuzo Company Limited turned their hand to whisky production in 1946. They were soon able to compete with large whisky-producing rivals such as Nikka and Suntory, producing fine whiskies of renown.

For more information about the Yamazakura 963 21-year-old and the wide selection of rare and collectible Japanese whiskies available from dekantā, visit https://dekanta.com/.

Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky                                     Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

Malt Maniacs Awards 2016

This is the 14^th edition of MMA and this year has seen The Malt Maniacs receive an astonishingly high quality of entries which have broken all records in its 14 years of existence.

MMA has three categories which are based on high street price and are as follows:

Daily Drams – Whiskies with a retail price up to €50

Premium Whiskies – Whiskies with a retail price between €51 and €150

Ultra Premium Whiskies – Whiskies with a retail price over €150

Within each category we offer five Awards; Supreme Winner, Best Sherried Whisky, Best Peated Whisky, Best Natural Cask Whisky and a “Thumbs Up” Award for a whisky we believe deserves a special mention.

The competition is judged 100% blind, using only numbered samples and also judged only by a panel of our amateur members.

This year’s Supreme Champion is Kavalan Solist sherry cask S060821035, OB for Drink Fun 

Our other Award winners are:

Daily Drams category

Supreme Winner – Nantou “Omar” virgin cask No. 011200006

Best Sherried Whisky – Nantou “Omar” sherry cask No. 21090758 57.6%

Best Peated Whisky – Zuidam “Millstone” cask No. 2627 52.56%

Best Natural Cask Whisky – Nantou “Omar” bourbon cask No. 11090148 56.2%

Thumbs Up – Speciality Drinks “Port Askaig 100 Proof” 57.1% (Awarded for always giving solid performance and this is no exception.)

Premium Whiskies category

Supreme Winner – Kavalan Solist sherry cask No. S090306015 (OB for SWFS) 59.4%

Best Sherried Whisky – Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask No. S090608021A (OB for HNWS) 57.8%

Best Peated Whisky – Port Charlotte 12yo 2003/2016 (61.1%, Blackadder Raw Cask, C#622, Sherry Cask, 284 Bts.)

Best Natural Cask Whisky – Amrut virgin oak & peated barley cask No. 958 (OB for Hot Malt) 60%

Thumbs Up – Zuidam “Millstone” Oloroso sherry cask No.2530 (Awarded for very strong result(s) this year from a mainland EU distillery)

Ultra Premium category

Supreme Winner – Kavalan “Solist” sherry cask No. S060904050 (OB for red on Tree 4^th Ann.) 57.8%

Best Sherried Whisky – Glendronach Oloroso sherry butt No.38 (OB for Beija-Flor & Silver Seal) 59.6%

Best Peated Whisky – Laphroaig 10y PX sherry butt (TWE “Masterpieces” IB range) 50.6%

Best Natural Cask Whisky – Chichibu ex-Hanyu hogshead (OB for LMDW) 61.3%

Thumbs Up – Jura Amoroso Oloroso butts finished in Tawny Port Pipe (OB for LMDW 60^th Anni.) (Awarded for top performance from Jura and for stunning quality from LMDW in their 60^th Anniversary year).

In an unprecedented situation 11 gold medals have been awarded for overall average scores of 90 points or more. Here’s the list of Gold Medal winning distilleries:

Kavalan 6 Gold Medals

Glendronach 2 Gold Medals

Amrut 1 Gold Medal

Inchgower (Adelphi IB) 1 Gold Medal

Chieftain’s Speyside 1 Gold Medal

Full details and scores for MMA 2016 can be found on the Malt Maniacs website http://www.maltmaniacs.net/ and also our Malt Maniacs & Friends (MM&F) facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaltManiacs/

The Arran Malt comes of age

Isle of Arran Distillers release 21^st Anniversary bottling

To celebrate the end of the 21st Anniversary celebrations at Lochranza, the Isle of Arran Distillery has released a limited edition anniversary bottling.

Master distiller, James MacTaggart, handpicked a selection of finest ex-sherry hogsheads from the first three years of production at the distillery to create a complex spirit which epitomises the iconic flavours that have carried ‘The Arran Waters’ around the world.

Notes of pears and honey combine with a hint of basil and black pepper spice. Water reveals the much-loved citrus character of the Arran Malt whilst a hint of marzipan follows a warming finish of ginger and lemongrass.

James MacTaggart said of this special expression: “I have chosen a selection of our oldest ex-oloroso Sherry Hogsheads. Over the years, the fresh notes of citrus and malt in our delicate new spirit have integrated beautifully.

“The nose is rich and fruity with a luxurious palate leading to a long and satisfying finish. It has been a pleasure to nurture the maturation of this precious spirit and see it become the most fitting dram with which toast our 21st Anniversary.”

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the Isle of Arran Distillers, added: “When the first spirit ran from the stills in June 1995, it set in motion the start of a two-decade journey for the Arran Malt.

“We are tremendously proud of what the distillery has achieved. Our focus on crafting high quality whisky has to lead to many successes from award-wins to record exports to territories across the world.

“For this anniversary expression, we wanted the bottling to be totally different from our core range. The decanter style adds a tactile and luxurious element to the pack and distinguishes it as landmark in the maturation of the Arran Malt.”

Bottled at 52.6%, this exclusive expression has no artificial colouring and is non-chill filtered. It will be released as a limited edition bottling of only 5,988 bottes worldwide.

It will be available from specialist whisky retailers and from the Visitor Centre shop at Lochranza.

For more information, please contact Megan King at Inside Media on megan@insidemedia.uk.com or 01179 066 526.

Please note that due to the limited nature of this bottling samples are extremely limited.

RRP £150 

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

International Beverage celebrates Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland award in record-breaking year

International Beverage, producer of some of the global drinks industry’s most acclaimed premium spirits, is celebrating a momentous win in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland 2017 awards, after being crowned Whisky Distiller of the Year.

It caps a phenomenal year for the business in which its whisky brands have scooped over 80 medals in international competitions. At the World Whiskies Awards earlier this year, Old Pulteney 1989 was named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and anCnoc 18 Year Old ‘World’s Best Whisky’ in the Highland 13 – 20 year old category, whilst Balblair Vintage 1990 won the IWSC Trophy for a single malt Scotch whisky over 15 years old. And last month, Speyburn was named Speyside Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition as well as its 10 year old expression being awarded a silver medal.

Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky invites the industry elite to nominate the finest companies and individuals throughout the whisky world. From these entries the Whisky Magazine editorial panel then choose the winners. The lavish Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards ceremony took place on the 2^nd December at Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh, and was attended by leaders of the Scottish whisky world.

The International Beverage team is thrilled to have been recognised in such a prestigious competition, amongst so many of their industry peers. There were further celebrations for the business with Gordon Bruce, Distillery Manager at Knockdhu taking second place and an honourable mention in the Scotch Distillery Manager of the Year category.

Marketing Director Karen Walker commented: ‘Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky is one of the industry’s most credible awards and so it is an enormous honour to have been recognised by our peers and by judges as Whisky Distiller of the Year. This is a historic win for our business, coming at the end of a year in which we have surpassed all previous records at international competitions for the quality of our whisky. Our single malt brands Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Balblair and Speyburn, and our blend Hankey Bannister, have all won a glittering array of trophies, gold and silver medals. Our years of experience in crafting premium Scotch whisky have also gone into the production of Caorunn Gin which is made at our Balmenach Distillery and has also enjoyed a tremendous year in terms of its success in markets around the world. 

‘All of this is the result of so much hard work and dedication from the producers at our five distilleries and from our brand teams around the world, and our thanks and congratulations go out to all of them. This accolade from Whisky Magazine is the perfect way to end the business year and to fuel our ambition and passion for further success in 2017.’

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies and is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team.

These wings were made to fly!

Going to dizzy heights to provide rooftop homes for butterflies

A pioneering conservation project to create an aerial network of rooftop habitats for Scotland’s butterflies will be getting off the ground in Edinburgh on 25 November 2016.

Glenmorangie’s headquarters along with The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood will lead the project in the capital providing new homes for Edinburgh’s once elusive butterfly, The Northern Brown Argus as well as other butterfly species.

A ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ is a partnership between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Butterfly Conservation Scotland. The aim of the joint project is to plant patches of common rock rose – the favourite food plants of the butterfly caterpillars – on green roofs surrounding Arthur’s Seat and further afield to encourage the existing population in the Royal Park to expand and colonise in the newly created habitats.

The Northern Brown Argus is Edinburgh’s butterfly. For years it existed on Arthur’s Seat with Scottish butterfly watchers in the 1700s assuming it was just a slightly different version of the Brown Argus which it closely resembles. But in 1793, closer inspection revealed that it was a completely new species.

After its discovery the Northern Brown Argus became a highly-prized addition for collectors. It disappeared by 1869 due to over-zealous collecting and land use changes at Holyrood, including the building of a road through the last remaining population strongholds of the species.

In 2005, the species was rediscovered at Holyrood and the population has continued to increase year on year.

Leonie Alexander, urban biodiversity project officer at RBGE, explained: “We are creating the network of green roofs across Edinburgh to encourage the population of Northern Brown Argus to expand into new areas. Green roofs are perfect because the butterfly is usually found living at height and these roofs will provide warmth, food and shelter in the city.

We are also hoping to attract at least two other species, small copper butterflies and blue butterflies, by providing plants that caterpillars will feed on. The project will be closely monitored so we will know how successful it is and what species are attracted to the green roofs.’’

Anthony McCluskey, urban butterfly project officer with Butterfly Conservation Scotland, said: “It’s remarkable that this scarce species lives so close to the city. We’re excited to be welcoming Edinburgh’s butterfly back to the city centre, and hope that it inspires people to make more space for these beautiful creatures.

Anyone can attract butterflies to their garden and you don’t need a green roof to do it, a simple window box full of nectar-rich plants can help butterflies on their way.’’

Ian Mackenzie, living landscape programmes manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Green roofs are launch pads for all kinds of butterflies and wildlife to make connections across the city. Using the ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ project to boost these connections will show how we can build nature into our future plans.

For the health and wellbeing of our city we need projects like this that put nature at its heart.”

Hamish Torrie, corporate social responsibility director for Glenmorangie commented: “Glenmorangie has a long-standing commitment to the natural environment across all of our sites and we are delighted to support this initiative.”

TOMATIN DISTILLERY SCOOPS TOP WHISKY AWARD FOR BRAND INNOVATION

Highland based Tomatin Distillery has been crowned Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Whisky Magazine, Icons of Whisky Awards.   The accolade was announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Friday 2^nd December.

This is the second year running that the Distillery have triumphed at the world renowned awards having previously won Distiller of the Year 2016.

 Nominated and voted for by industry members, the company is understandably thrilled to receive the innovation award, Robert Anderson Tomatin Distillery CEO commented: “Brand innovation has been key to our strategy having invested a lot of time over the past year producing a range of new products to suit all budgets and tastes from our recently launched Travel Retail range to limited editions such as the Caribbean Rum cask and our super premium Warehouse 6 Collection so we are delighted that our dedication has been recognised.

This focus on development and creativity coupled with our new look packaging ensure that our product stands out in a highly competitive market place. The growth of the brand is set to continue throughout 2017 and beyond with several new releases already lined up!’

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

• The packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency
• Press Kit can be downloaded here: www.tomatin.com/contact/
• The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
• Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
• The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm
• Images are available on request.
• Icons of Whisky award winners 2017 can be found here www.iconsofwhisky.com/2017/scotland/

Gordon & MacPhail launches Speyside Collection

Leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has launched an exclusive Speyside Collection, offering customers the chance to purchase six exquisite single malt Scotch whiskies from some of Scotland’s finest Speyside distilleries.

Established in 1895, the fourth-generation family business is custodian to some of the world’s oldest and most unique single malt Scotch whiskies. Allowing whisky fans the chance to savour an inimitable piece of Scotland’s liquid history, the Speyside Collection brings together 329 years of knowledge, expertise and whisky maturation.

The first release, limited-edition, Speyside Collection hosts a range of flavour profiles, from the fruity and peppery notes of Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, to the long and slightly smoky finish of the Glen Grant 1949, and the exotic fruit, sherry and crushed almonds flavours in Strathisla 1953.

Showcasing whiskies from across the region, the Speyside Collection also offers Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, a spicy and creamy whisky, the award winning Longmorn 1967, which is bursting with warming spiciness followed by stewed fruit and citrus flavours, and Linkwood 1972, with its flavours of chilli spice, banana and dark chocolate.

Since the founding of the business, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new make spirit, before being matured under the custodianship of generations of the Urquhart family. Developing relationships with distilleries across Scotland throughout the company’s history, the whiskies in Gordon & MacPhail’s Speyside Collection are uniquely labelled using the original distillery labels.

Stephen Rankin, director and a member of the fourth generation of the Urquharts, the family who own Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Four generations of our family have passed on skills and knowledge for matching spirit to quality casks and maturing whiskies for many years.”

“The six vintages in the Speyside Collection are testament to our philosophy of producing high quality single malt. We hope malt whisky lovers will be able to enjoy and savour these special Speyside drams.”

The Speyside Collection is available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers at an RRP of £10,500 in the UK. Prices in overseas markets may differ due to local taxes and import duties. A limited edition of 75 Speyside Collections will be available for sale in this first release.

NOTES

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new-make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world-famous malt whisky trail.

Speyside Collection

• Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, 43% ABV – This medium-bodied ancient single malt has been distinctly influenced by sixty-two years maturing in a first fill Sherry butt. Dark amber in colour, this well rounded after dinner dram imparts a soft, fruity nose filled with banana, strawberry, and apple harmonised with the sweetness of toffee and subtle oak undertones. Pepper warms the palate with the initial mouthful; charred wood influences are smoothed by a long, fresh and minty finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1949, 40% ABV – This medium bodied, greatly aged single malt has a fresh floral bouquet with delicate Sherry and vanilla notes culminating in a lingering marzipan edge. The initial white pepper heat is curbed by ground coffee, toasted almond, and the tang of grapefruit. An underlying cigar ash adds depth to the long and smoky finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Strathisla 1953, 43% ABV – A sweet and robust after dinner dram, this well-matured whisky presents potent Sherry soaked fruitcake aromas with delicate and lingering hints of charred oak and old leather. A sip of this full-bodied dark amber coloured whisky unfurls hidden layers of sweetness – starting with light Sherry influences exposing warm steeped exotic fruits, layered with crushed almonds that culminate in a long marzipan finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, 43% ABV – The first fill Sherry butt which matured this rich and complex Mortlach single malt for fifty-eight years has left strong influences. The nose of the golden amber liquid is full of Sherry impressions including dried fruits mellowed by a hint of beeswax blossoming into a fresh yet subtle peppermint edge. The full-bodied single malt is captivating; it bursts on the palate with a lovely spiciness that develops into warm tropical fruits and mouth drying cocoa but concludes with a creamy finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Longmorn 1967, 43% ABV – Waft from the glass on one hand, delicately tempered by exotic spices and tree-plucked nectarines, whilst, on the other, intensified by sweet hints of marzipan. The initial mouthful bedazzles with a tangled mix of warming spiciness intermingled with a crisp sweetness – a beautiful medley of ground black pepper and crystallised ginger. Baked apple, stewed pear, and charred peach flavours blossom enriched by a zesty citrus edge.
• Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 1972, 43% ABV – A perfect winter warmer, this robust yet smooth Speysider matured for four decades producing a harmonious amber coloured spirit. Festive spice medley of aromas – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice – entwine perfectly with subtle Sherry influences and soft toffee highlighted by crisp apple and earthy almond. Chilli spice prickles the palate, mouth warming tones linger as apple and ripe banana flavours develop melding into a luxurious dark chocolate and brazil nut edge.

Ancient Reserves ‘Whisky Boutique’ pop-up 

WHAT: Ancient Reserves two week ‘Whisky Boutique’ pop-up shop – offering expert tastings and advice, bottle engraving, free gift-wrapping, as well as a number of ticketed innovative whisky-inspired events through the evenings.

WHERE: 53 Barnsbury Street, London, N1 1TP

WHEN: Monday 12^nd December – Friday 23^rd December

Daytime Opening – 12pm to 7:30pm

Evening Events – 8pm to 10pm

COST: FREE during daytime opening, Evening events between £15 & £20 TICKETS

What better way to warm the cockles this Christmas than by enjoying a dram of whisky at a novel temporary pop-up shop hosted by one of Scotland’s best-loved family whisky distillers?

This December, one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Scottish whisky makers, William Grant & Sons, will host a pop-up whisky boutique in trendy Islington. Featuring the Ancient Reserves portfolio, comprised of exclusive whiskies like Ailsa Bay, The Girvan Patent Still, Rare Cask Reserves and Kininvie, it promises to be a spectacle to tempt the taste buds and seduce the senses!

The quirky pop-up, which is open to the public from Monday 12th until Friday 23rd December, will also feature other speciality whisky-themed gifts and experts will be on-hand to help you find the perfect whisky for you or a loved one.

Throughout the day, an array of services will be available – from bottle engraving and in-store gift-wrapping to expert advice and tastings. In the evening, the space will be transformed into an intimate venue for a handful of one-off whisky events, including an innovative tea and whisky pairing session led by Miss Whisky and Benjamin and Blum Teas. Those interested in attending any of the events should apply for tickets here: ancientreserves.eventbrite.com/

So if you don’t know your blended from your single malt or you’re in need of gift inspiration for a whisky-loving friend of family member, drop down to learn more from the team of experts.

Search out @Ancient_ReservesWS on Instagram or the hashtag #WhiskyBoutique on Twitter to find out more.