Suntory Japanese Whisky Charity Tasting Event

TWE Blog is proud to welcome the legendary Duncan Ross from TWE Vinopolis as a guest writer on the blog, with his first post being the following report on our recent charity Japanese whisky tasting: The events that occurred in Japan in March this year had repercussions that were felt around the world and the pictures that we saw made .…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

June 2011 at Portsoy

It has been over a month since I last published my blog and we have been through another busy period and this is the perfect time to update you all on progress on several fronts.

Changing Faces

As I announced last time, Graham Eunson will shortly be moving on and therefore the search was underway for a new manager. Although I received a number of applications and interviewed some top candidates in the end I decided that we already had some excellent talent on the site who were ready to take on larger roles and so decided to share the role between Mhairi McDonald, who will become Production Manager and Graeme Morrison who will be Maturation Manager.

Mhairi has a first class honours degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University and has previous experience working with Diageo and Chase distillery as well as working in a marketing role with us a couple of years ago.

Mhairi checking the quality of the distillate

Graeme has previously been in charge of a large filling and warehousing complex operated  by Chivas, in Keith.

Graeme Morrison

I know that both of them will do exceptionally well and for those of you that visit us then you will get the chance to meet them in due course.

This of course left a vacancy within the team and when we combined this with the need to increase our bottling rate due to increased orders then it resulted in a need to recruit 2 people. We duly advertised in the local paper and to date have received around 150  applications, I am not sure if this is a reflection on the(un)employment situation or the attractiveness of working in a distillery.

New Importers

As mentioned last time we have been working hard on extending the numbers of countries where Glenglassaugh is available and within the last month we have received orders from 3 new countries. 

In Switzerland our importer is “House of Single Malt”, in Singapore “The Whisky Store” and in China “Xiamen Spirit Empire Corporation”.

This brings the number of countries where Glenglassaugh is available to twenty-four and we are continuing to work on increasing it further.

The overseas importer page on the website, www.glenglassaugh.com , has been updated with details of each country where we have an importer appointed and their website.

In addition we are working hard with each importer to increase distribution throughout their own country and for the USA, there is an updated list in “Friends of Glenglassaugh” of which state has Glenglassaugh available.

New Products

Exclusive Bottling

As well as interviewing  for new roles and searching for new importers we have been busy working with some of our existing importers to release new exclusive single cask bottling for their specific market. These follow on the success of exclusive “Andrea Caminneci” bottling for Germany in 2010. I cannot reveal details yet but will shortly be able to let you know of when and where these will be available.

The Chosen Few

As announced last time this will be a new series of single cask releases, each cask chosen by a different member of the distillery team. The first cask selected is Ronnie Routledge’s choice and is from a 36 year old butt.

Following the success of “The Manager’s Legacy” series where we have sold out, then we will again need to release this on an allocation basis for each market.

We hope to be able to confirm release date, and retail price shortly.

First Three Year Old

There is nothing new to report, except to say that the cask is still maturing silently in the warehouse and we are working on the packaging design. As you can tell, we are all multi-tasking!

The Weather

I couldn’t end without mentioning the weather. At one stage is looked as if we were going to have a warm and very sunny summer, however that has turned into a wet and cool summer – good for topping up the water supply for the whisky but not for sun-bathing on Sandend Beach. Oh well there is always next year, when I will be able to also enjoy Glenglassaugh Whisky that the new team have produced!

Finally

A plug for Anne Smith who is a local photographer who we almost use exclusively when we want professional images, the two photographs in this blog were taken by her.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-By-Anne-Smith/169154283136420

Slange.

Stuart Nickerson

Ballantine’s Leaves a Striking Impression with Challenging New Plan Ballantine’s Advertising

Ballantine’s Finest is further strengthening its position as the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe by introducing a challenging and creative pan-regional television advertising campaign that inspires consumers to “change their plan and leave an impression”.

The advertising is part of the brand’s distinctive ‘Leave an Impression’ global campaign that encompasses the comprehensive Ballantine’s range, and extends Finest’s ‘Plan Ballantine’s’ communication platform launched during 2010.

A new 30 second advert will run from May to September 2011 across a range of European TV channels, including MTV, Viva, Comedy Central and Discovery. The execution, entitled Transformation, features a man demonstrating that by believing in himself and not accepting what others expect him to do he is able to fulfil his true creative passion in life.

“This striking new advertising is designed to inspire Scotch whisky drinkers to challenge what is usually expected, go against the norm or change the predictable plan, and so leave an impression”, explains Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, Peter Moore. “This approach to life reflects the flair, authenticity, creativity and individuality of Ballantine’s, and forms part of the strong emotional engagement that exists with people who choose to drink the brand”.

In addition to the new pan-European television campaign, there will continue to be a wide range of Plan Ballantine’s marketing activity on a global basis including print, TV, radio, out of home, experiential events, PR, digital and social media. The Ballantine’s website www.planballantines.com and Facebook page for fans have also proved to be successful vehicles to build consumer engagement and interaction.

Notes:

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s Finest is a complex blend of single malts and grain whiskies from four renowned whisky regions of Scotland – Islay, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. Its elegant signature style is a balance of soft and sweet, due to the key malts of Glenburgie and Miltonduff.

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information please visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

Royal Salute Pays Homage to the Exceptional with the Launch of the Rarest Crafted Whisky: Tribute To Honour

The world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range, Royal Salute, has crafted a blend so rare, so sumptuous that only one man in the world has tasted it – creator and Master Blender, Colin Scott.

‘Tribute to Honour’ has been introduced to pay homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. The narrative of the Honours comprises glorious legends and intrigue and remains a powerful and inscrutable ode to Scottish history. Royal Salute Tribute to Honour marks a historical pinnacle in whisky making.

The most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies used to create Tribute To Honour, have been carefully selected from the Royal Salute Vault at Strathisla. Expertly blended by Colin Scott, just 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been created and also mark the pinnacle of Colin’s 21 years of expertise in blending.

Explains Colin, “Chivas Brothers has a phenomenal archive of high-aged whiskies, some of which, after decades of careful maturation, have acquired a rich intensity and deep concentration of sumptuous characters. It is these very few whiskies which I have personally selected to compose Tribute To Honour – this opulent and rarest of blends.”

Fittingly, only the finest aged whiskies – at least 45 years old – are presented in the spectacular bejeweled bottle, dressed by Garrard in flawless diamonds and shimmering gold.

As the world’s oldest jeweller to royalty Garrard has embellished the Royal Salute Tribute to Honour flagon – hand cast and perfected, black porcelain – with 413 flawless white and black diamonds. Some of these exquisite jewels form the shape of the Sword of State: one of the trilogy of treasures that are The Honours of Scotland. Set in gold and silver, 22 carats of gemstone adorn the decorative collar and stunning flagon’s visage. Golden lions sit either side of the diamond encrusted sword, a symbol of valiancy, and patriotism, of battles fought and won.

Craftsman at Garrard have spent days perfecting each flagon by hand. The prestigious jeweller has served six successive British monarchs and pays tribute to the ancient Scottish Sword of State as its landmark.

Each flagon of Royal Salute Tribute to Honour will be available from September 2011. The bottles are individually numbered and priced at US$200,000 excluding taxes. One of the 21 bottles will be kept in the Royal Salute Vault.

Application for purchase should be directed to Giaia.Rener@pernod-ricard.com

Notes

Royal Salute

The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

Garrard

Garrard, the international jeweller with a cultural heritage of unparalleled richness was founded by master goldsmith George Wickes, who received his first royal commission in 1735. By the time the firm had passed into the hands of Robert Garrard in 1802, whose name it still bears, creating designs of matchless magnificence for the social and royal sects had become a matter of course. Garrard’s seductive collections can be found today at its flagship store on London’s Albemarle Street and or on display in the permanent exhibition in the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels reside. Celebrating a 275 year anniversary this year, Garrard’s legacy of devotion to the highest degree of workmanship has been the company’s trademark since the first designs drew the attention of the world. Garrard continues to passionately embrace the past by creating tomorrow’s heirlooms today.

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com

WILLEM DAFOE’S “BOLD” JIM BEAM TV COMMERCIAL GARNERS TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS

Deerfield, Ill. June 13, 2011 –Willem Dafoe’s first ever TV commercial – a “short film” by Jim Beam that celebrates his “Bold Choice” to turn actor – received three prestigious awards last night at the American Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) awards. As the advertising industry awaits the world-renowned Cannes Lions Festival later this month, Jim Beam’s groundbreaking commercial is grabbing attention for Willem Dafoe and the world’s number one bourbon brand.

AICP recognized Jim Beam’s “Parallels” advertisement with awards for Best Direction, Best Visual Style and Best Cinematography.

The anthem for Jim Beam’s new “Bold Choice” global campaign, features iconic American actor Willem Dafoe and sparks a movement for bold choices. In the commercial, which has aired on numerous U.S. cable networks since February, a young Dafoe is shown at a crossroads, faced with a choice: to boldly leave his hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin and head for the bright lights (and long odds) of an acting career in New York City – or stay put, and let fate decide his future. As Dafoe reflects on his decision, the commercial explores the many futures that could have been: factory foreman, chess champion, aging punk, even sumo wrestler. But, as Dafoe notes in the ad, there is really only one choice. “All choices lead you somewhere,” he states. “Bold choices take you where you’re supposed to be.”   

Jim Beam’s Bold Choice spot received seven total finalist nominations by the AICP including Best Advertising Commercial of The Year, Best Direction, Best Visual Style, Production, Production Design, Cinematography, and Best Editorial.

“As a brand that’s been rooted in making bold choices for over 200 years, our Jim Beam campaign communicates that the bold choices you make, make you. We are thrilled that this campaign has contributed to Jim Beam’s continued growth, solidifying its position as the number one Bourbon in the world, and are honored to be recognized by the AICP,” said Kevin George, senior vice-president and global chief marketing officer, Beam Global.

The multi-platform “Bold Choices” campaign from Jim Beam features TV, print and digital advertisements created by StrawberryFrog and represents a reinvigoration of the Jim Beam brand with a year-round ad campaign. Throughout 2011, Jim Beam is celebrating the Bold Choices made across America in entertainment and sports, and challenging fans to share their bold stories on Facebook® and Twitter®. Jim Beam sparked these discussions earlier in the year by releasing the findings of their “Boldest Towns Survey” – a cross-country quest to identify the boldest towns in America. Additionally, Jim Beam has boldly launched an innovative new bourbon – Devil’s Cut™ – that captures the ingenuity and creativity that has defined seven generations of distillers since 1795.

To learn more, visit www.jimbeam.com or facebook.com/jimbeam.

Jim Beam is committed to social responsibility and advises legal purchase age consumers to drink smart®. Through drinksmart.com, Beam Global educates legal purchase age consumers about how to make responsible choices about alcohol.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.:

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. (“Beam Global”) is one of the world’s largest premium spirits companies, encompassing a portfolio of nearly 100 brands (including 10 of the world’s top-100 premium spirits brands), more than a dozen global operating and commercial facilities and 3,200 employees worldwide. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Hornitos ™ Tequila, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, DeKuyper® Cordials, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Skinnygirl® Cocktails. Growth through innovation is a key strategy at Beam Global, with Red Stag by Jim Beam® Bourbon, Cruzan® 9 Rum, Maker’s 46™ Bourbon and Courvoisier® 12 Cognac and Courvoisier® 21 Cognac all being launched as new products over the past two years. Beam Global is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay Release

Kilchoman is pleased to launch this first bottling of ‘100% Islay’ . This whisky has been produced from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery.

The Inaugural 100% release has been aged in a combination of fresh and refil bourbon barrels for over 3 years .

Colour : Light Golden

Nose: Soft peaty aromas and a blend of citrus,lemons and pear drops

Palate: An initial sweetness is followed by soft peat smoke and mixed fruits

Finish: Long and clean leaving hints of peat smoke and mixed fruits.

Kilchoman Distillery was founded in 2005 and is the first to be built in Islay for over 120 years. It is a farm distillery and a proportion of the barley used in production is grown and malted at the distillery.

Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland producing 90 to 100,000 litres of alcohol per year bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky, USA and fresh oloroso sherry butts direct from Spain.

£64.99 BUY NOW

 
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Malmaison Aberdeen is pleased to be hosting on the 29th of june what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening of outstanding whisky and stunning food. Come along and join Olaf Meier the Brand Ambassador for four courses partnered with a carefully selected Whisky for only £65 (£50 for SMWS members). Allow Olaf excite and enlighten you with his knowledge and answer every question you may have during the evening.

Love Whisky?

Please ask any of our bar staff or contact us on: asteel@malmaison.com

Bernd Staber
Bar Manager
Malmaison Aberdeen
49-53 Queens Road
Aberdeen
AB15 4YP
T: 01224 327 370   
www.malmaison.com

Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

With the occurrence of the Summer Solstice yesterday, my quest for methods of summer whisky refreshment has now become a bit of an obsession.

In anticipation of the coming heat, a few weeks ago I turned to my dear friend and neighbor Viviane Bauquet Farre of FoodandStyle.com.  Viviane is one of those incredibly talented people who are able to piece together disparate yet complimentary flavors of different ingredients, and create flavorful masterpieces that delight the palate.  So much more than a chef, her creations range from salads to cocktails. So when I shared with Viviane that I was looking for some great summer time cocktails using single malt whisky as a foundation, she gave a moments pause, then said: Let’s make a mojito with Scotch!

And just like that, the “Scojito” was born.

So this weeks Whisky Wednesday feature is the platform for an amazing poolside cocktail: The Fresh Cherry Scojito with Glenmorangie The Lasanta.  An elegant and full-bodied single malt, Glenmorangie The Lasanta is whisky that has been extra matured in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks after a minimum of ten years in ex-bourbon casks.

In Gaelic “Lasanta” means warmth and passion. Its luscious, soft, mouth filling texture, and its deep, enticing, sweet aromas and tastes appeal to those who like to experiment and whose confident choices inspire the mood of an occasion.

And as you’ve come to expect, Nicky The Neck has found a way to make this special offer even more special:  Order your bottle(s) of Glenmorangie The Lasanta from ForScotchLovers for $44.95 (normally $52.59), and receive a pair of Glenmorangie Rocks Glasses free with each bottle (as long as supplies last).

I hope you will try the Lasanta Fresh Cherry Scojito…your summer cocktailing will never be the same

Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForScotchLovers.com

_________________________________________________________________________
GLENMORANGIE THE LASANTA HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY GLASS SET

 
GLENMORANGIE THE LASANTA – DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES   

Colour – Light russet

Aroma – Warm spices mix with smooth chocolate covered raisins, honeycomb and caramel toffee.

Taste – Deliciously sweet sherry flavoured sultanas, orange segments, walnuts and butterscotch combine to create complex warm spices.

Finish – Long and satisfying finish with spiced orange and chocolate covered hazelnuts.

THE LASANTA FRESH CHERRY SCOJITO

RECIPE – FRESH CHERRY SCOJITO – by Viviane Bauquet Farre of FoodandStyle.com   

Ingredients (serves 2)

1/2 lemon – cut in 1/4″ pieces

1/2 large lime – cut in 1/4″ pieces

4 large Bing cherries – pitted

8 large mint leaves – torn in 1/2″ pieces

8 large lemon-balm leaves (or lemon verbena) – torn in 1/2″ pieces

1 teaspoon organic sugar

3 oz Glenmorangie, Lasanta Sherry Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

3/4 oz Cherry Heering

club soda or sparkling water

fresh Bing cherries as garnish

Step 1: Place the lemon, lime, cherries, mint, lemon balm and sugar in a mixing glass. Using a muddler, crush until the sugar has dissolved and the fruits have released their juices. Top with ice cubes, Scotch whisky and Cherry Heering. Shake vigorously until very cold.

Step 2: Fill 2 tumblers with ice. Strain the mixture into the glasses. Top with a little club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately.

THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD HONOURED BY LEADING WHISKY EXPERTS

The Singleton of Glen Ord™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky  –   the fastest growing Single Malt in the Asia Pacific region  –  has added to its global prestige and long record of success with a major win in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition. The results were announced in London on 6 June 2011.

The Scotch Whisky Masters wins are decided by an expert judging panel after an extensive and rigorous blind tasting process. The panel included mixologists, managers of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, global retailers, and leading whisky commentators including two former editors of Whisky Magazine.

They awarded The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old a ‘Master’  –  the highest award in the competition.

The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old has been extensively enjoyed by sophisticated drinkers in Asia since its launch in 2006. The 15 and 18 year old versions of The Singleton of Glen Ord have also attracted much praise and a growing number of devoted followers.

Asia’s fastest growing malt whisky
The Singleton of Glen Ord continues to display stunning growth in its Asian markets.

The recently released IWSR 2010 data shows that The Singleton of Glen Ord is the fastest growing Single Malt in the Asia Pacific region.  It has recently broken the 100,000 cases barrier and grew volumes at 40% in 2010, notably in Taiwan and South East Asian market, with triple digit growth in many markets

For Diageo’s Asia Pacific region, Mark Sandys, Category Director for Whisky, said:

“We were confident from the outset that The Singleton of Glen Ord would be very well received in this vibrant and fast-growing region.

“Our consumers tell us that it’s the taste of The Singleton that appeals strongly to them, plus the strikingly elegant style and presentation. We’re delighted with its success here and are thrilled that consumers’ enthusiasm for this wonderful single malt whisky has been confirmed by the expert judges in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition.”

The Singleton™ of Glen Ord™
Glen Ord is a famous and award-winning Highland distillery on the edge of the Black Isle west of Inverness in the north of Scotland. It continues to malt its own barley and use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations since Robert Johnstone established the distillery in 1838.

For The Singleton of Glen Ord, a high proportion of the liquid has been matured in European oak, delivering a rich, smooth-tasting, well-balanced and accessible style.

When it first appeared, many famous whisky commentators were quick to praise its smooth, sophisticated and fragrant taste.

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES THE INAUGURAL 100% ISLAY SINGLE MALT  

Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, is proud to announce the release of its first single malt produced from barley, grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery.

It has been matured for 3 years in first fill bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky, USA and is lightly peated (10 to 20ppm of phenols) and bottled at 50% alcohol strength

Colour :         Light Golden

Nose:           Soft peaty aromas and a blend of citrus, lemon and pear drops

Palate:          An initial sweetness is followed by soft peat smoke and then the mixed fruits

Finish:           Long and clean with a lovely sweet aftertaste.

Kilchoman ‘100% Islay’ is available from twenty six specialist whisky retailers in the UK at a retail price of £69.00 per bottle and twenty nine markets worldwide. 11,300 bottles have been released worldwide.

There is also a special edition, available only at the distillery, of 1060 bottles at cask strength 61.3% ABV. Presented in a hand crafted American white oak presentation box, this edition at £149.00 is available only from the distillery.

For more information visit www.kilchomandistillery.com

Anthony Wills, Managing Director, commented:  “Being able to release a single malt produced from raw materials sourced locally was what the Kilchoman project was all about and I’m delighted to be able to share this exceptional young aged single malt with whisky enthusiasts around the world”.