British Soldiers to Celebrate with Luxury Scotch Whisky on Epic Polar Journey

With two bottles of Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Scotch whisky in tow, six brave army veterans will cover 900 miles, 10,000 feet and subzero temperatures over a gruelling 70 days, in a race to the South Pole.

Supported by the world’s leading luxury Scotch, the group of two teams will replicate the race between British Captain, Robert Falcon Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1911 – a journey Amundsen ultimately won, making him the first person in history to reach the South Pole.

“As we prepare to set out on this expedition, the greatest challenge will be retaining a positive team spirit that will see us through the tough times and give us the strength to keep going. We’re delighted that Chivas inspires honour, integrity and optimism, and we hope to draw upon these values throughout our months in the Antarctic,” says Henry Worsley, who is leading the upcoming Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race that sets off on 11 November.

Courage and camaraderie will come into full force as each team battles the elements, toasting a dram of Chivas as they cross each line of latitude and become one step closer to their success.

James Slack, Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “Chivas’ partnership with The Race is rooted in our values of optimism, generosity and brotherhood, values that are crucial to all polar expeditions. As these brave and inspiring men battle together against all odds, the least we can do is ensure they have a decent drink as they reach each and every milestone.”

Each team will take their last dram of Chivas when they reach the South Pole, celebrating success together as one team. The empty bottles will be filled with snow from Pole, which will melt to become the purest water in the world and given to Chivas as a memento of the journey.

The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race will raise money for the Royal British Legion in their aim to raise £25m to fund four Personnel Recovery Centres. Visit http://www.scottamundsenrace.org/  to follow the journey online.

Notes:

Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly international premium Scotch whisky brand, sold in more than 150 countries, selling over 4.2 million nine litre cases annually.

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. With annual volume sales exceeding 4.2m 9L cases (over 50m bottles a year), Chivas Regal is the No 1 Scotch whisky in China and the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in the world.

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.

Ballantine’s 12 Year Old Unveils Seasonal Gift Offering

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, will support the global off-trade sector during the lucrative festive period with the release of a stylish limited edition gift tin for its 12 Year Old expression. The striking gift packaging reflects the brand’s hugely successful BEYOND creative platform.

The gift pack uses modern and elegant design cues to recast key elements of Ballantine’s heritage. The tin bears the colours of the iconic Scottish Saltire flag and a series of sophisticated design and print techniques create the illusion that the tin is wrapped in a traditional Scottish tartan sash and secured with a Ballantine’s 12 kilt pin. The folds and shadows of the sash have been recreated through an intricate process of embossing which continues inside the pack where Ballantine’s 12 Year Old tasting notes are debossed on the lid.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments, “This creative and contemporary limited edition gift pack will provide Ballantine’s 12 Year Old drinkers with a specialist gift offering during a key sales period. The striking packaging, which fuses classic symbols with contemporary design, allows for maximum prominence in off-trade sales and will appeal to new and existing customers.”

BEYOND invites Ballantine’s 12 consumers to look at things in a different way and discover what lies beyond the ordinary. The creative platform has been supported with a range of contemporary art events, advertising, point of sale materials and merchandise, which have captivated consumers across the world.

Notes

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

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.

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

www.chivasbrothers.com

Pretty BIG & FULL-ON! Mini Selection – only £47.50

Tick, tick, tick…almost 4 weeks until Christmas. Who in your midst has a penchant for peat? Our ‘Pretty Big and Full-On’ selection may fill their stocking. This limited edition of 10cl single casks will wake you up, shake you up and blow your socks off in equal measures.

27.92 Wake-up call (Campbeltown)
A taste sensation wake-up call, with lemon and lime zest, mojito, rocky mineral salts and sugared almonds
Age: 10 Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

29.99 Power and scorched earth (Islay)
Enormous with honey, tobacco, walnuts, TPC, coal-dust and tar – and some other burnt things (marmalade, wood, toffee, heather)
Age: 20 Cask: Refill ex-sherry butt

33.106 A tale of two drams (Islay)
This was big – iodine, smoke, seaweed, coconut, vanilla, wasabi peas, lemon Lemsip, Castrol GTX and upturned fishing boats
Age: 13 Cask: Second-fill ex-bourbon barrel

127.10 Challenging but great! (Islay)
The taste rocked us! ‘Enormous!’ ‘Challenging but great!’ ‘My oesophagus is on fire!’
Age: 9 Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

Only 360 available (bottles not available in 70cl)
Comes dressed in a dinky gift carton with tasting booklet
Buy Minis

Fishing for ideas? BIG Suggestions…

Regional Trio: 121.50, 44.50 & 53.156 for £125
Xmas Pair: 39.82 & G1.7 for £95
Speyside Pair: 30.68 & 44.50 for £87
Cask Type Trio:123.6, 44.50 & 85.22 for £145
Christmas Case: 121.50, 44.50, 53.156, 39.82, G1.7 & 30.68 for only £255

Our biggest Outturn of the year is available on-line now, a superb list packed to the gills with mouth-watering delicacies

Plunge in
Browse all bottlings
(75 single casks online)

Exclusive Whisky Magazine 100th Edition Tasting
Tue 29 Nov: Arrive 6.30pm
The Vaults are very proud to be hosting an exclusive tasting in celebration of Whisky Magazine’s 100th edition. Hosted by Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson, founding Editor Charlie McLean and our very own Annabel Meikle, guests can enjoy a selection of our favourite drams along with a three-course dinner.

Tickets were snapped up by Whisky Magazine readers but we have kept a limited number of tickets available for our members (priced at £50, a £10 saving). To book EMAIL US

SMWS Tastings & Events (39 events online)
St Andrews Day Dinner – London Bistro du Vin, Wed 30 Nov
St Andrews Day Celebrations – The Vaults, Wed 30 Nov
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House Hotel, Fri 2 Dec
Newcastle Preview Tasting – Northern Counties Club, Fri 2 Dec
New Outturn Open Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 4 Dec
Free Music Night – The Vaults, Sun 4 Dec
Cirque du Noel Christmas Tasting – London, Fri 9 Dec
A Midwinter Feast – The Vaults, Wed 14 Dec

More Society tastings

Book an Event: Festive Dining & Suppers
This year the Society is capturing the essence of Christmas with a feast for the senses. Enjoy flaming cocktails, a fabulously festive three-course meal and whisky ‘affogato’
More details

Whisky Magazine’s 2012 Independent Bottler of the Year www.whiskymag.com/awards/ibc/2011/

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.

1998 Blair Athol K&L Exclusive 11 Year Old Provenance Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky ($74.99) One of the most exciting parts of our recent trip to Scotland was the visit we had with the Laing brothers, a pair of independent bottlers who don’t dabble too much in the U.S. market. We were pretty sure that these guys were sitting on a veritable treasure trove of barrels, however, and our tasting with them did not disappoint. One of the best deals our journey uncovered was an explosive little cask of Blair Athol, a Diageo-owned distillery in the Eastern Highland town of Pittlochry. Located just a few miles from Edradour, this quaint little operation is one of the oldest in Scotland (founded in 1798), but is more widely regarded for its role in Bell’s Blended than for its single malt potential. This 11 year old barrel will open some eyes, however – big, rich, enticing aromas of dried fruits, a supple mouthfeel with roasted almond skin flavors, and, while we don’t think it was peated, there are definitely traces of smoke on the finish. David OG and I both double-starred this entry on our tasting notes as a sure-fire winner. For the price, it may be the best overall deal we found in Scotland. -David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer

Rosebank 21 Year Old 2011 Special Release Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($249.99) The 2011 Rare Release from Diageo. Exceptionally rare and delicious.

Canada

Pendleton “1910” 12 year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml ($36.99)

Scotland – Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml ($44.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

A’bunadh, Gaelic for ‘of the origin’, is matured exclusively in Oloroso ex-sherry butts. It is a natural cask-strength malt whisky produced without the use of modern-day chill filtering methods or the addition of water.

Colour: Deep, rich amber

Nose: Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso sherry

Palate: Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with sherry and oak. Full bodied and creamy

Finish: Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Escape Holiday Stress with Eades in Old Town

The holiday season can be stressful

Sure, you get a few days off of work to spend at home, but between dragging those holiday decorations out of your basement, coordinating family travel logistics, writing holiday cards, wrapping presents, mandatory office gatherings, mandatory friend gatherings, baking cookies, sitting in traffic for 40 minutes just to get in to the GARAGE at Tyson’s Corner, eating cookies, and somehow finding that perfect gift for you husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/co-worker (a bottle of Eades…duh.), how are you going to find anytime to relax??

*deep breath*

Take a break from the stress and treat yourself to a relaxing evening spent sampling exceptional whiskies at The Light Horse Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. We’ll be there on Thursday, December 15 from 6-8pm with a tasting of our Second Edition Eades Double Malt whiskies, along with excellent food and great conversation.

For $35, you get a sample of all three Eades Double Malt whiskies paired with original, edible creations from the Light Horse’s imaginative kitchen, as well as a chance to talk with VDC’s Dan FitzHenry about all things whisky and the future of distilling in the Commonwealth.

Get away for a little bit and hang out with us!

Eades (Totally Not Stressful) Double Malt Whisky Tasting
$35 per person for three samples of Eades and paired hors d’oeuvres
Thursday, December 15, 6-8pm
Light Horse Restaurant (715 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314)
For reservations, call 703.549.5033 or email lighthorseprivatedining@gmail.com

BEAM FILLS 12 MILLIONTH BARREL OF BOURBON

The commemorative white oak barrel bearing the new company logo was filled and sealed on Oct. 17, 2011, at Beam’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., where it will be aged until 2015.

“After more than 216 years, Beam continues to thrive as the number one Bourbon producer in the world,” said Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, Jim Beam’s great-grandson and seventh generation Beam family distiller. “This milestone comes at a time when bourbon is growing faster than categories like vodka in the U.S., and reflects the popularity of our brands, innovations and the worldwide growth of America’s native spirit.”

One of Kentucky’s signature companies, Beam is the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world. Its extensive bourbon portfolio include Jim Beam®, Jim Beam Black®, Red Stag by Jim Beam™, Devil’s Cut™, Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden®, Baker’s®, Booker’s®, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, Maker’s Mark® and Maker’s 46™.

According to Noe, twelve million barrels would:

➢ Yield nearly 340 million cases of Jim Beam Bourbon; ➢ Create more than 500 trillion bourbon cocktails; ➢ Fill 1,060 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Additional information about the history and heritage of Beam Inc., and its family of bourbons can be found at www.jimbeam.com  and www.beamglobal.com

The Glenlivet Continues to Inspire with Launch of The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, is releasing the latest addition to its acclaimed Cellar Collection range of limited and unique vintage batches – The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980.

The 1980 expression is drawn from three first-fill American oak casks that were singled out as exceptional. They completed their maturation in The Glenlivet’s celebrated warehouse No 1 and have now produced a single malt worthy of a Cellar Collection release.

The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980 is the ninth release from the award-winning range. Just 500 bottles of this non chill-filtered, cask strength single malt whisky will be available in markets including Taiwan, Japan, Travel Retail and Portugal, and priced from £1000 for a 70cl bottle. Presented in individually numbered bottles, this latest masterpiece was bottled in August 2011 with a 43.3% ABV. Perfectly balanced, the whisky is bursting with fruity aromas of blackcurrant and pear along with soft peppermint, developed over many years of careful maturation.

Master Distiller Alan Winchester, the ultimate guarantor of The Glenlivet, adds: “With the added complexity that comes with 31 years of maturation, this vintage displays The Glenlivet’s fruity character with both an intensity and a remarkable freshness – a classic. It is my responsibility, and privilege, to continue a long tradition of excellence started by George Smith in 1824, and this latest release is no exception to that legacy.”

Introduced in 2000, The Glenlivet Cellar Collection showcases some of the most remarkable expressions of The Glenlivet, selected from rare aged stocks within the distillery and laid down for further maturation and eventual release. Each bottling exhibits the distinctive personality of The Glenlivet whilst displaying its own unique characteristics.

Notes

Tasting notes

NOSE: Initial burst of sweet fruity homemade blackcurrant jam followed by notes of tangy orange flavours and freshly baked gingerbread.

PALATE: Perfectly balanced, mouthwatering, fills the mouth with incredibly fruity flavours of blackcurrant and pear. Full of life with a spicy and zesty sparkle, complemented by nuances of soft peppermint.

FINISH: Incredibly long and dry.

About The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet is currently the No 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No 1 single malt Scotch whisky in the US – the world’s largest malt whisky market. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.

About 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.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Michael Urqhuart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, Susan Stenström, Emma Andersson, Helena Hugo

Benromach Shares the Secret with Sweden

Three Swedish whisky ambassadors are set to share the secret of Speyside’s smallest distillery following a unique programme seeing them become Honorary Stillmen of Benromach for a day.

The ladies are winners of the inaugural Benromach Fellowship Award 2011 which allows them to travel to the distillery and be exclusively trained in the production of its single malt whisky by its two master distillers. The Benromach Fellowship award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and endorsement of Scotch Whisky in Sweden.

Whisky bar manager, Susan Stenström, restaurateur, Helena Hugo and popular whisky magazine ‘Allt Om Whisky’ editor, Emma Andersson, will learn firsthand the art of whisky making when they take part in milling, mashing and distilling. They will also hand fill casks which will mature at the distillery for years to come.

The ladies won the fellowship for their enthusiasm and dedication to whisky which has seen them share their knowledge and experience with others in their home country.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said:

“It’s an honour to be sharing our expertise with such highly regarded international whisky ambassadors. Taking part in our Honorary Stillman programme is the best way of fully understanding the hands-on innovative processes used in producing whisky at Benromach.

“Sweden has a huge whisky following and is becoming an increasingly popular market for Benromach. We hope the ladies will share their experiences of their scholarship and our single malt whisky with friends and family when they are back home.”

Susan Stenström is a well known whisky authority in Sweden who through her passion and dedication has created a unique whisky bar with her own personal stamp at Friiberghs Herrgård. Susan regularly organises whisky weekends aimed at encouraging people to discover and enjoy whisky. Excited to be taking part in the programme she said:

“As a huge whisky fan it’s been a real opportunity to come to Scotland and have such a personal experience in the production of this great single malt. Being a small distillery we got a real insight into a typical working day and the expertise and skill that is involved in making Benromach. Not many people get a chance to be so hands on and learn direct from the master stillman. It’s been a once in a lifetime trip.”

Restaurateur and whisky ambassador, Helena Hugo, has created a venue for whisky lovers in the middle of the Swedish countryside. Bredaryd Värdshus is a Mecca for connoisseurs offering great food, a micro-brewery and an excellent whisky selection. Helena ensures her staff can deliver exceptional customer service by arranging for them to attend whisky education courses in Sweden and Scotland.

Emma Andersson is editor of one of the world’s best whisky magazines, Allt Om Whisky. Emma’s focus on delivering quality news and features from the world of whisky, is one of the major reasons why Sweden has some of the world’s most informed and passionate whisky enthusiasts.

Benromach is represented in Sweden by Symposion International AB.

Notes:

The Benromach Fellowship Award 2011 was set up by Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail & Thomas Kuuttanen, Symposion International AB, distributors of Benromach in Sweden, and presented during the Viking Line Whisky Fair aboard M/S Cinderella in January 2011.

Benromach Distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in Forres, just two expert distillers hand-craft the award winning range of Single Malts.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Black Bull Scotch Whisky Wins Fifth Gold Medal of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge

Black Bull 40 Year Old, the luxury blend from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited has been awarded a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2011. This incredible achievement for the range follows a stream of 2011 successes, that have seen the brand take gold medals at the World Whisky Awards, International Wine & Spirits Competition and the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge.

Black Bull 40 Year Old, the flagship of the Black Bull range is a luxury blend of the finest single malt and single grain whiskies available from Scotland’s premium distilleries. Black Bull 40 year old is 90% single malt and 10% single grain and is bottled at cask strength. The spirit is completely natural, without chill filtration or added colourant.

Judges tasting notes: “Good, balanced maturity. Exotic, with cinnamon spice and a long medium-dry finish.”

Established in 1995, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competition in the world, recognising and promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe.

Held annually in London, the ISC is founded on a rigorous and objective blind tasting process, by panels of selected master distillers, blenders, specialist writers and prominent industry figures – all acknowledged experts in their field.

This independent process serves to encourage the high caliber of spirits entered into the International Spirits Challenge competition each year. Receiving more than 1,000 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide makes the ISC a truly global competition.

Supported by the world’s leading spirits producers, the ISC sets the international standard for quality and excellence. To pass the scrupulous assessment of the judging panel and win an ISC award is an impressive achievement for any spirit.

Duncan Taylor CEO Scott Watson commented:

“Black Bull 40 year old is our exclusive small batch expression which best captures the boldly refined yet balanced character of Black Bull Whisky. To see Black Bull stand head and horns above the global competition is a great testament to our dedication to deliver the finest whisky without compromise.”

Visit Duncan Taylor at www.duncantaylor.com