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

New Arrivals – November

With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve had a busy month stocking up the shelves at www.abbeywhisky.com

November has seen 38 new malts arriving that include some very tasty drams from Gordon & MacPhail, a beautiful 25 year old anniversary Macallan along with some cracking Christmas gift ideas…

Below is a small selection from our latest arrivals; to view all that’s new this month click here…

Keep up to date with all Abbey Whisky news and offers via our Twiitter & Facebook pages….

Sláinte

Abbey Whisky

www.abbeywhisky.com

Blair Athol / Distillery Only 2010 / Limited Edition

Blair Athol Highland single malt whisky, bottled in 2010 at cask strength and only available at the distillery.

£75.00

Abbey Whisky
07890 983 844 
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com 
www.abbeywhisky.com

Old Forester Bourbon Honors Creator through Founder’s Day

George Garvin Brown Celebrated, Best-Selling Author Tom Kelley and Master Distiller Chris Morris Recognized as Modern Innovators

Louisville, Ky. (November 2011) – George Garvin Brown, creator of Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon, has been honored for his major contributions to the bourbon industry with Founder’s Day. Brown laid the foundation that allowed Old Forester to be the only bourbon still in existence that was sold before, during and after Prohibition, and built what is now the Brown-Forman Corporation.

On the inaugural Founder’s Day, Old Forester celebrated Brown’s 165th birthday and honored his pioneering spirit with the establishment of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation Excellence and Dedication to Community. This annual award was created to honor individuals who exhibited leadership traits that were evidenced in Brown – a passion for learning and a leader without compromise who recognized the importance of giving back.

“When we think of George Garvin Brown, we consider him to be one of the forefather’s of bourbon. Indeed without him, the industry might not be where it is today,” said brand manager Therese McGuire. “This lifetime achievement award not only honors his legacy but recognizes those currently on the forefront of innovation and who hold the same values as Brown.”

More than 140 years ago, Brown led the industry with his revolutionary ideas. His commitment to making quality bourbon resulted in putting Old Forster in a sealed bottle with his guarantee of excellence and his signature prominently displayed just as it is today. With this inaugural award Old Forester honors two modern day innovators: Master Distiller Chris Morris and best-selling author and General Manager of IDEO Tom Kelley.

“Through the work and leadership of Chris Morris and Tom Kelley, cutting-edge products have been introduced and set the stage for future industry advancements,” said McGuire.

As Master Distiller for Old Forester and a spirits historian, Morris’ passion for innovation in the spirits industry has lead to numerous new products and rare releases. Morris created a combined Nuevo Beaujolais concept with vintage dated single malt whiskey which became the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Additionally, he initiated a study of wine finishes and alternate wood mellowing processes that are groundbreaking in the world of whiskeys. Morris is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Kentucky Distillers Association and was Co-Chairman of the DISCUS Master Distillers Committee, as well as a former Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.

Kelley is one of the world’s most respected experts on managing innovation and design but is also the author of two books on innovation and creativity: The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. As the General Manager of IDEO the renowned design and development firm, Kelley spearheaded the introduction of the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and hundreds of other cutting-edge products. IDEO was listed as number five in Fast Company’s list for 2008 of The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Additionally, Kelley is actively involved in the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the American Cancer Society.

“Old Forester and Brown-Forman are extremely proud to recognize these individuals as the first recipients of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award,” said McGuire. “We are excited to see what future innovations hold for not only our industry but throughout the world.”

About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, and Korbel California Champagnes.

For more information on Old Forester, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com  or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester .

TALISKER WHISKY ATLANTIC CHALLENGE LAUNCHED IN LONDON

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the world’s toughest rowing race, was launched on 9th November when nine of the crews assembled at London’s historic St Katharine Docks and seized the chance to meet their fellow competitors and to apply some Talisker single malt whisky to name their boats.

Julia Immonen cracks a bottle of Talisker over her boat

Some of the crews talked about their aims, captured in this film.

Less than a month now remains before a total of 17 ocean-rowing crews depart from the Spanish port of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands.

They will then row the ‘Columbus Route’ – over 2,549 nautical miles (over 4,600 kilometres) across the mid-Atlantic to Port St Charles in Barbados. Amongst the crews participating in the epic charity fundraising event are Row for Freedom, who are aiming to become the first all-female crew of six to row across the Atlantic.

The challenge will also feature the Row2Recovery crew: a crew of four seriously injured and two able-bodied soldiers, who are raising money to help wounded servicemen and women, and have so far raised over half a million pounds.

Row2Recovery

Competitors are expected to arrive in Barbados from mid-January onwards, taking roughly 50 days to complete the challenge. All will spend Christmas and New Year at sea. Regular updates will be posted on the Talisker Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Talisker

Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day

The Glengoyne team look forward to welcoming guests for a free tour to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

What: Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day

Brief description: Glengoyne Distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour, including a dram of 10 Years Old Single Malt, to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

Date: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2011

Location: The Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow, G63 9LB

Cost: Free!

Further information: www.glengoyne.com  Tel: +44 (0)1360 550 254

Dumgoyne, 22 November 2011; On the weekend of 26 and 27 of November Glengoyne will be offering free admission to “Scotland’s most beautiful distillery” to celebrate St. Andrews Day and the launch of Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Open from 10.00am – 5pm (last tour 4pm) the picturesque distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour (normal price £6.75) which lasts one hour and includes a dram of 10 Years Old Highland Single Malt as you watch the brand new visitor information film. The film will give a glimpse into life at the distillery before you are taken to meet the stars on a fun and informative tour of the working distillery, learning the methods of whisky making handed down over the generations.

Stuart Hendry, Brand and Development Manager for Glengoyne commented: “What better way is there to celebrate Scotland’s national day than with Scotland’s national drink. We are always looking for new ways to share distillery life and the passion we have for whisky and hope that by offering free entry for St. Andrew’s Day we will be able to meet a host of potential new Glengoyne fans.”

Glengoyne Distillery, which offers an unrivalled visitor experience, is situated just 30 minutes outside Glasgow, looking out over the breath-taking West Highland Way. The event is open to all ages.

For directions and further information visit www.glengoyne.com or call 01360 550 229

For more information on the range of events for Scotland’s Winter Festivals please visit www.scotland.org/winter  

Glengoyne will also be at the Edenmill Farm Food Festival on 26 & 27 November offering tastings and Christmas gift ideas. For more information see www.edenmill.co.uk/food-festival

Notes:

Owned by independent family company, Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne, Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, has been producing its unique and complex, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky for over 175 years. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne has nurtured and perfected the art of producing the authentic taste of Malt Whisky, untainted by peat smoke. The result is a portfolio of multi-award winning whiskies including the core 10, 17 and 21 Years Old range, as well as special limited edition Single Malts, released each year.

Compass Box’s Last Vatted Grain

We’re rather fond of Compass Box’s Last Vatted Malt, having received a bottle a few days for approval, but I’ve been waiting for something else – The Last Vatted Grain. I’m a big grain whisky fan, ever since I did … Continue reading >>

Macallan NAS Cask Strength (58.6%, OB, Sherry Oak, +/- 2010)

Rumored to be discontinued (perhaps only in some markets) on the nose there is deep rich sherry notes with a good oiliness lurking and lots of dried fruit; apricots, plums and raisins. Perhaps even some tinned fruit salad and some really nice oak notes, but not over whelming, very much as an accent and a welcome addition. All in all a very good collection of aromas. Perhaps some coffee grounds in the back ground; yet another layer of richness. The taste is equally sherried and of oak influence at first and then a quick change to all sherry quickly followed by some very assertive dryness but still very evocative of the cask which adds to the flavour. Again everything works very well together to make a complete picture and a lovely one at that. The finish is very warming and very long with some of the oiliness reappearing but the tussle between the sherry and the oak continues.

A delightful Macallan; if you can find a bottle, buy it.

$96

Score 89 points

Visit The Macallan at www.macallan.com

We’ve just announced our first pre-sale tasting at Mulberry Bank Auctions. We’re a new auction house featuring several whisky auctions a year and as far as I know we’re the first in a long time that will host regular pre-sale tastings. The first tasting features some incredible old bottlings.

10 December 2011 Auction Details

Rare and Collectable Whisky and Wine

This sale will feature a variety of whiskies and wines of all ages and rarity.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 23rd November.

Viewing will take place on: Thursday 8th December 9am – 7pm and Friday 9th December from 9am

On Friday 9th December between 5pm and 7pm we will be holding a whisky talk and tasting hosted by Angus MacRaild. To book your place please call on 0141 225 8181 or email AngusM@mulberrybankauctions.com It will be on Friday December 9th at 7pm in our Glasgow auction room. 30 places only £30 per ticket. A fairly unique tasting event in Scotland.

Mullberry Bank Auctions