Balvenie’s Batch 2s – Tun 1401 and 40 year old

The folks at Balvenie like keeping busy. After a summer of random events they’ve hunkered down as we approach the end of the year and have done that which we know them for most – made some excellent whisky. Not … Continue reading >>

Old Pulteney Whisky Launches New Look Packaging Across Range

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has revealed a re-fresh of the design of its full range, at the end of a year that has seen the ‘maritime malt’ awarded some of the whisky industry’s highest accolades.

The re-design is the first significant update of the brand’s identity for several years, and follows Old Pulteney 21 Year Old winning four of Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible Awards, including ‘World Whisky of the Year’.

It also marks an impressive year of sales for Old Pulteney, which has enjoyed 62 per cent growth in the UK as well as significant expansion in key markets across the globe.

The re-design includes a striking new look for the bottle and pack of the 12, 17 and 21 Year Old expressions in both the domestic and travel retail sectors. Changes include:

 A new logo which features the year the whisky was established – 1826 – and the rugged coastal Wick location where Old Pulteney is distilled in the very north of Scotland’s mainland
 Greater use of foil on the packaging and bolder lettering
 A re-drawing of the traditional herring drifter that’s based at Wick, and has become a symbol of the brand

Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: ‘Our decision to refresh Old Pulteney’s packaging has been taken with a great deal of care, given that the brand’s distinctive look has been so successful for many years. We believe the new look creates a modern evolution for the brand, reinvigorating the original design while enhancing the history and maritime identity that are so important to Old Pulteney. After listening to consumer feedback, we believe this redesign will bring greater visibility and appeal, providing a contemporary edge that continues to communicate our whisky’s quality and rich heritage.

‘The launch of this new packaging couldn’t come at a better time, following Old Pulteney 21 Year Old’s recent industry awards, which are amongst the most prestigious a whisky can receive in terms of global recognition.’
The new look Old Pulteney is now available in stores. www.oldpulteney.com

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:
 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

BIG November Outturn: Peek, pick, plunge in…
Whisky Season has arrived, and with it our Christmas Countdown List, packed to the gills with over 40 mouth-watering delicacies to help you pluck this year’s perfect presents

Not officially released until Fri 18 Nov, plunge in
Browse all bottlings
(89 single casks online)

Fishing for ideas? Suggestions…

Regional Trio: 121.50, 44.50 & 53.156 for £125
Xmas Pair: 125.54 & 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, 125.54, G1.7 & 30.68 for only £255

SMWS Tastings & Events (39 events online)
All about wood – Queen Street, Thu 17 Nov
Greenock Preview Tasting – The Tontine Hotel, Fri 18 Nov
Aberdeen Preview Tasting – Caledonian Hotel, Thu 24 Nov
Winchester Preview Tasting – Winchester Royal Hotel, Fri 25 Nov
Glasgow Preview Tasting – Radisson Blu Hotel, Fri 25 Nov
Harrogate Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 25 Nov
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House Hotel, Fri 2 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.

The Tweeddale Blend 12 year old continues to go from strength to strength, well actually it is still 46% abv but it does have a new home – www.Tweeddalewhisky.com.

The Tweeddale Blend 12 year old was also recently nominated for the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Awards, a great honour indeed and you will be able to judge it for yourself at the Glasgow Whisky Festival on Saturday 19th November and at the Whisky Experience next to Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 26th November.

So why not check out the new website, for The Story, the details of The Blend or Discover the lost blend buy direct online.

See you there.

Alasdair Day
Re-creator of the Tweeddale Blend.

Discover the lost blend……..
THE TWEEDDALE BLEND.

Holidays Past and Present with
Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46

This holiday season add a little extra cinnamon and spice with Maker’s 46– the first new bourbon whisky to come out of the Maker’s Mark Distillery in 52 years. To create Maker’s 46, fully matured Maker’s Mark is put back in barrels with seared French oak staves and aged for several more months. The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number of the process used to sear the French oak staves. Maker’s 46 is ideal for folks who don’t like bitter whisky but do love bold flavors.

Some people on your list may prefer old faithful friends like Maker’s Mark. Each bottle is hand crafted to taste and is drinkable neat, on the rocks or mixed. Half a century later, it remains a classic and will remind some of sitting by the fire during holidays long ago.

The retail price of Maker’s 46 is $35.00; for Maker’s Mark it is $25.00. Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46 are available nationwide. www.makersmark.com

Deck the Halls with Festive Cocktails

Celebrate the season and enjoy the company of loved ones while sipping these special holiday drinks. Be festive with your cocktails and enjoy every last sip.

Maker’s Mark Latte

1 part Maker’s 46™
2 tablespoons fresh finely ground espresso
4 parts spring water
3 parts + 1 part organic whole milk
½ cup ice cubes
½ part vanilla vodka*
1 rock candy swizzle stick
Fresh ground nutmeg

Method

Prepare espresso in stove top espresso maker. Bring 3 parts milk in a small saucepan or Turkish coffee pot to a light simmer. Mix espresso and milk in coffee mug. Add Maker’s 46™. Make the vanilla vodka foam: Add vanilla vodka and 1 part milk to small shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy. Pour foam over espresso milk mixture. Add swizzle stick and pinch of nutmeg. Stir and enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Classic Kentucky Eggnog

(Serves 10-12)
1 liter Maker’s Mark®
1 quart milk
1 quart heavy cream
2 dozen eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
Nutmeg for garnish

Method

Separate eggs and beat yolks until creamy. Whip sugar into yolks. Beat whites until they stand in peaks, adding 1/2 cup additional sugar, if desired. Beat yolks and Maker’s Mark® together, add whites. Beat cream. Add cream and milk to mixture. Add nutmeg to taste and garnish each cup with nutmeg. Makes 2 1/2 gallons.

(From the nice people at the English Whisky Company);

Let us introduce you to our new website…

We hope the wait has been worth it. The new website is packed with all the info you need and hopefully you will find it easy and quick to get around. We would love your feedback so send us a message or tweet us or write to us.

Black Bull Scotch Whisky Wins Fourth Gold Medal of the Year: Blend at Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2011

Black Bull 12 year old, the deluxe blended Scotch from whisky specialists Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd has been awarded a gold medal for Best Blended Scotch Whisky at the 2011 Scottish Field Whisky Challenge. This incredible achievement saw Black Bull go up against 40 of the world’s leading whisky brands, both luxury and affordable. Independently rated and tasted blind by a renowned panel of whisky experts, Black Bull was again recognised as the very best in its field. The announcement of the award makes 2011 a quadruple gold medal year for Black Bull whisky, coming on the back of successes at the World Whisky Awards and the International Wines & Spirits Competition in April and August respectively.

Comments from Judge Darren Leitch of Whisky Shop:
“On the nose some mild peat notes, ginger biscuits and leather sandals filled with sand. Flavour wise there is a lot going on, with a good combination of pastel fruit sweetness, heather , vanilla and oak. A malty sweet finish which trails off with a soft oaky tone and a trace of peat.”

The Scottish Field Whisky Challenge is an annual competition celebrating the very best the whisky industry has to offer. Each year, a panel of experts takes part in a series of rigorous blind tastings to recognise the finest products on the shelves today.

The Black Bull brand dates back to 1864. Following a rebranding in 2008, Black Bull’s stature has grown, winning critical acclaim and a plethora of awards from the International Wine and Spirits competition, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and the New York International Wine and Spirits contest.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky selects whiskies from distilleries throughout Scotland, bottling a range of luxury single malt and grain Scotch whiskies as well as its award winning range of blended whiskies from its base in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

www.duncantaylor.com

Tullibardine Ltd, which owns and operates the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery based in Blackford, Perthshire has been sold to the Picard family based at the Château de Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France.

In a joint press release today, both sets of shareholders were pleased to announce that a successful sale of the business had just been concluded. The sale of the whisky business to the French Group further strengthens their interest in Scotch Whisky following the purchase of the Highland Queen brand from the Glenmorangie company in 2009.

Michel Picard, Chairman, said today: “The purchase of Tullibardine Distillery provides synergies and a platform for growth for our Scotch whisky business. Tullibardine is a wonderful Single Malt Scotch whisky and we look forward to working with the team at the distillery to increase the profile, awareness and sales of the brand over the coming years.”

Alan Williamson, Chairman of Tullibardine said: “The shareholders of Tullibardine are delighted to conclude a sale of the business to the Picard family. The business will undoubtedly benefit from the skills, expertise and distribution which the Group can create for the Tullibardine brand and we wish them every success over the years to come. We have been custodians of the Tullibardine brand for the last 8 years and the time is now right for us to hand it over and for Picard to take it to the next level. We wish them every success.”

Nosing at home

Good afternoon all,

I always enjoy writing nosing and tasting notes at home more than anywhere else – not just because it’s comfortable but mostly because I believe I am able to identify more aromas in a whisky sample. I have often wondered why that is. Why should I find it easier to nose whisky at…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the post)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo

It’s feeling very quiet here on the island after all the excitement of the Jura Music Festival! It’s a firm favourite in the traditional music calendar and this year brought us top artists like Dougie Maclean, Mary Ann Kennedy as well as some hugely talented local musicians. The islanders also extended a very warm welcome to the winners of our recent competition to experience the festival as our guests. They joined in with the locals and enjoyed the festival as only honorary islanders can. To view all of the highlights click here.

As a Diurach you’re always the first to hear our latest news and we’re delighted to tell you about our newest limited edition release. Feith a’ Chaorainn is a majestic 1976 Vintage of only 500 bottles. Its name means ‘the land of the rowan’ and it celebrates the ancient bond between the island and the rowan tree. Click here to find out more about this latest addition to the Jura family.

If you want to experience this remarkable spirit for yourself, please look out for the bottle at your nearest specialist whisky retailer.

Slainte

Willie Cochrane
Jura Distillery Manager

P.S. If you have friends or family who also share your passion for jura whisky and might like to become Diurachs, send them to www.isleofjura.com where they’ll discover more about our mystical isle.