The Kentucky Bourbon Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary three weeks from now, and we’ll discuss this year’s Festival and its history with Executive Director Linda Harrison. In the news, Four Roses unveils its 2011 Limited Edition Small Batch bourbon to be released at the Festival, the final remaining bottle of Dalmore Trinitas finds a home, and new single cask bottlings from BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh.

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

www.whiskyfest.co.uk  

Master Class Number 2.

Tickets for the Jura Masterclass are on sale now!

This event will be hosted by Mr Willie Tait of Whyte & Mackay brands. He is the global ambassador for the internationally recognised Jura distillery and will present to the lucky attendees the ultimate Jura Boutique exclusive casks that are not generally available + Jura 21 yo + Jura 1974 vintage collection.

Tickets for the Jura Masterclass are on sale now priced at just £10. This superb event is likely to sell out fast due to high demand. Places are limited .

For tickets and full details of the event times etc please visit http://www.whiskyfest.co.uk/?p=139  

Tickets also available on 01384 394518 and at the Nickolls and Perks store.

NEWS : The Dalmore Masterclass is now SOLD OUT

Thank you

Jim Beam challenges travellers’ taste buds at Madrid airport

Maxxium Travel Retail, together with brand owner Beam Global Spirits & Wine, is embarking on marketing activations in all leading European airports, including a month-long initiative at Madrid-Barajas airport, to raise the profile of the world’s number one bourbon, Jim Beam and its portfolio of brands.

Throughout August a blind tasting experience targets consumers travelling through Terminal 4, to educate them on the exceptional quality of the brand and drive sales. The Jim Beam Taste Challenge stand has been designed to create maximum impact and capture the attention of travellers.

Consumers will be guided through a tasting of Jim Beam White, the flagship expression in the portfolio, and another leading American whisky brand, to communicate the brand’s superior attributes and raise awareness of its distinctive taste. They will be helped to identify taste sensations, asked their opinions and be inspired to take an active part in the tasting, promoting lively discussion. Participants will also receive small branded gifts and when trial turns to purchase, given two branded glasses with a 1L bottle of Jim Beam White.

Beam’s director for European travel retail, Middle East and Africa, Gareth Brown says: “As the number one bourbon in the world, we are looking to build upon the entire Jim Beam portfolio and recruit new drinkers from outside the US. We developed the Jim Beam Taste Challenge to interact with our target consumers, giving them a personal experience and educating them on taste and quality. We have reached a huge number of consumers already and despite creating such a bold challenge for the brand found it to be extremely effective in highlighting Jim Beam as the preferred bourbon.”

Maxxium Travel Retail managing director, Glen Williams says: “In Madrid, the aim is to drive trial and visibility at point of purchase and we are confident that the initiative will be effective in boosting sales. The activity is part of our strategy that will see extensive investment rolled out across key European markets such as Frankfurt, Munich and London, supporting the brand’s outstanding performance in travel retail.”

According to the latest IWSR results, the brand posted strong growth in Europe last year. Jim Beam White grew by 21% and Jim Beam Black by 28% year on year, significantly outperforming the total US whiskey category in travel retail, which was up by 14%.

Enjoy Responsibly

Maxxium Travel Retail

Maxxium Travel Retail is the joint venture between two of the most highly regarded names in the industry – Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. We manage premium brands from both companies’ portfolios, plus a number of third party brands in the majority of countries of Europe. Maxxium Travel Retail is responsible for marketing and distribution of the shareholders´ brands in most of European Travel retail. The Maxxium Travel Retail portfolio places us as one of the three leading spirits distributors in Duty Free and Travel Retail in Europe.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc, the world´s fourth largest premium spirits company, has an exciting portfolio of top 100 brands that are renowned for their fine craftsmanship perfected over decades, and, in some cases, centuries. The portofolio includes leading international brands Jim Beam, Courvoisier, Laphroaig, Maker´s Mark and Canadian Club as well as regional brands such as Teacher´s, Harveys and Sourz.

Beam Unveils New Corporate Branding

Deerfield, Ill. – August, 2011 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO)] has announced new corporate branding in anticipation of becoming an independent publicly traded spirits company, to be renamed Beam Inc., early in the fourth quarter.

The new logo features the single word “Beam” in the signature script of fourth-generation distiller James B. Beam, whose namesake Jim Beam® Bourbon is the company’s flagship spirits brand. The red script logo underscores the centuries of entrepreneurial spirit, quality and unique, family-driven heritage behind Beam’s portfolio of leading premium spirits throughout the world.

“Our new corporate identity is simple, authentic, memorable and is the perfect reflection of our commitment to the Beam family’s pioneering vision established more than 216 years ago,” said Matt Shattock, Beam president and CEO. “The Beam signature will now be on every aspect of our global business, serving as a powerful and enduring endorsement of our dedication to quality, innovation and authenticity as we enter an exciting new era of growth as a leading pure-play spirits company.”

When Jim Beam’s great-great-grandfather, Jacob Beam, put his first bourbon in the barrel in the wilds of Kentucky in 1795, he laid the foundation for the enduring seventh-generation family business. Today, Beam is the fourth-largest premium spirits company in the world, with 10 of the world’s top-100 premium spirits in its portfolio, including Jim Beam, the world’s No. 1 bourbon with sales of six million cases annually. Other top global premium spirits in Beam’s portfolio include Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Teacher’s® Scotch Whiskey, Sauza® Tequila, Courvoisier® Cognac and Canadian Club® Whisky.

Beam will start using the new logo upon the separation of Fortune Brands’ businesses, which is on track for completion early in the fourth quarter. As a standalone spirits business, the company expects to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM. The separation of Fortune Brands’ businesses remains subject to completion of detailed separation plans, customary regulatory approvals and final Board approval.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl cocktails, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO). For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Beam Appoints Christopher Bauder Bourbon General Manager

Deerfield, Ill. – August, 2011 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO)] today announced the appointment of Christopher G. Bauder as the Bourbon Category Business Team (CBT) General Manager. In this role, Bauder will lead Beam’s largest, top-performing spirits category and spearhead the continued growth of all bourbon brands in the U.S., including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Knob Creek® and Basil Hayden’s®.

Beam is the world’s largest producer of bourbon—with the company’s flagship brand, Jim Beam, selling six-million cases each year, and Maker’s Mark selling more than one million cases annually. In the past two years, Beam has also innovated within the Bourbon category by introducing new products including Red Stag by Jim Beam®, Maker’s 46™, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and, most recently, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut™.

“With his extensive global brand building and sales experience, Chris Bauder is positioned to take our Bourbon portfolio to the next level,” said Bill Newlands, Beam president, North America. “Bourbon is our number one, single largest category at Beam, and I’m confident that with Chris’ leadership we’ll continue to revolutionize within our portfolio and drive other industry trends.”

Before joining Beam, Bauder served as S.C. Johnson’s Vice President Marketing, International Markets. Prior to this role he also held several positions of increasing responsibility throughout his 17 years at S.C. Johnson, including Vice President Marketing, Developing Markets, where he led marketing, media and new product development efforts across Latin America, Africa, Asia, Russia and the Middle East.

Bauder earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science from Duke University and has a Master of Business Administration from Marquette University.

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 Spiced 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.© 2011 Beam Inc., Deerfield, IL

SOUTH AFRICAN FRIENDS ‘TAKE HOME’ GLOBAL WHISKEY PRIZE

A Marketing Consultant and an Orthotist from South Africa won a global competition last night (17th August 2011) hosted by BUSHMILLS™ Irish Whiskey that will see the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery ‘go on tour’ to a city in the Rainbow Nation.

Jonathan ‘Oros’ Oliff, 28, from Durban and Sean Tickner, 30, from Cape Town were together chosen as the winners of ‘Make it 2 Bushmills’, winning two weeks working at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, where they will make their own unique blend of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey, live in luxury penthouse accommodation and get £5,000 spending money.

After their experience, Jonathan and Sean will ‘take home the distillery’, with the ultimate BUSHMILLS party that will be held in a South African city this year.

The pair, who are married to identical twin sisters, met while body boarding at North Beach in Durban fifteen years ago and have been friends ever since.

Jonathan said: “It’s amazing to be named the winners of Make it 2 Bushmills! We came to the global final here in Bushmills to do our country proud – we can’t wait to take the distillery home to South Africa.”

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is hand-crafted in small batches for an exceptionally smooth taste at the Old Bushmills Distillery – Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The BUSHMILLS Master Distiller, Colum Egan launched Make it 2 Bushmills in March 2011 to offer two friends to share an experience of a lifetime at the distillery and then take it ‘on tour’.

Jonathan and Sean defeated thousands of others to be crowned winners by entering on the BUSHMILLS Facebook page and then campaigning for public votes to allow them to represent their country at the global final, Bushcamp, held in Bushmills village this week.

In the past few days, they have competed in a series of challenges including barrel-rolling, beach-golfing and whiskey-tasting to impress the panel of judges with their strong friendship, teamwork and creativity.

BUSHMILLS Master Distiller Colum Egan said: “Jonathan and Sean have shown throughout Make it 2 Bushmills that they are great friends, with a genuine love for life and a fantastic sense of humour.

We can’t wait to welcome them into the distillery family and then work to take the distillery ‘on tour’ to South Africa…it’s going to be some party.”

Bushcamp was judged by Colum and some famous fans of BUSHMILLS, including Kevin Baird of Two Door Cinema Club, Jonathan Galkin of DFA Records and Rob Allanson of Whisky Magazine.

Fans of BUSHMILLS can follow Jonathan and Sean’s experience as they Make it 2 Bushmills and ‘take home the distillery’ on the BUSHMILLS Facebook page, facebook.com/bushmills1608 or by following @BushmillsGlobal on Twitter.

Notes

Colum Egan Biography

Colum Egan is Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, where BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is hand crafted in small batches for an exceptionally smooth taste.

Since 2002, Colum has been responsible for all the critical stages of whiskey production, all of them carried out at the distillery itself. That’s very handy when your job is to ensure that the production of the whiskies is done to perfection – as Colum likes it to be. Colum lives in the little coastal town of Ballycastle with his wife and two sons and says that he has found his dream job.

MI2B GLOBAL WINNERS:

BUSHMILLS™ Irish Whiskey Master Distiller Colum Egan is pictured with the winners of Make it 2 Bushmills, South Africans, Jonathan Oliff and Sean Tickner.

The pair won the opportunity to spend two weeks working at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, where they will make their own unique blend of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey, live in luxury penthouse accommodation and get £5,000 spending money.

After their experience, Jonathan and Sean will ‘take home the distillery’, with the ultimate BUSHMILLS party that will be held in a South African city this year.

About BUSHMILLS

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is hand crafted in small batches at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes six exceptionally smooth and multi-award winning whiskeys: BUSHMILLS Original, BLACK BUSH, BUSHMILLS 10 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt and BUSHMILLS Malt 21 Year Old Single Malt and BUSHMILLS 1608. BUSHMILLS is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled Malt Whiskey

Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Debuts in USA

Edinburgh, Scotland, 15 August 2011: From mid-September, Isle of Skye 12 Blended Scotch Whisky will be available in the USA for the first time in the brand‟s history. Isle of Skye‟s owners, Scottish independent bottlers and distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers has taken the decision to introduce the 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky following the surge in popularity of its award-winning Isle of Skye 8 Years Old since its launch to the US market in 2009. Originating in Skye, one of the most widely celebrated Scottish Islands, and home of the Clan Macleod, Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Scotch is famed for its exceptionally smooth and mellow flavour, thanks to its high proportion of carefully selected Island and Speyside Malts. With an aroma of fresh smokiness, dried fruits and vanilla, Isle of Skye 12 Years Old, has a soft mid-palate, balancing strong sherry wood and smoke with floral and slightly fruity undertones. The finish is described as ripe, satisfying and sustaining. Roderick Mackenzie, Director of Americas, Africa & Europe for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “It is a very exciting opportunity to be launching Isle of Skye 12 Years Old in the USA. The success of Ian Macleod’s Isle of Skye 8 Years Old has undoubtedly whetted the appetite of the US market and consumers are demanding more expressions.”

Lynn Kohl of ImpEx Beverages Inc and Isle of Skye‟s US importer commented: “ImpEx Beverages Inc. is delighted to be introducing Isle of Skye 12 Years Old in the Fall of 2011. With a high percentage of single malts and its age statement, Isle of Skye has often been referred to as “the blend that thinks it’s a Single Malt”. Whether a seasoned whisky „Malthead‟ or perhaps more importantly, the new Scotch drinker, there is freshdemand to balance high quality with affordability. Customers are proactively seeking out unique new blends that offer a richness that far surpasses their old, familiar choices. They do not want their father’s drink. Isle of Skye is a unique Scotch Blend and they are now claiming ownership of that uniqueness.” To assist in promoting the launch of the new Isle of Skye 12 Year Old, ImpEx plan to launch a comprehensive, US wide campaign, “Pub It Up”. The on-trade marketing initiative will aim to bring together Isle of Skye‟s new, younger fans‟ love of sports and Scotch Whisky in their favourite gathering places, notably their local pubs and sports bars. Whisky expert, Jim Murray, describes Isle of Skye as “an absolute must for any Islay-philes out there – in fact, a must for everybody. Your taste buds are beaten up and caressed simultaneously. One of the most enormous yet brilliantly balanced whiskies in the world.” The Isle of Skye 12 Year Old will be available for RRP $38.99 for 750ml nationwide from mid-September. For further information on USA distribution for Isle of Skye, contact Impex Beverages Inc.

tel: 650 872 1113 or visit: www.impexbev.com. To learn more about Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky, contact Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd tel: +44 1506 852 205 or visit www.ianmacleod.com www.isleofskyewhisky.com Ian Macleod encourages responsible drinking. www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk 

 Tasting Notes As described by Dave Broom in WHISKY MAGAZINE (Issue 22) NOSE: Ripe, fruity and well balanced. Sherry, dried fruits and a hint of smoke. Water brings out a butter edge. A lot going on. PALATE: Overall, a little drier than the nose suggests but with excellent, soft, mid-palate weight. Light smoke all the way through. FINISH: Ripe and soft. COMMENTS: Very well balanced. A lovely blend. As described by Michael Jackson in WHISKY MAGAZINE (Issue 22) NOSE: Fresh smokiness. The smell of burning hay. Earthy. PALATE: Sweet and salty. Firm, cereal-grain maltiness. Peanut butter on toast. FINISH: Orange and ginger marmalade. Satisfying. Sustaining. COMMENTS: The aromas and flavours evoke breakfast, but in a farmhouse kitchen with an open fire and dashed by the winds down the chimney.

Grant’s Makes a Friend in World War Two

Hello,

I occasionally receive emails or letters from fans of Grant’s and whilst I don’t publish each and every one, I wanted to share with you a particularly interesting note I received earlier this month from Mark Richie in the U.S. who told us about how his father discovered Grant’s whisky. I especially liked the story…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the story)…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/08/grant%e2%80%99s-makes-a-friend-in-world-war-two/

Kind regards,
Ludo

Single-Malt Scotches from Scottish Independent Bottler Gordon & Macphail

Joe writes,

The tasting was a wonderful evening with Matt Chivian, the national importer of Gordon & Macphail. All the malts showed so well that all but two sold out. The two that we still have are the Glen Esk 20 Y.O. and the MacPhails 25 Y.O. Both sold incredibly well, but we did buy every bottle left at the importer.

The Glen Esk (also known as Hillside): This was the first time this distillery has been tasted at an official tasting in the store. I was very pleased with the malt. It is a closed distillery and very rarely seen. It has a great mouthfeel and the refill sherry cask adds richness to the malt without overpowering the distillery’s character. An extremely moreish whisky.

The MacPhails 25 Y.O.: It shines, a dram that stands side by side with malts that are twice the price. It is overlooked by most, but those who know this malt will be happy to see it poured or, if buying a bottle to see its price knowing its quality makes it a much greater value. Stock on these malts is Limited.

Offers on Single-Malts valid through August 31st while supplies last.

Bottles Available:

Glen Esk 20 Y.O. 43% This is from a closed distillery and is rarely seen and will be less in days to come. An inviting nose shows a little fruitiness with a touch of white pepper. The palate has a nice mouthfeel with a little smoke,a touch of pepper and some dried fruit bring it together. The finish lasts with a little fruitiness and a touch of smoke fades gracefully. $179.99 – $134.99 – $139.99 w/Glass

MacPhails 25 Y.O. 40% The nose has an alluring factor that is intriguing, the sherry develops a little spice with a touch of fruit. The palate is graceful and has a wonderful spectrum of the sherry without being overbearing and dovetails with the light fruitiness, enhanced with just a touch of a smoke element. Simply Splendid!!!

This is a malt that let’s you taste Great single malt, at a Great price!!!! $179.99 – $129.99 – $134.99 w/Glass

Sold Out

Highland Park 11 Y.O. 57.8% $104.99 $79.99 $84.99

Mortlach 15 Y.O. 54.1% $114.99 $84.99 $89.99

Littlemill 19 Y.O. 43% $124.99 $94.99 $99.99

Glen Keith 42 Y.O. 46% $254.99 $194.99

Old, Notable, Not Much of it:
An Aged Single-Malt from a Lost Distillery

Another rare gem from Gordon & Macphail: Glenury Royal Distillery closed in 1985. Many of us will never have the chance to taste the product of this lost treasure.

Glenury Royal 1972 30 Year Old 40% Extraordinary elegance. The reflll sherry cask has enlivened and enhanced the massive distillery character shining in this malt. A delicious dram showing tropical fruits right off supported by creme brulee, nougat, and fudge. It goes on and on and adding a little water brings out an avalanche of oils and wax. So many of my favorite things about old highland malts play out here in impeccable balance. It Achieves a harmony attained by deliberate, careful maturation in a remarkable oak cask watched over by Gordon & Macphail; a cask crafted long ago by the skilled coopers of Spain.

Relax with it; it deserves time in the glass and you deserve to see what this malt really has to offer. Just Precious! Many of us have had the opportunity to taste a 30 Year Old whisky, but so few will have the privilege of experiencing this very limited single-malt of exceptional quality. Buying a bottle gives you a precious piece of history; One extremely rare and soon to be all-but unattainable. This will be a beautiful dram to share with your closest friends on what will surely be a very special evening. Was $389.99 Now: $329.99

Federal Wine & Spirits

——————————————————————————–

Email: info@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/  

Bowmore Tempest 3 10 year old
Pre Order Now
70cl

£69.99 (£58.33 ex VAT)

We are proud to exclusively launch the eagerly anticipated 3rd edition of the award winning Bowmore Tempest from the original Islay Distillery – Bowmore. Pre Order Now. Stock arrives middle of September

Buy Now

Nose – Seville orange zest coupled with Islay peat smoke, sweet vanilla and barley sugar. Palate – initially dry but giving way to reveal orange blossom and an Atlantic sea-salt tang. Finish – the peat lingers with the warmth.