The Glenlivet to Host Whisky Festival Opening Dinner

With nearly 200 years of whisky making history behind it, The Glenlivet is unquestionably one of the most iconic distilleries in Speyside. This famous distillery has very kindly agreed to host the ‘Touch of Tartan’ opening dinner on Thursday, 2 May 2012 for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. This prestigious event will mark the start of the 14th festival and welcome visitors from around the globe to Speyside.

“This is an opportunity to showcase everything that makes Speyside special and in the year of Natural Scotland the Glen of Livet will provide a glorious backdrop for such a special event”, commented a delighted James Campbell, Festival Chairman.

‘We are extremely grateful to The Glenlivet for their generosity and know that our guests to the Opening dinner will be treated to the very best that Speyside and The Glenlivet has to offer”.

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller of The Glenlivet said: “We look forward to welcoming festival goers from all over the world to The Glenlivet Distillery which has been at the heart of Speyside whisky making since 1824. The festival is an amazing annual pilgrimage to this famous Scotch whisky homeland and there is no place better to start the experience than at The Glenlivet.”

Now in its 14th year the festival has gone from strength to strength, last year hosting over 28,500 visits to more than 320 events over the five days. The 2012 festival generated over £1.3 million to the local economy.

The dates for the 2013 festival are 2 – 6th May inclusive. For more information visit www.spiritofspeyside.com’

Notes

About The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet is the No 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet. The Glenlivet is owned by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, and the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin.

About The Spirit of Speyside Festival
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, 2 May – Monday, 6 May 2013. Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com’ target=’_blank’>www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors needing to travel to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options including a taxi voucher scheme (sponsored by Diageo) providing festival goers with a 25% reduction on fares with participating operators, various pre-bookable dedicated bus shuttles and even a “Dram Line” off-road Argocat taxi for a day long distillery tour or Saturday night whisky-country-crawl.

The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards as well as the Benromach Spirit of Speyside Whisky Photographic Competition

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

About EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org.

About the Year of Natural Scotland 2013
Year of Natural Scotland 2013, the third of four focus years, is a chance to highlight Scotland’s great natural assets. It provides an opportunity to celebrate our reputation as a land of outstanding beauty, and encourage responsible tourism in Scotland. The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways in which visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.org.uk The Year of Natural Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.

For more information please contact:
Mary Hemsworth
Festival Manager
07789 671635 or 07795632733

TWE Blog’s Festive Whiskies

It’s the time of year when one’s thoughts turn to what to treat oneself to over the festive period.  Let’s make no bones about it – although it’s an absurdly over-privileged, first world thing to say and we should all be thankful … Continue reading >>

Vinopolis Shop – Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Despite our best efforts in previous years, it isn’t possible to lock our London shop up over Christmas with all the staff contained within, ensuring that they are available to cater to your every in-person beverage need at any hour … Continue reading >>

WHISKY TASTINGS

at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, 7.30pm, www.jollytopertastings.co.uk

Thursday 27.12.12 P/O/U/R/S 7.30pm at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, £20/17*

Private Cask Caol Ila 12yo 3.11.00 – 5.11.12 205 bottles 55.5%
St. Magdalene 30yo 1982 – 10.12 butt 192 bottles 55.4% Cadenheads
Benrinnes 16yo 1996 – 07.12 Bourbon hogshead 53.2% Cadenheads
Benriach 20yo 54% Sauternes cask
Something unusual

30.12.12 3pm 5 drams from bottles that all cost over £100 tickets: £35/32* at The  Kilderkin Royal Mile

Hibiki 21yo 43%
Something peaty
George T. Stagg 71.3%
Glen Grant 37yo 1974 – 2012 47.8% Berry Brothers and Rudd
Saint Magdalene 28yo 5.10.1982 – 02.2011 57.3% Mackillop’s Choice

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 10.1.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Friday 25.1.13 £20/17*

THEME Thursday 7.2.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 21.2.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 7.3.13 £20/17*

THEME Thursday 21.3.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Friday 5.4.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 18.4.13 £20/17*

THEME Thursday 2.5.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 16.5.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 30.5.13 £20/17*

THEME Thursday 13.6.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 27.6.13 £20/17*

P/O/U/R/S = Peaty, Old, Unusual, Rare, Sherry cask, *£3 off for first timers and members Entry by pre-paid ticket only

www.jollytopertastings.co.uk

PALS WITH DRAMS

Pre Christmas whisky tasting at home in Perth, Scotland. 19 December 2012.

by Paul Mclean

My friend of many years came round for a chat, grub and drams recently, well, today actually. Now, Adeline is well used to whisky, having worked for a while with Edrington, so I thought it time she tried some other wee gems. Some shopping preceded this session (she is a girl after all!), a visit to the hair dresser (for Ad not me) knowing full well she would be on camera, we also dondered over to Sante, a nice restaurant in Perth for a late lunch. Mussels, pigs cheek, hake, tatties and ribs, plus a wine and a champagne. All wee starters of course! Back home, the whisky made an appearance; being Paul’s hoose, we started with what else? An Irish;

BUSHMILLS 1608 ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Aye it’s a blend, but very little grain in this. We both agreed, ginger snaps, marzipan with some citrus, lovely dram to start us off. Am on my 3^rd bottle of this.

CLERACH JURA VIN CASK. Surprisingly sweet, more like an after dinner frozen grape wine to me (Paul). I had some left over from a tasting the other night with Tim, Liz and friends in a restaurant in Perth, we did cause raised eyebrows when we asked for 6 glasses, “hey, you cannee do that here!” was the comment from the waiter, after a chat with the manager, we were ok, after all, Tim had travelled from Moscow! Here is Michel Couvreur’s description of this fascinating and unique drink: “The barley was distilled on the 09th July 2001 in Scotland and the “clerach” was delivered to our cellar on the 24th July 2001. On the 29th July 2003, day of the “percée” of Vin Jaune, the cask was filled with the Scotch clerach so causing through the oak wood a slow mutual penetration of the grassy lightness of the barley and the VIN JAUNE extraordinary finesse. The original 228 bulk litres at 68,20% alc.vol., decreased at 61,20% alc.vol. two years later, were reduced to 43% alc .vol., because a high alcoholic content would have hidden the elegant lightness unique to Vin Jaune.”

JAPANESE WHITE OAK. Recently been on a tour to the Perthshire Highlands with me, see; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/athollwinter.asp What did Adeline think? Nice, could be Scotch! Paul liked it also.

GLENMORANGIE SIGNET is distilled from malt with a good portion of chocolate malt too. Chocolate malt is heavily roasted malted barley. Chocolate raisins, cocoa, cinnamon, oranges, malt, fruity. Superb! This was the winner by a long stretch, she loved it so much, took a sample in a hip flask home.

Here endeth the tasting, a breather with some smoked salmon followed, just to cleanse the pallet you understand. Like Liz, Ad will soon be away to India – what is it with India? Ad has her own events company here in Perth and meets up with Paul often, many times over a glass of wine. So, we hear you ask, how did she get home? Why a taxi of course!

See all here; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/prexmas.asp

www.mcleanscotland.com   www.angelswhiskyclub.com

THE spirit of Christmas!

Liz and Paul wish  everyone a very happy festive season,

we hope you all have fun and some excellent Christmas Spirit (whisky).

wee note from Paul; I will be sharing a few drams this year with pals doon in the Capital; Edinburgh.

I will be at the Dome celebrating with maybe a whisky or champagne cocktail, or both, maybe some of their superb food.

Have a good time everyone.

Please drink carefully and think of others. And remember what Christmas is really about!

www.mcleanscotland.com

www.angelswhiskyclub.com

Thirsty For Some “Whisdom?” Canadian Club® Whisky’s Got Some For You… If You’re Ready To “Join The Club”

Beam Inc. [NYSE:BEAM], a global leader in premium spirits, and Canadian Club® Whisky, one of the world’s leading Canadian whiskies, today announced a new marketing campaign to celebrate guys on their ongoing quest for wisdom.

The new “Join the Club” digital campaign, which recently launched in the US, features video segments available on Facebook and in digital media that star the “Canadian Club Chairman” and offer Whisky Whisdoms™ to help guys to ease their way into the whisky world.

“For more than 150 years, Canadian Club Whisky has accumulated limitless and timeless wisdom,” said Bob Gorman, Director of World Whisky, Beam Inc. “Canadian Club is a smooth, approachable and easy-drinking whisky that has amassed decade’s worth of time-tested experience. There’s no better source for guys looking to step up in their pursuit of ‘whisdom.’”

Through the new marketing campaign, the brand’s newest voice, the “Canadian Club Chairman,” imparts a barrel-house full of Whisky Whisdoms™ that act as blunt, unapologetic and undeniable truths, such as:

Never send beer to do a whisky’s job
Everything in moderation. Except bacon
Drafts are best suited for fantasy football. Order a Canadian Club Whisky

Facebook fans are encouraged to submit their own Whisky Whisdoms™ by joining The CC Club™ at www.facebook.com/canadianclub and gaining exclusive content, local event invites and, of course, wisdom.

Canadian Club is the world’s #1 standard Canadian whisky. For more than 150 years, the brand has been using its unique pre-barrel blending system to create a smooth, mellow whisky. For more information, visit www.canadianclub.com or www.facebook.com/canadianclub.

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Beam Launches the Ultimate RTD to Share this Summer

Beam Global Australia Pty Ltd (Beam) has introduced an innovative new format to the RTD category in Australia. With a unique design that stands out from the crowd, the Jim Beam and Canadian Club 5L Party Kegs are ideal for sharing, and the ultimate choice for summer socialising.

A new way to enjoy Australia’s leading and fastest growing spirits brands, the larger than life Jim Beam & Cola and Canadian Club & Dry 5L Party Kegs are the perfect addition to any BBQ, party or social gathering. In-store just in time for the end of the football season and the beginning of summer, the kegs are ideal for consumers who love to entertain their mates.

“The 5L Party Kegs are an exciting new way for people to enjoy their favourite pre-mixed spirit with a bunch of mates, while the innovative pressurised format ensures the mix stays fresh and bubbly for up to 30 days in the fridge,” commented Ray Noble, Brand Director – Bourbon, Beam Global Australia. “A great, fun alternative to a case of premium beer, the kegs are sure to be the ultimate conversation starter at any social occasion.”

Packaged in a drip-free format, the kegs are resealable and maintain a constant tap pressure, ensuring enjoyment down to the last glass. At only 25cm tall, the 5L Party Kegs will easily fit into a fridge, promoting their purchase for social occasions in the high trading summer period.

For maximum enjoyment, Beam recommends chilling each keg for at least 10 hours. The kegs are designed to be easy to use – simply turn the nob on the top of the keg to the left to release the pressure, then pull the gray tag out and turn completely to the left to create perfect pressure and a smooth pour.

The Jim Beam and Canadian Club 5L Party Kegs will be available from September 1 at all good local liquor retail outlets for RRP $54.99 each with full point of sale and product support.

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com