Whisky Intelligence has added a new category called ‘Vignettes – Moments in Whisky’ which will feature whisky moments as experienced by the readership. If you have a whisky moment please feel free to submit your moment and we’ll do our best to publish it.
Go on; you know you want to be famous…
FOR TICKETS PLEASE CLICK HERE
http://www.universalwhiskyexperience.com/events/tickets
anCnoc’s RemARKabLE Partnership….
Single Malt Reveals New Collaboration with International Illustrator Peter Arkle
anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today unveiled a new global campaign that is set to bring a modern twist to the traditional world of whisky – through a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle.
Arkle, who is now based in New York City, has developed an exclusive range of limited edition designs for anCnoc , which will be launched throughout 2012 and will be available in the UK, USA, Sweden and selected European markets.
Demonstrating Arkle’s fascination for the science and mystical nature of anCnoc’s production process, the first anCnoc Peter Arkle Limited Edition release is based on a depiction of each of the Single Malt’s ingredients: malted barley, spring water, heat, yeast, time and ‘magic’ – which the illustrator brands ‘the secret thing which makes anCnoc anCnoc’.
The striking packaging design repeats this image, transforming it into an eye-catching and bold black ink pattern on the brand’s trademark stark white background.
The whisky inside is equally special, containing a new expression, hand selected by anCnoc Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce. Matured wholly in Spanish oak sherry barrels – a first for the brand – the resulting dram is complex and satisfying, rich in colour with amber highlights. Spicy fruit cake aromas combine with creamy vanilla and sticky toffee, while tones of dark spices and dried fruits add depth to the flavour.
Arkle was immersed in the heritage and craftsmanship of anCnoc and the people who make it as part of the project. Returning to Scotland last year, he visited anCnoc’s picturesque Knockdhu Distillery in Knock, Huntly, where he soaked up the ‘spirit of the spirit’: aesthetic features including pot stills, ‘engine room’ valves, controls and pipes, raw ingredients, bubbling mash tuns, worm tubs, warehouses, casks, barrels and traditional techniques.
With hundreds of images, ideas and observations, Arkle returned to his East Village home to develop each of his designs further. The city’s influence is clearly evident in the urban and sometimes humorous series of designs which followed, and anCnoc’s minimal black and white packaging provided an ideal showcase for Arkle’s bold, monochromatic illustration style.
A fourteen minute film, shot in Scotland and New York is available to view at www.anCnoc.com, charting the extraordinary journey of this creative partnership.
Peter Arkle commented: “It has been an absolute honour to work with anCnoc as a collaborative partner on its limited edition campaign. My dream job was to design a whisky bottle, something I mentioned less than a fortnight before anCnoc contacted me, and sitting in the dusky warehouses at Knockdhu I knew I was on to something special. When I returned to New York my ideas took on a life of their own – and I’m both proud and pleased to see the results. I hope to see whisky lovers far and wide, from the streets of Huntly to Manhattan, enjoying a dram!”
Gillian Gibson, anCnoc Brand Manager commented: “anCnoc has always drawn inspiration from the visual arts and we are hugely excited to reveal this ambitious project – which brings our passion to our packaging. Peter has brought the unique essence of anCnoc to life, something he calls remarkable. His Scottish roots, vivid and quirky style and genuine love for whisky made him the ideal choice as a collaborative partner. We hope everyone gets as much enjoyment out of seeing and hearing the story of how it all came to life, and our new expression of anCnoc, as we did from making it.”
Only 1000 cases of the first Peter Arkle Limited Edition will be released globally. Royal Mile Whiskies have the exclusive selling rights for this release in the UK, with an allocation of 200 cases. A second limited edition release will come out later in the year and a bespoke design will also be released for the Swedish market.
For more information, to view the film and for the full story around this remarkable collaboration please visit www.anCnoc.com
Notes
About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was established in 1894 and is one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for producing a single malt that makes every day a special occasion. The new limited edition product joins the popular anCnoc 12 year old, a light yet complex dram and a yearly vintage, currently the 1998, which is bottled in its natural form producing high intensity malt.
Known for championing the contemporary visual arts and this new campaign builds on anCnoc’s grassroots arts sponsorships in cutting-edge Scottish galleries, which to date have generated a vibrant and modern environment for drinking whisky.
About Peter Arkle
Peter Arkle is been a freelance Scottish illustrator, based in New York City. Born in Penicuik he graduated from St. Martin’s School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, before moving to New York, where his unique style flourished. He has been working freelance since 1993, contributing to books, newspapers and magazines such as The New Yorker, Newsweek and Oprah, in addition to leading global brands and businesses.
About International Beverage
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 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.
Fun and education in Port Jeff on a Friday night: over 8 great single malt Scotches – great food – great company and a great view of Port Jeff harbor from the Sail Loft room. What more could you ask for?
What: a single malt Scotch tasting of 8 plus whiskies from various areas of Scotland led by our expert spirit educater and bon vivant Karl DuHoffmann. Catered hot and cold hors d’oeuvres as well as prizes of bottles of whisky and authentic Glencairn glasses will be awarded to lucky attendees.
When: Friday May 11, 2012 beginning at 7pm
Where: Port Jefferson Village Center 101-a East Broadway Port Jefferson NY 11777 Seating is limited please contact Mora’s Fine Wines to attend
The evening will begin will begin with a welcoming scotch and soda as you enjoy the sunset view of the harbor from the historic Port Jefferson VIllage Center We will then proceed to taste 8 scotches in two flights with a brief intermission. Mr. DuHoffmann will present background on Scotch whisky production and history in general and on the specific whiskies chosen for the evening.
Hot and cold hors d’oeurves provided by Bliss Restaurant will be provided throughout the evening. At the end of the evening two attendees will win prizes by lots which include a set of Glencairn whisky glasses and a bottle of Scotch.
About the scotches:
We will not be limited to a single distillery, how boring. Rather we will feature a range of scotches from the various islands, the Highlands, Lowlands and Speyside with an age ranging up to a 20 year old from 1990
About Karl: Karl DuHoffmann is a spirits educator and director of a local distributor’s spirits program.
About the Village center: The Village Center is an historic building and was one of the first all steel buildings ever built. It has been restored and serves as a center for many community based events and activities
About Mora’s: As the event sponsor we bring to bear ove 20 years of experience in the field of fine wines, spirits and conducting tastings and dinners centered around fine wine and spirits
Howdy whisky enthusiasts! Whiskies of the World Austin, Texas
And some of us won’t have to, as we’re excited to announce the Whiskies of the World Expo in Austin, Texas, coming up on November 8. The Austin Music Hall, a trendy and spacious venue located in the heart of Austin, will be our generous host that we’ll fill until it brims with amazing whiskies, enriching masterclasses, and fun whisky elements and goodies that you loved so much from the San Francisco Expo. Tickets will go out shortly; be the first one to attend the first WoW Expo, Texan style!
Douglas Smith
Event Director
I’m Beggin for a Kilbeggan
[A post today from Chris, shop assistant manager and tastings overlord. What follows is the outcome of allowing him to travel the country by train, giving him all that time to sit and think as the countryside rushes by…] Amidst … Continue reading >>
Dear Whiskey Lover,
You will be glad to hear Whisky Live Dublin is back building on the fantastic success from its debut in 2011. Ireland’s premier whiskey tasting experience will make a welcome return to The Round Room at The Mansion House in the heart of Dublin’s city centre on Saturday 26th May 2012.
NEW FEATURES FOR 2012
21st May – 26th May
Whiskey Week Ireland begins 21st May through to Whisky Live on the 26th May where will be running tasting events around Ireland so visit www.whiskeylive.com for more details…
Saturday 26th May
Session One
3pm – 6pm
Session Two
7pm – 10pm
• Come to either our day or evening Whisky Live show for the ultimate Irish Whiskey Experience.
• Enjoy cocktails in our new Cocktails area with expert whiskey barman.
• Whiskey & Food Combinations.
• Masterclasses from industry experts available to all.
Become a Whisky Live VIP
• All VIP’s will receive an exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25 with a Whiskey Expert in either session one or two. Limited places are available so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
• All VIP’s will also receive the Whiskey Magazine Tastings Journal worth €9 plus other whiskey gifts.
• Access to the VIP Lounge for more VIP exclusives.
• VIP Food and Exclusive whiskey pouring’s.
Make sure to visit www.whiskylive.com for more details on all our upcoming shows and latest news on Whisky Live Dublin.
Kilbeggan® Named World’s Best Irish Blended Whiskey
Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) is thrilled to announce that Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey has been named the world’s Best Irish Blended Whiskey at the 2012 World Whiskies Awards (WWA). Part of the award-winning portfolio of brands produced by Cooley Distillery, which was recently acquired by Beam, this is the third time in the last four years Kilbeggan has earned this top honor, and rounds out a list of 17 awards that Cooley has achieved this month from two of the world’s most prestigious industry competitions – WWA and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
In addition to being named Best Irish Blended Whiskey, Kilbeggan 18 Year Old was also selected as the Best Irish Blended Whiskey 13 to 20 Years at WWA by a panel of international judges made up of media, master blenders, distillers and industry representatives. Kilbeggan also earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and in recent years, has won the 2009 Trophy for Worldwide Whiskey of Year as well as numerous Gold Medals from the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), making it one of the most celebrated whiskies in the world. It is meticulously handcrafted using the finest hand-selected grain and barley, which is distilled and aged at the 255-year-old Kilbeggan Distillery in Co. Westmeath, Ireland, the world’s oldest operating Irish distillery.
In addition to Kilbeggan, Cooley’s award-winning portfolio also includes Tyrconnell Single Malt, Connemara Peated Single Malt and Greenore Single Grain Irish Whiskey, many of which have also achieved significant recognition this year. For the third consecutive year, Greenore has been named the World’s Best Grain Whiskey at WWA – this year being recognized for the brand’s 18 Year Old expression. Additionally, Connemara took home top honors as a Double Gold medalist at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“We are thrilled to receive these latest recognitions for the Cooley portfolio and particularly for our flagship product, Kilbeggan,” said Stephen Teeling, Senior Global Marketing Manager for Irish whiskey at Beam. “Created at the world’s oldest operating Irish distillery, Kilbeggan has survived and thrived for more than 250 years, proof that the Spirit of Ireland is alive and well and that the best brands continue to improve with age. It gives us great pride to see Kilbeggan continually recognized by the industry as one of the world’s best whiskies.”
Cooley has a long history of creating award-winning whiskey recognized by the world’s top spirits consumers, writers, experts and enthusiasts, as evident by the additional top honors given to the brand during this year’s World Whiskies Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
World Whiskies Awards 2012
• Best Irish Blended Whiskey – Kilbeggan 18 Years Old • Best Irish Blended Whiskey 13 to 20 Years – Kilbeggan 18 Years Old • World’s Best Grain Whiskey – Greenore 18 Years Old • Best Irish Single Malt No Age Statement – Connemara Peated Single Malt, Cask Strength • Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under – Tyrconnell Single Malt, Sherry Finish • Best Irish Single Malt 13 to 20 Years – Tyrconnell Single Cask
The World Whiskies Awards is the annual selection of the very best whiskies internationally. In its sixth year of competition, the event featured more than 300 whiskies, which battled during a three-round intensive blind taste test held on March 22. Categories are based upon the commonly held whiskey groupings, which define both the style and the process of whiskey and whiskey production: single malt, blended, blended malt, grain, American and whiskey liqueurs.
Organized by Whisky Magazine, this competition selects, awards and promotes the ‘World’s Best Whiskies’. For more information see: http://www.whiskymag.com/awards/wwa/2012/
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012
• Gold Medal – Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey • Gold Medal – Kilbeggan 15 Year Old • Gold Medal – The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old, Sherry Finish • Gold Medal – The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old, Madeira Finish • Gold Medal – Greenore 15 Year Old
The 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held on March 22-25 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. In its 12th year of the competition, the event featured a record number of entries, including more than 1200 different products. Judging during the event is based on blind taste tests and medals are awarded based on taste alone.
Since it was founded, Cooley has worked long and hard to create whiskies of the absolute highest quality. Today, this hard work has paid off, as Cooley enjoys an international reputation as a world-class distillery with more than 300 medals as well as having been given the prestigious title of European Spirits Producer of the Year for an unprecedented four consecutive years by the IWSC (2008-2011).
Soon-To-Be-Released Knob Creek® Rye Anointed “Best Rye Whiskey” at 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knob Creek®, the world’s first Super-Premium bourbon, is thrilled to announce that its soon-to-launch Knob Creek® Rye has been named “Best Rye Whiskey” in addition to earning a Double Gold medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the world’s most highly regarded spirits competitions. Further demonstrating Knob Creek’s commitment to crafting superior quality bourbon that is truly “Worth The Effort,” both Knob Creek Bourbon and Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve also took home coveted Double Gold medals, making Knob Creek one of the most celebrated portfolios at this year’s competition.
“I am personally proud that the brand created by my father, Booker Noe, received such an honor from the judges at this prestigious competition,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam Master Distiller and creator of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Knob Creek Rye. “We carefully handcraft Knob Creek Rye using a blend of the finest quality rye grains in order to bring our product to life in a way that only Knob Creek can. Being named the ‘Best Rye Whiskey’ proves that the patience and care we put into every bottle is worth the effort.”
Bottled at 100 proof and hitting shelves nationally in July, Knob Creek Rye is a versatile, full-flavored straight rye whiskey that is extraordinarily smooth and nuanced, offering a distinct rye spiciness complemented by surprising layers of vanilla and oak. It is carefully handcrafted and patiently aged, creating a rich, mature flavored whiskey with a luxurious finish – characteristics that whiskey fans have come to expect from Knob Creek.
Knob Creek was created 20 years ago by Booker Noe, grandson of James Beam and sixth-generation Beam Master Distiller. Booker wanted to create a high-quality craft bourbon made pre-prohibition style – carefully handcrafted in small batches and patiently aged, yielding a bourbon bursting with flavor. Bottled at 100 proof, Knob Creek was introduced in early 1992, launching the Super-Premium bourbon category and paving the way for the craft bourbons of today.
In 2011, Booker’s son, Fred Noe, created Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, the brand’s first-ever single barrel bourbon. Carefully hand-selected, barrel-by-barrel, and bottled at 120 proof, it is extraordinarily smooth and nuanced, with even more of the rich wood and vanilla notes that helped make Knob Creek the world’s #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon.
The 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held on March 22-25 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. More than 1,200 spirits from 60 different countries were judged during this year’s contest—the largest in the competition’s 12-year history. Judging during the event is based on blind taste tests and medals are awarded based on taste alone. A complete list of all the 2012 award winners is available on the competition’s website.
For more information about Knob Creek, go to www.KnobCreek.com or on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/KnobCreek.
About Knob Creek®
Knob Creek is the only brand that puts as much effort into our passions as you do into yours – handcrafting extraordinary bourbon with intriguing taste and bottled in unique flask shaped packaging, which has helped make it the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon in the world. Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged nine years at a sophisticated 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume), and is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born. Launched in early 1992, Knob Creek is the first ever Super-Premium bourbon and is credited with driving growth in the category at the high-end, which continues to grow at a faster pace than premium bourbons. In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its portfolio, releasing the brand’s first-ever single barrel bourbon, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof / 60% alcohol by volume), in 2011 and Knob Creek Rye (100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume) in 2012. For more information on Knob Creek, visit www.knobcreek.com.
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old Launches Second Partnership with British Designer of the Year Lee Broom
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old today announced a second partnership with critically acclaimed British product and interior designer, Lee Broom. The Ballantine’s 12 Year Old Ritual by Lee Broom was revealed at the designer’s ‘Public House’ show at the renowned Salone Del Mobile in Milan.
Collaborating for the second time, Ballantine’s and Lee showcased the limited edition serving ritual which has been influenced by vintage crystal whisky decanters with a contemporary twist. The Ritual reflects the cultural amalgam of old meets new that is predominant in Broom’s work.
Speaking of the collaboration, Broom said “I am delighted to be collaborating with Ballantine’s 12 Year Old. As a British designer who designs and manufactures all of my collections in the UK, it is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a heritage British label to reinterpret my design style into a new medium.”
The Ritual looks like a decanter but on closer inspection, breaks into three individual sections for single or shared occasions:
• The base acts as the whisky glass, sealing the notes and aromas
• The middle section is for ice cubes or can be used as a second whisky glass
• The top is to hold water or other ingredients to enhance the aromas of Ballantine’s 12 Year Old
This marks Lee’s second partnership with Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, after collaborating with five other critically acclaimed European artists to launch the concept bar ‘Art of BEYOND’ in 2011.
Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, said “We are delighted to be working with Lee Broom again on Ballantine’s. Lee is an outstanding designer whose philosophy and values complement the brand perfectly. His work subtly mixes traditional and heritage cues with a modern and elegant twist very much like Ballantine’s 12 Year Old. A great match.”
The ritual will be released in a limited edition of 200 serving rituals to global markets including France, Mexico and Brazil.
Notes
Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and No 2 in the world with annual sales of 6.2 million nine litre cases. It is the most comprehensive range of quality aged blended Scotch whiskies available anywhere.
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old has won eight top industry awards since 2004 (IWSC Silver ’04,’05,’06,’07,’08 and ISC Silver ’08) including a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2005 and 2007. In 2009, it was awarded Gold at The Scotch Whisky Masters. The elegant, smooth taste of Ballantine’s 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is one to be appreciated and enjoyed in style. With its unique depth of character and exquisite balance of selected quality malt and grain Scotch whiskies, Ballantine’s 12 Year Old is blended to perfection.
Lee Broom
Lee Broom founded his company five years ago and has since gone on to become one of the UK’s leading product and interior designers. In his career to date, Broom has launched five furniture and lighting collections, designed over 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors and has won more than 17 awards, including the ‘Best British Designer’ at the British Design Awards in November 2011.
Broom designs, manufactures and retails his own collections, in addition to collaborating with leading brands such as Ballantine’s, Westfield, Heals, Deadgood and Philips. The importance of the manufacturing process is integral to Broom’s philosophy with all of his unique contemporary pieces produced in Britain. Broom works closely with specialist traditional craftsman from the initial concept to final production runs.
Broom’s products are now retailed worldwide, including Selfridges, Liberty, Lane Crawford, Conran, Chaplins, Le Bon Marché and other retailers globally.
For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com and www.ballantines.com
