Archive for 2012

Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup to Close Prince Harry’s Official Tour of Brazil – Scotch Whisky News

Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup to Close Prince Harry’s Official Tour of Brazil

Prince Harry’s first official visit to Brazil will include a game of international polo, with the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup on Sunday 11 March marking the finale of the royal tour.

Taking place in Campinas, São Paulo State, the match will be a star-studded event both on and off field with leading Argentine player Nacho Figueras heading up the St Regis team, rivaling the Sentebale team which will include Prince Harry.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers said: “We’re so proud to be supporting such a deserving charity at an event that will no doubt be the highlight of the Royal Salute World Polo calendar,”

“The Brazilian appetite for the world’s leading luxury Scotch is clear with sales of Royal Salute more than doubling over the past year. The thriving market combined with the priority brand’s status as the fastest growing* within the Pernod Ricard Group are both strong signs of a bright future in this stunning country.”

The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup further highlights the Scotch whisky brand’s solid commitment to international polo, with recent tournaments including the Foundation Polo Challenge in California, the Royal Salute China Open Beijing, the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup in India and the Royal Salute UAE Nation’s Cup, Dubai.

Notes

*Pernod Ricard June 2011 Annual Results

About Royal Salute World Polo

In addition to the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, Royal Salute World Polo is proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious polo tournaments.
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney
• Brazil Triplice Coroa Tournament, Helvetia Polo Club, São Paulo
• Brazil Copa Ouro Championship, Indaiatuba, São Paulo
• China Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing
• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing
• China Tianjin Snow Polo, Tianjin
• India Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup
• Korea Country Polo Club, Jeju
• Spain Santa Maria Club Snow Polo, Sierra Nevada
• Spain Sotogrande Polo Cup, Cadiz
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Dubai
• UK Kent & Curwen Polo Cup, London
• USA Royal Salute CV Whitney Cup, International Polo Club, West Palm Beach

In 2011, Royal Salute World Polo was proud to be involved in several polo tournaments, supporting charities whose patrons include the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
• USA The Foundation Polo Challenge 2011, Santa Barbara, California in aid of the U.S Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup 2011, Coworth Park, Berkshire, England
• UK Bernard Weatherhill Polo Cup, Tetbury, England

About Sentebale

Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal family in response to the plight of the neediest and most vulnerable of Lesotho’s children.

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com

Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #252 – Great King Street Blend – Scotch Whisky News

www.ralfy.com has a fresh and sparkling review available to anyone who wishes whiskenlightenment!!! Whisky Review 252 – Great King Street Blend

 

Whiski Rooms Now an ‘On Trade’ Ardbeg Embassy – Scotch Whisky News

An EDINBURGH venue has become the first in the UK to be declared an on-trade Ardbeg Embassy for one of the world’s most prestigious whisky brands.

The WHISKI Rooms, in North Bank Street, has received the accolade from Islay distiller Ardbeg. As well as selling the distillery’s finest malts amongst its selection of hundreds of whiskies the bar, restaurant and tasting rooms will offer an Ardbeg-inspired menu for diners.

The globally-renowned malt whisky producer rarely gives it permission for its name to be used commercially, but an official said it was delighted to work with the WHISKI Rooms.

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “The Whiski Rooms have proven themselves to be passionate and loyal Ardbeggians, which is why we selected them as the UK’s first ever On-Trade Ardbeg Embassy. We’re delighted to welcome the Whiski Rooms as an Embassy, and I look forward to sampling the Ardbeg-inspired food menu the next time I pop in for a dram.”

Ardbeg has been voted best whisky in the world three years in a row and although Islay has a population of just 3,000 the Ardbeg Committee has a worldwide membership of 50,000.

WHISKI Rooms owner Anne Still said: “We are proud to be named the first ever on-trade Ardbeg Embassy in the UK and know this is an initiative that they are keen to expand in the UK. We promise Ardbeg whisky fans a fabulous range of Ardbeg whiskies in our gantry and our adjoining shop. As well as private dining in our Ardbeg room, we have an amazing Ardbeg inspired menu available”

The WHISKI Rooms launched in June 2011 and is the sister operation to the multi award winning WHISKI Bar and Restaurant on the Royal Mile – current Whisky Bar of the Year 2011/2012. It’s range incorporates a range of whisky experiences in one: a dedicated whisky shop selling one of the largest range of whiskies available in Scotland, all available for mail order, plus a bar, restaurant and a dedicated tasting room that hosts daily whisky tastings.

For further information contact www.whiskirooms.co.uk
Email: info@whiskirooms.co.uk

Amrut Indian Whisky Tasting and Seminar – Indian Whisky News

Amrut Indian Whisky Tasting and Seminar.
Only 25 seats available!!

Come join Brian and Amrut Distillery as we host a seminar and tasting of Amrut’s world renowned whiskies. This is the perfect opportunity for any whiskey lover to learn and taste unique and remarkable single malt whiskies from India. Rank the 3rd best whiskey in the world; come taste and see for yourself why Indian whiskey competes with the best known whiskies from around the world!

When: March 17, 2012 3:00-5:00pm
Where: Brian’s Wine & Liquor Emporium 353 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $20 per ticket. Limited Seating Available!
Tickets may be purchased online Here!

Amrut Distilleries

The history of Amrut Distilleries is as old as the history of independent India itself. Indeed, just as India itself, after six decades of notable progress, is now noted as among the global economic leaders, so too has Amrut Distilleries grown both in stature and in size. Among the earliest to enter the then arcane field of liquor making, Amrut Distilleries Limited began in 1948. http://www.amrutwhisky.co.uk/home.php

 

Scotch Whisky Auctions Late February 2012 UPDATE – Scotch Whisky News

The latest auction at www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com is well under way ….with 385 items available for your bidding pleasure…

BOWMORE UNVEILS EXCITING NEW DESIGN AND PACKAGING ACROSS ENTIRE RANGE – Scotch Malt Whisky News

BOWMORE UNVEILS EXCITING NEW DESIGN AND PACKAGING ACROSS ENTIRE RANGE

Plus Three New Expressions Exclusive To Global Travel Retail

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, today proudly unveils brand new packaging for its entire domestic and global travel retail / duty free range – a premium gift box and refreshed bottle design which will be released in February 2012.

As it enters this new-look era, Bowmore has also announced three new additions exclusive to the global travel retail sector: 100 Degrees Proof, Springtide and the limited edition Bowmore 1983. This new high-quality carton is a bold move by Bowmore, one of the top ten selling Single Malts in the world, as it is a distinct modification from the traditional tube packaging and supports its premium brand positioning and strong brand personality. This exciting redesign follows a hugely successful 2011 performance with continued growth for the brand.

The changes are also in response to consumer demand for a greater level of education on the taste experience and the history of the whisky and as such the new packaging communicates the brand’s unique status as the first Islay Single Malt and its 200 years worth of experience and heritage. The new look reinforces Bowmore’s ‘gift-ability’ as it features a greater level of foiling and gloss embossing thus creating shelf stand-out. The updated distillery illustration has a warmer and more emotive look and feel that strongly conveys the whisky’s roots, that is the magical island of Islay, giving category differentiation and shelf appeal. The design of the bottle has also been enhanced, with the label featuring a sleeker look to ensure back bar stand-out and differentiation.

Bowmore’s recent modifications have also improved the brand’s environmental credentials considerably. The new bottle is made of a lighter weight glass and the new cartons are completely recyclable, all of which significantly reduces the brand’s carbon footprint.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, comments: “We are excited to be taking Bowmore into a new era with this new gift box and bottle design. This has been a key priority focus for us over the past year as we wanted to ensure the design not only better represents the brand’s core values but also develops a stronger, more defined brand personality that consumers can engage with. We hope that this exciting change will contribute to our continued growth.”

In addition to its current global travel retail/duty free range (Surf, Enigma 12 Years Old, Mariner 15 Years Old and 17 Years Old), Bowmore is also launching three new additions to the collection, which will be available from March 2012.

BOWMORE 100 DEGREES PROOF

The term ‘proof spirit’ was first coined by British sailors during the 18th century who would check that their rum rations hadn’t been watered down by mixing it with gunpowder and lighting it. If it would still light, this proved it was 100% proof. There is no need to verify Bowmore’s authenticity or strength; the new small batch release Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof is cask-strength and non-chill filtered.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Rich auburn
NOSE: Fresh Islay sea air, subtle sweet malt and oak smoke
PALATE: Rich luscious smokiness, balanced with sweet caramelised sugar, vanilla and citrus notes
FINISH: Powerful and warm
RRP £49.99

BOWMORE SPRINGTIDE

The new expression takes its name from the high tide of spring, when the earth, sun and moon are all aligned. Predominantly matured in first-fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, this beautifully rich expression is packaged in a super premium gift pack, the perfect purchase both as a gift and for the whisky enthusiast.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Warm bronze
NOSE: Abound in chocolate and sticky figs, which balance perfectly against the classic sea-salt peatiness
PALATE: Rich in treacle toffee with raisins and dark sherry
FINISH: Lingering smoky finish
RRP £120.00

BOWMORE 1983

The Bowmore 1983 will be available in the global travel retail market and marks the launch of the 1980s vintage series for this sector.Decanted from a single hogshead cask, this rare, limited edition has rested, undisturbed in the legendary No.1 Vaults, the maturation warehouse below sea level.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Brilliant bronze
NOSE: Just a touch of fresh Atlantic sea-salt followed by Bowmore’s signature peat smoke with a hint of delicious ripe blackberry
PALATE: Captures the essence of Bowmore – earthy peat balanced by a gentle fruitiness
FINISH: Lingers on with fresh fruit and peat notes at the very end
RRP £500.00

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is alsalso vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• BowmoreLegend
• Bowmore 12 Years Old
• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’
• Bowmore 18 Years Old
• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries. 

Springbank Open Golf Competition – Golfing Whisky News

Springbank Open Golf Competition

FRIDAY 25TH MAY 2012
Tee Times 9.06 am – 10.42 am


MACHRIHANISH GOLF COURSE

To book your tee time please telephone: +44 (0) 1586 555492 or email Janet at: society@springbankwhisky.com 

Entry for non members £31.00 (50% of normal green fee rate). Prior notice is requested if you require either a Caddie or a Golf Cart. Teams of 4. Format Texas Scramble. Handicap allowance 10% of total combined team members. Handicap. Maximum handicap Men 18. Women 25

Prize giving is scheduled for 4.00 pm

Breakfast of bacon rolls and coffee and a carvery lunch following the competition will be available in the clubhouse at a cost of £15 per person

Golf Scotland Image

Tullibardine Coume del Mas Banyuls Finish Soon To Be Available In Ontario – Scotch Whisky News

Tullibardine Banyuls Finish

This single malt has matured in Coume del Mas Banyuls Galateo Barrels for 12 months resulting in a whisky with a wonderful finesse and balance.

Case Size: 6x70cl
ABV: 46%
Bottle barcode: 5060074861018
Case barcode: 05060074861025

Tasting Note:

Coume del Mas Banyuls Galateo is a wine fortified like Port from hand harvested Grenache Noir in southern France. Tullibardine is the first Distillery to use this type of wine cask for a main “Finish” and we are very proud of the resulting whisky. We took some single malt that had been in Bourbon Barrels and for nearly 12 months matured it in casks that held the 2009 Galateo Banyuls. The result is a single malt that has a wonderful finesse with vanilla and light chocolate flavours with a creamy richness and hints of red cherries and barley. ..

“Sweet and fragrant…enduringly fruity” http://www.whiskypages.com/ – 3.5 out of 5.

The Whisky Lounge February 2012 Update – Scotch Whisky News

Hi all,

I am hoping this email finds you well and starting to see the light at the end of the winter! But, hey, its been nowhere near as bad as last year so that’s some consolation.

Lots and lots to tell you about, so make yourself a cup of tea, grab a biccie and settle back to read on…

It’s an Irish Invasion!
All over the UK. Including new venue in Leeds!

To celebrate the annual party that is St. Patrick’s Day and also the fact that Irish Whiskey is really making a welcome resurgence, we have decided to put together a series of tastings looking at all things Irish – whiskey, of course. If you are in any of the following places during the dates advertised, get yourselves booked in and enjoy the craic, they are sure to be sold-out soon!

Manchester – Friday 16th March
York – Saturday 17th March
Newcastle – Saturday 17th March (yes we are in two places at once!)
London – Monday 19th March, Albannach
London – Tuesday 20th March, Red Lion
LEEDS (NEW VENUE!) – Wednesday 21st March

Click here to be taken directly to the page you need in order to find out more or to book.

Brighton Whisky Fest 2012
Saturday 31st March
Hilton Brighton Metropole
King Street
12pm-5pm
£25 per ticket

Our 3rd year in Brighton and it should be a vintage one! Exhibitors and drams galore all on the sunny south coast – what more can you ask for? Well, for the first 100 people, you can take advantage of a 2 for £30 offer we have up at the moment – but be quick as this will be all sold and then the regular price will apply. We may also put an offer out using Groupon and/or Living Social, so keep an eye out for that on our Twitter and Facebook pages…

Click here to be taken to the festival page where you can find out more about the event and book tickets.

London Whisky Fest 2012
Saturday 21st April
Royal Horticultural Halls
St. Vincent’s Square
11am-3pm, 4pm-8pm
£40 per ticket, per session

At last. The Whisky Lounge rolls back into the capital with a festival to remember. A real celebration of all things whisky with exhibitors from around the world and lots of surprises too. Comedy, cocktails, food pairing and women in whisky will all be on the agenda – as well as simple draming for those that want it – so truly something for everyone. BUT WAIT! Before you go ahead and book you should know that we will be running a SUPER-SPECIAL OFFER on ‘Groupon’ next week! In order to find out about when this will take place you will need to follow us on Twitter or Facebook as this is where it will be announced!..

Whisky Mission #2
As our main objective is to ‘bring whisky to the people’, we thought it was high time we did exactly that! Our first employee, Joe, went out on his own in January with a few bottles and did a bit of tweeting for #1 – it was a valiant effort, but we thought the idea had legs and needed more meat. Joe and I both went out onto the streets of our home town of York on the 3rd February and had some fun. We picked random folks and asked them the question, ‘have you ever tried whisky?’ We filmed this extraordinary afternoon and the resulting video is now finished and on YouTube, as well as our website – click here to view it. Just a bit of fun, but some interesting results…

Membership

Our new membership has proved extremely popular we are happy to report. At only £50 for the year with the following benefits;
– 10% off all online event purchases (excepting 2 for 1 or similar offers!)
– 2 free £20 tasting tickets
– Free entry to selected events within our Whisky Fests.
– Advanced notice and opportunity to purchase new bottlings

We still have a few bottles of the 20cl Laphroaig 1998 which we will include for the next 20 people to join – but once their gone, that’s it!.. Click here to view and/or purchase membership.

Newcastle Whisky Fest – February 2012
Lastly, I wanted to thank everyone who turned out for our 4th (wow, is it four already?) Newcastle Whisky Fest. It was a great day and by all accounts our best yet. The balance of exhibitors and customers seemed about right and the new initiatives such as the ‘Speakeasy’ certainly seemed to go down well. If you would like to view the video of the event and a write-up by our very own Joe Clark, please click here to be taken to the relevant page on the blog. Enjoy!

Phew, that’s it for now I think. Lots to look at, lots to think about and even more to do! We look forward to seeing you at a Whisky Lounge event soon.

Sláinte,
Eddie

 

 

 

 

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

WhiskyCast Publishes Episode #358 – Scotch Whisky News

WhiskyCast EPISODE #358

Each year, Glenmorangie releases a special edition finished in fine wine casks. This year’s edition is Artein, and takes the flavors of Sassicaia wine casks from Italy. We’ll hear from Ferdinando Fiori, an Italian whisky connoisseur who suggested the idea…and distillery manager Andy McDonald takes us to the Tarlogie Springs, the source of the distillery’s precious water supply.  In the news, Gillian Howell leaves Penderyn to join Bill Lumsden’s team, Chivas Brothers plans to reopen Glen Keith for the first time since 1999, and Campari announces plans for a new Wild Turkey bottling plant in Kentucky.   

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com


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