TRUE, UNCOMPROMISING BOURBON FOR TRUE BOURBON LOVERS: INTRODUCING THE FIRST RUSSELL’S RESERVE® SINGLE BARREL

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”

What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.

Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.” Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.

About Russell’s Reserve
Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky for more than 58 years and has joined the ranks of the greats when it comes to his uncompromising craftsmanship. Working alongside him is his son, Associate Master Distiller, Eddie, a relative newcomer with 32 years under his belt. Together they create the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon and 6 Years Old Rye. Jimmy has worked at the distillery since 1954 and his devotion to his whiskey making runs in the family blood. His grandfather worked in the distilling business, as did his father before him. His son Eddie Russell now follows in his footsteps. Russell’s Reserve is testimony to the uncompromising approach that comes with over 90 years of combined experience.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. About Gruppo Campari Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com

Happy 185th Birthday Springbank

by Mark Davidson

All distilleries are unique but in true George Orwell style some are more unique than others. Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll can be singled out as having an embarrassment of riches any one of which another distiller would be proud to boast of.

Perhaps its single most attractive aspect is the fact that the company has the oldest original family owned distillery in Scotland. As Scottish whisky grew in popularity it could not avoid the attentions of big business. As a commodity whisky can offer handsome dividends to any investors, although any return may not be dramatically quick thanks to the time taken to mature stock. So it was that small family established businesses were bought out by, initially, home grown companies then eventually overseas predators. Where we are today is the curious position of having many of our most famous brands owned by large companies from abroad. These corporations often have interests not focused on just one category of beverage and may even deal in other totally unrelated industries. How refreshing it is then to have such a jewel still in independent Scottish hands. Amongst the very few stills held by private companies Springbank can point to their longevity, they were established in 1828, as testament to their reputation for quality and dependency.

Beyond this remarkable achievement the distillers lay claim to the most complete and traditional distillery in Scotland. Nowhere else will you see the whole production process taking place on one site. From the arrival of un-malted barley to the despatch of the bottled product all parts of the production process are controlled in-house. The retention of old fashioned methods must surely contribute to the well recognised complexity in their drams.

Of the near 100 malt distilleries in Scotland only 6 retain floor maltings. Of these only Springbank produces 100% of distilling requirements. The other 90-odd all rely on mechanised malting for their barley. Almost exclusively this part of the process is sub-contracted to specialists not connected with the distiller. The dependency on outsiders although not appealing to the Mitchells (Springbank’s owners) does not necessarily mean a compromise of quality. Indeed the consistency of a professional maltster solved problems associated with floor maltings where variables such as ambient temperature can affect results. The reason for the switch from tradition was really down to matters of scale and economy. As demand grew distilleries expanded and their appetite for grain out grew their capacity to feed themselves. Modern drum maltings were designed to the new scale required. Also as the manual option is so labour intensive, the malting barley must be turned regularly to prevent matting and to evenly spread the germinating heat, the costs of manning the floors became unattractive. Production at Springbank is indeed capped by their ability to supply enough malt and the distillery runs at a fraction of its potential output.

At the other end of production bottling may seem a rather mundane issue. Far from it. As a cask of mature whisky would typically be around 60% alcohol if the bottled dram was sold at this strength the price of a standard size bottle would be considerably higher than if it was diluted. Also an argument runs that this strength is too high to find the drink’s character and watering down is essential for proper appreciation. This is why 99.9…% of all whisky is bottled at the legal minimum strength of 40%abv. The question must be asked: what water was used during reduction? Many whisky labels will wax lyrical about the source of their production water being of ambrosial quality. How many allude to the neutral nature of the water added at the bottling stage? Again Springbank can be relied upon to treat their efforts appropriately. Alongside very few other malts Springbank sympathetically dilute their mature whisky with the water used to make it, keeping complete the influence from minerals to be found at source. All this at the superior 46% abv.

By now you should realise this company is more about substance than subcontracts. There hasn’t been enough space here to mention features like their warehousing, method of heating stills, distilling regime, condensing techniques and further bottling principles all of which deserve mention. A visit to their website, www.springbankwhisky.com, should further illuminate just how special this family inheritance is.

Mark Davidson…

Of a distinguished Banff 1968 vintage Mark Davidson has a short but full body and so marries well (& subsequently producing two limited editions), frequently seen at whisky fairs in Scotland yet curiously difficult to find outside his domestic market it is hoped his inaugural launch on the Canadian scene will be well received. He is at home in independant bottling circles being most commonly found in the William Cadenhead livery where he has enjoyed a 13 year finishing period, however as a stand alone single expression under the Jolly Toper brand he can come into his own while being a fine mixer.

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks anCnoc 22yo

 anCnoc 22yo

46% abv

£81.90 inc vat (£68.25 ex vat)

Loch Fyne Whiskies

david@lfw.co.uk

www.ralfy.com introduces a rare example of a triple-distilled scotch with Whisky Review 341 – Benriach 12yo ‘Horizons’

After an eventful 2012 at The Famous Grouse Experience, we’re looking forward to an equally exciting 2013.

World’s largest bottle of whisky

Roll up, roll up and see the world’s biggest bottle of whisky! Standing tall at 5ft 5inches, it proudly contains 228 litres of The Famous Grouse, the equivalent of 9,120 drams! This extraordinary feat officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records on 12th August 2012, a perfect way to spend the brand’s birthday!

CaskCompetition

A trip to The Famous Grouse Experience isn’t just a chance to visit a world-class tourist spot, you can actually grab yourself a once-in-a-lifetime prize. Until the end of March, visitors taking a tour of the distillery will be presented with a scratch card with the top prize a cask of whisky worth over £7,000! The winning ticket is out there somewhere………..

Online shop

Finally, we invite you to purchase some quality goods from the comfort of your own laptop at www.thefamousgrouse.com/online-shop. There you will find some limited edition whisky*, stylish clothes, an array of gifts and essential glassware. And keep an eye out for our latest special offers.

Cheers!

The Teeling Whiskey Brand returns after 231 years

Company carrying out feasibility study on new distillery in Dublin

To celebrate 231 years of whiskey distilling tradition within the Teeling Family, Independent Irish whiskey maker the Teeling Whiskey Company has launched its flagship premium Irish whiskey brand Teeling Whiskey.

The Teeling family are more recently synonymous with Cooley Distillery– which when established in 1987 was the first Irish whiskey distillery set up in Ireland in over 100 years. However the family’s whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 and Walter Teeling who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties.

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “Since 1782 the Teeling family have been crafting Irish Whiskey.   The entrepreneurial spirit that inspired Walter Teeling back in the 18^th century has not been diluted over the years and the latest generation of Teelings are committed to innovating and creating unique Irish whiskeys.  Our aim was to create a new Irish whiskey that is contemporary, a salute to our own provenance and which stands out for its quality and unique flavour.” 

Teeling Irish Whiskey is a small batch bottling from hand selected casks of Grain and Malt whiskey which are further matured in former Rum barrels.   Teeling Irish Whiskey is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration which provides an extra sweet and smooth flavour making it truly a unique Irish Whiskey.”  

During Walter Teeling’s time there were over 37 independent distilleries in Dublin alone.  The majority of which were centralised in the industrial engine room of the city – the Liberties.  In the 19th century Dublin whiskey became globally recognised as the premier whiskey in the world and some of the largest breweries and distilleries of the time emerged from these smaller operations in the Liberties – the remains of these can still be seen to this day.  Today there are currently no operational distilleries left in Dublin.

This may soon change as the Teeling Whiskey Company explores the opportunity to bring distilling back to Dublin.

Teeling commented, “At present the Teeling Whiskey Company is an independent Irish whiskey bottler but we aim to get back into the distilling game to ensure a consistent supply of whiskey for the future and allow us to be leaders in creating a bright new future for Irish and Dublin whiskey.  We are at advanced stages of a feasibility study on bringing Irish whiskey distilling back to the heart of Dublin.”

We’re thrilled to announce our first tasting for March, hosted by the fine folks at Balblair. Distillery Manager John MacDonald will be on hand to guide us through a variety of their vintage bottlings.

Balblair choose to bottle their whisky by year rather than the more common age statement, so we’ll be travelling through time with John as we go through their range. The whisky is known for its delicate style, with fresh summer fruits and citrus popping up frequently in the flavour profile.

We’ll be kicking off with Balblair’s light and fruity 2002 vintage, then heading back through time with the new releases of the 1997, 1989 and 1975 vintages, before trying their oldest vintage – the 1965. We’re also lucky enough to be getting a taste of the 1990 vintage bottling – an intriguing whisky matured in a cask that previously held smoky Islay whisky – usually available exclusively to members of the distillery’s Gathering Place society.

This is a must for both existing fans of Balblair and those looking to experience the distillery’s whiskies for the first time – a tasting across their entire range, including some rarities that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

The tasting will take place at TWE Vinpolis on Monday 4th March at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £30 and will go on sale on Tuesday 19th February at 3pm.

As ever, tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer. You can book your place at the tasting by phoning the shop on 020 7403 8688 or by calling in person.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/vinopolis

Late February 2013 Outturn Offerings 

In a gentleman’s club 

Cask No. 4.160                                             $115

Highland, Island

The nose had polished wood, cigars and leather chairs ‘like a gentleman’s’ club’, lots of cinder toffee, chocolate fingers, pastrami and various fruits (orange jelly, cherries in syrup, plums, figs). The initial palate was somewhat fierce but surprisingly enjoyable – moist ginger cake, Caramac, orange, smoked ham and burnt sticks in birch syrup. The reduced nose had incense, struck match, Trail Mix (dates, raisins, etc.) Horlicks, cinnamon and slightly over-done Christmas cake. The palate now found flambéed bananas, sweet dark toffee and abundant spice (musk, myrrh, cinnamon) at the end. The distillery is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Magnus Eunson.

Drinking tip: Prefect dram for the ferry to Orkney – otherwise after dinner

Colour: Dark rum                                         Date distilled: April 1997

Cask: Refill gorda                                        Alcohol: 56.1%

Age: 14 years                                               USA allocation: 90 bottles 

Mermaids at play in Lochindaal 

Cask No. 3.186                                             $120

Islay

This intriguing and rather unusual sample from the oldest distillery on Islay divided the panel. The nose initially delivered solventy, glue notes, but these turned more perfumed as it opened up – the perfumed and briny character stimulated conversation about mermaids! We also found hay, fresh ginger, coal, apple, banana, lemon and lime. The palate was also perfumed, with lots of gin-like botanicals, yet surprisingly sweet (candy floss, vanilla). The reduced nose suggested sherbet, pear flan and Plasticine. The palate now improved considerably – some mineral notes emerged and the escalating sweetness gently embraced the perfumed mermaid creating a triumphant final balance.

Drinking tip: As an aperitif or while snuggling up with your partner

Colour: Bright straw gold                           Date distilled: April 1995

Cask: Refill hogshead                                 Alcohol: 57.9%

Age: 16 years                                               USA allocation: 90 bottles

Scottish Heidi 

Cask No. 66.33                                             $95

Highland, Eastern

Aromas of a rock garden with a variety of herbs like sage, fennel and turmeric as well as a floral note of Edelweiss, whilst in the background fresh tar being laid on a road. On the palate smoky Swiss cheese with digestive biscuits then becoming sweeter, brownies and dark mint chocolates with a trace of teasing lavender smoke. Adding water, dry and dusty then turning fresh like a Ricola Lemon mint followed by a nougat note of dark Toblerone. The taste with water is of pork sausages, water biscuits with peppered cream cheese and a dry volcanic ashy note to finish. This distillery is believed to be named after a peninsula between Cardross and Helensburgh.

Drinking tip: After skiing with a Cheese Fondue

Colour: Blushed apricot gold                               Date distilled: November 2001

Cask: Refill barrel                                                    Alcohol: 58.0%

Age: 10 years                                                           USA allocation: 72 bottles 

Matron’s sick bay and Angostura Bitters 

Cask No. 93.51                                             $105

Campbeltown

The immediate impression is mineralic – we were strongly reminded of WD40 lubricating oil – with a growing medicinal aroma, a passing phase of quality wax shoe polish, becoming ‘grilling lamb chops and black cherries on a beach barbeque’. The taste at natural strength is sweet and reminiscent of ‘matron’s sick bay’ – Friar’s Balsam, crepe bandages, arnica, cloves – and Christmas spices. A little water makes it more medicinal, with scents from a workshop (again, WD40, with light smoke), raspberry ripple, ginger creams, then Angostura Bitters. Sweet and gingery to taste; mouth-cooling, with a lightly smoky finish. Bags of character from Campbeltown’s ‘other’ distillery.

Drinking tip: In the gun-room, with the Sunday papers

Colour: Mid gold                                         Date distilled: July 1999

Cask: Refill barrel                                        Alcohol: 61.4%

Age: 12 years                                               USA allocation: 102 bottles

Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America at www.smwsa.com

Hello whisky lovers,

This offer has been put together by the LCBO and is a chance to purchase nine of the world’s finest Single Malts, some of which will never be offered again. This remarkable selection from Gordon & MacPhail includes their Cask Strength, several Private Collection bottlings plus the highly sought-after 30 Years Old Benromach. You can order online by clicking Scottish Virtuosity on Vintages magazine (see below) or call VINTAGES at 416-365-5767 or toll-free at 1-800-266-4764 during normal business hours. Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. There is no minimum order size but quantities are limited.

Product, LCBO # & PRICE

GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION LINKWOOD CÔTE RÔTIE FINISH ’91 316901 $179
BENROMACH 30 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 288043 $499
GORDON & MACPHAIL CONNOISSEURS CHOICE AULTMORE SINGLE MALT ’00 319210 $79
BENROMACH SASSICAIA WOOD FINISH SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 2005 316935 $73
GORDON & MACPHAIL CASK STRENGTH CAOL ILA SINGLE MALT ’00 316919 $134
GORDON & MACPHAIL CASK STRENGTH HIGHLAND PARK SINGLE MALT ’01 316927 $115
BENROMACH 10 YEARS OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT 191817 $75
GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION BALBLAIR CROZES-HERMITAGE FINISH ’91 316869 $185
GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION LEDAIG ST. JOSEPH FINISH ’93 316877 $112