Simon Brooking at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast

Laphroaig Master Ambassador Simon Brooking will conduct a tasting of five Laphroaig single malt Scotch whiskies for the Second Saturday tasting at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast in Atlantic City,Wyoming, onMay 11, 2013.

OnMay 31, 2008, Barbara and Bob Townsend hosted the inn’s first single malt Scotch tasting. In July that year they began monthly Second Saturday tastings and haven’t skipped a month. The selection of single malts on their Two-bit Cowboy Saloon’s backbar has grown from 20 in 2008 to 86 this year. In their continuous rotation of bringing in new malts the couple has retired more than 100 whiskies.

The innkeepers met Simon when they attended their first Scotch Malt Whisky Society Extravaganza inDenverin April 2009. They’ve seen Simon at every subsequent Denver Extravaganza and twice in grand, mid-winter trips to the Victoria Whisky Festival. This year Simon will join them in their saloon to pour Laphroaig whiskies for Wyomingites and guests from bordering states.

The tasting’s featured Laphroaig whiskies include 10 year old, 18 year old, Cáirdeas Origin, Quarter Cask, and Triple Wood. Smoked Scottish salmon and two cheeses from the Isle of Mull will accompany the whisky.

Atlantic   City, Wyoming—with its dirt streets, three saloons, two restaurants, a gun shop, and the inn—is a remnant of the 1860s South Passgold mining era. The inn was refashioned from the Carpenter Hotel, which operated from 1904 till 1961 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/NationalRegister/Site.aspx?ID=513).

For more information visit the inn’s site: http://www.minersdelightinn.com.

ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is excited to relay the news that Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release – Machir Bay 2013.

The MachirBayrange is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious International Wines and Spirits Competition 2012 Gold Medal Best in Class.

Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s best 100 things of 2012.

Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature casks, allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures.

Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-Bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso Sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.  

John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013MachirBaydisplays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.”

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”

Machir  Bayis bottled at 46% ABV and is available through ImpEx Beverages, Inc. with RRP $60.00.

The product will be available in May 2013.

Tasting Notes

Colour:  light beech, Nose:  soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas, Palate: mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness, Finish:  a long lingering finish – A classicIslay malt now showing the benefit of additional aging.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ONLY £21

Ticket price includes a dramming glass, unlimited water,
programme and a full range of whiskies to sample plus
a few rums and gins for good measure.

There will, as before, be a shop on site so that you can take your favourite dram away with you and we will also be running the ‘Golden Dram’ competition once more… which whisky will be your favourite?!
Last year’s winners were Tomatin Distillery with their 1992 Single Cask bottling

NEW Talisker Port Ruighe

We are delighted to announce that the NEW Talisker Port Ruighe is now available to purchase for dispatch on Thursday 9th May 2013.

 PURCHASE NOW – £42.95

TWE Karuizawa Whisky Trip Pt.8: Japanese Whisky Bars

Welcome to the penultimate episode of TWE’s epic Karuizawa trip, in which we visit some amazing Japanese whisky bars. The previous posts can be found on the blog. Our friends from France and Taiwan had departed, but it was time for the … Continue reading >>

Rumford Rides Out ‘Rollercoaster’ To Win 2013 Ballantine’s Championship

Inspired by Adam Scott’s Masters victory, Australian Brett Rumford sank an incredible four-foot eagle putt on the first playoff hole at 18 to win the Ballantine’s Championship at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea; his fourth European Tour win and first since the 2007 Omega European Masters.

In addition to taking home the Ballantine’s Championship Trophy, Rumford also took away a prize money cheque for €367,500 (about US$487,000) and a rare bottle of Ballantine’s 2013 Championship Blend (pictured), co-created by 2012 champion Bernd Wiesberger and Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Rumford received the first of only 10 bottles produced, none of which will be sold.

Earlier, Scotland’s Peter Whiteford faced a similar-length birdie putt on the last hole to win in regulation play, but missed it to card a 69, joining the first Ballantine’s Championship playoff at Blackstone with Rumford and fellow Australian Marcus Fraser.

While Whiteford was signing his card, Rumford made a phone call to swing coach Pete Cowen in England to help him regroup following tee-shots into the trees on holes 17 and 18. After practising on the first tee, Rumford’s fresh ‘swing thought’ helped him drive long and straight on the 543-yard, par-five 18th in the playoff. He then struck a tournament-winning five-iron to four feet for an eagle putt he needed to sink, with Whiteford holing his seven-foot birdie putt and Fraser, the 2010 winner, only left with a short birdie putt.

“It’s an honour to win the Ballantine’s Championship, but it was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions out there this afternoon,” said Rumford, the father of two young twins. “The last five holes from the third round and the first nine holes today put me into position, but one shot can really turn events, and obviously 17 proved that. Peter [Whiteford] had the opportunity to close out the tournament, so obviously hard luck for him, but that opened up the door once again.

“I battled with my driver constantly, so I had a quick word with Pete, hit five or six balls off the first tee and it obviously did the trick.”

The 35-year-old admitted that Scott’s win at Augusta two weeks earlier had inspired many Australians, and said it added a sub-plot to his battle with Fraser throughout the final day.

“Adam Scotty has been a huge inspiration, and obviously Greg Norman before that. ‘Scotty’ is such a fantastic role model for all Australians. He really is a down to earth, typical Australian, represents everything that we are as a country, so he certainly inspired me, for sure,” Rumford said.

“‘Frase’ kept the pressure there all day, so full credit to him. He’s been playing great golf for such a long while and has always played well around here. But we’re all fiercely competitive, us Australians, so although there was a bit of banter, it was business for most of the day.”

Fraser was unable to capitalise on the opportunities while Rumford was in trouble, but the Melbourne-based 34-year-old was full of praise for his friend’s decisive five-iron in the playoff, even congratulating his compatriot after the shot.

“I got beaten by some pretty good golf today. That was pretty impressive, that shot into the playoff hole. He’d easily agree it’s one of the best shots he’s ever hit. To eagle to win a tournament is pretty impressive, so full credit to him,” said the soft-spoken Fraser, who carded a bogey-free final round.

Playing in the final flight, Whiteford had watched all the drama unfold on 17 and 18. After setting himself up with a delightful chip to four feet at the last, the 32-year-old Scot was unable to convert and will continue to bid for a first European Tour victory to add to his three Challenge Tour wins.

“Guys like me don’t get many chances to win tournaments, and whatever it was, four or five feet, I hit a decent putt and didn’t go in,” Whiteford said. “But to be fair, at least we got beat by a three on the last and didn’t throw it away. Brett deserves it in the playoff there.”

Oosthuizen birdied his last two holes for a closing 69 to match his opening-round score on his Ballantine’s Championship debut. Although disappointed with his form on the undulating greens, the South African’s performance will be remembered for a stunning six-under front nine on Thursday, featuring birdies in his first four holes.

“I’m going to take a lot of positives out of it. I probably haven’t hit the ball this good in a while. After my first nine, my first round, I struggled on the greens and couldn’t really make anything,” said the 2010 Open Champion.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, a five-time European Tour winner, equalled the course record of 65 to share sixth on seven-under with Korean Kim Hyung-sung (67), Scot Stephen Gallacher (68), Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal (73) and Sweden’s Alex Noren (74), the third-round leader.

The 2013 Ballantine’s Championship took place from 25th – 28th April 2013 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 129 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008
• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the BMW Masters, The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open & The Mission Hills Golf World Cup
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

NEW CHIVAS DOUBLETAKE: THE APP THAT HONOURS THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA – MAKING YOU PART OF THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE

For moments that are better together

Chivas, the Scotch whisky for modern gentlemen, has today announced the launch of Chivas DoubleTake – a photo app that honours the man behind the camera, as well as the subject in front.

Using the iPhone’s camera technology to show both the subject and the photographer in the same photo, Chivas DoubleTake creates memories that really give the full picture. Simultaneously activating the iPhone’s self-facing camera and the one shooting the subject, the app instantly creates a unique side-by-side image that’s ready to share via email, Facebook and Twitter.

Whether capturing a moment with friends – on holiday, on a night out or at a live show – Chivas DoubleTake shows that life is better together – making photographers part of the photos they take. The app also shows an evolution from the recent phenomenon of the self-portrait allowing photographers to add context to their ‘selfy’ by showing their point of view.

Speaking of the launch, Global Brand Director for Chivas, James Slack said: “Chivas DoubleTake is a fun way to capture the situation from another perspective, ensuring the photographer is a part of the shot as well. The app uses clever iPhone camera technology in a way that also helps you remember the person who took the photo and gives you a fun and easy way to share everyday moments with friends via social media.”

Chivas DoubleTake is great for group situations, adding something special to each photo: the person who took it. To find out more about the app and download for free, visit www.ChivasDoubleTake.com.

Notes:

• The free download is available now from iTunes
• Chivas DoubleTake is compatible with all  Apple devices with a front-facing camera, including the iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and iPad 2, and is also optimized for iOS6

About Chivas

Chivas is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18 and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old.

Local Contractors Awarded Glen Keith Distillery Work

A number of Speyside firms have been awarded contracts to work on Chivas Brothers’ Glen Keith distillery – set to reopen later this year after a 14-year closure.

The producer of Scotch whiskies including The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute announced in late 2011 that the Keith distillery would reopen to help the company meet increasing worldwide demand for its luxury brands.

Work began in February 2012, and the investment is already bringing economic benefits to the Speyside business community with a number of local contractors involved in the project.

Building work has been awarded to A.D. Walker of Banff, structural steel work to W.R. Simmers of Keith, and the distillery’s new wooden washbacks will be built and installed by Joseph Brown Vats of Dufftown. Stills are being constructed by Forsyth Group of Rothes, while malt and milling equipment will be supplied by Clark & Sutherland in Keith.

Stainless steel piping and tanks are being installed by L.H. Stainless of just outside Keith, while their neighbours Advanced Electrics are looking after electrical works, and C&A Innes of Keith are upgrading the distillery’s water supply. Other local contractors at Glen Keith include G&A Construction of Dufftown, McKerron & Milne roofwork and McCormack’s scaffolding of Rothes, D Paterson steelwork of Elgin, and I Fraser & Sons electrical of Rothes.

Chivas Brothers also awarded contracts to A.D.Walker and L.H. Stainless for upgrade work at its Tormore and Longmorn distilleries, while Advanced Electrics and Forsyth Group were contracted at Longmorn, Glenallachie and Tormore distilleries between 2011 and 2012.

Additional contracts at Longmorn were also given to W.R. Simmers, G&A Construction, C&A Innes, D Paterson and I Fraser & Sons, while McCormack’s worked at both Longmorn and Tormore, and Joseph Brown Vats worked at Tormore.

Douglas Cruickshank, Production Director for Chivas Brothers, said: “We understand the importance of the whisky industry to communities in Speyside, and are therefore delighted to be working with these local businesses on the Glen Keith project, as well as some of our other distillery upgrades. Chivas Brothers has already committed to investing £40 million a year in our Scottish operations, and with a new distillery also due to be built at Carron by 2015, we look forward to developing further relationships with local contractors in future.”

Notes:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

BALLANTINE’S UNVEILS 2013 GOLF LIMITED EDITION PACKS  

Ballantine’s, the No 2 Ultra-Premium and Prestige Scotch whisky range in Asia and the No 1 in Global Travel Retail, is marking the sixth year of its Ballantine’s Championship sponsorship with the launch of a brand new Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition Pack for its 17 and 21 Year Old blends.

The new editions represent the first time in the history of Ballantine’s Golf Limited Editions that the bottles have been redesigned. Reinforcing the shared values at the heart of Ballantine’s commitment to golf and highlighting the brand’s association with the sport, dating back to 1960, the new packaging bears the striking symbolic image of a golfer and Ballantine’s iconic ‘B’.

The brand’s premium image is enhanced through specific cues, such as the gold foiling of the logo and text printed directly onto the glass and the rigid box structure, which differentiates the pack from the standard carton. In another nod to the golfing world, the 17 Year Old expression is presented in green, while the cream colour of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old uplifts the prestige credentials of the brand.

The new pack is available now, ahead of this year’s Ballantine’s Championship – one of Asia’s most prestigious golfing events – which takes place in South Korea from 25^th – 28^th April 2013*. Since the inaugural event in 2008, the Ballantine’s Championship has developed its own unique traditions, such as the Championship Blend and Golf Limited Edition packs, which enhance its iconic credentials, differentiate it from other golf events and give consumers the opportunity to bring home the spirit of the event.

Golf’s origins can be traced back to the 15th century on the East Coast of Scotland. Just a short distance away in Edinburgh, George Ballantine founded a small grocery business in 1827 to cater for the needs of an exclusive clientele. Since their birth, the legacies of Ballantine’s and golf have left a lasting impression around the world. The Ballantine’s Championship embodies their shared heritage and values: excellence, craftsmanship and devotion to perfection, style and flair.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s International Brand Director, says: “We are delighted to launch the Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition packs for 2013, the sixth year of our Ballantine’s Championship sponsorship. We are very proud of our links to golf and to be a part of such a prestigious tournament once again. The consistently outstanding quality of Ballantine’s combined with our golf associations have clearly left a favourable impression on our customers, so we are confident that these special limited editions will be well received by whisky collectors and golf fans around the world.”

The Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition packs are available in limited quantities with prices varying across different markets. In Travel Retail Asia Duty Free there is an RRP of $75 USD for the 17 Year Old edition, and the 21 Year Old edition will retail from RRP $123 USD.

*The sixth Ballantine’s Championship will take place from 25^th – 28^th April 2013 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, South Korea. More information can be found at www.ballantineschampionship.com.

Notes: 

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky inEuropeand the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements. 

For further information, please visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

GLENGOYNE GOES GREAT GUNS FOR HELP FOR HEROES

Military charity Help for Heroes is in dram fine spirits following a significant donation of £31,000 from Ian Macleod Distillers, owners of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Glengoyne raised the money through the 2013 Glengoyne Auld Enemy Dinner at The London Dorchester on the eve of the world’s oldest international rugby fixture, the Calcutta Cup on 1 February 2013. Attended by a host of sporting legends, internationalists and other celebrities including Martin Johnson, Andy Nicol, Jill Douglas, John Inverdale and Olympic canoeist David Florence, the funds were generated through a silent auction and ticket sales.

Neil Boyd, UK Commercial Director and Alan Wardrop, UK Sales Manager for Ian Macleod Distillers presented the cheque at the One o’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle to: Combat Lance Corporal James Kitching, Sergeant Alistair Murray and Bombardier Allison Jones – all stationed at Edinburgh Garrison at the Castle – on behalf of Help For Heroes.

Help for Heroes will donate the money raised to the HQ Hereford Garrison Clocktower Fund, a charity that supports servicemen and servicewoman through the provision of social, sporting and other facilities.

This brings the total amount of funds raised for the charity by Glengoyne to just over £46,000 in a year.

Neil Boyd said: “Glengoyne is honoured to be presenting this cheque to Help for Heroes, a worthwhile charity helping those who have been wounded in Britain’s conflicts. Glengoyne recognises the passion and enthusiasm that comes through sporting events and we look forward to hosting the Glengoyne Golf Day and Gala Dinner on 30 August 2013, Fairmont St Andrews once again raising money for Help for Heroes. We are extremely proud to support them.”

Colonel Phil Bates Edinburgh Garrison Commander said: “Glengoyne’s continued fundraising is invaluable and we are delighted at the significant amount raised. 
The money will help transform lives of those that have been wounded in service and we cannot thank them enough.”

Tickets are available now for the Glengoyne Golf Day and Gala Dinner, in support of The Soldiers’ Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy, Royal Marines Charity and Help for Heroes, however places are limited. For more information please visit http://www.woundedinserviceevents.co.uk/cgblog/1/28/Glengoyne-Golf-Day-and-Gala-Dinner.

Notes:

• For further details on the Glengoyne Golf Day and to book, please contact Tim Grantham on 07843 051620 or e-mail tim@woundedinserviceevents.co.uk. The cost for a team of four is £995 and includes: a team kit courtesy of Ian Poulter’s stylish clothing brand, IJP Design, breakfast, 18 holes of golf on the Kittocks Course with on-course competitions and live scoring technology, a wee nip at the Glengoyne Halfway House, superb goody bag packed with gifts.
• For an evening of glitz and glamour book a table at the Glengoyne Golf Day Gala Dinner. Tables of ten are now available at £1,150 or individual bookings are accepted at £150 per person.