Angels whisky club INTERVIEW by Paul McLean.

Jennifer Graham, Brand Ambassador, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

Hi again Jennifer, your help in Victoria, Vancouver Island at the whisky festival prompted me to ask you more questions!

What first got you interested in whiskey?  John Teeling – the founder of  Cooley Distillery was a lecturer at my University in Ireland. He is a very well respected businessman in Ireland and I became very aware of his successful whiskey ventures with Cooley. His whiskeys are the most authentic Irish that you can get – Cooley was an independent distillery at the time and family owned. I wanted to work with an authentic Irish brand and always had a palate for whiskey from tasting my dad’s over the years.

What exactly does a whiskey Ambassador do?  My job is to develop the Kilbeggan and Cooley portfolio brand in San Francisco and the Bay area but also in other US states when I join forces with the other US Kilbeggan BA’s to do “market blitzes”. I am in charge of creating a connection between Kilbeggan and consumers, bar managers and the whiskey industry in San Francisco. This involves conducting whiskey tastings, master classes, promotions, organizing sponsorship opportunities, managing whiskey festivals such as Whiskies of the World, Whiskey Fest, Craft Spirits Carnival. I work with the brand team in Chicago where we plan how brand positioning etc. It’s an exciting role.

How did you become a whiskey Ambassador?   There is an Irish graduate programme (Export Orientation Programme – EOP) whereby the Irish government links up Irish graduates with small Irish companies wanting to increase their exports and larger companies with authentic Irish brands. When I saw Cooley Distillery on that list I applied for the programme and made it clear who I wanted to work for. I was first based in Stockholm, Sweden before moving to San Francisco.

Are you happy living/working in USA for an Irish whiskey company? what is that like?  It is a truly unique experience. I actually did an interview for an Irish newspaper recently on “dream jobs” – I guess that kind of sums it up. I won the jackpot being sent to San Francisco! You just get to meet so many people while working with an Irish product that is extremely authentic.

Why did you choose Kilbeggan? or did they choose you?   I chose them and made my case for why they should choose me too!  and … have you been to Kilbeggan and/or Cooley? what was your opinion?  I have spent lots of time in both distilleries. Kilbeggan is so rustic and old. It’s the only distillery in Ireland where you can see the whole whiskey making process from start to finish. You can stick you head right into the mash tons. We spent time working there before we were sent to the US. My job was to dig out the mash tons in my wellington boots! I can’t imagine many distilleries that would allow that kind of hands-on experience.

Being a young female in the whisky industry must be a challenge. How do you find the industry reacts to you?   It’s funny. I used to walk into a room to do a master class & people would look to see who was walking after me, as if
a 20-something girl couldn’t know much about whiskey & clearly the “real” BA would be following me out. After 5 minutes of me talking they realize that a 20-something girl not only knows a lot about whiskey but often knows more than they do! People try to catch me out by asking advanced whiskey knowledge questions & by the time I’m done with the answer they don’t even know what question to ask next…it makes a lot of people (especially men) go quiet!

What skills and qualities do you need to become an Ambassador?   You have to have marketing or sales experience, be organized, autonomous, motivated and genuinely friendly. You do have to be assertive and confident too.

What’s the best part of your job?  Travel! I’ve been to LA, Miami, Boston, Chicago, New York, Philly, Indiana, Baltimore and Victoria, Canada….all in the last 12 months.

Do you have any views on finishing? Port, Sherry etc. In fact, do you have a favourite finish (mine is sherry)?  My favourite finish the Madeira because I have a sweet tooth and love the apricot, marzipan notes.

You knew this was coming next; what is your favourite whisk(e)y?  I don’t have a 100% favourite but Tyrconnell Madeira, Greenore & Kilbeggan would be the top 3. I’m not a very smoky person but if I had to chose it would be the
Connemara 12 YO.

and … do you tend to collect bottles at home?  I do tend to collect bottles – that’s another perk to my job. People give you bottles pretty regularly.

Apart from our membership (of course) is there anyone in the whisky world you wish to meet? Past or present.  Is it too obvious to say Jim Murray?! I always miss him at events! (Paul’s note; lucky girl!)

And what about your private life? Any other interest apart from whisky? Well – jumped out of plane last week…for the third time! I guess that tells a lot about me.

Many thanks for being honest and putting up with all of my questions, do you have a parting shot?

Toast:
Here’s to Irish whiskey,
A craft well understood,
In Kilbeggan it’s not just in the jar,
It’s also in their blood.

Paul’ Many thanks Jennifer, it was grand meeting you in Canada (of all places!) and aye we did book our group into the distillery for this coming September. Let me know when you come to Scotland, we can meet up for a few drams!

http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/  a free whisky club for everyone

Hi folks. A quick email to say that the 28th auction will end this evening. For the benefit of our first-time bidders, this is how it works.

From 6pm UK time the software starts monitoring activity on the site, and as long as bids are being made, the auction stays open. If no bids are made within five minutes, the software will shut down the auction.

Making a bid with, say, 10 seconds to go, will extend the auction for another five minutes. This feature has been designed to beat sniper software.

We hope you have enjoyed the 28th auction.

Kind regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

TOMATIN WINS GOLD AT THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION

Tomatin Distillery is delighted to announce that they have won five awards in the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for their core range of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The results, announced at the London International Wine Fair on Monday 20th May, mark the 44th year of the Competition. Founded in 1969, the IWSC is considered to be the most prestigious competition of its kind in the world.

The awards given by the competition are believed to be among some of the highest honours in the industry. Judging for
the Competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products are subject to technical analysis before resultsare released; this crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

All products in Tomatin’s core range achieved a Silver award or higher. The recently released no‐age‐statement expression, Tomatin Legacy, was awarded ‘Silver Outstanding’, a great reflection of the reception this product has had in the marketplace. The brand’s 30 year old expression, regularly voted ‘favourite dram’ at whisky tasting events, was awarded Gold.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, said: “Credible product awards like these are extremely influential in the buying process; therefore we are happy with these excellent results from IWSC 2013 which reflect consistent quality across the
range, right from our youngest non‐aged expression to the higher‐end 30 year old.”

TOMATIN DISTILLERY CO LTD
 The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
 Website: www.tomatin.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
 The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
 The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
 The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

IWSC
 The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
 All entries are first, blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass not bottle) and then all products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS GAIN “OUTSTANDING” RECOGNITION IN INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Awarded Inaugural “Bourbon Trophy” 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug., 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery solidified its standing as the world’s most award-winning Distillery with honors from the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), results of which were released in London, England on July 24.  Taking top honors were several Buffalo Trace whiskeys, including Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, which won the first-ever Bourbon Trophy as well as:

Gold Outstanding Medal was awarded to:

• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon

Gold Medal was awarded to:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Silver Outstanding Medals were awarded to:

• Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Bourbon
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky

Silver Medal winners included:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Bourbon
• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

The “Gold Outstanding” and “Silver Outstanding” medals are awarded based upon the highest scores within each of those respective categories.

In total, Buffalo Trace Distillery entered 13 whiskeys in the competition, and all of them won awards.

Anna Grant, head of sales and marketing, IWSC Group said: “Due to the quality and quantity of Bourbon entries this year, the decision was taken by judges and the IWSC Competition Director to create the inaugural Bourbon Trophy. The Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey impressed judges with its ‘long, spicy finish’. Congratulations to the whole team!”

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller of Buffalo Trace, commented: “We are very excited about our results and are honored to have done so well amongst some of the industry’s best. “

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

Learn more at www.iwsc.net.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Kilchoman win Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition

Each of Kilchoman’s general releases were awarded medals at this year’s prestigious IWSC adding to the International Whisky Competition Whisky of the Year and Master Distiller of the Year awards won by the team.  Loch Gorm took a gold while Machir Bay 2013 won silver and 100% Islay 2nd Edition bronze.

 Anthony Wills Kilchoman Managing Director “It’s always hugely satisfying when the efforts of everyone at the distillery are recognized in this way, for all of our entries to receive awards is particularly pleasing”.

 RRP Kilchoman Loch Gorm $89.99/btl

RRP Kilchoman Machir Bay 2013 $59.99/btl

RRP Kilchoman 100% Islay 2^nd Edition $89.99/btl 

office@impexbev.com

www.ralfy.com starts a World Whisky four-parter called North, South, East, West, guess which direction this vlog comes from. . . Whisky Review 382 – Teerenpeli Whisky from Finland.

The Relaxed Whisky Weekend
6 – 8 September 2013

Hello relaxed whisky enthusiasts!

In just 5 weeks from now the 5th Maltstock will start. It promises to be a fantastic weekend. And even if you can’t make it we have some exciting news for you:

10% discount at Whiskysamples.eu
Starting now every Malttsock newsletter subscriber (that’s you!) will get a 10% discount at whiskysamples.eu. This offer is valid until 15 August. Simply go to http://www.whiskysamples.eu,/, browse through their very fine selection of samples and order. When finishing your order you enter the discount code “Maltstock” and the 10% discount will be processed. This offer is open to every Maltstock newsletter subscriber, not just the ticket holders.

Maltstock clothing
We’ve had some requests for Maltstock polo’s and t-shirts. These will be available to order in our webshop within the next few days. Order your polo or t-shirt before August 21 and you can collect it at Maltstock. We won’t have a lot of clothing available for sale during the Maltstock weekend. You can also order at Maltstock we’ll send it to you afterwards.

Maltstock masterclasses
We have a record number of 11 (!) different tastings this year. Wow! Plus a special bonus tasting for the winners of the whisky quiz (more later). Everyone with a Maltstock ticket should have received an e-mail with an link to an online form, to let us know which tatsings you would like to attend. The Benriach/Glendoranch tasting with Donald MacLellan is one everyone can attend: it’s at the campfire. Please notice that the tasting on friday evening is at the same time as the whisky quiz, and the one on Saturday morning is the same time as the walk.

5% discount The Whiskyshop Duftown
Just a quick reminder: every ticket holder gets a 5% discount at the excellent and relaxed Whiskyshop in Dufftown. Click here to visit the online shop.

Almost SOLD OUT
That’s right, we’re almost sold out! Currently we have only two beds available at theMaltstock dorms. After that you can only buy tickets without accommodation. There’s however a campsite nearby. The nearest hotel is about 4,5 kilomters away. More information on alternative accommodation can be found here.

Let’s all just bottle a bit of this very nice weather at the moment and bring it to Maltstock just in case 🙂 See you all in 5 weeks!

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news!

Relaxed greetings,
Arthur, Bob, Rogier & Teun

BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd wins ten medals including two “Golds” in the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 10 medals at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, with BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh expressions all scooping major awards.

It was gold for two BenRiachs – the 16YO and the Authenticus 25YO.

In addition, there were three Silver Outstanding Medals – for BenRiach 12YO Arumaticus Fumosus, GlenDronach 12YO and BenRiach 17YO Solstice.

Four silver medals followed – for GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2, GlenDronach 21YO Parliament, GlenDronach 18YO Allardice and Glenglassaugh Evolution.

And completing the ten awards was a Bronze Medal for Glenglassaugh Revival.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It exists to award excellence to wines and spirits worldwide, encouraging consumer and trade recognition for quality products.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are thrilled to win these awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands, and winning two gold medals is particularly satisfying.

“The 16 year-old is a really nice, smooth single malt – of all the whiskies we produce this specific expression probably best captures the ‘house-style’ of BenRiach – a real classic Speysider!

“And our full-bodied 25YO Authenticus, formerly available as a 21YO, continues to get rave reviews. Bottled at 46%, non chill filtered and at natural colour, the peated malted barley produces a unique, smoky, phenolic taste that’s very unusual for a Speyside malt.

“These are two sublime malts…perfect for toasting the health of a new baby Prince and his proud parents!”

BUNNAHABHAIN’S GENTLE GIANT TAKES GOLD 

The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt, produced on the world-famous whisky producing island, Isle of Islay, has been awarded gold at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London. Applauded by the judges for its “delicate floral, dark sugar, caramel and coffee flavours with tremendous seaside character” they christened this 25 year old as “a gorgeous gentle giant”.

It is best to enjoy this warm and welcoming single malt neat or with a dash of water to really savour its wonderful combination of flavours. The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain’s (pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn) single malts are crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water piped from the Margadale River, untainted by the peaty moorlands, and for this reason, the whiskies are known as the gentle taste of Islay. The Bunnahabhain 12, 18 and 25 year old single malts, crafted by Ian MacMillan, are all un-chillfiltered, returning to the whisky-making tradition of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. With nothing taken away or added, the whisky retains all of its depth of flavour, aromas, colours and character. This allows the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.

The distillery, dating back to 1881, is situated on the north-eastern tip of Islay overlooking the Sound of Islay. Due to the close proximity of the warehouses to the sea where the casks are stored during the maturation process, a noticeable sea influence is evident in the finish.

The whisky is available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R2 390.

RARE WHISKIES AT BONHAMS ANNUAL SCOTTISH SALE IN EDINBURGH

Bonhams Annual Scottish sale on 20 August boasts some rare and unusual whiskies this year. 

One of only 379 bottles, The Macallan 1961 comes in a wooden presentation case and is estimated at £6,000-8,000; the Macallan Royal Marriage bottled in 1981 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales carries an estimate of £1,200-1,800 and The Macallan Private Eye, bottled to mark the 35^th anniversary of the famous satirical magazine has an estimate of £1,000-1,200.

Elsewhere, a rare 30 year old Dalmore 1959 in crystal, bottled to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Dalmore Distillery, is expected to sell for between £3,000-5,000 and a 40 year old 1958 bottle of Highland Park numbered 368 of 665 in a wooden presentation case fitted for the bottle is estimated at £1,400-1,600.

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, said, “The Scottish sale always offers a good selection of collectible whisky to suit all tastes and pockets and this year is no exception.  As well as the star items we have several bottles with more modest estimates from some of Scotland’s best known distilleries including several fascinating lots bottled by The Scottish Malt Whisky Society.”

For further information please contact Andrew Currie on 0207 468 5871 or andrew.currie@bonhams.com

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com/.