WORLD’S FIRST WHISKY INSPIRED 3D ART EXHIBITION HAS LANDED IN HEATHROW TERMINAL 5 

JOHNNIE WALKER^® BLUE LABEL^TM GALLERY lights up London Heathrow Airport and provides launch platform for the Travel Exclusive London Limited Edition Bottle 

DIAGEO Global Travel & Middle East (GTME), 13 DECEMBER 2013 – You will no doubt have heard of a message in a bottle but perhaps not a 3D art exhibition on a bottle. JOHNNIE WALKER^® BLUE LABEL^TM, the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whisky, has launched an immersive experience for travellers with the creation of its own art galleries with a difference, one of which is now being showcased in Heathrow’s Terminal 5. 

These creative gallery spaces, which are being installed in international airports worldwide, are designed to exhibit some of the world’s most talented and upcoming artists’ unique interpretations of ‘The Rare Blend’ and pay homage to the rarity and craftsmanship synonymous with JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL.  Exhibiting the artists’ remarkable work in the airport environment reflects the true and unique travel credentials of the brand.   To date, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Galleries have launched in Singapore Changi Airport and Miami International and this latest gallery in London’s Heathrow airport has been extremely well received by passengers, who have been enjoying exploring the space and discovering more about one of the world’s rarest whiskies. 

To celebrate the opening of the travel retail exhibition and in conjunction with World Duty Free Group, JOHNNIE WALKER has created 750 limited edition JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL bottles, etched with the London skyline in a rare gold liquid imprint. These will be available exclusively for purchase in World Duty Free stores in all Heathrow Terminals between now and the end of February 2014, covering the key purchasing periods of Christmas, the increase in Russian and Chinese flights in the New Year and Valentine’s Day. 

Commenting on the arrival of the new JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Galleries, Paul Downing, Regional Director, GTME Key Accounts, Diageo said, “We are delighted to unveil this immersive art experience to Heathrow travellers.  The creation of this unique JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery in Heathrow airport reinforces our true commitment to the travel retail sector and to providing our customers with unique and innovative travel experiences and products.” 

Eugenio Andrades, Chief Commercial Officer at World Duty Free Group adds, “This exciting initiative demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have with Diageo and Heathrow.  We have worked in close collaboration with the brand and the airport, to help bring this experiential event to travellers visiting Terminal 5.  This is a very customer focused activity and we are delighted to be able to offer passengers the unique opportunity to sample one of the world’s most exceptional whiskies; JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL.  In addition, we have secured exclusivity on the exceptional London Limited Edition bottle, with its artistic interpretation of the London skyline making it the perfect product to gift, or to keep as a personal memento of a trip to this inspiring city!”   

Notes 

The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery at London’s Heathrow Airport exhibits the exceptional work of Kai & Sunny and Shotopop, whose artwork is explained in more detail below: 

• Kai & Sunny

An artist duo based in London; they have exhibited internationally, collaborated with designers such as Alexander McQueen, and recently been acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum print collection. Inspired by the rare character of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL – Rich.Lingering. Intense – Kai &Sunny’s creation blends the whisky’s signature flavour with their signature line work. The result is a mesmerising animation where the simple becomes complex in an ever-changing cycle of smooth lines. A fitting tribute to a blend of the rarest whiskies.

• SHOTOPOP

A devout team of visual zealots who pride themselves on conjuring the new, the unimagined and the fantastical. In their offices, furiously snipping silver scissors give birth to a thousand paper feathers; crazy caffeine dreams turn into flashing pixel rainbows; and the most ambitious flights of fancy become their proudest moments.  Their bottle creation tells the story of the whisky making process, with the rare liquid within the cask re-imagined as a diamond. This analogy perfectly captures the rarity of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. And with a blend of painstakingly crafted paper sculptures and graphical illustrations, this piece perfectly showcases the multifaceted and complex nature of both gemstone and whisky.

About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL^TM

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era. 

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. 

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate. 

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness. 

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit http://www.diageo.com/. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit http://www.drinkiq.com/. 

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trademarks © DIAGEO2013. 

ABOUT WORLD DUTY FREE GROUP

World Duty Free Group is one of the world’s leading travel retailers, operating mainly in airports and with a broad geographical reach. It has operations in 20 countries and 141 locations with over 550 stores, from its heartland in Western Europe, to the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.

World Duty Free Group’s core business is tax and duty free shopping and its proposition covers the complete spectrum of airport shopping including Beauty, Wines & Spirits, Food & Confectionery, Tobacco, Sunglasses, Watches & Jewellery and Souvenirs.

World Duty Free Group operates some of the most exciting and engaging airport shops in the world, with a strong focus on the customer and innovative marketing programmes, delivered through multi channel digital and live in-store interactive promotions.

World Duty Free S.p.A., holding company of WDFG, is listed on the Italian FTSE MIB 40 since 1 October 2013 with the ticker symbol WDF:IM. For more information, please visit http://www.worlddutyfreegroup.com/

Last Order Dates for the Festive Season

We hope you have a friendly local whisky retailer who can take care of all your Compass Box needs. However, if you don’t, please visit our UK online shop and fill your basket!

UK Online shop – Order deadlines for delivery before Christmas
UK Mainland: Saturday 21st December 12pm (UK Time)
Rest of UK: Wednesday 19th December 2pm (UK Time)

For all other international destinations, the deadline for guaranteed delivery for Christmas has passed, however we will endeavour to get your Compass Box whisky to you as quickly as we can! 

The first issue of Whisky Magazine for 2014 publishes on the 21^st March.  Issue 117 promises to be an exciting edition, one of eight during the year, focusing on Ireland, Scotland, US and Canada. 

With whisky being enjoyed all over the world, we are taking a look at some of the best Irish Whiskey bars in Toronto and a guide to drinking whisky in Bardstown.  We review distilleries both in Scotland and Kentucky together with regular editorial features from Ian Wisniewski and Jonny McCormick.  With a truly global feel, this issue is one to promote your whisky if it is an international audience you are targeting.  

The second of issue of the year is full of surprises.  Published in time for the Global Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards Dinner, issue 118 will be distributed from this prestigious event on the 20^th March 2014 and then from Whisky LIVE London on the 21^st March 2014.  This issue reveals all the winners of these internationally recognised awards. 

Editorial Features  

Issue No.117

Special Features

Whisky Travel: Ireland and the US

Bourbon

Special Distribution from Whisky Live New York

Publication Date: 21^st March

Copy Deadline: 3^rd January 

Issue No.118 

Special Features

Speyside

World Whiskies Awards Results

Icons of Whisky Results

World Whiskies Design Results

Publication Date: 9^th May

Whisky Magazine

Celebrating the whiskies of the world

http://www.whiskymag.com/ 

FESTIVE MYSTERY MALTS: NEW ISLAY PAIR ADDED

Peaty malts from Islay are pretty special, single cask peaty malts even more so but, single cask peaty Society malts matched together and offered at a discount – it’s like Christmas! And remember: our last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery is today Wed 18 Dec at 12pm

FESTIVE MYSTERY ISLAY PARCELS TO KNOCK YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS OFF

Mystery Peaty Pair

Festive Mystery Malt 1
Lightly Peated: Ranging in ages between 15-24, this mystery malt offers a light peated character.

Festive Mystery Malt 2
The Peaty Beast: This 20yo mystery malt has a big, peaty character, expect mocha coffee, sea-spray and medicinal elements.

BUY £119

Sweet & Peaty Mystery Trio

Festive Mystery Malt 1
The Sweet Speysider: This Old & dignified 23yo is like a ‘Warming comfort blanket’ that will leave you in a sweet ‘trance of enjoyment’.

Festive Mystery Malt 2
Lightly Peated: Ranging in ages between 15-24, this mystery malt offers a light peated character

Festive Mystery Malt 3
The Peaty Beast: This 20yo mystery malt has a big, peaty character, expect mocha coffee, sea-spray and medicinal elements

BUY £169

Santa’s Exquisite Maritime Experience

3.121

53.188 Anti-aphrodisiac

Beach scene from Local Hero
SAVE £24.15
Was £161
BUY £136.85

Browse all Islay bottlings

Browse all bottlings

PLEASE NOTE: Due to expected volume of orders, the two Mystery Parcels above are excluded from our Christmas delivery guarantee – but we will try our very best to get them to you in time!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

UK vlogger Joe Ellis continues his “Month of Arran” and reviews the Arran 12yo Cask Strength Batch 3

http://youtu.be/mkBaEC1LUF4

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

Thousands of votes across 37 countries have been cast by whisky lovers to select a new limited edition from The Glenlivet, with its Exotic expression revealed today as the winner, with 39% of the vote. 

The announcement follows a global campaign by The Glenlivet, during which the brand reached out to whisky fans around the world giving them the chance to select the next The Glenlivet expression for the first time ever. The winning expression will be named “The Guardians’ Chapter” in recognition of the significant part the distillery’s fan club – The Guardians of The Glenlivet – has made to the voting. The new whisky – which is non-chill filtered, 48.7% proof and described as a rich, indulgent single malt – will be bottled in limited quantities and distributed around the world from March 2014, priced at $85 (or equivalent). 

The winning ‘Exotic’ single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist.  The resulting whisky displays the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet with the addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it offers aromas of moist and sweet, candied apples balanced with a hint of orange marmalade. The taste combines juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well balanced with a subtle warmth of spice, complementing a long and slightly dry finish. 

The campaign began in September 2013, with Master Distiller Alan Winchester revealing the three expressions he had hand-picked for fans to choose from. The three expressions – which were selected to spark debate over single malt style preferences – were named according to their taste profile, with the options being Classic, Exotic and Revival. Fans of the brand were invited to tasting events held across the globe where they sampled and voted for their favourites. 

In addition to the tasting events, a series of special evenings entitled the ‘Expression Sessions’ were held in London, New York and Mumbai. Designed to bring the styles of the three expressions to life through aligned cultural interests, the events included a range of speakers, including artists, academics, musicians and explorers. The London event saw design expert, Stephen Bayley, talking about ‘classic’ car design whilst explorer Benedict Allen described what encountering the ‘exotic’ meant to him. Videos and findings from the events, alongside the percentage breakdown of the final results, can be found on the brand’s website, http://www.theglenlivet.com/. 

Alan Winchester comments: “The story of The Guardians’ Chapter doesn’t end here. This is an opportunity to savour a unique, limited edition, single malt that’s already been admired and desired by thousands of whisky lovers.   Our Guardians have written a new chapter in the distillery’s distinguished history; this will be their legacy and I’m really pleased with the enthusiastic response we received and the selection the Guardians have made.”  

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, adds: “Deciding on a new Scotch whisky expression is normally a privilege reserved for a very select handful of experts, revered for their knowledge and experience. With The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter, we wanted to recognise the passion and expertise of our Guardians in an original and inspiring way by inviting them to write the next chapter in The Glenlivet’s history. We’ve had an excellent response from fans across the world, particularly in the USA, the world’s no. 1 single malt market, and we are sure that our founder, George Smith, would be proud of the smooth and complex whisky that will bear his and The Glenlivet’s name when it goes on sale next year.” 

To become a member of The Guardians of The Glenlivet community, please visit: www.theglenlivet.com/guardians

Notes: 

Tasting Notes 

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter ‘Exotic’ – 48.7% ABV – Non Chill-Filtered

Nose: Rich and indulgent with hints of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with a tang of orange marmalade.

Taste: Plump, juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness. Well balanced with the subtle warmth of spice permeating through.

Finish: Long and slightly dry 

About The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet. 

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. 

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

For further news of upcoming events please visit http://www.theglenlivet.com/ or www.facebook.com/theglenlivet 

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

Having recovered from the Thanksgiving feast, it is not yet time to relax as we have the major holiday with more whiskies to handle. But even consumption of decadent spirits is not as “consuming” as the process of finding that perfect something for gifting….

At least here we’ve got you covered…

Expo tickets by themselves, a bottle of whisky, (or both) will warm many hearts on Christmas Eve. Not to mention that it’s a wonderful treat for yourself!

BUY TICKETS

A sneak peak to WoW:

Our focus this year is on bringing you the highest quality in a whisky show…from more whiskies and booming craft spirits, to the unique WoW entertainment features;

• The popular concert by the beloved Bushmills Pipe & Drum Band
• An outdoor Cigar and Whisky pairing
• An expansion of artisanal delicacies to pair with your spirits
• The new program of whisky seminars, and so much more..

All this guarantees a truly memorable time at the 2014 show. Watch our website closely as the exhibitor and masterclass list unveils; but for now let us assure you we’re doing great with the upcoming show, and will be bringing many whisky personas for your ‘meet and greet” including the ever-popular Steve Beal with his Single Malts that never get “out tasted”, David Blackmore and Glenmorangie’s, new whisky talent, Jon Trainer, the ever inspiring Hollis Bulleit, and the warm company of our fellowmen distillers, distillery owners, and artisanal whiskey makers: Robert and Sonat Birnecker of Koval, the first Chicago distillery, folks from the “down the street” Anchor Distillery (everybody loves Anchor Steam beer), David Perkins from the High West Distillery and saloon (you’ll have to enjoy the latter outside the Expo). This Christmas pastime, start your ahead planning of attending your Wow program favorites, and anticipate spending the evening—with your spouse, your special friends–enjoying the water of life!

Not convinced? Take a look at the videos from Austin, and Atlanta, and hear what our guests have to say about Whiskies of the World.

We have acquired special rates for:

HILTON Financial District, San Francisco, California

We’ve arranged a block of rooms in The Hilton Financial District Hotel, located just a few blocks away from the Hornblower’s Pier 3 and close to major downtown tourist destinations. WoW participants receive an exclusive rate of $209 per night + tax, valid for the night of the Expo and the two adjacent nights. Note that the number of rooms is limited and must be booked by Friday, February 27, 2014.

Book online

Call 1.800.424.8292 and quote Whiskies of the World Group Negotiated Room Rate.

Glendronach
19 Year Old 1994 (56.8%)

Full strength Glendronach Highland malt.

United Kingdom Exclusive single Oloroso
Sherry Butt #67 bottled November 2013.

625 numbered bottles.

Buy – $110.37

Cheltenham and The Varsity Match
It has been a busy week for Glenfarclas sponsored sport. On Thursday Oxford University won 33-15 against Cambridge University in the 132nd Varsity rugby match. Whilst this afternoon Sire Collonges won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeplechase at Cheltenham Racecourse.  

New Listings this Christmas
We are pleased to advise that Glenfarclas is now available at Marks & Spencer in the UK. Look out for the limited editon 2003 Vintage bottling, which is exclusive to the store. In Sweden Glenfarclas 12 Years Old 350ML joins the 17 Years Old 350ML in the Systembolaget.

Experience the Festive Spririt of Independence
For those planning to visit Speyside over the Christmas holiday, this year our Christmas open day will be on Monday the 30th of December. We will be open from 11AM to 3PM, with Distillery tours at 11.30AM, 12.30PM, and 13.30PM. This is subject to the weather so if in doubt please check www.twitter.com/glenfarclas or call 01807 500345 after 11AM on the day.

The visitor centre will be open on weekdays from 10AM to 4PM up until Thursday the 19th of December, and then be closed from the 20th December to the 6th January (except the 30th December), with normal winter hours resuming on Tuesday the 7th of January 2014. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Looking further ahead the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will run from the 1st to the 5th of May 2014. Events will be available to preview at www.spiritofspeyside.com from the 28th of January, with ticket sales starting on the 1st of February 2014.

We have some of the oldest, rarest and most highly sought after whiskies anywhere in the world. If you are looking to make a big impact this Christmas for that someone special look no further… Free postage on all orders over £50.00

The Balvenie 40 year old Batch 7
£2999.99 Click here buy

250 bottles created from a combination of 3 x American oak and 3 x Sherry casks bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.5% volume. One of the most collectable whiskies available anywhere! If you want to try the ultimate look no further. This is stunning!

Talisker 30 year old £275

This Talisker 30 year old is bottled in 2010 at natural cask strength of 57.3% volume. One of only 2958 with each bottle individually numbered. Drinks well at full strength. Slow but consistent, with autumn berries and dried fruit. Cherry stones. Cooling at first, then becoming hot and lively. Water (add only a little) brings up a pleasant smooth texture. It’s now quite sweet and again cooling to start (tart au chocolat) then warming overall, with some salt, a trace of acidity and some very measured, slightly sooty, smoke.
Click to buy

Bowmore 1989
A delicious feast of smoke-infused blood orange, winter spices, black truffles and walnut oil. A whisky to warm the coldest Islay night, this limited edition Bowmore Single Malt has been matured exclusively in port casks for 23 years, giving it a deliciously dark colour and remarkably rich flavour.

Click here to buy:
Only £398.99 per bottle

Talisker 1985 27 Y.O

A supreme Talisker; wonderfully classic in style and as sophisticated as its peers but with an extra ‘chilled’ self-assurance and even an edge of darkness. A malt that lives life to the full and doesn’t take itself too seriously: it’s also ever-so-slightly edgy, with suggestions of a volcanic heritage.

Click here to buy
Only 475.00 per bottle

Glenlivet Cellar Collection
NOSE: Initial burst of sweet fruity homemade blackcurrant jam followed by notes of tangy orange flavours and freshly baked gingerbread. PALATE: Perfectly balanced, mouthwatering, fills the mouth with incredibly fruity flavours of blackcurrant and pear. Full of life with a spicy and zesty sparkle, complemented by nuances of soft peppermint. FINISH: Incredibly long and dry
Click here to buy
Only £69.99 per bottle