You can now find our Virginia Highland Malt whisky at these excellent restaurants across the Commonwealth:
Pasture – Charlottesville
Rappahannock Restaurant – Richmond
Bazin’s on Church – Vienna
Bistro on Main – Lexington
Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant – Fredericksburg
Opus 9 Steakhouse – Williamsburg
Tuscarora Mill – Leesburg
Lucky – Roanoke
Click here for a list of all restaurants that carry our whisky.
Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert
The world’s first in-depth book about Canada’s national spirit.
WINNER, GOURMAND BOOK AWARDS BEST SPIRITS BOOK CANADA 2012
WINNER, 2013 IACP BOOK AWARDS WINE, BEER AND SIRITS
SHORTLISTED, TASTE CANADA BOOK AWARDS CULINARY NARRATIVES
Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is published by McClelland & Stewart and distributed by Penguin Random House. It is available from most book shops and on-line book sellers.
The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Combo Pack $79.99
Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Tennessee Whiskey 1.0 Liter $154.99
BRING YOUR BOOKSHELF TO LIFE WITH BALLANTINE’S 12 THIS CHRISTMAS
Ballantine’s, the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, has unveiled an innovative new gift pack for its Ballantine’s 12 Year Old expression, which will be available to the off-trade around the world throughout the festive season.
The new limited edition pack – which contains a bottle of Ballantine’s 12 – invites whisky enthusiasts to celebrate the authenticity and originality of traditionally printed books, mirroring the authenticity of the spirit that is housed inside.
Using slight variations of the iconic Ballantine’s blue, the new pack challenges customers to look closely and discover four hardback books nestled together on a bookshelf. Each book relates to the history of Ballantine’s 12, and text has been applied horizontally and vertically across the pack to enhance its realistic appearance and on-shelf appeal. The sides, rear and lid of the pack all contribute to its visual effect, while the overall finish and embossing of the spine adds a tactile experience.
To generate customer engagement, the limited edition can be brought to life in local markets via a series of dynamic marketing initiatives, including print and online advertising, social media campaigns and in-store displays.
Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s commented: “This year, we have created a limited edition for Ballantine’s 12 that echoes the authenticity and originality of the whisky blend inside. The festive period is notoriously competitive and, with this innovative and eye-catching design, we are offering retailers an opportunity to achieve stand out on-shelf. We hope that whisky fans all over the world will enjoy this unique collectible”.
The gift packs, which have been designed for the 70cl and 75cl bottles, are available now from 28 markets around the world, including Portugal, Chile, Thailand and Sub-Sahara Africa. The creative design has already started winning awards for Ballantine’s 12, with a Gold Award recently achieved at The Canmaker Magazine ‘Cans of the Year’ Awards; internationally renowned for celebrating, promoting and rewarding the huge amount of innovative work that takes place within the metal packaging industry each year.
Notes:
About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding 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, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com
BALLANTINE’S FINEST IMPRESSES THIS CHRISTMAS WITH
NEW LIMITED EDITION GIFT PACKS
Ballantine’s, the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, has unveiled two new contemporary limited-edition designs for its Ballantine’s Finest gift packs, launched to drive brand awareness and create stand-out on-shelf in the off-trade this Christmas.
The two new designs – a gift zip pack and a gift tin, each containing a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest – will be available in key global markets, including Brazil, Russia, China, Poland and Spain, from December 2013.
The zip pack is expected to appeal to younger whisky drinkers, thanks to its contemporary design and novel form, using high density nylon material for a premium feel. The pack is unmistakeably Ballantine’s, with the brand’s iconic chevron label shape, its crest, and its renowned “B” signifier featuring prominently on the front of the pack.
Designed to be an evolution of the new, understated gift tin unveiled in 2012, the 2013 version uses a ribbon design to evoke the association with gifting and a wrap-around feature that also mirrors the back of the tin. Lined up, the design is guaranteed to create a strong merchandising display feature.
The release of the two new Ballantine’s Finest gift packs follow the October 2013 launch of Ballantine’s new global positioning, Stay True, Leave An Impression, which aims to continue the legacy of founder, George Ballantine, celebrating his own intrinsic values.
Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director commented: “Building on the enthusiasm we received for our new-look Finest gift packs in 2012, this year we have created two contemporary designs that we believe will appeal to modern Ballantine’s drinkers and that truly reflect the personality of the brand.
“Our aim is always to stay true to Ballantine’s heritage, whilst simultaneously reflecting its contemporary relevance, and we feel the new gift packs do exactly that. With the recent launch of our Stay True campaign, now is an exciting time for Ballantine’s and we’re confident that these innovative designs will reinforce our positioning, resonate with our existing customers, while also attracting new and younger consumers to the brand.”
Ballantine’s Stay True campaign is currently rolling out across South America, including in Mexico, Chile and Brazil, and southern and central Europe, with other markets globally rolling out throughout 2013 and into 2014.
Notes:
About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding 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, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com
BACK TO BLACK
Burn Stewart Unveils New Black Bottle
Burn Stewart Distillers has unveiled the new Black Bottle Scotch Whisky.
Black Bottle is a premium blended Scotch Whisky which was acquired by Burn Stewart in 2003, and is currently exported to over 30 countries globally.
After 18 months of extensive global consumer research and design development, the new Black Bottle heralds a return to the original Scotch, which the Graham brothers created in Aberdeen at the turn of the 19th Century.
Burn Stewart Master Distiller, Ian MacMillan, was charged with creating a product which would be more in keeping with its original north east recipe. The result is a curiously rich and slightly smoky taste that maintains the distinctiveness of Black Bottle but adds another layer of depth to the liquid.
Ian MacMillan said: “The challenge was to develop a liquid that was more in line with the original character of Black Bottle while maintaining all of the quality for which the brand is renowned. I wanted to reintroduce a richness to balance the smokiness of the blend and in turn allow each component to contribute to the overall flavour.
“This whisky will appeal to the experienced blended drinker who enjoys drinking Scotch neat as well as those exploring whiskies for the first time and who prefer to add a mixer. Restoring the blend to its former glory has been a rewarding and nostalgic experience as it has given me the opportunity to revisit the original identity of Black Bottle.”
Burn Stewart will launch Black Bottle in new packaging, re-introducing the distinctive black glass bottle which was the original inspiration behind the name of the brand. This iconic bottle was used by the Graham brothers up until the outbreak of the First World War when supplies from the German manufacturer ceased and they were forced to revert to a standard green glass bottle which has remained until the present day.
“It was thought that no examples of this once-famous black glass bottle survived,” says Marco Di Ciacca, Senior Brand Manager for Burn Stewart. “However, after months of searching, we managed to find a bottle dating back to 1906, which then became the inspiration for our new design. This new look is in line with the growing global consumer trend for premium spirits with authentic and compelling brand stories.”
Black Bottle has been available to buy in the UK from October 2013 in selected on and off trade outlets. The brand was also launched internationally into selected export markets from October.
Black Bottle
RRP: £17.99 – £18.49
40% ABV
With a touch of snowy weather arriving with a shiver and a shake, it’s time to look forward to the long winter evenings when our beloved single malt really comes into its own; warming up the parts other whiskies simply cannot reach and bringing us ever nearer, one dram at a time to the festive season.
And with all this in mind, our attention is drawn to the wonderful Martin Markvardsen, our Senior Brand Ambassador, who’s Christmas has come a little earlier this year!
The much-loved (and definitely larger-than-life) Martin has recently been recognised as ‘The Best Whisky Ambassador in Norway’ by the organisers of the Oslo Whisky Festival.
The award is presented annually to the person who has made a difference to the whisky industry in Norway and the festival organiser, Chris Malie, felt that Martin had to be recognised for his length of service, his passion for Highland Park and legendary Orkney storytelling, alongside his vast knowledge of single malt whisky and that fact that he has been on more trips to Norway than any other ambassador.
“I am honoured to have been presented with this award, says Martin and I see this as much more of a prize for the team than an individual prize.”
Modest as well as supremely nice, if you happen to bump into Martin at a forthcoming whisky event, or, for that matter in a bar, shake his hand and for your next round he’ll be having a gentleman-sized measure of Highland Park 18 year old please…
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: A TALE OF TWO LADIES
A vanilla scented woman wearing a silk dress and smoking a cigarette by an oil painting. A florally scented Parisienne eating pain au chocolat. Have you stumbled into a big-budget Christmas ad? Better – these are just some of the images 125.68 ‘A tale of two ladies’ conjured in the Tasting Panel and it’s on sale individually from today! Plus, two more bottlings released today and festive picks to get you in the holiday mood…
RELEASED NOW
Young & spritely
125.68 A tale of two ladies
The very attractive nose inhabited more layers than an archaeological dig in Troy…
Sweet, fruity & mellow
35.92 Butterflies in the stomach
Some of us – not all – were immediately transported to a Luau on Hawaii…
Sweet, fruity & mellow
9.75 Imperial Leather in a boat Chandlery
The nose seemed rounded and attractive – hay and pepper on mashed banana…
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
Canadian Whisky News by Davin de Kergommeaux
Canadian Whisky Awards Banquet
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Join a who’s who of Canadian Whisky Royalty in Victoria on Thursday, January 16, 2014 to celebrate the very best Canadian whiskies in the world.
The gala celebration will be held at Victoria’s Grand Pacific Hotel beginning at 6:30 to name the winners and present medals and awards of honour.
Tickets, which include hot and cold buffet, may be purchased from James Burrough at the Hotel Grand Pacific (250) 380-4455 for $60.00.
GlenDronach Single Casks Batch 9
GlenDronach Single Casks Batch 9 have been bottled, labelled and boxed! 9 vintages in total, ranging from 1972-1995…
Available now for pre-order.
Glendronach 1995 / 18 Year Old / Single Cask #3302
The youngest whisky from batch 9 is single cask #3302. This GlenDronach malt was distilled in 1995 and aged for 18 years in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon before being bottled in 2013 at 53.7% vol.
“An initial sweet chocolate and vanilla fullness moves to a delicate, lasting zest and herb note. All backed by a fantastically long rum-soaked raisin and sweet barley finish.”
£83.25
(£69.38 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 3302 Batch 9
Glendronach 1994 / 19 Year Old / Single Cask #3385
GlenDronach single cask #3385, distilled in 1994 and left to slumber in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon for 19 years. Bottled at 53.4% vol in 2013 as part of GlenDronach’s 9th batch of single casks bottlings.
“A fantastic combination of rich orange bitters with spiced, stewed damsons. All balanced by a drizzle of golden syrup, hints of ginger and vanilla pod in the full bodied finish.”
£88.25
(£73.54 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 3385 Batch 9
Glendronach 1993 / 20 Year Old / Single Cask #5
The third and final Oloroso sherry matured whisky from Batch 9, is this vintage 1993 GlenDronach. Aged for 20 years is cask #5, 645 bottles survived the angels’ share.
“A classic, fine sherry character. Sultanas, raisins and sweet plum syrup combine with complementing waves of freshly cut herbs and sweet oak spices.”
£94.50
(£78.75 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 5 Batch 9
Glendronach 1992 / 21 Year Old / Single Cask #195
Single cask #195, distilled in 1992 and aged for 21 years in an Oloroso sherry butt. Bottled in 2013 as part of GlenDronach’s special single cask bottlings (Batch 9).
“Floods of crisp orange peel and gentle clove fill the rich stewed prunes which are slightly sweetened by hints of dark chocolate.”
£101.25
(£84.38 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 195 Batch 9
Glendronach 1991 / 21 Year Old / Single Cask #5405
Up next in batch 9 of special release bottlings from GlenDronach distillery, is single cask #5405. Distilled in 1991 and left to mature for 21 years in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon, this special bottling has been filled at 49.9% vol with an out-turn of 702 bottles.
“A perfect progression of sweet chocolate and toffee rounded with toasted oak spices. Dates and stewed pear appear then mellow to soft barley and vanilla.”
£101.25
(£84.38 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 5405 Batch 9
Glendronach 1990 / 23 Year Old / Single Cask #1243
GlenDronach single cask #1243, distilled in 1990 and aged in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon for 23 years. Bottled in 2013 as part of this years special single cask bottlings from GlenDronach distillery (Batch 9).
“Dark chocolate fondant and rich Seville orange marmalade are warmed by a gentle white pepper spice which leads to the gentle sweet finish of rum raisin fudge.”
£116.25
(£96.88 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 1243 Batch 9
Glendronach 1989 / 23 Year Old / Single Cask #5470
GlenDronach single cask #5470, distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2013 as part of GlenDronach’s batch 9 of single cask bottlings. Aged in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon for 23 years, bottled at cask strength, 49.2% vol.
“Vibrant oak spices and roasted chestnut infuse in the Demerara caramelised orchard fruits. The citrus bite of mixed peel combines with a distant clove to give a fantastic, clean full finish.”
£116.25
(£96.88 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 5470 Batch 9
Glendronach 1985 / 27 Year Old / Single Cask #1035
As far as I can recall this is the first 1985 vintage to be released as part of the official single cask, batch releases from GlenDronach distillery. Single cask #1035 has been aged for 27 years in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon before being bottled at 53.7% in 2013. Only 290 bottles filled from a puncheon barrel? Split cask ? Or has the angels share been rather to greedy? Glendroanoraks know the answer to this puzzle, for sure…
“Demerara and ground coffee beans flow over the stewed dark fruits. Hints of spicy cigar box, mixed peel and soft clove add a great complexity through the long rich finish.”
£152.25
(£126.88 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 1035 Batch 9
Glendronach 1972 / 41 Year Old / Single Cask #702
The oldest release from GlenDronach’s batch 9 of single cask bottlings is this 1972 vintage. Aged for 41 years in oloroso sherry butt #702, this single cask release has been bottled at 51.7% vol with a final out-turn of 448 bottles.
“A beautifully elegant vintage sherry style bursting with a combination of dark espresso, molasses, lively herbs and oak spices. Dried fruits and soft waves of walnut add a subtle balance to this classic expression.”
£584.25
(£486.88 ex vat)
Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 702 Batch 9
