We are pleased to announce that annual Arran 10 yr Gift Sets Release

is available now

RRP $49.99

New release

Stalk & Barrel Cask 8 – 46% alc./vol.  To be released Sunday, October 6, 12 noon to 3pm.  Available only at the distillery (extended hours from October 6 to October 10) or online starting October 7.

WORLD’S FIRST 3D ART EXHIBITION LAUNCHED IN A BOTTLE

JOHNNIE WALKER^®BLUE LABEL^TM GALLERY SET TO LIGHT UP WORLD’S KEY AIRPORTS 

SINGAPORE, 20 SEPTEMBER 2013 – You will no doubt have heard of a message in a bottle but perhaps not a 3D art exhibition in a bottle. This is exactly what JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL^TM, the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whisky, has created in conjunction with some of the most celebrated international contemporary artists and fashion designers.

The immersive JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery will be a spectacle to behold and a feast for the senses. Using the latest in projection technology, a collection of artistic endeavours will be showcased from within large format JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL bottles that stand at almost three metres tall. In another break from tradition, the art installation will not be exhibited in established art galleries but instead feature in cosmopolitan airports across the globe from Singapore, to London and beyond, reflecting the travel credentials of the brand.

In each of these vibrant cities, JOHNNIE WALKER will collaborate with local game-changing artisans to showcase their interpretation of ‘The Rare Blend’ – a homage to JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.  The bottles will be filled with bespoke 3D and CGI graphics created by famous local artists from the host cities, giving the content perspective and depth.

The first port of call is the concourse of Terminal 1 in Singapore Changi Airport, the world’s most awarded airport, starting 19 September 2013. This unique, stylish Gallery will then take to the skies and travel to other key destination airports around the world. For the world premiere in Singapore, JOHNNIE WALKER has commissioned three local leading contemporary artists who embody the unique character of both the rare whisky and the spirit of the Lion City: Priscilla Shunmugam, celebrated fashion designer and creator of the Ong Shunmugam label; Alvin Tan from the award-winning Phunk Studio; and Brandon Tay, a leading multimedia artist who blends technology with art.

Each artwork in the Gallery brings to life a key element of both the heritage of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL and the country of Singapore, as explained in more detail below:

• Priscilla Shunmugam tells the story, in CGI video form, behind her ‘Architectural Couture’ artwork. In it she shows the marrying of the stories behind the iconic buildings of Singapore and their structural rigidity and beauty, with the flowing organic patterns from traditional fabrics. Each building, like the rare whisky has a story of real character, one steeped in history and shaped by the present, both coming together to inspire the creation of each piece of clothing.
• Alvin Tan’s piece brings together the voices of visionaries in an animation sequence that is nothing short of mesmerising. This artwork will showcase handcrafted digital typography, breathing life to the game-changing minds of Aristotle and Dr. Livingstone. A visualization of how words can be shared with a great spirit, Alvin will use paper sculptures as they form and mesmerize as they spiral into a creation representing a blend of voices from different personalities, crossing diverse talents and experiences.
• Brandon Tay examines the beauty within the bottle. He is inspired by the notion of metamorphosis, drawing parallels between its occurrence in nature, its representation in Singapore’s evolution through these 48 years and aptly, the transformation of the finest ingredients and our rarest blend of whiskies into a prized bottle of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. His piece will blend fauna and flora to create a new unique life form reminiscent of a silk worm spinning the thread for its cocoon.

Priscilla Shunmugam, who has showed at the Singapore and Paris Fashion Weeks, comments, “During the collaboration process that led to the creation of the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery we, as artists, wanted to create truly rare works to bring to life different representations of the rarest blend. Our three interpretations feature elements from the worlds of fashion, design, premium whisky and even nature itself. We hope that voyagers travelling through Singapore Changi Airport will be surprised and delighted by the Gallery and that it provides them with a unique and completely immersive experience.

Brooke Supernaw, Vice President, Wines and Spirits, DFS Group, adds, “DFS has an award-winning Liquor & Tobacco concession in Terminal 1 and we are constantly searching for truly innovative ways to provide our customers with the ultimate airport experience. We are glad to have found a great partner in the Diageo Global Travel team. The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery is the latest game-changing activation, and we are pleased to be the first to be part of an exhibition that upholds the same standard of beauty engagement, innovation and technological sophistication that we strive to meet every day with our concessions at Changi Airport.”

Commenting on the collaboration with the next generation of game-changers, Doug Bagley, Chief Operating Officer, Diageo Global Travel & Middle East adds, “JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is a blend of unrivalled luxury. It deliberately and expertly draws together some of the rarest whiskies in the world. With that in mind, our curated artists have taken the theme of ‘The Rare Blend’ as their inspiration, subtly blending product cues of rare cask, craft and character into their work to produce a unique creation that is reflective of the pioneering, game-changing ethos of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. We’re delighted with the results – a genuine first for the worlds of art and whisky.”

The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery will be on display at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 from 19 September until 31 October 2013.

Notes

To celebrate the opening of the travel retail exhibition and in conjunction with DFS Ventures Singapore, JOHNNIE WALKER has created 150 limited edition JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL bottles, etched with the Singapore skyline in a rare gold liquid imprint. These will be available exclusively for purchase at the DFS Changi Airport for a limited time only.

About JOHNNIE WALKER^® BLUE LABEL™

JOHNNIE WALKER^® BLUE LABEL™ is the pinnacle of JOHNNIE WALKER^®.

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 BLUE LABEL. Using a relatively small number of whiskies requires incredible skill and exceptional liquids as each will play a significant contribution to the final result.

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 www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trade marks © DIAGEO 2013. 

About DFS Group

Founded in 1960 in Hong Kong, DFS Group (DFS) is the world’s leading luxury travel retailer. Today, it operates in 10 countries and across three continents. Employing more than 9,000 associates, the company provides a seamless retail experience and presents the world’s leading brands to over 35 million world travellers each year at its 14 downtown Gallerias and in 18 international airports. DFS is majority owned by LVMH  (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), with the balance of shares held by companies associated with DFS co-founder Robert Miller. Its headquarters are in Hong Kong and Singapore and DFS has significant offices in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Shanghai and other key locations. For more information, visit www.dfsgalleria.com

I’m now here in the city that never sleeps, New York! It’s hard to believe that this will be the seventh Laphroaig Live that we have put on since we first had the idea in London back in 2007!

I’ve seen quite a bit of America in the past few days holding tastings and meeting Friends from all over the United States.

Anyway, there is a lot to do today so I will keep it short. Don’t forget to tune in to www.laphroaig.com/live tonight at 8pm (EST) for the live show. If you haven’t yet checked what time this will be in your time zone, you can do so here.

I’m looking forward to receiving your questions later!

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

2nd Seating Added for Bruichladdich’s Jim McEwan this Friday at 4PM – Can you say Happy Hour?

Jim McEwan is one of the most respected figures in the world of whisky, with August marking his 50th Year in the industry. On August 1st 1963 Jim began work at Bowmore distillery on Islay as an apprentice cooper. Jim continued to work for Morison Bowmore for the next 35 years, including a 12 year stint as Bowmore’s Distillery manager. In 2000 Jim joined a group looking to acquire the closed Bruichladdich distillery. They bought it that year and brought it back to life in very short order. Over the following 13 years Jim and his team have taken it from virtual obscurity to one of the Scotch industry’s most recognized brands. Their hard work paid off this year when Remy Cointreau bought the distillery from the private group for £58 million.

When we announced a few weeks back that Jim McEwan would be hosting a tasting at KWM on Friday September 27th it sold out almost instantaneously. We’ve added a second “Happy Hour” tasting from 4-6PM on the 27th, which will feature the same whiskies (listed below), hosted by the same charismatic brand ambassador. This could be your last chance to see the legendary Jim McEwan, with this visit rumoured to be his farewell tour. The price for the tasting is $50, and as an added bonus, all attendees (at both tastings) will receive a $20 gift card to be used towards the purchase of anything in store. Perhaps even a bottle of Bruichladdich for Jim to leave his signature on!

Our 4PM and 7PM seatings with Jim McEwan will feature the following whiskies:

1. Bruichladdich Laddie Classic
2. Bruichladdich Islay Barley Dunlossit
3. Bruichladdich Laddie 22 Year
4. Bruichladdich Cuvee 382 La Berenice
5. Bruichladdich Cuvee 407 PX
6. Bruichladdich Cuvee 640 Eroica
7. Port Charlotte 10 Year
8. PC10

Most of these whiskies are in very short supply in Alberta, and won’t be available much longer. A farewell tasting not just for Jim, but also for some of these Bruichladdich expressions.

You can register for the tasting by phone at 403-283-8000 or online at https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php .

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES the 3^rd EDITION of 100% ISLAY

We are pleased to announce the Kilchoman 100 % Islay 3rd Release is available now.

This is the latest edition of the 100% Islay range which is produced from barley grown, malted, distilled and bottled at the distillery. This release has had a longer maturation compared to the 2nd Edition and is a vatting of four and five year old fresh bourbon barrels.

Only 10,000 bottles of this limited edition will be available worldwide.

With a delicate and floral nose of soft fruits and pear drops, 100% Islay goes on with peat smoke in the mouth, complimented by a long, sweet and lingering finish that blends with the softer tones of peat smoke.

RRP $89.99

The Bowmore Devil’s Cask and the Bruichladdich Black Art are now available to order from The Whisky Shop.

The Bowmore Devil’s Cask 10 year old

Matured exclusively, and unusually for 10 years in the finest first fill sherry casks, which help to bring out Bowmore’s hot and fiery characteristics, this small batch release is, quite simply, devilishly good!

Tasting Notes:

Nose
Dark fruits,birch tar, the seductive warmth of old leather,brandy, fruitcake and maple syrup.

Taste
Rich fruitcake, tarry chocolate, lingering dark fruits, tobacco and angelica root.

Finish
Exceptionally long, full-bodied finish

Bottled at 56.9% abv

Click here to buy £50.99

Bruichladdich Black Art 4 1990 23 year old

This fourth incarnation of the now legendary Black Art is more enigmatic than ever, the composition of casks a mystery to all bar its creator.

Bottled at a cask strength of 49.2% ABV

Matured in American Oak and a premium wine cask.

Tasting Notes:
The marriage of the spirit from truly magical casks has created a sensational texture, both sleek and suggestive. Lose yourself in the sweet, fruity, mellow oakiness of this bewitching spirit.

Click here to buy £200

The Whisky Shop
Tel 0141 427 2919
info@whiskyshop.com
www.whiskyshop.com

CAERMORY SINGLE MALT 

Caermory Whisky are delighted to announce the launch of there 20 year old single malt.

This single cask bottling has produced just 292 bottles at cask strength (49.6%vol). The cask was specially selected and is available to buy direct from Caermory whisky and will be in due course be available via selected retailers across the UK.

We hope you will share and enjoy this one off bottling

Information – tel 01462 458591 or visit at www.caermorywhisky.co.uk

Highland Park announces sponsorship of Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2014

Highland Park single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has forged a new partnership with one of the UK’s leading pub trade magazines, The Publican’s Morning Advertiser, by sponsoring an award category at their annual Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2014.

The bespoke package will see Highland Park sponsor the ‘Front of House Manager of the Year’ at the awards, which are now in their sixth year and known as the leading event for the premium end of the UK food-led pub trade.

The ‘Front of House Manager of the Year’ award recognises gastropub managers who are a vital part of their pub’s business success and help deliver excellent service. Highland Park will play a key role in the judging process and will present the award to the chosen manager at the awards ceremony on Monday, 27 January 2014 at Anglian Country Inns’ site Hermitage Road, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Peter Sandstrom, marketing director, Maxxium UK on behalf of Highland Park commented: “The front of house manager is a pivotal role in any establishment and the drinks offering is central to this. As an award winning single malt whisky, we are excited to be sponsoring this category. We look forward to reviewing the entries and, ultimately, congratulating the winner.”

Made using only the finest ingredients, which are responsibly sourced and managed, Highland Park is made for people who understand and respect whisky and are ‘fans of flavour’. Promoting a passion for whisky and the importance of flavour, Highland Park helped create the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance, in partnership with Slow Food UK.  The Slow Food UK Chef Alliance engages British chefs in actively championing small-scale producers and working within their communities to promote good quality local and sustainably produced food. 

The closing date for entries is 17 October 2013 and the Top 50 list will be announced at the awards lunch on Monday 27 January 2014.

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world.  For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.   Its range of 12, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseursand experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including ‘best new whisky release of the year 2009’ for its 40-year-old single malt and ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky

Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky

Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky

Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky

Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.