Ardbeg’s Peat Hopper, this one-of-a-kind vehicle, kind of a cross between a chopper and tractor, was built by Paul Teutul, Sr. and team at Orange County Choppers, to help transform Main Street into Peat Street as they spread the love of the unforgettable, unique Ardbeg Islay whisky. The Ardbeg Girls will be on hand with discount coupons for the Ardbeg Ten and other swag!

Gartbreck, the 9th Islay distillery aims to revive traditional methods of whisky making

Plans for what will be the 9th whisky distillery on an isle which is regarded as the Mecca of whisky have been revealed. Gartbreck Distillery will be built at Saltpan Point on the site of an old farm located on the shore of Loch Indaal near Bowmore, on the isle of Islay on the Western coast of Scotland.

Gartbreck Distillery will be unique in reviving the traditional method of whisky making which had been abandoned for the benefit of cost efficiency. Its two pots stills which will be overlooking the sea through a large glass garble will be direct heated with a live flame, it will use worm tub condensers and fermentation of the wash will take place in Oregon Pine wooden washbacks. This has nothing to do with nostalgia, the reasons of those choices being this is how Jean Donnay who has now completed the design of the distillery wants to make whisky since he believes this is how he should do in order to obtain the specific character he is aiming at.

His belief is largely based on his experience of having previously designed Glann ar Mor Distillery in Brittany under the very same lines, and having operated it successfully since 2005. Its whiskies have earned wide recognition with in particular five “Liquid Gold Awards” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, and he has been named “Distillery Manager of the Year 2014” at the “Icons of Whisky – Rest of the World” for his distillery in Brittany.

Although reverting to time proven methods, Gartbreck’s bespoke equipment will include some technical evolution allowing in particular to significantly minimize the drawbacks usually associated with the direct heating of the stills. The distillery’s water will flow by gravity from Grunnd Loch which overlooks the distillery 900m away from it, and the floor malting and the kiln will allow to produce 20% of its needs in peated malt in using local barley from the isle.

The plans also include the production of gin in limited volume, to be sold exclusively at the distillery’s visitor centre in order to stimulate business activity during the initial period when the distillery’s whisky will not yet be available.

The highest attention has been paid by the local architects and designers to respect the exceptional location, the distillery’s building keeping a sleek silhouette for a smooth integration in the landscape. Once it will be operating at nominal capacity the distillery will be producing 55.000 LPA per year. One type of Single Malt will be produced, offering a highly peaty character for which Islay whiskies are so famous.

The new distillery will see up to 10 jobs being created. Planning Permission has been granted by the Argyll and Bute Council and it is hoped that the fundings of the 2.5M£ investment will be completed in time to start work during the third quarter 2014, with an aim to have the distillery starting operation by autumn 2015.

Contact : Martine or Jean Donnay @ info@gartbreck.com 

Gartbreck Distillery
Moss Road
Bowmore PA43 7JG
Isle of Islay
SCOTLAND

anCnoc Takes a Trip to the Dark Side With

New Peated Collection

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is inviting drinkers to find their ‘peaty side’ this year as the contemporary single malt launches an intriguing new collection of limited edition peated whiskies for the global market.

Aiming to unravel the mysteries of peated whisky for modern drinkers, this new collection from the Knockdhu Distillery will feature anCnoc’s classic light, easy-drinking style but with a dark, distinctive and smoky twist.

The first three releases in the collection were unveiled at a launch event in Glasgow last night (Wednesday 26^th March), with the anCnoc team treating guests to tastings of each new single malt, alongside an inspiring mix of peaty experiences.

A menu inspired by anCnoc’s new dark side was created for the event by rising Scottish food experimentalists Jelly&Gin, with jars of edible peat bog, copper rivet lollipops and clouds of anCnoc smoke delighting guests on the night. A living peat bog was even transported to the venue for the occasion.

The expressions in anCnoc’s new peated collection are named in honour of the traditional tools used to cut peat, with ‘Rutter’ and ‘Flaughter’ unveiled for the UK and global markets and ‘Tushkar’ released exclusively for Sweden.

Each new release will also display its own varying phenol content in parts per million (ppm) to indicate just how peated the whisky inside the bottle is, aiming to help drinkers find a peaty level to suit their palate.

Inspiration for the new peated collection comes from anCnoc’s 120 year history, which reveals that the very first whiskies crafted at Knockdhu had a peaty edge, thanks to the distillery’s location in the heart of some of Scotland’s most fertile peat land. 

Tasting notes

Rutter (11.0 ppm): sparkling gold in appearance, initially smoky on the nose giving way to spices, pineapples, pear drops and vanilla. A full-bodied peaty richness to taste but with undertones of set honey, vanilla, toffee and leather, punctuated by green apples, giving way to a smoky peaty finish.

Flaughter (14.8ppm): pale gold in appearance a warm smokiness with spice, ash and surprising fruit on the nose. Distinctly smoky to taste with a fruity long-lasting finish.

Tushkar (15.0 ppm): polished gold in appearance with a rich sweet honey and vanilla nose wrapped in a veil of warm peat smoke, pierced by overtones of fresh green apples, orange peel and cut spring flowers. Rich, full-bodied wood smoke to taste, opening up to exotic spices, runny honey, toffee sweetness and a hint of freshly squeezed lemons.

The packaging of the new collection represents a dark and striking alternative look for anCnoc, with each green glass bottle featuring a glistening illustration of a traditional peat cutting tool on an eye-catching black label.

The whiskies will be available through independent and specialist retailers from April and will sit alongside anCnoc’s core range. They are bottled at 46% ABV and in their most natural state – neither chill-filtered nor coloured.

Charles Maclean, Master of the Quaich comments: ‘The difference between these three malts is subtle, but apparent. Their overall flavour – their aroma and taste –is nicely balanced, fresh and breezy; their smokiness subtle and understated, while their cheerful simplicity makes them very ‘more-ish’ and easy to drink’.

Project Manager, Stephanie Bridge, hopes that anCnoc’s new collection will encourage malt drinkers to explore peated whisky in a new way. She commented: ‘Our new limited edition peated single malts will form an exciting collection to sit alongside our core anCnoc expressions, offering drinkers a new, and perhaps a first experience of peated whisky. These malts have all the exceptional qualities of anCnoc but with a depth and smokiness that will be appealing both to peat aficionados and to drinkers of lighter malts with an interest in finding a peated malt whisky that they understand and enjoy. We’re on a mission to bring our very modern take on the world of peated whisky to our drinkers and to entice customers to experience this new side of anCnoc.’

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions.

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was established in 1894 and is one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for producing a single malt that makes every day a special occasion. The new limited edition peated whiskies join the popular anCnoc 12 years old, a light yet complex dram; 16, 22 and 35 years old expressions; and a yearly vintage, currently the 1999. anCnoc is known for championing the contemporary visual arts and for its partnerships with some of Scotland’s most vibrant galleries and arts projects. 

About International Beverage 

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

9^th World Whiskies Conference packed with interest 

The 9^th World Whiskies Conference has a full programme of topics for delegates from around the world. Keynote speaker Mike Keyes, President North American Region, Brown Forman, will start the day, and Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo, is the guest Lunch Speaker. 

The one day global whiskies business summit takes place in New York at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, on Tuesday April 8, 2014 and includes these leading lights from the global industry: 

• Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay
• Bernie Lubbers, Brand Ambassador, Heaven Hill Distilleries
• Michael Payne, Executive Director, International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores
• Daniel Fisher, Senior Vice President, Spirits Portfolio, Astor Wines & Spirits
• Lawson Whiting, Senior Vice President, Chief Brands Officer, Brown Forman
• Meghan Labot, Vice President Strategy, Spring Design Partners, Inc
• Pramod Krishna, Director General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
• Frank Coleman, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Distilled Spirits Council
• Ralph Erenzo, Sales and Marketing, Hudson Whiskey / Tuthilltown
• David Blackmore, The Glenmorangie Company
• Alan Kropf, Director of Education, Anchor Brewers & Distillers
• David Gerzof Richard, Emerson College Professor of Digital Media & Marketing
• Ross Hendry, Director, International Sales, Corby
• David Ozgo, Chief Economist, Distilled Spirits Council 

“The global whiskies business continues to surge and the World Whiskies Conference offers a unique environment in which to learn from the best to harness growth and development of your own business,” says Damian Riley-Smith, Conference Director. 

Topics at the 2014 World Whiskies Conference are: 

• Growth trends in the U.S. whiskey market.  Deluxe Canadian whiskies, ultra-premium Bourbon, Irish whiskey. Fatigue with Scotch or growing the market?
• Panel Debate.  The impact of craft and its effects on the market; opportunity or threat to established brands
• Reaching out to luxury markets.  Can American and Canadian whiskies thrive in new markets abroad, and how? China and India; what has worked and what has not?
• Flavoured whisky.  With the massive uptake of flavoured whisky in North America, does this help the category or harm it?
• Travel retail.  Expensive marketing or essential profile? What are the criteria for entry and success? Is it worth the investment?
• Traditional marketing in a social media world.  How should traditional marketing methods mix with social media marketing?
• New product design.  How does good product design influence sales? What are the key elements of great design? Which designs have worked, and which not.
• Taste the difference.  Taste the difference between different priced whiskies. Why does one justify a higher price? Is it all about the flavor? Is it the age? How influential is the packaging?  

Delegate booking is available from www.worldwhiskiesconference.com and starts at $425. 

Two remarkable brand new and delicious Japanese whiskies now available to order via The Whisky Shop. Free delivery on all orders over £60 delivered to mainland UK.

Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

Full gold. A gentle, elegant fragrance topped by soft fruits – strawberry, white peach, cherry – and backed by sweet tobacco leaf. A smooth texture and a sweet taste, with crisp acidity, traces of coconut and a medium – length, warming finish leaving a hint of planed oak. More perfumed with water, with light oak notes, the taste is now sweet throughout.

Bottled at 43% volume

For nearly a century the Yamazaki distillery has been dedicated to the pursuit of crafting a world-class whisky that is uniquely Japanese. The still green valley that this distillery calls home is blessed with the perfect balance of pristine water and humidity. Here they have been creating innovations in single malt whisky production that incorporate an art of whisky-making passed down through the ages. This never-ending journey that winds tradition with innovation in pursuit of the finest Japanese whisky has led to the creation of a world-class whisky known simply as Yamazaki

£52.00 Simply Click Here To Buy

Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve

The colour of white wine. A fresh nose, and lightly cooling – eucalyptus, a hint of mint, a trace of cucumber – the first taste is likewise mouth-cooling, with a sweet start, a trace of fresh acidity and a shortish finish. A light, aperitif – style malt. A drop of water sweetens the aroma slightly and introduces pear drops. The taste remains light, sweet and fruity.

Bottled at 43% volume.

Known as the ‘Forest Distillery’, Hakushu Distillery is located at a site known for the pristine waters of the Ojira River, which has been designated by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the highest-quality water sources in the country. The construction of the distillery, which is surrounded by expansive forest, was the culmination of a many-year search for a site that could best take advantage of Japan’s natural bounty in the process of making Japanese whisky.

£52.00 Simply Click Here To Buy

New! Signatory Vintage Single Cask Whiskies

New arrivals from independent bottler Signatory the proprietor of Edradour including Laphroaig, Imperial, Cambus, Highland Park, Coal Ila and this 16 Year Old from the Glenlivet distillery.

Glenlivet 16 Year Old $61.31

www.ralfy.com reviews an unofficial Mortlach instead of the new official and expensive Mortlachs with Whisky Review 443 – Mortlach 16yo @ 60.2% (Single Malts Of Scotland)

DIAGEO LAUNCHES A NEW SPIRIT DRINK BASED ON J&B SCOTCH WHISKY

Springbank Society 10th Anniversary Tasting 

at 7.30pm on Thursday 3rd April 2104 

at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Springbank 17yo 12/90 – 02/08 refill port hogshead 570 bottles 51.5%

Springbank 14yo 06/92 – 03/07 Bourbon hogshead 265 bottles 55.3%

Hazelburn 8yo 07/98 – 07/06 refill sherry butt 600 bottles 58.7%

Springbank 9yo fresh rum butt 07/97 – 03/07 700 bottles 60.2%

Longrow 8yo 02/97 – 07/05 refill sherry butt 630 bottles 59.9%

Tickets – £26/23* see http://www.jollytopertastings.co.uk/ for tickets and further details.

*£3 discount for first timers and members, membership costs a mighty £10 and lasts for a nice round 13 months.

Mora’s Fine Wine Whiskey Tasting Event for World Whisky Day, May 17 

Come taste over 25 whiskies from around the globe and celebrate World Whisky Day with Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits at The Country Corner between 6-9pm on Saturday, May 17! 

$24 per person before April 19

$30 per person after April 19

BUY TICKETS NOW!

**space limited, ticket purchase required** 

Ticket purchase includes sampling of over 25 fine whiskies, Whisky friendly snacks, Glencairn tasting glass, door prizes for lucky winners. 

Some of our Featured Distillers: (check back for updates)

Amrut, Balcones, Benriach, Benromach, Breckenridge, Brenne, Corsair, FEW Spirits, Garrison Brothers, Glendronach, Glenrothes, Highland Park, Isle of Arran, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Kilchoman, Koval, New Holland, Nikka, Smooth Ambler, Tamdhu, Town Branch 

About World Whisky Day: Now you may be thinking ‘isn’t every day a whisky day?’. Well kind of, however, World Whisky Day is about celebrating whisky/whiskey and about giving whisky global stage and global media attention for not just a day but for a considerable amount of time around this date. The purpose of this is to introduce whisky to people who have never tried it before and for those that already enjoy whisky to have something special. 

Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits

http://www.moraswines.com/

631-941-4458   sev.clemens@moraswines.com