BENRIACH: FROM SLEEPING GIANT TO SHOOTING STAR IN TEN YEARS

THE BenRiach Distillery Company is delighted to celebrate its tenth birthday today (April 29).

Back in 2004, Billy Walker and his two South African partners Geoff Bell and Wayne Kieswetter purchased BenRiach, turning it into one of Scotland’s most admired distilleries.

At the time, renowned whisky writer Jim Murray said: “It was with delight, while sworn to secrecy, that I witnessed BenRiach gaining its independence, when a team led by the experienced and infectiously enthusiastic Billy Walker acquired the Distillery. This independence will allow BenRiach to unlock its secrets and bring its fine and surprising malts officially to the market in their natural state for the first time. There cannot be a single true lover of whisky who will not rejoice because of it.”

Production was resumed almost immediately. On August 7 that year, the first bottling of BenRiach under the new company took place while on September 20 the first distillation under the new owners was filled to cask.

Four years later BenRiach acquired GlenDronach. Announcing the purchase, Billy Walker said: “We hope our acquisition of GlenDronach will intrigue, surprise and delight whisky connoisseurs around the world. GlenDronach is a bit of a sleeping giant and we look forward to breathing new life into it, giving it the attention and commitment it deserves.”

Two years later the company launched a five-line bottling plant in Newbridge before making its latest acquisition last year. Glenglassaugh, the renowned Highland single malt with its rich and distinguished heritage, was added to the expanding Highland and Speyside portfolio.

The firm currently employs 120 people across its four sites.

Over the ten years the three brands have won numerous prestigious awards including “Best International Business Award” in the 2005 Enterprising Scotland Awards and “Distillery of the Year” in the 2007 Malt Advocate Awards.

Most recently, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh won five main awards and a total of twelve medals in the 2013 Malt Maniacs Awards following that up with 10 medals at last year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, with all three brands scooping major awards.

Reflecting on the first highly successful decade, Billy Walker said: “We find ourselves in one of the golden periods of the industry. There’s unprecedented demand for high-end brands in places like Taiwan, Scandinavia, USA, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, South Africa and South America. For the future we’ll take time to allow our brands’ personalities to develop.”

He went on: “We are a privately owned, independent, creative, boutique business. We see each distillery as having ‘Grand Cru Chateau’ provenance. Our people are totally passionate. We recognise the privilege that we enjoy by owning three very historic distilleries and that we have the freedom to express the personalities of these distilleries in the marketplace. We’ll see where that journey takes us in the next ten years.”

To mark today’s exciting milestone, a special BenRiach 10-year old anniversary expression from the first distillation will be available later this year.

And, intriguingly, Billy hasn’t ruled out further acquisitions for the company.

“If something came up adding balance to the business, we’d consider it.”

TOP PICKS

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 04L430 N55-3-2 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)
  (NOTE: This bottle will ship as a 1.5 L size bottle due to its size) Production methods really haven’t changed at George Dickel distillery since 1959, nor have the practices — they’ve been making old-fashioned Tennessee whiskey from corn the only way they know how. That’s why when Dickel announced they would begin doing a single barrel program with retailers we were amazed (and excited). Just like with Bourbon, corn is the main component for Tennessee whiskey and is important in particular because of Dickel’s 84% corn mashbill that results in a full-bodied, creamy sweetness that sets it apart from its Kentucky brethren. It also passes very slowly though charcoal after distillation, allowing it to pull out all the impurities they don’t want in the whiskey, resulting in a soft, mellow, and smooth spirit. But now imagine all that sweet corn richness from a single barrel at 103 proof! Barrel 04L430 N55-3-2 has a concentrated core of charred o ak, caramel corn, and big spice. The palate explodes and the high proof balances out the richness perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 3L29 G78-5-8 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)
  (NOTE: This bottle will ship as a 1.5 L size bottle due to its size) Production methods really haven’t changed at George Dickel distillery since 1959, nor have the practices — they’ve been making old-fashioned Tennessee whiskey from corn the only way they know how. That’s why when Dickel announced they would begin doing a single barrel program with retailers we were amazed (and excited). Just like with Bourbon, corn is the main component for Tennessee whiskey and is important in particular because of Dickel’s 84% corn mashbill that results in a full-bodied, creamy sweetness that sets it apart from its Kentucky brethren. It also passes very slowly though charcoal after distillation, allowing it to pull out all the impurities they don’t want in the whiskey, resulting in a soft, mellow, and smooth spirit. But now imagine all that sweet corn richness from a single barrel at 103 proof! Barrel 3L29 G78-5-8 has lots of wood tannin and dark oak g oodness, but a bit of burnt sugar and creme brulee on the backend. This is most nuanced of the bunch, but that’s not saying much. It still explodes at 51.5% ABV and still brings the sweet corny goodness, albeit in a more subdued manner. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

NEW ARRIVALS

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Hazelburn 10 Year Old Rundlets & Kilderkins Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 7 available ($115.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 03L29 G78-2-26 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 04F29 L56-5-5 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 04F29 L56-6-20 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)

• George Dickel K&L Exclusive 9 Year Old Single Barrel 04L28 N54-3-6 Tennessee Whiskey 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($44.99)

BACK IN STOCK…

Blended Scotch

• Buchanan’s 12 year Scotch Whisky 750ml ($39.99)

Single Malt Indian Whisky

• Amrut “Fusion” Indian Single Malt Whiskey 750ml ($64.99)

Ireland – Irish and Blended Scotch

• Green Spot Single Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 750ml – 8 available ($44.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Big Peat Islay Vatted Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($55.99)

• Hazelburn 12 year old Triple Distilled Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $100) – 5 available ($86.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Ascendant Spirits Breaker Limited Edition Bourbon Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($44.99)

• Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml ($39.99)

• Roughstock Montana Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml – 5 available ($49.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Loch Fyne Whiskies is delighted to announce that the brand new Kilchoman Loch Gorm vintage has arrived. Bottled in 2014 this sensational expression promises to be one of their most exciting ever releases. Only available while stocks last!

The Loch Gorm was filled into fresh Oloroso sherry butts in 2009 and bottled in spring 2014. This full ex-sherry cask maturation creates a unique balance of classic Kilchoman character and rich Oloroso sherry influence.

Nose: Mixed preserved fruit, particularly lemon and rich peat smoke
Palate: Dry cereal flavour develops into honey and biscuit with lingering peat
Finish: Rich, sweet and smoky

Click here to buy – £67.00

www.ralfy.com visits India and expresses some controversial opinions with Whisky Review 451 – Amrut Port & Peated Single Cask

Whisky Magazine’s July issue throws a spotlight on Canada, investigating some of the exciting new directions being taken by Canadian distillers and profiling the country’s top five whiskies. Moving to Scotland, we explore the islands of Islay and Jura, revealing the little known connections that these islands’ notable distilleries have to George Orwell, The First World War and Jazz, and providing a guide to the best places to stay and visit. Also included with the July issue is our annual guide to the Great Whiskey Bars of the World – an essential pocket book to help whiskey-lovers find the best drams wherever they go.

It will be followed on the 12^th September by our US Special, drawing the attention of Whiskey connoisseurs the World over to the latest developments in US distilling, ageing and drinking. Reviews include a look at a wide range of whiskies from the US, providing plenty for readers to explore. From the other side of the Atlantic, we also take a look at Scandinavian whiskey and how the country has become one of the World’s key producers. 

Editorial Features

 Issue No.120

Special Features

Canadian Whiskies

Whisky Travel: Islay and Jura

Whisky Bars of the World supplement

Publication Date: 25^th July

Issue No.121

 Special Features

Whisky Travel: Scandinavia

Special Features: A focus on a wide range of whiskies from across the US.

Special Distribution from the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Publication Date: 12^th September

TOMATIN MAKES CHANGES TO ITS CORE RANGE 

Port finishes added to Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range 

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has announced a change to the line-up of its core range of single malts. A 14 year old Port Wood Finish and a batch release 1988 vintage are being introduced, while the 15 year old and 30 Year Old expressions will be removed. 

The 14 Year Old Port Wood Finish has spent around 13 years in the finest Bourbon oak barrels, with a further year in specially selected Portuguese port pipes which had previously held Tawny port for between 30 and 40 years. The result is an excellent dram which is soft and smooth with a port-influenced sweetness. 

The 1988 vintage also takes on an element of port with its contents having been vatted from ex-bourbon and ex-port casks, resulting in a sweet yet surprisingly fresh dram. Presented in a wooden box with its own certificate, this expression will be released in batches, the first batch offering 2500 bottles. 

These two new expressions join the brand’s non-aged “Legacy” – matured in a combination of Bourbon and Virgin Oak casks – and the 12 and 18 Year Olds, both finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks. The 12 Year Old is now being sold at 43% alc./vol. in all markets (increased from 40%). 

Stephen Bremner, sales director, said: “In recent years we have really started to make our mark in the single malt market with recognition for the high quality whisky on offer from the Tomatin Distillery. Most recently in March 2014 we were awarded Gold for Legacy and our 12 Year Old, and Double Gold for our 18 Year Old at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. I am confident these two new expressions will sit nicely within the range and, most importantly, will be enjoyed by our customers.” 

A short film with Graham Eunson talking about the effect of port on our whisky: http://youtu.be/-Eg3yvLHuTo

Notes 

1. 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.
2. Website: www.tomatin.com   Download our Press Kit from the Contact Us page
   Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
3. 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.
4. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
5. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

The Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range has always offered a wide range of flavours with its variety of wood finishes including Sherry, Bourbon and, more recently, Virgin Oak.

We are delighted to introduce a new flavour to the range; Port Wood Finish. Having spent around 13 years in the finest Bourbon oak barrels, this whisky has spent a year in specially selected Portuguese port pipes which had previously held Tawny port for between 30 and 40 years. The result is an excellent dram which is soft and smooth with a port-influenced sweetness.

THE WHISKY

Cask Type: Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Port pipes

Strength: 46% alc./vol.

Availability: April 2014, permanent addition to core range

Distribution: Worldwide

Price: RRP £48.99 per 70cl bottle / $55 per 75cl bottle

This whisky is soft and smooth with significant sweet influence from the port casks. After spending time maturing in traditional oak casks, it spends the last year of its maturation exclusively in port pipes. 

AROMA; Honeydew melon, red berries, baked apples. Rich toffee, butterscotch. Sweet honey and bitter dark chocolate.

PALATE; Fruit and nut. Peaches, apricots, mango and plum. Mixed Walnut and Pecan.

FINISH; Smooth fruit salad which lingers on the palate.

NOTES

• LAUNCH DATE: April 2014

• LAUNCH DETAILS: The launch will be supported by competitions on the brand’s social media channels and a Product Film on You Tube.

• 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

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

The Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range has always offered a wide range of flavours with its variety of wood finishes including Sherry, Bourbon and, more recently, Virgin Oak.

Along with our new 14 Year Old Port Wood Finish, we are delighted to announce the addition of a 1988 Vintage expression to our core range. This expression will be released in batches.

The contents have been vatted from a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Port casks.

THE WHISKY

Cask Type: Matured in a combination of Bourbon casks and Port pipes

Strength: 46% alc./vol.

Availability: Batch 1 (2500 bottles) available worldwide from April 2014, permanent addition to core range.

Distribution: Worldwide

Price: RRP £159.99 per 70cl bottle / $250 per 75cl bottle

This whisky is sweet and fresh – a delicious whisky which, on the nose, smells like breakfast in a glass!

AROMA; Strawberry jam, honey glazed ham, Cantaloupe melon, freshly squeezed orange juice.

PALATE; Sweet with buttery notes; candy floss, Victoria sponge. Red fruits, eucalyptus, mint, coconut. Fading smoke.

FINISH; Fresh with lots of depth.

NOTES

• LAUNCH DATE: April 2014

• LAUNCH DETAILS: The launch will be supported by competitions on the brand’s social media channels and a Product Film on You Tube.

• 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: facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter & Instagram: @Tomatin1897

YouTube: youtube.com/user/tomatin1897

The Good Spirits Co. To Launch Scottish Referendum Blended Scotch Whisky

Independent Glasgow spirits store, The Good Spirits Co., will be launching their own ScottishReferendum whisky on Friday 2nd of May 2014 at 1pm. There will be only 140 bottles of this 23 year old blended Scotch whisky available to buy. Customers will be able to choose one of two labels featuring either a Yes vote or a No vote giving a poll result when the bottles have sold out.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie and Labour MSP Jackie Baillie will be attending the launch to represent both sides of the vote.

Director Mark Connelly described the whisky as, “A well balanced blend with both a rich, fruity sweetness and a zingy spiciness battling it out for prominence. It’s very tasty and for a great drink for any occasion it gets my vote.”, adding, “This whisky was created to highlight the forthcoming referendum whilst having a bit of fun and enjoying a dram. We’re matching this historic event to our national drink and one of our biggest exports which seems entirely appropriate. Perhaps it will be used to toast the result or drown sorrows, come September.”

The bottles will be on sale from 1pm on Friday 2nd and will retail at £69 per bottle. Bottles will be limited to one per person. It is bottled at 52.5%.

The whisky has been bottled by regular collaborators The Creative Whisky Co. , a Scottish bordersbased independent bottler.

Notes 

The Good Spirits Co. opened in 2011 in Bath Street and stocks Glasgow’s biggest range of spirits, as well as craft beer, Havana cigars, fortified wines and fizz.

Owners Mark Connelly, Matthew McFadyen and Shane Goodbody previously worked for the retail chain Oddbins before going into business themselves. They now employ five staff.

The Good Spirits Co., 23 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 1HW.

www.thegoodspiritsco.com

World Whisky Day Shop Now LIVE!

World Whisky Day – Saturday 17th May 2014
Not long now!

We are delighted to welcome our friends at The Glenlivet, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Bruichladdich, Compass Box, Douglas Laing & Co, Kilchoman Distillery, Wemyss Malts, Kingsbarns Distillery, Tomatin Distillery and The Tweedale who are all celebrating World Whisky Day with us this year…more to announce soon.

Find out here how they will be celebrating!
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World Whisky Day Shop NOW LIVE!

Click here to see the new World Whisky Day Shop!
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Still time to register your World Whisky Day event

It only takes a few seconds to register your event.

Click here to register your event for free.

Event ideas:
Host at an event at your local bar.
Host an event in your own home.
Get your local whisky shop to arrange a special tasting.
It’s easy to get involved.

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Donate to Just a Drop and to help give people safe and clean drinking water.

We are proud to be supporting Just a Drop, an international water aid charity. We hope that you can help us raise money for them. Each time you have a whisky on World Whisky Day why not donate £1/$1/€1 to Just a Drop.

To learn more and donate to Just a Drop click here.

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Help #worldwhiskyday become a global trending topic!

By joining our ThunderClap twitter/facebook will automatically send out a message on World Whisky Day and it can help spark a global trend.

It only takes a couple clicks! Click here to join in!
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In other news

World Whisky Day Whisky 2014 Edition available soon – to register interest click here We’ll let you know when they are available to buy! Still time to get a World Whisky Day Event Pack sent out to you! To register for one click here. Get in the spirit, mark the date in your diary and lets raise a dram to World Whisky Day 2014. Visit the website now to find events that are happening near you or to register your own event: http://www.worldwhiskyday.com

In the meantime if you want to discuss your plans or find out more about getting involved then please email info@worldwhiskyday.com or call +44 (0)131 208 2582.

Kind regards,
Blair Bowman

Founder
World Whisky Day
www.worldwhiskyday.com