This week Joe Ellis reviews Glendronach 18yo Single Cask 1995 Batch 9 PX Cask.
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Speyburn Celebrates Successful Scheme to Conserve Local Wildlife
Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky is celebrating the completion of a sustainable environmental project to increase fish populations in the Mackalea Burn, close to its distillery in Speyside. The installation of a new fish pass, sponsored by the award-winning whisky, will overcome in-river obstacles that prevent salmon and sea trout from spawning, helping to improve the biodiversity of the area.
The scheme was led by Scottish charity the Spey Foundation, in collaboration with Moray Council and Speyburn, as part of the whisky’s two year partnership with the Spey Foundation to support ongoing conservation work along the River Spey. It forms part of the Foundation’s wider initiative to ‘open up Spey burns to wildlife’ and protect and restore the catchment’s natural features.
The Mackalea Burn is a tributary of the River Fiddich, one of the most productive spawning and nursery streams in the Spey catchment. A man-made obstacle, in this case road culverts and steps, had rendered the burn impassable to salmon and sea trout, preventing them from reaching their breeding ground.
The pass, which was created by removing a notch from the step and installing a sustainable timber chute, has allowed fish to journey to and from their breeding grounds more freely. Its design will also improve their habitat by creating depth and slower river flow, opening up an additional 1.5km of high quality breeding grounds to encourage spawning under all flow conditions.
Brian Shaw, a Spey Foundation Biologist commented: ‘The Mackalea Burn project was a great team effort between the Spey Foundation, Speyburn and Moray Council. These sustainable modifications have already allowed sea trout and salmon to swim up the Mackalea Burn, a nice spawning burn, and will continue to do so for years to come.’
The Spey Foundation plays a vital role in conserving the Spey burns and surrounding wildlife and it is this commitment that makes them the perfect partner for Speyburn, which is proud to be the only distillery to use water from the Granty Burn, a tributary of the River Spey, famed for its purity and world class salmon fishing.
Speyburn Single Malt donates £1 to the charity for each new person signing up to Clan Speyburn – the brand’s free online community – with further support provided through an international on-pack promotion.
Mark Steven, Speyburn’s Brand Manager added: ‘The River Spey is at the heart of our whisky, the local community and its wildlife, so it has been wonderful to partner with a charity which shares our commitment to its conservation. The Mackalea Burn project will make a really positive and long term impact on the river’s ecological status and we are very proud to have been involved in the collaboration. To further our commitment to the River Spey’s enhancement, we are now working with the Spey Foundation to develop another fish pass on the Granty Burn at our distillery, due for completion in 2015.’
Nestled in a valley in the northern edge of Rothes, Speyburn Distillery perfectly balances modern progress with time-honoured distillation and production techniques. In addition to using the most up-to-date and energy efficient equipment, the distillery has retained many of its original features to maintain its unique character, such as its pagoda ventilator roof, wooden wash backs, unique stills, worm tubs and traditional dunnage warehouses.
Notes
Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first distilled on December 15, 1897, the diamond jubilee year of Queen Victoria. Today, Speyburn continues to use the time-honoured traditional distillation methods that created the single barrel of the 1897 vintage. Speyburn is matured in American and Spanish oak casks in traditional stone-built warehouses. The result is a classic Speyside single malt; golden amber in colour with a sweet and citrus nose. It is medium-bodied and easy to drink, with a soft, fruity character and a dry, complex finish. The portfolio includes Speyburn Bradan Orach, Speyburn 10 year old and Speyburn 25 year old expressions.
The Spey Foundation is a charitable Company Limited by Guarantee and is a transition of the Spey Research Trust, which was formed in the mid-1970s and since 1981 operated as a Registered Charity, administered by a Research Committee. The aim of the Spey Foundation is to advance the study of and research into salmon and all other aquatic species within the Spey Fishery. The Foundation’s work, like the Trust’s before it, plays a vital part in informing and advising the Spey Fishery Board of developments within the river and helps to determine the Board’s approach to fishery management.
The ‘Opening Up Spey Burns to Wildlife’ project will focus on overcoming in-river obstacles and improvements to the habitat within the Spey catchment, by protecting and restoring the natural features. Damage to these natural features is often caused by diffuse pollution and sediment deposition through bank erosion. The restoration may involve fencing off areas which have been damaged by livestock, planting trees to create pockets of shade, re-instating gravel beds, moving rocks or introducing wood structures to restore the morphology and to re-establish a natural habitat area for fish to spawn and for other wildlife. The overall effect of these works will help to improve the biodiversity of the area and the river bank.
International Beverage Holdings is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:
International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world, such as the USA. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies. International Beverage is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney and Speyburn in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.
International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team. In 2011 the International Beverage portfolio outperformed the market with outstanding sales across all categories.
The second issue of 2015 will be published on March 13, in time for St Patrick’s Day. To celebrate, our editorial team reviews the distilleries, both old and new, and the ever evolving whiskey industry in both Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland.
With much happening in Bourbon country also, we review this region’s whiskies as well as visiting craft distilleries in America’s North West. Two key events are Whisky Live New York and the Travel Retail Show, The Americas, digital editions of Whisky Magazine will be available at both.
The following issue is published May 8 and this is a celebration of Whiskies, the liquid and the people and places that are associated to Whiskies with the announcement of the World Whiskies Awards and the Global Icons of Whisky Awards. The travel focus in this issue is the Lowlands of Scotland.
Editorial Features
Issue No.125 Special Features
Whisky Travel: Ireland Focus: Bourbon Special Distribution: Whisky Live New York, IAADFS The Americas, Publication Date: March 13 Copy Deadline: January 2
Issue No.126 Special Features
Whisky Travel: Lowlands of Scotland Focus: Global Whisky Auctions Publication Date May 8 Copy Deadline: February 20
Whisky Magazine Celebrating the whiskies of the world
We have tasted many, chosen few, and purchased the entire casks of wonderful American and Scottish whiskies. All single barrel, so when they are gone …..they are gone for good.
Discounted Items
High West Double Rye D&M Barrel Select Whiskey $49.99
Islay Blended Duncan Taylor Bottling Malt Scotch Whisky $174.99
George Dickel 9 Year Old D&M Hand Selected Barrel Sour Mash Whisky $46.99
Springbank 21 Year Old Lombard Jewels of Scotland Bottling Single Malt Scotch $314.99
Four Roses Single Barrel D&M Exclusive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey$59.99
Colorado Gold Rye D&M Exclusive Barrel $52.99
Discover Bradan Orach
Whether you’re well versed in our wonderful range of single malt whiskies or just starting to discover them, we think you’ll agree that Bradan Orach embodies all that’s best about Speyburn.
Gaelic for ‘Golden Salmon’, Bradan Orach draws its name from the famously plentiful fish which in season populate the clear spring waters of the Granty Burn – the water which brings Speyburn to life.
The vitality of these magnificent fish is echoed in the qualities of Bradan Orach – a bright golden, easy-drinking whisky infused with a wonderful vigour and depth thanks to the bourbon casks in which it matures. Yielding green apple freshness, light citrus zest and honey sweetness, its well balanced creamy vanilla and floral flavours give way to a long-lasting spicy finish.
TIME TO GET PERSONAL
Christmas is a famously festive time, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the festive season than with a warming whisky in a crystal glass, served in front of an open roaring fire, with that perfectly personalised gift for your loved one wrapped up neatly under the Christmas tree. It’s Christmas shopping, with style. So make someone famous this Christmas and order your personalised bottle of The Famous Grouse whisky direct from Glenturret Distillery today. Even better, to say thank you for getting your order in early our Whisky Elves are offering 10% discount* on all orders placed before MIDNIGHT on Sunday 30th November. Just use the code XMAS10% at checkout.
* Discount does not apply to postage and packaging. Discount not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion.
BALLANTINE’S LAUNCHES
INNOVATIVE NEW DIGITAL CAMPAIGN
FOR WHISKY DRINKERS
See how the world is drinking whisky at Ballantineslive.com
Ballantine’s, the No.1 whisky in Europe, has launched ‘Ballantine’s Live’: a unique social experiment that explores how the world is drinking whisky through the data generated on social media platforms. The campaign seeks to engage with fans of Ballantine’s Finest, driving awareness and education of Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, and encouraging trial of the super-premium spirit.
Using the data generated by hashtags, images, filters, time of day and locations used by fans to share their whisky occasions online, Ballantine’s will be able to then define whether the posts are typical of either a Ballantine’s Finest or 12 Year Old occasion. This information will then be published on Ballantineslive.com, which will feature the most talked about Finest and 12 Year Old occasions on Twitter, the most ‘checked-in’ bars where people are enjoying their Ballantine’s via Foursquare, and the most popular filters used on Instagram for people sharing their Ballantine’s consumption moment.
Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, comments: “We are excited to launch a new and innovative campaign that will educate Ballantine’s Finest drinkers about the qualities of our 12 Year Old expression in a way that is both interesting and engaging. Ballantineslive.com will explore how internet users are drinking whisky in real time, while inspiring young adults to embark on an explorative journey of our award-winning Ballantine’s range.”
2014 has marked a strong period of successful and innovative initiatives for Ballantine’s, which has seen the brand launch its ground-breaking online Ballantine’s Golf Club, partner with popular music channel Boiler Room, challenge entrepreneurial bartenders to present their own vision for a dream bar and generate global support for the creation of the world’s first whisky emoji.
Visit Ballantineslive.com to be part of Ballantine’s social experiment.
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 Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel. www.ballantines.com
@Ballantines
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. www.chivasbrothers.com
History in the Making at Annandale Distillery
Annandale’s Sleeping Beauty Awakens
There was a milestone moment at Annandale Distillery as the first cask was filled at the re-awakened distillery on the outskirts of Annan. This was the first cask to be filled at the old Johnnie Walker distillery in nearly 100 years.
Annandale Distillery opened in 1836 by George Donald, a former excise officer based in Annan. The distillery lease was then taken over by John Sykes Gardner, the son of a formed major of Liverpool in 1883 and then by John Walker and Sons in 1893. John Walker & Sons closed the distillery in 1921 when it was sold to a local farmer. Prof David Thomson and Teresa Church bought the old distillery building in 2007 and started a 7 years project to bring distillation back to this part in Scotland.
On Saturday 15th on November as well as filling the first cask, they opened the doors to visitors from the local area. “We think we got around 750 to 800 people through on Saturday, which is a lot more than we expected. It was a great opportunity for us to meet people from the local area which have supported the restoration of this wonderful distillery.”
Annandale Distillery also has a fully functioning coffee shop and retail outlet, and with the natural beauty of its surroundings makes it a must visit for all whisky fans and visitors alike.
You can now follow Annandale Distillery on Facebook.
We look forward to welcoming you to the distillery.
Annandale Distillery
Northfield
Annan
Dumfriesshire
DG12 5LL
Tel: +44 (0)1461 207817
www.annandaledistillery.com
info@annandaledistillery.com
OPEN ALL YEAR
Join a tour
Coaches by appointment
Hourly
10:00-16:00
Mon-Sat: 09:00-17:00
Sun: 10:00-17:00
Established 1836 | Reborn 2014
CHRISTMAS PARCELS PREVIEW: PEEKING IS ENCOURAGED
Pick it up. Feel the weight. Squeeze it. Give it a little shake. Hold it up to the light. Pick at a little corner of tape to see if it will come off cleanly… Many of us have risked parental wrath trying to figure out what that shiny, alluring parcel under the tree is. But it’s good news – we couldn’t wait either! scratch the itch and open a few early with us. #happysharing
Juicy, oak & vanilla
B3.1 A little box of treasures – BOURBON
BUY £55.00
Society bourbon is back!
First, a huge hit of vanilla, then intense wood spice and rich creamy custard. Heady autumnal fruits and spiced pumpkin pie. To taste, sweetcorn, fresh wood, ”really juicy!” with oranges, papaya and guava. Comforting spices and melted butter, gorse and cedar. Beeswax and fresh wood shavings to finish.
Old & dignified
116.20 Fascinating complexity and finesse
BUY £296.00
Unusual cask: virgin oak puncheon!
Fascinating nose – model-making, lacquered wood; crab boxes and lapsang souchong in a diesel truck; vanilla, coconut, honey and embers. The palate – intense flavours of tar, incense smoke, hessian on a peat fire and stir-fried shitake and prawns with sesame and soy. BUY
Juicy, oak & vanilla
“A complete revelation” -GRAIN
BUY £91.00
NEW DISTILLERY: Grain whisky from Japan!
Luscious mango and pineapple juices accompany lychees, Bounty Bars and fragrant lemongrass. Fresh and fruity with toffee, marshmallows and damson jam. Gingerbread spice, creamy milk chocolate and “impossibly rich vanilla custard”. With water, cherryade, butterscotch, orange oil and fruitcake are entwined in seemingly endless complexity. BUY
Browse New Outturn
Browse All Bottlings
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 here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…
This festive season give the gift of a Balblair Vintage and receive a complimentary Limited Edition Christmas tree decoration with every purchase of a 70cl expression from our collection of award-winning Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Available exclusively at Independent & Specialist whisky stores throughout the UK and via our online shop while stocks last. All that remains now is for you to select a Vintage from our collection so here’s a little inspiration…
