The Could-Be-True Story of Ballantine’s: New and Compelling Film Content Brings Ballantine’s Stay True Story to Life – With a Unique Twist!

Europe’s No.1 whisky releases humorous new film to reveal what could have happened if Ballantine’s history had taken an unexpected and alternative route through the years…

Ballantine’s is today announcing the launch of a new digital campaign that aims to highlight to its fans around the world both its vibrant personality and its commitment to staying true to itself throughout its near 200 year history.

Conceived and created by M&C Saatchi London, the campaign goes live with the release of two films; The Could-Be-True Story and The Stay True Story, both of which can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/Ballantines. The Could-Be-True Story first takes the viewer through Ballantine’s impressive heritage in an unexpected and humorous way, illustrating what could have happened had Ballantine’s not stayed true to founder George Ballantine’s vision. The Stay True Story of Ballantine’s then supports and complements the lead ‘Could-Be-True’ film, recounting Ballantine’s true brand story and demonstrating the ways in which the brand actually has stayed true since its creation in 1827.

The films will be seeded on Ballantine’s global social media platforms and further amplified in key markets around the world. The launch will also be supported by a media outreach programme that aims to grab the attention of relevant bloggers and media in a humorous and unique manner.

This new campaign is the latest in a series of successful marketing initiatives from Ballantine’s, which has seen the brand make a concerted effort to connect with consumers through digital media. This consumer engagement strategy is paying off, with Ballantine’s showing a strong performance* in key markets such as South Africa (109% annual growth), Brazil (51% annual growth), India (18% annual growth), and Poland (13% annual growth).

Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, Peter Moore, comments: “As a brand that prides itself on its reputation for innovation, we have long understood the potential that engaging, digital content provides, allowing us to connect with independent-minded adults. With these new films, we’re aiming to tell the story of Ballantine’s in a surprising and light-hearted manner, and one that is unexpected of a Scotch whisky brand. We are hopeful that this approach will capture the attention of our audience, showing them that whilst Ballantine’s is a well-established brand with a long history of tradition, we have a sense of humour and an individual style, making us a brand that remains relevant today.”

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 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

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

Macallan 42 Year Old Rarest 1969 Decanter 41.6% ABV | 70cl

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky presents Rarest: a collection of some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies. Carefully selected from the company’s coveted reserves, each release embodies unparalleled luxury, refinement and scarcity.

Uncompromised by chill filtration and bottled at natural cask strength, Rarest Macallan represents the peak of the distiller’s art and stands as a glowing testament to the knowledge and skill that informs Duncan Taylor’s rigorous cask selection process.

Rarest Macallan is presented in a decanter of the finest Scottish crystal, intricately engraved with adornments of silver that mirror the whisky’s exquisite refinement. Bringing the monumental journey full circle, the decanter is housed in an elegant display case, crafted from the very cask that matured the whisky to perfection.

Generations of passion, knowledge and craftsmanship continues to drive Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky today. Rarest is the culmination of the company’s vision; to provide the most authentic Scotch whisky without compromise.

Tasting Notes..

Colour: amber

Nose: fresh juicy fruits, lots of fragrant orange notes, peaches and dark cherries. With time becomes creamier with spearmint and then some blackcurrant cordial.

Taste: rich and oily, dried oranges, delicate oak and milk chocolate. Soft kiwi fruits, lychee and more creaminess emerge with time.

Finish: lingering toffee, stewed fruits, praline and some fresher grassy notes.

Comment: a big robust whisky but ultimately soft and soothing.

Price: £10,000.00 ex VAT
£12,000.00 inc VAT

In all of the years we have been running tastings, our ‘Blind Islay Fury’ series has always been the most popular and demand usually outstrips available places. Whether this is due to the popularity of whiskies from this mythical isle or that it is a chance to try some incredible (and usually peaty) drams, we don’t know – we just keep raising the bar and you keep on coming!

As the title intimates, this is a blind tasting which means we will be testing your powers of deduction using just your nose and palate. How seriously you take it is entirely up to you! We will reveal the whiskies to you after teasing and tantalising you…

As always we are running these tastings up and down the country, plus we have our tremendous new ‘tasting from home’ packs if you can’t make it to one of the venues. There is literally no excuse not to get involved!

BLIND ISLAY FURY V – VENUES & DATES

LONDON            WEDS 5TH NOV 7pm                 The Red Lion, Crown Passage, SW1

SHEFFIELD        TUESDAY 11TH NOV 7pm         The Tap, Sheffield Station

LIVERPOOL        WEDS 12TH NOV 7pm              Jenny’s Bar, Fenwick St.

LEEDS                THURS 13TH NOV 7pm             The Cross Keys, Water Lane

NEWCASTLE      FRIDAY 14TH NOV 7pm            Blackfriars, Friar Street

MANCHESTER   FRIDAY 14TH NOV 7pm            Britons Protection, Gt. B’water St.

YORK                  SAT 15TH NOV 7pm                  Brigantes, Micklegate

BRIGHTON         THURS 20TH NOV 7PM            The Lord Nelson, Trafalgar St.

As mentioned above, this tasting will also be available as a ‘Tasting at Home‘ pack and if you would prefer to order one of these for yourself or a loved one, simply click here. For £27.50, we will send you all the whiskies and everything you need to get yourself up and running in a lovely TWL gift box. These will be sent out from W/C 3rd November.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter – @thewhiskylounge – and like and share our Facebook page to keep bang up to date with the latest news about our events and more. We look forward to seeing you over a dram or two soon.

Sláinte! Eddie, Amanda & Joe

& Team Whisky Lounge

Abhainn Dearg Hebridean Single Malt

From the first legal distillery in the Outer Herbides and one of Scotland’s most remote distilleries.

Abhainn Dearg $63.76

HAIG CLUB opens its doors to the world

 Global arrival of new Single Grain Whisky welcomes in a new era for Scotch

“Forget everything you thought you knew about Scotch”

Dave Broom, whisky writer

EDINBURGH, October 6, 2014. Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, today announced the worldwide launch of its new Single Grain Scotch Whisky, HAIG CLUB™.

The distinctive and sophisticated new whisky, developed in partnership with global icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller will now be available in bars, restaurants and retail stores in the United Kingdom and rolling out in the next few weeks in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States, expanding to additional markets in the near future. The brand will also now be available in duty free shops globally following its exclusive release period in the UK and a limited number of duty free stores earlier this year.

“HAIG CLUB™ is designed to be different,” said Kathy Parker, Senior Vice President, HAIG CLUB™. “Historically Single Grain Whisky has been in the shadow of Single Malts and Blended Scotch, but HAIG CLUB™ represents a new direction in Scotch Whisky, which brings Single Grain Scotch to the forefront.

This is a whisky that welcomes in a new era for Scotch. The rise of Single Grain Whisky has been both predicted and eagerly anticipated by whisky experts in recent years and with HAIG CLUB™ we are thrilled to give this ‘hidden gem’ the attention and appreciation it deserves.”

Crafted at Scotland’s oldest grain whisky distillery – Cameronbridge in Fife – HAIG CLUB™ is built on heritage but designed for the modern world. The House of Haig can trace its whisky producing roots back to the seventeenth century, making the Haig family Scotland’s oldest grain whisky dynasty.

Parker continued, “Working with partners like David Beckham and Simon Fuller has brought a new perspective to what we do, helping us to break new ground. Both David and Simon are renowned for shaking up every sector in which they work and this has been no exception. We believe that people around the world are going to love what we’ve created together – we can’t wait for them to try it.”

The contemporary appearance of the square HAIG CLUB™ bottle draws on a history of innovative bottles produced by the House of Haig. The blue glass bottle was inspired by the tradition of blenders using blue tasting glasses so the spirit can be reviewed on aroma and taste alone.

The unique flavours of the whisky itself are created by master blender Chris Clark carefully selecting mature whisky from Refill, American Oak and Rejuvenated casks producing a stunning Single Grain Scotch Whisky with a fresh, clean style showcasing butterscotch-smooth tropical fruit and unexpected, spicy backing harmonies. HAIG CLUB™ is a whisky crafted to appeal to people who are new to whisky and whisky connoisseurs alike.

“I am incredibly proud to have been part of the creation of HAIG CLUB™,” said David Beckham. “I think we have made something really special. For me it has meant understanding how whisky is made and enjoyed and then working with some incredible people to write a new chapter for Haig.”

Responsible drinking is at the core of HAIG CLUB™, with David Beckham supporting the brand’s philosophy of quality over quantity. David said, “I appreciate a well-made drink and I like to take my time and enjoy it – I try to drink better, not more.”

To celebrate the global launch of HAIG CLUB™ David Beckham and business partner Simon Fuller hosted an exclusive HAIG CLUB™ weekend in the heart of Scotland on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Attended by Victoria Beckham, and other guests, the weekend gave Beckham and Fuller the opportunity to personally introduce friends both old and new to the whisky and the brand that they have helped create.

Simon Fuller commented, “This is a great partnership between one of the world’s most iconic stars and a company that is a true leader in the global sprits industry. Now we can all celebrate together as HAIG CLUB™ is launched worldwide and can be enjoyed by everyone!”

Welcome to HAIG CLUB™. Enjoy Responsibly.

About HAIG CLUB™:

HAIG CLUB™ is a new Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Diageo produced in partnership with global icon David Beckham and entrepreneur Simon Fuller. HAIG CLUB™ is as much built on tradition and heritage as it is a Scotch Whisky designed for our modern world. Built on nearly 400 years of distilling heritage, this is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky realized in a radical new way. HAIG CLUB™ welcomes people to living well and drinking in moderation. As part of his partnership, David Beckham supports the HAIG CLUB™ responsible drinking campaign philosophy and the belief in quality over quantity. Additional information about HAIG CLUB™ may be found at http://www.HaigClub.com or facebook.com/HaigClub.

About Diageo:

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About David Beckham

David Beckham is one of the world’s most iconic sportsmen. With a professional football career spanning over twenty years, he captained his country for six years, won the British Premier League six times, the UEFA Champions League (with Manchester United) in 1999, and was runner up in the FIFA ‘World Player of the Year’ Awards in 1999 and 2001.

Having left Manchester United in 2003 for four successful seasons with Real Madrid, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in 2007, taking the team to two MLS Cup Championships (2011, 2012) while participating in a unique time-share agreement with AC Milan, first in January 2009 and then again in January 2010.

Now retired, Beckham has been appointed global ambassador for the Chinese Football Association and has announced that he will co-own a Major League Soccer expansion team in Miami. Married to Victoria and father to four children, Beckham’s fame extends far beyond the pitch. Noted as a keen advocate of charitable work, he has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United, becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 with a special focus on UNICEF’s Sports for Development program. David is also on the Leadership Council for charity Malaria No More.

An astute businessman, David Beckham will play an integral role in developing the Haig Club brand, its strategy and positioning. In addition, he will lead the promotion of the responsible drinking programme for Haig Club, which is at the heart of the brand.

About Simon Fuller

Simon Fuller is the founder of XIX Entertainment and the creator of the most popular entertainment show in America of the last ten years (American Idol: source AC Neilsen), Simon Fuller is known for his work in discovering and guiding an impressive list of music artists that include Annie Lennox, Kelly Clarkson, The Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Will Young, Lisa Marie Presley, Cathy Denis and others.

In 2011 iTunes named Simon Fuller ‘the most successful manager of the digital era’ and a year later he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the global entertainment industries.

In addition to his TV and music work, Simon Fuller’s business oversees the careers of David Beckham, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Tour De France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins and Grand Slam winning tennis champion Andy Murray, as well as being the joint owner of two highly respected fashion businesses with the designers Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham.

Simon Fuller has long standing associations with several charitable initiatives, including Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Save The Children, The Prince’s Trust, Malaria No More, The United Nations Foundation and Comic Relief.

Whisky Live Boston

This Friday, October 24th 5:30 P.M. – 10:00

at The State Room, 60 State Street, Boston 33rd Floor

Whisky Live is coming back to Boston! There’s simply no better way to taste vertical line-ups from a range of your favorite distilleries. Such an opportunity provides a much deeper understanding and is an invaluable education for whisky enthusiasts of every level of experience. Distilleries from the very large to the quaintly small will be represented alongside independent bottlers and other niche products. 200 whiskies including more craft than ever. It’s this Friday. You won’t have to work in the morning! The show is on the opposite corner of the intersection from Federal (we’re open 9-7 that day) at 60 State Street on the 33rd floor.

Tickets;

http://www.whiskylive.com/usa/102/boston-2014

Use the discount code “federal14” for 20% off the ticket price

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits

Email: info@federalwine.com

Phone: (617) 367-8605

Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

The Whisky Show Masterclass – Aurora Brorealis

The inimitable Colin Dunn took tasters through six rare Brora malts at The Whisky Show Masterclass

 The headline Masterclasses at The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show are guaranteed to be special. This year’s line-up included a rare chance to taste six whiskies from legendary closed distillery Brora, in the epically titled Aurora Brorealis, led by Diageo whisky ambassador Colin Dunn.

 Brora has had an eventful history – founded in 1819, under its original name of Clynelish, it closed in 1968, after its owners built another distillery (also called Clynelish) virtually next door the same year. However, an unexpected drought on Islay that summer led to a shortfall in heavily peated whisky, so the stills were fired up again, and the older distillery – now renamed Brora – stayed in production until 1983.

For our Masterclass, the line-up comprised four Special Releases, a bottling from the Rare Malts series, and a recently drawn cask sample:

Brora 25 Year Old, 7th Release, Bot.2008, 56.3%, £750

Nose: Sweet aromas of toffee with menthol and straw. Given time, clotted-cream fudge and nougat notes appear.
Palate: Overtly spicy with black pepper, liquorice and cinnamon intertwined with orange and light smoke.
Finish: Long, with the orange notes lingering.
Comment: A sweeter and lighter style of Brora than usual, this was a great starting point to investigate the distillery’s character. This was the first-ever official bottling at 25 years of age, and its lightly smoky and graceful nature certainly pleased whisky writer Jim Murray, who gave it 96pts shortly after its release.

Brora 1972, 22 Year Old, Rare Malts 58.7%, £3,500

Nose: Vegetal, with notes of hay and grass combining with an underlying maltiness.
Palate: Creamy texture with notes of clove and hay – the peat slowly builds all the way through.
Finish: Exceptionally long with the clove spiciness and the peat smoke in perfect harmony.
Comment: The 1972 Brora releases from the Rare Malts series have become legendary, and it’s easy to see why. It was a smart move by Colin to taste this early on, allowing us to enjoy it before our palates became tired. This was definitely my personal favourite – the flavours just went on and on.

Brora 30 Year Old, 9th Release, Bot.2010, 54.3%, £675

Nose: Complex, with aromas of Love Hearts, menthol and green apple. Water brings out the smoke.
Palate: Warming and spicy, with green-apple flavours. As with the nose, water brings out the smoke (bonfires), and also a Riesling-like petrol note.
Finish: Long, warming, and spicy.
Comment: This shows how heavily peated whisky isn’t automatically smoky – although a few drops of water did unleash an expected wisp.

Brora 1978, 32 Year Old, 10th Release, Bot.2011, 54.7%, £750

Nose: Red apple, toffee, butterscotch, and a hint of eucalyptus.
Palate: Drier than the nose suggests, with grass, hay, peat smoke and clove all present.
Finish: Long, with the spicy clove and peat smoke continuing to the very end.
Comment: The oldest official Brora at the time of release, and a stark contrast to the 25 year old. Much smokier and spicier, it highlighted how varied the distillery’s production was.

‘No commercial value’, eh?

Brora 1978 Cask Sample, Bot. 30 September 2014, 49.3%,

Nose: Very fruity, with prominent notes of green apple and a hint of strawberry.
Palate: The first sample to show the distillery’s trademark waxy character, this is also oily with notes of smoke, pear, and an underlying ginger spiciness.
Finish: Long with spicy ginger and subtle peat smoke.
Comment: Bottled directly from a cask (which Colin believed was refill ex-bourbon) still lying in Diageo’s warehouse the week prior, this had quickly settled in the bottle. This was the first time I’d tasted an official-bottling single cask of Brora and it didn’t disappoint, although I’d be surprised if there were any single-cask releases in the near future – the demand would surely mean it could do more harm than good.

Brora 35 Year Old, 11th Release, Bot.2012, 48.1%, £999

Nose: Liquorice, lemon, vanilla, wax, and a hint of pineapple.
Palate: Creamy, with lemon zest, vanilla, oak, peat smoke and candlewax.
Finish: Long, with dry spiciness from the oak.
Comment: A vatting of whiskies from 1976 and 1977, the refill American oak casks are noticeable here, with prominent vanilla and oak notes. A fitting finale to the tasting.

‘I’ll sneak past security, no problem’

Colin is known for his larger-than-life presenting style, but despite his exuberance, there was no getting away from the fact that this was a collection of very serious whiskies. Each one was exceptional, and one wonders how many more opportunities there will be to taste Brora in this way in the future. Once again, a cult distillery lives up to its legendary status.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Show Masterclass – Aurora Brorealis

Chivas Welcomes a New Level of Luxury with the Launch of Chivas Regal Extra

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, is launching Chivas Regal Extra, the first expression to be added to the iconic brand’s timeless range of blended Scotch whiskies for seven years.*

The new super-premium expression, which will be available in domestic markets from October 2014 and in Global Travel Retail from March 2015, has been created by Chivas Regal’s longstanding Master Blender, Colin Scott, as a tribute to James and John Chivas, the two brothers who famously pioneered the art of blending whisky in the 19th Century. Chivas Regal Extra is a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest and finest malts in the Chivas inventory to create a rich and generous Chivas blend.

An incredibly rich and discerning interpretation of the Chivas signature style, Chivas Regal Extra has a fruity, sweet nose with notes of ripe pears, creamy toffee and a hint of ginger. The ripe pears continue on the palate, with sweet tropical flavours of melons and soft notes of vanilla and caramel, blending with spicy notes of cinnamon and hints of almonds, leading to a long and fulfilling finish.In-keeping with the other whiskies in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra bears all the aesthetic hallmarks of a classic luxury whisky. The textures and opulent colours featured on the carton and the bottle convey the richness of both Chivas Regal Extra’s taste and heritage, as well as its super-premium positioning, making it an ideal whisky for gifting.

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal comments, “As the world’s first luxury whisky, Chivas Regal has a long history of important milestones that have helped shape the Scotch whisky category and define cocktail culture and the tastes of consumers the world over. The release of Chivas Regal Extra marks another momentous milestone for Chivas and we’re confident that this new super-premium whisky with its rich, generous flavour profile, will be well received by those looking for a truly rewarding and enriching whisky experience.”

The launch of Chivas Regal Extra will be supported through a range of marketing activities including in-store promotional materials and sampling, digital merchandising and print advertising.An exclusive range of Chivas Regal Extra cocktails have also been developed by Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, to meet the needs of the more adventurous discerning whisky drinker. The range includes six recipes featuring Chivas Regal Extra, with the addition of fortified wines to evoke the richness from the sherry casks which are at the heart of Chivas Regal Extra’s flavour profile.Chivas Regal Extra is the fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18. Chivas Regal Extra has a 40% ABV.Watch the videos on Chivas Extra and explore the expression’s taste profile and signature cocktail recipes at www.chivas.com-

*Chivas Regal Extra is the first global expression to be released by Chivas Regal since Chivas 25 Years Old which was launched in 2007.

Notes

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.www.chivas.com

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

New Society Bottle

I bring some exciting news this afternoon – the new Society bottle is now ready for purchase!

The October 2014 release is a Hazelburn 11 year old from a Fresh Bourbon Barrel. This was distilled in December 2002 and bottled at the beginning of this month. The ABV is 54.4% and it’s a tiny cask with only 204 bottles available. The price of this bottling is £60.00.

The cask we chose is one that our Distillery Manager, Gavin, was using as part of his special Warehouse Tastings. It always received fantastic compliments so we decided it would be perfect to bottle for our Society Members. I brought a bottle to TWE Whisky Show in London a couple of weekends ago and everyone who tasted it seemed to really enjoy it. The tasting notes for the Society Hazelburn 11yo are as follows:

Nose:  Instant scent of butterscotch, white chocolate, coconut and vanilla. As it develops, fruits such as pineapple and orange become very evident. Aromas of straw and hay come alive which are reminiscent of a summer meadow.

Palate:  A creamy, thick texture which coats the mouth nicely with salted peanut, fruity and earthy notes. Ginger and nutmeg spices are noticeable along with a rich sweetness similar to custard cream biscuits and pink marshmallows. A very well balanced dram.

Finish:  A wonderfully smooth and elegant finish with lingering fruitiness and hints of cappuccino and milk chocolate.

As we are getting such a small number of bottles, it will strictly be limited to one per person to begin with. It is doubtful but if there are some bottles leftover after 2 months then any member who would like to buy a second bottle will get the chance to.

If you would like to reserve a bottle then please email me ASAP as it will be based on a first come first served basis. As always, don’t worry if you don’t receive an instant reply back from me, it usually takes a while to work through all the emails which are sent to me after a new bottling!

For members who get their Society bottles sent to our 5 Cadenhead Shops out-with the UK, I’m afraid to say that it will be no longer possible to have your bottles sent to the Baden shop in Switzerland.

As we are now using a shipping company who are able to send to most countries, it is not as important to use the Cadenhead shops as it once was. Also, due to different issues which have occurred with sending Society bottles to our European shops, the shops were all asked if they were happy to continue stocking the Society bottles or if they would like to stop stocking them altogether.

With instant effect, we will stop sending to Baden and only send to our shops in Berlin, Odense and Salzburg. As I write this newsflash, I have not received feedback from the Cologne shop so for the new bottling, we will continue sending as we have done in the past and if this changes for future bottlings then I will let you know ASAP. Therefore, for the new bottling we can ship to Berlin, Cologne, Odense and Salzburg.

If you would like your bottle delivered to any of the 4 Cadenhead shops mentioned then PLEASE state this when ordering your bottle. The next orders will not be sent to these shops until early 2015 so if you would like it sent there then please let me know and I can arrange it for the next shipment. As soon as I have a shipping date then I will let you know. Can I kindly ask that you wait until you have heard from me before phoning the shops to ask if they have arrived.

I have mentioned this in the past but just to remind members, any Society bottle which is sent to our European shops for collection MUST be collected within 2 months of arriving or else they will be put up for sale to any other Society member who is interested. It is unfair for the shops to keep these unpaid bottles for any longer than this so please collect it within this time frame.

USA Shipments 

In my newsletter from September, I advised of the 9 states within the USA which we could not ship to due to strict import laws. Since we received this list, we have tried to send to other states which are not listed and once again, we had problems. We have decided for the time being that we will stop all US shipments again as it is just costing us too much money to keep attempting to send and having them returned to us. It’s so frustrating for our members in the US as we had told you that we would now be able to ship but unfortunately there isn’t much we can do to resolve this at the moment. We will continue to work on the issue and hopefully we can resolve it in the near future.

Previous Society Bottlings Available

For any of our new Society members or anyone who would like to add to their collection of previous Society bottles, we still have the following bottles available:

• Longrow 10 year old – Fresh Sherry Butt at 53.9%
• Bottled in November 2011 (£45.00)

• Springbank 14 year old – 7 years in Bourbon, 7 years in Port at 55.7%
• Bottled in June 2012 (£50.00)

• Springbank 15 year old – 10 years Refill Bourbon, 5 years Fresh Madeira at 56.5%
• Bottled in March 2013 (£65.00)

• Springbank 14 year old (LOCAL BARLEY) – Refill Sherry Butt at 57.8%
• Bottled in April 2014 (£80.00)

If you are interested in purchasing any of the previous bottles listed above then please let me know and I can arrange this for you. Unfortunately they have all been UK duty paid meaning we can’t send them to any of the Cadenhead Shops out-with the UK but can of course send to you using our delivery service. If you would like a reminder of the prices for this then please email me and I will forward them on to you.

Anyway, I think that is all for the moment so thank you for reading and hope to speak to many of you soon!

Best regards,

Mairi

Mairi Paterson 

For the Springbank Society 

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbankwhisky.com

Macallan 1950 Speymalt G&M 43% ABV | 70cl

Colour: Deep Orange Red.
Body: Rich and complex.
Finish: Subtle smoke with Sherry influences.
Cask Type: Sherry Butts.
Style: Robust – yet smooth.

Tasting Notes..
AROMA without water: Rich, baked fruit aromas – sultanas, prunes and figs all present. A little peat smoke on the edge.
TASTE without water: Sherry wood with rich fruitiness and a burnt/toasted malt edge. With traces of liquorice.
AROMA with water: A little sweetness now present – tracle toffee. Rich fruit cake aromas with charred oak notes.
TASTE with water: Some smoke initially, with an oily woodiness. Rich burnt fruit flavours.

Price:£1,665.83 ex VAT
£1,999.00 inc VAT