EXOTIC TASTE OF THE GLENLIVET IS A WINNER FOR THE FIRST TIME THOUSANDS VOTE TO SELECT THE NEXT THE GLENLIVET SINGLE MALT  

Johannesburg, South Africa. – The global whisky community have spoken. The votes have been counted. The results are in and the winner has made its way to South Africa.

That’s right! The long awaited The Glenlivet Guardian Chapter limited edition single Scottish malt is here after thousands of whisky lovers across 37 countries (including South Africa) voted to select the Guardian Chapter Limited Edition crafted just the way they like it. The winning selection is the “Exotic expression” as the distillery reached out to its loyal followers. 

After votes were counted, this first crowd-sourced The Glenlivet single malt was bottled and distributed in limited quantities to countries around the globe.

The search to find a winning expression began in September 2013. Three expressions (called Exotic, Classic and Revival) were handpicked for a global tasting tour where admirers sampled and voted for their favourite.  The expressions were selected to challenge drinkers, provoking debate over which would become the first single malt in the distillery’s 190-year history they could influence the taste of.   

A series of special evenings in London, New York and Mumbai were staged.  Labelled the ‘Expression Sessions’, they were designed to stimulate the senses with a carefully blended mix of speakers, covering topics inspired by each whisky expression. South Africans got their opportunity to taste the 3 variants at the annual FNB Whiskey Live Festival last year.

The winning “exotic” single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist.  The resulting “The Guardians’ Chapter” bottling will display the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet and a delightful addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it will captivate with an aroma of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with the tang of orange marmalade.   The taste will be an alluring combination of juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well-balanced with the subtle warmth of spice complimenting a delightful long and slightly dry finish.

Mandla Holomisa, brand manager for Glenlivet SA, says: “We at Glenlivet feel very proud to have been part of a global challenge that has given us this limited edition single malt blend, as desired by our whisky lovers. We are pleased with the enthusiastic response we’ve received, especially in South Africa.”

Notes to the Editor

The Glenlivet was the first licensed distillery in the Livet valley and offers a variety of expressions, all boasting its signature smoothness and floral, fruity profile. The Glenlivet has been the biggest contributor to volume growth in the single malt category over the last five years, adding more than any other Single Malt brand*.

RSP for The Glenlivet Exotic: R1200.00

Follow The Glenlivet on Twitter via the handle @theglenlivetsa

Facebook application: http://www.facebook.com/TheGlenlivetSA

The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky is part of Pernod Ricard.

Enjoy responsibly, not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

AUGUST EVENTS

Beer & Whisky Tasting, 19 Greville St, London – Tue 12 Aug
A unique chance to pair London Fields beers with Society whiskies presented by an expert in both fields: London Fields Brewer and Society Whisky Ambassador Tom Palmer…

Highland Whisky Tasting, The Vaults, Edinburgh – Fri 15 Aug
New Members Tasting, 19 Greville St, London – Wed 20 Aug
Aberdeen Members Tasting, Caledonian Thistle, Aberdeen – Thu 21 Aug
Tunbridge Wells Members Tasting, Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells – Fri 22 Aug
Outturn Preview Tasting, The Vaults, Edinburgh – Fri 29 Aug
Ducks Members Tasting, Duck’s, Aberlady – Fri 29 Aug

At the Illusionist’s Table, 28 Queen St, Edinburgh – Fri 1 – Fri 22 Aug
Objects Float. Whisky Materialises. Dreams are revealed. Acclaimed Illusionist Scott Smith hosts an intimate evening of fine dining, whisky tasting and breathtaking illusion…

Browse all events

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

The Science and Commerce of Whisky – a book review

While there are numerous books about whisky, there are surprisingly few about how to make it, and even fewer about how the whisky industry itself looks at whisky as a thing to be sold. There are books of tasting notes, history and even romantic looks at the world of whisky, some of which we’ve covered in the past in our Classic Book Reviews series,  but there are only a handful of more academic looks into whisky production and marketing – the last major work was the expensive and now hard to find Whisky: Technology, Production and Marketing from a decade ago. With the world lacking an up-to-date guide for the academic world (and interested whisky fans), a new book was needed. Step forward Ian Buxton and Paul S Hughes, and their 2014 book – The Science and Commerce of Whisky.

Ian is not entirely unknown to us, prolific writer and frequent guest at the Whisky Show as he is. He is also responsible for the reprinting of one of the books in the aforementioned Classic Book Reviews series – Whisky by Aeneas MacDonald. Ian’s background in whisky marketing, and his more recent consulting and writing work, made him the ideal person for the Royal Society of Chemistry to approach to put together a new, more technical book about whisky production, other than for one thing – Ian is not a technical guy. Fortunately, he knows Paul Hughes, Professor of Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, head of the most prestigious brewing and distilling course in the UK.

Splitting the book up between them, Ian has taken on the historical and commerce related chapters, while Paul has explored the science of whisky production, producing a work with three quite distinct sections.

Ian’s opening historical chapters are an excellent overview of the history of whisky around the world. Starting from the alchemists of the 13th century, he continues through the development of Japanese and American spirit, as well as the explosion of world whisky. Scotland is split out into a separate chapter and the history of scotch whisky is given a detailed examination. The chapter moves forward through time, describing the development of the modern whisky industry from its mythical Friar-Jon-Cor-based beginnings to its modern incarnation, and is both a comprehensive summary and an excellent jumping off point for further research.

At this point the subject matter of the book moves squarely into a realm that I’m very out of practise with – chemistry. The central third of the book is given over to Paul Hughes, and requires at least A-Level knowledge of the subject to get the most out of it. It can be a bit overwhelming for us out-of-practise science geeks, but I generally followed what was going on, and a nearby encyclopedia or internet connection can fill in many of the gaps. Covering the whole whisky production process from crop to cask, there were a few areas where I felt it was a little lighter in detail, especially spirit condensation and, strangely, distillation itself. However, there’s enough here to keep a brewing and distilling student happy, let alone an interested drinker, and I suspect the focus is on the Heriot Watt Brewing and Distilling course’s syllabus.

The final third of the book deals with the commercial side of whisky, covering subjects as diverse as counterfeiting, tax and packaging, as well as general brand development and marketing, complete with case-studies. The last two chapters expand that thinking into the world whisky market, with case studies looking at Teerenpeli in Finland and Kavalan in Taiwan, as well as showing how it all fits together into a global whole. For someone working in the whisky industry, much of this is quite well known, but for those looking in from the outside with a romantic view of how and why whisky is made, it might be a bit of a shock.

All in all, this is one for the students and geeks. It’s an academic textbook that covers large amounts of ground – historic, economic and scientific – and does so in some depth. For those areas where there isn’t enough detail there is an extensive bibliography, and even a useful chapter on whisky literature, in case you are looking for jumping off points for further reading. A scary book in parts, but also approachable – very much a game of two enjoyable and informative halves.

The Science and Commerce of Whisky is now available from The Whisky Exchange, priced £27.99.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Science and Commerce of Whisky – a book review

New arrivals…

Aberfeldy 1995 G&M Cask Strength 55.8% | 70cl

Bottled at natural cask strength and colour directly from oak casks without chill filtering, the highly individual label on each bottle indicates the cask number and the bottling date, along with the distillation year and strength.

Tasting Notes

AROMA without water
Subtle Sherry influences with stewed apple, toasted malt and floral notes.

TASTE without water
On the palate, chilli spice initially with ripe banana, lemon and red apple. A lingering charred oak edge lingers.

AROMA with water
Hints of toasted malt and menthol with a defined citrus edge, lemon and lime.

TASTE with water
Cracked black pepper, followed by grapefruit, lime and ginger flavours.

Tasting notes from Gordon & MacPhail.

Price: £49.16 ex VAT
£58.99 inc VAT

Highland Park 2005 G&M Cask Strength 59.1% | 70cl

Bottled at natural cask strength and colour directly from oak casks without chill filtering, the highly individual label on each bottle indicates the cask number and the bottling date, along with the distillation year and strength.

Tasting notes.

AROMA without water
Aromas of red apples and pears with vanilla syrup. Morning dew and juniper add a floral note, delicately encased in a subtle smoke.

TASTE without water
A touch of chilli to start balanced with the sweetness of sherbet and candied oranges. Peaches and strawberries in sugar syrup with hints of milk chocolate add to the mix. Flavours of pear skin to finish with a delicate touch of smoke.

AROMA with water
Green apples and cream soda aromas with a hint of log fire smoke. Morning dew along with heather honey and a zing of lemon endures.

TASTE with water
The taste of chilli builds to the heat of white pepper. Fruity flavours such as red apples, kiwi and ripe bananas are balanced with a salty pistachio edge. Royal icing and aniseed add to the sweetness.

Tasting notes from Gordon & MaCphail.

Price: £38.33 ex VAT
£46.00 inc VAT

The Rumor Still: More Dirt

After a long absence from our shelves – the Dirt has returned. Black Dirt Bourbon that is. Black Dirt takes its name from the dark, fertile soil left by an ancient glacial lake that once covered Thousands of acres of upstate New York. The ‘dirt’ is perfectly suited for growing crops such as corn for fantastic bourbon.

Our Price: $50/btl

Cheers!

Jonathan & Eric
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442 

www.parkaveliquor.com 

info@parkaveliquor.com

Jim Beam® Taps Fans’ Own Personal “Statements” To Help Co-Create Bottle Labels For Its New Single Barrel Bourbon

With the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest, the world’s No. 1 bourbon celebrates the launch of Jim Beam® Single Barrel by showcasing fans’ “bourbon wisdom” on actual bottle labels

Deerfield, Ill. – July 16, 2014 – Each bottle of Jim Beam® Single Barrel, the first-ever single barrel offering from the world’s No. 1 bourbon brand, exemplifies individuality – not only with the distinct flavor and personality of the bourbon itself, but also with its hand-crafted and hand-written bottle labels. And to celebrate its launch, Jim Beam announces today that it’s giving fans across the U.S. the opportunity to take part in the craft-making process with the launch of the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest.

Today through August 17, anyone of legal drinking age can share their unique “single statement” – whether it’s a favorite toast, how to sip a great glass of bourbon, whom to enjoy it with or where to drink it – at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com for a chance to be featured on actual bottle labels of this super-premium bourbon. 

“As a brand rooted in making history, we wanted to allow our fans to make their own history by helping co-create bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel with their words (and names) on actual bottle back labels,” said Vanessa Jenkins, Senior Brand Director at Beam Suntory. “With 219 years and seven generations of Beam heritage, we feel the time is right to include our fans in our first-ever single barrel product.”

Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, will select the six (6) finest statements that will be featured on the back label of actual bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel sold in stores nationwide, joining select Jim Beam® craftspeople whose statements are also currently featured on the inside back labels of bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel currently in market.

“Jim Beam® Single Barrel is special because it represents more than just the great liquid in our bottles,” said Noe. “We are excited to give our fans a chance to be part of our story and have their unique words on our labels. It’s the perfect way to finish off this super-premium bourbon in a one-of-a-kind, personalized way that only Jim Beam can deliver.”

Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest Details
In addition to having their names and statements printed on bottle labels sold across the nation, six (6) First Prize Winners will receive an authentic Jim Beam® Single Barrel barrelhead, customized with their name and statement, autographed by Noe. Then Fred will select two (2) Grand Prize Winners who will receive a once-in-a-lifetime, private bourbon tasting in their hometowns with friends and Noe himself.

To enter the contest, Jim Beam® fans 21 years of age and over can share their “statement” (within 50 characters) and a brief description of the context or story around their statement at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com. Fans can enter the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest from July 16 – August 17, 2014, with winners being announced on Jim Beam® social channels the week of September 15, 2014. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be legal resident of the 50 United States and 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules located at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com. Contest begins July 16, 2014, and ends August 17, 2014.

Throughout the contest entry period, fans will be able to watch a series of web videos featuring Noe and other Jim Beam® craftspeople to find out their role in the Jim Beam® Single Barrel process and for inspiration for their own “single statements.” 

For more information on the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest, please “Like” Jim Beam® on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jimbeam),  please “Follow” @jimbeam on Twitter, or visit www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com to enter.

About Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel, the first ever single barrel bourbon from Jim Beam, is a smooth and approachable hand-crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 95 proof to commemorate the first barrel of Jim Beam® made in 1795.
•    Less than one percent of barrels qualify to be chosen for Jim Beam® Single Barrel with each producing more than 200 bottles that are individually bottled and hand-numbered with care to ensure a unique taste profile and premium quality for a perfectly crafted bourbon.
•    Barrels are carefully selected from a range of racks that excludes the top and bottom to ensure the perfect taste, consistency and color of this new, super-premium expression that marks the historic and exciting move by Jim Beam into the quickly growing arena of premium bourbons. 
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel is a rich, full-bodied bourbon with well-balanced notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. The aroma carries a rich oaky background with a light spiciness.
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel is the perfect sip and savor bourbon to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

New arrivals in stock now…

Yamazaki Distillers Reserve Japanese Malt Whisky 43% | 70cl

Yamazaki, at the foot of Mt. Tenno on the outskirts of Kyoto, is the birthplace of Japanese whsiyk. Yamazaki malt whisky with a long tradition of Yamazaki distillery since 1923 is matured over several beautiful Japanese four seasons; spring with flowers, summer with luxuriant vendure, autumn with red leaves and winter with snow. This single malts whisky is made only from Yamazaki malt whiskt carefully selected by its blenders. It has a soft, elegant fragrance, and its sweet, mellow flavour spreads while the clean aftertaste continues comfortably.

Tasting notes.

Colour: Gold

Nose: Strawberry, Cherry, Mizunara

Palate: Raspberry, White peach, Touch of coconut

Finish: Sweet vanilla, Clean finish with hint of cinnamon

Price:£36.66 ex VAT
£43.99 inc VAT

Hakushu Distillers Reserve Japanese Malt Whisky 43% | 70cl

In 1973, the Hakushu Distillery was built in a dense forest at the foot of Mt. Kaikomagatake with numerous streams including Ojira River, one of the top 100 spring waters in Japan. Various blessing of the forest such as natural water of the southern Japan Alps purified by granite rocks, Japan’s distinctive four seasons, majestic forest atmosphere full of inspiration, and the enriching and intense climate caused by the altitude richly mature the whisky. The “Single Malt Whisky Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve” born in Hakushu distillery is a refreshing whisky characterised by the brisk aroma and flavour that remind of fresh green in the forest. Enjoy a new whisky experiance that makes you feel as if it take you to the forest.

Tasing notes.

Colour: Light Gold

Nose: Peppermint, Melon, Cucumber

Palate: Yuzu, Grapefruit, Lemon thyme

Finish: Refreshing, Subtle smoke

Price:£36.66 ex VAT
£43.99 inc VAT

Longmorn 17 Year Old 1996
Single 1st fill sherry butt bottled March 2014 by Signatory Vintage.

Terrific value sherry-matured Speyside single malt.
Longmorn 17 Year Old $59.93

Non-chill filtered and aged for a decade in first fill Bourbon casks, Tempest V is a true product of it’s environment with the salty ocean breeze and signature dark Islay peat detectable in every mouthful.

As with each release in the Tempest series, Tempest V carries the hallmark style with subtle nuances of mandarin, tangy lime and cassis whilst establishing its own personality, setting it apart from its predecessors, presenting a full, rich and sweet first fill bourbon character.

Master Blender, Rachel Barrie describes the fifth release:

“Bowmore matured in the very highest quality of 1st fill ex bourbon cask maturation revealing harmonious and enveloping layers of honeycomb, rich bourbon vanilla and ripening fruits carried on an Ocean breeze. Tempest V’s highly complex layers of silky smooth vanilla and luscious fruit-infused peatiness transports you to the elemental beauty of Islay.”

Extremely limited stocks – £50

This small batch release has been exclusively matured in the finest wine casks since 1998, adding a touch of French finesse to Glen Garioch’s famously Rich Highland Character. The result is fruity, sweet and very spicy. Rich and complex – layers of chocolate malt, autumn fruits like brambles, wild blueberries and plums, and warming oak spices, followed by nutmeg and ginger marmalade drizzled with heather honey. Sweet and spicy to the end, with chocolate, brambles and ginger.

£93

With their biggest & best month ever, Just Whisky are holding an auction with style this time around featuring some of the World’s most desirable bottles. Lots from Port Ellen, Karuizawa, Kawasaki, Ardbeg to name a few, a Glenfarclas 60 Year old and even a Mortlach 70 (!) year old have us extremely excited. Be sure to head over and check it out.

There are approximately 450 lots this month and by the looks of things Just Whisky are going from strength to strength with not only a high volume of bottles, but also ultra – high quality offerings on sale.

As usual Just Whisky charge 5% to sellers and are now accepting entries to their September auction.

The auction ends on Sunday 17^th August at 8PM.

http://www.just-whisky.co.uk/