THE PLOUGH REVEALS EXTENSION PLANS INCLUDING NEW WHISKY BAR

The Plough in Harborne is set to launch ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ this November. Work has started on the £750k project which will see the popular neighbourhood pub on Harborne High Street add a new first floor extension which will be home to two new private dining and meeting rooms whilst extending its ground floor by 40 covers and introducing a new whisky bar.

‘Upstairs at The Plough’ will be home to two flexible private dining rooms with 30 covers combined. The rooms have been designed to accommodate meetings or conferences with both boasting wi-fi, large flat TV screens and private audio systems. The entire space can also be opened up and cater for up to 40 people standing.

The ground floor renovations will see the arrival of a new bar dedicated to showcasing The Plough’s global selection of rare, award-winning and artisan whiskies alongside a carefully curated collection of craft beers. The make-over will also see the arrival of a new pizza kitchen and coffee bar.

The team have re-ignited their long term partnership with interior design expert Melony Spencer of Spencer Swinden to create the new spaces which have been designed to complement The Plough’s trademark eclectic design.

Adam Johnson, Director at The Plough, said, “At The Plough we pride ourselves on the close relationships we enjoy with our regular customers and we take their feedback really seriously. The idea for ‘Upstairs at The Plough’ was born as a result of the regular requests we received to host private events whilst the additional covers and kitchen space downstairs will allow us to develop our menu and product range, enhancingThe Plough experience further. We’re also introducing a family style sharing menu in the private rooms which will further enable us to cater for growing demand. We’re really excited about the next phase in the business.”

Launched in 2003 The Plough has built a reputation for its menu of fresh home-cooked food and its imitable design whilst clocking up awards for its Sunday lunch, coffee and interior.

The project will create 10 jobs and is set for completion in November.

About The Plough 

The Plough, Harborne has been serving fresh home-cooked food and the best coffee and Sunday lunch in the neighbourhood for 11 years.  Established in 2003 The Plough has undergone extensive renovation since its launch boasting a quirky and eclectic interior and an ‘outdoor lounge’ that is airy, light and unrestricted by season.  With a focus on quality and provenance, ingredients are carefully sourced locally to minimise the environmental ‘tread’ of the business where possible. No stranger to accolades The Plough has been recognised for its coffee, Sunday lunch and interior – named by the Independent as ‘best coffee shop’, celebrated by The Times for the best Sunday Lunch in the region and awarded the ‘Best Restaurant / Bar Design’ at the Northern Design Awards.

Follow The Plough story here: 

Instagram : @ploughstagram

Twitter : @PloughHarborne

Facebook : The Plough Harborne

The Plough,

*Please note that the prize winner will be chosen and contacted by the IWSC and not The Whisky Exchange.

Heaven Hill Brands Celebrates its 80^th Anniversary by Giving Back

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the country’s largest family-owned and -operated distilled spirits company, is celebrating 80 years of success this year by giving back. To thank the community for being a valued partner over the last eight decades, Heaven Hill is planning a philanthropic effort, with the help of its employees.

Starting July 17 (Whisky Intelligence is publishing this after the fact as a matter of record), Heaven Hill will draw names of employees each Friday, for a total of 80 names, all leading up to an Employee Appreciation event on Sept. 12 at Heaven Hill corporate headquarters in Bardstown, Ky. Heaven Hill will donate $80 to a charity of those people’s choosing. In total, 80 employees will give $80 each to 80 charitable causes.

“We wanted to thank our employees for their hard work, as well as thank the community for 80 years of support,” said Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Brands President.

Additionally, the company is asking each employee to bring a canned good or other food item to the Employee Appreciation event. The collected items will be weighed with the goal of reaching 380 pounds of food that will be donated to a local food pantry serving those in need.

“This is another way for all of us here to celebrate all our achievements so far by giving back,” Shapira said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the company and how far we’ve come since my father and his brothers started it. Eighty years of success is just the beginning.”

The company kicked off its yearlong 80^th anniversary celebration by unveiling a new corporate name, Heaven Hill Brands, and a new logo that captures the company’s evolution from a leader in American Whiskey production – a position it continues to hold today – to the nation’s sixth-largest distilled spirits supplier.

Through internal product development and strategic brand acquisitions, Heaven Hill has built on its foundation of American Whiskeys to become a broadly diversified supplier of whiskeys, liqueurs, vodkas, rums and other spirits.

Heaven Hill’s portfolio includes the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, and category leaders Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Admiral Nelson’s Rum. The portfolio also includes a growing line of leading imported brands from around the world, such as Hpnotiq and Domaine de Canton liqueurs. Likewise, the company has a stable of innovative brands including PAMA Liqueur, Blackheart Spiced Rum and Evan Williams Flavors.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (http://heavenhill.com/) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky

Whisky of the Month

This month you’re in for a treat. Our Whisky of the Month is the Glenturret Bottle Your Own from the Andy Murray Cask. These are limited in numbers so don’t waste any time in getting yours….Available in store and online while stocks last!

BENRIACH RELEASES NEWEST BATCH OF ITS SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS

BenRiach has today (September 2, 2015) released Batch 12 of its renowned single cask bottlings.

This batch comprises nine remarkable casks from its Elgin distillery that were bottled in June this year.

Ranging from 38 to 14 years old, the magnificent nine perfectly capture the unique, award-winning BenRiach character.

The variety of expressions is utterly amazing. Sublime whiskies matured in the traditional, classic Speyside style are accompanied by expressions finished in exciting wood types such as Tawny Port, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Oloroso sherry casks as well as several peated whiskies.

Individually hand-numbered, non chill-filtered and bottled at natural colour, each single cask is truly a one-off. The new BenRiach packaging reflects the supreme quality of these single casks.

All nine casks have been hand-selected by BenRiach’s Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker who described them as “extraordinarily fine” and added:

“Every single cask bottling is an exclusive limited release. I have selected these nine casks as I believe they are especially noteworthy – highly individual, rounded, full of personality and ranging in fascinating characteristics. ”

Amongst them are some real highlights. The 38 years old whisky is from cask number 541, an excellent bourbon barrel. This peated gem suggests baked apples spiced with vanilla and cinnamon combined with a gentle, sweet peat reek to create a long barley sugar finish.

At the other end of the scale, the youngest, a 14 years old from cask number 69116, is a classic Speyside malt, balancing oak spices, green pears and ripe gooseberries combined with a crisp citrus twist and long barley grist finish.

And unusually for BenRiach, one expression – the 1998 cask number 6394 – has been triple-distilled and finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon, and the taste is sensational – white pepper and crisp citrus notes soften to plum juice followed by apple sponge with a dusting of fresh ground barley.

Other expressions in the range boast the taste of “herbal bog myrtle”, “papaya and ripe melon”, “juicy cranberries submerged with crisp citrus” and “chocolate-coated rum raisins and roasted coffee beans”.

The cask details are as follows:

1976 cask # 541 / 38 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 48.8% vol. 

1979 cask # 517 / 35 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 46.9% vol.

1985 cask # 10318 / 29 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 49.0%vol. 

1987 cask # 3825 / 27 years old / Tawny Port Hogshead / Tawny Port Finish / 52.9% vol.

1990 cask # 4936 / 25 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 50.4% vol.

1995 cask # 74743 / 20 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 58.9% vol.

1998 cask # 6394 / 17 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / Triple Distilled / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / 57.5% vol.

1999 cask # 8687 / 15 years old / Oloroso Sherry Puncheon / Oloroso Sherry Finish / 56.1% vol.

2000 cask # 69116 / 14 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 56.3% vol.

All nine casks will soon be available at retailers worldwide.

Another knock-out line up of whiskies!

Enjoy the brief bottle notes below and visit http://www.smws.ca/ for the full tasting notes.

Cask No. 26.105  Bumblebees by the sea 

29 years old; refill butt;  57.6%; Light & delicate

Dark runny honey over crackers, salted lemon and kiwi fruit. Citronella candles burning in a damp pine forest. Juicy Fruit gum and white peppery heat. Aspen bark and spearmint washed up on a seashore. Dunnage warehouses and green Starbursts.

Cask No. 123.14  Playful spices buzz the mouth

9 years old; 1st fill barrel; 57.4%; Spicy & sweet

The nose has sweet woody spices – (humbugs, cinnamon apple pie, Liquorice Allsorts), leather, dead leaves and spearmint. The palate has a playful buzz of exotic spices, oriental wood, After Eight mints, gin, blackcurrant and fermented honey. Curious but playful and enjoyable.

Cask No. G13.1  A complete revelation

4 years old; virgin oak puncheon; 58.3%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

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 fruit cake are entwined in seemingly endless complexity.

Cask No. 73.69  Dark side eclipsed by sweet joys

22 years old; refill sherry butt; 52.9%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

The nose is a tapas and dessert menu (tortilla, hazelnuts, sherry, crème caramel, apple granny cake). The palate oozes sweetness (amaretto, vanilla, panna cotta, Nutella, carrot cake), but with a gamey, bittersweet darker side of Hoisin duck, figs and burnt cake.

Cask No. 27.107  To the manor born

16 years old; refill gorda; 56%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

Thick vanilla ice cream with tinned peaches, creamy yogurt and sherry trifle, then polished leather in a variety of scents and rich fruit cake. Sweet then tannic to taste, with bitter chocolate and sandalwood. Water raises treacle toffee and sticky toffee pudding, hazelnut praline. An elegant taste with dark chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Cask No.  53.210  Fantastic stuff

24 years old; refill hogshead; 53.3%; Peated

The nose has peat smoke, sea breezes, bandages, tea chests, tobacco, puff candy and smoked salmon; caramel, tawny port and pork crackling with water. The palate delivers good smoke, toffee apples, liquorice, five-spice powder, salt and vinegar chips and smouldering sawdust.

Cask No.  127.43  Kissing a smoker

12 years old; refill barrel; 65%; Heavily peated

A damp shed with oil paints and then roasted meats on the nose. Oily overalls and linseed oil on reduction followed by duck in hoisin sauce. Lots of peat, ashy on the palate with lasting cigarette smoke on the finish. Epic!

http://www.smws.ca/

Do you want to know whisky? 

New online companion is the perfect beginners guide to world of whisky  

Whisky has entered the digital age with the launch of a new interactive gift experience which teaches whisky drinkers everything they need to know about Scotland’s amber nectar.

Designed and created in Edinburgh, and endorsed by whisky guru and Master of the Quaich Charles MacLean, I want to know whisky is an inspiring online journey through the culture, crafting, tasting and serving of Scotland’s national drink.

I want to know whisky has been named ‘Whisky Gift of the Year 2015’ by The Whisky Shop and Whiskeria magazine.

Priced at £24.95 and developed by hospitality group Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd and Flow Hospitality Training, I want to know whisky is the perfect stocking filler for whisky fans this Christmas or a pre-festive season treat.

Uncover the fascinating history of whisky from its origins in the sixth century to contemporary cocktail recipes, take a virtual tour of a distillery, discover different styles of Scotch, explore the six whisky producing regions and learn how to taste and appreciate whisky like a professional.

Aspiring whisky aficionados need look no further for the perfect beginners guide to whisky.

Immersing yourself in the world of whisky, the entire interactive journey takes approximately two and a half hours and will test user’s knowledge with interesting questions and a fun final exam at the end.

Upon successful completion of the exam whisky fans will be able to download a personalised certificate from Charles MacLean.

Charles Maclean said: “A splendid introduction to whisky, very informative and useful but great fun too. Whether a whisky fan wishing to test their knowledge or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone”

“I want to know whisky is the perfect companion for Scotch whisky enthusiasts.”

David Wither, Managing Director at Flow Hospitality Training, said: “The Scotch whisky industry has played a key role in Scotland for centuries and produces whisky admired around the world for its remarkable character and quality.   Inspired by our work within the hospitality and technology industries we hope engage, entertain and enrich the knowledge of whisky enthusiasts everywhere.

“I want to know whisky has been developed by our team here in Edinburgh and we are delighted to have the endorsement of Charles Maclean, his knowledge and passion for this wonderful drink has helped shape our journey of discovery which we look forward to sharing with you”

For more information or to order I want to know whisky visit: http://www.iwanttoknowwhisky.co.uk/.

Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail Pack set for relaunch at TFWA Cannes

Ian Macleod Distillers is set to relaunch their popular Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack at this year’s Cannes Tax Free World Association (TFWA).

The Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack has been renamed The Macleod’s Six to emphasise the 6 whiskies contained in the redesigned beautifully packaged double sided, burgundy and gold gift box.

Commenting on the new design, Andy Lane, Travel Retail Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Our newly designed Macleod’s Six pack represents not only the premium quality of the product but also the journey of Clansman Ian Macleod as he travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, seeking out the finest malts and grain whiskies from each region.”

The contents of the pack reflects Scotland’s celebrated whisky regions and famed trails, explaining the intricacies that give whiskies their distinct and flavoursome characteristics. This exclusive tasting gift pack includes 5cl bottles from around the whisky producing regions including Speyside, Highland, Islay and Island single malts with a Lowland Single Grain Malt Whisky and Isle of Skye 8yo Blended Scotch Whisky.

The newly designed pack makes for a perfect gift to help celebrate any special occasion and encourage consumers to learn about and try a variety of Scotch whiskies.

Taking place between the 19- 23 October, TFWA is widely regarded as the world’s biggest duty free and travel retail association providing the industry with high-quality exhibitions, acclaimed conferences and workshops, and in-depth market research.

Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent family owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.

The gift pack will be available from April 2016 and will retail at £26.00/€35.90/USD$39.95. The Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack can be found at stand number L7 Red Village at TFWA Cannes.

For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com.

• Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd was established on 26 October 1933.
• Ian Macleod Distillers currently produce and sell over 15 million bottles of spirit per year.

This week Joe Ellis reviews Caol Ila 1983 30 Year Old Official Bottling.

https://youtu.be/qlnxv5D_E24

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

GROUND BREAKS AT THE GLENLIVET DISTILLERY AS TOP SCOTCH CELEBRATES A STELLAR YEAR WITH DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH

Work begins on expansion of The Glenlivet distillery, reinforcing the recent success and bright future for the world’s largest single malt Scotch whisky

Chivas Brothers has forged ahead with its investment into enhancing the production facilities of The Glenlivet distillery to ensure that current and future demand for ‘the single malt that started it all’ continues to be met. Today, work officially began on the site, which will significantly increase capacity.

The news follows a strong set of financial results for the year ending in June 2015 for Chivas Brothers, announced last week, with the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard recording overall growth in net sales of +3%.

The Glenlivet recorded the standout achievement for Chivas Brothers with +11% net sales growth, a result of the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship through launches such as Founder’s Reserve, the extension of the Master Distiller’s Reserve range and The Winchester Collection. The Glenlivet has successfully driven consumer recruitment and attracted Scotch connoisseurs to the brand, which has made it the largest contributor to the growth of the single malt category in the past five years (IWSR 2014).

Today’s announcement reinforces the brand’s recent unrivalled global success selling over 1 million cases1 to become the world’s No.1 single malt Scotch whisky brand. The Glenlivet is also spearheading growth for the entire Pernod Ricard Single Malt Scotch whisky portfolio, with the group’s range becoming the Global No. 1. 2

 Across other brands in the Chivas Brothers portfolio there were additional strong performances such as Ballantine’s Finest growing in an otherwise declining category.

The brand, No. 2 Scotch whisky worldwide, sold over six million cases in the year ending in June 2015 following an increase of +2% in net sales driven by Ballantine’s Finest. Ballantine’s prestige portfolio has retained its loyal consumer base through the launch of Ballantine’s Golf Club while millennial whisky drinkers have been recruited to Ballantine’s Finest through successful marketing campaigns including the brand’s partnership with Boiler Room.

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, maintained its position despite a slight decline in global sales of Scotch whisky in 20143, demonstrating the continued appeal of this iconic brand. The past twelve months saw the launch of The Venture and the introduction of two new luxury whiskies, Chivas Extra and Chivas Regal The Icon, into the award-winning portfolio.

Chivas Brothers continues to lead in the standard segment with Passport Scotch, which grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases in the year ending in June 2015. Passport has strong appeal among millennial consumers in emerging markets including Brazil, Angola and Mexico, which has helped to earn its position as the fastest growing of all spirits brands that sell more than 200,000 cases per year4.

Beefeater, the world’s most awarded gin, continued to capitalise on the global gin renaissance, growing by +3% in net sales in the year ending in June 2015. Led by strong growth of Beefeater London Dry, the brand has engaged with the on-trade community through the Beefeater MIXLDN Bartender Competition and has inspired consumers through activations including Beefeater London Sounds.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman & CEO of Chivas Brothers, commented: “Today’s first step towards an expansion at The Glenlivet distillery is an historic day for Chivas Brothers as we look to continue the brand’s phenomenal triumphs across the past five years to reinforce our position as the world’s No.1 single malt Scotch whisky.

“Success for The Glenlivet is not in isolation – we have reported growth of +3% in net sales for the Chivas Brothers range as a whole, supported by a strong performance across our wider single malt, premium and standard blended Scotch and English gin portfolios with Aberlour, Ballantine’s, Passport and Beefeater respectively. The overall performance of our comprehensive portfolio of Scotch whiskies in the context of the wider category, which declined slightly last year, has been robust and we are committed to investing into manufacturing facilities geared towards innovation to help us to capitalise on the current and long-term growth prospects of the category.”

NOTES

1 The Glenlivet sold 1,065k 9lc in the year ending December 2014, according to IWSR 2014
2 Source: IWSR 2014
3 Scotch Whisky Association (April 2015 – link)
4 Source: IWSR 2014
Chivas Brothers financial results for the year ending in June 2015 (net sales):
Chivas Brothers: +3%
Chivas Regal: 0%
Ballantine’s: +2%
Beefeater: +3%
The Glenlivet: +11%
Royal Salute: -8%
Passport: +20%

ABOUT CHIVAS BROTHERS

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com