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Award winning cult malt whisky’s pioneering world first space experiment reveals a new taste dimension
— Ardbeg’s research may also signal a way for whisky industry experts to build a database of ageing whiskies —
The results of Ardbeg’s pioneering space mission, released this week, in which the Distillery became the first ever to send spirit into orbit, have far-reaching implications for the unorthodox single malt – and perhaps for the entire whisky industry, experts say.
Nearly four years ago, Ardbeg distillate was sent into space as part of an experiment to investigate how micro-gravity (near zero gravity) would affect the behaviour of terpenes, the building blocks of flavour for many foods and wines as well as whisky spirits. This maturation experiment was undertaken as research into terpenes in micro-gravity was limited. Its findings, [revealed this week], are groundbreaking. They pave the way for unprecedented flavour profiles, particularly for Ardbeg, the world’s peatiest, smokiest, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The experiment began in October 2011, when vials containing Ardbeg new-make spirit distillate and shards of Ardbeg casks, were sent to the U.S. National Lab on the International Space Station by the Distillery’s partner, U.S. space research company NanoRacks LLC. Some 200 miles above Earth, the vials orbited the planet at 17,227 miles per hour, for almost three years. Following their return to Earth, the samples were analysed alongside control samples that had been kept at the Ardbeg Distillery by Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, independent whisky experts and scientists.
In three of the four stages of analysis, major differences were identified between the two sets of samples. Dr Bill said: “The space samples were noticeably different. When I nosed and tasted the space samples, it became clear that much more of Ardbeg’s smoky, phenolic character shone through – to reveal a different set of smoky flavours which I have not encountered here on earth before.” Dr Bill added: “Ardbeg already has a complex character, but the results of our experiment show that there is potentially even more complexity that we can uncover, to reveal a different side to the whisky.”
Further analysis, looking at ratios of different types of wood extractive compounds, found significant differences between the two sets of samples – demonstrating that gravity has a very real effect on the maturation of spirit. Dr Bill commented “Our findings may also one day have significant implications for the whisky industry as a whole. In the future, the altered range of wood extractions could lead scientists to be able to detail the ratios of compounds expected in whiskies of a certain age.”
Jeffrey Manber, CEO of NanoRacks who partnered with Ardbeg on this experiment, commented “”It’s hard to find companies willing to be pioneers… To have a partner like Ardbeg that is willing to make this sort of commitment augurs well for the future of commercial space research into flavourings and what it changes for consumer products in general.”
Ardbeg would like to thank NASA and the Space Station Program for allowing this experiment to be undertaken.
Ian Macleod Distillers set to unveil new Travel Retail Exclusive Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt at TFWA Cannes
Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers, is launching a new Travel Retail Exclusive bottling at the esteemed Cannes Tax Free World Association (TFWA).
The new Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been exclusively bottled for the travel retail market. The exquisite new malt is available in both a 50cl and litre size bottle, which comes complete with a specially designed gift tube.
Andy Lane, Travel Retail Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “We are delighted with this new Shieldaig bottling, featuring bright and fresh packaging, it’s sure to attract the attention of consumers.”
Shieldaig, which translates to ‘Loch of the Herring’ in Old Norse, contains complex, yet balanced flavours. Smooth and elegant to taste, Sheildaig Speyside is bottled at 40% ABV.
Taking place between 19- 23 October, the 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.
Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be found at stand number L7 Red Village at TFWA Cannes and will be available from April 2016.
For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com.
NOTES
Shieldaig Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Nose: Blood orange, malt flour, cream sponge and sweet cinnamon
Palate: Smooth and elegant, buttery with soft fruit and a gentle sweetness
Finish: Gentle with delicate spice
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2015 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 8, 2015) Whiskey fans rejoice, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2015 Antique Collection in late September. The highly anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here’s what loyal fans can expect:
George T. Stagg
The powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, the 2015 George T. Stagg weighs in at 138.2 proof this year. Past releases of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon won many top awards, including twice named the number one spirit in the world by F. Paul Pacult’s The Spirit Journal. This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2000. This batch contained 128 barrels, a similar size batch as in previous years. Unfortunately these barrels yielded very little whiskey. Some of the barrels were nearly empty, containing only 1 or 2 gallons. Storage location of these barrels varied across a number of warehouses and several floors, but 84% of the original whiskey was lost to evaporation (or some very greedy angels!). Finding a bottle this fall will be harder than ever. This whiskey tastes of expresso, molasses, chocolate, vanilla, and dates.
William Larue Weller
The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including the Second Finest Whiskey in the World by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 edition. The 2015 offering was distilled in the spring of 2003 and aged on the second and sixth floors of Warehouses I, K, and L. This bourbon registers in at 134.6 proof – one of the stronger Weller releases. The bold flavors include toffee, nougat, and figs.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye
Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The 2014 edition was named “World’s Best American Whiskey” at the 2015 World Whiskies Awards. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2009; aged on the fourth and seventh floors of Warehouses I, K, and M, and weighs in at 126.9 proof. The flavor has been described as fig, clove, and allspice.
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old
The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Gold Medal at the 2014 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2015 edition has been aging on the first, second and third floors of Warehouses Q and I. This bourbon was aged for seventeen years and tastes of oak, tobacco, and dates.
Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old
Last year Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old was named the third finest whiskey in the world by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 edition, and American Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate Magazine. This 2015 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of molasses and allspice, with a long, dry finish. Several years ago, barrels of fully matured Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old were put into a stainless steel tank at Buffalo Trace Distillery to prevent further aging. Since then, whiskey has been drawn each year for bottling. This is the last edition of Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old from that tank. Next year’s batch will be comprised of whiskey that is currently aging in barrels filled in April 1998 and subsequent releases will contain barrels filled in 1999 and so on.
The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
The 2015 Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October. Suggested retail price is $80 each. For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.
Vote for us – IWSC Online Retailer of the Year
It’s that time of year again. The International Wine and Spirits Competition have run out of wine and spirits to judge and their eyes have turned to the world of drinks shops. It’s only the second year that they’ve had an award for Online Retailer of the Year, and again we are in the running for the prize.
The first step is a public vote, so if you think we deserve the award, please click on the banner below and vote for us:
The folks at the IWSC have sweetened the deal this year, and everyone who votes will be entered into a draw for a case of award-winning wine and spirits. If you want to see what sort of whiskies that might include, we’ve got a list of the top winners from this year over here.
Whether you vote for us or not, thanks to all of you for another year of supporting us here on the blog. Don’t forget that if you have any feedback, you can send it over through our contact form – let us know if you like what we’re doing and what we can do better.
Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – Vote for us – IWSC Online Retailer of the Year
Imperial 1996
New 2015 bottling of the lost distillery from Gordon & MacPhail for the Distillery Labels series.
NEXT WEEK
Old & Rare Tasting – 19 Greville St – Tue 15 Sept More >
Burger Tasting – 28 Queen St – Fri 18 Sept More >
Dunfermline Preview Tasting – Garvock House Hotel – Fri 18 Sept More >
York Preview Tasting – Brigantes Bar & Brasserie – Fri 18 Sept More >
LATER
Liverpool Preview Tasting – Malmaison – Fri 25 Sept More >
Newcastle Preview Tasting – The Caledonian Hotel – Fri 25 Sept More >
New Members’ Tasting – 19 Greville St – Tue 29 Sept More >
FREE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VAULTS
NEW – The Vaults Poker Night Returns > Mon 14 Sept
Monday Night Drop-In: Last Drops Night > Mon 21 Sept
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
Deerfield, IL, August 17, 2015 – Beam Suntory Inc., the world’s third-largest premium spirits company, has appointed Greg Hughes General Manager, U.S., overseeing the entire U.S. of the marketing organization. With 23 years of consumer brands experience, Hughes is charged with accelerating market share growth and driving demand for brands like Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Hibiki® and Courvoisier® in the U.S.
In this newly created role, Hughes will report to Beam Suntory Americas President Tim Hassett, and oversee vice presidents leading three key business areas: Bourbon, World Whiskey and Innovation, and Mixables, such as vodka and tequila. His appointment is effective August 17.
“Greg brings impressive marketing prowess, strategic thinking, commercial acumen and a track record of driving business results in large and small organizations,” Hassett said. “His broad functional experience is a unique mix of marketing, operations, supply chain and sales, which will be key in continuing our momentum in the Americas.”
Hughes joins Beam Suntory from The Kraft Heinz Company, where he served as Vice President of Marketing for the company’s Enhancers portfolio of just over one billion dollars, including Miracle Whip®, A-1®, and Kraft-branded products such as salad dressing, mayonnaise, and BBQ sauce.
Prior to Kraft, Hughes served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Bel Brands; comprised of The Laughing Cow®, Mini Babybel®, and Boursin® brands. Earlier in his career, Hughes served as Senior Director, Marketing, at Kraft, with responsibility for the company’s sandwich cheese products.
Hughes began his career at Procter & Gamble in roles of increasing leadership and responsibility before a stint in Romania with the United States Peace Corps. He holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.A. from the University of Kansas.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.
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 commitment to Growing for Good. 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.
DEERFIELD, Ill., Aug. 13, 2015 — Today, Jim Beam® officially announces the launch of its latest flavored whiskey from the world’s No. 1 bourbon – new Jim Beam® Apple – which contains all the pride and heritage from the Beam family’s 220-year history.
With a refreshing take on family tradition, Jim Beam distillers have brought together the taste of crisp, green apples and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The result is a perfect balance of apple and delicious bourbon, with a light, juicy twist. The Signature Cocktail, “Jim Beam Apple and Soda,” mixes Jim Beam Apple and club soda over ice, with a wedge of lemon, for a delicious, refreshing cocktail all year round.
“As category leaders in bourbon innovation, we take pride in delivering flavors that complement the tasting notes of the world’s No. 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Gigi DaDan, Senior Director of Jim Beam. “With Jim Beam Apple and the ‘Jim Beam Apple and Soda,’ we are bringing another option to both whiskey fans and those looking to discover new refreshing cocktails.”
“My family’s been making history since we started distilling bourbon in 1795,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “With Jim Beam Apple and our other flavored products, we continue to make even more history as we introduce more people to the delicious taste of ‘America’s Native Spirit.'”
About Jim Beam® Apple
Bottled at 70-proof, new Jim Beam Apple contains apple liqueur that’s been blended with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
New Jim Beam Apple has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for 750mL, and is now available in bars and retail locations nationwide. Price varies by market and product size, which includes 50mL, 100mL, 375mL, 750mL, 1L and 1.75L.
For more information about Jim Beam Apple, “like” our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JimBeam), follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.
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 commitment to Growing for Good. 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.
Jim Beam® Apple, Apple Liquer with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 35% Alc./Vol.
Knob Creek® Bourbon, the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon , known for its big, full flavor, is proud to continue its long and decorated winning streak as the “World’s Most Awarded Bourbon,” claiming 49 awards at 2015’s top spirits competitions, including top honors at the recent 2015 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).
Each expression of the super-premium Knob Creek® Portfolio, consisting of Knob Creek® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon and Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, earned high accolades at the IWSC, including the notable honors below:
Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve – Gold Outstanding
Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey – Gold
These IWSC wins are the latest in a long list of prestigious awards Knob Creek® Bourbon has earned in 2015, including the title of “Best Bourbon” and a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at the 2015 International Spirits Challenge.
Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey was awarded “Rye of the Year” and also won a Gold Medal at the 2015 Berlin International Spirits Competition. Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve received a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and was awarded a Consumer’s Choice Award and a Gold Medal in the Single Barrel American Whiskey 10 Years and Younger category at this year’s SIP Awards. Finally, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Whiskey was awarded “Best Flavored Bourbon” and a Gold Medal at the 2015 Fifty Best Awards, as well as a Consumer’s Choice Award and a Gold Medal in the Flavored/Infused Whiskey category at this year’s SIP Awards.
“When Booker Noe created Knob Creek® Bourbon, he focused on his passion for creating a big, full flavored bourbon with the strength, care and patience that defined pre-prohibition whiskey – the way he thought real bourbon ought to be made,” said Halley Kehoe, Director of Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We are proud that Knob Creek has been setting the standard for more than 20 years and excited that our fans and fellow industry leaders feel the same way about the quality of our products, as evidenced by these awards.”
About Knob Creek® Bourbon
Knob Creek® Bourbon has been creating extraordinary full flavored bourbon with intriguing taste and bottled in unique flask shaped packaging for over 20 years, which has helped make it the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon in the world, according to Nielson Case Volume. Aged for a full 9 years in new, charred American Oak barrels and bottled at an honest 100 proof, Knob Creek® Bourbon upholds the standard for what great bourbon ought to be with its big, full signature flavor. Launched in early 1992, at a time when the terms “craft” and “super-premium” bourbon didn’t exist, Knob Creek® Bourbon is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born. In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its portfolio releasing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof / 60% alcohol by volume) in 2011 and Knob Creek Rye (100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume) in 2012 and Knob Creek Smoked Maple (90 proof / 45% alcohol by volume) in 2013. For more information on Knob Creek, visit www.knobcreek.com.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.
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 commitment to Growing for Good. 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.
