A SUSTAINABLE MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR JOHN DEWAR & SONS 

Carbon Trust Certification recognizes ongoing progress for award-winning, global brand 

Hamilton, Bermuda, October 6, 2015 – One of the most historic global Scotch whisky distillers is on an environmental roll. John Dewar & Sons Ltd., part of the Bacardi group of companies, has the distinction of being one of the few entities in the spirits industry to be certified – and re-certified – by the Carbon Trust Standard. The mission of the Carbon Trust Standard is to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. It recognizes companies that demonstrate ongoing progress in the areas of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s a widely recognized accreditation in the United Kingdom, so we are not patting ourselves on the back,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons. “Rather, we are getting approval from a well-respected external body for the efforts we’ve done to reduce our carbon footprint.”

In September 2011, the Bacardi operations – including the John Dewar & Sons sites – in the United Kingdom initially achieved Carbon Trust Standard certification by reducing their overall carbon footprint by close to 13% over a three-year time span. Collectively, that lowered CO2 emissions by 4,400 tons – equivalent to removing 1,800 cars from the roadways. In 2013, and again in 2015, the Bacardi sites achieved recertification from the Carbon Trust Standard in the UK. Measuring on a relative basis (per litre of alcohol), an additional 10.3% improvement over the 2011 results has been achieved (2015 certification encompasses the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Visitor Centre at Laverstoke Mill). From a qualitative perspective, John Dewar & Sons sits in the 80^th percentile of all companies participating in the Carbon Trust program.

“Over a number of years, we have switched to more environmentally sustainable motors that lower energy use,” explains Paul Lobar, Distilling Manager, John Dewar & Sons. “We’ve also introduced systems so our pumps or motors don’t need to be running 100% of the time – and that’s reduced our CO2 emissions as well.”

As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons Ltd. honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:

• 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
• 46% reduction in water use since 2009
• 30% reduction of waste to landfill since 2010

“It’s crucial that we maintain the environment and conditions so important in producing the signature flavor of our flagship malt whisky at the Aberfeldy Distillery,” adds Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky. “We’re very proud, and we do everything we can to maintain its excellence.”

The Carbon Trust Standard certification is part of a broad scope of sustainability achievements for Bacardi and John Dewar & Sons, producers of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA®. 

Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28% and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28%. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40% of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100% by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10%  and achieve 15% by 2022.
3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55%  and GHG emissions by 50%. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.

To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.  John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur.

Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. http://www.bacardilimited.com/

Brora 1982 Vintage Highland single malt Scotch whiskey. Bottled by Gordon & MacPahil for the Rare Old series.

Brora

Brora Distillery is situated in the north east of Scotland close to the Sutherland coast on the edge of Brora. Established in 1819 as Clynelish Distillery by the Marquis of Sutherland to produce fine Highland malt whisky and re-named Brora Distillery in 1975. Brora Distillery is an iconic Scottish malt distillery with a round red brick chimney, malt kiln with pagoda roof, a bellcote topped with a gilded weather cock, two big wooden worm tubs, miniscule gauger’s house, two wee copper stills and wonderful old dunnage warehouses. Brora Distillery closed in 1983 and is unlikely to re-open and so is a lost Scottish malt whisky distillery.

Buy – $654.15

Heaven Hill just reopened their private barrel program with Evan Williams Single Barrel; and we couldn’t be more excited about it and the other selections to come! So with a few of our guys having just taken a trip down to Bardstown and selecting two delicious barrels (which should arrive early November), what better time to talk about Heaven Hill! The company was started post prohibition by the Shapiro family. About ten years into business, Earl Beam, yes, as in the Beam family, became the master distiller for Heaven Hill. His son, Parker Beam, succeeded his father in 1975 and is still the master distiller at Heaven Hill. With the Shapiro family still manning the helm today, Heaven Hill is the largest independent and family owned distillery in America. They are also the seventh largest spirits supplier in the US and have the second largest stock of aging bourbon in the country. They produce five different mash bills across across all their whiskies. I say whiskies because if I said bourbon, I’d be leaving out their excellent wheat whisky. Check out their offerings:

EVAN WILLIAMS

HEAVEN HILL

LARCENY Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

BERNHEIM Original Small Batch Wheat Whisky

HENRY MCKENNA Bourbon

HENRY MCKENNA Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Year

www.ralfy.com catches up with an old single malt companion with Whisky Review 556 – Caol Ila 18yo single malt

NEW EVENT FOR FANS OF WHISKEY DEBUTS IN LONDON THIS NOVEMBER

An exciting event for any casual or serious fans of scotch, bourbon, whiskey or cocktails

A new event is making a debut in London this November. A lively and fun night out for any fans of whiskey who may discover new brands, drinks and favourites along the way. Split into four sections: scotch, bourbon, whiskey and whiskey cocktails, there is something for all levels of knowledge catering for beginners right through to the aficionado.

The event takes place at Conway Hall in Red Lion Square, London on Saturday 28^th November at 7pm. Tickets are £10 each and available online now.

This new festival makes its debut in London before going nationwide next year. Originating from a simple idea: to explore the world of whiskey comprehensively, whilst having fun and ensuring inclusivity for any level of knowledge in the attendee.

Music, speakers and representatives from the brands are all comprising factors of the events and even people with no interest in whiskey can sample the cocktail menu and still enjoy the night!

Organiser Catherine Jackson is keen to develop a burgeoning whiskey interest and share her enthusiasm with as many people as possible:

“I had so many friends who were knowledgeable about different whiskeys and I was often lost as to where to start. I wanted to dip my toe into the differences and similarities within the brands and learn how to judge which finishes and ages suited my tastes more but I wanted to do so with friends and have a good night out at the same time.

There are some wonderful, smaller independent distillers involved next to household names so there is a true mix of brands to sample. A rockabilly band is providing our entertainment for the evening and a photo booth will provide a permanent memory of the night. It’s going to be great fun and we can’t wait to share it!”

To learn more about the business and the event visit http://www.thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk/

GIFT THE PERFECT SINGLE MALT THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas why not treat your loved one to one of the finest single malts? Whether they’re a whisky connoisseur or a newcomer, we have a selection of single malts to suit every taste.

The Macallan Rare Cask

New to The Macallan portfolio, The Macallan Rare Cask will be available to purchase as a Christmas gift for the first time this year.  Aged exclusively in Sherry Oak casks, The Macallan Rare Cask sees soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose, giving way to a sweet ensemble of apple, lemon, and orange. A Single Malt produced through meticulous dedication to wood – with some of the casks used to age the whisky from Sherry bodegas no longer in existence – it is the perfect gift for those who are fans of craftsmanship and quality.

The Macallan Rare Cask is available in select whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop (RRP £200). http://www.themacallan.com/

Laphroaig Select

Fans of Laphroaig’s trademark ‘peat reek’ will love Laphroaig Select. This expression offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness and is a must have for the drinks cabinet this festive season.

Laphroaig Select is available in retailers including Morrisons, http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £34.99). http://www.laphroaig.com/

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal malt for fans of flavour and the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas pudding this festive season. This single malt boasts a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35.12). http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

The Macallan Gold

Give the gift of gold this Christmas with the limited edition Ernie Button presentation of the first whisky in The 1824 Series, The Macallan Gold. Showcasing the single malt’s natural colour, Button’s photography microscopically captures the traces of whisky left in a glass. The Macallan Gold has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons (RRP £38.95). http://www.themacallan.com/

The Ardmore Legacy

The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction to peated single malt whisky. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices with a pleasant peaty taste, The Ardmore Legacy is a full-bodied and smooth dram with a dry, spicy and long-lasting finish. The Ardmore Legacy is available in multiple retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). http://www.ardmorewhisky.com/

Whisky Offerings from Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery

Well Autumn is officially here and we absolutely adore it! It looks so picturesque here at the distillery with all of those beautiful colours surrounding us. They go perfectly with the golden hues of our whiskies as well! When the nights are drawing in and there’s a wee chill in the air, we love nothing more than sitting in front of the fire with a wee dram or two. Why not pop up to the distillery and see what we’re talking about for yourself. We guarantee you’ll love it.  Don’t forget that you can buy all of our whiskies online or in store.

Whisky of the Month

This October you have the chance to own your very own limited edition premium bottle of The Famous Grouse 16 Year Old Edition. Featuring art work from Vic Lee, it’s one that’s definitely not to be missed. Available in store and online.

The Famous Tasting Experience

Come along to the spiritual home of The Famous Grouse for a tasting experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Learn the art of blending and taste several Famous samples which is all included in your tour. You can book this or one of our other tours here.

The Famous UK Shop

Take a minute to visit our UK Shop and browse our full range of products including; The Famous Grouse and The Glenturret, all available for UK delivery. Whisky isn’t all that we do either, we also have a fantastic range of gifts and glassware available. Let us help take the hassle out of Christmas! Visit our UK Shop here

The Famous Global Shop

Now International customers can order our range of Whiskies from our Global Shop. Choose from the wide range of The Famous Grouse and The Glenturret Special Editions available for International delivery. Perfect for non-UK residents and for sending Christmas gifts to family and friends overseas.  Visit our Global Shop here

The Famous Grouse Experience

The Glenturret Distillery

The Hosh

Crieff, PH7 4HA

United Kingdom

OCTOBER UPDATE: THE PEOPLE’S PUDDINGS

The people have spoken, the ballots are in. Members certainly do have a passion for puddings, but it turns out the hottest flavour tickets in town are beach holidays and unabashed celebration. Whether you feel hedonistic at the table, on the dance-floor or in the surf, seize the dram because we’re down to the last few drops of the best – as voted for by you!

No. 1: Peated
29.169 Beach bonfires, creels and boats £84.50

No. 2: Oily & coastal
53.226 Teddy Boys at the beach £56.80

No. 3: Juicy, oak & vanilla
54.33 Holidays and honeymoons £51.20

No. 4: Spicy & sweet
1.189 High on the hills with a lonely goatherd… £81.50

No. 5: Juicy, oak & vanilla
50.69 A celebration of life!  Limited to one per member and available in our members’ rooms or by phone order only – £110.00

No. 6: Young & spritely
48.64 Clean as a whistle  £42.80

No. 7: Oily & coastal
7.121 Salt water taffy £50.70

No. 8: Lightly peated
4.212 A dram from Treasure Island £79.80

No. 9: Sweet, fruity & mellow
46.34 Honey in a sunny garden £74.00

No. 10: Sweet, fruity & mellow
64.67 Pleasing, teasing and comforting £96.00

Browse New Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact:mailto:sales@smws.comor 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

A new blog post about Isle of Harris Distillery may be viewed HERE

THE GLENLIVET UNVEILS PEAT-INFLUENCED EXPRESSION FOR THE INNOVATIVE NÀDURRA RANGE

The Glenlivet has launched a third expression for its celebrated Nàdurra range, as it continues to honour the historic traditions of making single malt whisky through new and innovative cask finishes. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is the first release to have a subtle, smoky taste profile, having been finished in American oak casks that have previously held heavily-peated Scotch whisky.

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is inspired by the authentic production processes used at The Glenlivet Distillery by its founder, George Smith, who originally used peat smoke to dry the malted barley. Finished in peated casks, the classic, smooth and fruity house style that has made the range so famous has been enriched with gentle, aromatic smoky notes, to offer a brand new The Glenlivet experience to whisky enthusiasts. The expression will also be available in Global Travel Retail at 48% ABV.

Available in nine domestic markets, including USA and France, and Global Travel Retail from October 2015 at US$89 (or local equivalent), the release follows the launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso and The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection in 2014. The Glenlivet craftsmen individually nosed each cask to ensure the perfect balance between fruit and smoke in the whisky, which has been bottled in small batches with no chill-filtration to offer the complexity, full body and distinctively creamy texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask.

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, comments: “I’m delighted to present the purest expression of The Glenlivet, which pays homage to the distillery’s legendary past. Nàdurra captures the original passion behind George Smith’s distillery, which inspires us to create new flavour journeys for consumers so his spirit remains alive today. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish demonstrates this beautifully, with its warming mouthfeel, swirls of vanilla cream and subtle traces of tangy smoke, and I hope that whisky enthusiasts now and in the future enjoy this rare taste that echoes of the past.”

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, added: “Interest among whisky fans for new, original and well-made single malt Scotch has continued to grow in recent years, and we at The Glenlivet are proud to have set the benchmark for quality and innovation. The Glenlivet Nàdurra range has enjoyed a cult following due to its rich craftsmanship story and commitment to traditional 19th Century production methods, and with releases such as The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish we hope to inspire more and more increasingly discerning drinkers to learn about the craftsmanship, provenance and heritage of ‘the single malt that’s started it all’.”

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is presented in refreshed packaging, first introduced in April 2014, which emphasises the artisanal nature of the range. The design includes a prominent batch number, cask-like stamps and a more visible translation of the Gaelic word, Nàdurra – meaning natural – to illustrate the essence of the brand.

NOTES

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish Cask Strength (61.5% ABV) tasting notes:
Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A burst of soft red apples, citrus zest and aromatic smoke
Palate: Rich tangy marmalade, creamy vanilla toffee and a distinct toasted smokiness
Finish: Complex, lengthy and spicy, with layers of subtle smoke

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish (48% ABV) tasting notes:
Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A perfect balance of fresh, ripe orchard fruit, sweet vanilla cream and delicate wood smoke
Palate: Notes of rich honey and subtle vanilla, with a sweet, tangy smokiness
Finish: Long and developed, with vibrant notes of fresh fruit and spicy smoke

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. Today, The Glenlivet is the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky in the world including in the USA, the world’s largest malt whisky market. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.  www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet

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 € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, 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 Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com