New York City, October 1^st, 2015; Dr. Jim Beveridge, an analytical chemist and world-famous Scotch whisky blender, has today been announced as a new member of The Explorers Club.

Dr. Beveridge has been recognised for his unique accomplishments in the field of scientific research in analytical chemistry on a worldwide scale. His contributions have led to the advancement of our understanding of the impact of nano-quantities of organics upon taste.

He joins with other members of the renowned club who have conducted groundbreaking research in a wide variety of disciplines, leaders who have travelled far afield, returning to bring new knowledge of many unique interests to the world.

Membership of The Explorers Club places Dr. Beveridge among the most famous and recognised explorers and research scientists of our time. The Club’s members include those who were first to the Moon, first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mt. Everest and first to the deepest points of the Ocean.

His membership was announced as Johnnie Walker^®, the number one Scotch whisky in the world^[1], launched a new campaign entitled Joy Will Take You Further, celebrating the fact that happiness actually helps people achieve success.

Dr. Beveridge the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker, said, while visiting The Explorers Club: “It’s a privilege to be accepted as a member of this amazing club. For almost two centuries the blenders of Johnnie Walker have been restless people who have never liked to stand still. They have always been on the move – taking their whiskies to every corner of the world and learning lessons from every country they visited.

“Importantly, I know that each and every one of us who has been fortunate enough to work on this great whisky has truly loved the steps we’ve taken. I’m following in some big footsteps and I’m privileged to genuinely be standing on the shoulders of giants as a blender and, now, with fellow explorers.”

During his trip to New York, Dr. Beveridge hosted tours of a spectacular pop-up immersive ‘Blenders’ Rooms’ experience in the historic The Explorers Club headquarters for guests.

The ‘Blenders’ Rooms’ pop-up captured the spirit of Dr. Beveridge’s day-to-day working environment in Scotland and is the first of its kind to be presented outside of the United Kingdom. It featured installations that helped him bring to life and tell the story of the unrivalled 8 million casks of whisky that he works with; the science behind the distinctive flavour profiles of Johnnie Walker; and the innovation which continues to drive the brand forward.

Among the guests at the event were Will Roseman, Executive Director and Ted Janulis, President of The Explorers Club, and Brian Cox, Director, Scotch whisky North America at Diageo.

Mr Roseman said: “The Explorers Club is pleased to welcome Johnnie Walker to its worldwide headquarters and to have among its newest members, Dr. Jim Beveridge, recognised for his extraordinary accomplishments as a renowned analytical chemist.”

Cox said: “As we launch our new Joy Will Take You Further campaign, it is incredibly fitting that we are able to hold this event here in The Explorers Club. For over a century, members of The Explorers Club have lived out the conviction that lies at the very heart of our campaign, they have been people who have enjoyed the journey as much as the destination.”

#JoyWillTakeYouFurther

Notes

¹International Wine and Spirit Record (IWSR) Value and volume data 2014

B-roll footage of Dr. Jim Beveridge at The Explorers Club in New York can be downloaded here

Photo captions: 

• Will Roseman, Executive Director of The Explorers Club welcomes new member Dr Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender

• Dr Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender with The Explorers Club fellow, adventurer, photographer, author and television host, Josh Bernstein

• Dr Beveridge has been recognised for his unique accomplishments in scientific research in analytical chemistry and is pictured with Will Roseman, Executive Director of The Explorers Club

• Membership places Dr Beveridge among the most famous explorers and research scientists of our time 

About Diageo

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

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

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Enjoy Johnnie Walker responsibly. 

The JOHNNIE WALKER, KEEP WALKING, BLENDERS’ ROOMS, JOYNOMICS and JOY WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trademarks © John Walker & Sons 2015. 

About The Explorers Club

The Explorers Club was founded in New York City 1904 by a group of the world’s leading explorers of the time. It is a multidisciplinary, not for profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences. The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: First to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, and first to the surface of the moon. With 3,000 members worldwide, the organization is headquartered at 46 East 70th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021. For more information about The Explorers Club, its history, and its mission, find out more at: http://www.explorers.org/

Under a licensing agreement between Diageo and The Explorers Club, each purchase from the Johnnie Walker® Explorers’ Club Collection^TM – a series of blended whiskies sold exclusively in global duty free outlets – helps to support the work of The Explorers Club.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB, THE EXPLORERS CLUB FLAG and associated logos are trade marks of The Explorers Club, a global non-profit organisation headquartered in New York City.

^[1] International Wine and Spirit Record (IWSR) Value and volume data 2014

October 2015 Outturn

Cask No. 95.19                               $150

Enigmatic duality

Speyside, Spey

The nose appealed to us all – but in surprisingly different ways – some got tropical fruits – dried mango, kiwi, lingen berry sorbet and ‘waxed lemons in the Tuscan sun’ – others detected deeper elements of tar, seaweed and even a wisp of smoke. That enigmatic duality persisted with water – pink peppercorns, horseradish, honey, ‘lightening over herb gardens’ and toasted pistachios. The palate was immediate and powerful – mouth-coating waxed fruits, heather honey and crème brûlée wrestled with peppery heat, hints of bonfire ash and carbolic. In reduction, we found aloe vera, menthol, Fisherman’s Friends, clove, hickory and fried sage leaves – good sweet-savoury balance.

Drinking tip: A curiosity dram – have fun perplexing your friends.

Colour: Lemony gold

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 17 years

Date distilled: August 1997

Alcohol: 53.2%

USA allocation: 246 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet

 *USA Exclusive*

*President’s Choice*

Cask No. 4.203                               $140

Romantic tales, songs and whispers

Highland, Island

The neat nose spoke to us of dried roses, expensive writing paper and fresh linen – a romantic tale, accompanied by a sweet song of honey, marshmallows and spun sugar and a confidential whisper of spice. The palate found warming ginger and evocative strains of pencil shavings, tobacco, menthol and linseed oil; balancing sweetness was confirmed by golden syrup, Tunnock’s Snowballs and chocolate limes. The reduced nose had tobacco tins and cricket bats; smouldering embers, walnut cake, coffee and mint-choc-chip. The palate now offered chocolate mints, various nuts, wood sap, liquorice and coconut – gentle but complex, with decent character and personality.

Drinking tip: Takes plenty of water and could be a suitable outdoors dram – romantic glamping perhaps?

Colour: Gold foil

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 15 years

Date distilled: October 1999

Alcohol: 55.8%

USA allocation: 84 bottles

Flavour profile: Young & spritely 

Cask No. 63.31                               $200

Green grow the rushes oh!

Speyside, Spey

All were delighted by the aromas and flavours of an exotic temple. Delicately baked stone fruits sprinkled with rosewater, pistachio, cardamom, then fresh pine and beeswax polish. In the darker corners there was cooling lychee and cucumber, then moss and breezy jasmin. Malted digestive biscuits with a slather of honey and baked pastry added depth. For some, water brought out lovely clean notes of grape, kiwi, gooseberry and melon. For others, wet slate, damp bog and rain smattered stone. The finish was crisp green apple and lime pastilles, warm brown paper, fresh laundry and mint cornetto ice cream.

Drinking tip: As refreshing as rain on a summers day

Colour: Peachy

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 25 years

Date distilled: November 1989

Alcohol: 51.6%

USA allocation: 90 bottles

Flavour profile: Old & dignified 

Cask No. 123.13                             $100

A French picnic

Highland, Southern

Spread out the rug on the grass and unpack the picnic. Apple tart with buttery pastry and orange blossom scented madeleines. Waxy honey on the comb and toffee caramel. Calvados and linctus pastilles. To taste, thick butterscotch on biscuits, hazelnut syrup and toasted almonds. Water relaxed the picnic panel and they found everything softer and sweeter: coconut, marzipan and watermelon, then orange zest. They imagined plucking wild strawberries and dipping them in thick vanilla custard that curled around the tongue. Pear compote with armagnac concluded proceedings by sending all into a gentle slumber in the afternoon sun.

Drinking tip: When you’re feeling soporific.

Colour: Stubble fields

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 9 years

Date distilled: May 2005

Alcohol: 57.3%

USA allocation: 119 bottles

Flavour profile: Juicy, oak & vanilla 

Cask No. 53.211                     $180       

And it is Goodbye to Care

Islay

Sweet and fresh aromas were very much apparent on the nose neat; lime cheese cake, heather honey and caramel-apple crisps. At the same time salty aromas of oyster shells and seaweed and a eucalyptus/ashy smell of menthol cigarettes all entwine. In the taste; sausages with a sweet chilli sauce, smoked peaches and vanilla ice cream with white pepper. With water much more maritime and salty; rock pools, kelp, fried white baits and calamari with a garlic and lemon mayonnaise – ‘you can almost hear the sea lions barking’. The taste is now gentle; singed heather, toasted marshmallows with a light fresh breeze of lavender.

Drinking tip: Looking for a carefree moment

Colour: Toucan’s beak

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 22 years

Date distilled: January 1992

Alcohol: 54.8%

USA allocation: 60 bottles

Flavour profile: Lightly peated 

*Low Outturn*

http://www.smwsa.com/

AUTUMN NECTAR

 The end of summer heralds not only the start of autumn, but also the beginning of the new whiskies season when distillers start jostling for position for the forthcoming Festive period. Plenty of great stuff to look forward to over the coming weeks, including a new Royal Mile Whiskies bottling which we are very excited about! However to kick us off in style we have the wonderful new official Royal Brackla range – ‘The Drink Divine’ (as decreed by the Royal household in the 1830s).

ROYAL BRACKLA 12 Year Old £41.95

ROYAL BRACKLA 16 Year Old £69.95

ROYAL BRACKLA 21 Year Old £165.00

For all general enquiries please call: 0131 524 9380 or email: contact@royalmilewhiskies.com

OCTOBER TASTINGS

Flavour Profile Tasting – 28 Queen St – Thu 15 Oct  More >

Uisge Source Tasting – 19 Greville St – Tue 20 Oct  More >

Perth Preview Tasting – The Salutation Hotel – Fri 23 Oct  More >

Sheffield Preview Tasting – Leopold Hotel – Fri 23 Oct  More >

Greenock Preview Tasting – The Tontine Hotel – Fri 23 Oct  More >

Duck’s at Kilspindie Preview Tasting – Ducks, Aberlady – Fri 23 Oct  More >

New Members’ Tasting – 19 Greville St – Tue 27 Oct  More >

Cheese & Whisky Tasting – The Vaults – Thu 29 Oct  More >

Manchester Preview Tasting – Malmaison – Fri 30 Oct  More >

Cheltenham Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin & Bistro – Sat 31 Oct  More >

Melrose Preview Tasting – Town House Hotel – Sat 31 Oct  More >

Which Whisky is Witch? – 28 Queen St – Sat 31 Oct  More >

FREE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VAULTS

FREE Live Music >  Mon 19 Oct

Browse All Tastings >

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

This week Joe Ellis was selected to take part in the Littlemill Flash Blog event. Here he reviews the brand new official distillery release of Littlemill 25 Year Old Lowland Single Malt.

https://youtu.be/8bvTegoZqmE

To view other blogs please search #Littlemill on Twitter.

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

CHIVAS REGAL LAUNCHES CHIVAS 18 ULTIMATE CASK COLLECTION EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL RETAIL

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has launched the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection, a limited edition series that reinterprets the brand’s celebrated Chivas 18 expression. The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish will introduce the series, and is available exclusively in travel retail from this month.

Each limited edition ultra-premium whisky will be finished in varying types of casks to magnify a selection of the 85 flavour notes of the original Chivas 18. For the first limited edition release, Chivas 18 has been gently rested for a period of time in first fill American Oak casks, giving the expression more indulgent vanilla and caramel notes with a deep golden hue. Preserving all the essence of its rich taste, Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish has been non-chill filtered.

Matching the ultra-premium nature of the liquid, each whisky is presented in luxurious packaging, textured in deep, dark Chivas 18 blue and embossed with Chivas design motifs. In a design nod to the golden hue of the whisky, a golden ribbon adorns the front of the box, embossed with the respective name of each expression in the Ultimate Cask Collection series.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Master Blender, comments: “For the first edition of the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection we wanted to create a unique blend that accentuates the most iconic notes of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, through a special finish in hand-selected First Fill American Oak casks. Designed for the sophisticated palate, the whisky provides a truly balanced taste and a velvet smooth finish.”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, comments: “The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish presents an exciting opportunity for ultra-premium whisky drinkers to explore further tasting experiences from an iconic and well-loved brand. The collection taps into the increasing demand from travellers looking for unique products that can be offered as a luxury gift or shared back home during special moments and will be an exclusive addition to retail channels in airports around the world.”

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection is bottled at 48% ABV and exclusively available in global travel retail at a RRP of $126 USD 1ltr. The first launch will be followed by two further expressions, to be released every 18 months.

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign in 2008, which aims to inspire modern gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in 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

It’s October and we’re thankful for another line-up of delectable drams, so go ahead, dig in!

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

CASK No. 39.98  BUTTERFLIES, BATS & SPIDERS 

23 years old; refill hogshead;  59.1%; Sweet, fruity & mellow

The nose starts floral, fruity and fresh (syrupy crumpets, pineapple) later uncovering dark tobacco, leather boots and black-jack chews. The palate has orchard fruits, tannic woodiness, liquorice and blackcurrant, plus honey and raisins in a spice cupboard – mouth-watering and sensuous.

CASK No. 59.49  CELEBRATION IN A GLASS

30 years old; refill hogshead; 49.2%; Old & dignified

Calming and relaxing – deep breathing; treacle sponge, roasted chestnuts, beeswax and a tropical rum trifle. The taste – words can hardly do it justice, depth and harmony like a well-aged Riesling. Water adds sweetness as well as juiciness and the rich texture needs to be experienced.

CASK No. 52.20  ALL DAY AMERICAN BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN

13 years old; refill barrel; 64.7%; Spicy & sweet

Step into the garden of aloe vera and warm bark for an all American feast of bacon and honey on waffles with creamy coconut and lime margarita. Sticky Thai rice with shozu, doughnuts, undercooked meringue with a silky agave finish.

CASK No. 72.41  GIRLIE HOLIDAY BREAKFAST DRAM

9 years old; 1st fill white wine hogshead; 59.8%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

The nose offers pot-pourri, tanning lotion, cornflakes, pancakes and mimosa – girlie holiday breakfast? (cinder toffee and pencil boxes later). The big palate has burnt toffee, black bun, Jamaica cake and rendang sauce – but with water sticky toffee pudding and chocolate raisins.

CASK No. 124.4  FULL OF SECRET PLEASURES

17 years old; 1st fill sherry butt; 60%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

The nose harbours brooding aromas of molasses, marmite, figs and prunes, spices, motor museums, sacks of raisins and dark flowers. The palate is a Pandora’s box of secret pleasures – treacle, ginger cake, liquorice, dark cherries and chocolate sauce – intense and immense.

CASK No. 129.6  PEATED CANDY

6 years old; 1st fill barrel; 58.9%; Lightly peated

Sweet peat smoke, hot smoked salmon flakes and maple bacon cinnamon rolls neat on the nose.  The taste was of sweet incense and a soy-balsamic marinade. With water, kissing a perfumed smoking nurse whilst being served gravlax canapés and sweet dressed crab.

CASK No. 29.158  THE SMOKING GUN

14 years old; refill sherry butt; 61.7%; Peated

Rich, soft peat smoke followed by chestnuts roasting on an open fire and prosciutto dry cured ham. The taste, hickory smoked almonds and a ‘Smoked Old Fashioned’.  With water; salted codfish on the nose and flavours of peat smoked salmon and haddock.

http://www.smws.ca/

RUSSELL’S RESERVE Single Barrel Rye Whiskey –

It is said that the folks at Wild Turkey “have selected only the best barrels from the prime ‘center cut’ locations (levels 3 – 5) of the Wild Turkey rick houses for this newest creation.” Six years old is the stated, though not labeled, age of this Rye.

The Party Source, 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073.

CAOL ILA 2001 DISTILLERS EDITION, 43%

Each month, we choose a whisky and a spirit that we particularly like and knock a chunk off the price. We’re nice like that. October is no exception, and we’re delighted to be able to offer three cracking deals on a trio of great products: the whisky is a rich, smoky dram from Caol Ila

Let’s start with our Malt of the Month. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on Islay, and much of its 6 million litres of alcohol per year find their way into bottles of Johnnie Walker. But the distillery has also found fame as a single malt in its own right, and quite right, too.

The 2001 Distillers Edition was finished in sweet Moscatel wine casks, adding rich fruitiness and layers of spice; a fine counterpoint to Caol Ila’s smoky, citrusy tones. We’re knocking £14 off our normal price, making the whisky a very reasonable £49.95.

CAOL ILA 2001 DISTILLERS EDITION, 43%

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose: Wonderfully concentrated pure, clean Caol Ila – peaty and medicinal, with rich fruit, spicy and fragrant. With water, the fragrant smokiness comes singing through.

Palate: Sweetness and maltiness strike first, then are quickly overwhelmed by peat smoke and intense, clean, crisp flavours. Caol Ila’s signature smoky bonfires are here, and build to quite a size. Overall, drying, in a beautifully balanced, complex, elegant development, complemented with cinnamon spice.

Finish: Long, rounded, robust and multi-layered.

Scotland

2000 Aberlour 14 Year Old Cadenhead Single Malt Whisky 750ml  $89.99

1992 Bruichladdich 22 Year Old Cadenhead’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml  $199.99

1996 Glen Keith 19 Year Old Exclusive Malts Single Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml  $154.99

1988 Highland Park 26 Year Old Cadenhead’s Small Batch Cask Strength Collection Single Malt 750ml  $299.99

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA