NEWS RELEASE

24 February 2015

HONG KONG

PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND TARGETING GLOBAL MARKETS FOR PRIVATE SALES OF ITS OLD AND RARE WHISKY COLLECTION

 US$10 million collection of the rarest whiskies in the world

 Collection increased in value by approximately 26% in its first 18 months

Platinum Whisky Investment Fund – the first of its kind in the world – today released details of its growing, multi-million dollar collection of rare whisky. The collection exclusively focuses on single malt whisky and includes some of the oldest, rarest whiskies in the world.

“Production of aged single malt whisky takes time and demand is outstripping supply globally. We seek out the very rarest and best stocks from a range of private collectors in the UK and across Europe,” said Rickesh Kishnani, The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy is to set up distribution partnerships in key markets globally, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, UK, and the UK, over the next five years,” he added.

Working alongside Mr. Kishnani is The Fund’s Chief Investment Officer, David Robertson, who has 20 years’ experience in the industry and is a former Master Distiller at The Macallan and former Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore.

“Using our combined industry knowledge and genuine love for whisky, we have built what we believe is the world’s finest, privately held collection of hand-picked, rare, single malt whisky. I have personally inspected and authenticated every single bottle of our 7,500-strong collection, which is a carefully-designed mix of silent stills (closed distilleries), vintage bottles dating back to 1902; iconic whiskies aged up to 64 years and limited edition bottles from Japan. The collection has been created to ensure we have a diversified portfolio that will appreciate in value over time and appeal to connoisseurs, collectors and investors at the point of exit,” Mr. Robertson said.

The oldest vintage in The Fund’s collection is an early Berry Bros & Rudd bottling of Highland Park 1902. The highest age statement is the Glenfiddich 64 year old from 1937 (only 61 bottles were ever produced from a single cask) and the most expensive, single bottle is the Macallan 60 year old Valerio Adami Edition from 1926 (only 12 individually numbered bottles were ever produced and The Fund owns bottle number 8) valued at over US$200,000.

Oldest and Rarest Single Malt Whisky Collection (Left to right): Springbank 50, Laphroaig 1903, Balvenie 50YO 1937, Springbank 50 YO 1928, Dalmore 50YO 1926, Glenfiddich 64YO 1937, Mortlach 50YO 1936, Highland Park 1902, Macallan 50YO 1928

Over 30% of The Fund’s holdings are invested into silent stills, or bottles from distilleries that closed during the 1980s and 1990s, making them extremely rare and difficult to find in the open market. Some examples include the Karuizawa Founders’ Cask 30 YO 1981 (only 347 bottles produced), Rosebank 21 YO 1990 (only 5604 bottles produced), and Port Ellen 18 YO 1982 Old Malt Cask (only 777 bottles produced).

Other limited edition bottles owned by The Fund are from the closed distilleries of Brora, Glenesk, Convalmore, Littlemill, North Port, Glenury Royal, Ladyburn and Glen Flagler.

Platinum was recently named the sole Asia Pacific distributor of Prometheus 27 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky by Glasgow Distillery Company. The second release of the award-winning Prometheus Series will debut exclusively at the Malt Masters Festival in Hong Kong next week.

NOTES

ABOUT PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND

The Platinum Whisky Investment Fund (“The Fund”) is a private investment vehicle focusing exclusively on rare whisky investments, primarily Scotch whiskies. It is a Cayman incorporated private investment company. The estimated value of The Fund’s holdings was independently confirmed by third party valuation agent, David Wainwright of Wainwright Advisors. The Fund is administered by Sinopac Solutions & Services.

For media enquiries please contact:

MHP Communications Hong Kong

Hilda Chan, hilda.chan@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6335

Fiona Parker, fiona.parker@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6337

United States – Kentucky

Noah’s Mill Bourbon (750ml) $54.99

Old Bardstown Estate Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $34.99

Japan

Nikka 21 Year Old Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky (750ml) $249.99

Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $169.99

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Japanese Whiskey (750ml)  $149.99

Scotland

Bowmore 12 year old Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)  $45.99

Cragganmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $49.99

1972 Glenfarclas Family Cask #3551 Single Malt Scotch Whisky(750ml) $599.99

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

Cambus 30 Year Old 1984 Sovereign

Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky

$126.77

Cambus 30 Year Old 1984 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead #11741 bottled August 2015 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Sovereign series. 180 numbered bottles.This golden coloured whisky has a mellow and sweet nose on custard powder, followed by sweet peaches and overripe pears. The palate is rich with vanilla and toffee and another layer of fruits and spices. It finishes long and sweet with fruits and a tad of mouth drying oak. Cambus Distillery opened at Cambus near Alloa in 1806 to produce malt and grain whisky. Prior to closure in 1993 Cambus produced grain whisky. The buildings now house a Diagio cask filling centre. Cambus is a lost Scottish lowlands whisky distillery.

REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS FIRST EVER SINGLE CASK RELEASE 

Redbreast, the most decorated Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world, has unveiled its first ever single barrel offering, Redbreast Single Cask. Available globally from this month, the expression reinforces Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejuvenating the quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style.

Redbreast Single Cask offers a unique take on Redbreast’s full bodied flavour profile, renowned for its signature Christmas cake character – the result of a strong contribution from Oloroso sherry casks. With just 576 bottles available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the recommend selling price of £180, the rare expression is expected to become highly sought after by Irish Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.

Barrel #30087, the butt that matured Redbreast Single Cask, was crafted in late 1996 at the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Southern Spain near Jerez, the world’s sherry capital. The cask was then toasted and seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the Páez Morilla Bodega until early 1999, when the cask was shipped to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, filled with Single Pot Still Irish distillate and laid in warehouse M15A until August 2015 – 16 years and 147 days later.

Only a handful of single casks are selected and bottled at Midleton each year, a process that is overseen by Head Blender Billy Leighton who takes pride in individually nosing each cask to make sure it is at the peak of maturation. Each single cask possesses its own unique flavour character that is inimitable; Redbreast Single Cask #30087 is bottled without chill filtration at 59.9% ABV and offers classic pot still spices with fruit and almond notes, a hint of vanilla and a balanced finish. Cask #30087 was selected by Leighton and The Whisky Exchange team from a choice of two Redbreast single barrel samples in March 2015.

The latest Midleton Single Pot Still single cask release, Cask #48735, is available alongside Redbreast Single Cask exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the RRP of £245. Crafted in the true Midleton style of ex-Bourbon cask maturation, the individual American oak barrel was laid down in early 1991 and has yielded just 186 bottles at 55.2% ABV. This highly collectable bottling offers typical aromatic notes of oil and spices, a palate of ripe fruits and a rich succulent finish.

Billy Leighton, Head Blender at the Midleton Distillery, comments: “Redbreast Irish Whiskey holds a special place in the hearts of Irish Whiskey fans, due to its full-flavoured taste profile and its iconic history as the definitive Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Being able to introduce the world to Redbreast Single Cask is very exciting, as it celebrates the heart of what connoisseurs love about the brand; its exceptional ex-Sherry cask contribution, our relationship with the Spanish bodegas and respect for the craftsmanship throughout the production process. Cask #30087 offers a unique tasting experience, with rich notes of dried fruit, a velvety smooth coffee and vanilla taste with a balanced finish that can never be reproduced, so I hope Irish Whiskey fans will enjoy savouring each sip of this newest addition to the Redbreast family.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Whiskey Portfolio Director at Irish Distillers, adds: “The premiumisation and diversification of Irish Whiskey is one of the category’s most exciting trends as it shows great potential for continued growth, particularly in the super-premium and above sector. We are proud to have led the revival of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and will continue to raise awareness of this quintessential style, and Irish Whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.

“Following the great success last year for Redbreast Mano a Lámh, which is now sold out, we are confident that Redbreast Single Cask offers a new and interesting interpretation and experience that will quench the thirst for innovation and choice in whiskey among Redbreast fans, Irish Whiskey drinkers and spirits aficionados alike. We are committed to whiskey innovation and look forward to more new releases for whiskey fans to enjoy over the coming year.”

Regarded as the definitive expression of traditional Single  Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast dates back to 1903 when Jameson entered into an agreement with the Gilbeys Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply them with new make spirit from their Bow St. Distillery for maturation under bond. 

#RedbreastSingleCask  

Tasting notes:

Nose: Classic Single Pot Still spices in harmony with Oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. Deep dried fruit richness with a little mandarin orange zest blends with bitter almond, leather and toasted oak. Some nutmeg and sweet vanilla bring some balance to the exceptional complexity.

Taste: Full, round and velvety smooth. The rich Single Pot Still spices mingle effortlessly with the abundance of succulent fruit. Soft vanilla complements the robust note of ground coffee on a firm background of Spanish oak.

Finish: Complex and sophisticated, remaining in balance as it fades. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

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&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.

http://www.pernodricard.com/

GREETINGS FELLOW WHISKY-LOVERS!

Spring has finally sprung here at The Whisky Lounge HQ! We even spotted a snow drop, which is making us come over all springy! With that in mind lets spring straight into what we have going on in the next few weeks…

First thing to note is that we have a shiny new website. We think it looks good and works well but we always love to get your feedback so please feel free have a look around and let us know what you think! We also recognise that one or two features are either missing or not functioning as they should be, so please bear with us whilst we make the necessary adjustments…

Meanwhile, read on to find out all the dram-tastic events we have lined up for you!

KAVALAN TASTINGS

To celebrate new happenings at TWL we are sampling the delights of award winning Asian distiller Kavalan.

Kavalan emerged on the UK whisky scene in 2011, making their debut at our Manchester Whisky Festival. Since then they’ve been releasing some dynamite whiskies and scooping dozens of medals in spirit competitions both at home and abroad. They were even crowned best in the world in the 2015 World Whisky Awards, a title previously held by a Japanese Whisky.

Taiwan wouldn’t be the most obvious country for making an award-winning malt whisky, but like Japan, Kavalan employ the same traditional whisky making methods as Scotland, and mirror beautifully the process of producing top-notch malt whisky.

But are they really all that??? Well we’re going to let the whiskies do the talking and let you, the good whisky drinking public, make up your own minds as to who deserves the number one spot. This tasting features 6 whiskies and as usual you won’t be tasting these whiskies alone but in the company of fellow whisky folk and of course one of our whisky experts, who will be on hand to entertain and enlighten you in the ways of the dram.

Manchester: February 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Book Now

Newcastle: February 19 @ 7:00 pm-  9.00 pm – Book Now

Liverpool: February 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Book Now

London: February 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Book Now

Leeds: February 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Book Now

FESTIVALS – NOW ON SALE!

The Newcastle Festival venue has now changed to the hallow grounds of St James Park, where we will be launching at least one world-exclusive new whisky, so don’t miss out! Book Now – last few tickets remaining.

The London Whisky Weekender Festival is a must for whisky newbies and seasoned whisky nuts alike. See our annual return to the Oval Space with distillers coming from all over the globe. Last remaining early bird tickets available here.

It’s been a little over 2 years down the track since our inaugural Aberdeen Whisky Fest and we’re excited to be heading back again to flood one of the cities most iconic venues with whisky! After the huge success of both the 2013 and 2015 shows we’re back for a 3rd round. Book now to get 2 tickets for a £40 bargain!

And finally our Bristol Whisky Fest – undoubtedly the biggest whisky event in the South West and after the tremendous success of the 2013 & 2015 shows we’re heading back to the fantastic Brissle and we’re not coming alone. We have a whole carnival of distillers and whisky in tow and we’re all set to give you a unforgettable day of all things whisky. Book now for the last few 2 tickets for £40.

TWL GUIDE TO WHISKY

For those looking to find out more about ‘the water of life’, having perhaps enjoyed one or two drams, then this is for you. A tasting of six whiskies will help bring it all to life whilst learning why whisky tastes the way it does.

Guide to Whisky London: 9th March 7-9pm, £20

For more information and dates click

GET BACKSTAGE

After a couple of years of (very successful) trips to the Feis Ile, we have decided in 2016 to do one trip to Islay outside of festival week and one in Speyside.

Both are incredible opportunities to get up close and personal with distilleries and their personnel in the respective areas and to spend some quality time with us! With both trips you will experience more quality whisky than you can shake a stick at, great food, lovely accommodation, beautiful scenery and amazing craic. That enough superlatives for you? As previously, you can choose from 3 day tours or a full week if you’re willing and able… also you can pay deposit with the balance payable a month before the trip.

Back Stage Speyside Options:

Tour 1:   9th – 12th July

Tour 2:        13th – 16th July

Full Week:   9th – 16th July

Book Now!

Back Stage Islay Options: Tour 1:         1st – 4th October

Tour 2:         5th – 8th October

Full Week:   1st – 8th October

Book Now!

NOW FOR THE QUIZ! 

Well actually it’s not really a quiz, more a TWL Landy treasure hunt, but you do get a prize for your Whisky Mission! To celebrate the last Land Rover Defender being produced and The Whisky Lounge getting our very own Defender this month, we will be offering free tickets to The Whisky Lounge Tastings and Festivals! 

To take part, all you have to do is send us a selfie of yourself and the TWLLANDY throughout February 2016 via Twitter, mention @TheWhiskyLounge using the hashtag  #ByeByeLandy and #Defender or email us at info@thewhiskylounge.com.

Check out our Facebook Page below to see just what a cracking prize we are offering you to show you the whisky love!

Find out more…

CREATE YOUR OWN BLEND

It’s not all about the Malt Whisky here at The Whisky Lounge. We love ALL whisky, including (good) blended whisky. Long ago we recognised, having dabbled in it ourselves, that blending is an art-form and is also a lot of fun.

You do not have to be a whisky expert, but you do have to come with an open mind and be prepared to apply both your palate and your brain as you construct your very own blended whisky.

You will be given the chance to try one or two classic blends to see where the benchmark lies before being let loose with your own set of whiskies and equipment.

You need to not only come up with your best possible blend, but also come up with an appropriate name for it. You will then bottle it into miniature, label it and take it home with you to proudly show it off to all and sundry!

8th March: Sheffield, The Tap, Sheffield Station, 7pm

10th March: Leeds, The Cross Keys, Water Lane, 7pm

10th March: Brighton, Grand Central, 29-30 Surrey St., 7pm

And that’s a wrap for now! Kick back, enjoy some drams and we hope to see you at a TWL event soon.

Sláinte

Eddie, Amanda and Joe

The Whisky Lounge Team

MONDAY 29 FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM

£50 PER TICKET

Tickets on sale now

BOOK YOUR TICKET »

ELEMENTS OF ISLAY TASTING

WITH OLIVER CHILTON 

We have a few tickets remaining for our evening of Islay whisky, tasting some of the latest releases from the Elements of Islay range as well as a brand-new release – Elements of Islay Peat!

VENUE

THE JUDGES COURT, BROWNS,
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE,
LONDON WC2N 4AG
 
PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE VENUE
FROM 7.15PM FOR A 7.30PM START

1-2 October 2016
11.30am-6.30pm
Old Billingsgate, London

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE WHISKY SHOW 2016:
EARLY-BIRD TICKETS END SOON!

Our reduced-price early-bird deals on unday and weekend tickets must end at the end of the month! From 1 March they will go up to £99 and £175 respectively, so grab one now and save £15 on a weekend ticket and a huge £19 on a Sunday ticket.

LEARN MORE

Saturday Tickets: £99

Sunday Tickets: £99
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £80!

Weekend Tickets: £175
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £160!

The First Single Malt Whisky from Ailsa Bay Distillery, Alloa

£53.95

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The first release from Ailsa Bay, sister distillery to Balvenie and Glenfiddich. Rather than following its siblings, Ailsa Bay’s first release is a peaty dram, made by combining two different styles of peated new-make spirit before being filled into casks. This has created a complex, sweet and fruity whisky that’s already picking up fans around the world.

2002 Irish Whiskey 13 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malt” Single Barrel Cask Strength Irish Whiskey (750ml) ( $129.99)

Fukano K&L Exclusive Single Cask #282 Japanese Whisky ( $79.99)

Orphan Barrel The Gifted Horse American Whiskey (750ml) $49.99

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

Girvan 50 Year Old 1964 Cask Collection

Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky

 $528.67

Girvan 50 Year Old 1964 vintage Lowland single grain Lowland Scotch whisky. Single first fill bourbon barrel #0002 distilled September 1964 and bottled March 2015 by A.D. Rattray for the Whiskies of Distinction Vintage Cask Collection series. 255 bottles. Girvan Distillery is a Scottish Lowland grain whisky distillery situated on the Ayrshire coast. William Grant and Sons Ltd opened Girvan Distillery in 1963 to supply grain whisky to Grant’s blends of scotch but with maturation in quality casks in warehouses subject to coastal influences Girvan Distillery is also able to produce excellent single grain whiskies. Within the Girvan Distillery complex the Ladyburn Distillery produced malt whisky from 1966 until 1975.