Caperdonich 21 Year Old 1994 Old & Rare

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

 

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Fall 2016 Tasting Schedule, Whisky Advent 2016 & More

I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I’m just back from a little break, and it was wonderful. I am feeling rejuvenated and refreshed which is good, because there is a lot coming down the pipe and a lot to do. We have a very full fall tasting schedule, some exciting new exclusives and single casks. There is also our Kensington Wine Market 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar… lots to do and lots to discuss, so lets get to it.

We have had a flurry of orders for the 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar over the last week as our early bird deadline approached. It was Thursday, but in case you missed it we’ve decided to extend it until midnight Sunday. So you have just under 36 hours left, to get in your request and save $35 on the 2016 edition. It is full of all new whiskies, none of the bottlings have been featured in the previous two editions, and there’s a very special Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottling this year. You won’t want to miss out. Order before the end of September 18 and save $35 off the $400+GST retail price.

Our Fall 2016 Kensington Wine Market Tasting Schedule has been live for a few weeks! We have lots of exciting new wine, beer, whisky and other spirit tastings. Our Fall Single Malt Festival has sold out, but there are 7 days of whisky Master Classes in November to check out, and also a release party for our exciting new Glenfarclas 25 Year Cask Strength, bottled to mark our 25th Anniversary next year!

Some cool new whiskies came in over the summer, like our Alberta exclusive Shelter Point Inaugural Run Single Malt. It has been a big hit and flying off the shelves. So has the Inaugural release of Wolfburn Single Malt, from the northernmost mainland distillery in Scotland. Most impressive is the new Glengoyne 25 Year, a stunning new sherried single malt from the Highland distillery just north of Glasgow. At $410, it is very well priced for its quality when compared to some other famous 25 year olds on the market. And the staff all love it!

Lots to look forward to in the months ahead as well, including the Glenmorangie Milsean, the distillery’s 2016 Private Collection release. We have an open bottle at the shop if you want to give it a try before placing an order. It is due in store in October. We also have some pre-order details on the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition, both the standard edition and the Collectors Edition. Details below.

Finally, Kensington Wine Market is the liquor sponsor for the Rocky Mountain Smokeout, Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1 at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. We’ll be bringing some fine whisky, rum and port to pair with the cigars on offer. More details below.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger Bulletin, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or if you’d like to place an order.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In this Edition

1. Kensington Wine Market 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar
2. Fall 2016 Tasting Schedule
3. Introducing Shelter Point Inaugural Run Single Malt
4. Introducing Wolfburn Single Malt First Release
5. Introducing Glengoyne 25 Year
6. Ardbeg Coming & Going
7. Coming Soon: Glenmorangie Milsean
8. Coming Soon: Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar
9. Coming Soon: Rum’s Revenge

PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

twitter.com/scotch_guy, Instagram: instagram.com/kensingtonwm/

and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

2016 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar 

Early bird deadline extended until Sunday, September 18!

For the 3rd year in a row, Kensington Wine Market is producing its own Whisky Advent Calendar. 2014 and 2015’s editions were a huge hit, and sold out well before the start of Advent. Save $35 by pre-ordering your calendar before September 18.

We are really excited about our 2016 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar. For the third straight year we have designed and built our own exclusive Whisky Advent Calendar, featuring a custom logo Glencairn glass, 24 50ml whiskies and a 100ml Christmas Day bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (The Society). The Society is the world’s largest whisky club, and bottles whiskies exclusively for its members. This year’s Calendar has a single cask from the Society that has been selected and bottled exclusively for the Calendar and Canadian Society members (750ml bottles will be made available to Society members in January!). In collaboration with the Society’s Canadian branch, we were even given the opportunity to name the whisky… Since Society whiskies are exclusively available to Society members, this is an opportunity for non-members to get their hands on a Society whisky. Recipients of the KWM Whisky Advent Calendar will be the first people to sample this exciting new whisky!

The Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar is more than just a product for us, it is a way for us to share and connect with other whisky lovers in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada. Details on the whiskies released and their distillery will be posted on the KWM Blog each day. Recipients of the Calendar are encouraged to share their thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar also comes with a 10% discount card, good for any of the whiskies in the Calendar (excepting the Society whisky), subject to availability.

Save $35 by ordering before September 18. A $150 deposit will be taken per calendar requested starting on August 1st. The balance will be charged when the calendar is ready for pickup!

Pre-Order a Kensington Wine Market 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar $364.99+GST (until September 18).

Fall 2016 Tasting Schedule 

Lots of exciting new events, and some are filling quickly, so don’t doddle!

Our 2016 Fall Tasting Schedule went live in late August while I was away. The day I came home my team informed me that our Fall Single Malt Festival had already sold out… not all that surprising as it is always popular. But I know there are some disappointed people out there who wish they could have taken part. I hope you will console yourself in one of our other great tastings this fall. We have our Whisky Week tastings, featuring Master Classes with Brand Ambassadors from: Bruichladdich, Springbank, Gordon MacPhail/Benromach, Kilchoman, Old Pulteney, Balbliar, Glencadam and Tomintoul. There are also some great wine and beer tastings to tempt your palate. All of our spirit tastings are listed below!

1. Canadian Single Malt Whisky – Tuesday September 20 – 7PM – With the explosion in micro distilling in Canada, it’s time to have another look at Canadian single malt whisky. We’ll showcase expressions from Glen Breton, Stalk & Barrel, Yukon Brewing & Distilling and Shelter Point, including the oldest Canadian single malt ever bottled at 25 years! – $40
2. Lagavulin @ 200 – Thursday September 22 – 7PM – 200 years is quite a milestone, so we’re celebrating everything Lagavulin. We’ll sample four distillery expressions including the 200th Anniversary bottling and some other “probably Lagavulins” to mark the occasion! – SOLD OUT
3. Rare Malts – Thursday October 13 – 7PM – Only the rarest whiskies, those 20+ years of age, those from closed distilleries and/or the exceptionally rare qualify for this tasting. – $85
4. Spirit of the Speyside – Tuesday October 18 – 7PM – The heart of Scotland’s whisky industry is home to more than half of the country’s distilleries. We will journey from Elgin, through Rothes, Aberlour, Dufftown and Keith on a tasting of discovery. – $40
5. Bruichladdich Progressive Hebridean Distillers  – Sunday October 30 – 2 Sessions: 2-4PM (NEW) & 5-7PM (1 spot left) – Brand Ambassador Lynn McEwan (Jim’s daughter) will walk us through a range of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore, including a trio of new 10 year olds! – $25
6. Spooky Springbank – Monday October 31 – 7PM – Ok, so there is nothing spooky about Springbank, but I can’t think of a more fitting distillery to mark All Hallow’s Eve than Springbank. Brand Ambassador Melanie Stranger will take us through a range of whiskies from Scotland’s oldest family owned distillery, including the new Kilkerran 12 Year from their sister distillery Glengyle! – $35
7. Glorious Gordon & MacPhail – Tuesday November 1 – 7PM – We’ll sample our two new Kensington Wine Market Caol Ila single casks along with some other G&M and Benromach expressions with Brand Ambassador Richard Urquhart. – $50
8. anCnoc, Balblair, Old Pulteney & Speyburn – Thursday November 3 – 7PM – We’ll sample selected whiskies from these 4 Highland & Speyside distilleries, with Brand Ambassador Lukasz Dynowiak. Expect more than a few gems! – $40
9. Kilchoman 100% Islay – Friday November 4 – 7PM – Distillery founder Anthony Wills will be on hand for a Kilchoman Master Class featuring a new KWM exclusive cask, the new Sanaig release and a range of other very peaty malts! – $30
10. Glencadam & Tomintoul Distilleries – Saturday November 5 – 1PM – Iain Fortheath of Angus Dundee Distillers will be presenting whiskies from the Glencadam and Tomintoul Distilleries. Iain is self-described: “Raconteur, International man of mystery, World Cheese Eating Champion.” – $20
11. Fall Single Malt Festival – Thursday November 10 – 7PM – Our famous biannual whisky festival featuring over 100 single malt whiskies. Space is limited to the first 100 to sign up, and tickets go fast. Pre-Christmas sale prices will be in effect.  – SOLD OUT
12. Master Malt – Thursday November 24 – 7PM – Only the rarest and very special whiskies are showcased at this tasting which always highlights some of the most exciting new whiskies in the world! – $125
13. Glenfarclas 25 Year Cask Strength Launch – Tuesday November 29 – 7PM – Kensington Wine Market is turning 25 years old in 2017 and to help us celebrate Glenfarclas is bottling a special cask strength version of their 25 year old.  – $25

 View our full KWM Fall Tasting Schedule and Register Online, or call 403-283-8000. 

Introducing: Shelter Point Inaugural Run Single Malt 

The first ever release from the Vancouver Island distillery is exclusive to KWM in Alberta!

The first ever release from the Shelter Point distillery on Vancouver island is exclusive in Alberta to KWM. Bottled at 46%, the whisky is made from two row barley, grown on the distillery’s farm, doubled distilled in copper pot stills and matured in American oak.

Originally this first ever release of single malt whisky from a new Canadian distillery was not supposed to come to Alberta or the rest of Canada at all! But we weren’t prepared to let that be the final word, especially after sampling it. So we begged and pleaded and the distillery agreed to give us exclusivity on the whisky in Alberta!

Shelter Point Inaugural Run Single Malt – 46% – American Oak – Andrew’s Tasting Note:

“Nose: fresh, floral and fruity, honey and loads of malt; very doughy, dried orange cubes, very sugary and baked apples with cinnamon. Palate: thick, honeyed and malty with prominent licorice and loads of sugars including white, brown sugar and darker Demerara; still floral and vegetal with crisp toasty oak. Finish: long, coating and malty with touches of spice, oak, white fruit, sugars and spice. Comment: if this is a hint of things to come, then Shelter Point is on the right track, young but balanced and complex.” – $80

Pre-order Shelter Point Inaugural Run Single Malt – $80+GST

Introducing The Wolfburn Single Malt First Release 

The first ever whisky release from the new northern-most distillery in Scotland, is coming first to the Kensington Wine Market!

Kensington Wine Market is thrilled to be the first store in Canada to launch the new Wolfburn single malt. It has been bottled at 46% after just three years in Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry quarter casks which previously held Islay whiskies. The early reviews are pretty good, considering the spirit is still young, just 3 years old. $85

In May of 2011 a team went in search of the long lost distillery of Wolfburn, which closed for ever some 150 years ago. Nothing of the original distillery survived except the cold clean water they used to produce their spirit. The following year, again in May, work began to rebuild what would supplant Old Pulteney as the northernmost mainland distillery. Construction was completed with impressive speed in just 7 months, and on Robbie Burns Day 2013 (January 25th) spirit began to flow off the stills for the first time.

Although the original Wolfburn was in its heyday one of the largest distilleries in the Highlands, all of the whisky it produced would have been consumed in the surrounding area, and there are no surviving bottles or traces of its whisky. The owners of the new Wolfburn distillery have a blank slate from which to craft the new whisky. At the moment they are primarily producing unpeated malt.

Tasting Note by Serge at whiskyfun.org 85pts: “The very first official whisky by Thurso’s Wolfburn Distillery! Some trustworthy sources say they’ve bottled no less than 62.000 bottles of this new baby, that’ll be out a little later this month. It’s a 3 years old, obviously. We already tried a 20 month old last year, and found it good. Colour: white wine. Nose: Very fresh, with white asparagus and green apples (not the other way ’round), then a welcome touch of ink, ‘new magazine’, a smidgen of curry and caraway, and damp chalk. That’s all very nice, it seems that there’s some texture. That was the case with the 20 mo, but that one was ex-Islay cask. No roughness in this genuine whisky. Mouth: there’s an unexpected smokiness in the arrival, some branches and grass, a touch of blond tobacco, a little pepper, traces of soot, and again, maybe, some sweet white asparagus (which I simply adore). At the fruit department, rather plums than pears. Ripe greengages, I’d say. Very nice texture, slightly oily. Finish: medium, fresh, with fresh almonds and more greengages. Rather pink grapefruits in the aftertaste. Comments: thank you Alexander aus Aarau in der Schweiz! I find this little baby extremely good, and am so pleased that they didn’t decide to bury it under various heavy oaks and wines. The natural ones will win! Worth a very high score in my book, despite its very young age. SGP:551 – 85 points.”

Whisky Advocate Tasting Note 83pts: “The first release from Wolfburn distillery is 3 years old. Matured in a mix of Spanish and American oak quarter casks previously used by an Islay distillery. The nose is soft and belies its youth, offering vanilla, lemon, ginger, and light smoke. The early palate is grassy. Sweeter fruit notes soon develop with more vanilla and ginger, plus white pepper. The finish is quite long and slightly smoky. Much to look forward to as this ages!” (Summer 2016) Reviewed by: Gavin Smith

Pre-Order Wolfburn Single Malt First Release – $85+GST

Introducing Glengoyne 25 Year 

The best new 25 year old on the market, and amazing value!

From the Distillery: “Matured exclusively in hand-selected sherry casks for a quarter of a century, this unique malt is an important addition to the Glengoyne collection. This bright amber beauty has red fruits, leather and brown sugar on the nose and soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits and a Seville marmalade tang on the palate.The finish is very long with spicy liquorice.

“The malt is presented in a new heavy bespoke bottle and outer box. The bottle features a fine metal stopper, crafted cartouche and delicately branded neck tag and is attractively displayed in an oak box interior which includes an engraved plinth. The elegant exterior has a refined feather pattern subtly varnished on the pack.”

Glengoyne 25 Year – 48% – Matured in Ex-Sherry – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: muscular but restrained sherry tones, Christmas cake, baker’s chocolate, dark fruits and spices with soft leather and tobacco; as you settle into it some hints of more tropical fruits emerge with cloves, a faint whiff of smoke and Dutch licorice. Palate: big, round and fruity, loads more Christmas cake and dark fruits, bakers chocolate and dark-chocolate caramel sea salt tarts (the kind Rebecca of the old Nectar Desert bar in Inglewood used to make); layers of fruit flavoured Jelly Bellies and Jujubes, soft new leather tobacco pouches, cedar shavings and firm toaste oak; bright Seville oranges and Pedro Ximenez sherry. Finish: medium-long, rich, fruity and coating with caramels and chocolate; the leather, tobacco and spices linger longest. Comment: wow, best whisky I’ve tasted this week, can’t wait to get more (ETA October), this does not disappoint! – $409.99

91pts Serge at whiskyfun.org : “All ex-sherry, so we may expect something bold. Colour: deep amber. Nose: old style, old quality, this is good oldness. It is a rather smoky sherry, with some burnt matches and quite some used gunpowder, and I firmly believe those noses are assets to this style. Then our famous Christmas cakes, dried figs and raisins, the slightest touch of ginger and caraway, certainly cloves and oranges, tobacco, some black nougat, some chocolate, whiffs of mint… So yes, this is super-classic sherried malt whisky. Some Macallans of old spring to my mind. Mouth: 48% is a strength that works very well. It’s less smooth and rounded than expected – but I wouldn’t say it’s brutal of course – and rather on dark chocolate, coffee, and bitter oranges. A touch of Schweppes as well, quinine, then not-too-sweet black raisins and our beloved Christmas cake yet again. The ginger and nutmeg in the background hint at some pretty active oak. Finish: long and very chocolaty. More spicy marmalade in the aftertaste. Comments: a rich yet balanced baby, impeccable. Not many distilleries are still making this style in relatively  large batches (I’m looking at you, M.!) SGP:562 – 91 points.”

Order Glengoyne 25 Year – $409.99

Ardbeg Coming & Going 

As Dark Cove sells out, Perpetuum makes a surprising but limited return!

We are down to just a handful of bottles the new Ardbeg Dark Cove, but we’ve also just received some Ardbeg Perpetuum… Last year’s 200th Anniversary bottling. Get em while you can!

1. Ardbeg Dark Cove – 46.5% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose:  At first meaty, earthy and spicy. Bold notes of dark chocolate emerge against orange, rich treacle toffee, coffee and oak. Wafts of a distant, smoky bonfire in the background, along with a mysterious floral note, like flowering blackcurrant bushes. And lashings of linseed oil. Taste: The mouthfeel is almost tart, or zesty lime. Raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge forward, then retreat. Waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and huge, tarry creosote notes follow. Finally a more savoury note escapes; cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles. Finish: Long, spicy and rich with lingering notes of toffee, coffee and tar.” – $134.99
2. Ardbeg Perpetuum 200th Anniversary – 47.4% – My Tasting Note: “Nose:  decadent and creamy, floral peat, slightly burnt bacon and saline solution with creme brule and tangerines; a curious balance of vanilla, licorice and smoldering cedar shavings. Palate: very honeyed and creamy, some gentle oily-earthy peat, bacon dipped in maple syrup, barley sugars and more creme brule; the licorice note is still there with some darker fruits and spices; I still find the tangerine but with Five Alive fruit punch and a building salty maritime tarryness. Finish: long, coating and very soft for such a peaty maritime dram; the final flourish is oily and sweet with heathery floral overtones.” – $134.99 

COMING SOON: Glenmorangie Milsean 

The 2016 Private Collection Release!

This is the 2016 Private Collection release from Glenmorangie, in sharp packaging reminiscent of a candy striper! Milsean is Scots Gaelic for “sweet things” and is pronounced “meel-shawn”, and is composed of single malt matured in ex-Bourbon casks before extra maturing in re-toasted wine casks. This is the 7th annual release! ETA early October!

Glenmorangie Milsean – 46% – Matured Ex-Bourbon / Extra Matures in re-toasted wine casks – Evan & Hunter’s Tasting Note: “Nose: wine gums, , sultanas, butter tarts, sweet spices, ginger and cinnamon. Palate: sweet, creamy, and mouth coating. Red and black Nibs, juicy dark cherries, shortbread, gingerbread cookies, salt water taffy, sponge toffee, nectarines and buttered raisin toast. Finish: long, creamy, and sweet with spice and charred oak coming into prominence after a fashion.” – $114.99

COMING SOON: Scotch Whisky Advent 2016 

Both regular and Collector’s Editions order now!

Ours is not the only spirited Advent calendar on the market, there are also a pair from Secret Spirits… a regular edition and a collector’s edition. I am only bringing in 10 of the regular edition and the Collector’s Edition by request. Please place a pre-order if you are interested in either!

1. The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition – Includes 25 new 50ml Scotch whiskies from 10 independent bottlers, many of them single casks. Also in the mix a Tasting Glass, Lapel Pin, Embosed Brochure and Tasting Note Journal. – $439.99
2. The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Collector’s 3rd Edition – This calendar comes in a solid rosewood box with brass fittings and 25 unique 50ml Scotch whiskies. It includes a whisky Tasting Glass, Collectible Lapel Pin, Embossed Brochure and Tasting Notes Journal and a Special Gift. Only 100 produced globally.  – $959.99

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com 

Owner & Operator

Ferguson’s Whisky Tours

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Chivas Brothers Blending Team [L-R]; Ashley Smith, Adam Ritchie, Alan Galloway, Sandy Hyslop, Kevin Balmforth, Willie Henderson and Calum Fraser

CHIVAS BROTHERS ANNOUNCES ENHANCED BLENDING TEAM

– CHIVAS REGAL HONOURS COLIN SCOTT AS CUSTODIAN MASTER BLENDER –

– SANDY HYSLOP TO LEAD ENHANCED BLENDING TEAM ACROSS SCOTCH WHISKY PORTFOLIO, REINFORCING LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AT CHIVAS BROTHERS –

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, today announced new roles for revered Master Blenders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop. The move coincides with the unveiling of an enhanced Chivas Brothers Blending Team, reinforcing the company’s expertise in crafting world-leading, blended Scotch whisky.

With a career spanning 43 years, Colin Scott brings unparalleled gravitas to the Blending Team and will take on the role of Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender. A renowned industry leader and innovator, having created Chivas 18 in 1997, Colin will act as a mentor to the Chivas Regal blenders, passing on his knowledge and ensuring traditions, techniques and the signature Chivas Regal style continue to be nurtured through the generations.

Leading the Blending Team will be Sandy Hyslop. With more than 30 years’ experience in blending Scotch whisky, Sandy will take on the newly-created and prestigious role of Director of Blending across the whole Chivas Brothers portfolio. Sandy holds the rare position of being one of just five Master Blenders in the 188-year history of Ballantine’s – a role he has held since 2005 – and will now oversee the creation and blending of all Chivas Brothers blended Scotch whisky.

Enhanced blending team at Chivas Brothers The team, comprising both familiar and new faces, will continue to drive excellence and craft the celebrated whiskies for the Chivas Brothers iconic ranges.

The team features:

• Kevin Balmforth and Dr Calum Fraser, who will take on the roles of Chivas Regal Blenders. As of next year, while their primary commitment will be maintaining quality across the range, they will also spend time travelling the world with Colin, educating consumers on Chivas Regal and its blending traditions.
• Ashley Smith, Apprentice Blender, who joined the blending team last year and is in the process of learning all aspects of blending, with a focus on Chivas Regal.
• Willie Henderson, who has 37 years’ experience in the whisky industry with nearly twenty of them focusing on blending. Willie will work across Chivas Brothers’ entire Scotch whisky portfolio supported by Adam Ritchie, who has been with the team for nearly a year.
• Alan Galloway, who with 16 years’ experience in the industry will work across the portfolio while supporting Sandy exclusively on the Ballantine’s range.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chivas Brothers CEO and Chairman, comments: “The Chivas Brothers Blending Team brings together an enviable wealth of talent that is set to reinforce the craftsmanship and quality of our whisky-making and continue to drive our business forward.

“Excellence is at the heart of Chivas Brothers, and nowhere is this more evident than with industry leaders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop, whose new roles will ensure the safeguarding of Chivas Brothers’ iconic and historic brands for the next generation.”

The newly-bolstered team represents the most significant development for the blending department in recent years and is a clear signal of the company’s long-term commitment to excellence in blended Scotch. The setup creates the perfect atmosphere to nurture talent, inspire innovation and pass on the craftsmanship Chivas Brothers is renowned for.

The entire blending department is complemented by Chivas Brothers’ network of Global Brand Ambassadors and Graduate Brand Ambassadors – a team of Scotch whisky and Chivas Brothers experts who travel the globe year round to educate consumers on the company’s brands, safeguarding the prestige and legacy of the portfolio internationally.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Chivas Brothers Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 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.2 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.chivasspirit.com @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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 85 “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

CHIVAS 18 AND PININFARINA UNVEIL NEW LUXURY LIMITED EDITION

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, the world’s best blended Scotch whisky¹, has announced a new chapter in its partnership with Pininfarina, the prestigious Italian design company renowned for its craftsmanship and cutting edge design. Following two successful years of the collaboration, Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is an elegant metallic gift tin offering impactful on-shelf stand out.

Combining their shared values of craft, style and tradition, Chivas 18 and Pininfarina have created a dynamic gift tin using one fluid curve, which highlights the luxury Scotch within. Marrying form and function, the limited edition echoes the aerodynamic creations of Pininfarina with a unique cut-out in the twisted casing to display the golden hues of the whisky. This simple design suggests the harmony of flavour, while the packaging represents harmony of line – the result is Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 which is an effortlessly classic design.

Speaking of the collaboration, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, Richard Black said: “We are pleased to unveil Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3, the next edition for our outstanding partnership. Every chapter has brought a new and exciting creation, each proving hugely successful, while being as usable as they are enjoyable. The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is a beautifully designed celebration of form and function that resonates with our shared values of understated luxury.”

Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of the Pininfarina Group said: “The new creation Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 is a superb piece of design. Over the last three years, we have enjoyed working with Chivas 18 immensely. Although we come from different backgrounds, it is impossible not to recognise the craftsmanship and ethos shared between our two brands.”

The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 3 gift tin will be launching globally from October 2016 for the RRP USD$75.

¹According to the 2014 Trophy Award for the Best Blended Scotch Whisky at the International Wine and Spirit Competition

About Pininfarina Pininfarina Extra: With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is based on values of creativity, experience and innovation without forgetting tradition. It combines avant-garde style and technical solutions aimed at functionality.

If Pininfarina is known worldwide for car design, Pininfarina Extra (a Company specialized in product and interior design, architecture, nautics and aeronautics) expresses its design philosophy in all areas of life where beauty combines with elegance, essentiality and comfort. Founded in 1986 and led by Paolo Pininfarina, President and CEO, Pininfarina Extra has its headquarters in Cambiano (Turin) and a branch in Miami (Florida).

Its partners include Acer, Alenia Aeronautica, Ares Line, Barakà, Bovet, Calligaris, Chivas, Coca-Cola, Costa Coffee, Cyrela, DeAgostini, Desarrollo Mor, Far East Organization, Gorenje, Jacuzzi, Juventus, Lavazza, Leitner, Magnat, Paqualotto, Petronas, Philip Morris, Primatist, Schaefer, Snaidero, The Bridge, The Related Group, Uffix, Unilever and other international leaders. www.pininfarina.com

NOTES

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 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. 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. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No. 2 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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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 n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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 85 “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

CHIVAS BROTHERS LAUNCHES NEW BURSARY TO MAXIMISE EMPLOYEES’ POTENTIAL

A new bursary scheme has been launched by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard, designed to give employees the opportunity to take their talents to the next level via further education or vocational training.

The Chivas Brothers Bursary has been launched by joining forces with the Scottish International Education Trust (SIET), a body which provides talented men and women with grants to complete further study, helping them to fulfil their aspirations. The bursary will make it easier for employees and their families to apply for support from the SIET, with up to £5,000 a year on offer over three years.

The bursary is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers spread throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth, as well as direct family members.

Anthony Schofield, Public Affairs Director at Chivas Brothers commented: “The Chivas Brothers Bursary is a truly exciting initiative which we hope will help and inspire employees, or a member of their family, to pursue further education and open up future opportunities.

“At Chivas Brothers we are connected to so many Scottish communities through our employees; this is just one way for us to support and nurture those that live and work in these communities.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “Chivas Brothers’ gift to SIET enables us to make many more awards to talented young Scots over the three years of our relationship. I am pleased that Chivas Brothers employees and their families will also have the opportunity to benefit from the Bursary scheme.”

Chivas Brothers previously donated £100,000 to the SIET, which was set up in 1971 by celebrated Scots Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart, who both remain Trustees.

The impact of the donation to SIET has been wide-ranging and remarkable:

• Georgia Murray, a lecturer at the University of Dundee, has been given the chance to take part in an Arctic Circle Residency, working with climate change researchers to create poignant landscape paintings of the remote locale
• Kelly Provan of Kilmacolm is one step closer to realising her ambition of working for the United Nations, through funding which has supported her Masters in International Relations
• Yvonne Laird, a champion triathlete originally from Denny, has secured funding to complete her thesis, which makes up the final phase of her PhD on “Physical Activity in Girls”
• Mezzo-soprano Fiona Joice has been supported in her move from Glasgow to the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she is pursuing a Masters in Performance

NOTES

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.2 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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 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 85 “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.

About the Scottish International Education Trust

The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie remain Trustees and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Jim Beam Unveils Newest Premium Bourbon, Jim Beam Double Oak

Deerfield, IL – September 1, 2016 – Today, Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, announces the release of Jim Beam® Double Oak, an exceptional and perfectly balanced Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in oak that is twice barreled to create richer and woodier flavors than other whiskies.

Aged four years while sitting in freshly charred, new American oak barrels, Jim Beam Double Oak is then transferred to newly charred American oak barrels and aged to taste. The second barreling allows the liquid to develop an even deeper level of intense spiced oakiness and rich caramel, creating a unique bourbon encounter.

“I’m excited to experiment with the double barrel aging process used to create Jim Beam Double Oak,” said Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller, Jim Beam. “Secondary aging delivers an added complexity to the taste profile and that makes for a unique, premium bourbon experience.

Jim Beam Double Oak will begin hitting shelves this month. This latest innovation from Jim Beam has a golden amber color and a distinctive spiced oakiness with intense caramel and toffee flavors. The aroma carries rich notes of caramel and vanilla with hints of toasted wood. It is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed in classic American cocktails and has a suggested retail price of $22.00 for 750ML.

For a closer look at the process and importance of oak in bourbon production, see here for a custom infographic Jim Beam developed for the launch of Jim Beam Double Oak: http://www.jimbeam.com/en-us/double-oak.

In addition to launching the new bourbon, Jim Beam is planting white oak tree saplings in Bullitt County, KY this fall to show our appreciation of oak and the integral role it plays in creating our fine bourbons.

For more information on Jim Beam Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in oak, please “like” Jim Beam on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jimbeam), follow @JimBeam on Twitter or visit 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

…place your bids at http://www.whiskyhammer.co.uk/

NEW PARCEL OFFERS & ISLAND DRAMS

Live in the moment with intense taste sensations in our new peaty and sweet parcel offers; Culinary cannonballs, Sweet treats and forbidden pleasures – a great way to end the week! Thinking of one special bottle? Try one of our new island drams from distant ends of the flavour spectrum: spicy & sweet 121.91 or oily & coastal 4.220. All limited in number so order now to avoid disappointment.

PEATY PAIR

Prepare your taste-buds for a peat-infused culinary journey. Blast off into foodie heaven with 16y.o. 53.236 and float from Islay to Provence with 20y.o. 3.279 – live in the moment!

53.236 Culinary cannonballs
3.279 Evokes Van Gogh’s Provence
£149

OILY & COASTAL

Cask No. 4.220
Pizza on the beach
£62.10

Cask No. 48.66
Perfumed and complex
£44.60

SWEET & SPICY TRIO

Compare and contrast three very different but equally pleasurable sweet whiskies; the comfort of home baking in 16 y.o. 121.91 – new today! – full-bodied intensity from 18 y.o. 55.39 and exceptional complexity in 21 y.o. 35.142 – enjoy!

121.91 Nutty Granny’s apple cake
55.39   No pussycat
35.142 Sweet treats and forbidden pleasures

 £189

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

This week, Catawiki is organising a special auction with bottles of whisky from closed distilleries. In the auction you can find bottles from distilleries like Port Ellen, Brora and Milford.

You can read the full press release via the following link HERE

The auction ends on Thursday, 22 September, and can be visited through HERE:

Benromach 2007 Hermitage Wood Finish

New!

A 2007 vintage Benromach, matured in first fill bourbon casks then finished for 31 months in specially selected French wine casks from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, northern Rhône. Stunning colour, bottled in 2016 at 45%.

£39.36