Archive for December, 2016

Isle of Arran Distillers Release 21st Anniversary Bottling – Scotch Whisky News

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The Arran Malt comes of age

Isle of Arran Distillers release 21st Anniversary bottling

To celebrate the end of the 21st Anniversary celebrations at Lochranza, the Isle of Arran Distillery has released a limited edition anniversary bottling.

Master distiller, James MacTaggart, handpicked a selection of finest ex-sherry hogsheads from the first three years of production at the distillery to create a complex spirit which epitomises the iconic flavours that have carried ‘The Arran Waters’ around the world.

Notes of pears and honey combine with a hint of basil and black pepper spice. Water reveals the much-loved citrus character of the Arran Malt whilst a hint of marzipan follows a warming finish of ginger and lemongrass.

James MacTaggart said of this special expression: “I have chosen a selection of our oldest ex-oloroso Sherry Hogsheads. Over the years, the fresh notes of citrus and malt in our delicate new spirit have integrated beautifully.

“The nose is rich and fruity with a luxurious palate leading to a long and satisfying finish. It has been a pleasure to nurture the maturation of this precious spirit and see it become the most fitting dram with which toast our 21st Anniversary.”

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the Isle of Arran Distillers, added: “When the first spirit ran from the stills in June 1995, it set in motion the start of a two-decade journey for the Arran Malt.

“We are tremendously proud of what the distillery has achieved. Our focus on crafting high quality whisky has to lead to many successes from award-wins to record exports to territories across the world.

“For this anniversary expression, we wanted the bottling to be totally different from our core range. The decanter style adds a tactile and luxurious element to the pack and distinguishes it as landmark in the maturation of the Arran Malt.”

Bottled at 52.6%, this exclusive expression has no artificial colouring and is non-chill filtered. It will be released as a limited edition bottling of only 5,988 bottes worldwide.

It will be available from specialist whisky retailers and from the Visitor Centre shop at Lochranza.

For more information, please contact Megan King at Inside Media on megan@insidemedia.uk.com or 01179 066 526.

Please note that due to the limited nature of this bottling samples are extremely limited.

RRP £150 

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

International Beverage celebrates Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland award in record-breaking year – Scotch Whisky News

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International Beverage celebrates Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland award in record-breaking year

International Beverage, producer of some of the global drinks industry’s most acclaimed premium spirits, is celebrating a momentous win in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Scotland 2017 awards, after being crowned Whisky Distiller of the Year.

It caps a phenomenal year for the business in which its whisky brands have scooped over 80 medals in international competitions. At the World Whiskies Awards earlier this year, Old Pulteney 1989 was named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and anCnoc 18 Year Old ‘World’s Best Whisky’ in the Highland 13 – 20 year old category, whilst Balblair Vintage 1990 won the IWSC Trophy for a single malt Scotch whisky over 15 years old. And last month, Speyburn was named Speyside Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition as well as its 10 year old expression being awarded a silver medal.

Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky invites the industry elite to nominate the finest companies and individuals throughout the whisky world. From these entries the Whisky Magazine editorial panel then choose the winners. The lavish Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards ceremony took place on the 2nd December at Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh, and was attended by leaders of the Scottish whisky world.

The International Beverage team is thrilled to have been recognised in such a prestigious competition, amongst so many of their industry peers. There were further celebrations for the business with Gordon Bruce, Distillery Manager at Knockdhu taking second place and an honourable mention in the Scotch Distillery Manager of the Year category.

Marketing Director Karen Walker commented: ‘Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky is one of the industry’s most credible awards and so it is an enormous honour to have been recognised by our peers and by judges as Whisky Distiller of the Year. This is a historic win for our business, coming at the end of a year in which we have surpassed all previous records at international competitions for the quality of our whisky. Our single malt brands Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Balblair and Speyburn, and our blend Hankey Bannister, have all won a glittering array of trophies, gold and silver medals. Our years of experience in crafting premium Scotch whisky have also gone into the production of Caorunn Gin which is made at our Balmenach Distillery and has also enjoyed a tremendous year in terms of its success in markets around the world. 

‘All of this is the result of so much hard work and dedication from the producers at our five distilleries and from our brand teams around the world, and our thanks and congratulations go out to all of them. This accolade from Whisky Magazine is the perfect way to end the business year and to fuel our ambition and passion for further success in 2017.’

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

  • Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
  • Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
  • Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
  • Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
  • Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies and is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team.

Climb the ladders to our Collector’s Loft at Loch Fyle Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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COLLECTORS LOFT

Climb the ladder

If you come and visit us here in Loch Fyne and lift your eyes to heavens, you’ll be able to have a gander at some very special bottles that we keep overhead in our Collector’s Loft. If you can’t make the trip to Inveraray then there’s no need to feel left out – just take a look at some of the collectable bottles we have online!

Next day delivery available on UK orders Worldwide shipping

Loch Fyne Whiskies tel: 0141 427 2919 info@lochfynewhiskies.com www.lochfynewhiskies.com

WhiskyFest Tickets Make a Great Holiday Gift! – Whisky News

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WhiskyFest Tickets Make a Great Holiday Gift!

ORDER TICKETS

More than 350 whiskies • Seminars by whisky experts • Gourmet buffet

Whisky Wednesday Publishes his Latest review – Scotch Whisky News

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Welcome to you all on this wonderful winter Wednesday. Balvenie, a single malt producer who are known around the world for a luxurious and rich style of honey’d whisky, truly fabulous. However, within their range, as indeed with many other whisky distilleries, there are always a few stranger bottling’s, this is one of those. 

Not very typical in anyway that we really know, Balvenie for. Spicy wood notes, lemon peel, angelica root and hints of eastern spices. Single barrel, all sherried delight aged for fifteen years in one of the finest sherry casks that I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning part of. Enjoy!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday

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Twitter.com/whiskytube

Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

 

Day 14 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar – Scotch Whisky News

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Day 14 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

SCOTCH WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR 3RD EDITION DAY 14 BLOG #148 – AINNEAMH SPEYSIDE 18 YEAR OLD

Whisky Wednesday today, also known as hump day for a lot of people as you climb that hill and then speed toward the weekend. Well no need to be afraid of not having fun every day of the week as we get to dip into the 3rd edition for yet another enticing dram.

A second expression from the boys at Ainneamh (remember its pronounced an-yoov). We are certainly getting a great pendulum swing from delicate to peaty so far in this edition. Are you keeping up with this roller coaster ride?

So another mystery dram from Ainneamh. I do love these fun whiskies where you get to decipher clues and see if you can figure out the originating distillery.

Ainneamh Speyside 18 Year Old Single Malt, Cask number 14432 refill American Oak Hogshead. Banffshire bottled at the cask strength of 54.7% with no caramel or chill filtration.

Color: Yep another light whisky in a refill cask. Makes you really think about the massive amounts of artificial color added to whisky in the industry. Why does a whisky have to be dark to be perceived as quality? Only because that’s the line that has traditionally been pushed on you all these years. As we know even a gorgeous 30 year old single malt can be very light and massive on flavor.

Nose:   Flora in spades on this one with oats and honey like top quality steel cut oatmeal freshly drizzled with honey and topped with cream.

Palate:   Candy apple toffee, the red sort (not caramel apples). Crunchy apple acidity like Jonathan apples (yep my namesake fruit). A zesty creaminess like cream stirred with sherbet.

Finish:   Tingly and long, coating and fresh. This is a fantastic aperitif whisky as a palate freshener before dinner. Perhaps between courses instead of the high end ball of shaved lemon ice. I could see a serving of this kind of whisky really taking off in some white table restaurants. I know I would be making my reservation.

If you were in doubt that there is a whisky for every occasion then doubt no more. Fantastic little Speyside here Ainneamh team and amazing freshness for an 18 year old. I do love quality refill casks for this reason. Almost emulates what Samaroli do with their lightly toasted new oak casks.

On this day in the second edition we had the Samaroli Blended Malt comprising of Glenallachie, Glentauchers and MacDuff. You can re-read all about it here.

Whiskylassie is having quite the journey and you can continue to follow her in-depth experiences by visiting here.

If you love this whisky then I unfortunately have bad news for you. Nothing left for us after filling our calendar bottles. We had an unusually high amount of whiskies that ended up being done and dusted once the mini’s were filled this edition. We will try hard to make sure that there is more of each delicious whisky next time around.

Tomorrow we are heading back to my mate Stuart at the Malt Whisky Company for another one of his amazing casks. Highlands here we come.

Slainte

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/category/whisky-advent-calendar-2016/

Glenmorangie “These wings were made to fly!” – Scotch Whisky News

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These wings were made to fly!

Going to dizzy heights to provide rooftop homes for butterflies

A pioneering conservation project to create an aerial network of rooftop habitats for Scotland’s butterflies will be getting off the ground in Edinburgh on 25 November 2016.

Glenmorangie’s headquarters along with The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood will lead the project in the capital providing new homes for Edinburgh’s once elusive butterfly, The Northern Brown Argus as well as other butterfly species.

A ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ is a partnership between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Butterfly Conservation Scotland. The aim of the joint project is to plant patches of common rock rose – the favourite food plants of the butterfly caterpillars – on green roofs surrounding Arthur’s Seat and further afield to encourage the existing population in the Royal Park to expand and colonise in the newly created habitats.

The Northern Brown Argus is Edinburgh’s butterfly. For years it existed on Arthur’s Seat with Scottish butterfly watchers in the 1700s assuming it was just a slightly different version of the Brown Argus which it closely resembles. But in 1793, closer inspection revealed that it was a completely new species.

After its discovery the Northern Brown Argus became a highly-prized addition for collectors. It disappeared by 1869 due to over-zealous collecting and land use changes at Holyrood, including the building of a road through the last remaining population strongholds of the species.

In 2005, the species was rediscovered at Holyrood and the population has continued to increase year on year.

Leonie Alexander, urban biodiversity project officer at RBGE, explained: “We are creating the network of green roofs across Edinburgh to encourage the population of Northern Brown Argus to expand into new areas. Green roofs are perfect because the butterfly is usually found living at height and these roofs will provide warmth, food and shelter in the city.

We are also hoping to attract at least two other species, small copper butterflies and blue butterflies, by providing plants that caterpillars will feed on. The project will be closely monitored so we will know how successful it is and what species are attracted to the green roofs.’’

Anthony McCluskey, urban butterfly project officer with Butterfly Conservation Scotland, said: “It’s remarkable that this scarce species lives so close to the city. We’re excited to be welcoming Edinburgh’s butterfly back to the city centre, and hope that it inspires people to make more space for these beautiful creatures.

Anyone can attract butterflies to their garden and you don’t need a green roof to do it, a simple window box full of nectar-rich plants can help butterflies on their way.’’

Ian Mackenzie, living landscape programmes manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Green roofs are launch pads for all kinds of butterflies and wildlife to make connections across the city. Using the ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ project to boost these connections will show how we can build nature into our future plans.

For the health and wellbeing of our city we need projects like this that put nature at its heart.”

Hamish Torrie, corporate social responsibility director for Glenmorangie commented: “Glenmorangie has a long-standing commitment to the natural environment across all of our sites and we are delighted to support this initiative.”

Malt Maniacs Awards 2016 – Whisky News

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The Malt Maniacs Awards 2016 Results will be published at 10AM tomorrow.

Here. On Whisky Intelligence…

TOMATIN DISTILLERY SCOOPS TOP WHISKY AWARD FOR BRAND INNOVATION – Scotch Whisky News

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TOMATIN DISTILLERY SCOOPS TOP WHISKY AWARD FOR BRAND INNOVATION

Highland based Tomatin Distillery has been crowned Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Whisky Magazine, Icons of Whisky Awards.   The accolade was announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd December.

This is the second year running that the Distillery have triumphed at the world renowned awards having previously won Distiller of the Year 2016.

 Nominated and voted for by industry members, the company is understandably thrilled to receive the innovation award, Robert Anderson Tomatin Distillery CEO commented: “Brand innovation has been key to our strategy having invested a lot of time over the past year producing a range of new products to suit all budgets and tastes from our recently launched Travel Retail range to limited editions such as the Caribbean Rum cask and our super premium Warehouse 6 Collection so we are delighted that our dedication has been recognised.

This focus on development and creativity coupled with our new look packaging ensure that our product stands out in a highly competitive market place. The growth of the brand is set to continue throughout 2017 and beyond with several new releases already lined up!’

  1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
  2. Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

  • The packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency
  • Press Kit can be downloaded here: www.tomatin.com/contact/
  • The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
  • Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm
  • Images are available on request.
  • Icons of Whisky award winners 2017 can be found here www.iconsofwhisky.com/2017/scotland/

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Spirit of Toronto 2017: Good Things Come in 3’s – Whisky News

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Good Things Come in 3’s

  1. Mark your calendars…

The date has been set — tickets for Spirit of Toronto 2017 go on sale Monday March 27 at 10:00am. If you are subscribed to this list then an automatic notification will be sent to you the night before and there is nothing else to do… but wait! Planning is well underway as we confirm exhibitors and guests for next year’s show, and an update will go out in the new year with more information.

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  1. Spirit of Toronto presents Distilled, Issue 2…

Published by the producers of Spirit of Toronto, Distilled is a unique, print magazine that explores the craft and culture of fine spirits. Our inaugural issue of Distilled magazine was successfully launched at this year’s show, and we are pleased to announce that Issue 2 is now ready and will begin shipping this week chock full of original features specially commissioned for Distilled that cannot be found online. Not already subscribing? Then read on to treat both yourself and someone else!

  1. Share the spirit…

In search of the perfect gift? Then take advantage of our limited time offer — click here to subscribe to Distilled and get a second gift subscription at no extra cost. Enjoy!


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