Full steam ahead for new special edition whisky from Speyside Distillery celebrating the return of the iconic Flying Scotsman

Speyside Distillery has produced a brand new special edition whisky to mark the return of the iconic Flying Scotsman steam locomotive to the National Railway Museum following a major restoration.

The commemorative bottle of the distillery’s Beinn Dubh ruby black whisky has been produced under licence for the museum, which welcomes back its most famous – and best loved – exhibit today (Thursday, February 25) after a decade-long absence.

Speyside Distillery, which is based at the foot of the Cairngorm mountain range in the Scottish Highlands, was selected to produce the Flying Scotsman Beinn Dubh single malt Scotch whisky because of its track record working with other historic brands.

The small, boutique distillery also produces the luxurious Royal Choice single malt under its SPEY brand. The expression is sold through the Historic Royal Palaces – a portfolio that includes the Tower of London, Kew Palace and Kensington Palace.

Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough says the distillery’s partnership with Flying Scotsman is the perfect match as both represent heritage, tradition and innovation.

He adds, “I don’t think there could be a better whisky to sum up everything that Flying Scotsman stands for. Just as the locomotive was a pioneer of its day and continues to set new records, Speyside Distillery is marrying traditional distilling techniques with innovative ideas.

“We are extremely grateful to have been selected by the Flying Scotsman to develop its own brand single malt Scotch whisky, and it will be a huge honour for us to see Beinn Dubh Flying Scotsman hit the shelves in a couple of weeks.

“We hope that rail enthusiasts and people who love this world-famous locomotive will celebrate its long-awaited return to the National Railway Museum by raising a toast of this very special whisky.”

Flying Scotsman – arguably the best known train in the world – shot to fame after becoming the first steam locomotive to break the 100mph barrier in 1934 during a run from London to Leeds.

The locomotive returns to the National Railway Museum in York today following a £4.2m restoration – and as a working exhibit sets a new record for the oldest mainline working locomotive on Britain’s railway tracks.

To celebrate its return, Flying Scotsman today makes an inaugural run on the East Coast Mainline between London Kings Cross and York, before returning home to the museum where a huge crowd of well-wishers is expected to gather.

Paul Kirkman, Director of the National Railway Museum, says, “We have all been looking forward to the day when Flying Scotsman steams home to York along the East Coast Mainline and now this historic moment has finally come to pass.

“This celebratory journey marks a new stage in this steam icon’s long and colourful history, and is a tribute to all the people who have worked so hard to make this happen, from those that have worked on the restoration itself to the public that donated to our appeal to bring this legend back to life.”

Beinn Dubh is an innovative release from Speyside Distillery. The distinctive ruby-black whisky was launched into the market last year, and is already proving a hit with whisky lovers across Europe and the Far East.

Beinn Dubh is another name often given to Ben Macdui – the highest peak in the Cairngorm mountain range. It translates from Gaelic language as the black mountain, and refers to its dark and mysterious atmosphere.

Beinn Dubh’s taste is deep and dark: rich fruits, currants and chocolate dominate at first, but these gradually give way to both bitterness and sweetness. Beinn Dubh Flying Scotsman is 40% ABV and has an RRP of £50.

It will be available to buy from the National Railway Museum retail outlets. Speyside Distillery will also be putting the commemorative bottle on general release, with distributors receiving a limited allocation of the stock.

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. For further information about Beinn Dubh, visit http://www.beinndubh.com/.

Ends

Picture caption: The new Beinn Dubh Flying Scotsman has been produced by Speyside Distillery to commemorate the return of the historic locomotive to the National Railway Museum in York.

Lagavulin 200th anniversary – new 8 Year Old whisky

There aren’t many distilleries that have universal appeal. Some people adore rich, sherried whiskies; other people despise them. Some love lean, medicinal styles; others run a mile. But there is one whisky distillery that gets praise from all quarters: Lagavulin.

Lagavulin distillery, as viewed from Lagavulin Bay

Part of the big-hitting trio of distilleries on Islay’s southern coast, Lagavulin celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, and is about to launch a special limited-edition bottling: Lagavulin 8 Year Old. This new bottling honours the work of whisky writer Alfred Barnard, who visited Lagavulin in the 1880s: ‘No prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery,’ he said, describing an eight-year-old whisky he tried there as ‘exceptionally fine’.

We were lucky enough to try a sneak preview of the whisky before it goes on sale in a few weeks’ time – and it didn’t disappoint. Lagavulin’s distillery manager Georgie Crawford told us: ‘I grew up in a pub in Port Ellen, and I was always of the opinion that Lagavulin was the premium single malt. When I started out, I wanted to be able to drink Lagavulin, but I had this perception that it was too powerful and smoky, so I started with Rosebank, then went on to Mortlach and Dailuaine.

Georgie Crawford, Lagavulin’s distillery manager, with Jock

‘With this new 8 Year Old, we were trying to create something as a tribute to Alfred Barnard, and I think the team has absolutely knocked it out of the park. It doesn’t have the big bite of the 12 Year Old; it’s more refined. I find it challenging and serene at the same time. It’s incredibly smooth for an eight year old, but it has that robust character.’

So, how does it taste? This is what I thought:

LAGAVULIN 8 YEAR OLD, 48% ABV

Nose: Cracked black pepper and aromatic woodsmoke at first, then fresh notes of orange and lemon peel. Appealing aromas of bonfires, hot shells and a touch of smoked meat. A little water brings out aromas of peach and green apple.

Palate: More woodsmoke, plus crunchy oatmeal and honeyed fruit. Rich mouthfeel, with notes of tobacco, bonfire embers and a peppery, spicy note.

Finish: The soft peat and characterful woodsmoke lingers for a long time.

Comment: Classy and complex, this has less fruit than the regular 16 Year Old, but adds a delicious extra layer of smoke and bite.

This special bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old will be available to buy from The Whisky Exchange in a few weeks’ time, and we’ll be getting plenty of it, so do not worry. The price is not confirmed yet, but we expect it to be around £5 cheaper than the 16 Year Old.

EARLY MARCH TASTINGS

Glenturret, Macallan & Highland Park – The Vaults, Mon 7 Mar  More >

Scotland V. France Warm-Up – 28 Queen St, Sat 13 Mar  More >

Chocolate & Whisky Pairing – The Vaults, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Cheltenham Preview Tasting – Jury’s Inn, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Dundee Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Inverness Preview Tasting – Kingsmills Hotel, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Leeds Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 18 Mar  More >

Tunbridge Wells Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 18 Mar  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

Poker Night – Tue 8 Mar   More >

6 Nations on the Big Screen – Next match Sun 13 Mar   More >

Peat Lovers’ Night – Tue 15 Mar   More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

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

Garnheath 41 Year Old 1974 Carn Mor

Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky

$564.34

Garnheath 41 Year Old 1974 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whiskey. Distilled at the Moffat distilling complex in Airdrie which closed in 1986. Matured in a single cask bourbon barrel ##313235 bottled June 2015 by Càrn Mòr for the Celebration Of The Cask series. 144 numbered bottles. Garnheath was a grain distillery founded in 1964, with distillation commencing in February 1965. The Garnheath Distillery was closed and demolished by Inver House Distillers Limited in July 1986.

Bid on our old and rare bottles! Macallan 1940 is leading the auction with Karuizawa 1981 and Laphroaig 40 Years Old following. The selection of bottles is strong across all categories. This month, we also have a fine selection of limited-edition bottlings from The English Whisky Co, as well as a good number of old blended whiskies and a tempting selection of miniatures.

SEE OUR CURRENT AUCTION

Get bidding, and good luck! The Whisky Auction team.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES

COLONEL E. H. TAYLOR, JR.  SEASONED WOOD BOURBON WHISKEY 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 29, 2016) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey aged in seasoned wood oak barrels.  This 100 proof, Bottled-In-Bond, small batch wheat recipe bourbon was aged well over a decade and is a special one-time-only release.

            The barrels in this release underwent a variety of special seasoning processes,   including barrels made from staves that were immersed in an enzyme rich bath with water heated to 100 degrees.  After spending time in this proprietary solution, these staves were then placed into kilns and dried until they reached an ideal humidity level for crafting into barrels.  Other staves were seasoned outdoors for six months, and still others were left outdoors for a full 12 months before being made into barrels and sent to Buffalo Trace Distillery to be filled and aged.  All barrel staves were seasoned, dried, and crafted at Independent Stave Company, who consulted on this project with the premiere expert on oak maturation, Dr. James Swan.

            The result of aging in these distinct barrels has delivered a wheat bourbon that is quite different from the other wheated bourbons made by Buffalo Trace. Descriptions include, “a delicate aroma of caramel and dried fruit, followed by a bright and pleasant first sip.  Oak tannins are balanced by a touch of butterscotch, almond, citrus notes, and hint of spicy clove. The body is soft and balanced with an aftertaste that lingers perfectly.”

This Seasoned Wood Bourbon is the eighth and latest release in the collection of  E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, rounding out the collection of Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon and Cured Oak Bourbon. The Sour Mash, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon and Cured Oak were one time only releases and are no longer available.

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  Like some of the previous releases, this one-time-only bottling is very limited.   Also consistent with past releases, the Seasoned Wood Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago. These six bottle cases will again be shipped in an impressive wooden box first used for the Cured Oak release.  The boxes are modeled after the wooden crates used by Taylor to transport goods during the days before Prohibition.

            Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.  is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

            This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Seasoned Wood Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in late March in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

The Sazerac Company Completes Purchase of Southern Comfort,

Makes Plans for the Future  

Louisville, Kentucky (March 1, 2016) – An iconic American brand and long-time staple of New Orleans is finally coming back to its roots with Sazerac’s acquisition of Southern Comfort brand.  The parallels between Southern Comfort and the New Orleans-based Sazerac Company run deep.  M. W. Heron, the creator of Southern Comfort, was born in 1850. The Sazerac Cocktail was created in New Orleans in 1850. As the Sazerac Company was expanding its roots in New Orleans in the 1870s, Heron was introducing his Cuffs & Buttons brand – the precursor to today’s Southern Comfort – in 1874 as a “smoother, more refined whiskey,” while tending bar in the Crescent City.

Now, the Sazerac Company is thrilled to bring the brand back to its deep Southern roots and plans to restore the New Orleans connection in its branding and on its packaging worldwide.

“When the brand came up for sale, we knew it would be a perfect addition to our portfolio,” said Kevin Richards, senior marketing director.  “Not only does the brand tie perfectly with our heritage, it’s a wonderful complement to many of our other New Orleans rooted brands.  We’re looking forward to positioning iconic Southern Comfort for its next 140 years.”

Sazerac will be developing its comprehensive global strategy for Southern Comfort in the coming months, including evaluating the current assortment of Southern Comfort product offerings and packaging before making determinations about any specific changes or new additions.  Today the brand sells in well over 100 countries and is one of the world’s top selling global spirits brands.

“We’re very excited about Southern Comfort’s rich history and the indelible role it has played in American society for over a century.  It’s one of the great American classics and will be exciting to nurture moving forward,” said Richards.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest American family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Montreal Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/.

Manatawny Still Works

Spirit Maker Encourages You To FIND YOUR MANATWANY Pennsylvania Craft Distillery Celebrates Places We Meet To Drink

POTTSTOWN, PA — February 29, 2016 — Manatawny Still Works (MSW), southeastern Pennsylvania’s popular craft distillery, is asking fans to share their favorite places to drink and the distillery’s name has everything to do with the compelling campaign.

“Our name comes from the Lenape Indian word ‘Man’en’tau’wata’wik’ which literally means the place we meet to drink,” explains Randy McKinley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the two-year-old distillery.

Manatawny Creek, a 18.2-mile-long tributary of the mighty Schuylkill River, cuts through the countryside and has become home to a winery, a brewery and, now, a distillery.

“Perhaps it’s around a fire pit with good friends, alone in the mountains or along a creek in Northern Pennsylvania… everyone finds their favorite spot where they enjoy Manatawny Still Works’ spirits.”

“Our name comes from the Lenape Indians word ‘Man’en’tau’wata’wik’ which literally means the place we meet to drink…”

Today, MSW launched a branding video entitled Great Moments Come In Small Batches to kick off the campaign. The video, created by YES, BRAND, is set in a comedy club, one of the many places people meet to drink!

Shot on location in New York City and produced by Tomahawk Pictures, Great Moments Come in Small Batches continues the distillery’s relationship with standup comedian Hersh Rephun.

Manatawny Still Works hosted its first-ever comedy night last March at which Rephun, who performs regularly at clubs across the country, was the headliner.

“After Hersh’s show at the The Still Works, MSW’s tasting room, we had so many people stop by, call, or email us and ask when he’s coming back,” McKinley said. Rephun debut at MSW, 3 Bitches Ain’t Enough was a humorous tribute to one of the distillery’s most popular spirits, Three Bitches Vodka.

In addition to a follow-up concert this spring, MSW tapped the comedian again by commissioning a video promoting their spirits. Set in the comedy world and featuring Rephun, the video communicates how anyplace can be a special place to drink.

“You can twist yourself in a knot before you go on stage, which isn’t good for anybody,” said Rephun, who appears as himself in the video. “Or you can turn the neuroses off for a second and find a moment of Zen.”

In the video, just sitting back and taking a sip of Manatawny’s Small Batch Whiskey provides the inspiration Rephun needs.

“The connection between liquor, laughter and gathering to celebrate life is universal,” McKinley concluded. “We’re excited to be continuing the tradition!”

#FindYourManatawny

The video is a springboard to launch the brand’s “Find Your Manatawny” campaign. Manatawny Still Works encourages fans and followers to post images and stories of their places they meet to drink. Mantawny Still Works’ patrons who post intimate photos of their Manatawny on social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #FindYourManatawny could find their submissions in the campaign gallery. www.FindYourManatawny.com.

“Engaging consumers and inviting then to share their personal experiences with out spirits is in line with our distilling philosophy,” offers Master Distiller, Max Pfeffer. “We create on a very personal level and when people find their Manawany it underscores what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.”

ABOUT MSW Manatawny Still Works is a distillery bottling the highest quality hand-crafted spirits in small batches. The distillery is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on the banks of Manatawny Creek—whose Lenape name literally means, “the place we meet to drink.”  For more information on MSW, please contact Randy McKinley |mailto:randym@manatawnystillworks.com

ABOUT YES, BRAND The days of the captive audience are over. The conversation between brands and consumers is just beginning. Whether you’re a brand, an agency, a media company or a publisher, YES, BRAND helps you continue the conversation through comedy. With dual chops in comedy and advertising, we are platform-agnostic and we’re here to show your audience a good time. Contact YES

A.SMITH BOWMAN BOURBON WINS TOP PRIZE

AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS NORTH AMERICA

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (Feb. 26, 2016) – Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon from A. Smith Bowman Distillery was awarded World’s Best Bourbon at the North America Whiskies & Spirits Conference in New York where the World Whiskies Awards were announced.

Master Distiller Brian Prewitt accepted the award at the Whiskies & Spirits Conference.

“It is a real honor to receive this award,” Prewitt said. “The Abraham Bowman line has a special place in my heart since it’s our chance to experiment with unique mashbills or finishes, so to take home to top prize for the bourbon category is very exciting.”

The 2016 World Whiskies Awards for America and Canada were announced on Feb. 23 at the Whiskies & Spirits Conference in New York. Whiskies in each category were subject to rigorous blind taste testing to determine the best of each category.

For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

A>Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

2016 Cheshire Whisky Tasting 

Get ready to enjoy a day of Whisky Tasting at Cheshire’s outstanding country estate – Carden Park near Nantwich on 22nd May 2016. 

Mingle with the producers and distillers of the greatest whiskies in the world. You can opt to attend any of the fascinating Master Classes* that provide up to an hour of intriguing insights into your favourite whiskies, presented by knowledgeable brand ambassadors, master distillers and experts. 

Taste and discover great whiskies from the classic range to rare and exclusive bottlings. There is something for everybody whether you’re new to this incomparable drink or you’re a seasoned expert. 

Cost: £35.00 per person (which includes admission, all samples, buffet lunch and entry to one Master Class). 

Transport: You may opt to travel on the shuttle bus that is leaving Nantwich Civic Hall at 10.30am, returning at 5.30pm. Just £6.00 per person. 

Bring along your wife or partner for a spa day: For wives and partners who may wish to accompany you but may not wish to attend the tasting, we offer an exclusive spa day for wives and partners. This custom-made spa package at Carden Park includes: 

Use of robes and slippers

Refreshments upon arrival and throughout the day Use of leisure facilities including hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and gym Light-bite lunch in The Vines restaurant with a glass of Prosecco

2 x 25 minute treatments including massages, exfoliations, facials and more

Cost: £60 per person 

Overnight Stay: Accommodation on the Saturday night is just £145.00 B&B for single, £155 for double occupancy. Sunday night is just £110.00 B&B single, £120.00 double occupancy. 

Overnight stay also includes use of the Spa and the leisure facilities including hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and gym plus the use of a robe and slippers. Treatments cost extra. 

All Whisky Tickets and Spa Treatments, please book through Edencroft. Overnight stays, have to be booked directly with Carden Park (telephone number 01829 731000) quoting code EDEN220516 to enable you to get the discounted rate. 

More details at www.edencroft.co.uk 

* Details nearer to the time.