CANADIAN WHISKY NEWS

Speaker Favours Scottish Producers Over Canadian

Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Halifax West

There are so many exciting happenings to report about Canadian whisky (e.g. see Gibson’s below), that it is hard to keep up. However, it seems our political leaders still suffer from the classic Canadian inferiority complex. If it is made in Canada, no matter how good it is, it is not as good as the same thing made anywhere else.

Today, Sun News reported that Speaker, Geoff Regan has selected a new official Scotch for Canada’s House of Commons. Yes, once again a foreign whisky is Canada’s official whisky. It will be poured and presented as a gift at all kinds of official events funded using Canadian tax dollars.

This will happen despite the reality that Canadian whisky makers generate $5.8 billion in GDP annually; that Canadian whisky outsells Bourbon, Irish whisky AND Scotch combined, in North America; and that right around the world knowledgeable whisky connoisseurs are turning more and more frequently to Canadian whisky. Canadian whisky is poised to be the “next big thing” in whisky everywhere but in Canada’s own House of Commons.

Most whisky aficionados enjoy a good single malt Scotch. Mr. Regan has selected Aberlour 12 year old and he’ll get no quibbles over that. It is very tasty. However, true whisky aficionados know that while Scotch is a safe introduction to whisky there are so many other equally great whiskies available these days. Some of these are made here in Canada.

For the $75 that the Speaker’s whisky costs, he could have had three bottles of Canadian Club 100% Rye or two of Forty Creek Barrel Select.

Gibson’s Venerable 18 year old, Gooderham & Worts, Wiser’s Legacy, Crown Royal Reserve, Pike Creek (which many mistake for Scotch), Lot No. 40, Collingwood, Alberta Premium Dark Horse or any of the winners of the Canadian Whisky Awards are all available in that price range, most of them well below it. And all are equally enjoyable, and worthy ambassadors for Canadian producers.

Even if Mr. Regan and his parliamentary colleagues who helped select Canada’s official whisky are stuck in the era of Scotch-is-best, they did not have to look abroad to find worthy drams for their celebrations and gift giving.

In Whitehorse, for example, Yukon Distillery produces superb single malt whisky that is very much in the Scotch single malt vein. British Columbia’s, Pemberton Distillery is drawing accolades for its single malt whisky, as is BC’s Shelter Point Distillery (reviewed below.)

Toronto’s Still Waters Distillery makes single malt whisky that competes nose-to-nose with Scotch on flavour and price (and their rye is spectacular.) Still Waters was recently voted one of the three best micro-distilleries IN THE WORLD by an independent panel of whisky experts, heavily weighted with Scottish judges. And it is pretty difficult to get more Scottish than Glenora distillery right there in Mr. Regan’s home province of Nova Scotia.

However, today it is Canadian whisky in the traditional style that is winning awards and gaining new converts here at home and right around the world.

Mr. Regan, you’ve bought your whisky, had special labels printed, and have begun distributing it. Canadians are patient and forgiving people, so go ahead and use what you have on hand. But please, when those bottles are gone have a look at some of the great whiskies made right here in Canada. The whisky world is changing and Canada’s producers are leading the charge. Help Canada’s whisky makers turn that $5.8 billion GDP into $8, $10 or $12 billion.

Slainte, Mr. Speaker, Canadian slainte!

Note: By press time, Mr. Regan’s office had not returned a call asking for comment on why he had selected Scotch, rather than Canadian whisky, as Canada’s official parliamentary whisky.

Gibson’s Finest Bold 8 Year Old 46%

Canadian whisky lovers who have waited patiently for a new Gibson’s whisky are about to be amply rewarded. Gibson’s Finest Bold is exactly what the name implies. A rich nose redolent of rum, kola beans, vanilla, and sweet rye, ably predicts the robust palate. It is just loaded with similar notes along with a hot pleasing spiciness and the classic grapefruit pith finish.  Bottled at 46% abv, this 8 year old is just lovely whisky, sure to be another winner from Gibson’s. And since summer is upon us try it too with cola or long over ice. Available in Alberta, BC and Ontario for now. Get some.

Shelter Point Artisanal Single Malt 46%

Patrick Evans grows barley on his farm near Campbell River B.C. Then, Scottish Distiller, Mike Nicolson – ex-Diageo – turns it into single malt whisky in two copper pot stills that Evans brought in from Scotland. Complex, beautifully balanced whisky, it smells of cereal, dry grass, and Werther’s caramels. On the palate it is rich and mature with more cereal and just a smidgen of red licorice. Evans planned to release this whisky last summer. However, it was not quite ready when he and Nicolson tasted it, so they chose to give it another year and we are glad they did. Another world-class single malt made right here in Canada.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert published May 2012 and May 2014 by McClelland & Stewart, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

VINTAGE
Gift giving timed to perfection

Whisky-loving fathers will relish the gift of Balblair.  Every year our Distillery Manager, John MacDonald, selects whiskies that have reached their exact point of ‘optimum maturation’, the peak of perfection. That’s why we only create Vintages timed to perfection.

It’s the aspect of timing, rather than time that sets our collection of whiskies apart from the rest and makes Balblair a truly special choice this Father’s Day, now all that remains is to explore our collection of exclusively Vintage single malt whiskies.

VINTAGE
Balblair Vintage 2005

Only a handful of American oak, ex-bourbon casks laid down in 2005 were selected by John MacDonald to form this classic Balblair expression. Light, fruity and refreshing, this classic Vintage embodies Balblair’s house style.

Appearance
Light sparkling gold in colour.

Aroma
Full bodied with the classic aromas of fresh green apples, ground spices and honey. The American oak ex-bourbon barrels used in maturation impart notes of oaky vanilla, leather and oranges with a hint of fragrant cut flowers and smoke.

Palate
Balblair’s signature style of citrus orchards is followed by intense sweetness of toffee and vanilla.

Finish
Rounded off by a deliciously spicy, long finish. The superb dram is bright and full of character, a ray of sunshine in a bottle.

VINTAGE
Vintage 1999 2nd Release

With influence from both American and Spanish oak, this perfectly rounded mid-range Vintage is a true testimony to the craft of traditional whisky-making.

Appearance
Balblair 1999 2nd release is copper in appearance with flecks of sparkling bronze.

Aroma
The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts used for maturation impart the signature Balblair aromas of honey and green apples, as well as notes of rich, fruity Christmas cake with a hint of spice, citrus fruits and vanilla.

Palate
On the palate, it is full bodied, sweet and spicy in character, with hints of honey, vanilla and leather.

Finish
The finish is warm, smooth and long-lasting.

VINTAGE
Vintage 1990 2nd Release

Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak ex-sherry butts Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release is truly exceptional. This luxurious expression is the perfect after-dinner treat.

Appearance
The second release of Balblair 1990 is deep copper in appearance with hints of sparkling amber.

Aroma
The aroma is spicy yet sweet and is punctuated with notes of raisins, toffee and honey. Hints of vanilla, chocolate and citrus fruits are also present.

Palate
On the palate it is full bodied; sweet and spicy in character with hints of honey, raisins and zesty fruits.

Finish
The finish is smooth and long-lasting.

VINTAGE
Balblair Vintage 1983

Matured over three decades in one of Balblair’s traditional dunnage warehouses, this exceptional Vintage developed aromas of butterscotch, toffee and fresh vanilla, with Balblair’s signature tropical fruitiness completing an exquisitely balanced profile.

Appearance
The first release of Balblair 1983 has a rich golden appearance.

Aroma
On the nose there are warm aromas of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Citrus fruits can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage.

Taste
On the palate it is sweet and spicy; with overtones of fresh fruits and honey.

Finish
A long, warming and full bodied finish.

VINTAGE
Visit Balblair Distillery
The Balblair Distillery visitor tour is intimate and personal – an insight into our pursuit of producing the finest quality Vintage Malt Whisky, using methods that have changed very little over the years.

Find out more about booking a tour here

GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASES TWO NEW “OCTAVES” EXPRESSIONS

Glenglassaugh is today (7th June 2016) launching its new Octaves Classic and Octaves Peated single malts.

For these two new expressions from the Portsoy distillery, small is indeed beautiful.

Both have been matured in octave casks, which are made from staves of a used cask and are approximately 1/8th the size of a butt.

Like The BenRiach’s new “Quarter” casks, also released today, a smaller cask allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky greater depth and aroma in a shorter period of time.

The Octaves Classic – non chill filtered, with natural colour and at 44% abv – has an abundance of candy characteristics.

Colour – Rich golden amber.

Nose – Sherbet and candy apples with a gentle warmth of white pepper and cinnamon.

Palate – A vibrant green apple skin note balances with stewed yellow plums and hints of black vanilla pod. Clean, freshly sawn oak softens to crisp, sweet barley in the long finish.

Finish – A delicious combination of citrus and sweet notes complement the unique oak characteristics from the octave cask maturation.

The Octaves Peated – also matured in octave casks, non chill filtered, with natural colour and at 44% abv – offers a delightful alternative to the Classic. It was produced using richly peated malted barley as the cereal varietal.

Colour – Bright autumn gold.

Nose – A dollop of rich clotted cream spread over apple crumble, infused with delicious, sweet waves of heather burning on the hillside.

Palate – Apricot jam and greengage plums contrast with the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper. A subtle and delicate smouldering peat ember smokiness flows through the palate.

Finish – The delicate, sweet nature of Highland peat marries harmoniously with the distinctive spirit and cask interaction found in octave maturation.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “These wonderfully smooth Glenglassaugh single malts are matured in top-quality octave casks which bring a new depth of flavour. And as the whisky has been neither coloured nor chill filtered, the original flavours, nuances and textures remain absolutely unchanged. The result in both cases is a complex and hugely satisfying dram.”

Keep an eye on the Glenglassaugh website www.glenglassaugh.com/ and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

DIAGEO ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP IN EUROPE AND AFRICA

Appointment of Charles Ireland as General Manager GB, Ireland and France

Diageo has announced changes to its senior leadership in Europe and Africa.

Charles Ireland, Managing Director, East Africa Breweries Ltd (EABL) is appointed to the new role of General Manager GB, Ireland and France, based in London and reporting to John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe, Russia and Turkey. Andrew Cowan, currently Country Director GB, is appointed to the role of Managing Director, EABL, reporting to John O’Keeffe, President, Diageo Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Both Charles and Andrew will begin a month of transition to their new roles from 1 July 2016.

Charles Ireland has spent the last 13 years leading some of Diageo’s biggest businesses in both Asia Pacific and Africa.  Most recently in leading EABL, Charles has experienced a richly diverse business with teams across several East African countries and with a vital local importance economically and socially in the region.  Charles returns to Europe to lead the Diageo GB business in addition to leading Ireland and Diageo’s interests in France, together with Oliver Loomes, Country Director, Ireland and Frank Floc’hlay, CEO, MHD France.

Andrew Cowan has been Country Director for Diageo Great Britain since 2011. Andrew joined Diageo in 2008 as Commercial Director for Northern Ireland and was appointed to the role of Commercial Director in the Republic of Ireland in 2009 before taking over the Diageo GB business five years ago. Prior to joining Diageo, Andrew held a number of senior roles in the FMCG industry, including positions at GSK and Boots.

John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe, Russia and Turkey, said:

“I would like to thank Charles and Andrew for the significant impact they have made on EABL and GB respectively. Charles has transformed EABL to be one of the best performing markets in Diageo and the fastest growing market for Guinness. Over the last few years, under Andrew’s leadership, Diageo GB has seen consistent top line growth, profit growth and sprits market share growth, and Guinness is also growing again with increased value share. Both are tremendous achievements and I congratulate them both on their new appointments.”    

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

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

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

June Whisky Auction – Ends Soon!

Just Whisky’s June auction ends this weekend. There are over 1000 lots to bid on and some of the bottles are very exciting indeed.

Highland Park Pure Malt – John Scott Kirkwall (98° Proof)

This bottle has created quite a stir here in the office. It’s a fantastically well-preserved bottle of Highland Park Pure Malt Whisky from licensed Grocer and Ironmonger, John Scott. John Scott has a long history in Orkney. The firm was originally a licensed grocer but John Scott obviously saw some potential in other products and it was no time before he was also selling hardware. After a while, the firm outgrew its premises and John Scott made the decision to move to 15-19 Bridge Street, where the company remains to this day. After World War 2 the decision was taken to turn the firm into a limited company and so, on 29th December 1955, the firm was incorporated and its name was changed from ‘John Scott’ to ‘John Scott & Miller Ltd’. This label features the pre-1955 name ‘John Scott’ and we date the bottle to the early 1950’s. Bottled at 98° Proof. This is a rare chance to sample an incredibly old whisky from a bygone age.

Ardbeg 1965 – Museum Case and Miniature

Wow! This Ardbeg is truly stunning. Just 261 hand blown decanters have been produced and contain an incredible 40 year old Ardbeg 1965 vintage malt. This set is beautifully put together and extremely high-quality, and comes with a glass museum case, black plinth & lid, 2 locking pins in black pouch and even some white gloves to handle this incredibly desirable lot. For those of you who wish to sample the precious liquid without opening the full sized bottle, Ardbeg has been thoughtful enough to include a 5cl version of the whisky.

Bidding comes to an end from 8PM on Sunday the 19th June.

View the Entire Auction here

This week sees the arrival of Ardbeg’s much anticipated limited edition Dark Cove at The Whisky Shop.

This new release from Islay’s Ardbeg Distillery is a limted edition created to mark the end of Ardbeg Day during the Islay Festival of Music & Malt. Matured in ex-bourbon and dark sherry casks, this expression harks back to the days of illicit stills and bootleggers hoping to avoid the notorious Excise Men.

The nose entices with dark chocolate, rich treacle and distant bonfires. The palate smoulders with charcoal and wood polish, raisins and dates emerging from the shadows. The finish is long and spicy with cured ham and squid ink noodles lingering.

£110 Buy Now

Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1991 Old & Rare

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

CHIVAS MASTERS’ GLOBAL FINALISTS PREPARE FOR SHANGHAI

Chivas Masters 2016 – Shanghai skyline

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has announced the 15 international bartenders that will compete in the Chivas Masters Global Final in Shanghai on 19th-22nd June – the first time a major bartending competition has held its finals in the city. The Asian cocktail capital will play host to this year’s finalists who each impressed in regional heats with their bartending skills and demonstration of their knowledge of Chivas.

The national heats of the Chivas Masters – now in its third year – challenged bartenders to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. The 15 global finalists created serves inspired by the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai, via their local cocktail scene, all designed to enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth and generous house style – a feat they will have to replicate in the Chivas Masters Global Final.

Finalists are preparing to jet off to Shanghai for a four-day experience that will incorporate key challenges and workshops with the industry’s best, including Naren Young, Head Bartender at Dante in New York City and Chris Lowder, Head Bartender at the Four Seasons in Seoul. Naren and Chris will be joined on the judging panel by industry legend Dre Masso, Founder of Akademi in Bali, and Leo Robitschek, Bar Director of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and the NoMad Hotel Bar, where they will judge competitors on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal comments: “The announcement of the global finalists always marks a build of anticipation for the Chivas Masters Global Final – a time at which excitement for the competition hits fever pitch. Our national champions have impressed us so far but now have the opportunity to represent their countries alongside one of the world’s most prestigious Scotch brands and, by doing so, ensure their future as a top-class bartender. We can’t wait to witness the start of this incredible journey in Shanghai.”

Collaboration at the Global Final will be rewarded this year by granting a winning team, formed at the competition – the Chivas Masters Collective – a once in a lifetime trip to the Tales of the Cocktail 2016 in New Orleans. A further prize will be awarded to the 2016 Global Chivas Master, who will earn a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of their choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as their lasting contribution to the global competition.

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 No. 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 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

SMALL CASK, BIG WHISKY: AN INNOVATIVE NEW RELEASE FROM THE BENRIACH

MULTI award-winning BenRiach Distillery in Speyside has today (7th June 2016) launched a peated expression of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in quarter casks. Its makers hail it as “a peaty fruit bomb”. 

The BenRiach Peated Quarter Cask single malt is the first product to be launched after the parent company was taken over by Brown Forman at the end of April. 

This innovative release revives the once-obsolete tradition of using smaller “Quarter” casks to give greater intensity of maturation.

Unusually for a Speyside distillery, this BenRiach expression is distilled from peated malted barley. The spirit is then matured fully in superlative quarter casks before being bottled at 46% abv.

A smaller cask, such as the quarter cask, allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a great depth of flavour and aroma in a shorter period of time.

Colour – Bright summer gold.

Nose – Elegant waves of wood smoke intensify to burning heather with a delicious contribution of ripe orchard fruits. Subtle hints of peaches, cinnamon sugar and a slight herbal note of fresh barley give an added contrast to the unique, rich peat character.

Taste – Intense peat smoke mellows to smouldering peat embers infused with green pear and nectarine notes. Nutty oak and vanilla pods combine with a touch of white pepper and a twist of lime to give a crisp, smoky finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Smaller casks mean bigger whisky. Using quarter casks allows the intensity of the spirit to shine through by speeding up the maturation process. In this fantastic new expression, the peat combines with the hints of pear and peach to produce an extraordinary fully-flavoured dram.”

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

CELEBRATE SOLSTICE AT HIGHLAND PARK’S MIDSUMMER SOCIAL

DALSTON ROOF PARK | 21 – 22 June 2016 

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ is taking over London’s Dalston Roof Park for two evenings to celebrate Midsummer Solstice.

A hugely significant time of year at the whisky’s home on Orkney and an important celebration in Nordic history and culture, Midsummer Solstice is traditionally celebrated with good friends, bonfires, music and dance.

The narrative of Highland Park is deeply rooted in Nordic traditions and the people on Orkney (1 in 3 have Viking ancestry) take huge pride in honouring the spirit of their Viking ancestors by hosting a week’s worth of events dedicated to the official start of summer, when the evenings are at their longest.

The Highland Park Midsummer Social at Dalston Roof Park will bring to life this wonderful heritage through the following:

• Torchlight whisky tastings with Highland Park’s global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park Boilermaker pairings with 40ft Brewery
• DJ Eelke Kleijn will play a set on Tuesday 21 June
• Acoustic band Slow Club will provide live music on Wednesday 22 June

Mike Mackenzie, Highland Park Brand Manager said: “Highland Park’s Midsummer Social is a unique and exciting event to celebrate the brand’s Viking heritage. The fantastic rooftop setting at Dalston provides an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, enjoy great cocktails, food and music whilst celebrating the official start of summer.”

A limited number of tickets are available for Tuesday 21 June and Wednesday 22 June at 7.30pm priced at £15. To reserve your place please click here or visit www.skiddle.com and search ‘Highland Park’. 

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #HPSolstice

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram: www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial   

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandpark.co.uk   

Eelke Kleijn

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch producer and DJ hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is known mostly for his electronic dance music, but nowadays also produces music for other media, such as television series, commercials, movie trailers and animations. 

Slow Club

Slow Club are an English duo formed in Sheffield in 2006. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, with Watson contributing piano, Taylor contributing drums, and both performing guitar and vocals.