Morning, everyone! Old Islay whiskies are something to be thoroughly enjoyed by all. There’s something very distinctive about having that smoke element die down and allowing those big, exotic, oak driven fruit flavours to shin through. This one specifically has that in bucket loads.  

Caol Ila may be the largest distillery in Islay, and a lot of it’s stock gets used for blending, but what is bottled is always fantastic! When it’s above the age of 18 years old, it’s something to be put on a plinth and celebrated in as many ways as possible. Enjoy! 

https://youtu.be/eejnsTyCWR8

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Irish Distillers to invest €10m in production capacity at Midleton Distillery 

–          €10.5 million investment to support the Irish whiskey industry growth target of 300% by 2030

–          Investment will see Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey capacity increase by over 30%

–          Three new copper pot stills to be commissioned and operational by June 2017

–          Project to support 60 jobs in Midleton during the construction phase 

Dublin, January 18^th 2017 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has today announced plans for a €10.5 million investment at Midleton Distillery, Cork which will see the company increase its single pot still Irish whiskey production capacity by over 30%. Three new copper pot stills will be installed at Midleton Distillery, ensuring that Irish Distillers continues to lead the global Irish whiskey renaissance and supporting the Irish Whiskey Association’s target of global growth of 300% by 2030. 60 jobs will be supported during the construction phase.

Irish whiskey is the fastest growing premium spirit globally and Irish Distillers has invested heavily to drive this growth. Since 2012, Irish Distillers has invested €120 million in the Midleton Distillery, €20 million at its Fox and Geese bottling facility in Dublin and is currently investing €100 million at its Dungourney maturation site. In August 2016, the company also announced an €11 million redevelopment project at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, Dublin to showcase the best of Irish whiskey to the 600,000 whiskey tourists that come to Ireland every year.

Commenting on the latest investment, Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers said: “Irish whiskey continues to enjoy phenomenal global growth, led by Jameson with sales of 5.7 million cases in 2016. Irish Distillers has been driving the growth of the category since 1988, a commitment further underpinned by investments of over €230 million since 2012. With this additional investment of over €10 million at Midleton, the home of Irish whiskey, we will ensure that we are positioned to meet growing global demand and support the growth of Irish whiskey in the international spirits category.

“We are seeing growth accelerating across Jameson and the wider Single Pot Still Irish whiskey range and we will continue to direct our focus for growth here. With our increased production capacity, we are confident that the category will hit the ambitious targets set by the Irish Whiskey Association – increasing exports to 12 million cases by 2020 and 24 million cases by 2030.”

Paul Wickham, General Manager of Midleton Distillery added: “Single pot still Irish whiskey is the quintessential style of Irish whiskey which Irish Distillers saved from virtual extinction in the mid-1900s. Since then we have been investing to protect this traditional Irish whiskey and today’s announcement will help us grow Irish whiskey even further over the next 30 years and beyond.

“This investment will also see us increase our support for the wider Cork economy. All our barley comes from farms located within 100 miles of Midleton Distillery, supporting families who have produced barley for centuries. Using unmalted barley is a long-standing tradition of Irish whiskey and one which Irish Distillers continues, believing it contributes to the smooth characteristics of our products. At present, we spend €60 million annually on cereals, energy, capital projects and payroll in the local economy and this will increase with the installation of these new stills.”

The three copper pot stills, handmade by master coppersmiths Forsyth’s of Scotland and weighing a combined 24 tonnes, were delivered to Midleton Distillery this week. Installation has now commenced and the stills will be operational by June 2017.

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

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 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.

The Gallery are hosting a special Whisky 101: Siren of the Glen tomorrow night (Tuesday 24th January) as an early Burns Night celebration to get Londoners clued up on whisky (and the best beers to drink with it) before Burns Night. ‘he Gallery have invited the seductively dangerous, Siren Craft Beer Co., and The Glenlivet, an iconic distillery from the Scottish Highlands, for a night of beer and whisky exploration. This ‘Whisky 101’ event will feature a menu showcasing the effect of barrel ageing has on beer and whisky.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

@TheGalleryNW6 #BurnsNight

Laphroaig  

Join us Tuesday the 24th for a Laphroaig tasting, presented by Simon Brookings, whisky expert and ambassador of Laphroaig distillery. Recently awarded “Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year” by Whisky Magazine, Simon Brooking is renowned throughout the whisky world for his extensive expertise and engaging presentations.

  From ‘Icons Of Whisky’:

“Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and a member of the Robertson Clan, Simon traces his roots back to the 13th Century and the Celtic Earls of Atholl. A well-known expert on Scotch whisky, Simon has worked for many of the leading Scotch distilleries, learning the art and science of distilling from the world’s foremost master distillers and blenders. For nearly 20 years, Simon has led thousands of Scotch whisky tastings for consumers, bartenders and social organisations. Informative and entertaining, his presentations have made him an in-demand spokesperson for the whisky industry. Simon’s love of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands has paved the way to his present position as the Beam Suntory Scotch Ambassador for Laphroaig, Ardmore, Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch whiskies.” 

Click Here to RSVP

 Hope to see you there! As always, remember to follow us on facebook and check our website for new releases, sales, and events!

WHEN: Tuesday, January 24th
5pm – 6:30pm
WHERE: The Whisky Shop
360 Sutter Street
San Francisco
CA 94108
Tel: 415 989-1030

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 151: Smoking Buffalo 8th Edition (Caol Ila)

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a special peated whisky. Smoking Buffalo is a label from a Belgian bottler under which they release peated whisky to honor the local football club AA Gent. For this 8th edition, they bottled a feisty Caol Ila 2010 at cask strength, a whopping 60,5% ABV. It turns out this is the ideal winter dram. The video was shot at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

https://youtu.be/JQcEsYcQhBQ

Springbank 15 Year Old

New packing for 2017, our favourite Scottish single malt Springbank 15 Year Old features a fresh new face for the New Year. Matured in sherry casks this is a must-try Campeltown malt.

£53.10

SHOP NOW >

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS UK APPOINTS ALWYNNE GWILT

AS THE BALVENIE UK AMBASSADOR

11th January 2017: Independent family distillers, William Grant & Sons UK has today confirmed that whisky specialist, Alwynne Gwilt will take on the role of UK ambassador for The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch whisky, as of January 2017.

Joining William Grant & Sons UK in January 2016 as Whisky Specialist for the Ancient Reserves portfolio, Alwynne’s new role as The Balvenie UK ambassador will see her focus on generating brand advocacy and bridging communication between the brand and whisky drinkers, bars & restaurants, retailers, distributors and press.

Jonathan Cornthwaite, Head of Whisky at William Grant & Sons UK said: “Alwynne has a deep passion for whisky and the way it is made, which is why she is the perfect person to take on the UK ambassador role for The Balvenie, the most handcrafted single malt. With her wealth of unique experience, Alwynne will play a crucial role as the face of one of William Grant & Sons UK’s core brands. Alwynne will lead from the front to develop key relationships and initiatives to further enhance The Balvenie’s excellent reputation with whisky novices, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, as well as with on-trade partners.”

Alwynne Gwilt said: “Many years ago, when I was just beginning my journey in whisky, The Balvenie distillery was one of the very first ones I visited. And because all of the processes are done on-site, it was the first time I really, truly ‘got’ whisky, the first time I understood its underlying heartbeat. I was utterly hooked! As such, I’m thrilled to be coming back to these early roots, to be able to speak about and share my love of this beautifully hand-crafted product with whisky lovers far and wide.”

Alwynne will take over from James Buntin who held the role since 2014.

Notes:

About Alwynne Gwilt

Alwynne comes with significant industry experience and is the founder and editor of whisky-focused website, Miss Whisky, named ‘Website to Watch’ in the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2016. Throughout her career Alwynne has written for numerous publications on whisky, been involved with consulting and training in the whisky sector, and run events in the UK and overseas, all of which earned her a place within the ‘Top 10 Women in Whisky’ as judged by The Drinks Business in 2014, and the title of ‘International Whisky Ambassador of the Year’ at the Spirit of Speyside Festival in 2013.

About The Balvenie:

 The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrates his 54th year at the distillery in 2016. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.

 The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts.

 The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Tullamore D.E.W. ® Irish Whiskey and Drambuie®.

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands

The 25th January 2017 is fast approaching. That means its nearly time to don your tartan, brush up your linguistics, and get ready to ‘slay’ a Haggis! And most importantly raise a dram of Scotch Whiskey. Burns Night is upon us.

There is no need to re-hash the story of Robert Burns and the synonymy between Burns Night and Whiskey. Let’s just say they make a good pairing. And what better than our very own exclusive Burns Malt® and Burns Grain® whiskies to pair with haggis, Robert Burns and a celebration of Scottish culture. As uttered by Burns himself,

“Freedom an’ whisky gang thegither“

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REMAINDER OF THE POST

Ardbeg “Kildalton” Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Only 3 Available!

Exclusive Web Price £617.95

Tasting notes –

Dense and fragrant nose with plenty of heather honey, fish oils and slightly astringent coastal notes. Lightly phenolic with a touch of tar, very herbal peat and late coffeed notes. Dense and fleshy with barley and soft fruit. Freshens as the coastal notes arrive. The peat is pleasantly herbal with a light coffee note. Long, mouth-watering and sooty finish with hints of violet, wood and a lightly tarry aftertaste. A lovely Islay, with a seriously sooty finish.

The classic Islay nose of peat bogs with a hint of basil and fennel. The palate delivers more fennel and peat and some cinnamon. Finish is like apple doughnuts and smoke.

Oyster shells, palate is flinty and sweet like sea foam on slate.

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Ardbeg Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery in Ardbeg on the south coast of the isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides group of islands.

Free In-Store Whisky Sampling

Wednesday 25th January

We’re inviting you to join us for a free whisky tasting in-store on Wednesday 25th January.

Visit The Whisky Shop to try all six of the drams avaialble for tasting with guidance from our staff. Toast the Immortal Memory with each one and get your Burns Night celebrations off to a good start!

The following stores will be hosting an in-store sampling from 1pm on Wednesday 25th January:

Bath Birmingham Brighton Edinburgh, Victoria Street Edinburgh, Waverley Mall Essex, Lakeside Glasgow Guildford Inverness London, Paternoster London, Piccadilly Manchester Newcastle, Metro Centre (Gateshead) Norwich Nottingham Oxford Stoke on Trent, Trentham Gardens York

All the whiskies available for sampling will be included in our W Club members-only offers, so if you want 10% off the price of a full bottle – along with a host of other benefits – join the W Club in-store on the day or online now for only £20 per year.