whisky legend tempted out of retirement by role at new islay distillery 

Industry icon Jim McEwan appointed Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery 18 months after retiring

World-renowned whisky distiller Jim McEwan has been appointed Production Director of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay – 18 months after he retired.

The Islay-born whisky industry icon, who has 53 years’ experience under his belt, has been hired by Hunter Laing & Co, the family-run Glasgow whisky company behind Ardnahoe, the first distillery to be built on Islay for more than a decade.

Ardnahoe is being built on the north-east coast of Islay and will become the ninth distillery on the island. It expects to start distilling whisky in early 2018.

As Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery, McEwan is playing a pivotal role at the distillery for the Laing family – father Stewart and sons Andrew and Scott. From shaping its design and installing his preferred pieces of distilling equipment, to fine-tuning the production processes and selecting casks, he will influence every step of the whisky-making journey at Ardnahoe.

The distillery, which will include a visitor centre café, shop and tasting room, will produce traditional peated Islay single malt.

McEwan will also work on a number of other as-yet-secret creative projects that are sure to make waves across the spirits world.

Prodigious career

McEwan retired from the whisky industry in July 2015 after a prodigious career that began in 1963, and later saw his name become synonymous with both Islay and the Scotch whisky industry.

In his last role, he was Master Distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery for 15 years where he produced a series of innovative whiskies, including notably Octomore, the world’s most heavily-peated whisky, as well as revered Islay gin, The Botanist.

Prior to that, he spent 38 years in a variety of roles at Bowmore, the distillery he first joined as a 15-year-old apprentice cooper in 1963. During his career there, he worked in every aspect of the distillery, from warehousing and cellar master, to trainee blender, distillery manager and Global Brand Ambassador.

During his brief retirement, McEwan turned his hand once again to gin distilling, spending time in the Australian rainforests sourcing botanicals to help Cape Byron Distillery launch Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin.

“One of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world” 

Reflecting on his choice to come out of retirement to work at Ardnahoe distillery, McEwan said: “I had intended to ride off into the sunset, but I’ve known Stewart for many years and have always been impressed with Hunter Laing whisky. When the call came in, it really excited me.

“Then when I visited the distillery site with the Laing family, it absolutely blew me away. It’s an incredible spot up on a hill overlooking the Sound of Islay out to Mull in the north and across to Jura – it has to be one of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world.

“It felt as though the stars were aligning; the amazing location, my history with Islay, my relationship with the Laing family, their passion for the project, the calibre of architect Iain Hepburn, plus my chance to get involved with the design of the distillery for the first time in my career, all made it feel like it was ‘meant to happen’.”

Andrew Laing, Director of Hunter Laing & Co, said: “It’s hard to think of anyone better qualified than Jim McEwan to develop the character of the newest Islay malt whisky. Jim has lived and breathed Islay whisky his whole life and is bringing all of his passion and knowledge to Ardnahoe Distillery. The three of us are hugely impressed with the whiskies he’s produced in the past and can sleep easy knowing that he is in ultimate charge of whisky-making at Ardnahoe”.

Hunter Laing & Co have also revealed that they will be taking part in Feis Ile, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt, which runs from the 26^th May to 3^rd June. The exact details remain under wraps for now, but they will be hosting tastings of Islay casks from the Hunter Laing stocks that have been hand selected by McEwan.

Notes

Hunter Laing 

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent bottler and blender based in Glasgow run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £1.4m on a turnover of £6.4m for its last full year of trading (end 30 April 2015).
  

Super Bowl inspired bottles for your big game party.

The Patriots vs. The Falcons…who ya got?

Though Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally a day for beer – we know there are those of you out there, that like something different next to your wings as you cheer or boo at the television. Something a bit more appropriate. To that end – we offer some football-esque ideas to have on your bar cart for friends and family.

Go _______! (whoever you’re rooting for 🙂

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

Slaughter House American Whiskey

Let’s face it – Before the game there’s always someone saying, “It’s going to be a slaughter!” So here’s the perfect bottle to either celebrate or mock that prediction.  After spending 9 years in American oak, the spirit was further matured in French oak barrels that previously held Napa Valley Bordeaux varietal red wine which added perfumed aromatics and rounded out the mouthfeel.Intense and inviting with caramelized sugar, baking spices, dark fruits, butterscotch and vanilla notes. The palate is smooth, ultra rich and layered. The finish is impressive with honey, toast and loads of caramel.  Price: $46/btl

Redemption Rye

No matter which team you’re rooting for on Sunday – “Redemption” can be applied as a story line. Why not enjoy some great Rye while watching how it plays out.  This Rye has a deep amber, old copper/bronze in the bottle, northern wheat in the glass.  There’s a rich spiciness, leather, toffee, allspice, malt, dried dark fruits. Clean spicy finish.  Redemption has a nice malt body in texture and mouth feel. The spicy sourness with underlying sweetness creates a nice overall rye.  Price: $30/btl

Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky

While watching the Pig Skin fly – enjoy a super smooth 5 year old whisky that won’t leave you feeling deflated. (sorry, sorry ~ it was too easy.)  “Nose: Youthful, some fruit, barley malt, porridge. Young but very sweet.  Palate: Creamy and sweet. Soft, gentle, oily and slightly coastal. Hints of salt.  Finish: Medium length, salty butters and caramel.”  Price: $35/btl

Valentine’s Day
Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing
Sunday, February 12th at 4pm

Bring your sweetie for some whiskey and sweets!

Rock Town’s Valentine’s Day whiskey and chocolate pairing is a seated tasting hosted by founder and head distiller Phil Brandon at the distillery. We’ll feature 4 outstanding Rock Town whiskeys paired with hand crafted local chocolates.

• Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey
• Arkansas Bourbon – Flavor Grain Series – Barley
• Arkansas Bourbon – Flavor Grain Series – Sorghum
• Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

4PM – Sunday, February 12th – $40 per person

Space is limited to 24 people.

Click Here to make Your Reservation

INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS WITH OLIVER CHILTON

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY
7.30-9PM

Independent bottlers are the alternative music scene of the whisky world – away from the mainstream and exploring the fringes of the whiskies distilleries are producing. Join us for an evening of exploration, learning some of the history of the biggest bottlers and trying whiskies from across Scotland, including the sold-out Laphroaig 1996 Masterpiece, a huge hit at The Whisky Show 2016.

Gordon & MacPhail Tormore 1996

Signatory Blair Athol 1988

Douglas Laing Glenrothes 2004

Caol Ila 2009 Carn Mor

Sovereign Cambus 1988

Glenburgie 1998 Single Malts of Scotland

Laphroaig 1996 Masterpiece

Our host is Oliver Chilton from Speciality Drinks Ltd, The Whisky Exchange’s sister company and bottler of the Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malts of Scotland ranges. Having worked in whisky for his entire adult life, he’s not only an expert on indie bottlers, but now runs one himself.

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY
7.30-9PM

£40 PER TICKET

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK NOW »

VENUE

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE SHOP
@ COVENT GARDEN
2 BEDFORD STREET
LONDON WC2E 9HH

Valentine’s Day 14th February

Valentine’s day is only two weeks away and love is already in the air – although that might just be the Angel’s Share!

With The Whisky Shop Gift Finder, you can filter our extensive range of whiskies and accessories by occasion, type, flavour, and price so you can find the perfect match for your Valentine.

Have a look at some of our top Valentine’s gifts below or click here to try out the Gift Finder for yourself.

Free delivery on UK orders over £100

Next day delivery available on UK orders

Treasure Someone Special

DIAGEO TO LAUNCH PREMIUM BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY ROE & CO

PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR EXCITING INVESTMENT IN WHISKEY DISTILLERY AT ST. JAMES’S GATE

Irish Whiskey is the fastest growing spirit in the world with global sales increasing by over 300%

31^st January 2017: Diageo is to launch a new premium Blended Irish Whiskey, Roe & Co, the company announced today. The move by Diageo into the premium Irish Whiskey category comes as the company announced plans for investment in a whiskey distillery in the once Power Station at St. James’s Gate. The total project investment comes to €25 million (£18.6 million) over three years.

As seen in other spirit categories in recent years, Diageo identified a clear opportunity in Irish Whiskey to drive overall category growth via premiumisation. Responding to this, Roe & Co was born. The brand has been created to reflect modern, contemporary luxury, in everything from pack to liquid, and with a focus of making Irish Whiskey more prominent in Europe’s booming cocktail culture. Roe & Co is made from the finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies and aged in bourbon casks. It has the signature smoothness of Irish Whiskey with remarkable depth of flavor – a luxuriously smooth blend, with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies.

Roe & Co is named in honour of George Roe, the once world-famous whiskey maker who helped build the golden era of Irish Whiskey in the 19^th century. His distillery, George Roe and Co extended over 17 acres on Thomas Street in Dublin and was once Ireland’s largest distillery. As neighbours for hundreds of years George Roe and Co and Guinness were the two biggest names at the heart of Dublin’s historic brewing and distilling quarter. Diageo will now build on this rich heritage with the creation of a new distillery by converting the historic former Guinness Power House on Thomas Street. The new St. James’s Gate distillery, will be situated just a stone’s throw away from where the George Roe and Co distillery once stood and subject to planning approval will begin production in the first half of 2019.

Using her 30 years of experience, Diageo’s Master Blender Caroline Martin and her team set about meticulously sourcing and selecting stocks of the very finest Irish whiskies.  Having trialed over 100 prototype blends since December 2014, Caroline has created an extraordinary expression of Irish Whiskey. The high proportion of first-fill casks gives notes of creamy vanilla balanced with its hints of fruit and soft spice and a remarkable depth for such an elegant and refined whiskey. Roe & Co is non-chill filtered and bottled at 45% ABV. The first blend of Roe & Co will be available in key European cities from 1st March 2017 as part of Diageo’s growing Reserve portfolio.

Speaking about the launch Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD said: “Irish Whiskey is experiencing a renaissance and is truly an Irish success story.  It is seeing a return to the success it experienced in its golden era in the 19th Century and is now the fastest growing spirit drink in the world with global sales increasing by over 300% and record exports of over €400 million* in the last ten years. This commitment and investment by Diageo comes at an opportune time for the sector which is experiencing unprecedented global demand. €25 million investment in this project over 3 years will support the local economy, create jobs, and bring a welcome new addition to the City’s tourism offering. The Irish Whiskey market has a great story to tell and today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter in its development”.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovations, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said, “It is great to see Diageo continue to invest in and further enhance the historical Dublin 8 area to create a fantastic attraction for tourists and locals alike. The proposed distillery will play a major role in the overall regeneration of the Liberties through the repurposing of the St James’ Gate Power House.

“Irish produced whiskey has never been as popular, garnering international acclaim and recognition. Diageo’s decision to move into the premium Irish whiskey category and its plans to invest in a new distillery will further enhance Ireland’s reputation as one of the finest premium whiskey producers in the world”.

Commenting on the launch, Tanya Clarke, General Manager of Reserve Europe said: “This is a wonderful project for us at Diageo, highlighting the opportunity we see to develop the premium segment of Irish Whiskey and contribute to the category’s growth as it sees new investment and entrepreneurial interest.  In crafting Roe & Co we explored the demands of today’s consumers for more premium drinking experiences and the desire of bartenders for an adaptable, flavourful whiskey that works in both traditional and new cocktails.” 

Colin O’Brien Operations Director of Diageo said: “The planned distillery will provide employment in the coming years – both at construction and operation stages. It will complement what is already the country’s most popular tourism offering, The Guinness Storehouse. This investment further demonstrates Diageo’s commitment to the growing vibrancy of The Liberties, one of the City’s most dynamic districts and the home of Irish Whiskey during the original golden age of Irish distilling. We are excited that the planned distillery will help revive the proud tradition of distilling in the Liberties.”

NOTES

Roe & Co is made from finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies, aged in bourbon casks. Using her 30 years of experience, Master Blender Caroline Martin has created a versatile, premium whiskey. Roe & Co is a luxuriously smooth blend with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies. The high proportion of first-fill casks gives notes of creamy vanilla balanced with its hints of fruit and soft spice and a remarkable depth for such an elegant and refined whiskey.

Roe & Co is non-chill filtered and bottled at a higher than usual ABV of 45%. Perfect in a cocktail, with a mixer or on its own Roe & Co will initially be available in the hottest bars around Europe.

*Irish Whiskey Association December 2016

In 2015 food and drink exports reached €10.9 billion, marking continued year on year growth. Irish Whiskey experienced double digit growth and record exports of €400 million. Global sales of Irish Whiskey have increased by over 300% in the last ten years and have been growing by double-digits since the mid-1990s.

TASTING NOTESOn the nose Roe & Co is creamy, delightfully fragrant and remarkably rounded with notes of soft spice and mellow spun sugar along with warm hints of woody vanilla. The quality and perfect balance of the blend is immediately apparent on the palate through its velvety texture

and sweet flavours including spiced pears and vanilla. The finish is lingering and gentle, ending with a light creaminess. The sweet pear notes readily apparent in Roe & Co are a wonderfully apt tribute to the once-great Dublin whisky distillery of George Roe & Co. Among the remnants of George Roe’s distillery are its old windmill tower, known as St. Patrick’s, and a magnificent pear tree dating from 1850. 

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 a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). 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.

2017 Hidden Spirits Bottlings available from March 

We are proud to announce the first two 2017 Hidden Spirits Whisky Bottlings. 

Ben Nevis 13yo Heavily Peated & Glentauchers 20yo Highproof.

In January 2004, Ben Nevis Distillery produced malt spirit from a load of heavily peated malted barley. This was the first time that peated malt had been used to produce whisky at Ben Nevis Distillery in many long year. Our cask, namely Cask ref. BN417, is one from the initial filling of only 83 hogsheads and was filled with spirit produced entirely from the heavily peated malt.

After 20yo of silent sleeping we decided to get bottling a surprising Glentauchers whisky version… full of fruity note, tropical tones… we love it. Available from the end of February 2017.

Friday, February 3rd 3-7PM:

Aberlour Whisky 

Join us for a single malt tasting with legendary distillery Aberlour! Founded in the heart of Speyside in 1879, Aberlour is renowned as one of the world’s great malt whiskies.  A variety of Aberlour’s new and award-winning drams will be presented, with distillery representatives and whisky experts available throughout for all your whisky questions.

Click Here to RSVP on Facebook

WD Cadenhead

Abbey Whisky is proud to now be stocking the excellent whisky from Scotland’s oldest indie bottler, WM Cadenhead. Superb small batch and single cask bottlings now in stock, further items arriving next week.

2017 Releases Now in Stock!

https://youtu.be/9oBEBhBVF74 

Good morning, folks! Springbank, a distillery with loyal followers all over the world, as well as a host of awards and a status that names it as one of, if not thee finest distillery in the world. It’s certainly one of my favorites. This bottling has been purchased by, Loch Fyne Whiskies, based in Inverary. They’ve bought the remainder of it from a private collector who had bought the whole cask a few years ago. Twenty-one years old and bottled at 51.6%, it’s certainly a whisky for lovers of the distillery to flock towards, not a bad price either. Enjoy!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday

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