LAPHROAIG® LAUNCHES A BRAND NEW EVOLUTION
OF ITS INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED #OPINIONSWELCOME™ CAMPAIGN 

Laphroaig®, the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has launched “A First for Friends” – a new installment of its #OpinionsWelcome™ campaign.

“A First for Friends” celebrates friendship and an important, memorable first in life – your first sip of Laphroaig® – by encouraging the banter between old friends with starkly differing opinions. Watch along as five real-life pairs of friends try Laphroaig® for the very first time and share their 100% unscripted, authentic, (sometimes brutal) honest opinions of the unique and famously polarizing whisky. Will Laphroaig® become a friend for life, or a foe to be avoided? As always, #OpinionsWelcome™.

Check out Laphroaig®’s “A First for Friends” video here: https://youtu.be/2qlAQg4aY3c

#OpinionsWelcome™ is a campaign that embraces the rich and peaty taste of Laphroaig® and champions the offbeat, peculiar and individual way the Single Malt whisky is described and revered by those who love it…or not. The award-winning #OpinionsWelcome™ campaign invites whisky fans all over the world to express their feelings for Laphroaig® via our website, www.laphroaig.com/opinions and across social media using the hashtag #OpinionsWelcome™. We have put your opinions in our ads, projected them live onto the iconic wall of our Islay distillery, Warehouse No.1, and now we are asking you to enjoy your first sip with your friends.

Judith Giegerich, International Marketing Manager Malts for Beam Suntory, said: “Laphroaig® is dividing opinions, but whether you love or hate it, everyone remembers the first time they tried Laphroaig®. Our new campaign – which continues to be completely unscripted – showcases genuine friends trying Laphroaig for the first time and proves that ’we don’t make friends easily but when we do they are for life.’ The new videos celebrate the open, honest, and creative ways people describe our whisky.”

Visit www.laphroaig.com/opinions to find out more.
@Laphroaig
#OpinionsWelcome

Notes:

Laphroaig®’s “A First for Friends” video is available to view here: https://youtu.be/2qlAQg4aY3c

ABOUT #OPINIONSWELCOME™
Laphroaig®’s groundbreaking #OpinionsWelcome™ campaign – now in its fourth year – highlights the polarizing reactions that drinkers of Laphroaig® often feel by inviting consumers to express their true opinion of the spirit. Laphroaig® is not an everyday malt for everyday people; we’re an enigma from the far edge of the whisky map, and we understand that some people love us and some people don’t. However, unlike most brands, we openly accept and welcome this “debate,” and encourage consumers everywhere to share their thoughts on our liquid, whatever they may be. #OpinionsWelcome™. Visit www.laphroaig.com/opinions to find out more.

ABOUT LAPHROAIG®
Laphroaig® is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally. It is one of only a few distilleries that still hand-cuts its own peat, uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.

People experience whisky in very different ways. It’s what makes us human and what makes Laphroaig® so special. The award-winning heavily peated Single malt Scotch whisky has been dividing opinions since 1815. With its pungent, earthy aroma of peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley and the heathery perfume of the Kilbride stream, Laphroaig® is an unapologetically bold and rich and Single Malt. It’s this complex and sometimes polarizing range of flavours that has garnered a loyal and passionate following of whisky enthusiasts and continues to divide opinions around the world.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

© 2017 Beam Suntory Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 6065

We’re thrilled to introduce you to anCnoc peatheart – our latest and ongoing peaty expression

Following the launch of our limited edition Peaty Collection, seven award wins and remarkable feedback from our fans we’re thrilled to introduce you to anCnoc peatheart – our latest and ongoing peaty expression.

What’s in a name?

Crafted at our enchanting Knockdhu Distillery in the heart of the picturesque village of Knock in Aberdeenshire, Peatheart takes its name from the nearby peat bogs and its abundance of natural resources which are wonderfully suited to creating a fine smoky Scotch whisky.

Our smokiest offering to date

Peatheart uses barley, specified by our Master Blender, malted to 40ppm.  The result as you would expect is an intensely smoky, warm yet smooth finish. Matured in bourbon barrels for over a decade, this expression celebrates the traditions of the whisky making process, as peat was historically an essential fuel in the drying of barley for the distillation of the liquid.

Tasting notes

Pale amber in appearance the whisky delivers an initial smoky burst on the nose which surrenders to a surge of fruitiness. Notes of ripe pears, apples and citrusy lime give way to a slight hint of tobacco in the background. To taste, smoky flavours are laced with leather and sweet stewed apples. Closely followed by chocolate, the whisky is perfectly complemented by sweet vanilla and zesty lemon, leaving drinkers with a lingering warmth and floral smokiness.

Packaging

Peatheart’s packaging honours our minimalist yet contemporary style of anCnoc’s core range. Encased in a striking black and gold foil pack, the design features a golden eagle, a bird of prey which is frequently spotted soaring above the peat bogs local to the distillery.

THE WHISKY BARREL SUPPORTING POPPYSCOTLAND

Throughout the month of November 2017 The Whisky Barrel is supporting Poppyscotland. So for all orders placed with Gift Wrapping, we will donate the full gift wrapping proceeds (approx. $4.40 USD) to Poppyscotland. So if you are thinking of buying a scotch whiskey gift this month, or in preparation for Christmas, come to The Whisky Barrel to provide a little support for a great cause.

WHO ARE POPPYSCOTLAND?

“Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to our Armed Forces community.  We reach out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding.

Buying and wearing a poppy helps fund our vital, life-changing support for the Armed Forces community.  This year we’re encouraging you to go the #ExtraMile in showing your support.  Every extra penny raised for the Scottish Poppy Appeal will make a massive difference to someone who urgently needs our help. Visit our website and be inspired to go the #ExtraMile this year: http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/extra-mile/“

Poppyscotland was established in 1921 as ‘The Earl Haig Fund Scotland’. Since then, the name has changed to Poppyscotland and has merged The Royal British Legion (TRBL), which operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Consequently this is largest charity group supporting the Armed Forces Community across the whole of the UK.

WHY THE WHISKY BARREL IS SUPPORTING POPPYSCOTLAND

We are delighted to be able to provide support and raise awareness for this great cause throughout the month of November 2017 and coinciding with Remembrance Sunday on 11th November 2017. We are all too aware of the significant contributions made by those serving and those who have served in the Armed Forces in the UK and abroad. And it is especially relevant as some of us have family and friends who have served in the Armed Forces. Therefore, The Whisky Barrel hopes to take this opportunity to thank the Armed Forces Community in this small way and we hope you will help us to do so too.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Simple. Place an order for scotch, whiskey, rum or gin on our website throughout November 2017. Include Gift Wrapping at the basket stage. Complete you order. Poppyscotland will receive ALL proceeds of the Gift Wrapping. That’s approx. $4.40 USD for each bottle gift wrapped. Simply tick the Gift Wrapping option in your shopping basket.

It’s a small donation but it makes all the difference to help the Armed Forces Community in Scotland. So, if you need a whiskey, rum or gin gift, come to The Whisky Barrel for your gift wrapping; help support Poppyscotland.

Slainte Mhath

N.B.

• For more information on how we are supporting Poppyscotland, please contact us at info@thewhiskybarrel.com
• Poppyscotland will receive ALL proceeds of Gift Wrapping during November 2017
• Please use Poppyscotlands hastag, #ExtraMile, if sharing on Social Media platforms.
• Finally, for more information on Poppyscotland and the work they do, visit http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/

Say hello to our second Discovery Pack, ‘The Highland Fling’ is a perfect example of why not to judge a whisky by its cover – or its region. Taste and explore a selection of five spectacular Highland whiskies, each with its own distinctive flavour profile. Best be quick, we’re only releasing a small number of preview packs before next Outturn.

At the Society, we’ve always been passionate about classifying our single cask whisky through the lens of flavour. Unlike descriptors such as region and distillery – which might not always be typical for a single cask – flavour offers an alternative way to help members navigate our wide range of whiskies, allowing you to uncover your perfect dram.

Our second Discovery Pack ‘The Highland Fling’ is a perfect example of why not to judge a whisky by its cover – or its region. We have curated a selection of five spectacular Highland whiskies, each with its own distinctive flavour profile.

The Highlands of Scotland covers landscape from rugged mountains and ancient pine forests to peaceful lochs and remote islands. That diversity is reflected in the spectrum of flavours from its whisky. Embark on your own flavour journey of the Highlands, from Young & Spritely through to Lightly Peated, in the next edition of our Discovery Pack series.

Featuring;

60.26 – Mojitos and musclerub • Young & Spritely • 2nd fill barrel ex-bourbon • Aged 8 years

13.49 – Apple and olive oil cake • Spicy & Sweet • Refill barrel ex-bourbon • Aged 9 years

121.101 – Honey and vanilla roasted rhubarb • Spicy & Dry • 2nd fill hogshead ex-bourbon • Aged 17 years

52.21 – Tropical breezes fill the sales • Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits • 1st fill hogshead red wine • Aged 15 years

4.235 – Beach bonfire embers • Lightly Peated • Refill hogshead ex-bourbon • Aged 14 years

What are you waiting for? Discovery packs are limited so grab yours now and get your ‘Highland Fling’ underway!

BUY NOW

VIEW LATEST OUTTURN

To Join:

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

Introducing Phenomenology and No Name

Two new Limited Edition Blended Malt Scotch Whiskies for autumn 2017.

In accordance with the Whiskymaker’s need and obligation to ask questions, to challenge and to experiment, both of these whiskies have encouraged us to challenge our own thinking about how a whisky is experienced and understood.  They have pushed us to share their stories in a way we haven’t done before.  You’ll find the end result in two very different, yet, we believe, equally compelling styles of Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.

Phenomenology was inspired by the psychological school of thought of the same name that focuses on phenomena, or, the experiences that we get from our senses–what we see, taste, smell, etc.     In celebration of the subjectivity of whisky tasting, we are not sharing the recipe details and tasting notes as we normally would.  We want to encourage drinkers to experience this whisky without preconception and to first describe the ‘phenomena’ of the liquid for themselves, in their own words and ideas. The idea for our second limited edition was sparked by the discovery of a parcel of American oak barrels filled with massively peaty Islay single malt whisky – tarry and full of bonfire-like smokiness – from a distillery we’ve never worked with before.  To us, this was a whisky crying out to be tamed and shaped into a very special Compass Box limited edition.  This whisky was given No Name to let the whisky speak for itself.  It is huge in terms of the intensity and complexity of flavour, a whisky brimming with complex peatiness, but tempered with hints of fruit character and an underlying sweetness.

Above all, share & enjoy!

John Glaser, Whiskymaker

FIND OUT MORE

Ralfy explains phenol/fusile with Ralfy Review 694 – Talisker 10yo @45.8vol (Re-reviewed)

Trip to Islay – Part 4 of 4

by Mark Dermul

We had concluded our distillery visits on Islay – all 8 of them, obviously – and drove to Port Askaig to be ferried back to the mainland. And while there is not much to see at Port Askaig, the ferry’s arrival is a sight to behold, especially when the sun is out, the sky is a cobalt blue and your backdrop is the Isle of Jura with its three peaks known s the Paps.

As wild as the sea was during our trip from Kennacraig to Islay, the return leg was the exact opposite. The sea was like a mirror. Once we left the coast of Islay and the captain turned the bow of the ship towards the open sea, we were treated to a wonderful show by bottlenose dolphins, puffs and seagulls. But halfway through the crossing, a big mist made it almost impossible to see anything and it was like sailing into a grey wall. A bit spooky, to be honest.

An added bonus, though, was the fact that the Scottish flag on the bow was being replaced. Being in the right place at the right time, I rescued the flag from being dumped in the bin and becoming a lovely souvenir or our trip to Islay.

Once back in Kennacraig, we were again marveling at the beautiful scenery driving all the way back to Glasgow. Via Tarbert to Inveraray to the north and then back south along Loch Lomond. There is ample opportunity to stop along the way to make some stunning photos.

Back in Glasgow, we needed to take the plane back to Holland for the drive back home in Belgium, but… one more stop was scheduled. After all… I am the Toshan Man. I cannot possibly travel through Glasgow and not visit my home away from home: Auchentoshan distillery.

It’s true, I have visited this distillery quite a few times now. But when the opportunity arose to visit the distillery before official opening hours and get a historically themed tour from Stevie, this was something we could not possibly pass upon. Ah, it’s always good to visit the distillery of your favorite malt.

What better way to finish our Scottish adventure, eh?

This trip to Islay was one I will not easily forget. And it’s not just for the whisky distilleries that it is worth a visit. Islay is beautiful in its own right and well worth traveling to. I for one will certainly return.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my better half Sofie and my friends Niek & Ilse for joining me on this memorable trip. But also all the staff at the Harbour Inn who took such good care of us during our stay at their wonderful hotel in Bowmore. Last but not least I would like to offer a big thank you to all the distillery staff and tour guides who tirelessly and good naturedly allowed us to ask questions, make fun, do crazy stuff (not for publication), taste and enjoy and made this trip a dream come true.

God save the Queen… of the Hebrides!

May the Malt be with you! *The previous articles were published on October 15th, 22nd, & 29th).

TOMATIN DISTILLERY SCOOPS TWO AWARDS AT PRESTIGIOUS HIGHLAND & ISLANDS FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating after being crowned a winner in two categories, Environment and Excellence, at the prestigious Highland & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2017.

Picking up the Environment Award for its commitment to responsible environmental practice, the distillery boasts various green schemes including being the first in Scotland to install an environmentally efficient steam boiler. Its eco-friendly status is further boosted as locally produced sustainable virgin wood pellets fuel the boiler. This shift from heavy fuel oil to biomass has been critical in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of non-fossil fuels.

In addition to this, the distillery uses a green waste system consisting of a reed bed of over 18,000 varieties of plants. These work to naturally filter and cleanse the distillery’s liquid effluent as well as providing an ideal habitat for local wildlife.

The distillery also scooped the coveted Excellence award. This special award is reserved by the expert judging panel to recognise and reward overall excellence in any of the award categories.

The glittering awards ceremony, hosted by Jay Rayner, award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster, was held in the Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness on Friday 20^th.

15 winners were awarded for their outstanding commitment to the industry, and excellence in quality and innovation, chosen from a Highland hotlist of 34 finalists.

Robert Anderson, Tomatin CEO, said, “To be taking home two awards and a commendation this year is a fantastic result for Tomatin Distillery. Our dedication to greener practices and commitment to the environment through our reduction in fossil fuel reliance, as well as our green waste and other green policies, helped us scoop the Environment Award. In addition to this we were awarded the overall Excellence Award, which is reserved by the judging panel to recognise and reward excellence across all categories. The Highlands are home to some of the best food and drink brands in Scotland and the competition was fierce on the night, so this is a real achievement for Tomatin.”

The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards launched in 2005 and have since represented some of the region’s most celebrated food and drink businesses. The food and drink industry is integral to the Highlands and Islands, supporting around 32,000 full time jobs and generating in excess of £1 billion per year for the region.

The awards are delivered with the support of a number of Scottish businesses, including; Bidfood Scotland, Johnston Carmichael, Gordon & MacPhail and Booker Wholesale.

Full further information please visit: www.tomatin.com

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars based in Dornoch is delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Newcomer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2018. This follows on from their award win for Off License of the Year at the Independent Retailer Awards earlier this year.

Michael Hanratty, General Manager of The Carnegie Whisky Cellars said, “This is a real honour for all the team. It has been a good year, turnover has increased month on month and the shop is rapidly gaining a reputation for stocking some of the finest Scottish spirits. We take pride in giving visitors and locals alike a unique opportunity to sample all that local Highland Distilleries and those further across Scotland have to offer, all under one roof. Our aim is to sell the best of Scottish. Just last month we took an order for 8 bottles that worked out at 409 years of whisky, averaging 51 years per bottle and earlier in the year, 18 bottles all at 40 years old, a staggering 720 years of whisky! “

The shop itself offers a relaxed and personalised take on classic customer service which leads to many customers commenting and returning as they do not feel pressured or intimidated when visiting the store. The Carnegie Whisky Cellars offers specialist knowledge but do it in a special way. They also go out of their way to source rare & collectable bottles for customers which generally are no longer available in the trade and offer a best rate guarantee.

Follow The Carnegie Whisky Cellars on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with events and new releases.

The Carnegie Courthouse Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SD

Call : 01862 811791 or Email: whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk