Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 179: Trip to Islay – part 1 of 4

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, travels to Islay. Together with his wife Sofie en friends Niek & Ilse, he visits all eight distilleries on this island, known as the Queen of the Hebrides. In this first of four videos, he documents travelling to Glasgow, taking the ferry to Islay and visiting the oldest distillery: Bowmore. Enjoy this video impression of Mark’s trip to Islay.

https://youtu.be/UkDx-hDZQX4

DEWAR’S REINFORCES ITS DEDICATION TO AGE STATEMENTS BY INTRODUCING DEWAR’S 25 YEARS OLD FINISHED IN ROYAL BRACKLA CASKS

26^th September 2017 – DEWAR’S®, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky is proud to announce the launch of DEWAR’S 25 Years Old.

The new addition to the DEWAR’S portfolio will succeed DEWAR’S Signature (no-age statement) as a part of DEWAR’S dedication and commitment to age statements across its premium range of blended Scotch whiskies.

A meticulous search of the cask inventory revealed an intriguing array of fine aged malt and grain Scotch whiskies aged 25 years and older. Each cask was individually sampled and assessed by Master Blender, Stephanie MacLeod before being chosen. Once MacLeod was satisfied that she had a perfectly balanced flavour profile in the DEWAR’S House Style, the specially selected casks were blended together and then filled into oak casks for an additional period of maturation, a process pioneered by DEWAR’s, known as double-ageing, to add more depth and enriched smoothness.

During this extra period of maturation, the disparate characters of the malts and grains are allowed to interact with one another and mellow further. In an extra step unique to the new 25-year-old expression, the whisky was then filled into a set of freshly disgorged ROYAL BRACKLA® casks for an extra period of finishing.

According to MacLeod, “DEWAR’S 25 is endlessly smooth, rich and elegant. Awakened on the palate: the sophisticated whisky is glorious in its harmony and balance, gently revealing layers of rich fruit, floral notes and delicate honey, with a hint of smoke to finish.”

Fraser Campbell, Global Ambassador for DEWAR’S comments “Disclosing the ages of our blends allows discerning whisky drinkers to choose an expression with a maturity and flavour profile that matches their own character preferences. DEWAR’S remains committed to age statements as a sign of craftsmanship and quality. In a world where aged stock is increasingly rare, we are proud to display an age on the front of our bottles”.

The age statements that DEWAR’S proudly proclaim on its bottles are not merely numbers; they’re

a guarantee of the age of the youngest whisky found within the blend. Each bottle’s age statement is an assurance that it holds an authentic and precious piece of time-honoured taste.

According to the latest reports from the IWSR, DEWAR’S is the fastest growing premium blended Scotch in the world, defying current global Scotch trends. DEWAR’S is also the world’s most awarded blended Scotch with medals for quality, taste and innovation to-date. Adding to the vast list of awards to support this, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old has been crowned best blended Scotch (under 21 years) at the International Spirits Challenge 2017.

DEWAR’S 25 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and priced at $225. The new expression will be available from October 2017 in Global Travel Retail followed by a gradual roll-out into key domestic markets.

http://www.dewars.com/

Notes: 

About DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky 

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 15 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old, the new exclusive DEWAR’S 25 Years Old. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S® and ROYAL BRACKLA brands are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.http://www.dewars.com/

KILCHOMAN 2009 VINTAGE

KILCHOMAN 2009 VINTAGE is an eight year old single malt and one of the oldest expressions to be bottled since the distillery was founded in 2005. The Vintage range is released by-annually from Kilchoman, with these whiskies spearheading the distilleries releases in terms of maturation. This will be the fourth release since the 2006 Vintage was bottled back in 2011. All three previous releases have been exclusively matured in ex bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace distillery, whereas the 2009 Vintage is a combination of carefully selected Oloroso Sherry butts distilled in 2008 and Bourbon barrels distilled in both 2008 and 2009.

2009 VINTAGE

Bottled at 46% ABV     ||     RRP: $99.99

Nose: Lemon, citrus and butterscotch notes are prominent with soft peaty aromas in the background.

Palate: Soft sweetness first and peat smoke and ripe fruit notes following.

Finish: Long, clean and sweet with peat smoke and soft fruits at the end

A NEW SEASON AT GLENGOYNE

We are proud to announce to you the release of this year’s limited edition Glengoyne 10 Year Old gift tin, featuring the work of one of Scotland’s most admired expressionists, John Lowrie Morrison – known as Jolomo.

‘Heavy Snow at Glengoyne Distillery’ is the second in a series of four seasonal artwork creations produced in aid of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Campus Appeal. The Appeal is helping to restore the iconic building following its tragic fire in 2014.

As well as a bottle of Glengoyne 10 Year Old, each limited edition tin includes a personal print of ‘Heavy Snow’, making it the perfect gift for both art and whisky lovers alike.

PURCHASE NOW

Ralfy gets intimate with a character-malt for Ralfy Review 687 – Glen Garioch 24yo @ 53,8%vol (BB&R)

World War Two whisky amongst rarest in the world

Seventy-year-old Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail commemorates key date in wartime history 

An exceptionally rare wartime cask from 1943 has been unveiled as one of the oldest and most exclusive single malt whiskies in the world.

The Elgin-based malt whisky specialists today (2nd October 2017) announced the release of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail , the latest offering in its ‘ Private Collection’ range. Only forty decanters will be available for sale globally, with a UK RRP of £30,000.

A small number of decanters will be available from Gordon & MacPhail’s historic retail shop in Elgin. Those purchasing a decanter at the South Street ‘spiritual home’ will also enjoy an exclusive tasting experience included in their purchase. Distilled on 14 January 1943, a crucial date in the history of World War Two, the new-make spirit was filled into a carefully selected Sherry hogshead at the renowned Speyside distillery. The release of Cask 121 also represents the last 1943 vintage from the Gordon & MacPhail stock inventory.

As the bung was being hammered into place in Cask 121, a world away in North Africa, Prime Minister Winston Churchill met President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Charles de Gaulle, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Casablanca Conference. The meeting discussed Allied strategy for the war in Europe. Historians came to view this meeting as critically important to the fate of the world for generations to come.

By the winter of 1943, the war had severely curtailed production of whisky in Scotland. Prices and duty were on the rise and rationing meant raw ingredients were in increasingly short supply. In fact, many Scottish distilleries were closed after October 1942; The Glenlivet Distillery itself halted production in the Spring of 1943. Mature whiskies from this period were in great demand so, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, available casks were extremely limited.

Rich chestnut brown in colour, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a whisky of great balance and approachability. A full, fresh flavour of dark chocolate, oranges, and oakiness intermingles with treacle and liquorice and culminates with a subtle, ashy smokiness and an incredibly long finish.

Founded in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland, Gordon & MacPhail is the custodian of many of the oldest and rarest single malts in the world with an unrivalled stock inventory. The fourth generation of the Urquhart family uphold the same traditions and dedication to whisky maturation as the generations that came before them.

In 1943, Cask 121 was selected by John and George Urquhart, first and second generation of the Urquhart family, for filling at the Glenlivet Distillery. Stephen Rankin, a director of the company and John Urquhart’s great-grandson, made the decision to bottle it.

Stephen Rankin said: “This beautiful whisky has been nurtured and cared for by four generations of our family and it gives us enormous pleasure to release this unique and incredibly rare single malt.

“Gordon & MacPhail has been in the whisky business for over 122 years, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime’s expertise to the next. We believe Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a malt without comparison from a defining date in the history of a world in conflict.

“Today, whisky is a wonderfully unifying drink and this rare example gives people from across the world the chance to own and savour a defining piece of Scotland’s liquid history.”

Whisky writer and rare whisky specialist Jonny McCormick said: “Gordon & MacPhail is a singular whisky company emphasised by their incomparable capacity to draw on stocks from the 1940s. This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire an exquisite whisky that embodies the concept of rarity. The remarkable complexity and vivid flavours that have developed over a lifetime in wood ensure this single malt Scotch whisky will make a handsome addition to the world’s finest whisky collections.”

Every detail of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail alludes to the decades of experience and patience poured into nurturing the whisky to maturation.

The meandering River Spey provides a unique closure to the handcrafted wooden box. Hand blown and bespoke, the decanter itself is adorned with gold engravings of the contours of the land surrounding the Glenlivet Distillery.

Accompanied by a visually atmospheric commemorative book, written by whisky author Jonny McCormick, each decanter is individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin, director and member of the Urquhart family.

Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail was matured in a first-fill Sherry hogshead for seventy years. Only forty decanters, bottled at cask strength (49.1 ABV), have been released for sale worldwide. A limited number are available for purchase directly from the company’s ‘spiritual home’, the South Street Retail Shop, at an RRP of £30,000. Prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty.

For more information, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#tastethehistory

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of maturing the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully nurtured relationships with Scottish distillers. These included The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Linkwood, and Mortlach in Speyside as well as a number of other distilleries from across Scotland. From the beginning, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks. These casks are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world-famous malt whisky trail.

The Glenlivet Distillery 

George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet Distillery, came from a long line of illicit distillers. In 1817, Smith leased land at Upper Drumin Farm where he continued the family tradition to supplement his crofter’s wage. In 1823, the Excise Act was pushed through Parliament championed by the Duke of Gordon – Smith’s landlord. Gordon not only persuaded Smith to take out the first licence in the parish of Glenlivet but he also contributed to the distillery build at Drumin. This distillery would produce a spirit that defined Speyside whisky of its day.

Due to the success and popularity of the Glenlivet Distillery, several distilleries in the region appended the name Glenlivet to their own. In 1884, a landmark decision ruled that only Smith’s single malt could call itself ‘The Glenlivet’.

Rise in Diageo distillery visits as Scotch Whisky Association reports record levels of Scotch tourism

As the Scotch Whisky Association reveals that a record 1.7 million tourists visited scotch distilleries last year, Diageo sees strongest growth in tourists visiting from China and Russia, increasing up to 154%

Today the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced its latest tourism figures to scotch distilleries. The figures indicate that a record 1.7 million tourists visited scotch distilleries last year, up almost 8% on 2015.  Scotch’s reputation for superb quality and distinctive flavour continues to win over new fans from around the globe, as tourists come to sample the world’s favourite whisky and Scotland’s fastest growing export.

At Diageo distilleries, figures show China and Russia as the fastest growing markets in ‘scotch tourism’. With over 400,000 people visiting a Diageo distillery in the last 12 months alone, more than double what it was eight years ago, the number of Chinese visitors has also grown 154% in admissions and revenue. While Chinese tourist numbers remain fewer than those from Germany, USA and France (the top three tourist markets), Chinese spend per head is nearly a third higher.

On the ground in China the trend continues, with over a hundred new whisky bars or collector’s clubs opening in the country in the last year. The heritage, provenance and craft credentials of scotch are important factors in locals’ love of the liquid, with Chinese consumers showing a thirst for whisky knowledge and a desire to refine their appreciation.

 Diageo figures also highlight Russia as an emerging scotch tourist market, with admissions and revenues from Russian tourists at Diageo distilleries up 146% year on year and the average spend per Russian tourist similar to that of the Chinese.

Diageo Scotland Director, Ewan Andrew, said: “Scotch is not only Scotland’s most valuable export industry, it is the world’s most popular spirit, attracting thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year. The Scotch Whisky Association’s latest annual survey found that visits have increased by almost a quarter since 2010.

 “As demand for premium products and interest in scotch grows in China and Russia, tourists from these countries are visiting distilleries not only to purchase whisky straight from the distillery, but to discover the expertise and craft that goes into making every bottle.”

Crown Royal reminds football fans that moderation and hydration on game day is always a good play

With the launch of its newest responsible drinking initiative – “Hydrate Generously” – Crown Royal is proud to dedicate 100% of ad spend to promote game day moderation and reward fans’ responsible consumption with charitable contributions.

DUTCH SPIRITS UNVEILS NEW LOOK AND FEEL FOR OLD SAMUEL BOURBON AS IT EYES INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

Leading Dutch distiller, Dutch Spirits, plans to take full advantage of the current global Bourbon Boom by unveiling a new packaging for its Old Samuel range as it looks to increase the brand’s global availability.

Old Samuel is sporting a new, sleek, black packaging for its Bourbon Reserve and four liqueurs: Honey, Cherry, Cinnamon and Almond flavours. The new, eye-catching packaging reflects the liquid’s quality. It will also enable the award-winning bourbon to stand out

on shelves while confidently competing with other brands of the category. Each label of the range is colour-coded to create cohesion but also distinction between the various styles.

The move is also accompanied by a 40% production increase YOY, as the brand, which is currently available in the UK, has already secured major listings in Holland and Poland and is looking to expand outside Europe.

Andy Mallows, Dutch Spirits’ MD comments: “Bourbon is having its moment and it is a good opportunity for us to increase the reach of our Old Samuel brand. It has been doing extremely well in the UK and we are keen to introduce it to other markets worldwide. The liquid is award-winning and the brand packaging had to evolve to reflect its quality. We are now confident that it will appeal to bourbon-lovers worldwide”.

The new Old Samuel packaging is being rolled-out globally from September onwards.

Notes:

Dutch Spirits (formerly known as Toorank) is a family-owned distiller based in Zevenaar, Holland, has over 25 years’ experience within the spirits category and was founded by Metaxa in 1978. The company currently supplies four key markets, Holland, UK, USA and Poland and trades in 50 markets worldwide.

Dutch Spirits’ workforce is over 100 strong and its two main production facilities are in Holland and Poland and they currently have the capacity to produce 90 million bottles per year. Its Dutch base in Zevenaar was chosen due to its proximity to a pure water source – an essential ingredient to all its drinks. Filtered through fine sand and stone layers, the water comes directly from the surrounding hills, which were formed during the last ice age. The soft and crystal-clear water comes from a well with a depth of 200 metres.

Dutch Spirits currently has its own portfolio of brands, including the super-premium Sloane’s Premium Dry Gin and produces a further 1,300 products in partnership with over 225 clients.

Over the last ten years, the company’s portfolio has received over 266 medals in the International Wine and Spirits Competition including six ‘Gold Best in Class’, four ‘Gold’, 15 ‘Silver Best in Class’ and 27 ‘Silver’ awards.

http://www.dutchspirits.com/

Perth-based Whisky Auctioneer offer up a never before seen collection of incredible vintage whiskies.

The rarest and oldest vintages from Scotland’s most sought after distilleries will go under the hammer in an exclusive online auction held by Whisky Auctioneer. (www.whiskyauctioneer.com)

The private collection, brought together over many years of devoted searching, consists of 104 iconic ‘dumpy’ bottlings released by Cadenhead’s. As Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, Cadenhead’s have long been known for releasing stunning whiskies but none more so than those from this range.

The entire collection has an estimated worth of over £100,000, with many of the individual bottles expected to fetch in excess of £2000.

Scotland’s most collectible distilleries, both open and closed, will feature in the auction. Amongst the lots on offer will be some incredible 1950s vintages, including examples from Talisker, Highland Park, Springbank and Mortlach. Accompanying these will be no less than six 1960s Bowmore and an extremely rare Ardbeg from 1965, which is one of only 20 released.

With the growing scarcity of vintage whisky many of these bottles have not appeared at auction in recent years. Examples such as a Rosebank 1966 and Glenlivet 1954, that not so long ago were making in the region of £200 at auction, are expected to make ten times this amount in today’s market, highlighting the current demand for bottles of this nature.

Commenting on the auction, Managing Director of Whisky Auctioneer Iain McClune said, ‘This is a truly stunning group of bottles, the like of which we have never seen together in one auction before. Examples from this bygone era of whisky production have become increasingly elusive in recent years, making them exceptionally desirable both to whisky enthusiasts and those looking to invest.’

Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning fine, old, rare and collectible whisky. This exclusive one off auction will go live on Friday 6^th October and run until Monday 16^th October.

For further information about the auction please visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com/cadenheads

Or contact:

Joe Douglas at Whisky Auctioneer: joe@whiskyauctioneer.com / 01738 245576