Impeccably crafted flavours of Scotland: Diageo introduces the 2017 Special Releases Collection

Ten impeccable limited edition Scotch Whiskies will be released in limited quantities this autumn, as part of Diageo’s annual Special Releases collection. Highly anticipated by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, the limited edition natural cask strength bottlings are rigorously selected each year, to form a rare and sought after collection.

For the first time ever, a limited edition Blended Malt Scotch Whisky containing whiskies from all twenty-eight active Diageo distilleries has been released. The COLLECTIVUM XXVIII is the tenth bottle to make up the Special Releases collection and the fourth NAS Malt Whisky in this series to date. Clear amber in appearance, the liquid is described as ‘enjoying real depth’ with a palate ‘all the way from dry and nutty to rich and chocolatey, with zestiness and sweetness.’

Meticulously crafted and beautifully packaged, the collection comprises some of the rarest and oldest liquids from both classic and unknown, closed distilleries. Each whisky within the range offers complex flavours of the highest quality, delivering truly memorable taste experiences for those lucky enough to drink them.

The 2017 Special Releases collection offers an extra special and rare gift alternative for this Christmas, with the whiskies in the range retailing from £90 for the LAGAVULIN 12 year old, to £2,625 for the PORT ELLEN 37 year old.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach said: “The Special Releases range is always a highlight in our calendar year, it reflects the truly extraordinary range of stocks our blenders have available to them. The variety and quality of whiskies in the collection is simply impeccable. We’re looking forward to sharing this year’s collection with the world and in particular keen to see the response to the new COLLECTIVUM XXVIII.”

The PORT DUNDAS 52 year old is the oldest whisky ever released in the series, as well as the oldest bottle to ever be released by the Port Dundas distillery. The second release from the original distiller’s stocks, this is the fourth time a Single Grain Scotch Whisky has been included in an annual release. The liquid is described as ‘an excellent example of a very old grain… astonishingly rich and complex’. The GLEN ELGIN 18 year old has also made a welcome return to the range this year, a third release in this series, crafted from ex- Bodega European oak butts.

Each whisky in the 2017 Special Releases range is a limited edition, rare bottling, with four originating from closed distilleries. These whiskies have been crafted to deliver memorable taste experiences unlike any other, to be cherished and enjoyed responsibly.

Distribution/Availability

Autumn 2017, from specialist retailers in Northern Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and selected Asian markets.

List of 2017 Special Releases

BLAIR ATHOL 24 year old

Distilled 1993 ABV 58.4%

Region: Highlands

Cask: Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts

Max. 5,514 available worldwide

BRORA 34 year old

Distilled: 1982 ABV 51.9%

Region: Coastal Highlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 3,000 available worldwide

CAOL ILA 18 year old

ABV 59.8%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Limited quantities available worldwide

COLLECTIVUM XXVIII

Distilled: NAS ABV: 57.3%

Region: Speyside, Islay, Island, Lowland, Highland

Cask: Blend of Refill American Oak Hogsheads, Refill European Oak Butts, Ex-Bodega European Oak and First Fill Bourbon Casks

Limited quantities available worldwide

CONVALMORE 32 year old

Distilled: 1984 ABV 48.2%

Region: Speyside

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 3,972 available worldwide

GLEN ELGIN 18 year old

Distilled: 1998 ABV 54.8%

Region: Speyside

Cask: Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts

Max. 5,352 available worldwide

LAGAVULIN 12 year old

ABV 56.5%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Limited quantities available worldwide

PORT DUNDAS 52 year old

Distilled: 1964 ABV 44.6%

Region: Lowlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 752 available worldwide

PORT ELLEN 37 year old

Distilled: 1979 ABV 51%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill

American Oak Butts

Max. 2,988 available worldwide

TEANINICH 17 year old

Distilled: 1999 ABV: 55.9%

Region: Coastal Highlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill American Oak Barrels

Limited quantities available worldwide

About the Special Releases

During the late 1980s, the benchmark expressions of single malt whiskies from six single malt distilleries became well known under the CLASSIC MALTS name. Interest in older and rarer malt whiskies in general also grew during this period. One product of this was the RARE MALTS, a series of rarer releases begun in 1995, and which ended in 2005. There remained a demand for unusual, distinctive, often older, unrepeatable cask strength bottlings, usually of the CLASSIC MALTS. Such bottlings allowed collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts to enjoy and experience remaining older stocks, and/or unusual expressions of a distillery’s character – a treasure trove of priceless malts.

To satisfy this demand, the Special Releases series was born in 2001, and the annual collection – with familiar names and some surprises – has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts ever since.

Blair Athol, Brora, Caol Ila, Collectivum XXVIII, Convalmore, Glen Elgin, Lagavulin, Port Dundas, Port Ellen, Teaninich

About Diageo

DIAGEO

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

August Outturn brings an orchestra of fresh flavour with 6 new single casks to explore – an enthralling mix of wonderful whiskies.

CASK NO. 7.165  DANCE OF THE BUMBLEBEE

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Rosewater, peach, mango, dried papaya and white chocolate with little pirouettes of hazelnuts, bakewell tarts and strawberry jam before revolving into marmalade, orange blossom honey, raw chocolate and sticky figs before spiced red apple chutney, salted caramel, candied fennel seeds and long lasting spice.

CASK NO. 41.85  ADD A LITTLE SPICE!

11 years old; virgin oak hogshead, heavy toast/medium char; 57.6%; Spicy & dry

Honey, orange and thyme glazed duck breast and to drink we had a Whisky Mac and a glass of dry Sercial Madeira. Diluted; an almond apricot cake and a spiced Masala chai tea. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK NO. G4.10  COFFEE TOFFEE

34 years old; refill hogshead; 52.8%; Spicy & sweet

Old church, polished pews, wax candles and we opened a new cedar trinket filled with honey roasted mixed nuts. On the palate; rich, creamy and silky-smooth with a hint of wood spice. Diluted; a mocha java coffee with chocolate covered toffee.

CASK NO. 35.181  TO INFINITY…AND BEYOND!

21 years old; 1st fill toasted oak hogshead; 54.1%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

Jamaican ginger cake, walnut brownies, banana bread, apricot tart, baked orange, dark chocolate covered gingerbread men, old oak, lavender, Cognac, wax polish, rich marmalade, Christmas spices, linseed, cinder toffee, syrup sponge and brown sugar. Then my pen ran out of

CASK NO. 66.93  SMOKED PORRIDGE

11 years old; refill hogshead; 59.9%; Lightly peated

Sea salt, scorched leather and caramelized wood with porridge. Then creamy and spicy with salted toffee, apricot and nectarine. Black pepper to finish.

CASK NO. 10.104  WILD AND UNTAMED

8 years old; refill hogshead; 60.3%; Heavily peated

We started a beach barbecue using firelighters and a few slabs of peat to grill tuna steaks. Wow, with the marinade we got an intense sweet and smoky experience neat. Diluted, we disinfected a wound before finishing with a very smoky Margarita.

SMWS Canada

AUGUST AUCTION NOW LIVE (ends Sunday 27^th August)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

MACALLAN 50 YEAR OLD (1949) GOES UNDER THE HAMMER…

Your chance to bid on one of the world’s rarest whisky!

Released by Macallan to commemorate the new millennium, this whisky is among the most sought after bottles in the world – distilled way back in 1949 (14th January) and released at 50 years old the whisky is presented in a stunning decanter designed by Caithness Glass.

The bottle is also accompanied with a stopper whereby the copper used both on the stopper and around the neck of the bottle was retrieved from the No. 9 spirit still at the Macallan distillery.

A truly exceptional and luxurious bottle presenting the unique opportunity to own one of only 900 bottles ever released.

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

Saturday, August 19th 12-3PM

Bourbon Tasting: Four Roses

Handcrafted since 1888, Four Roses Bourbon survived Prohibition, The Great Depression, Two World Wars, and 40 years of exile from the US, only to be named American Whisky Distiller of the Year for 2011, 2012 and 2013 – three years in a row – by Whisky Magazine.

Click Here to RSVP

https://youtu.be/xrHXk48fXnM 

One of the finest examples of affordable, old, Scottish whisky. Glenmorangie is a distillery that pretty much every whisky drinker has tried or at least heard of. The sleepy giant of the Scotch whisky world has many ace’s up its sleeve when it comes to cask finishing and older styles. This eighteen year old is a truly stunning example of whisky or just under £100. Rich, exotic, warming and remarkably elegant. A personal favourite of mine, if you have the chance to try it, I would highly recommend. Enjoy! 

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IRISH DISTILLERS’ REDBREAST 12 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH AND

MIDLETON BARRY CROCKETT LEGACY ARE NAMED MASTERS OF IRISH WHISKEY 

Irish Distillers’ prestige range of Irish whiskeys has demonstrated its unrivalled quality at The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017, scooping 12 out of the 52 medals on offer. 10 Gold medals were awarded across the portfolio, while Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, were recognised with coveted Master medals.

Redbreast reinforced its position as the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Irish whiskey after also winning four of the portfolio’s 10 Gold medals for its Redbreast 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 21 Year Old and recent Lustau Edition. METHOD AND MADNESS, Irish Distillers’ new and experimental range of super premium Irish whiskeys, rose straight to the top of the table with Gold medals presented to the Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut expressions.

Each family of Irish whiskeys from The Midleton Distillery won at least one leading medal, reinforcing the exceptional quality and craftsmanship found across the prestige portfolio. Key Gold medal results were awarded to Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers Three Swallow Release, Midleton Very Rare 2016 and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak.

Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, said: “It has been a tremendous awards season, so far, for our Prestige family of Irish whiskeys with 75 individual awards. Each prize is a reminder of the timeless quality that continues to pour out of Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, and gives credence to the hard work and dedication of the production team, past and present. Sláinte!”    

Full results from The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017

• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Master
• Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Master
• Midleton Very Rare 2016 – Gold
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
• Redbreast 21 Year Old –  Gold
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold
• Green Spot – Gold
• Powers Three Swallow Release – Gold
• Powers Signature Release – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak – Silver

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 n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Distiller Allisa Henley Stamping Barrels

SAZERAC’S Tennessee Distillery kicks off whiskey distillation 

            Newport, tn (Aug. 9, 2017) Distilling has commenced in Tennessee as Master Distiller John Lunn and Distiller Allisa Henley have cranked up their pot stills and started distilling Tennessee whiskey.

A few months ago, John and Allisa sourced sugar maple from a sawmill in Tennessee and burned four ricks in John’s backyard to make the charcoal they are using for the Lincoln County process, essential for making Tennessee whiskey. To be classified a Tennessee whiskey the whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal, which distinguishes it from bourbon whiskey.

John and Allisa began filling barrels with their newly made whiskey on July 5^th, a fitting day to start a new American-made product, on the heels of our nation’s 241^st birthday.  The whiskey will be aging in the barrels for several years, although the age, brand name, and even the distillery name has not yet been decided. Announcements will be forthcoming as new developments are made.

“We’re so excited to start distilling and to have the opportunity to make Tennessee whiskey again,” said John Lunn, master distiller. “We did a lot of tweaking to get the distillation just right, but we’re really happy with how it turned out and are anxious to taste it along its aging journey.”

About the Sazerac Company

         Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

DELUXE GLENFIDDICH TASTING

WITH STEPHEN RUTHERFORD

Glenfiddich UK Brand Ambassador   

1.00pm – 1.45pm 

We can finally share the news – our first Masterclass for this year’s Birmingham show has just been announced! We’re joined by Stephen Rutherford as we crack the corks of some old and rare bottles from the Distillery Manager’s private cabinet, alongside other exclusive drams. Founded in 1886 by William Grant, Glenfidich distillery has remained one of the most iconic whisky brands across the globe and we’re about to see just why that is, whilst discovering some old and rare drams from their stable.

Stephen ‘Sven’ Rutherford began his career at Dusk cocktail bar in Aberdeen, where his love of whisky was ignited. By entering cocktail competitions, he saw first-hand the fun, laughter, experimentation and amazement that whisky offered. After moving to Orchid, and working his way up to Assistant General Manager, Sven started putting the bar on the map with regular events, pop-ups, menu creations and masterclasses. He made the 2015 UK finals of the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition and later found himself in the saddle as Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador in 2017.

MASTERCLASS TICKETS £40

BOOK TICKETS

Sullivans Cove American Oak Cask TD0001

TD0001 is a piece of Sullivans Cove history, marking the start of an exciting new era for the distillery.  Aged in a 200L American Oak ex-Bourbon barrel, this 13yo single cask malt whisky was the first barrel filled in our current Cambridge distillery.

It was an important transition for Sullivans Cove, giving our head distiller Patrick Maguire complete control of production and quality control for the first time.

We’re proud to offer this collector’s item and classic example of our American Oak style exclusively to our mailing list today – 13 years to the day from when the cask was filled – before its release to the public.

American Oak is our most awarded whisky, twice named the Best Whisky in the rest of the world and the first Australian whisky to achieve Liquid Gold status in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Please click on the link below to purchase ($295 per bottle).

PURCHASE NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 170: Highland Black 8 Year Old Special Reserve 

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the Highland Black 8 Year Old Special Reserve. Last spring, there was much ado about this bottle as – according to international press – it won ‘top awards’ at several competition, leaving behind bottles that cost up to 4 times as much. This bottle – only available at Aldi – cost less than 20 EUR. But is it really a great blend? How serious are these competition. Mark found out and his answers are ‘no’ and ‘not’.

https://youtu.be/vJcfnlhBQwA