Malt Messenger Bulletin – Summer Tasting Schedule & More

We opened our Summer Tasting Schedule for registration on Thursday, the first official day of summer. We have 19 new Wine, Whisky, Beer and Other Spirits tastings to keep you refreshed and entertained this summer. The schedule kicks off on Tuesday July 17 and runs through Friday August 31.

On the whisky side of things we have a number of interesting tastings coming up, most notably the Cadenhead 175th Anniversary Part 2 tasting on Thursday July 26th, and the Lost in Translation: Yoichi & Miyagikyo Whiskies of Future Past on Thursday August 23rd. The Cadenhead tasting will feature rare old small batch bottlings of Caol Ila, Motlach, Balfiddich, Macallan, Laphroaig and Cooley. The Lost in translation tasting is built around 6 single malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. These are both one-off tastings we will not be able to repeat…

On the note of Japanese whiskies, we had the opportunity to grab a case each of Yoichi 10, 15 and 20 year olds, as well as Miyagikyo 15 Year. The Yoichi 20 Year is sold out, but we have a few bottles of the others still available for purchase. Details below.

Last but certainly not least, we also have a new single cask, and a very tiny one at that. The Duncan Taylor Octaves Ardmore 2008 KWM Cask is limited to just 54 bottles. 20 of these have already sold… the remaining bottles won’t last long!

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well. Enjoy the first weekend of Summer, a full Malt Messenger newsletter is due early this coming week!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy or  @kwmwhisky and on Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

In This Edition

1. Summer 2018 Whisky & Spirits Tastings
2. Very Limited Nikka Archives Releases
3. New Duncan Taylor Octaves Ardmore 2008 KWM Cask

Summer 2018 Whisky & Spirits Tastings 

Are Now Online & Open for Registration

The Kensington Wine Market Summer 2018 Tasting Schedule is now online and open for registration. We have Gin, Rum, Whisky and Mezcal tastings to keep you cool through the hot summer months. Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and  online!

1. Best of Bourbon – Wednesday July 18 – Join our #1 Bourbon fan, Evan, for a tour de force of some of his favourite Bourbons. Michter’s, Blanton’s, Evan Williams, Bookers, and much, much more! Having recently visited the Bourbon Trail, he has a few tales to tell! – $30
2. Cadenhead 175th Anniversary Malts Part 2 – Thursday July 26 – We’ve been hanging on to these beauties for a special occasion… Now seems like a good time! We’ll crack open 6 whiskies including: Macallan 27 Year, Caol Ila 35 Year, Mortlach 30 Year, Burnside (Balfiddich) 28 Year, Laphroaig 25 Year and Cooley 25 Year! – $125
3. Independents Day – Thursday August 16 – With the price of mature Distillery Bottlings soaring, where does one look for value? Independent Bottlers! Join us for a roundup of some of our Indie Scotch whiskies! – $40
4. Lost in Translation: Yoichi & Miyagikyo, Whiskies of Future Past – Thursday August 23 – An archive release of Yoichi (10, 15 & 20) and Miyagikyo (15) got us thinking, should we set aside a bottle of each to taste alongside the new No Age Statement bottlings? Who are we kidding? That is clearly a rhetorical question! #NoBrainer – $150
5. Tight Wad: Single Malt Scotch Edition – Tuesday August 28 – Convinced there aren’t any good single malts under $80 a bottle? Sometimes less is more, and we’ll endeavour to prove you wrong! – $25

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online!

Very Limited Nikka Archive Releases  

Whiskies of Future Past from Nikka, Yoichi and Miyagikyo!

Age statement Japanese whiskies have been hard to come by the last few years. These whiskies are archive bottlings from the Nikka Whisky Company. We received just 6 bottles each of the single malts, a dozen of the Super Nikka The Revival and just 3 of the 80th Anniversary From the Barrel 3L. They won’t last long…

1. From the Barrel 3L 80th Anniversary – 51.4% – Description: “Produced from a blend of Miyagikyo and Yoichi single malts and a single grain whisky, NIKKA FROM THE BARREL embodies the expertise of the distillery’s master blenders. Intense, round, and generous, this ambitious, powerful, controlled, high-alcohol blend is acknowledged for its originality. This is a bold whisky. It seizes you and seduces you. It asserts its own style.Founded on 2 July 1934, Nikka Whisky celebrates its 80th birthday with a special edition of its emblematic blend: a 3-litre bottle of Nikka From the Barrel! Using the same proportions as the famous “small square bottle”, this beautiful bottle is just as elegant, despite its impressive size, which is the equivalent of 6 classic 50cl bottles!” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: refined, complex. Floral (lilac), fruity (apricot). Notes of spice (cloves) and leather. Palate: firm, powerful. Spicy (pepper). Woody (oak). Evolves with ripe fruits (peaches), caramelised apples and flowers (honeysuckle). Overall: long. Marine notes. Ripe fruit (plums, peaches) on a background of woody-vanilla notes.” – $600 (Only 1 left!)
2. Miyagikyo 15 Year – 45% – Description: “The most refined and least peaty of Nikka’s single malts comes from the Miyagikyo distillery in the north of Honshu island. Its whisky, also known as Sendai for export, reveals, in this alluring 15 year old version, the superb influence of oak and sherry.”- Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: with notes of walnut (walnut oil) and spices, it expresses the sherry cask’s influence. With pronounced rancio, it unveils delicate notes of honey and wild flowers (elderflower, clover). Palate: full-bodied and subdued, marked by the sweetness of raisins (Malaga), as well as the lively tannins of oak – green walnut – and spice (ginger). Overall: A great example of a sherry cask aged whisky, with a nourishing and alluring aspect.” – $725
3. Yoichi 10 Year – 45% – Description: “This single malt is a blend of bourbon casks, new oak casks and sherry casks seasoned and reworked on-site at the distillery. Yoichi 10 Year Old was voted “best of the best” by Whisky Magazine in 2001, a symbol of recognition of Japanese whisky on an international stage.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: firm. Marked by burnt wood and spices (pepper). Fruity (apple, apricot) on a background of malted barley and menthol freshness. Palate: full-bodied, vanilla. Heady florals (iris, lavender). Perfectly-integrated woodiness transcends the fruity aspect (apricot, raisins). Overall: long, complex, revealing remarkable balance between woody, fruity and floral notes.”- $370
4. Yoichi 15 Year – 15% – Description: “Twice voted best single malt in the world since 2000, Yoichi belongs to the very closed group of elite distilleries such as Ardbeg, Yamazaki, Lagavulin, Macallan and Laphroaig. The legendary “Heavy Peaty” versions reveal a rich peatiness with smoky, liquoricey, vegetal flavours. Within the classic range, the Yoichi 15 year old offers the perfect balance between smoky notes of cold tobacco and maturation predominately in sherry casks. Also characterised by ripe fruit, it is exclusively imported and distributed in France by La Maison du Whisky. This single malt is a blend of several casks and illustrates the diversity and richness of the whiskies produced by the Yoichi distillery. It also serves as an introduction to the more prestigious cask strength versions that have earned this distillery its international reputation.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh and sweet, it presents subtle fruity notes (white peach skin) on a rich peaty background. On aeration it reveals a lovely mellowness with a mingling of notes of dried fruit (pecans), varnish and dried grass (hay, tobacco leaves). Palate: unctuous and oily, it presents precise sweet-savoury notes (barley sugar, iodine). Smooth, developing floral notes, mentholated aniseed, spices (cloves, pepper) and chocolate. Overall: elegant, it evolves with chocolate (bitter chocolate, mocha), coffee and citrus fruit (orange). It persists with retro-olfaction bringing notes of fresh fruit (white peach).”- $725
5. Yoichi 20 Year – 45% – Description: “A magnificent and extremely rare version of the most traditional Japanese single malt. An unusual Yoichi, hailed by the best-known experts, this 20 year old is best savoured slowly on special occasions. The long maturation in oak casks gives Yoichi malts.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: intense, rich. Very elegant. The peat is delicately positioned over fresh fruit. It expresses great maturity. Increasingly empyreumatic (resin, rosewood) and solar (candied apricot), it continues to gain in depth. The peat also becomes increasingly present. Palate: full-bodied, “spherical”. Notes of liquorice and marzipan cake. Smoke-filled vapours. It nonetheless remains delicate and toned. Fruit arrives in force (quince, apple, black cherry). Marrying the peat with ripe fruits, it takes the opposite route to the nose. Overall: long, dense. It has perfect balance. Wild flowers, fruits bursting with sugar, black earth and dried fruits give it an autumnal and sunny feel. It persists with notes of rose jam.” – $1700 (SOLD OUT)
6. Super Nikka The Revival – 43% – Description: “Established in 1962, this famous Japanese blended whisky has been reinvented with this superb limited series. Notes of spices and aromatic plants are increasingly present on the nose. As for the palate, this new opus scores twice by offering the taster not one but two extremely different yet complimentary flavour paths. The new rich and remarkably complex Super Nikka could show a thing or two to many a single malt.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: concentrated, rich. Begins with herbaceous (cut hay, straw) and lemony notes that mingle with liquorice and spices (ginger, cinnamon). It evolves with notes of cappuccino. Once aerated, aromatic plants (vervain, lime blossom) accentuate its earthy, vegetal character. Its almost perfect balance is an olfactory delight. Palate: ample and round. The attack has two sides to it. One very smooth and honeyed (acacia, raspberry honey), and the other very long, almost ethereal, which focuses on heady florals (peppered rose, peony). Little by little, it becomes vanilla-flavoured and milky (coconut). Star anise, as well as a slight note of camphor invigorates the back palate. Overall: long, slightly tannic. Delicately woody (oak), it develops clear notes of grain. Green malt ripples in the breeze. Full of light, it conjures up a lush, bucolic landscape on a sunny day. The retro-olfaction has notes of noble spices (saffron, ginger) and the empty glass is floral (heather, iris)” – $85 1 Per Customer (7 left)

 New Duncan Taylor Octaves Ardmore 2008 KWM Cask 

Just 54 Bottles – Only 35 Left… 

We selected this Octave cask at the same time as the Bunnahabhain we received in the fall. We are not entirely sure why, but even though it was bottled in 2017, it is just arriving now. All that being said though, it was worth the wait. Only 54 Bottles – Limit 2 Per Customer! The whisky distilled in 2008 was finished for 3 months in a bespoke sherry seasoned Octave cask. Bottled in 2017 at 9 years of age. 52.4% abv.

Duncan Taylor Octaves Ardmore 2008 KWM Cask – 52.4% – 9 Year – Finished 3 Months in Sherry Octave – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: honey baked ham with cloves, cigar ash, leather and burnt orange peel in a cocktail; salty Dutch licorice, melons and flambéed banana; honey garlic beef jerky. Palate: sweet and fruity with a smoky-sherried backdrop; more burnt orange peel, but also lemon; building oily, buttery, earthy peat and cigar ash with dark sugars and spices; more honey baked ham (with cloves) and honey garlic beef jerky; the sherry asserts its self, but not as much as the firm but gentle peat. Finish: medium-full with a good length, it is fruity, oily and buttery with fading sherry, baked ham and gentle peat tones. Comment: this is a lovely Ardmore, the sherry has accented the whisky nicely without over-cooking it; the peat is the central character here, and it shines!” – $112

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE RANGE OF IRISH WHISKEYS HITS GOLD IN SAN FRANCISCO

– Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old crowned Best Irish Whiskey –

Irish Distillers, maker of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has scooped a remarkable 24 Gold or above medals at the recent International Spirits Challenge and San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Top honours were awarded to Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old, scooping Best Single Pot Still Whiskey and Best Irish Whiskey at the annual tasting in San Francisco.

New members of the Irish Distillers family, Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest (released October 2017) and Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength (released April 2018), were also highly commended, winning Double Gold medals on their first outing at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades have set the bar high for the rest of the awards season, suggesting further success is on the horizon for both of these prestige offerings from the Midleton family of Irish whiskeys.

In addition, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength claimed its fourth Double Gold medal in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – a testament to the consistency in quality of single pot still Irish whiskey craftsmanship at the Midleton Distillery, County Cork. With four Gold or above medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Redbreast has once again cemented its place as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

In total, the prestige range from Irish Distillers secured one Best, six Double Gold and 17 Gold medals across the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and International Spirits Challenge (ISC):

• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest: Double Gold (SFWSC) and Gold (ISC)
• Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength: Double Gold (SFWSC)
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old: Double Gold, Best Irish Whiskey & Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (SFWSC)
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength: Double Gold (SFWSC)
• Midleton Very Rare 2017: Double Gold (SFWSC)
• Redbreast 21 Year Old: Double Gold (SFWSC) and Gold (ISC)
• Redbreast 15 Year Old: Gold (SFWSC)
• Powers Signature Release: Gold (SFWSC)
• Powers Three Swallow Release: Gold (SFWSC)
• Powers Gold Label: Gold (SFWSC)
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Finished in French Chestnut: Gold (ISC)
• Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson 18 Year: Gold (ISC)
• Jameson Irish Whiskey: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Irish Whiskey Caskmates IPA Edition: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Signature: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Black Barrel: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Round: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Lively: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Cooper’s Croze: Gold medal (ISC)
• Jameson Blender’s Dog: Gold medal (ISC)

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery, commented: “We are thrilled with the response to Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest and Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength at one of the most renowned spirit tasting competitions in the world. It is also great to see the Powers and Redbreast ranges flourish, as they continue to excite a whole new generation with the quintessential single pot still style of Irish whiskey. These accolades are a tribute to the craftsmen and women at Midleton Distillery Co. Cork, past and present, who work tirelessly to produce whiskeys of unrivalled quality.”

Now in its 18^th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world and is judged by a line-up of esteemed drinks journalists, producers and experts. Run each year in partnership with respected drinks trade bible, Drinks International, the International Spirits Challenge is one of the most authoritative and influential spirits competitions in the world and celebrates its 23^rd anniversary this year.

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers 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 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & 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. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double 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 € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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. www.pernod-ricard.com

1792 SINGLE BARREL KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT 2018 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eight other Barton 1792 whiskies awarded medals 

BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (June 19, 2018) – The results from the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition are in and Barton 1792 Distillery received a double gold medal for its 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In total, Barton 1792 Distillery received nine medals from the competition, including two gold medals.

This year, 48 spirits experts convened to judge a record breaking entry of more than 2,469 spirits in a blind taste testing.

1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon received a high honor of double gold, meaning each judge gave this bourbon a gold medal. The double gold medal is given to exceptional spirits that set the standard for each category.

Other Barton 1792 Distillery whiskies recognized by the SFWSC included gold, silver and bronze medals.

Gold:

• 1792 High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bronze:

• Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This competition is associated with the Triple Crown of Competitions (The San Francisco International Wine Competition and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition,) and continues to be highly respected and the most influential spirits competition after 18 years.

Results from the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/.  

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY STIRKES GOLD

Judges award Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits with five Double Gold, 21 total medals 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 13, 2018) W.L. Weller 12 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon, William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon struck double gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The 18^th annual competition had another record-breaking year that featured 2,469 spirits which means there was an 11 percent increase from last year.  This year, 48 of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry with a blind taste test, ultimately awarding Buffalo Trace with five Double Gold medals. The celebrated Double Gold medal is awarded when all 48 judges assign Gold to a spirit.

Double Gold

• W.L. Weller 12 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Blanton’s Single Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Gold

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• W. L. Weller Antique Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Rain Vodka

Silver

• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Wheatley Vodka
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bronze

• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream Liqueur

“We are honored to be recognized with these awards among the 2,469 entries in this competition,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, said. “This is a great honor for us, and we could not be more thankful to receive each of these great awards.”

Complete results for the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

International Beverage Celebrates Golden Medal Streak

Quality recognised with Wins at Five International Competitions

International Beverage Holdings is celebrating over 30 world class wins in the first few months of 2018, after scooping an impressive haul of honours across five global drinks industry competitions.

The company’s acclaimed portfolio of premium whiskies and gins has made an impression on industry judging panels around the world, winning two prestigious ‘best in class’ awards, four double gold medals and nine gold medals in competition.

Results from these influential awards saw the sweet and spicy Speyburn 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Caorunn Scottish Gin, the full bodied Hankey Bannister’s Heritage Blended Scotch and Catto’s 12 Year Old Blended Scotch all take much coveted double gold medals in San Francisco’s World Spirit Competition. Old Pulteney 12 and 25 Year Old Single Malts and Speyburn’s Arranta Casks Single Malt were also awarded gold.

Speyburn also made waves in the New York International Spirits Competition, scooping the coveted ‘10 Year Old Single Malt of the Year’ accolade for its medium bodied malt, plus a gold medal for Arranta Casks which boasts a bold citrusy finish. There were more golds at the International Spirits Challenge, this time for Old Pulteney 25 Year Old Single Malt and  Balblair 2000 and 1991 Vintages.

At the prestigious World Whisky Awards it was anCnoc 2002 which triumphed, being named overall winner of the Scottish Highlands 13-20 Year Old category. Old Pulteney 25 Year Old Single Malt also took gold alongside Hankey Bannister Heritage Blend.

To cap the medal haul, the International Beverage portfolio received a further eight silver and two bronze medals across the competitions and a variety of accolades in this year’s Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Commenting on the wins, Martin Leonard, Managing Director of Inver House Distillers (part of the International Beverage group) said: “2018 has been a fantastic year for our brands so far and the hardworking teams across our five Scottish distilleries are all very proud to have received so much global recognition for their dedication and hard work. Each of these competitions has a strict set of criteria and tough judging processes, so these medals are a real testament to the craftsmanship and outstanding quality of our spirits.” 

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies and is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team.

Whisky 101 event taking place at The Gallery in West Hampstead for American Independence Day

In America, the annual celebration of independence on 4th July means fireworks, barbecues and many patriotic displays. To commemorate this, The Gallery in West Hampstead will be throwing their own transatlantic festivities in a Whisky 101 event on Thursday 5th July. Guests will be invited to gorge on a banquet of Southern American style food, beer and bourbon to celebrate the traditions of the United States.

On offer will be a delicious Southern American style feast, including pulled pork sliders and crispy fried chicken. This can be washed down with a range of whiskies provided by classic Kentucky distiller, Heaven Hill or paired with refreshing beers from London-based brewers FourPure.The ambassadors for Heaven Hill and FourPure will also be on hand to chat share their immense knowledge of the processes of bourbon and beer making. American rock n roll, funk and soul DJs will provide the soundtrack to the evening and keep the Americana party spirit going.

Tickets cost £15 and includes the food and one cocktail and beer. Please email info@ilovethegallery.com.

£169.95 (was £193.95)
Nikka, Taketsuru, Pure Malt, 17 Years Old, 43%

Spicy vanilla and chocolate with notes of citrus and mango. Named of the the founder and master of Japanese whisky ‘Masataka Taketsuru’ . Nikka brings us their 17 year old expression, this is one for any Japanese whisky lover.

BUY THIS AMAZING WHISKY

The Fourth Monthly Women’s Whisky Evening

Tuesday 3rd July 2018
6.30PM

Buy tickets

Led by women, run by women, for women. Join us to celebrate & rejoice in all the fantastic achievements of women in the industry. Our last three events were a massive success, let’s keep it going! The tasting will comprise of five drams, keep an eye on our instagram page for further details.

Hosted by our very own Kelsey Smith!

@womenswhiskynight

6:30PM, Tuesday 3rd July 2018

Buy tickets

 Milroy’s of Soho

3 Greek Street
London, EnglandW1D 4NX
United Kingdom

The Good Dram Show – Episode 270 ‘Skene Whisky’ – This weeks episode of the show features a selection of bottlings from the Independent bottling company Skene Whisky.

https://youtu.be/K8djRLoWI0w

MASTER BLENDER AND MASTER PERFUMER UNITE TO CREATE CROWNING EXPRESSION, INSPIRED BY ROYALTY

The ‘King of Whisky’ launches latest in annual Flask Collection: 

Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition 

The ‘King of Whisky’, Royal Salute, has unveiled the exceptional new Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition, the latest in its annual Flask Collection. The rich, round and silky blend is the result of an exciting, first-time collaboration between Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, Sandy Hyslop, and esteemed perfumer Barnabé Fillion, and is inspired by the magnificent Kew Palace and its iconic Kitchen Garden.

Combining Hyslop’s unparalleled knowledge of Scotch whisky with Fillion’s inimitable artistic acumen, the 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition balances Royal Salute’s signature style with super rich fruits, scented flora like violet and aromatic leaves from the Kitchen Garden, resulting in the ultimate sensory experience that pushes the boundaries of modern blending.

The collaboration saw Hyslop lay the foundations of the new blend before uniting with Fillion to create a bespoke whisky top dressing that embodied the iconic Kitchen Garden of Kew Palace. The two worked together, nosing countless whiskies in Hyslop’s blending room in Scotland, to capture their interpretation of the lush flora of the Kitchen Garden, while staying true to Royal Salute’s signature style.

It follows the launch of the Royal Salute 30 Year Old Flask Edition last year, and this next iteration in the collector’s series again offers a disruptive take on traditional British drinking traditions. The perfect companion for whisky aficionados on the move, the set includes a bespoke green porcelain flagon and exquisite flask, alongside a pouring funnel and wooden serving tray.

The new expression pays homage to London’s iconic Kew Palace, one of Historic Royal Palace’s most charming royal buildings, as part of Royal Salute’s longstanding support of the charity charged with conserving some of Britain’s royal palaces for future generations. The Palace and its famed Kitchen Garden are showcased on the stunning packaging through artwork from esteemed British illustrator, Jason Brooks.

Royal Salute Marketing Director, Mathieu Deslandes said: “We are thrilled to unveil this exceptional 28 Year Old whisky, made even more special by the coming together of two industry experts. Sandy Hyslop is the absolute pinnacle when it comes to blending so to be able to further enhance his latest creation with some magic from long-time friend of the brand and famed perfumer, Barnabe Fillion, is really special – and the result, the whisky, speaks for itself.

“We’re proud to continue supporting our charity partner, Historic Royal Palaces, with a limited edition inspired by Kew Palace. The charity does amazing work preserving and protecting historic royal buildings to keep their story alive for generations to come, and as a brand steeped in royal heritage, Royal Salute is thrilled to play its part honouring a true British icon in this unique and special way.”

For the first time in Royal Salute’s history, whisky aficionados will have the opportunity to enjoy a first look at the new whisky and its exquisite flask during an intimate event at Kew Palace in June. Hosted by Sandy Hyslop and Barnabé Fillion, it will provide a unique glimpse inside the world of Royal Salute, bring to life the inspiration behind the new Kew Palace Edition and offer an opportunity for aficionados to enjoy the company of those who share their passion.

Befitting its status as a true collector’s item, the Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition will be available from June 2018 for a limited time at select luxury whisky retailers around the world, for RRP of $790.  For more information, visit http://www.royalsalute.com.

Notes 

Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition Tasting Notes:
A rich, round and silky blend, inspired by Kew Palace and its magnificent kitchen garden. For the very first time, this exceptional whisky has been developed by Royal Salute’s Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop in collaboration with olfactory expert, Barnabe Fillion. The result is an exquisite whisky that balances Royal Salute’s classic style with scented flora, aromatic leaves and super rich fruits for a fantastic sensory experience.

Nose:

Intensely fruity with rich notes of ripe pear and a hint of aromatic autumnal leaves alongside delicate floral notes of violet.

Taste:

Rich, round and perfectly balanced with sweet natural honey flavours and scented flora.

Finish:

Deliciously long, smooth and sweet finish with a wisp of smoke. 

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

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.