Archive for July, 2018

Scotch Malt Whisky Society July 2018 Update: Wild and tempestuous characters – Scotch Whisky News

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Hold on tight, these five new whiskies bring a whirlwind of wild and tempestuous characters to tame. From a dark menacing storm in the middle of the ocean to riding waves of lip-smacking sweetness, prepare your senses for a thrilling ride.

VIEW WHISKY

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DARK, MENACING AND MYSTERIOUS

“With the colour a sensationally deep shiny ruby-orange, like a tawny port, we all got very excited and were not disappointed! Neat, the taste was like a dark menacing storm in the middle of an ocean  of liquorice Pontefract cakes and rum & coconut treacle tart.”

Age: 12 Years
Price: £55

DISCOVER MORE

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THE CHARLIE MACLEAN MASTERCLASS

Charlie MacLean joined the Society at its outset in the early 1980s and became a chair of the Tasting Panel in 1992. This July we’re celebrating our long-standing relationship with Charlie and reflecting on his involvement with us as we discuss his journey with whisky. Watch as Charlie shares his extensive knowledge in our whisky masterclass video.

FULL MASTERCLASS

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

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Glenmorangie breaks ground on a multi-million-pound expansion – Scotch Whisky News

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Glenmorangie breaks ground on a multi-million-pound expansion

6 July 2018

Highland single malt whisky marks its 175th anniversary year with a new still house

5th July 2018, Glenmorangie today broke ground on a new still house, part of a multi-million-pound expansion designed to position the single malt whisky for a strong, successful future. This significant investment in the Highland Distillery, which this year celebrates its 175th anniversary, will enable Glenmorangie to meet soaring global demand for its award-winning whisky. The ceremony was led by Marc Hoellinger, CEO and President of The Glenmorangie Company, and Philippe Schaus, CEO of its parent company Moët Hennessy.

Established in 1843, Glenmorangie is renowned as an industry leader, marrying skill and creativity to craft exceptional whisky. Bolstered by investment, the single malt has enjoyed sustained growth in recent years. The new still house will allow Glenmorangie to increase its capacity in line with ever-greater demand from discerning drinkers around the world.

Located in the heart of the Distillery, the new building will operate in tandem with the existing still house, showcasing two more of Glenmorangie’s signature copper stills – the tallest in Scotland. A separate building will provide additional mashing and fermentation facilities. Demolition work has already begun on the site. Construction, overseen by Scottish engineering consultancy Blyth+Blyth, is due to begin immediately, with completion scheduled for 2019.

Marc Hoellinger said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Glenmorangie. It is particularly fitting that work on the new still house begins in the Distillery’s 175th anniversary year. These ambitious expansion plans will enable Glenmorangie to build on its success and satisfy the world’s increasing appetite for its fine Highland single malt whisky, putting it in a strong position for the next 175 years of exceptional whisky creation.”

Philippe Schaus said: “I am delighted to be present at such a momentous juncture in Glenmorangie’s 175 years of distilling. We are confident that this sizeable investment will allow the Distillery’s growth to continue unabated, and more and more consumers to discover Glenmorangie, as the Company continues to capitalise on Moët Hennessy’s unrivalled global distribution network.”

Ardbeg is crowned Distillery of the Year at esteemed whisky awards – Scotch Whisky News

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Ardbeg is crowned Distillery of the Year at esteemed whisky awards

Islay malt’s Ardbeg Uigeadail is honoured with two category wins

Ardbeg has been hailed as Distillery of the Year at the International Whisky Competition (IWC), a prestigious industry challenge. Judges also recognised Ardbeg Uigeadail with it winning two categories, Best Single Malt (Islay) and Best Peated Whisky, reinforcing the leading reputation of the Distillery, which is owned by The Glenmorangie Company.

It is the second year in a row that Ardbeg, one of the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky, has delighted the IWC. In 2017, it honoured the Distillery with its Whisky of the Year award. This year, as judges named Ardbeg as their Distillery of the Year, they commended the “exceptional craftsmanship” and “great team work” behind its untamed spirit, which has been distilled on Ardbeg’s remote Scottish island home for more than 200 years.

The IWC’s tasting panel singled out Ardbeg Uigeadail as Best Single Malt (Islay) and Best Peated Whisky. With a score of 96.8, out of a possible 100, it was lauded as a “gorgeous dram”, “incredibly well balanced, so complex, yet so smooth”. The other permanent expressions followed closely, with Ardbeg An Oa scoring 94.4 points, Ardbeg Corryvreckan 94.1 and Ardbeg Ten Years Old 91.3. Judges awarded 95.4 points to limited-edition bottling Ardbeg Grooves, released to mark this year’s Ardbeg Day, the annual, global celebration of all things Ardbeg.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks for Ardbeg, said: “We are truly honoured to be named IWC Distillery of the Year – and delighted that Ardbeg’s entire range came in for such high praise.”

Sylvain Allard, IWC managing director, said: “That Ardbeg did so well, clearly shows the master skills of Dr Bill Lumsden and the Distillery’s whisky creation team at marrying the right casks together. While proving exceptional craftsmanship in the art of whisky-making, the Islay Distillery attracts a worldwide following. The Ardbeg Distillery tour is a must for everyone. The staff is what makes this Distillery exceptional, it’s great team work.”

SAZERAC’S Tennessee Distillery IS GETTING A NEW HOME – American Whiskey News

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SAZERAC’S Tennessee Distillery IS GETTING A NEW HOME 

            MURFREESBOBO, tn (July 11, 2018) Last July, Master Distiller John Lunn and Distiller Allisa Henley started cranking up their pot stills and distilled their first Tennessee whiskey for Sazerac in Newport, TN.  Now one year later, John and Allisa are looking forward to moving their operation to Murfreesboro, TN as Sazerac starts planning for a new distillery, including bottling, barrel warehouses and a visitor center on the 55 acres it recently purchased.

The initial plan is to build two barrel warehouses, each of which will hold approximately 20,000 barrels.  A visitor center which overlooks the property’s iconic five acre lake is also planned, all to be operational in 2020.

“Murfreesboro is one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “We are excited about Sazerac’s investment in our community and look forward to celebrating a brand new Tennessee Whiskey from our hometown.”

Meanwhile, John and Allisa are continuing to distill Tennessee whiskey on their three pot stills at the Newport, TN location. After the new distillery in Murfreesboro is built, all stills and barrels will be moved.  With the oldest whiskey being only a year old, the barrels still have many years to rest before being bottled and sold, giving John and Allisa plenty of time to determine  brand name for the Tennessee whiskey, the age of the whiskey and even a name for the new distillery.

The two just burned their second batch of sugar maple in John’s backyard to make the charcoal they use 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.

“We’re looking forward to having a new home for our distillery in Murfreesboro and we’re excited about being so close to Middle Tennessee State University and partnering with their students in the fermentation program,” said Master Distiller John Lunn.

Although the main focus for John and Allisa will be Tennessee whiskey, they note they enjoy having the freedom to conduct a few experiments if they like. “Sazerac is known for experimentation, and we look forward to continuing that tradition with experimental spirits in Tennessee,” stated Distiller Allisa Henley.

Sazerac’s new Tennessee distillery will employee 20-25 full time workers. The new site will give complimentary tours and tastings when the visitor center is open.  Tourism projections for visitors within five to ten years of opening is 50,000.  Employment opportunities will be posted online at www.sazerac.com in late 2019 or early 2020.

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About Sazerac

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

Introducing The Macallan Edition No. 4 – Scotch Whisky News

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The fourth release in this innovative annual Series, Edition No. 4 embodies the craftsmanship and pioneering design of the new Macallan Distillery and demonstrates the mastery of whisky making since 1824. As we enter an exciting new era, this limited edition marks the coming together of our history and new horizons in the creation of two structural masterpieces: a remarkable whisky and a magnificent new distillery.

READ MORE      EXPLORE THE SERIES

The Macallan Edition No. 4 will be available in select locations worldwide including the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. A limited number of bottles will also be available to purchase from The Macallan Online Shop later this year and we will notify you when they are available.

The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience, The Macallan Distillers Ltd,
Easter Elchies, Craigellachie AB38 9RX Scotland

Whisky Hammer July 2018 Auction Now Live – Whisky Auction News

AA Whisky Hammer

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JULY AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 29th July)

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

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

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Introducing American Whiskey Magazine! – American Whiskey News

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We’d like to introduce you to American Whiskey Magazine!

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American Whiskey Magazine features the best American Whiskeys, along with distillery profiles, tasting notes, city guides and more! Be among the first to try American Whiskey Magazine – just click below!

Start My Charter Subscription Now

Bowmore 12 Year Old Gift Pack at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Bowmore 12 Year Old Gift Pack

From the oldest distillery on Islay, founded in 1779, this single malt is renowned for its lemon and honey notes amidst puffs of peat smoke.

Complex yet perfectly balanced, Bowmore 12 Year Old has received much critical acclaim and reflects the raw essence of Bowmore – thrashing waves, windswept landscapes and generations of tradition. This gift pack includes two branded glasses to enjoy a dram in style.

Save £10
£36 Buy Now

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THE GLENLIVET MASTER DISTILLER, ALAN WINCHESTER, HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Scotch Whisky News

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THE GLENLIVET MASTER DISTILLER, ALAN WINCHESTER, HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

13 July 2018 –The Glenlivet is today celebrating a true industry icon as it raises a dram to its very own Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, who has been awarded one of the most prestigious industry accolades, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Starting out as a distillery tour guide before becoming the ultimate guarantor of THE definitive Speyside malt, The Glenlivet, Alan has experienced a number of significant achievements in his 40 years in the industry. He was the man behind The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, the number one Single Malt innovation globally in the past five years (IWSR, 2016), and more recently crafted The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve, a new Single Malt whisky selectively finished in high-quality cognac casks.

His other significant accomplishments include:

  • Releasing The Glenlivet’s first series of 50 Year Old whiskies, which was named in his honour (The Winchester Collection)
  • Creating The Glenlivet Smugglers Trails in 2007 in conjunction with the Crown Estate
  • Becoming a Master of the Quaich in 1997 and acting as President of the Malt Distillers Association in 2008 for three years
  • Serving as Chairman of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in Scotland, and subsequently receiving his Fellowship

Alan does not leave his passion for his job at work. During his travels, he enjoys visiting wineries and distilleries to continue to learn more about distillation and fermentation techniques. In addition, every year at the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Alan can be found leading walks along the highland trails, sharing his personal insight and historical perspective to the many eager walkers and whisky lovers visiting Scotland.

Now in its 23rd year, the ISC is one of the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. Founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the work and commitment of an individual who has made a significant impact on the drinks industry during their career.

Editor of Drinks International, and a judge for the ISC, comments:

“Alan has been nominated, judged, by his peers.  It is an enormous compliment to Mr Winchester for services rendered to the Scotch whisky industry down the years.  He is not only a consummate professional, but a highly approachable, likeable guy who is able to convey the mysteries and complexities of the creation of Scotch whisky, in remarkably easy to understand terms.” 

Miriam Eceolaza, Global Brand Director at The Glenlivet, comments: “It’s hard to find someone who brings quite as much enthusiasm and dedication to their job as Alan and we’re thrilled that his hard work has been recognised. The ISC is one of the most prestigious awards bodies in the industry, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in particular celebrates true excellence. It’s an exciting time for Scotch and we are lucky to have Alan as The Master Distiller of The Glenlivet.”

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, comments: “I am honoured and touched to have received this award. I started my career at The Glenlivet in 1979, and over those years have witnessed a fair few changes. But the one thing that has remained the same is the dedication to excellence and the commitment to maintaining the exceptional quality for which The Glenlivet has become known. This passion and dedication is shared by the entire team at the distillery and I’d like to thank them for their support over the years. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Glengoyne is coming to the Edinburgh Fringe – Scotch Whisky News

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YOUR INVITATION INTO OUR WHISKY WORLD

We’re delighted to announce that for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we’re partnering up with the renowned Contini Cannonball Restaurant & Bar to bring whisky fans something truly spectacular.

‘Unhurried – Glengoyne’s Inefficient Tradition’ is an entertaining and interactive single malt experience – featuring an exclusive taste of Scotland’s best gastronomy from inside Cannonball’s Glengoyne Room.

Hosted by Fringe veteran, ex BBC Broadcaster and Comedy Writer, Gordon Dallas, the show uses cutting edge Projection Mapping technology to take you on an immersive journey, exploring the almost absurd lengths and apparent inefficient traditions Glengoyne dedicates itself to, all in the name of incredible whisky.

Situated at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and next to the city’s famous Castle, the Cannonball is a hugely popular venue that’s steeped in history. Once you drink in the breathtaking views of the Castle and the Mile, you’ll soon see why.

You’ll also get the opportunity to taste the flavoursome results of these illogical actions in three distinct drams of Glengoyne. Each of which have been paired with delicious food tasters.

So what are you waiting for?

Hurry! To get your tickets today, simply click the button below. You won’t want to miss this.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Slàinte!

Glengoyne

 

Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB

Tel. +44 (0)1360 550 254

Email: reception@glengoyne.com

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Glengoyne Distillery encourages responsible drinking


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