AUGUST AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 26th August)
…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!
TUESDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2018
18:30 – 20:00
A monthly whisky tasting event for women, by women.
Join us to celebrate & rejoice in all the fantastic achievements of women in the industry.
Tickets HERE £20 or £25 on the door.
September’s Women’s Whisky Night is generously sponsored by
Heaven Hill Distilleries.
We are looking forward to an amazing lineup of American whiskies, so come along and to try some delicious drams!
Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, EnglandW1D 4NX
United Kingdom
Friday, August 24th, 5-7 PM:
Aberlour Scotch &
Powers Irish Whiskey
Award-winning scotch and whiskey pour at this expert presented tasting of Irish and Speyside drams. Aberlour Scotch & Powers Irish Whiskey will be poured, with more new and rare whiskies to be revealed.
HISTORICAL LORDS OF THE ISLES CASTLE EXCAVATED IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIRST
One of Scotland’s earliest historical sites is to be explored for the very first time this month with an excavation of Dunyvaig Castle on Islay.
Archaeologists from across the UK have converged on Lagavulin Bay to take part in the ground-breaking project to uncover the history of the castle which was once a strong-hold of the Lords of the Isles, the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald, and is considered the most majestic archaeological monument on Islay.
The castle sits on a peninsula adjacent to Lagavulin Distillery and the excavation is being undertaken by Scottish charity Islay Heritage following a donation as part of the Lagavulin 200th Legacy fund.
After a year of planning, the excavation, which began yesterday (12 August) will assess the preservation and potential of underground structures and deposits and explore the surrounding landscape. This is the first step in what will be a long-term project to establish what life was like when Dunyvaig Castle was an operational fortress in the middle ages and the scene of renowned battles between the MacDonalds and the Campbells before being demolished in 1677.
An open evening for local residents around Lagavulin Bay and members of Islay Heritage was held on Friday (10 August) at Lagavulin Distillery providing an opportunity to meet the archaeologists and learn more about the plans for the excavation. This was followed by a public lecture about the project for the whole Islay community on the Saturday evening. A further event is planned for Thursday 30 August at Ramsay Halls, Port Ellen, where the archaeology team will share findings and results of the dig.
The project will see a team of 40 spend three weeks on the island, led by some of the best field archaeologists in the UK and with experts including geophysicists, archaeological scientists and palaeo-environmentalists to reconstruct the medieval landscape. The excavation will help train 30 university students in survey and excavation methods and Islay Heritage are hoping to secure additional funding to hold at least four more seasons of excavation up until 2023.
Professor Steve Mithen, Trustee of Islay Heritage, said: “The Dunyvaig excavation will be the flagship project of Islay Heritage, addressing key research questions, training the next generation of archaeologists for Scotland and making many contributions to the Islay Community. We are excited about finding what secrets remain hidden underground about this iconic monument.”
Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo Head of Whisky Outreach, who led the Lagavulin 200 Legacy project, said: “Islay is famous as the world’s greatest whisky island, but it is also one of Scotland’s most important historical locations and we are thrilled that the Lagavulin Legacy project has been able to support Islay Heritage in its mission to raise the island’s archaeological profile for both the local community and visitors to the island.
“This excavation at Dunyvaig Castle is the culmination of hard work and commitment from Islay Heritage, Lagavulin Distillery and the wider community. We’re looking forward to seeing what interesting discoveries will be uncovered over the next few weeks.”
Georgie Crawford, former Lagavulin Distillery Manager, who led the Lagavulin 200th anniversary project, added: “We have worked closely with Islay Heritage and the local community for a number of years to reach this point so it’s very exciting to see work officially start at Dunyvaig Castle. We’re very proud to see the legacy of Lagavulin’s 200th anniversary celebrations being realised just a short distance from the distillery.”
John Raven, Deputy Head of Casework at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We warmly welcome this innovative project to raise money to support Islay Heritage and its aims of raising the profile and condition of, and increasing access to, Islay’s spectacular and unique archaeology, history and culture. It is a fantastic opportunity for heritage to make a greater contribution to the island’s economy.
“Dunyvaig Castle holds a deeply important place in Gaelic culture, and the excavations should help us better understand Medieval Gaelic culture and inform the castle’s conservation, so that it can be preserved and access opened up in the future. We can’t wait to see the results.”
The Lagavulin 200th anniversary legacy funds were raised through the sale of a special bottling of a Lagavulin 1991 Single Malt Scotch Whisky cask which was carefully selected by the distillery team and Diageo Chief Executive Ivan Menezes. Just 522 bottles were put on sale, 521 of the bottles via a special ballot on The Whisky Exchange at a price of £1,494 – a price set to acknowledge the historic year of the first recorded distillation of Scotch Whisky – with bottle no.1 then auctioned by The Whisky Exchange, raising a further £8,395.
The Lagavulin Legacy project raised a total of £588,395 for local community causes on Islay. As well as Islay Heritage, these included the RSPB, Islay Festival Association, Islay Arts, Finlaggan Trust, McTaggart Cyber Café and Islay & Jura Community Enterprises Limited for McTaggart Leisure Centre.
NOTES
About Lagavulin
Local records suggest that Lagavulin was already a centre of whisky production in the early 18th century. There had almost certainly been many other illicit stills before John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin Bay in 1816. As with all Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now normally bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland™.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
About Diageo in Scotland
Colorado Startup Launches New Business In
Support of Craft Distillery Industry
Distilling Craft, a distillery consultancy agency, officially launches new website and podcast aimed at supporting new and existing craft distillery owners.
Evergreen, CO, August 9th, 2018 – The craft distillery industry reached over $3 billion in retail sales in 2017, according to the American Craft Spirits Association—a 25% increase from the previous year. One report by Grand View Research, Inc. estimates that the global craft spirits market will reach $80.43 billion by 2025. It’s clear that the industry is growing and, with the passage of the new Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) last year, everyone is taking notice.
Distilling Craft is a new consultancy agency that is opening its doors in support of business owners and entrepreneurs who are starting a distillery. The company offers a wide range of consulting services for both new and existing craft distillery owners—from business planning to facility design—that help these businesses build a strong foundation, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure profitability. With such a widespread distribution of distilleries across the country, Distilling Craft will have the ability to provide services remotely as well as on-site.
Devin Mills, owner and founder of Distilling Craft, says “By focusing on matching the building, equipment and processes to the needs of our clients, we hope to help distillery owners produce the exact spirits they and their customers want.”
In addition to the launch of their new website, www.distillingcraft.com, Distilling Craft has also launched a new distilling podcast. Distilling Craft Podcast will focus on the intricacies of distilling, covering topics like advanced distillation methods and the study of fermentation. Having been featured in an episode of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners which premiered earlier this year, Devin, the podcast host, is regarded as an expert in the field of distilling.
About Distilling Craft
Distilling Craft is a full-service craft distillery consultancy firm that combines the goals, vision, and unique spirits of each distillery with their technical expertise and years of craft distillery experience to build successful, profitable distilleries.
About The Hive & Co.
The Hive & Co. is a female-owned digital design and marketing agency that empowers small business owners in their quest to build profitable, sustainable businesses.
The Whisky Exchange is the registered trademark of Speciality Drinks Limited.
Registered in England and Wales (Company No. 4449145).
Registered Office: Elixir House, Whitby Avenue, Park Royal, London NW10 7SF, UK.
The Loch Fyne The Living Cask Batch 6
The latest release in our ever-evolving series of vatted malts, The Living Cask Batch 6 returns to the series’ roots in our award-winning The Living Cask 1745 by introducing more Islay single malts to the mix.
The result is a subtly smokier expression than its predecessor with notes of pine needles, barley, liquorice and lemon zest.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 211: Taketsuru Pure Malt
Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, makes his first mizuwari! The famous whisky concerns Suntory and Nikka have taken their aged malts off the shelves and replaced them with NAS releases. Nikka no longer has its Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 Year Old, but a NAS-version now. This blended malt is made with mostly Miyagikyo, but a bit of Yoichi went in there as well. The result is a light malt that works wonderfully in a refreshing mizuwari.
Old Pulteney unveils new collection to signal brand evolution
New expressions set sail for the maritime malt
14 August 2018 – Distilled and matured by the sea, Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky is the true maritime malt and we’re excited to embark on a new voyage with the launch of our new core collection featuring our flagship 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 and 18 Years Old. This move marks a reinvigoration of the core range for the award-winning Caithness-based distillery, complemented by distinctive new design and packaging.
This new collection signals an evolution for the brand, with a renewed vigour around the maritime malt yet staying true to Old Pulteney’s rich heritage and traditions. This introduction supports a wider drive to ensure strong consumer relevance and appeal, with the new whiskies consistent with the renowned house style and provenance; yet bringing some new flavours to the fore.
Defined and shaped by its stunning coastal location, Old Pulteney has a highly distinctive character infused by the unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection. Each of the new whiskies tell their own story and bring their own part of the Old Pulteney legacy to life.
Celebrating the birthplace of Old Pulteney, Huddart (ABV 46%) is rich gold in colour. A distinctively smoky take on its signature single malt scotch whiskies, Huddart is richly warming and combines influence from the salt-infused sea air with peat smoke, delivering a mellow and smoky whisky with real character, depth and identity. RRP £45.
A naturally rich, amber-coloured whisky, the 15 Years Old expression (ABV 46%) is Old Pulteney’s most balanced and smoothest single malt whisky yet. Bursting with aromas of rich dried fruit, ripe apples and citrus, with honey sweetness and a generous chord of creamy vanilla, 15 Years Old effortlessly brings together two different sides of the flavour spectrum. RRP £70.
Completing the new portfolio, 18 Years Old (ABV 46%) takes its character and colour entirely from the American oak casks and Spanish sherry butts in which it has been nurtured, delivering a deep amber colour. This indulgent and deeply warming expression features notes of chocolate and spice, but allow for the influence of more vibrant, zesty flavours. RRP £115.
The new collection is complemented with the addition of the repackaged flagship Old Pulteney 12 Years Old.
The golden-coloured 12 Years Old expression (ABV 40%) is the perfect place to start your Old Pulteney journey, with a flavour which is welcoming and effortless. 12 Years Old embodies the maritime malt characteristic that has become synonymous with Old Pulteney whiskies. It has been matured for 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, marrying together the salty flavours of the sea with the influence of American oak, to bring sweetness into play, and create a classic expression. RRP £32.
The collection of four whiskies also has a striking new design, which freshens up the overall look yet created around the existing, highly distinctive Old Pulteney bottle shape.
The collection will be available from 14th August in the UK with our preferred partners The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Royal Mile Whiskies, and Sutherland Brothers, thereafter, there will be a phased global roll out.
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Defined and shaped by its stunning coastal location, Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky owes much to its home town of Wick. Established in 1826 at a time when the town was home to a thriving fishing port, Old Pulteney has a strong place in the heart and history of this coastal community.
Being distilled and matured by the sea coupled with meticulous cask selection creates a distinctive flavour which sets it apart from other single malt Scotch whiskies.
With traditional warehouses exposed to the invigorating sea air blowing in off the North Sea, Old Pulteney captures the taste of the sea in every drop of its liquid gold; from subtle coastal chords to more defined salty notes.
Delivering a flavour spectrum from vanilla to spice with an added hint of saltiness, Old Pulteney takes you from vibrancy to indulgence.
Old Pulteney Core Collection Tasting Notes
Old Pulteney 12 Years Old: Wholly matured in air dried, hand selected ex-bourbon casks, mostly second fill American oak.
On the palate, 12 Years Old offers a distinctive salty top note, reminiscent of the Caithness coast, whilst soft citrus pairs with dark caramel and creamy vanilla for sweetness. This is complemented by a firm bodied and smooth flavour where sweet notes of honey and cream develop into ripe, fruity overtones and fresh spice, with a long-lasting subtly salty finish.
Old Pulteney Huddart: This expression takes its name from the street on which Pulteney distillery is located, which in turn is named after Captain Joseph Huddart, a hydrographer who had provided maps and charts for the British Fisheries Society – the builders of Pulteneytown and its harbour. He was also for a period a Director of the British Fisheries Society.
Matured in second fill American oak, ex bourbon casks then finished in ex-bourbon casks that had previously held heavily peated whisky.
After initial notes of mellow wood smoke, honey and oily leather, Huddart later blooms into crisp green apple, with creamy vanilla and a hint of burnt toffee in the background. Flavours of freshly-ground spices and soft vanilla balance the central notes of smoke and peat fire, supported by richly sweet and distinctly salty coastal flavours in the background, together reminiscent of salted caramel.
Old Pulteney 15 Years Old: Matured in second fill American oak, ex-bourbon casks, followed by a period of further maturation in first fill Spanish oak, ex Oloroso butts.
Uniting spice and sweetness together, its flavour evokes Christmas cake and fragrant spices, with layers of chocolate and a distinct dark toffee sweetness, whilst the finish delivers a hint of salty sea air.
Old Pulteney 18 Years Old: Matured in second fill American oak, ex bourbon casks, followed by a period of further maturation in first fill Spanish, ex-Oloroso sherry butts.
The rich chocolate and creamy vanilla flavour makes 18 Years Old a true indulgence, further enriched by the sweetness of honey tempered by vibrant spices. This is layered with honeyed spices and Christmas cake, whilst floral notes lend a dash of finesse, complemented by zesty hints of citrus and green apple to a lively, long finish.
About International Beverage
International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries. The holding was also named ‘Distiller of the Year’ 2017 in the Scotland round of Whisky Magazine’s annual Icons of Whisky Awards.
International Beverage brands include:
The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.
The Whole Penderyn Range Took Home The Gold!
The entire U.S. Penderyn lineup has won gold in “The World’s Most Highly Regarded Series of Blind Tasting Competitions”!”
We’ve been picking up gold medals at international whisky shows for a few years now, but were nevertheless absolutely thrilled to discover that we have won no less than 6 Gold medals at the Spirits Business World Whisky Masters 2018.”
‘With this validation, and with exports growing, it’s clear that Penderyn is establishing itself in the whisky world and we’re very excited for the distillery’s prospects in the years ahead’
~ Stephen Davies
For the past decade, the Masters has sought to retain its individuality as the only blind spirits tasting competition to use carefully selected and completely independent judges, including experienced bartenders, spirits journalists, and spirits educators..
Entrants can rest assured that their product has been measured constructively and without bias by our panels of trained professionals.
If you’ve made it this far in the email, you might have noticed that there is one expression that hasn’t been available yet, but will be soon – Penderyn Sherrywood! Stay tuned for this one, as it’s already generating lots of buzz, and will arrive at the beginning of September.
Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these fine whiskies with us!
We’ll be in touch about other exciting news as the year drinks on …
Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottlings: office@impexbev.com
