Launched from the scenic Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay at the 2019 Feis Ile, this is now available to Pre-order. Stock expected in the next 5-7 days. A Single Islay Malt, with sea salt and peat smoke on the nose, you need to seek, and you shall find!
The Noble Collection’s Newest Expression is a Celebration of The Art, Science and Creativity Behind The World’s Best Selling Canadian Whisky
GIMLI, Manitoba, June 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Crown Royal brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation with different flavor offerings and finishing techniques, most recently highlighted by the introduction of the newest addition to the Noble Collection, Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished. This limited-edition expression showcases Crown Royal Fine De Luxe, the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky, finished in new French oak barrels. The result is a whisky with captivating character, body and structure, that is still undeniably Crown Royal smooth.
Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished
The Noble Collection is a multi-award-winning series of whiskies that are released on an annual basis. Now in its fourth year, each creation has provided an opportunity to highlight the artistry and skill of the Crown Royal Master Distillers and Blenders, who are dedicated to their craft of creating extraordinary whiskies inspired by the brand’s long and rich history.
“We’re continuously in awe of our Master Distillers and Blenders’ ability to surprise and delight with interesting takes on whisky, while still maintaining the premium standards of excellence that distinguishes Crown Royal,” said Nicola Heckles, Director, Crown Royal at DIAGEO North America. “Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is an example of our commitment to innovation and being unabashedly unafraid to try new things we anticipate people will enjoy.”
The famed French oak used in Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is sourced from the renowned Vosges region in France, known for its meticulously manicured forests and ideal climate that creates the tightest grain to helps impart subtle flavors and aromas of vanilla and baking spices into the whisky. Once harvested, the oak is open-air seasoned for two years to transform the wood in order to set the stage for the final two-step fire toasting. These precisely toasted new French oak barrels allow the brand to marry Crown Royal Fine De Luxe with rich dark notes of caramel, vanilla and fruit along with a body and structure that can only be achieved through French oak.
“We are honored to share this exceptional whisky and grateful we were given creative liberty to do so. Our ability to elevate Crown Royal Fine De Luxe using innovative materials to bring out new flavors was an exciting experience for this team of veteran blenders,” said Mark Balkenende, Master Blender for Crown Royal. “We are always looking for ways to experiment with the brand’s flavor profile and with Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished, it is evident how intentional changes in barrel selection and aging can enhance the flavor while elevating the signature smoothness of Crown Royal Fine De Luxe.”
Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is packaged in a sleek bottle with a crystal-cut style base and a resealable cork top. The canister is a rich, deep purple to match the classic Crown Royal regal purple, and it is encased in the brand’s iconic purple bag with gold accents, making this whisky the perfect gift to commemorate special occasions and holidays, including Father’s Day. Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is 80 proof, 40% Alc/Vol and will be available in limited quantities nationwide at the suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
Whether sipped neat or on the rocks, however you choose to enjoy the rich taste of Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished, please do so responsibly.
About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VIand Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal’s smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. 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.
Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Benromach Father’s Day campaign gathers momentum
Celebrating the skills and knowledge passed down through generations, one lucky whisky fan will also win an exclusive experience at Benromach Distillery
Benromach Distillery launched a Father’s Day campaign which aims to showcase the expertise passed down through generations, and the lasting memories which shape everyday lives.
The campaign calls for individuals to share their stories of special crafts, skills or knowledge that their Fathers have shared with them, reminiscent of the passing down of distilling expertise within Benromach.
A distillery dedicated to hand crafting its whisky using all the senses, the art of traditional whisky making has been passed down from one generation of distiller to another. It’s this ethos which has helped shape Benromach and allowed the distillery to produce award-winning single malt whisky with a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.
Throughout the campaign, Benromach is also offering one whisky fan and their guest the opportunity to win an exclusive experience at the distillery in Forres.
Not only will the winner receive a behind the scenes tour of the distillery with Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager, alongside their guest they’ll also take part in a personalised tasting and meet the Distillers. With overnight accommodation in Speyside included as well, it’s the perfect getaway for whisky lovers or anyone who wants to learn about this exciting industry.
Open to residents in the UK aged 18 years or over*, two runners up will also receive a bottle of Benromach 15 Years Old.
Kicking off the campaign, Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “You could say that the whisky industry is in my blood, with both my father and Grandfather having distillery connections during their careers. From spending time with my dad at a distillery in Speyside to visiting a local distillery with my Grandad to pick up draff for the farm, I’ll always remember the unique, sweet and malty smell. It’s these happy memories that sparked my interest in this wonderful industry.”
Join the conversation this Father’s Day by sharing your story on social media using #WhatDadTaughtMe and tagging @Benromach. Whether you were taught how to bake, shared a passion for crafting from wood together, or perfected the art of painting thanks to your Father, get involved for a chance to win a trip for two to Benromach Distillery.
For more information on Benromach Distillery or the Father’s Day campaign please visit www.benromach.com.
Notes
Father’s Day competition
The closing date for entries to the Benromach Father’s Day competition is midnight on Monday 17th June. To enter the competition, entrants have to:
*The Competition is only open to residents in the UK aged 18 years or over, except:
The winner will be announced on 21st June 2019 and full terms and conditions can be found on the Benromach website: https://www.benromach.com/news/fathers-day-2019-competition
Main prize
Runner up prize
Two runners up will also be selected, and will each receive 1 x 70cl bottle of Benromach 15 Years Old.
Benromach Distillery
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.
In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.
Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.
For more information, visit: www.benromach.com.
Islay Festival Auction
NOW LIVE
Hot on the trail of last weeks stellar Fèis Ìle, we are excited to launch our exclusive Islay Festival Auction
The Whisky Auctioneer team were lucky enough to join the festival, but for those who were not able to make the trip don’t worry – you will find all of the new 2019 festival releases as well as some of the greatest bottlings from previous years in our auction.
2019 Official Festival Releases
Once again, 2019 saw at least one official release from each distillery during the Fèis (Islay devotees rejoice!). Explore Bruichladdich’s oldest Octomore release, exciting twists on traditional expressions from Lagavulin and Caol Ila as well as Ardbeg’s surprise single cask.
Bowmore 23 Year Old Fèis Ìle 2019
This years vintage Fèis Ìle edition is a spectacular 23 year old sherried single cask, of which there are just 325 bottles! Credit to all those who camped out in Bowmore’s legendary queue to get their hands on this highly-sought after malt!
Bunnahabhain 1988 Champagne Finish
Bunnahabhain certainly didn’t disappoint with their experimental 2019 Fèis Ìle releases. One of which is this vintage expression with an astonishingly unique Champagne cask finish. A limited run of only 120 covetable bottles.
2019 Hunter Laing Kinship Collection
At this years Fèis, the spotlight was on not only the proprietary bottlings, but also some fantastic indy releases including the third Kinship collection from Hunter Laing to celebrate the commencement of distilling at Ardnahoe.
Bunnahabhain 13 Year Old Marsala Finish with Signed Cask End
Aged for 13 years and finished in Marsala wood, this is number 50 of 100 bottles gifted specially to Fèis Ìle volunteers in 2017. Alongside this is a Fèis Ìle branded cask end, featuring an autograph from each of the Islay Distillery Managers.
All proceeds from the sale of this lot will go to the Fèis Ìle Committee, the charitable organisation behind the planning and running of the world’s most famous whisky festival.
Campbeltown Malts Festival 2019
On the run up to Fèis Ìle, we must not forget the four day event which celebrated the best malts Kintyre has to offer. Our auction also features some of these exclusive festival releases from Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia.
Charity Partner:Islay Pollinator Initiative
We are delighted to announce that we will partner with the Islay Pollinator Initiative for our Islay Festival Auction. A portion of the profits from the auction will be donated to assist in their plan to develop an observation hive and information displays within the Islay Nature Centre.
Find out more here.
If you would like us to provide a free expert valuation for your bottle(s) please send an email to info@whiskyauctioneer.com
Our link includes all the details we will require from you.
June 2019 Auction | 21 June – 1 July
Interested in selling in our next auction?
The deadline date for receiving bottles is the 10 June. Find out more about our complimentary collection service below.
If you would like us to provide a free expert valuation for your bottle(s) please send an email to info@whiskyauctioneer.com Our link includes all of the details we will require from you.
A Unique and Delicious Expression of a Special Islay Malt
Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay
Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)
Every year the whisky world waits with bated breath for the release of Islay’s Ultimate Whisky. This malt at the end of the road just a mile before the Cross of Kildalton has been reborn over the last two decades. What was once almost certainly destined to become a living relic of a different era in Scotch production has transformed into one of the most exciting, dynamic, and sought-after malts. Yet, we don’t see a huge amount of new releases or unique expressions from the famed distillery, instead they release just ONE experimental batch a year. The Limited Edition is Ardbeg’s chance to offer its loyal followers a new take on this peaty monster. Each year, its esteemed Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden and Head Distiller Mickey Head join forces to find a new way to present this magnificent malt. Each year we receive a small allocation of the unique collaboration, which sells out without questions and becomes a must have for collectors, but also represents some of the most interesting Islay Malt we sell.
This year’s release is no less intriguing than ever before. Finished in fresh rum casks, the resulting whisky has the heady brine and deep smoke you’d expect from Ardbeg, plus a bountiful treasure of dense tropical fruits and Islay spices. We love the confluence of two very distinct and disparate Islays coming together in this magical product. Once this dram of Drum is done, we’ll have another one.
Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)
The wonderful Limited Edition Ardbeg gives us a reason to celebrate the impending arrival of summer when the bottles are released on Ardbeg Day—June 1st. The Limited Edition bottling is one of the most-anticipated offerings every year and this year’s “Ardbeg Drum” has taken the line to a whole new level. Matured in ex-bourbon oak for presumably 10 years before being transferred entirely to ex-rum casks sourced from somewhere in the “Americas,” the Ardbeg Drum is a totally new expression of the unique flavors of Islay’s Ultimate Malt. Instead of the typical fresh lemon peel, we get ultra-ripe banana and zippy fresh pineapple. On the palate, Ardbeg’s rich briny smoke is pointed with spicy ginger, sweet vanilla bean, and deep baking spice. These extremely limited expressions always sell out, but we’re hoping these don’t end up sitting in the back of a collector’s cabinet because it’s such a unique and delicious expression of this special Islay malt.
Celebrate both the art and science of whisky making with a series of captivating art works created by The Glenrothes and Spanish Data Artist, Xavi Tribó. Tribó was given access to all technical data from our distillery analysis to create a unique algorithm generating colour and movement. The artist also mapped the entire Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside using a 3D laser scanner which allowed a frame of the distillery to be created to showcase the art within.
#SPIRITOFROTHES
A new release of Family Cask vintages from the Speyside distillery.
Winter 2018 release features richly sherried single casks including a brace of vintages from the the 1980’s and 90’s.
Shop – Glenfarclas Family Casks W18
MASTER WHISKY MAKER HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO SCOTCH
Dr Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding service to the Scotch whisky industry.
In a career spanning almost four decades with the world’s leading distilling company Diageo, Dr Beveridge has established himself as one of the most highly respected figures in the industry, renowned for his skill and dedication to quality, as well as his considered and unassuming manner.
The accolade comes as Johnnie Walker, the world’s most popular Scotch whisky1, prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2020. Dr Beveridge is only the sixth person in two centuries of the company’s history to have held the position of Master Blender, the first being founder John Walker himself.
Based at Diageo’s blending rooms in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, Dr Beveridge, leads a team of 12 blenders responsible for the quality and consistency of all the company’s Scotch whisky brands. He also works closely with distillers, coopers, coppersmiths and all the craftspeople involved in producing the finest Scotch whisky.
He has been the recipient of several industry accolades, including being inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015 and in 2016 he was named Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition for the second consecutive year, a first in the history of the competition.
Commenting on the award Dr Beveridge paid tribute to the people who make Scotch whisky and their passion and commitment to the craft. He said: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone who contributes to making Johnnie Walker. It is a team effort by all the women and men who work in our distilleries, coppersmiths, cooperage, warehouses and bottling halls across Scotland.
“We believe we are the custodians of our brands, standing on the shoulders of the giants who went before us. I really feel that today. This is recognition of everyone, over the years, who has been involved in making Johnnie Walker the leading global brand that it is.”
Paying tribute to Dr Beveridge’s long and valued service to the company, Diageo Chief Executive Ivan Menezes, said: “This is a proud day for Jim but also for Johnnie Walker and Diageo. Jim epitomises everything that makes Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky great. He is dedicated to his craft and passionate about the quality of his product.
“Most importantly he is a wonderful person and that is why he is so highly regarded not just in Diageo but throughout the Scotch whisky industry.”
Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director John Williams added his tribute: “Quality and consistency have been the hallmarks of Johnnie Walker since it was founded by John Walker almost two centuries ago. Jim is the guardian of that legacy today and everyone involved with Johnnie Walker and Diageo will be raising a toast to him and celebrating this terrific achievement.”
Johnnie Walker is the number one selling Scotch whisky in the world with an average of seven bottles being exported from Scotland every second, making it the country’s leading export product. The brand uses the best Scotch whiskies from Diageo’s unrivalled inventory of 28 malt distilleries and more than 10 million casks maturing in Scotland.
Johnnie Walker is at the heart of a £150 million investment programme in Scotch whisky tourism by Diageo, including creating a global flagship visitor attraction in Edinburgh and transforming the company’s 12 distillery visitor experiences around Scotland.
Notes
About Johnnie Walker:
Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above else.
Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for over 18 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2017), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including 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.
Diageo in Scotland:
