Archive for October, 2024

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “CELEBRATE WITH US” – Scotch Whisky News

CELEBRATE WITH US

There’s plenty ahead as we lean into the darker nights with whisky season soireés celebrating Christmas, Hogmanay and more at our Members’ Rooms and across the UK with our on the road tastings. See you there.

FESTIVE BROCHURE

The 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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

ralfy review 1050 – Police Investigating Whisky Cask Investment Company. – Whisky Investment News

ANGEL’S ENVY® DEBUTS “WORTH THE ENVY” CAMPAIGN, INSPIRING OTHERS TO REVERE TRADITION, EMBRACE PROGRESS, AND REIMAGINE THE EXPECTED

ANGEL’S ENVY® DEBUTS “WORTH THE ENVY” CAMPAIGN, INSPIRING OTHERS TO REVERE TRADITION, EMBRACE PROGRESS, AND REIMAGINE THE EXPECTED

The National Campaign Builds on the Multi-Award Winning Brand’s Mission to Craft The Future of Bourbon and Break Stereotypes

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 18, 2024 — ANGEL’S ENVY®, the global brand that produces finished whiskeys at their Louisville-based distillery, announces its new campaign, “Worth The Envy.” Launching across the U.S., the TV, digital, social, and multimedia campaign launches to motivate people everywhere to raise the bar. As a brand at the forefront of the whiskey industry, ANGEL’S ENVY is on a mission to transcend and reimagine the category by breaking out of the traditional norms.

Inspired by the brand’s name and origin story, ANGEL’S ENVY’s “Worth The Envy” campaign redefines envy as a virtue. It positions envy as a positive; a catalyst to create enviable moments in their lives as a source of influence to reimagine what people expect from bourbon and to challenge the category standard.

“At ANGEL’S ENVY, we pride ourselves in our innovative nature and origin. We were one of the first distillers ever to bring secondary finishing to the bourbon industry at a time when it was considered a somewhat radical and visionary concept,” said Maria Dao, North America Marketing Director, ANGEL’S ENVY. “Worth the Envy strives to bend how people think about bourbon.”

“Worth The Envy” premieres with a 30-second spot that takes viewers on a thrilling “pursuit of envy” through a diverse cast of characters and unexpected locations. A bottle of ANGEL’S ENVY Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels is the hero, guiding the crowd around a vibrant hotel hallway, through an intimate loft space, and a chic pool party. The spot culminates at a sunset beach soiree, where the bottle and a cocktail are sitting heroically on the table before being picked up, leaving the audience guessing where ANGEL’S ENVY will take them next.

“When we think of bourbon, it’s typically driven by moody and isolating environments, limited cocktail offerings, and enjoyed primarily by aficionados,” said Bruno Luglio, Executive Creative Director at Sid Lee, the brand’s creative agency of record. “By embracing ANGEL’S ENVY’s rule-bending ethos, we were inspired to create a campaign that’s as exciting, inclusive, and progressive as ANGEL’S ENVY itself — and captured an opportunity to flip perceptions of envy – and bourbon – and reimagine it as a motivation to raise the bar.”

The new campaign will air the 30-second spot and cut down 15-second spots on NBC Sports and The Golf Channel, and on premium streaming services Hulu and Peacock.

For more information on ANGEL’S ENVY’s “Worth The Envy” campaign, visit https://angelsenvy.com or on Instagram (@angelsenvy). Please drink responsibly.

Spark Plug Cocktail Recipe
Mix up a delicious twist on the classic Espresso Martini Cocktail with ANGEL’S ENVY, as seen in the spot:

  • 1 ½ parts ANGEL’S ENVY Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels
  • 1 part Vanilla Liqueur
  • 2 parts Espresso

Add all ingredients into a shaker tin. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with three coffee beans or grated cinnamon.

ABOUT ANGEL’S ENVY
ANGEL’S ENVY is a global brand that produces finished whiskeys at their Louisville, Kentucky-based distillery. Founded in 2010, ANGEL’S ENVY was among the first American whiskey producers to employ a secondary finishing process broadly across its portfolio. Today, each of its award-winning whiskeys are finished in hand-selected barrels to add a distinct layer of flavor and complexity, and the ANGEL’S ENVY team continues to produce several highly acclaimed core offerings – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels and a Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks – as well as a variety of innovative, special releases.

ANGEL’S ENVY opened the doors to its Brand Home at 500 East Main Street in 2016, making it the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville. In June 2022, ANGEL’S ENVY completed an $8.2 million expansion to its Brand Home, doubling annual guest capacity.

ANGEL’S ENVY is available in all 50 U.S. states and several international markets, and it is produced by Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Whisky Auctioneer October 2024 Auction Now Live – Auction Whisky News

October 2024 Auction // 25.10 – 04.11.2024

Now Live: October Auction

A warm welcome to our October auction. Featuring over 7000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles. We have legendary vintages from pioneering independent bottlers, grandeur aplenty from established distilleries and unique and experimental drams from the hottest names in the whisky industry right now. Bid today

Springbank Millennium Malts

Karuizawa 1965 Bottles #1:

1965 Japonisme Edition / LMDW 60th Anniversary

1965 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #2372 / LMDW

1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 / LMDW

Port Ellen Special Releases #1 – #17

Incredible Bowmore

James MacArthur Caol Ila & Port Ellen

International Beverage unveils Old Pulteney single malt whisky’s new partnership with Nuno Mendes – Scotch Whisky News

International Beverage unveils Old Pulteney single malt whisky’s new partnership with Nuno Mendes

 Renowned chef’s culinary creations celebrate the unique flavour of ‘Old Pulteney Port’

Scotch whisky brand Old Pulteney has teamed up with celebrated Michelin Star chef Nuno Mendes, to create a series of exquisite recipes that showcase the latest release in Old Pulteney’s limited-edition Coastal Series, Old Pulteney Port.

Combining the rich maritime history of the brand’s home in Wick, with his own Portuguese heritage, Nuno Mendes has drawn inspiration from both locations to create a series of dishes that celebrate the whisky’s distinctive flavours.

“I’ve crafted these recipes to highlight the beautiful connection between Portuguese and Scottish cuisines, using Old Pulteney Port to enhance the natural flavours of the sea,” Mendes says. “The flavours I’ve explored are a celebration of our shared coastal heritage, and come to life through delicious, memorable dishes.”

Old Pulteney’s Distillery Manager, Malcom Waring, comments: “Nuno’s passion and creativity are the perfect complement to the unique character of our whisky. Like Nuno, we know how evocative and influential the sea can be in unlocking our senses, so we’re excited to see how whisky lovers and food enthusiasts embrace this special collaboration.”

Discover the recipes

  • Slow Baked Scallops with a Smoky Broth: Native Scottish scallops are delicately baked and paired with a broth infused with Old Pulteney Port, combining coastal character with notes of citrus and spice.
  • Arroz de Marisco with Lobster, Crab, and Old Pulteney Port: A classic Portuguese seafood rice dish, enhanced with the Old Pulteney Port’s subtle warmth and depth, creating a perfect marriage of flavours.
  • Soaked Portuguese Rice Cake with Old Pulteney and Caramel Custard Ice Cream: A unique twist on a traditional dessert, featuring a whisky-soaked rice cake and rich caramel custard ice cream that draws on the whisky’s smoky and spicy notes.

Speaking of the partnership, Samantha Peter, Global Digital, PR and Communication Manager for International Beverage says: “Ahead of the busy festive period, this is the perfect partnership to support our flagship brand and celebrate Old Pulteney’s world-renowned quality and maritime roots. We’re thrilled to be working with a chef of Nuno’s calibre and to see the creativity, flavour and flair he brings to our much-loved single malt whisky”.

For the full recipes, and to explore the culinary connection between Portugal and Scotland, visit HERE

Old Pulteney Port is available to purchase via Old Pulteney’s official website, The Whisky Exchange, and specialist whisky retailers for £76 RRP.

Old Pulteney Port: Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich sultana sweetness with vanilla and buttery notes, candied orange peel and hints of

gingerbread. Undertones of cherries, marzipan and dark chocolate add depth and balance.

Palate: Sweet and spicy with notes of baked apples, caramelised sugar and cinnamon swirl pastries. Opens up further with vanilla custard, a touch of rose water and The Maritime Malt’s signature minerality.

Finish: The taste continues into delicate and fruity notes, warming spices and plum jam sweetness.

Colour: Rose gold with a peach highlight.

ABV: 46%

International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.  It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits. These brands are enjoyed by consumers around the world and include Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya Rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits. www.interbevgroup.com

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies. The award-winning core collection includes Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old.

As the man behind the town’s 19th Century fishing boom, Sir William Pulteney put northerly Scottish coastal town Wick on the map, but today the Pulteney name is better known for its unique single malt whisky. Distilled and matured by the sea, the award-winning whisky in Old Pulteney’s casks is cocooned by salty air swept ashore on Arctic winds. Since 1826, Pulteney Distillery has navigated changeable seas and conditions, including 25 years of prohibition. Old Pulteney is inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home which is why it will always be The Maritime Malt.

In 2022, Old Pulteney launched its brand-new collection of limited-edition whiskies: The Coastal Series. The Series is made up of four expressions that have been further matured in seaside casks from coastal locations around the world. Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes and Old Pulteney Port are the first two releases in the collection.

Recent awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include the highly-coveted Platinum award for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old, Double Gold for Old Pulteney Huddart and 15 Years Old, and Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Old Pulteney 18 Years Old was also deemed Category Winner of the Highland Single Malt (13 to 20 Years) category at the World Whiskies Awards 2024 with Old Pulteney 15 Years Old securing Gold.

Nuno Mendes

Born in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, Nuno Mendes’ passion for travel and food began early, inspired by his father and grandmother. His culinary journey took him to the California Culinary Academy and later Japan, where he further sharpened his craft.

In 2006, Nuno made waves in London’s food scene with Bacchus in Hoxton, quickly gaining a reputation for his innovative approach. Following this were projects such as The Loft Project and Taberna do Mercado, which solidified his status as a boundary-pusher, while his Michelin-starred restaurants, Viajante and Mãos, received widespread acclaim.

In 2014, Nuno took the helm at Chiltern Firehouse as executive chef, leading it to success and publishing Chiltern Firehouse: The Cookbook (2016). His second cookbook, Lisboeta (2017), set the stage for his latest venture: Lisboeta on Charlotte Street, Soho – a celebration of Portuguese cuisine launched in 2022 in partnership with MJMK.

Johnnie Walker hits 100 in Thailand – Scotch Whisky News

Johnnie Walker hits 100 in Thailand

The fascination with Johnnie Walker is not just its popularity in so many countries across the world, but the longevity of that popularity. This year Johnnie Walker celebrates 100 years of sales in Thailand – a momentous feat. So, what is it about this icon that still manages to excite Thai drinkers a century after it first reached its shores.

Such is the depth of heritage of Diageo’s brand portfolio, you’re likely to celebrate an anniversary of significance almost every year. And this is certainly the case with a brand as rich in success, history and quality as Johnnie Walker.

This month we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the brand’s iconic “Keep Walking” (an example that truly does deserve the moniker of iconic!)

But even bigger than this and quite remarkably, we are celebrating 100 years of sales in Thailand. And even for a brand as large and powerful as Johnnie Walker in so many markets, it holds supreme status in Thailand:

  • It is the country’s number one International Spirits brand1
  • It has the highest market share of any Scotch brand in the market2
  • And it has been named number one spirits brand in Thailand by Brand Age magazine for 24 years in a row!3

Earlier in the year the team in Thailand unveiled a suitably celebratory series of activations mark the centenary. Firstly, the team launched a series of 100th Year Limited Edition collection. On top of that they are also working with famous Thai jewelry designer to create a further ten Limited Edition bottles – inspired by the idea: ‘what Blue Label will be in 100 years’ time’; one will get auctioned off.

So how is it that this most Scottish of drinks, made by a company founded by John Walker in Kilmarnock in 1820, continues to be Thailand’s number one International Spirits brand all these years later? What is it about the product and that brand that so appeals to Thai drinkers? And indeed, when you look at markets next door to Thailand, throughout Asia and beyond – how is that Scotch holds such a premier position?

Diageo.com spoke with Jarinee Womkangthong, Marketing Director, Thailand, to give greater insight into the Thai market, Thai drinkers and their fascination with Johnnie Walker.

Why has Johnnie Walker thrived in a market like Thailand for such a long time?

Even after 100 years, it still resonates with the Thai consumer – but that’s because we have always kept it relevant to them.

The philosophy of “Keep Walking” is strong in this market – defines its performance and success. But it embodies a lot of local culture as well – local activations under the Keep Walking/Striding man trademarks. Everyone here recognises the Striding Man; they know it represents Johnnie Walker.

The international image of the producer is certainly strong and continues to be – and the brand positioning works well. That always has conveyed the quality of the product – and the true value of the product.

What Johnnie Walker “labels” are the big sellers in Thailand?

Red Label and Black Label are the two biggest sub-brands – Red Label sales are slightly higher in volume, with Black slightly higher in value – but the figures are almost 50:50 on both sides. Although I will say that in the in the last decade we have seen significant growth in sales Johnnie Walker Blue – premiumisation is a growing trend in Thailand.

I would also add, however, that the modern Johnnie Walker drinker, whisky drinkers in their 20s are opting for Johnnie Walker Blonde, showing a growing taste for this lighter and sweeter version.

Does our marketing keep Johnnie Walker relevant in Thailand?

There used to be strict laws on advertising – but since they have been relaxed we have also run some famous and memorable campaigns – One of the most famous campaigns was “Winter in Bangkok” campaign in 2004 – which is underlining the idea of Keep Walking… that anything is possible – even snow in Bangkok! That campaign is still talk of the town. Our marketing over the last 20 years has consistently used the Keep Walking theme. In 2019, through 2020, we launched the WALK campaign. This included a series of events – like the WALK festivals in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Khon Kaen that elevated the Thai identity by Thai visual artists and presented Thai music from a new perspective.

We also launched a series of “Ready to design” Black Label bottles with the Thai WALK theme. We took the distinctive identity of each region in Thailand and used it as inspiration to design a bespoke bottle pattern – such as the Khon Kaen bottle (see picture)

We look to showcase the brand in culture – often through experiential activations and events; and we find that people really want to be part of these events. “The Blacklist” is an event that people still talk about.

Is there something about bar culture, the culture of socializing in Thailand that makes Johnnie Walker “work” so well?

Traditionally in Thailand in the on-trade, we buy product by the bottle – and then share it amongst the group we are with; so we’ll buy a glass of a mixer at the bar and then we pour a small measure into each of our glasses at the table – rather than buy the whisky by the glass. The most popular occasion for spirits for decades is lively, upbeat occasions in bars and nightclubs – and that is where Johnnie Walker works well.

Is the connection with cocktail culture and bars important?

We are working with bartender communities, using Black Label and Thai ingredients to create a “true” Thai cocktail. We did this partnering with World Class – and working with the Dry/Wave Cocktail Studio in Bangkok – https://www.instagram.com/drywavecocktailstudio/p/C6kclLcvZhN/

Highlights of the last 100 years

1924

Johnnie Walker sold and distributed for the first time in Thailand.

1939

Johnnie Walker was sold in the restaurant of the iconic Ratchathani Hotel of the State Railway of Thailand. The selling price of the Black Label mixed with soda is 65 satang per glass [equivalent, roughly, to 2p in today’s money].

1965

The Johnnie Walker brand appears on Thai movie screens for the first time in Money, Money, Money, starring Mitr Chaibancha.

1999

The iconic Striding Man symbol was altered, moving him from walking to the left because it was surveyed that more than 95% of people at that time were right-handed, and when they saw people turning to the right, they felt that they were walking forward, rather than turning left, which made people feel that it was a backward step.

2018

We designed the Blue Label Bangkok Edition bottle with a distinctive Thai symbol as a pattern on the bottle. It is produced and sold only in Thailand.

2024

We designed a limited-edition Black Label bottle to celebrate its 100th anniversary with black and gold tones and a man walking in Thailand’s most important landmarks. It is a celebration of 100 years that never stops.

1 IWSR Retail Sales Thailand 2023

2 IWSR Retail Sales Thailand 2023

3 Brandage : Johnny Walker drives the brand through product innovation and consumer experience.

Whisky Hammer October 2024 Auction ENDS SOON! – Auction Whisky News

 

Our September Auction ENDS TOMORROW!

Place your bids until 7pm (BST) Sunday 27th October 2024.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Singleton Of Dufftown – 53 Year Old (1964) Paragon Of Time

Hibiki – 40 Year Old

Karuizawa – 50 Year Old (1965) Single Casks (LMDW Exclusive)

Bowmore – 50 Year Old (1964) Black Bowmore The Last Cask

Balvenie – 50 Year Old (1963) Single Cask #4570 + #4567

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Upcoming Release: 16 Year Old American Oak – Tasmanian Single Malt News

16 Year Old American Oak

From its bright, tropical beginnings to its rich and textured finish, each subtle shift in flavour was carefully noted, as our tasting panel watched closely over 16 years to ensure this cask was given exactly the time it needed.

The evolution of 16 Year Old Single Cask TD0100 speaks not only to the unique character of the whisky itself but also to the dedication that defines our distillery. Each cask carries with it the story of time, care, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection, resulting in a whisky bottled at its peak – just as it was meant to be.

The ballot will open on Monday, October 28 at 10AM AEST.

16 Year Old American Oak Second-Fill
Old & Rare TD0100

“This whisky is an absolutely stunning expression of balance and complexity. Bold yet gentle, it captures the essence of its American Oak maturation with a remarkable structure. The harmonious integration of sweet, nutty, and citrus elements creates a captivating and unforgettable experience.”

– Sullivans Cove Sensory Team

Matured for 16 years in a single 300L American oak second-fill cask, yielding just 406 bottles at 47% ABV.

The Harris Journal: From Harris To Jerez (And Back Again) – Scotch Whisky News

Inspired by our latest whisky release, I left Harris for the home of sherry wine to wander around the towns and cities of Andalusia in south-west Spain.

It’s an incredible part of the world and the contrasts and comparisons with our island came thick and fast.

Steeped in history, the influences of religion run deep and their culture has been shaped by generations of conquests and conflict. Even the Vikings who left their mark on the village names of Harris have had a hand in Andalusian affairs…

The locals’ love of good food and drink, moreso when shared with friends and family, shone through, as did an approach to life lived at a more appreciative pace.

And then there was the music and dance, with the spirit of Flamenco flowing through their veins and a deep love of unaccompanied song and cèilidh-style celebrations…

While the jury’s still out on whether the Hebridean midge is worse than the Spanish mosquito, the weather is where we really differ however.

The sun-baked and summer-bleached colours of their landscapes could not be more different to our own, though both shared the same stark beauty.

Wherever you find yourself this weekend, seek out a bottle of The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured whisky and open to enjoy a taste of this wonderful corner of the globe, and its sherry region in particular.

We hope the rich, bold, and aromatic flavours will connect you not just to our home in Harris but to the men and women, from Jerez to Huelva, who helped us make it.

Slàinte / Salud!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

In the far south-western corner of Spain lies the ancient region of Andalusia. Here among hot and dusty hills of Huelva, the men and women of sherry-makers José y Miguel Martín ‘cooper’ casks with age-old craft and care before they are filled by their wineries in Jerez.

We first visited this historic part of world back in 2015 to begin our relationship with this highly respected family business. The ‘first fill’ Oloroso casks they select for us are now used to 100% mature our second whisky expression here in Harris bringing rich, bold, and aromatic flavours to our spirit.

Expect aromas of cinnamon, and cloves, alongside notes of charred oranges, white chocolate, green herbs, and hints of wood smoke. It’s an utterly delicious dram designed for drinking this coming season.

Order your bottle and open to discover more…

ORDER THE HEARACH OLOROSO

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society: The Winter Series is here – Scotch Whisky News

Whisky truly comes into its own in at this time of year as the nights draw in and spirits soar. The four bottlings in our new Winter Series are all about toasting the spirit of the ceilidh, a season of tale-telling, song-singing, and poetry. Dancing optional!

We’re releasing a limited number of Winter Series sets today, and you’ll also be able to purchase each bottle individually as we head through the season.

Don’t miss your chance to share the spirit of the season!

SHOP THE SET

The 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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW


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