PRIVATE TASTINGS OF BUNNAHABHAIN, BLACK BOTTLE AND SCOTTISH LEADER AT WHISKY LIVE

Join Ian MacMillan, master distiller and blender of Bunnahabhain, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader, for a private tasting at the FNB Whisky Live Festival from 3 to 5 November 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town. The Festival will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily.

MacMillan, who has over 35 years’ experience in whisky distilling and blending, will cover the rich history and unique characteristics of each of the three Bunnahabhain single malts produced on the Isle of Islay, of Scottish Leader, a combination of malt and grain whiskies, and of Black Bottle, a blend of all the renowned single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies. Bookings for the private tastings need to be made on the evening at the entrance of the tasting area adjacent to the Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle stands during Whisky Live.

Scottish Leader has recently seen a pack upgrade with a new bottle and label which now, in recognition of master blender Ian MacMillan, carries his signature. Visitors to Whisky Live will have the opportunity to meet the man behind Scottish Leader as he shares his passion for this blend. Created in the 1800s by the Ross Brothers, Scottish Leader is today one of the fastest growing whisky brands internationally with its new label reflecting the premium quality and heritage of the brand.

MacMillan will also lead visitors in a tasting of the rare Bunnahabhain 12-, 18- and 25-year-olds which recently received a halo of golden awards at the 2010 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). The Bunnahabhain 25-year-old received gold and best in class while the 12- and 18-year-olds both received gold awards. Earlier this year the Bunnahabhain 18- and 25-year-olds were highlighted at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition both earning gold while the 12-year-old and 18-year-old both achieved gold status in the Islay category at the Spirits Business 2010 Spirit Masters.

The whiskies are all known for their gentle taste profiles and unique character. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows there freely underground, untainted by the peaty moorlands. Consumers that are either new to single malts or prefer the slightly fruitier offerings from Islay will select Bunnahabhain as their whisky of choice.

Black Bottle with its bold taste has been praised by critics and whisky-lovers across the world, and over the years it has secured a cult following for its unique history and profile. Few if any whiskies come close in terms of style that matches this exceptional blend consisting of the renowned seven single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies.

The whisky boasts a proud and fascinating heritage, with its origins in late 19th century Aberdeen where the tea merchant Gordon Graham’s ability to blend tea, soon moved to the blending of whiskies. This particular blend, which he marketed in opaque black bottles, in time, became the whisky of choice of the locals of Aberdeen.

The Johannesburg festival runs from 10 to 12 November and MacMillan will only be available for one evening (10 November) where after whisky connoisseur and Master of the Quaich, Pierre Meintjes, will conduct the private tastings.

Notes

1.     Master distiller and blender Ian MacMillan will be available for interviews in Cape Town (3 to 5 November) and Johannesburg (10 to 11 November). Contact Linda Christensen, De Kock Communications, at (021) 873 2199 or at linda@dkc.co.za

2.     Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle belong to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are equal partners in a joint venture which owns and markets this selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.