THE RAREST OF SPEYSIDE – AULTMORE® WINE CASK COLLECTION LAUNCHES AT HEATHROW WITH WORLD DUTY FREE

HAMILTON, BERMUDA 11 APRIL 2019 Whisky lovers flying through Heathrow this Easter are in for a rare treat with the launch of the new AULTMORE® Wine Cask Collection on 18^th April, a limited-run edition only available from World Duty Free Stores at Heathrow.

Georgie Bell, the AULTMORE Global Brand Ambassador will be in World Duty Free stores in Terminals 3 and 5 on 18 April, for bottle signings and tastings sessions, running throughout the day.

The AULTMORE Wine Cask Collection is part of the EXCEPTIONAL CASK SERIES (launched May 2018) – a collection of superlative bottlings from the single malt distilleries of; ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGLLEACHIE®, ROYAL BRACKLA® and GLEN DEVERON®. The series comprises a number of extraordinary bottlings specially chosen by Malt Master, Stephanie MacLeod.

Exclusively bottled for Heathrow passengers, MacLeod has hand-selected three 22-year-old AULTMORE expressions, each a with a distinct wine cask finish. Each of the three whiskies in the collection was initially matured for 11 years in re-fill sherry and bourbon casks, followed by an additional 11-year maturation in one of three different ex-wine casks:

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Super Tuscan Finish

Maturing for an additional 11 years in a Super Tuscan red wine cask, from one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, imparts incredible elegance and an intense smoothness to the ethereal quality of AULTMORE. Notes of buttery toffee, unctuous vanilla and concentrated floral aromas are offset with a delicate oakiness. Bottled at 52.1%, 108 bottles are available, priced at £360 (70cl).

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Château-Neuf-du-Pape Finish

The glorious, rich Château-Neuf-du-Pape red wine casks enhance the delicate side of AULTMORE to create luxurious deep red fruity notes, veiling the whisky with floral hues and touches of spice. Complex fruits – figs, plump juicy grapes and the scent of honeysuckle all redolent of the south of France. Bottled at 52.1%, 144 bottles are available, priced at £340 (70cl).

AULTMORE 22 Years Old – Moscatel Finish

After eleven years in Moscatel casks, the sweet wine has imparted decadence and honeyed sweetness to the delicate AULTMORE whisky. Layered with florals, vibrant with ripe fruits, potent spices and a long luxurious finish. Bottled at 52.1%, 222 bottles are available, priced at £320 (70cl).

The first 50 shoppers purchasing all three expressions together can choose to have them housed in an elegant wine presentation box, featuring printed tasting notes.

Notes:

About AULTMORE Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1897 by Alexander Edward, AULTMORE distillery inhabits a strange, secluded place by the winding Buckie Road. Its whisky was ranked ‘top-class’ by industry insiders many moons ago, yet it’s long been something of a secret, one kept and enjoyed by canny locals.

Aultmore draws its water from the misty, mysterious area known as the Foggie Moss, where it is naturally filtered through gorse and heather. This, along with peat-free malt, ensures the eventual whisky’s light, clean character and makes for a dram of green grassy notes and supreme smoothness.

The portfolio comprises three AULTMORE single malts: the 12 Years Old, 18 Years Old and 21 Years Old.

Ben Nevis Batch #1

10 Year Old cask strength limited edition matured in sherry and bourbon casks. Ben Nevis 10 Year Old 2008 vintage Small Batch Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Limited edition matured in first fill Sherry, Bourbon and Wine casks bottled September 2018. Each bottle is numbered.

Ben Nevis Distillery is a Highland malt whiskey distillery established by John McDonald in 1825 at Inverlochy just north of Fort William and rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A Coffey’s Still was installed in in 1955 and both malt and grain whiskies were produced simultaneously until 1981. The core range comprises Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, McDonald’s Traditional and single cask bottling are released from time to time. The distillery is owned by Nikka of Japan.

Shop $109.50

Highly Coveted and Extremely Rare, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Returns with a Limited Re-Release to Commemorate the 84th Anniversary of Stitzel-Weller’s Opening

Masterfully aged at the revered Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the award-winning bourbon is back

LOUISVILLE, April 9, 2019 In celebration of the historic opening of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery 84 years ago, Blade and Bow re-releases its rare and limited 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. An ode to the distinctive distillers who set the standard for crafting exceptional bourbon, this award-winning whiskey is the latest release from the famed distillery and will be available in 12 states along with a select allocation solely for Stitzel-Weller.

At 92 proof and 46% ABV, each drop of the liquid earns its 2017 title in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible as Best Bourbon 10 years and over from multiple barrels. With the perfect blend of smoky, spicy and sweet, whiskey enthusiasts seeking an expression of true mastery are sure to be delighted with every sip.

Beginning with a pronounced nose reminiscent of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, this limited-release bourbon taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices, said North American Whiskey Educator Doug Kragel.  “It’s the kind of rare whiskey that makes you want to savor every note slowly, because at some point in the future, supply will run out”

Blade and Bow will toast the 22-Year-Old bourbon at its fourth annual A Stitzel-Weller Affair on May 3. Guests will gather for an exquisite supper on the lawn featuring an epicurean collaboration between famed Charleston, SC, culinary entrepreneur Brooks Reitz and beloved local chef Susan Hershberg, complemented by the soulful music of indie-folk band, Mt. Joy.

Embodying the unique artistry that has been produced by Stitzel-Weller’s rich traditions, the rarity of Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old has created a cult-like following, drawing in consumers who are looking to taste a bit of the past. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available in limited quantities in the following states: California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. The limited release will be available starting in mid-April. Learn more by following @bladeandbowwhiskey on Instagram.

This remarkable bourbon is best enjoyed slowly and responsibly in order to truly taste the passion that is layered throughout every drop.

About Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow whiskey is currently available in two variants, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45.5-46% Alc/Vol

©2019 STITZEL-WELLER DISTILLING CO., LOUISVILLE, KY.

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, J&B, 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 Diageoa’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1995 Sherry Cask

Single cask sherry butt from the Highland distillery bottled in 2019 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. 289 bottles at cask strength, 55.7%. Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1995 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single sherry butt #15758 bottled 2019 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. 289 bottles.

Blair Athol Distillery was established in 1798 in Pitlochry and with footprints in four centuries it is one of oldest working malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. Purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons in1933 it is the spiritual ‘home’ of Arthur Bell’s range of blended scotch whisky complete with distillery visitor centre and Blair Athol Distillery tours. Although a large proportion of Blair Athol’s malt whisky cascades into blends, Bell’s to be precise, independent bottlings of Blair Athol single malts feature in the popular Connoisseurs Choice and Signatory Vintage ranges.

Shop – Blair Athol 23 Year Old – £109.58

SAZERAC INTRODUCES “MISTER SAM,” HIGHLY LIMITED NEW BLENDED WHISKEY 

“Mister Sam” Whiskey is a Blend of Sazerac’s Finest American and Canadian Whiskeys and Pays Tribute to Late Seagram’s Leader
Sam Bronfman

Montreal, canada (April 9, 2019) – Sam Bronfman, or “Mister Sam,” as he was affectionately known, was the founder of the modern day distilled spirits industry.  Despite his humble origins as an immigrant to Canada from Imperial Russia in the late 1800s, Bronfman would go on to propel Seagram’s into the then largest and most successful distilled spirits company in the world.  Relentlessly focused on making and blending the finest whiskies possible, maintaining the highest quality standards in the industry, creating cutting edge packaging to appeal to consumers and driving incessant product innovation, “Mister Sam” created some of the world’s most iconic spirit brands while at the helm of the Seagram’s empire until his death in 1971.

Montreal, Canada served as the headquarters of the legendary Seagram Company and its patriarch Sam Bronfman.  The tie between the Seagram and Sazerac Companies was formed in the 1940s, when Sazerac’s owners became one of the first distributors of Seagram brands in the United States, forging a long lasting relationship between the two companies.  Today, Sazerac owns 15 former Seagram’s brands including the iconic Seagram’s V.O., Seagram’s Five Star, and Seagram’s ’83, along with its own Distillery in Montreal.

As a tribute to “Mister Sam” and the vast contribution he made to the industry, the Sazerac Company has developed a highly limited blended whiskey expression made with some of Sazerac’s finest American and Canadian Whiskeys.  The “Mister Sam” blend was created by Sazerac’s Master Blender Drew Mayville whose career included a 22 year stint at Seagram’s where he was the fourth and last Master Blender under the Seagram dynasty. Mayville had the vast array of Sazerac’s American and Canadian Whiskey stocks at his disposal while developing the final blend. This project holds a special place in Mayville’s heart, a native Canadian now living in Kentucky.

“I was thrilled to be able to work on the blend for this exciting tribute whiskey.  Mister Sam was known to say ‘Distilling is a science; Blending is an art,’ and he’s right.  Creating the elusive perfect blend is every bit about experimentation and precision.  We’re very proud of the whiskey we’ve created.”

So too is F. Paul Pacult, publisher/editor of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal, who has reviewed the “Mister Sam” blend and has given it Five Stars and notes that it is “An Instant Classic” with a finish “that’s hugely satisfying.”

Pacult’s complete “Mister Sam” tasting notes are as follows:

Nose:  Cigar box, pipe tobacco, Madeira cake, toffee in that order of ascent, but then there’s a rush of oaky vanilla, limestone, flint and sweetened breakfast cereal.  Hearty but elegant, woody but grainy, and floral yet spicy, quite an achievement.

Mouth:

Entry: Wow, this whiskey is high octane and scintillating, meaning there’s a lot happening here between the spirit fire and the oaky flavor and the lush texture, all pulling the taste profile forward.

Midpalate:  the majestic flavors blanket the palate with lush tastes of raisins, prunes, mince pie, candied walnut, chocolate covered cherry, heather honey, toasted marshmallow, praline, nougat, pecan pie.

Texture: Full bodied; oily; viscous

Finish: The aftertaste merely underscores all the attributes and virtues identified in the aroma, entry, and midpalate, bringing them into a grand finale that’s hugely satisfying.

Bottled at Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery in Montreal, Quebec, “Mister Sam” is 133.8 Proof and will be released once a year.  The recently bottled 2019 release features just 1,200 750ml bottles and will be sold only in the United States and Canada.  Suggested Retail Price is $249.99.  Bottles of “Mister Sam” will be housed in an elegant wooden box which will include a copy of the legendary “From Little Acorns” book which Sam Bronfman penned in 1970 and which details the history of the Seagram’s company.

The Old Montreal Distillery, located adjacent to the Port and Old Montreal, dates back to 1929. Sazerac purchased the Distillery in 2011 and brought distilling back to Old Montreal for the first time in decades when it installed a still and began producing whisky in early 2018. The Distillery employs more than 100 employees and is currently undergoing renovations to add a  visitor center and gift shop. It plans to start offering tours by the end of 2019.

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.

Littlemill 30 Year Old

1988 vintage sherry cask for the Hart Bros Legends Collection. Just 100 numbered bottles. Littlemill 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask sherry butt bottled March 2019 Hart Brothers for the Legends Collection series. 100 numbered bottles. Sweet and slightly spicy on the palate. Smooth with a long lasting warming finish. Dark chocolate and treacle. Heather honey, vanilla, custard, banana and summer fruits. Tangerines with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Littlemill Distillery was established in 1772 to the west of Bowling by the north shore of the River Clyde and on the main road into Glasgow. Subsequent modifications during the 1930s resulted in a number of novel features including double ventilation towers which sat over a single drying kiln and pot stills with rectifiers rather than the traditional swan necks. The combination of pot and column stills in Littlemill Distillery was designed to produce malt whisky which was expected to mature quickly. When production ceased in 1992 Littlemill Distillery was the oldest working malt whisky distillery in Scotland. Closed in 194 and demolished in 2006 and now Littlemill is a lost Scottish distillery although the shell of the manager’s house remains.

Shop £1,385.10

New releases from Hunter Laing’s Authors’ Series

Each Authors’ Series release is dedicated to a particular figure in literature, featuring a photograph or drawing of them on the front label and a paragraph detailing their history on the back. The wax-sealed, decanter-like bottles are presented in a handsome hinged gift box and the whiskies themselves are selected by Andrew Laing as especially rich and complex casks from distilleries across Scotland.

AUTHORS’ SERIES SPRINGBANK 1997 21 YEAR OLD – OSCAR WILDE

A single cask release from the highly collectable authors series range, this Campbeltown single malt was distilled at Springbank in 1997 and matured in a single sherry cask for 21 years. Bottled at 52.9% abv, this edition has been paired with legendary author Oscar Wilde.

Nose: Intense notes of sherry-maturation are immediately apparent, with raisins, plums and oranges combing with a wonderful wood polish/old library note.

Palate: Christmas cake, dark chocolate, cherries, pepper and a faint hint of smoke.

Finish: Beautifully dry and smoky.

£625.00 – Buy Now

AUTHORS’ SERIES TULLIBARDINE 1993 25 YEAR OLD – WILLIAM THACKERAY

A new expression of the highly acclaimed authors series, this limited edition has been paired with legendary author William Thackeray. Distilled at the Highlands’ Tullibardine distillery in 1993 and matured in a single cask for a quarter of a century, this expression is bottled at a natural cask strength of 53.3% abv.

Nose: Vanilla custard, apricots, barley sugar and the sweetest of oak.

Palate: Malty and mouth-filling with caramel, apple crumble and a touch of honey.

Finish: Long, sweet and satisfying.

£395.00 – Buy Now

AUTHORS’ SERIES TORMORE 1988 30 YEAR OLD – CHARLES BAUDELAIRE

The latest limited edition from the much coveted Authors’ Series paired with legendary author Charles Baudelaire, this single malt was distilled at the Tormore distillery in 1988 before being aged for three decades in a single cask.

Nose: Honey, apples, toffee and hints of melon on the nose.

Palate: Slightly waxy with orange, pineapple and rich malty notes.

Finish: A long finish with hints of strawberry combining with the sweetest of oak.

£425.00 – Buy Now

AUTHORS’ SERIES PROBABLY SPEYSIDE’S FINEST 1968 50 YEAR OLD – NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

The latest release from the much coveted Authors’ Series this Glenfarclas 50 year old has been matured in a sherry cask and bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.2%. This whisky is partnered with the legendary author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Nose: Rich notes of the finest Oloroso sherry maturation with chocolate, sultanas, raspberries, plums and even coffee.

Palate: Intense red fruits with more ripe plums, cherries, hints of liquorice, orange and Jamon Iberico.

Finish: Incredibly long with the sweetness of the red fruits lingering on the tongue.

£2,750.00 – Buy Now

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel 70cl

Created from a sour mash of corn, rye and malted barley, this single barrel bourbon was originally reserved for dignitaries and friends of Colonel Blanton himself.

70cl / 46.5% abv

Tasting Notes

Nose: Spicy dried citrus fruits with a touch of caramel and vanilla.

Palate: Soft burnt sugar and caramel alongside orange peel and cloves.

Finish: Vanilla and honey balanced with citrus.

£65.00 – Buy Now

Limited to 3 bottes per customer

Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel Whiskey 70cl

A smooth and clean bourbon made with a sour mash of corn, rye and malted barley, matured in American White Oak casks. A superb single barrel bourbon. Each bottle is hand filled, sealed, labelled and individually numbered. Recently awarded single cask of the year in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2019.

70cl / 51.5% abv

Tasting Notes

Nose: Honey, rye, dried fruits, vanilla and chocolate.

Palate: Rich and full with apricot, butter, pepper, honey and oak.

Finish: Long and smooth with toffee apples, pecan and caramel.

£109.00 – Buy Now

Limited to 3 bottles per customer

LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY TO RELEASE COMMEMORATIVE AQUA VITAE ‘THABILL’ IN HONOUR OF ALL-STAR CHESS TOURNAMENT 

Lindores Abbey Distillery is to release a commemorative edition of its Aqua Vitae, Aqua Vitae Thabill, in honour of the all-star chess tournament that will take place at the distillery on 25^th and 26^th May. Players taking part include World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, former World Chess Champion Viswanathan ‘Vishy’ Anand and Ding Liren, three-time Chinese Chess Champion. 

Normally made from an unaged, malt-based spirit, the basis of the Thabill will be an exquisite 18-month old Lindores spirit which has been maturing in oak casks from Thiron-Gardais in France. The town is home to Tiron Abbey, the mother abbey of the Tironensian order and sister abbey to Lindores along with Kelso and Arbroath.

The name Thabill refers to an inventory of the abbey which took place in the 1480s and mentioned ‘twa pairs of thabills wt thair men’ – two chessboards with their pieces, in today’s parlance. Chess has been a part of the abbey’s history for more than 500 years, and this spirit is a fitting tribute to the game of kings. 

Only 500 bottles will be produced, making this an extremely rare opportunity to sample the most mature Lindores spirit thus produced. The bottles will be sold both online at www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com and in the distillery shop, and will cost £150. A proportion of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to STAR, the distillery’s chosen charity which provides a safe, happy place for children in foster care to be reunited with siblings who have been placed in separate homes.

The tournament will take place over two days and the games will be played in the distillery itself, overlooking the abbey ruins. The games will be streamed on screens throughout the visitor centre for the public (the game-side seats are by invitation only).

#CHESSATLINDORES

For further information and images, please contact Poppy McKenzie Smith on poppystill@lindoresabbeydistillery.com

NOTES 

 Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the River Tay which was given to him by his brother, King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens, warriors and statesmen. William Wallace took refuge there with 300 of his men after their victory over the English. It is considered by many to be the spiritual home of scotch whisky, as the earliest record of the spirit cited by the exchequer roll for 1494 is a commission from King James IV to Friar John Cor of Lindores Abbey to make ‘eight bols of malt.’

Aqua Vitae – the first release from this historic site is a tribute to the origins of Scotch as we know it today – the earliest ‘aqua vitae’ was made at Lindores Abbey as long ago as 1494. Distilled in pot stills, our malt spirit is then infused with a blend of spices and herbs, including cleavers, lemon verbena and sweet cicely, which all grow in our gardens amidst the grounds of the ancient Abbey. It is entirely natural, un-chill-filtered, with no added sugars.

Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian Chess Grandmaster, the World #1 and World Chess Champion. An exceptional chess prodigy, he became a chess grandmaster in 2004, at the age of 13 years, 148 days, making him the third youngest grandmaster in history. He is the highest rated player in the world and in the history of chess, with a peak rating of 2882.

Viswanathan Anand, known popularly as “Vishy”, is an Indian chess Grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. Anand was the first Indian to win the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000 and since then he has won this Championship in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. He remained the undisputed World Champion from 2007 to 2013.

Ding Liren is a three-time Chinese Chess Champion (2009, 2011, 2012) and has represented China at all four Chess Olympiads from 2012 to 2018, winning team gold medals in 2014 and 2018 and individual bronze and gold medals in 2014 and 2018 respectively. In August 2015, he became the second Chinese player to break into the top 10 of the FIDE world rankings.

Tomatin 30 Year Old

1988 vintage cask bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Connoisseurs Choice series. Just 199 bottles. Tomatin 30 Year Old 1988 Connoisseurs Choice vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill American hogshead #18/070 bottled December 2018 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. 199 bottles.

Shop £399.95

Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897 and operated with two stills until 1956 after which there were frequent and numerous additions culminating in 23 stills in 1986 making Tomatin the largest distillery in Scotland at that time. However, eleven were subsequently closed and it is currently equipped with twelve but operating with eight. Tomatin Distillery is a Highland distillery situated close to the Cairngorms National Park and, sitting at an altitude of 315m, it is the third highest distillery in Scotland. The official range includes Tomatin 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and the peated Cu Bocan range.