Glenrothes 1971 MacPhail’s Collection

$507.78 SHOP NOW >

Glenrothes 1971 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Matured in 1st fill Sherry butt and refill American casks bottled 2015 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Macphail’s Collection series. Nose: Reminiscent of Christmas cake – rich fruits with some fresh orange peel notes and a hint of chocolate. Taste: Underlying sweetness, fresh pear notes and a subtle almond in the background. Glenrothes Distillery was established in the narrow valley of the Rothes Burn on the west side of Rothes in the Speyside whiskey region by James Stuart & Co. in 1878. This is a large malt whiskey distillery owned by Berry Bros & Rudd of London, with eighteen washbacks, ten copper stills singing in their own mighty cathedral and has retained its traditional pagoda roof. Popular distillery releases include Glenrothes 1995, 1998 and Glenrothes Peated.

CHIVAS REGAL ULTIS: THE ESSENCE OF CHIVAS REGAL

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched Chivas Regal Ultis; the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas.

Capturing the true essence of Chivas Regal, Chivas Regal Ultis uses only five of Chivas Regal’s most precious, signature single malts from Speyside, Scotland, and represents the style and diversity of this prestigious, world-renowned whisky region.
The latest release has been crafted with hand-selected malts from Tormore, Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval, presenting complex flavours, a golden hue and a commanding rich aroma. Out of millions of casks in inventory at Chivas Brothers, less than 1% are used to create Chivas Regal Ultis, with the expert blending team individually nosing and selecting those of the highest quality to craft the blend; a traditional method of hand-selection that is no longer standard in the Scotch whisky industry today.
Since 1909, only five men have ever mastered the iconic Chivas Regal house style, and Chivas Regal Ultis pays tribute to the strength of vision, commitment and mastery of Master Blenders; Charles Howard, Charles Julian, Allan Baillie, Jimmy Lang and of Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott.

The luxurious Chivas Regal Ultis bottle mirrors the precious whisky within and is designed to provide impactful on-shelf stand-out with a slender shape and contemporary crest in gold champagne. In honour of the Chivas Regal Master Blenders and representing the five signature malts within, the bottle features a unique pen-clip closure which is etched with five rings, and a striking placement of the Roman numeral figure for five on the highly crafted base and within the textured crest label.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, comments: “I am honoured to have been one of only five Master Blenders for Chivas Regal, and I believe that Chivas Regal Ultis represents the true essence of this iconic Scotch whisky. With the release of Chivas Regal Ultis, only the most precious single malts from five signature Speyside distilleries have been selected to craft this luxury blended malt whisky from the House of Chivas.”

“The crystalline freshness of Tormore shines through along with the contrasting, hint of spicy warmth present in Allt A’Bhainne, while the Longmorn single malt adds balance to the blend. The floral style of Braeval complements the fruity sweetness of Strathisla to create a complex and rich blended malt Scotch whisky. Chivas Regal Ultis is a blend that draws on expertise that has been handed down throughout the centuries and it will delight whisky connoisseurs around the world.”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, adds: “To launch the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas is truly a momentous occasion. Chivas Regal Ultis represents the essence of Chivas Regal and is a fitting tribute to our legendary craftsmen of the past, with recognition of the luxury quality of our Scotch whisky portfolio. Chivas Regal Ultis is set to appeal to discerning drinkers looking to impress at special occasions as well as Scotch whisky aficionados searching for their next luxury whisky experience.”

Chivas Regal Ultis will be launching globally in all major retailers and travel retail from October 2016 at a RRP of USD$200.

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon.
www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

We pride ourselves in treading the balance between rich tradition and daring innovation, and we’ve decided to take this ideology to the next level. 

Please join us in welcoming to America the Ohishi Japanese Whiskies! 

Ohishi Brandy Cask Whisky is a marriage of just a few casks of whisky that have been matured in ex-brandy barrels. The brandy casks give an elegance of soft oak, vanilla, pineapple and a touch of oxidation and rancio that compliments the silkiness of the rice in a very complex manner.

Ohishi Single Sherry Cask Whisky distilled from rice and is matured fully in fresh Sherry Casks. Each cask is hand selected by the master distiller Oishi-san and represents the beauty of light and dark juxtaposition that is the soft silky texture of rice whisky synchronized with the massive sherry influence of the cask. Big raisins, figs, and oak spice cover the nose and palate. Like sherry cask scotch whisky, but uniquely its own in mouth feel and aroma.

Ohishi is the closest distillery to the Kuma River, one of the three fastest flowing in Japan, renowned for its superb water quality. The Distillery is blessed with fertile soil and clear underground water, elements of an environment in which it upholds tradition but is always open to experimenting with new approaches. In addition to mochi rice from Kumamoto, they also use gohyakumanishi which is grown with an organic farming method that involves koi carp to control weeds in paddy fields.

With about 1200 Sherry and Brandy casks, Ohishi diligently matures its products over a long stretch of time until the whisky has reached a proper balance of oak and sherry influence. 

We are very proud of representing these two whiskies and hope you are just as excited as we are! Feel free to reach out for more information and to get your hands on this stunning new arrival. 

RRP $74.99

Sam & the GRC Imports Team

sam@grcimports.com

October Outturn brings a colourful collection of vibrant and lively drams that dance across the tongue. Taste and explore 7 new single casks that strike dramatically at the senses.  Beautifully balanced but powerful, expect zingy zest, lip-smacking sweetness and spice, and intense, super smoke.

CASK No. 55.24  CHERRY PIE MOONSHINE

20 years old; 2nd fill hogshead; 52.7%; Spicy & sweet

Evocative aromas of late summer cornfields in the Midwest as Tom Sawyer begins to whitewash a fence. The taste neat was that of corn on the cob or homemade blackcurrant jam. Water added root beer and ‘cherry pie moonshine’.

CASK No. C1  NECTAR CÉLESTE

XO years old; french oak barrel; 48.4%; Spicy & sweet

Magical intensity on the nose; wood smouldering through a magnifying glass, burning incense as well as curled-up treacle scones. The taste was creamy, sweet with a teasing spiciness. Add a drop of water; you might just get ‘un petit coin de paradis’.  The Society’s very first Cognac!

CASK No. 9.88  A HEART STARTER

25 years old; refill butt; 55.3%; Spicy & dry

Dry and unusually smoky: Brazil nuts, over-steeped jasmine tea, mushrooms, high strength cocoa powder, treacle toffee. Some liquorice, salted caramel, figs, dark chocolate, coffee and burnt toast (with jam) on the palate. Very different from the familiar light-weight proprietary bottlings.

CASK No. 128.6  RUMBLING, REVERBERATING RESONANCES

7 years old; 1st fill Madeira hogshead; 59.9%; Spicy & sweet

Black Forest cherry cake, cinder toffee, dried dates, tobacco and furniture restoration workshops. Then, old books in libraries, cherry brandy, Christmas pudding and after-dinner chocolate mints. Perfectly delicious and mightily intriguing, this whisky emerged from the cask with a natural haze.

CASK No. 4.217  NORDIC NOSH

19 years old; refill hogshead; 53.9%; Oily & coastal

Aromas of smoked mackerel salad, sweet cured marinated herring and potato salad with sour cream, whilst on the palate Swedish meatballs, dry-cured smoked ham and summertime sweet pickles. Diluted, a vegetarian kebab skewer and in the finish slightly burnt marshmallows.

CASK No. 66.82  GRITTY TURNED PRETTY

17 years old; refill gorda; 57.5%; Deep, rich and dried fruits

A heavily Sherry-fed fruit cake and a roast leg of lamb, before we tasted God’s wrath in the form of smoke, embers and brimstone. Even with a liberal amount of water it’s still massive.  Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

CASK No. 10.90  MUCKLE, MASSIVE INTENSITY OF SMOKE

9 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Heavily peated

The nose hurls a wave of peat-smoke and smouldering sawdust – surfing that wave are grilled prawns and a wet dog smoking a cigar. The breath-taking palate has tar, smoke and ash, barbecued scallops, pork crackling, liquorice, toffee and school cagoules.

SMWS Canada

It’s that time of year again when Diageo unleash their annual Special Releases, which, as usual, are all limited editions and tend to sell out pretty quickly. At the time of writing this newsletter we still have stocks of everything except the Port Ellen release so in compensation we have listed an amazing value for money Port Ellen bottled by our friends at Gordon & Macphail.

Hopefully next week we will be able to reveal the details of our new Single Cask Casino Series bottlings which are pretty special to say the least. Simply click on each bottle image to be taken to our website where further in-depth information will be provided for each bottle. Why not pay us a visit at our Retail Store in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter? To take a virtual walk around our store please click here

Until next time Jason Kirby

New whiskies at The Whisky Barrel this week

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 Cask Strength

$49.99 SHOP NOW > 

Islay single malt matured in first fill sherry butts and bottled July 2016 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Cask Strength series. Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whiskey. Matured in 1st fill sherry butts #301521, #301523, #301524 & #301527 bottled July 2016 by Gordon & MacPahil for the Cask Strength series. Caol Ila Distillery is famous for the stunning view from its still house windows looking out across the Sound of Islay and for the objects which have passed by including naval battleships, submarines and whales. Caol Ila was established in 1846 by Hector Henderson on a sheltered but rocky stretch of coast on north east Islay. Now the largest malt whiskey distillery on Islay it produces peated and some un-peated malt whiskey with the distillery range including Caol Ila 12 year old and the Distiller’s Edition. Caol Ila participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music.

Hello Whisk(e)y Lovers! Welcome to October and that magical time of year when the new whiskey releases start coming fast and furiously! I’ve been on the road for most of the past month, hoping to shore up our stocks and solidify any outstanding deals we have coming for the big holiday rush. Having made an emergency trip to Scotland a few weeks back in search of supplies, I did make some time to stop by a few of my favorite distilleries and taste what was on the horizon. Having traveled with the Laing family over to Islay to visit their new Ardnahoe distillery site near Bunnahabhain (check out the info and photos here if you missed my blog piece), I was able to make my over to Ardbeg and Bruichladdich as well. Ardbeg was a total zoo as they were releasing their new 21 year old limited edition release in the distillery gift shop that day, but they did have a few bottles open to taste.

ARDBEG 21 YEAR OLD “2016 COMMITTEE RELEASE”

Ardbeg 21 Year Old “2016 Committee Release” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (one bottle limit) $499.99

The whisky is quite delicate and light on its feet in contrast to what Ardbeg has been become known for over the last decade. Fans of the more restrained and ethereal style of whisky will be pleased. There’s long and lovely note of faint vanilla with overtones of creamy malt that mellow out the peat and the salt. Those looking for a big, bold, and brash expression of Ardbeg will want to look elsewhere. The new 21 year old release is an exercise in total restraint and balance, unlike the uber-peaty editions we’ve become used to as of late. It’s an elegant and sophisticated Islay malt, one that should be sipped and savored slowly (as there ain’t much to be had!).

We’ve got a little over fifty bottles in stock now. It’s a strict one bottle limit per customer and the inventory is live now! First come, first served. We’ve been getting phone calls all week about this release, so don’t snooze on this offer if it’s something you know you really want!

BRUICHLADDICH

As many of you know, we’ve been working closely with Bruichladdich distillery for over a decade and their former master distiller Jim McEwan is pretty much family at K&L. That being said, Jim retired last year and the new guy in charge of distillation is this young whippersnapper in the photo to the left: Adam Hannett. I spent the entire afternoon tasting through Bruichladdich’s new barley-specific whiskies with him, getting to know the man up close and personal. I left utterly enthused about Bruichladdich’s future. You can read the full story here, but in the meantime look for a special Redwood City dinner with Adam in early November and check out these distillery arrivals below:

1990 Bruichladdich “Black Art – Edition 4.1” 23 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $299.99

Well known amongst whisky fans as Jim McEwan’s special brew, this 23 year marriage of various casks continues to captivate and enthrall malt drinkers everywhere. We just got more of this dark art masterpiece in time for Halloween! While the recipe is a secret, it’s well known that various wine finished whiskies were used on the concoction of this special brew. Rich, oily, red fruited, and decadent in every way. It was a blast tasting this again recently.

1990 Bruichladdich “Bruichladdich “Octomore 7.4 Virgin Oak” Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $270) $199.99

This is one of Bruichladdich’s old Octomore experiments, what they call a, “what if,” project. In 2008, someone decided that putting fresh Octomore at 167ppm into virgin oak casks was a good idea. Nearly a decade later, we are the lucky beneficiaries of that experiment. The fresh oak does something that neither used cask nor the ubiquitous wine casks used at Bruichladdich can match. The rich caramel and vanilla notes soak up that smokiness in a very unique way. The result is a stark departure from the usual Octomore, but in the very best way possible. Big nose of toasties with butter and apricot perserves. Bitter Cocoa, fresh espresso, barbeque sauce, spruce nibs, and bright citrus notes point the sweet stone fruits and toasty smoke. On the palate the sweet coconut meat, spices, and that big peat note coming through. The palate is as big and bold as you’d expect, moving more herbal and medicinal than some of the wine cask finished Octos. On the finish the floral elements of the new oak come through, but without astringency. Bottled at 63% for maximum impact!

KILKERRAN

We’ll be announcing the Bruichladdich dinner on the spirits blog later this month, but in the meantime let’s focus on next week! If you didn’t get the memo, Springbank’s other distillery-the resurrected Glengyle facility (located right next door)-just released it’s very first age-stated whisky: the Kilkerran 12 year old! If you’ve ever wondered why they just don’t call the whisky “Glengyle” it’s because the distillery and brand name legally belong to the nearby Loch Lomand group who own the trademark for the marketing rights. Therefore: KILKERRAN!

To celebrate this tremendous achievement you can join us at Donato next week for a meet and greet tasting event with Springbank’s manager Ranald Watson! We only have room for twenty five people (as we want to make this an intimate affair) and we’ll not only have the new Kilkerran 12 year old, but also a selection of rare Springbank single casks as well as plenty of finger foods. I’m not talking about some dainty little ten year old cask offering either, but rather the 19 year old cask strength sherry butt editions that run nearly $300 a pop. You can taste all these and eat delicious Donato appetizers for only $25. We’ll be meeting in the front room at 7 PM next Wednesday! 25 spots available.

Kilkerran 12 Year Launch Party w/Ranald Watson @ Donato – Oct 12th, 7 PM $25.00

If you can’t make the launch party, but still want to get a bottle of the delicious new 12 year old release, we’ve got you covered:

Kilkerran 12 Year Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $64.99

When the doors opened at the Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery in March of 2004, it became the first new distillery to open in Campbeltown in more than 125 years. Campbeltown, once the center of whisky production for Scotland, had been hit hard over the last century and had dwindled down to two distilleries – Springbank and Glen Scotia. When the SWA threatened to take away the Campeltown appellation, Springbank was told a region needed at least three distilleries to consider itself a specific locale. The decision was then made to reopen the long-dormant Glengyle distillery located immediately next door to Springbank. Kilkerran is the name that was chosen for the single malt produced at Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery because the name Glengyle is already used for a blended Highland malt and they also wished to avoid any possible confusion between the newest single malt to come from the Campbeltown region and a pre-existing blended Highland malt.

David Driscoll
K&L Spirits Buyer
daviddriscoll@klwines.com
650-556-2736
http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com

Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V

This new release is the fifith bottling in the Family Collector Series of limited edition releases honouring the Grant family. Matured in specially selected refill sherry casks for a lighter sherry influence, only 180 bottles are available in the UK.

£580 Buy Now

Strictly limited to one bottle per customer

Loch Fyne Whiskies tel: 0141 427 2919 info@lochfynewhiskies.com www.lochfynewhiskies.com

New & Noteworthy Whisky

Two brand new releases from the ever popular Glenfarclas and Macallan distilleries are now available to buy at The Whisky Shop, not to mention that Yamazaki has just come back into stock so you have another chance to get your hands on some great expressions from 2013.

If you’re looking for something a bit special or a bit different, don’t forget we have two new single cask expressions from Aberfeldy and Aultmore that you simply can’t find anywhere else!

Free delivery on orders over £75 Next day delivery available on UK orders

Macallan Edition No.2

The second in an annual series of limited editions, this Speyside Single Malt is a the fruit of a creative partnership between Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, and the Roca brothers of restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, in Catalonia.

The nose has layers of vanilla, tropical fruit and subtle green wood with treacle, ginger toffee apples and rich fruit. The palate brings cracked black pepper, chocolate, nuts, cloves, oak, brown sugar, liquorice and brandy snaps, before a full, slow and warming finish.

£85 Buy Now

Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V

The fifth limited edition release in the Glenfarclas Family Collector Series, this Speyside Single Malt was distilled in 1986 and matured in refill sherry butts for a lighter sherry influence.

Representing the fifth generation of the Grant family who have owned and operated the distillery since 1865, current chairman John L.S. Grant adorns the presentation case. Only 180 bottles are available in the UK.

£580 Buy Now Limited to one per customer

Aberfeldy 1991 Single Cask

This limited edition single cask expression from Aberfeldy distillery in Perthshire was distilled in 1991 before spending 24 years in cask no. 6394. Bottled on 1st October 2015 at a strength of 53.5% abv, only 195 bottles are available, each one exclusive to The Whisky Shop.

A delicate sweetness in the mouth with smooth creamy toffee notes, desiccated coconut mingling with a twist of lime and a wisp of smoke to finish.

£320 Buy Now

Aultmore 1996 Single Cask

Only 101 bottles of this limited edition single cask expression exist. Distilled at Aultmore in 1996, this Speyside Single Malt has spent 19 years in the cask before being bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop on 2nd October 2015 at a strength of 50.4% abv.

Finished in a Rioja wine cask for 8 years, the colour is a deep burning amber, the aroma rich and intense with crisp burnt sugar, followed by sublime creamy vanilla. On the palate the jammy fruity notes exert their influence, warming and smooth gliding effortlessly to a sweet, biscuit finish.

£240 Buy Now

New anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky launches for Global Travel Retail

Premium Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, anCnoc has announced it will celebrate travel retail this year with the unveiling of two stylish new releases at the Tax Free World Association Exhibition in Cannes in October.

The highly anticipated Rùdhan is the latest travel retail expression to join the Peaty Collection and will be available globally from mid-October after officially launching at the Cannes showcase.

In keeping with anCnoc’s traditional style, the whisky takes its name from the peat harvesting process. The term ‘rùdhan’ [roo-an] refers to the final stage, in which the peat is stacked for several weeks to dry out ahead of burning to create the signature smokiness associated with the range.

Measuring 46% ABV and pale straw in appearance, the initial fruity aromas give way to the strong scent of woody smokiness. To taste, the famous earthy peat flavour is followed by warming spices and burnt sugar, ending with a long and smooth finish.

Following the success of the 2014 Black Hill Reserve, anCnoc will also be unveiling a new pack for this year’s exhibition, which plays beautifully into anCnoc’s modern tradition positioning. The popular whisky pays tribute to anCnoc’s Highland home taking its name from the Knockdhu distillery, which means ‘Black Hill’ in Gaelic.

Matured in first fill American oak ex-Bourbon casks and bright gold in appearance, Black Hill Reserve is crisp on the nose with notes of citrus and green apples along with the full-bodied taste of ground spices and pear drops.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison commented: “anCnoc has seen a growing demand for Peaty expressions and wants Rùdhan and its original packaging, which is like nothing else on the market, to provide a real point of difference. Travel retail is a priority market as it provides an introduction to the brand for thousands of travellers. anCnoc therefore wants to ensure that customers are aware of its desire to create whisky using traditional methods but with a modern twist”.  

Rùdhan joins the Peaty Collection at a price point of €64.99 for 1L. The refreshed Black Hill Reserve has a suggested RRP of €49.99 for 1L. Both expressions will be available from the middle of October.

The full anCnoc brand collection will be displayed and sampled at the International Beverage stand located at S2 in the Marine Village.

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

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.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• 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.