THIRD CHAPTER IN THE MIDLETON VERY RARE SILENT DISTILLERY COLLECTION IS UNVEILED

A rare and exclusive opportunity to be part of one of the oldest and rarest releases in the history of Irish whiskey  

April 2022 – Midleton Very Rare has unveiled the Third Chapter in the Silent Distillery collection, Ireland’s oldest and rarest whiskey collection.

Midleton Very Rare, renowned as the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is produced in Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Ireland and the Silent Distillery Collection includes six releases. Beginning in 2020 the distillery began to release one chapter annually over 6 years which will culminate in 2025, the 200^th anniversary of the foundation of the legendary Old Midleton Distillery which operated from 1825-1975. This collection, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, represents the very last drops of this inimitable spirit before the distillery went silent forever.

Chapter Three is an exceptional 47-year-old whiskey born from the marriage of two separate whiskeys matured in an ex-sherry butt and an ex-bourbon barrel. The two whiskeys date back to 1973 and were blended before bottling to give the whiskey an extraordinary flavour. The release of Chapter Three, which marks the halfway point of the collection, pays homage to history and craftsmanship, a journey of age and time inspired by the element of fire, as the pot still worked its magic through the fires which burned beneath it.

The inspiration behind the element of fire, goes back to 1854 when the largest pot still in the world was assembled and installed by local craftsmen at the Old Midleton Distillery and managed by the skilled hands of ‘fire men’ whose job it was to control the temperature of the stills which could heat more than 30,000 gallons of liquid in a single day. The roar of the fires has been silenced but the still remains in the grounds of the old distillery. It is this trailblazing story which serves as an inspiration for the third release from Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery. 

With just 97 bottles of this extraordinarily rare Irish whiskey produced, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Three is incomparable in terms of age and history and presents as a true connoisseur’s dream. Created and matured under the guardianship of four celebrated Master Distillers, the whiskey has been enhanced through each changing of hands, with each Master taking great care to protect the legacy of the precious liquid.

Kevin O’Gorman is only the fourth person in 75 years to hold the title of Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin follows in the footsteps of previous Master Distillers including Max Crockett, the forefather of modern Irish whiskey; his son Barry, the creator of Midleton Very Rare and Brian Nation. Commenting on the unique history and complexity of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Three, O’Gorman explains:

“Crafted from a marriage of distillations left to mature over 47 years in a hand-selected bourbon barrel and a sherry butt, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Three, is a wonderfully aged yet contemporary expression of Irish Whiskey like no other.”

This year the inspiration of fire came from the world’s largest pot still and the relentless work from the local men, the ‘fire men’ who used to feed the still’s fires, whilst learning how to regulate the heat through stoking and raking to ensure the temperature was correct.”

Staying true to its proud Irish heritage and luxury craftsmanship, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter Three has been decanted into handblown and etched crystal decanter bottles, produced by Ireland’s Waterford Crystal, with each of the bottles individually numbered 1-97. The bottle comes displayed in a bespoke wooden cabinet handcrafted by Irish designer, John Galvin, using wood made from Burr Elm, an ancient wood as rare as the whiskey within it. The markings recall the flames that once warmed the old pot still.

“Midleton Distillery embodies Irish heritage and this new Chapter based around the element of fire, inspired our team at John Galvin Design when sourcing materials and designing the cabinet for the bottle. Our craftsmen have used the rich coloured Burr Elm wood for the wooden case with the aim of reconnecting us to our land and origins” says John Galvin.

Consumers will be able to experience drops of Chapter Three from the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery through an event at Adare Manor Hotel in Ireland on 29^th November. The tickets are limited for this rare and exclusive experience. Further details are available through Adare Manor.

Silent Distillery Chapter Three will be available to purchase via a ballot on the Midleton Very Rare 1825 room, which goes live on 3^rd May and closes on 10^th May.

ABOUT THE WHISKEY

• Age: 47 Years
• Distillate type: Single Pot Still
• Cask type: Two cask blend – Bourbon and Sherry
• Release Date: May 2022
• 97 bottles
• RRP: €45,000, £42,500, $51,000
• Availability: Ireland, UK, Global Travel Retail, US, France
• Retailers include:
• Ireland – Brown Thomas
• UK – Harrods, Hedonism, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, The Whiskey Exchange, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Fine and Rare, Bordeaux Index and Fortnum & Mason
• France – La Maison du Whiskey
• Singapore – Duty Free

TASTING NOTES

Nose: A rich medley of forest fruits, with notes of sugar-glazed cherries, earthy and toffee tones of muscovado sugar and almond flake. These notes complement the oak’s enduring influence on the spirit adding aromas akin to worn leatherbound ledgers and pipe tobacco, while the pot still spirit continues to firmly assert its presence adding measured levels of spice.

Taste: Opens with a luxuriously rich and full-bodied texture with accompanying notes of freshly brewed dark roasted coffee, caramelised fruits with crushed pistachio and hazelnut. Mild notes of dried herbs and peppermint add further complexity along with the oak’s soft tannins and delicate pot still spices.

Finish: Lasting finish in which the soft fruits and old pot still spices linger in harmony with the oak, further emphasising how decades of undisturbed ageing can create such balance and complexity.

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of luxury and craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Renowned for its annual vintage release first created in 1984, once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece.

Often referred to as “the pinnacle of Irish whiskey”, today the Midleton Very Rare portfolio includes the annual vintage release, Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Series, and the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well- known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY. Created

in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

International Beverage bids farewell to long standing Speyburn Distillery Manager Bobby Anderson

Drams were raised to toast the long and dedicated service of Speyburn Distillery Manager Bobby Anderson today, as his retiral from the Rothes-based distillery after nearly 22 years was announced.

Hailing from Elgin and with a grandfather who worked as Distillery Manager at MiltonDuff, Bobby believed he had whisky making in his genes. After stints at Ardmore, Glentauchers and Glenburgie Distilleries, he joined Speyburn in 2000 as Distillery Manager.

Over the years he balanced a respect for tradition with a drive for efficiency, taking an enormous amount of pride in building his team to craft a globally respected single malt.

As colleagues from across the business gathered at the Speyside distillery to mark the end of his distinguished tenure, Bobby reflected on the highlights of his career. This includes the 2016 refurbishment of Speyburn which saw it become one of the most energy efficient distilleries in Scotland; and the release of a celebratory Speyburn 18 Years Old to commemorate his 18^th anniversary – currently the highest aged expression in the Speyburn range.

He said: ‘It has been an honour to have spent so much of my career at Speyburn, with this small but brilliant distillery team. Working alongside them to craft such a special single malt whisky and putting it out into the world for all to enjoy has been a real privilege. I’ve also been so lucky to come to work every day in what is one of Scotland’s most beautiful distillery sites, and it’s satisfying to know that I’ve done everything I can over the years to preserve the environment that surrounds it. Making a whisky of such great quality, with real care and consideration for the natural landscape around us is a legacy that I’m extremely proud to pass on to the next generation. The golf course is beckoning but I’ll be keeping a close eye on Speyburn and look forward to seeing it progress and achieve further success in the future’.

Paying tribute to Bobby’s contribution to the business, Inver House Distillers’ Managing Director Martin Leonard said: ‘Working with Bobby for over two decades has been an incredible journey. He has nurtured Speyburn with so much pride, and thanks to his contribution, it has become a globally awarded single malt whisky that symbolises all that is special about Scotland’s great Speyside whisky region. Speyburn would not have achieved the success it enjoys today without him at the helm. 

‘On behalf of everyone in our business, we want to extend a huge thank you to him and wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement. For many years to come, every cask of whisky rolled out of our warehouses at Speyburn Distillery will be a celebration of his devotion, skill, and outstanding stewardship.’  

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS

International Beverage Holdings Ltd is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses.  Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant beers and spirits. These include:

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, Scotland’s leading super premium gin
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Chang Beer, Thailand’s iconic beer brand 

Inver House Distillers is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings Ltd, producing its  Scotch whiskies and gin at five distilleries around Scotland: Pulteney, Speyburn, Knockdhu, Balblair and Balmenach. Inver House is also highly active in the warehousing and blending of Scotch whisky, with warehousing for 500,000 barrels and state of the art blending and laboratory facilities at its headquarters in Airdrie. The business has won many prestigious accolades over the years, including the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year Award for Scotland (2017).

www.interbevgroup.com

Sotheby’s Largest Ever Spirits Auction 

Over 1,000 Lots of Scotch Whisky to be Offered in New York this May

NEW YORK, 6 MAY 2022 – Advance bidding is now open on Sotheby’s largest ever spirits auction, of over 1,000 lots made up exclusively of Scotch whisky. The sale comprises two major collections: The Three Continents Collection Part IV, whose reputation precedes it, and introducing The Hollywood Collection. With a combined estimate in the region of $1.5 million, the sale will be presented live from Sotheby’s in New York on 10 May.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, said: “Recent years have seen Sotheby’s set auction records for the most valuable whisky bottle and whisky collection of all time, so it seems only fitting that we are now staging our largest ever spirits auction by volume. Spirits represent an increasingly important market for Sotheby’s, as we saw in 2021 with a record year and a 42% increase in sales. Dominating the auction line-up are Scotch whiskies, which have a global appeal and the ability to age for decades, two selling points that are inextricably linked by collectors’ desires to own the oldest and rarest bottles available on the market.” 

The Hollywood Collection – so called due to its provenance after being fortuitously acquired by a Californian entrepreneur in 2008 – is truly one of the most impressive ensembles of whisky to have come to auction. A large container of East Coast and Midwest-import Scotch whisky was compiled by a US whisky broker with the intention of shipping it to Los Angeles to be sold to movie industry personnel. Actors, producers and directors were all on the recipients list for these rare bottles. With the change in the financial climate, this container of whisky set for Hollywood found itself unopened.

The Hollywood Collection consignor heard about the container and immediately drove to Los Angeles to purchase the entire collection. During the 14 years that have since elapsed, these bottles have been lovingly stored at his home in Sothern California, with many being consumed over this time – making this a collection that has not been admired simply for its impressive scale, but also one that has been consumed and enjoyed to the fullest extent.

The Three Continents Collection is the largest single owner collection of whisky ever to be offered by Sotheby’s and contained a vast collection of Scotch, American and Japanese whiskies. The 5,000 bottles from this collection have been distributed across multiple auctions, from a single owner sale that achieved over $2m at the end of 2021 to this, the fourth iteration of The Three Continents made up of exclusively Scotch Whisky bottles.

HIGHLIGHTS 

The Macallan Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old 43.0 abv 1949, 1 bottle, est. $26,000-30,000 (lot 5001)

The Balvenie 50 Year Old 42.0 abv 1937, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-26,000 (lot 5298)

The Macallan Fine & Rare 37 Year Old 58.2 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-28,000 (lot 5003)

The Macallan 40 Year Old 2016 Release 43.0 abv NV, 1 bottle, est. $20,000-24,000 (lot 5015)

Bowmore 40 Year Old 42.0 abv 1955, 1 bottle, est. $18,000-24,000 (lot 5359)

The Macallan Fine & Rare 50 Year Old 50.8 abv 1952, 1 bottle, est. $18,000-22,000 (lot 5004)

Bowmore Oloroso Cask 38 Year Old 42.9 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $15,000-20,000 (lot 5376)

Bowmore White Bourbon Cask 43 Year Old 42.8 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $14,000-20,000 (lot 5384)

The Macallan Select Reserve 52 Year Old 40.0 abv 1946,1 bottle, est. $13,000-16,000 (lot 5010)

Bowmore Fino Cask 37 Year Old 49.6 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $13,000-18,000 (lot 5374)

The Macallan Over 49 Year Old 48.8 abv 1951, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-15,000 (lot 5007)

The Macallan 48.8 abv 1951, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-15,000 (lot 5009)

The Macallan Exceptional Cask 2017/ESB-9182/01 46.6 abv 1997, 1 bottle, est. $12,000-18,000 (lot 5130)

The Macallan Over 40 Year Old 54.1 abv 1961, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5006)

Bowmore Black First Release 50.0 abv 1964, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5361)

The Macallan Archival Series Folio No. 1 43.0 abv NV, 1 bottle, est. $10,000-15,000 (lot 5117)

VIEW ONLINE CATALOGUE HERE

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits hit a record $132 million in 2021, a 44% increase on 2020. Sotheby’s Wine currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

2022 DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eleven Total Buffalo Trace spirits honored 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 20, 2022) –  The 2022 Denver International Spirits Competition awarded Weller 12 Year with a prestigious Double Gold Medal, which is awarded to the highest scoring spirit in a category. The competition presented 10 additional spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery with medals, including seven Gold medals and three Silver medals.

Double Gold medal went to:

• Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Gold medals went to:

• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 128.7 Proof
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver medals were awarded to:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Weller Single Barrel Kentu8cky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur

“We are thrilled to receive each of these honors,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “These results are a great validation of our commitment to quality.”

The Denver International Spirits Competition is the largest professional spirits competition in the Rocky Mountain Region. Winners are selected by a panel of beverage industry professionals who rate entries through a double-blind process. For more information on the Denver International Spirits Competition and a full listing of results, visit http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

RAISING A GLASS TO THOSE WHO RAISED US: HONOURING ALL PARENT FIGURES THIS MOTHER’S AND FATHER’S DAY WITH A TULLAMORE D.E.W. O’EVERYONE GIFT THAT GIVES BACK

Tullamore D.E.W., one of the world’s top Irish whiskey brands, celebrates all parent figures this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with the O’Everyone gift pack. 100% of merchandise sales are donated to the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Headframe’s John McKee co-recipient of the 2022 Artisan Spirit Distiller of the Year

April 2022 – In 10 years and almost 900 miles apart, John Mckee of Butte, MT and Johnny Jeffery of Reno, NV have become close friends. Close enough that you could actually ask one about the other and hear their entire life story verbatim.

McKee recalls how when he was first getting into the industry, Jeffery was the one to show him the tools of the trade. In fact, the first barrel of whiskey that ever entered Headframe doors was one made by both McKee and Jeffery. That first barrel was the start of the award-winning Kelley Single Malt Whiskey and the brand was heavily influenced by John and Johnny’s first collaboration.

“I found Johnny at Michigan State University when he was there as a graduate student,” says McKee. “They had this artisan distilling program and I went to him and he was one  of the first people who taught me how to mash and ferment properly so I could make whiskey. I’ve known him since before (Headframe) was open.”

In the year previous to April 2022, McKee and the team at Headframe made 1,000 barrels of whiskey from Montana grain and plan to make 4,000 barrels in the coming 12 months.  “If not for that first meeting with Johnny, who knows if we could have accomplished all we have at Headframe,” Mckee notes.

Now, they are both being recognized by the Artisan Spirits Magazine as the co-recipients of this year’s Artisan Spirit Distillers of the Year.

“I don’t care what kind of mountain man or hermit you are, somebody made your axe blade. You can’t do it alone, and as soon as you think you can, you’re doomed to fail. You need collaboration,” said McKee.

This becomes apparent in every work the two have created together – from the Good Guys Distillers group formed to share accurate information for the industry to the creation of Good Deeds Whiskey, where profits from each bottle sold are donated 100% to charities. If you’d like to recognize John & Johnny in some way, please consider helping us sell out Release #1 of Good Deeds Malt Whiskey, which can still be purchased at Sellbachs.

McKee tells us that there are already similar future collaborations in the works, the next being Release #2 of Good Deeds Whiskey. “In 10 years, Johnny and I have done nothing but collaborate. It’s just sort of our ethos – it’s how we work.”

SMWS ANNOUNCE SMALL BATCH FESTIVAL BOTTLINGS PAIRED WITH WORLD’S FIRST LITERAL MEMORY BOXES

Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire

JOIN THE FLAVOUR HUNTERS THIS MAY: The world’s most entertaining whisky club have matched small batch festival bottlings with literal memory boxes created in collaboration with a memory psychologist, chef and ‘thrill engineer’ to capture key moments in life that impact the way we experience flavour

To celebrate the SMWS Flavour Hunters festival throughout the whisky month of May, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have created a sensory experience like no other. Based on the science of memory recall and creation, SMWS have designed the world’s first literal memory boxes, each paired with a special Society festival bottling.

Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire

SMWS Festival Bottlings:

Cask No. 36 Speyside Batch 2022, 57.6% ABV, £55: A REWARD FOR PATIENCE
Cask No. 53 Islay Batch 2022, 58.4%, £65: THROW THE CORK AWAY!
Cask No. 3 Islay Batch 2022, 57.0%, £130: FRUITY TIME TRAVEL
Cask No. 93 Campbeltown Batch 2022, 59.7%, £58: CHANGES FASTER THAN A CHAMELEON
Cask No. 19 Highland Batch 2022, 55.6%, £90: HAZLENUT BUBBLEGUM
Cask No. 5 Lowland Batch 2022, 55.8%, £90: LIME AND THYME

Partnering with professional psychologist Dr Ansgar Endress, Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson and rollercoaster designer & ‘thrill engineer’ Brendan Walker, the boxes will be available exclusively at The National Whisky Festival Glasgow 2022 on Saturday 7^th May & 2022 London Whisky Weekender on Saturday 14^th May, and in SMWS Members’ Rooms across the UK.

Utilising tasting notes from the six small batch festival bottlings specially released by the SMWS throughout May, the six distinct boxes use touch, taste, smell, sight and sound to transport people back to happy moments or places in their life, such as ‘Nan’s House of Tea’ which includes Haggis spiced lamb breast with caramelised red wine pineapple, malt loaf and toasted oats.

Renowned Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson expertly crafted the memory-evoking canapes to feature alongside each box: ‘Camping Out’ embraces those warm Autumn nights huddling around the fire with rabbit liver rillette dressed in a marmalade chutney, candied walnut, and nasturtium leaves.

Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire

Paired with a peaty whisky, ‘Watching the Harbour Boats’ is matched with smoky langoustine sprayed with sea water and a smoke gun, served on pebbles alongside a deep-fried Mars Bar with Irn bru & tobacco essence, conjuring fond memories of the seashore.

The SMWS sensory experiences engage with the episodic memory, the part of the memory that takes in a whole experience and commits it to long-term memory, creating a pathway to a positive time. Experiencing these alongside the whiskies also gives our brains the power and tools to create new, happy memories over a dram.

Adding his thoughts on the partnership, Bruce Clyne-Watson said: “It’s a real joy to be working with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on such an unconventional and exciting project. The Society itself is an endless discovery of flavour, making it so much fun to create these canapes, which match perfectly with the SMWS bottlings.

“Memory really does affect the way we experience flavour. Sampling the produce for this campaign genuinely evoked memories of my childhood, like going to my Nan’s house for tea as a wee lad; reminiscing over those warming, joyous memories. I can’t wait to see this campaign come to life in May and witness each guest’s whisky eureka moment.”

Commenting on the campaign, Helen Stewart, SMWS Head of Membership, said: “At the Society we believe flavour is more than what’s in your glass. May is whisky month and is the perfect time to show the world what the Society is all about.

“This May we want people to join the Society in our hunt for flavour. Whisky lovers can become part of the world’s most entertaining whisky club and get involved in the Flavour Hunters festival wherever they are, through our website, Members’ Rooms and at the fabulous whisky festivals taking place across the UK.”

Photo credit: David Parry/PA Wire

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership is about more than just whisky, come along to one of our UK Members’ Rooms to begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now: https://smws.com/

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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#SMWS

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 30,000 members and branches around the world.
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from 150 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see: https://cutt.ly/aQGwfkH
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

UK MEMBERS’ ROOMS

SMWS EDINBURGH

28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ

SMWS GLASGOW

40 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG

SMWS LONDON

19 Greville St, London EC1N 8SQ

WORLD’S LARGEST BOTTLE OF SCOTCH WHISKY TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT LYON & TURNBULL 

Record-breaking the intrepid stands at almost 6ft tall and contains 311 litres of 32-year-old The Macallan single malt whisky 

Range of charities will benefit from the sale of bottling inspired by passion for exploration

The world’s largest bottle of Scotch whisky, The Intrepid, standing at 5ft 11 inches tall and filled with a record-breaking 311 litres of 32-year-old The Macallan, will be auctioned by leading international auction house Lyon & Turnbull, which is headquartered in Edinburgh, on 25 May.

The auction, which will be live online at 12 noon (GMT) on 25 May at Lyon & Turnbull, is set to attract interest from bidders across the globe. It is hoped the bottle may break the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold which is $1.9m. For any amount the sale achieves above £1.3m, 25 per cent will be donated to the Marie Curie charity.

The Intrepid was officially certified by Guinness World Records when it was bottled last year. The bottle, which contains 32-year-old whisky from world-renowned The Macallan Distillery, contains the equivalent of 444 standard bottles.

Daniel Monk and the team behind The Intrepid, a partnership between Fah Mai and Rosewin Holdings, were inspired by a passion for adventure, exploration and a desire to help raise money for several charities.

They named The Intrepid to celebrate the drive and record-breaking achievements of 11 of the world’s most pioneering explorers who are featured on the bottle. These include such luminaries as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dr. Geoff Wilson, Karen Darke MBE, Olly Hicks, Sarah Outen MBE, Dwayne Fields FRGS, Levison Wood FRGS, Felicity Aston MBE and past Scottish Adventurers of the Year Jamie Ramsay and Will Copestake.

The project is supporting the explorers chosen environmental, physical and mental well-being charities. These include Marie Curie, selected by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), chosen by Jamie Ramsay.

Colin Fraser of Lyon & Turnbull, who will lead the auction, said: “I’m sure there will be significant global interest in the auction of The Intrepid, a unique collection spearheaded by the record-breaking bottling standing at an incredible 5ft 11 inches tall.

Bidders will have the chance to buy a piece of Scotch whisky history. They will become the owners of an exclusive 32-year old single-malt Scotch from what is widely regarded as one of the world’s best distilleries, The Macallan.”

Founder of The Intrepid Project, Daniel Monk, said: “The Intrepid could only have been made possible by the explorers and their commitment. They showed unquestionable personal drive and through the auction we will support a wide ranging group of charities with significance to the explorers. This will become part of The Intrepid’ s legacy and leave a lasting impact.”

After maturing in two sister casks in Macallan’s Speyside warehouse for 32 years, the exclusive liquid was bottled last year by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, one of the leading independent whisky bottling companies.

To commemorate this momentous event, a small number of exclusive bottle sets were also produced. These comprise a collection of 12 bottles, each filled with the remaining 32-year old The Macallan whisky from the same casks used to fill the record-breaking bottle. Each set includes a replica of the main bottle design along with individual versions dedicated to each of the explorers associated with the project.

The entire Intrepid Collection, led by the 311-litre bottle, will be auctioned at Lyon & Turnbull and is set to generate international interest.

Charles MacLean MBE, renowned whisky expert and Master of the Quaich, said: “The Intrepid is an elegant whisky, with subtle complexity. Its pale hue implies second or third fill casks, which has prevented the flavour being dominated by wood extractives. Intriguing and easy to enjoy straight – with (many!) friends – on any occasion.”

For more information please visit: www.lyonandturnbull.com/the-intrepid-whisky

TASTING NOTES

Full tasting notes of this incredible whisky available on request.

AUCTION

THE INTREPID World Record Whisky
25th May 2022 at 12noon
Live Online
www.lyonandturnbull.com/the-intrepid-whisky

ABOUT LYON & TURNBULL

Operating since 1826, Lyon & Turnbull are one of the UK’s premier fine art and luxury auctioneers. The company’s galleries in London and Glasgow complement the historic Georgian headquarters and main saleroom in Edinburgh. Hosting nearly 45 specialist auctions per year across the UK there is always something to see at Lyon & Turnbull: from jewellery and watches to fine furniture; traditional British and European art to Modern & Contemporary stars; European decorative arts and design to fine Asian art from China and Japan. www.lyonandturnbull.com

ABOUT CHARLES MACLEAN MBE – MASTER OF THE QUAICH

Charles MacLean has been described by The Times as Scotland’s leading whisky expert . He has been researching and writing about whisky for nearly forty years, and has published 15 books on the subject, including Malt Whisky, which won a Glenfiddich Award, and Whisky: A Liquid History, which won ‘Wine & Spirits Book of the Year’ in the James Beard Awards 2005 and ‘Best Drinks Book’ in the International Food Media Awards 2005. He was founding editor of Whisky Magazine (1997), contributes regularly to many publications and has written historical and promotional materials for all the leading Scotch whisky companies.

He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, was runner-up as ‘Communicator of the Year’ in the 2003 IWSC Awards and won ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Scotch Whisky’ in the 2012 Awards. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992, elevated to Master of the Quaich in 2009.

WHISK ME AWAY TO A HAPPY PLACE:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY CREATE WORLD’S FIRST LITERAL MEMORY BOXES

EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Memory Boxes. Picture date: Sunday April 24, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire

JOIN THE FLAVOUR HUNTERS THIS MAY: The world’s most entertaining whisky club have created literal memory boxes in collaboration with a memory psychologist, chef and ‘thrill engineer’ to capture key moments in life that impact the way we experience flavour

To celebrate the SMWS Flavour Hunters festival throughout the whisky month of May, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have created a sensory experience like no other. Based on the science of memory recall and creation, SMWS have designed the world’s first literal memory boxes.

Partnering with professional psychologist Dr Ansgar Endress, Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson and rollercoaster designer & ‘thrill engineer’ Brendan Walker, the boxes will be available exclusively at The National Whisky Festival Glasgow 2022 on Saturday 7^th May & 2022 London Whisky Weekender on Saturday 14^th May, and in SMWS Members’ Rooms across the UK.

. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire

Utilising tasting notes from the six small batch festival bottlings specially released by the SMWS throughout May, the six distinct boxes use touch, taste, smell, sight and sound to transport people back to happy moments or places in their life, such as ‘Nan’s House of Tea’ which includes Haggis spiced lamb breast with caramelised red wine pineapple, malt loaf and toasted oats.

Renowned Scottish chef Bruce Clyne-Watson expertly crafted the memory-evoking canapes to feature alongside each box: ‘Camping Out’ embraces those warm Autumn nights huddling around the fire with rabbit liver rillette dressed in a marmalade chutney, candied walnut, and nasturtium leaves.

Paired with a peaty whisky, ‘Watching the Harbour Boats’ is matched with smoky langoustine sprayed with sea water and a smoke gun, served on pebbles alongside a deep-fried Mars Bar with Irn bru & tobacco essence, conjuring fond memories of the seashore.

The SMWS sensory experiences engage with the episodic memory, the part of the memory that takes in a whole experience and commits it to long-term memory, creating a pathway to a positive time. Experiencing these alongside the whiskies also gives our brains the power and tools to create new, happy memories over a dram.

Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire

Adding his thoughts on the partnership, Bruce Clyne-Watson said: “It’s a real joy to be working with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on such an unconventional and exciting project. The Society itself is an endless discovery of flavour, making it so much fun to create these canapes, which match perfectly with the SMWS bottlings.

“Memory really does affect the way we experience flavour. Sampling the produce for this campaign genuinely evoked memories of my childhood, like going to my Nan’s house for tea as a wee lad; reminiscing over those warming, joyous memories. I can’t wait to see this campaign come to life in May and witness each guest’s whisky eureka moment.”

Commenting on the campaign, Helen Stewart, SMWS Head of Membership, said: “At the Society we believe flavour is more than what’s in your glass. May is whisky month and is the perfect time to show the world what the Society is all about.

“This May we want people to join the Society in our hunt for flavour. Whisky lovers can become part of the world’s most entertaining whisky club and get involved in the Flavour Hunters festival wherever they are, through our website, Members’ Rooms and at the fabulous whisky festivals taking place across the UK.”

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership is about more than just whisky, come along to one of our UK Members’ Rooms to begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now: https://smws.com/

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

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Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire

• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see: https://cutt.ly/aQGwfkH
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://cutt.ly/HQF6PTv
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

UK MEMBERS’ ROOMS

SMWS EDINBURGH

28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ

SMWS GLASGOW

40 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG

SMWS LONDON

19 Greville St, London EC1N 8SQ

Green roof installed at The Cairn Distillery site 

The Cairn Distillery at Grantown-on-Spey has a new look this month with the installation of its “green” sedum roof – a key feature of the design.

At 900 square metres, it’s one of the largest green roofs ever installed in Cairngorm National Park and was incorporated into the design to allow the building to blend into its local environment.

The green roof uses sedum – a plant which is easy to maintain and requires little water and few nutrients. It is ideal for use in green roofs as it is very resilient and can even survive drought.

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail. The family firm, that own Benromach Distillery at Forres, announced their intention to build a second distillery in 2018. Work started on site once restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director, welcomed this important stage in the construction, saying: “The building itself is now wind and watertight and the installation of the sedum roof has transformed it.

“We were originally drawn to this site because of its stunning surroundings and it was important to us the distillery should sit well within this world class landscape. The sedum roof is just one of the design features which makes this possible.”

The sedum roof was installed by Inverness based Wyvis Roofing. Founded in 2012, they have grown to become one of the largest roofing contractors in the region, undertaking roofing projects across the Highlands, Islands, Grampian, and Perthshire. They install a range of roof types for both commercial and residential customers.

The Cairn Distillery, which includes a visitor experience, tasting rooms, bistro and retail space, is due to open in the summer.

Gordon & MacPhail has built strong relationships with its local communities in Forres and Elgin and is determined to maintain that tradition in Grantown on Spey. The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and act as a gateway to Speyside.

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 125 years after it was first established in 1895. The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.