NEW THE GLENLIVET FILM SMASHES CONVENTIONS OF THE PAST TO FORGE A NEW PATH IN THE SCOTCH WHISKY CATEGORY

The Glenlivet has unveiled the next instalment of its ‘Original By Tradition‘ global campaign, putting the great taste of the whisky firmly in focus as The Glenlivet builds on its ambition to open up the single malt Scotch category.  

The new film – launching across TV and digital in Canada in November before rolling out to other markets including the US, UK, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong – builds on the brand’s mindset of ‘originality’ that has seen The Glenlivet breaking traditions to set new standards in whisky since 1824.  

While the Original By Tradition launch film took viewers on a journey through the brand’s pioneering heritage, the new instalment ups the ante with an even bolder and more visually dramatic film which takes viewers on a journey with founder and true original, George Smith, as he follows the legacy of his life’s work – his The Glenlivet single malt – through to today.     

The opening scene sees George Smith back in his 1800s bothy in Scotland, establishing himself as an original thinker and defining the Speyside style of whisky, where The Glenlivet began. With a lurch the ad places a determined Smith striving forward on a moving treadmill which is constantly throwing up challenges, demonstrating how his drive and vision went against the norm of the time.  

Smith’s challenges initially take the shape of men who represent the strict norms and rigid traditions of whisky fundamentalists, from a time when the traditional style of whisky was harsh and smoky. We see how Smith has created a unique smooth style, before facing off against a wall of mirrors reflecting the poor imitations that tried to copy his style of whisky and claim the famous The Glenlivet name. Fast–forward and Smith stands above these traditionalists and imitations, comfortable in the legacy of his original creation and smashes through a final wall, releasing the delicious tasting notes and smooth taste of The Glenlivet in a vibrant, kaleidoscope of colours and ingredients that capture the essence of his whisky. The final scene finds Smith arriving in a modern bar scene to see how his legacy is still setting new standards across the world, inviting people to enjoy single malt whisky in different ways, whether neat, part of a cocktail in a social setting, or even as one of the recent The Glenlivet cocktail capsules. 

“Our new film celebrates the original thinking of our founder George Smith and the legacy he left us, that compels us to keep innovating and pushing boundaries in the category. We have brought to life Smith’s vision with innovations such as the much discussed The Glenlivet Capsule Collection, The Glenlivet 14 Year Old Cognac Cask finish and our most recent release, The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, finished in Caribbean Rum Barrels. Maintaining the original style of The Glenlivet whisky will always be our key focus and that’s why the whisky is the real hero of this film” said Miriam Eceolaza, Director of The Glenlivet. 

The Original by Tradition campaign launched globally last November and coincided with the release of The Glenlivet’s new modern, bold and vibrant packaging.  

The Glenlivet developed the new campaign in collaboration with Crispin Porter Bogusky London and Director Tom Noakes, who had previously directed the original campaign film.

Whisky Intel is playing catch up, this appears as a matter of record.

Knob Creek® Partners with Reflection Expert Jesse Israel to Give Fans a Hard-Earned Moment to Reflect and Renew in the New Year

‘AGED AND CAGED’ 25 YEARS OLD BECOMES THE OLDEST ADDITION TO THE ARDBEG CORE RANGE 

Islay Distillery releases old and rare expression which proves that age cannot tame Ardbeg’s smoky power

Ardbeg has released the oldest and most prestigious expression yet to join its permanent range of whiskies.

Ardbeg 25 Years Old is a supreme single malt that proves unequivocally that age cannot tame Ardbeg’s smoky power, but it can yield some of the most complex and majestic flavours ever to emerge from the Distillery. It offers whisky lovers the opportunity to experience Ardbeg at its most intricate, balanced and beguiling.

The spirit was distilled during the 1990s, at a time when Ardbeg Distillery was only producing a trickle of new make spirit every year. Ardbeg from this period is therefore extremely rare, but the whisky creation team deemed that after a quarter of a century, the malt was so exquisite that it should be bottled and released as a permanent expression – albeit in limited quantities.

Fittingly for such a precious whisky, Ardbeg 25 Years Old is presented in a unique gun metal bottle encased in an beautifully intricate metal ‘cage’ – a modern take on the classic Ardbeg knotwork, and symbolic of the untamed complexity of this extraordinary whisky.

Ardbeg’s Whisky Creator, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “After a quarter of a century in the cask, you’d be forgiven for imagining that Ardbeg 25 Years Old would have lost some of the hallmark Ardbeg smoky punch. I can assure you it hasn’t. And yet there’s also a remarkable complexity and elegance to this whisky that I find utterly captivating. It’s unmistakably Ardbeg, but unlike any Ardbeg you’ve tasted before.”

Ardbeg 25 Years Old is released worldwide this week and available from Clos19.com and whisky specialists, RRP: £710. 

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/ 

NOTES: 

TASTING NOTES

Bottled from incredibly rare casks filled during the 1990s, this supreme expression is Ardbeg at its most intricate, balanced and beguiling.

ABV: 46%

Colour:

Bright Amber

Aroma:

A pungent burst of smoked cream, peppermint and toffee, with Ardbeg’s classic fennel and pine resin. Distant earthy bonfires mix with herbal and fruity (banana and tropical) notes, along with fragrant candle wax.

Taste:

An extremely vibrant, hot peppery mouthfeel leads into a burst of sherbet lemon sweetness (candied apples, pears and orange), hints of carbolic soap and tar, more creamy toffee, aniseed and chilli pepper. 

Finish:

A long, mellow, lingering aftertaste, with lots of cream, fudge and delicate antiseptic notes. An elegant, soothing style of Ardbeg.

RRP: £710 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was twice awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Osaka, JAPAN, 25th January 2021

Yoshino is proudly share that Kamiki Sakura “ The world’s first whisky brand finished in Japanese sakura and cedar casks” is on the market and has been offering whisky-lovers around the world a taste of Japanese spring since 2019

In this special bottling, notes of wild cherry and distinct sandalwood notes of Kamiki are present. We have brought together the timeless traditions of the ancient Japanese capital Nara and the sacred Sakura tree to create a unique whisky. With over 10 accodales from various competitions around the globe, enjoy the unique Kamiki Whisky that brings taste of Japan in a bottle to the world..

Here are the medals from the most prestigious and progressive International Spirits Competitions:

• “94.00 points” from 2021 Jim Murrray Whisky Bible
• “DOUBLE GOLD” medal from 2020 Cigar & Spirits Magazine Competition
• “91 Points” from 2020 Ultimate Spirit Challange.
• “DOUBLE GOLD” medal from 2019 Cigar & Spirits Magazine Competition
• “GOLD” medal from 2019 China Wine and Spirits Awards.
• “PLATINUM” Award from 2019 SIP Awards
• “DOUBLE GOLD” Award from 2019 Women’s Wine & Spirit Awards.
• “CONSUMER’S CHOICE” Award from 2019 SIP Awards
• “INNOVATION” Award from 2019 SIP Awards
• “DOUBLE GOLD” from 2019 Las Vegas Spirit Awards
• “GOLD” from 2019 San Diego Spirit Awards

About Yoshino Spirits:

Yoshino Spirits (headquarters located in Osaka) is a private company exporting finest Japanese whiskey, wine and spirits to the world placing the highest priority on building relationships of trust between domestic manufacturers and customers all over the world.

For further information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

MICHTER’S LIMITED EDITION US*1 TOASTED BARREL FINISH RYE LANDS IN THE UK 

Michter’s highly sought-after US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2020 release has arrived in the UK, distributed exclusively by Speciality Brands.

This release is a great favourite amongst whiskey enthusiasts globally. As with all of Michter’s limited production whiskeys these are subject to allocation, with only a few bottles of US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye available at selected retailers in the UK.

“The reception that our Toasted Barrel Finish whiskeys have received is a result of tremendously focused work done by our production team led by Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson. Despite the continuing shortages across all our whiskey stocks, we really wanted to make some of our rye available for this special release,” says Joseph J. Magliocco, Michter’s President.

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye is made by taking fully matured Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and then further aging it in a second custom barrel made to the specifications set by Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

Andrea Wilson comments, “For this release, we selected rye barrels aged to peak quality and then dumped each single barrel into a second barrel assembled from 24 month naturally seasoned and air dried wood. The second barrel was custom toasted to create a rich and decadent rye whiskey experience.”

The strength of the majority of the barrels selected for this release ranges from 53.6 to 55.6% ABV. The rye whiskey displays enhanced spice notes, delicate chocolate overtones, vanilla, honey, hints of roasted nuts and dates. It has a lingering finish of burnt brown sugar reminiscent of crème brûlée complemented by smokey campfire highlights.

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye, 70cl, RRP £98 is available nationwide at selected retailers.

ARDBEG’S NEW BOTTLING – ARRRRRRRDBEG! – CELEBRATES MICKEY HEADS’ 13 YEARS AT THE DISTILLERY’S HELM 

-Limited Edition wishes a bon voyage to the former captain of the Ardbeg ship-

To commemorate the retirement of Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, Ardbeg has announced the launch of Arrrrrrrdbeg! – an exciting Limited Edition bottling which celebrates his time at the helm.

Captain of the Ardbeg ship since 2007, Mickey retired in late 2020, after 13 whisky-packed and eventful years. During his time at the Distillery, he oversaw the distillation of dozens of fine Ardbeg expressions, took part in Ardbeg celebrations from Islay to Illinois, took home the title of IWC ‘Distillery of the Year’ three times in a row, and was named Distillery Manager of the Year 2014.

Exclusively available to the Ardbeg Committee from 1^st February 2021, Arrrrrrrdbeg! is the Distillery’s first whisky wholly matured in ex-rye casks. It has a spicy mouthfeel igniting a blunderbuss of fruity flavours, while the long finish lingers with gentle smoke listing on the palate. The bottle’s striking illustrated label depicts Mickey as a salty seadog and is the creation of Butcher Billy, a renowned Brazilian artist and graphic designer.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation at Ardbeg, said:

“Working with Mickey has been an absolute joy. He’s somebody with a genuine passion for Ardbeg and we hope that this bottling will take pride of place in his collection. He’s presided over many momentous Ardbegs over the years, but this ‘end of an era’ edition is a special one. The spirit inside is pretty special too: Arrrrrrrdbeg! is the Distillery’s first ever ex-rye cask whisky. With notes of smoked banana and pear, sweet toffee and that distinctive Ardbeg smoke, it’s the perfectly peaty parting gift.”

Mickey Heads, Distillery Manager, said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to spend the last 13 years heading the crew at the greatest Distillery on earth. I had the best team of people anyone could wish for and I’m proud that we’ve been responsible for producing so many wonderful Ardbegs along the way. As for this bottling, well I’m honoured that a place that has already given me so much would celebrate my retirement in such a thoughtful way. And to have my image on a bottle, that’s a dream come true!

“Who knows what retirement holds for me, but I know I’ll be spending a lot of time out fishing. And, as ongoing Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee, I’m sure I’ll be dropping by the Distillery often.”

As part of the Arrrrrrrdbeg! launch, Mickey has recorded a farewell tasting film and Q&A, which fans can watch from the comfort of their own homes. And to help them get into the swashbuckling spirit, Ardbeg have also put together a downloadable kit full of pirate props, available from ardbeg.com.

While he is stepping down as Distillery Manager, Mickey will not be disappearing from the world of Ardbeg altogether. To the delight of fans, he will be continuing in his role as Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee.

Arrrrrrrdbeg will be available through Ardbeg.com and Ardbeg embassies from February 2021, RRP: £145.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg 

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes 

Colour: Straw

Nose: On the nose, aromas of smoked banana and pear drift into hints of rye bread, sweet vanilla toffee and the gentlest breeze of aniseed. With a splash of water, citrusy lemon and lime course through the senses, while refreshing notes of sherbet and sweet pastry come to the fore.

Taste: A spicy mouthfeel hoists up and ignites a blunderbuss of fruity flavours, such as melon and kiwi. An armada of aniseed appears, tailed by notes of smoked toffee and a distant hint of sourdough biscuits.

Finish: Finally, the long finish lingers, leaving seaspray, brazil nuts and faint smoke listing on the palate.

ABV: 51.8%

Cask type: Wholly matured in ex-rye casks. A first for Ardbeg.

Non age statement.

RRP: £145 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

SOTHEBY’S ANNUAL AUCTION SALES OF WINES AND SPIRITS TOTAL $92 MILLION
Driven by Expansion of Online Sales and Increase in First-Time Buyers
Market Leader in Asia
Growth in Spirits Business with 20% of Overall Sales

NEW YORK & LONDON, – Sotheby’s Wine’s annual auction sales of wines and spirits totalled $92 million in 2020, driven by the expansion of online sales, younger buyers entering the market, an increase in first-time buyers, and both new and established collectors embracing the company’s enhanced digital tools. Buyers from Asia continued to claim a larger share of global sales, with Sotheby’s leading the market in the region for the third consecutive year. Sotheby’s Wine Retail also achieved strong results this year, in both Hong Kong and New York.

Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine, said: “Our success in 2020 was due to our team’s ability to adopt a very rapid digital transformation, where we hosted 17 online auctions in addition to 23 live auctions, when we originally planned 28 live auctions. The digital tools that we now use would have taken another two to five years to implement under normal circumstances and resulted in the growth of 40% of new buyers, with particular strength in the under 40 category. The year’s highlights were the strength of our sales in Asia, representing over 55%, the growth in the Spirits market representing 20%, and the publication of The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. The range of our sales illustrates our innovation as leaders in the wine and spirits business and the breadth of our activities, from auction to retail, from New York to Hong Kong.”

Adam Bilbey, Head of Sotheby’s Wine, Asia, said: “To lead the market in Asia for the third year in a row, with our second highest total and backboned by eight single owner sales, is testament to the wonderful collections we have been entrusted with, and thanks to our loyal clients throughout the region. In these unprecedented and challenging times, Sotheby’s Wine has transformed its business across the world, with a digital revolution. In Hong Kong, our Spirits business has led this charge with eight online sales, selling to more fine Spirits collectors and to a younger and more diverse client base, than ever before. We look forward to continuing this trend in 2021.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “2020 saw phenomenal growth for spirits, which made up 20% of Sotheby’s Wine’s annual business globally. During this challenging time, we rapidly and successfully transitioned to an online auction format, bringing in new bidders and generating records for the most valuable Japanese Whisky, the oldest vintage Cognac, and the highest price for any bottle of Dalmore sold at auction. Sensitive to the struggles felt by so many around the world this year, we partnered with The Macallan, The Dalmore, Dictador and Diageo to produce sensational results for charities such as City Harvest, Water Aid and SAMH. We look forward to continuing this success into 2021 with more distillery partnerships for charity, leading with the Black Bowmore Cabinet in Hong Kong next Spring”.

Facts & Figures

• Global Wine and Spirits sales total $92 million
• Over 15,000 lots sold across 41 sales, an almost 50% increase in the number of sales held in 2019
• Bidders from more than 40 countries
• Market leader in Asia for third consecutive year
• Growth in spirits business with an overall total of $18 million (20% total sales), 15 sales and 1,800 lots sold – five years ago spirits represented less than 2% of sales
• Top lots of the year:
o The Macallan Red Collection, sold for $977,496
o The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection, sold for $507,819

Strength in Asia:

• Second biggest year ever, with digital transformation (including 11 online sales versus two online sales in 2019)
• Three-day Hong Kong sale series in July brought $23 million: the third highest total ever for a wine sale series in Asia, over 150% higher than any competitor wine sale series
• 40% of bidders in Hong Kong sales are in their 20s and 30s
• Over 30% bidders in Hong Kong sales are new to Sotheby’s
• 73% of total bid amount in all Wine and Spirits sales come from collectors in Asia

Online:

• Over $60 million of wine and spirits sold to online bidders in 2020 versus $28 million in 2019
• 84% lots offered were bought online
• 46% first time bidders aged in their 20s or 30s

New Buyers and Bidders:

• 40% buyers and 38% bidders new to Sotheby’s
• Bidders aged 40 years or younger made up 29% of new bidders, 31% total amount bid amount in global wine sales, and 38% bidders in global Spirits sales
• 45% bidders bid for first time in Spirits sales
• 31% bidders bid for first time in Wine sales

Spirits

• Several world record prices for Spirits at auction were achieved this year:

o World record for any bottle of Japanese whisky with Karuizawa 52 Year Old Zodiac Rat Cask #5627 1960 ($435,273, London, March).
o World record for any bottle of whisky produced by the Dalmore Distillery with two bottles of The Dalmore 62 Year Old ($324,445 per bottle, London, May).

• The year saw several partnerships with leading distilleries:

o Sotheby’s X The Macallan:

 In October at Sotheby’s in London, a unique set of The Macallan Red Collection – the only artist’s label set to be released by The Macallan – sold for $977,496. Proceeds from this lot were donated to City Harvest London and provided 620,000 meals for those in need.

o Sotheby’s X Diageo:

 In September the first offering at auction of set #1 of the first release of The Prima & Ultima Collection sold for $35,249 in an online auction, with proceeds from the sale donated to Diageo’s charity partner WaterAid.

o Sotheby’s X The Dalmore:

 Sotheby’s first Dalmore collaboration of the year in Hong Kong saw an entire Cask of 1973 Dalmore offered as part of the innovative cross-category silent auction ‘In Confidence: Selected Masterpieces’. The winning bidder will be flown to Scotland to work directly with The Dalmore Master Distilling team to complete their casks maturation and bottle into personalised decanters.

 Sotheby’s second partnership of 2020 with The Dalmore in Hong Kong consisted of two 1979 Private Cask bottlings in engraved Candela crystal decanters donated directly from The Dalmore Distillery for charity. The proceeds from the Dalmore 38 & 39 Year Old Private Casks 1979, which sold for $32,390, benefitted the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

o Sotheby’s X Bowmore:

 In the spring of 2021 in Hong Kong, Sotheby’s will offer The Black Bowmore Archive Cabinet – the complete Black Bowmore single malt whisky collection direct from the Bowmore distillery, comprising five archive bottles, spanning 1993 to 2016, presented in a truly unique bespoke piece of furniture created by award-winning craftsman John Galvin (estimate in the region of $500,000).

About Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s Wine, with a store located within the auction house’s worldwide headquarters on New York’s Upper East Side, offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by Sotheby’s’ experienced specialists, the ever-evolving selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with prices beginning at just $13.95. With bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages, each wine is chosen for its expression of its region and value for money. Each bottle selected by Sotheby’s specialist team must pass the brand’s signature “three-glass” tasting guideline, meaning that the tasters must like it enough to want to drink three glasses, or the standard amount enjoyed when sharing a bottle.

The Sotheby’s Wine Store in New York City is located at 1334 York Avenue, and is open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 7PM and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. Along with a retail location in Hong Kong Sotheby’s Wine also offers all bottles online, 24 hours, at www.sothebyswine.com.

Virginia Distillery Company’s Courage & Conviction American Single Malt Receives 96-Points from Wine Enthusiast

LOVINGSTON, Va. (January 19, 2021) – Virginia Distillery Company’s American Single Malt whisky Courage & Conviction was included in a recent buying guide for Wine Enthusiast which focused on Global Single Malts and Potato Vodka. Courage & Conviction received a 96-point score, putting the spirit in the superb category.

The Buying Guide is included in each issue of Wine Enthusiast as well as online and includes ratings and reviews of new releases and selected older beverage alcohol products that are evaluated by Wine Enthusiast editors and other qualified tasters. The panel of reviewers performed a blind tasting to determine the score for each product included. The scores are categorized as the following:

• Classic 98–100: The pinnacle of quality.
• Superb 94–97: A great achievement.
• Excellent 90–93: Highly recommended.
• Very Good 87–89: Often good value; well recommended.
• Good 83–86: Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value.
• Acceptable 80–82: Can be employed in casual, less-critical circumstances.

“It’s an honor to earn a superb score from one of the industry’s most accredited publications,” said Virginia Distillery Company’s CEO Gareth H. Moore. “Since day one, our team has been dedicated to producing quality American Single Malt whisky and setting a new standard in the category with Courage & Conviction.”

The name of Virginia Distillery Co.’s American Single Malt is a nod to a phrase founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Have the courage of your convictions.” The inaugural batch, which released in the spring of 2020, was dedicated to Dr. George G. Moore. The second batch of Courage & Conviction, which released in the fall of 2020, is dedicated to Dr. Jim Swan, who passed away in 2017 following a 40-year career supporting the science of distilling as a chemist, professor, researcher and author. Dr. Swan was the man behind Courage & Conviction: the distillate, the casks and the maturation strategy. Additional releases in the Courage & Conviction line are slated for Spring 2021.

Amongst Wine Enthusiast’s 96-point score, Courage & Conviction has earned national recognition and accolades including Double Gold in the SIP Awards, Double Gold in the John Barleycorn Awards, 94 Points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and 91 Points in Whisky Advocate.

Virginia Distillery Company released batch.info, a website hub that includes distillate and cask data about each batch of Courage & Conviction, as well as bottling and process information for consumers. Virginia Distillery Company also recently launched a complete guide to American Single Malt whisky.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at www.vadistillery.com.

About Virginia Distillery Company

Staffed by a local Virginia team mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest dedicated American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has a current annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery produces Courage & Conviction American Single Malt on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning Virginia-Highland Whisky series, made with 100% malted barley. Showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making, the award-winning line marries whisky made on-site in Virginia with whisky from Scotland.

Whiskies and glassware for raising a toast on Burns Night

Burns Night on Monday 25 January provides the perfect excuse to enjoy a dram or two of fine whisky and to raise a toast to the legendary Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Whether you’re a whisky novice or connoisseur, here’s a list of delicious whiskies to suit every palate and price range as well as some beautiful glassware to enhance your tasting experience.

Glenmorangie Lasanta, £47

Gaelic for “warmth and passion,” the 12-year-old single-malt Lasanta is extra-matured in Spanish sherry casks, revealing enticing aromas, full-bodied flavours and a lusciously soft texture. Aged for 10 years in first and second fill ex-bourbon casks, then ‘finished’ in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks, the creation of Lasanta is an exercise in fine-tuning, with Glenmorangie’s craftsmen seeking a smoother, sweeter whisky than is traditional in the Highlands. The ideal whisky to enjoy with your haggis on Burns Night.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com 

Ardbeg Wee Beastie, £39

For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the remote Scottish isle of Islay. This new single-malt style showcases the daring, experimental side of the distillery. Aged just 5 years, but with a feisty and intensely powerful flavour, Wee Beastie has been matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.  Untamed by age, it accentuates the raw power of Islay whisky. Intensely smoky, with notes of cracked black pepper, tar and savoury meats, Wee Beastie has been described as a ‘monster of a dram’ and it’s not for the faint hearted.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.ardbeg.com

Glenmorangie Malaga Cask, £75

Indulgently sweet and rich, Glenmorangie’s latest small-batch Highland single malt Scotch whisky brings the sun-kissed flavours of the south of Spain to whisky lovers old and new. Enriched by the honeyed intensity of famed Malaga wine casks, 12-year-old limited edition Glenmorangie Malaga Cask Finish brims with chocolate, fruit and gentle spice.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com

Ardbeg An Oa, £49

An Oa – part of Ardbeg’s core range of whiskies – is named after the Mull of Oa in the south west of Islay where the distillery is situated. The whisky is singularly rounded due to time spent in the bespoke oak Gathering Vat where whiskies from several cask types – including; sweet Pedro Ximénez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others, mingle unhurriedly. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness and a truly untamed single malt. Ideal for those whisky lovers who prefer a more peaty, smoky dram with their neeps and tatties.

Available through www.clos19.com.  www.ardbeg.com

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996, £635

Sixth in the Bond House No. 1 Collection, Grand Vintage 1996 is the first Glenmorangie whisky to be aged in specially designed casks. The casks are first seasoned with bourbon for four years, then lightly charred to magnify Glenmorangie’s creamy character. The result is a smoother, rounder single malt whisky, aged for a total of 23 years and a rare chance to own a piece of the distillery’s history.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com 

The Glencairn Crystal Glassware Range

Every whisky aficionado will tell you that the only way to drink whisky is from the iconic Glencairn Glass – in fact 3 million glasses are now sold every year across the world. Endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official glass for whisky, its unique and stylish shape has been crafted to enhance the enjoyment of both single malts and aged blends. The tapering mouth of the glass captures those all-important aromas,  and its wide bowl allows the fullest appreciation of the whisky colour with the thistle style base designed to be comfortable in the hand.

There’s a wide range of Glencairn Glasses to suit all budgets starting from a beautifully presented single glass (uncut or hand cut crystal) with prices from £6.

Or you could try something special to serve your whisky from such as Glencairn’s best-selling decanter designed in the shape of a whisky pot still. This beautiful crystal decanter holds 75cl and comes in a stylish presentation box, RRP £70.

The Glencairn Glassware range can be personalised with bespoke engraving to create a truly unique gift and is available at the Glencairn online shop.

Responsible Drinking:

Glenmorangie and Ardbeg advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Nicole Sykes Appointed Maker’s Mark UK Diplomat

14^th January 2021, London: In 1943 when Bill Samuels Sr. walked away from the whisky founded by his great,  great grandfather by burning the only copy of 170 year old family recipe, he set off to personally create a whisky that he could proudly share with his friends and family. Collaborating with his wife Margie Samuels, their result was Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky.

To continue the tradition of proudly sharing this great tasting whisky with our friends and family, we are delighted to share the news that the award-winning UK bartender and drinks expert Nicole Sykes has joined Edrington Beam Suntory UK as Maker’s Mark Diplomat.

Nicole brings 5 years’ experience to the Bourbon Whisky brand, working in some of the world’s most iconic bars in London and Edinburgh including Lyaness, Voodoo Rooms and most recently at Satan’s Whiskers, one of the world’s leading independent cocktail bars.

Nicole has also received numerous awards and accolades for her creativity and commitment to quality. Nicole’s passion for handmade cocktails and crafted American whisky will be key to sharing Maker’s Mark remarkable story.

Commenting on Maker’s Mark new role Nicole Sykes said: “The most compelling part for me is the genuine story behind Maker’s Mark. Each step of the process has its purpose and is there to create the best tasting Bourbon Whisky. It’s much like when bartenders create cocktails, each ingredient and method is well thought out. We don’t use the cheapest or quickest methods; we use the best methods to achieve the best taste experience.” 

In her new role, Nicole will share the unique hand-crafted story of Maker’s Mark with bartenders and Bourbon Whisky enthusiasts across the UK.  She will also work to support the on-trade during their transition back into service as restrictions loosen in the coming weeks.

Nick Temperley, General Manager for London at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK also commented:  “We are extremely excited to have Nicole join the team here at Maker’s Mark. Having proven herself as an outstanding bartender in some of London’s best bars, she will now bring her own sense of fun, energy and cocktail experience to help us grow our remarkable bourbon whisky and support all our customers in 2021.”

For more information visit: www.makersmark.com

Notes: 

About Maker’s Mark

In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream of creating a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s 46® and Maker’s Mark Private Select™, the brand’s custom barrel program.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing, and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Bowmore)
• Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Toki and Chita)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)
• Gin (Roku and Larios)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).