MASTER BLENDER DR. RACHEL BARRIE INDUCTED AS A ‘KEEPER OF THE QUAICH’ AT PRESTIGIOUS CEREMONY

One of the world’s top whisky Master Blenders, also known as the ‘First Lady of Scotch’, has been recognised with one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades by being inducted as a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ at a private ceremony held at Blair Castle last night (Monday 7 October).

With over 27 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Rachel Barrie is the Master Blender for Brown-Forman’s Scotch Whisky portfolio of The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh. Last year, Rachel was the first female Scotch whisky Master Blender to receive an Honorary Doctorate and be inducted into Whisky Magazine’s illustrious ‘Hall of Fame’.

At The GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh distilleries, Rachel is responsible for developing, testing and expertly fine-tuning each distillery’s unique signature character and range of expressions. Throughout her career, Rachel has tasted in excess of 150,000 casks of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which continues to boom in exports with overseas category sales growing 7.8% by value to £4.7bn last year.*

The Keepers of the Quaich is an international society established by the Scotch whisky industry to celebrate the outstanding commitment of those who produce and promote the world’s finest distilled spirit. Only a small number of people are nominated for the title for showing extraordinary dedication to and passion for their craft.

Originally from Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, an area rich in Scotch history, Rachel was long destined for a career in Single Malt whisky creation. After studying chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, she began as a research scientist at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute. She then moved into production at The Glenmorangie Company, becoming Master Blender in 2003. During this time Rachel also managed the stocks for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, before moving to Morrison Bowmore Distillers with Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch, working latterly with Laphroaig and Ardmore. Rachel was appointed as
Master Blender for Brown Forman’s Single Malt portfolio in 2017, then in 2018 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Edinburgh University as well as being inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame.

Commenting on the appointment to the international society, Dr. Rachel Barrie said:

“Being inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich is a very proud moment in my career. The society brings together those leading the way in Scotch whisky from all corners of the world, and to be part of this highly revered body is an honour, as we continue to push boundaries in perfecting our magnificent spirit.”

“My ambition has always been to unlock the secrets of Scotch whisky making and provenance, to develop and nurture richness of character and celebrate it with the world; it’s an honour to be recognised for this and to be in such esteemed company.”

Annabel Meikle, Director at Keepers of the Quaich added:

“The ceremony and banquet at Blair Castle for new Keepers of the Quaich is a true celebration of Scotch whisky, and we are proud to welcome new Keepers into the Society in recognition of their incredible service to the industry and wealth of knowledge. I often think of the Society as the most inclusive yet exclusive whisky club in the world, and it’s always a great moment to see new inducted Keepers becoming recognised for their prestigious work in the Scotch whisky industry.”

NOTES 

ABOUT BROWN-FORMAN

For nearly 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and Slane. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by over 4,700 employees and sold in more than 165 countries worldwide. For more information about the company and its corporate responsibility efforts, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KEEPERS OF THE QUAICH:

https://www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk/

Van Winkle Bourbon Annual Release Coming Soon 

             FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 10, 2019) – This is the favorite time of the year for bourbon fans, the annual release of the Van Winkle Bourbons.  Like previous years, yields from the barrels are low due to evaporation during the long aging cycle.

            Known for their smoother and sweeter flavor due to the wheat recipe versus the traditional rye recipe found in most bourbons, Van Winkle bourbons are aged years longer than most others and have garnered an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs.  Although  bourbon has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, very little Van Winkle is sold overseas, so that  these coveted bottles are available in the United States.

The Van Winkle collection consists of several whiskeys. Suggested retail prices are as follows:

• $69.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof
• $79.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old
• $119.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
• $119.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old
• $199.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
• $299.90 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old

“Unfortunately we cannot control the price retailers charge, so some retailers mark it up beyond our MSRP, even though we ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We are committed to releasing a quality product and hope retailers will honor what we suggest as a fair retail price.”

Upon release of the Van Winkle bourbon this fall, Buffalo Trace warns consumers to be wary of online resellers such as Craigslist and other online marketplaces, especially private Facebook and MeWe groups. “Trading and selling bourbon online is an unlicensed and illegal sale.  Purchasing bourbon online from unlicensed parties is dangerous.  The product may be counterfeit and unsafe.  If you are not a licensed retailer and you are selling Van Winkle products, we are prepared to take action to curtail the activity,” adds Kris Comstock, senior marketing director at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys has won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 20-year-old receiving a double gold medal, best bourbon, best small batch bourbon at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition; the 15-year-old being named Best Bourbon, 11-15 Years Old in the 2019 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, and also nabbing a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

            The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in November, but please be mindful that supply is quite limited and bottles shall be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants. They will be packed three bottles per case. 

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The Van Winkle

family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend, Alex Farnsley, eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.
After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.
In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.

KININVIE RELEASES FIRST THREE TRIALS FROM ITS KININVIE WORKS RANGE – KVSM001, KVSG002 AND KVSB003

• Kininvie, from William Grant & Sons, releases KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003; a Single Malt, Single Grain and a Blended expression – three whiskies created from different trials from Kininvie Works, near Dufftown, Scotland
• Alongside this, it has published its first technical White Paper; a theoretical hypothesis that explores a potential innovation that Kininvie Works could undertake – ‘rousing’ of new make spirit to affect flavour
• Kininvie Works aims to challenge what we know about Scotch whisky making and acts as a creative hub where collaboration, curiosity and a desire to learn are key

Kininvie Works is a collective of determined free-thinking distillers that go against the grain to challenge what we know about Scotch whisky. The ideas that they test are never constrained or informed by any commercial fulfilment plans, something that is unique to Kininvie Works.

For the first time, Kininvie has released the outputs of three of its trials. The inaugural Kininvie Works range is comprised of three makes – KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003; the result of the bravery and creativity that epitomises the work done at Kininvie Works, where invention, learning and discovery lead the way.

Each of these expressions is characterised by one distinctive technique, with the ambition to create a liquid that represents the learnings of the experiments carried out at Kininvie Works.

The new releases:

KVSM001 – For this expression, Kininvie experimented with the distillery parameters to allow a third distillation process, comparable to Irish distillation and a contrast to the normal set-up at Kininvie. Run for one week at the distillery, KVSM001 is the result of this experiment – a five-year-old Single Malt whisky that has been aged in ex-Bourbon casks with an ABV of 47%. The observation of this trial was that shifting from a double to a triple distillation resulted in a floral and fruity character with hints of pear drops.

KVSG002 – Behind this expression is an experiment to explore the different flavour profiles generated by cereals other than the usual malted barley to see if, and how, the addition of malted rye could alter the whisky’s profile. KVSG002 is a three-year-old Single Grain whisky aged in Virgin American oak casks with an ABV of 47.8%, defined by the addition of malted rye to the mash. What was observed was that the final product had a distinguished toffee flavour along with the classic spiciness associated with rye.

KVSB003 – The final release of the range is an innovation in Blended Scotch. It uses a higher proportion of malt than usual for a Blend, exploring how malt and grain drive flavour differently. KVSB003 is a blend of a three-year-old Single Grain Scotch whisky with a parcel of Single Malt Scotch whisky both produced at the Kininvie Distillery, aged in Virgin American oak & European casks respectively. It has an ABV of 48.2%. The observation was that this shift created a distinct spicy note that balances out the light floral note of Kininvie malt.To accompany the launch of this experimental range is Kininvie Works’ first White Paper – theorising a potential trial at Kininvie Works. It was written as a springboard for the whisky community to exchange and discuss ideas about potential future whisky experimentations and whether they should be pursued or not.

Titled ‘The Influence of the Continuous Rousing of Spirit on the Characteristics of New Make Whisky Spirit’, this first research work explores how the principle of aeration could be applied to whisky making in a similar way it is used to enhance the flavours of wine, and to understand the possibilities of ‘rousing’ new make spirit before it goes into casks. Developed collaboratively by the Distilling team, its objective is to champion learning and creativity in whisky making and offer a hypothesis about the future of whisky innovation.

This first White Paper is testament to the experimentation that happens at Kininvie Works – a creative sanctuary to bend and reinvent the traditions of whisky and where creativity meet a meticulous observation process.

The three Kininvie releases, KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003 (50cl) are available to purchase online from 7th October 2019 in the UK, and from 14^th October 2019 in France on www.amazon.co.uk for £35 or 35€.

The White Paper, titled The Influence of the Continuous Rousing of Spirit on the Characteristics of New Make Whisky Spirit, and published on September 2019, can be downloaded free here: www.kininvie.com

NOTES

Where to buy and RRP
KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003 (50cl) – the inaugural releases of Kininvie Works – are available to purchase on www.amazon.co.uk from 7^th October 2019 (UK) and 14^th October 2019 (FR) for a RRP of £35 or 35€.

Or via direct links below:

• KVSM001 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCJR3CC
• KVSG002 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCPV2K9
• KVSB003 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCQ4G1P

Packaging info
The Kininvie Works range comes in 100% recyclable packaging, specifically designed for e-commerce; the bottle is flat, light and its outer box doesn’t require additional bubble wrap or safety packaging.

Social media
Kininvie can be found on social media via the links below:

• Facebook – @kininvie
• Instagram – @kininvie
• Twitter – @Kininvie
• YouTube – @Kininvie 

Product names
The Kininvie Works products names – KVSM001, KVSG002 AND KVSB003 – relate to each expression’s own experiment.

KV stands for Kininvie, the next two letters relate to the whisky type; SG stands for Single Grain, SM stands for Single Malt and SB stands for Scotch Blend. The final number – 001, 002 and 003 – relates to the experiment number of the expression.

About Kininvie
The Kininvie whisky distillery is based in Dufftown, Speyside. It is one of William Grant & Sons three distilleries in Dufftown. The Kininvie distillery was founded on 4^th July 1990. Kininvie has long been a hub for creation and innovation; and for the first time, it’s showing this side to the public with the inaugural three releases from its Kininvie Works range.

About Kininvie Works
Kininvie Works, is a collective of free-thinking distillers that go against the grain to challenge what we know about Scotch Whisky. The ideas that they test are never constrained or informed by any commercial

Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour Launches Second Career: Belfour Spirits

Ultra-Premium Whiskey Brand Debuts with Three Products in Illinois and Texas

DALLAS (Oct. 1, 2019) – Belfour Spirits proudly announces the launch of its ultra-premium whiskey brand and family of products, The Spirit of Champions™. The company is founded and led by Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour who teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting spirits with unique character for whiskey aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts.

“There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice,” said Ed Belfour, president and CEO of Belfour Spirits, who retired in 2008 after 21 years of playing professional hockey. “For me, this is the perfect career, post hockey. There are so many similarities in this business to the sport – the competition, the art of distilling, the creativity in barrel selection, the dedication required, the camaraderie of the team. I feel blessed to work alongside my family and work to build what I hope is a second legacy for the Belfour name.”

The Belfour Spirits’ debut has been marked with high regards already from industry tasters, including Mark Gillespie of WhiskyCast, who rated the Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood a 93 and the Rye Whiskey a 91, both out of 100 points.

A Five-Year Training Camp

For the past five years, two generations of the Belfour family (including Ed, son Dayn, 30, and daughter Reaghan, 27) have been working toward one goal: to produce a whiskey worthy of a championship; one that tastes as luxurious as its unique packaging: a 1920s-inspired, decanter-like bottle with a pattern that resembles cut crystal.

But additional generations of Belfours had a hand in this in the 1930s. “My grandparents in Canada were moonshiners, so we like to think this was our destiny,” Ed says.

Applying lessons learned by both father and son during their respective, professional hockey careers and industry education from attending two whiskey schools (Canadian Craft Distilling Institute in Kelowna, B.C., and Moonshine University in Louisville, Ky.), they have used teamwork, patience and attention to detail to distill 1,700 barrels of whiskey to date.

From Barrel to Bottle

All but 12 of its 1,700 barrels were distilled and continue to age in Statesville, N.C., by Ed and Dayn, in partnership with Southern Distilling.

They made the other 12 barrels first during Dayn’s internship at Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt, Colo. Those barrels aged the brand’s Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey. Fewer than 2,700 bottles exist and all are presented in a one-of-a-kind collector’s bottle and box.

“We meticulously handcraft in small batches, paying attention to the art of barrel selection, charring and blending, and marrying that with the science of fermentation, distillation and aging,” said Dayn Belfour, vice president of distilling and production for Belfour Spirits, who played professional hockey as a goalie until he was 26. “Our whiskey is intentionally well balanced, not too heavy with sweet or spice, and every bottle is infused with our family’s shared, immense passion.”

Three spirits are included in the brand’s debut: 

Rye Whiskey                                                                          47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML

A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and has unexpected flavors for its kind.

• Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber

• Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma, leather
• Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon
• Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish 

Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood                   46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML

The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, oversized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. This Bourbon Whiskey aged in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood, imparting subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan.

• Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
• Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee
• Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses
• Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich mouthfeel layered with vanilla 

Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey                                50% ABV, 100 Proof, 750 ML

This Limited Edition is offered at 100 proof and presented in an autographed collector’s bottle, featuring a 1 oz. chalice cork that is plated in sterling silver.

• Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
• Nose: Smoke pear, plum, dark chocolate
• Taste: Light almond, white pepper, pear, apple
• Finish: Elegant lingering smoke, lasting warmth

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will distribute Belfour Spirits in Illinois and Texas beginning Oct. 1, 2019. Consumers are encouraged to visit their local fine spirits stores and restaurants to inquire about the availability of Belfour Spirits.

About Belfour Spirits

Led by Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour, Belfour Spirits is an ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits’ unique character and stunning packaging. In 2014, the Belfour family began their journey to hand craft exceptionally smooth and well-balanced whiskey made from the finest ingredients. Today, the company has distilled and is aging more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey. Belfour Spirits distributes in Illinois and Texas with additional markets expected to follow in 2020. To learn more, visit belfourspirits.com.

Record breaking Scotch Whisky Industry Charity Auction raises over £370k for leading Scottish cancer charity

Glasgow, Scotland – At The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the parties involved in the Scotch Whisky Industry Charity Auction for Beatson Cancer Charity gathered to mark the success in raising funds and awareness for the charity: The Auction smashed auction estimates by achieving a record-breaking £371,950.

This amount includes the hammer price total, plus 100% of the buyer commission donated by auction host Whisky Auctioneer along with other donations associated with the Auction.

Beatson Cancer Charity supports people and families affected by cancer, from providing wellbeing and patient care services to funding pioneering research and specialist clinical posts.

The inspiration and driving force for the auction came from Ian Curle, former CEO of Edrington and former Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, who benefitted first-hand from the skill and dedication of the clinicians at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

The collection of 103 exceptional whiskies from over 30 different distilleries and independent bottlers encompassed the very best of the Scotch Whisky Industry and generated a significant level of interest globally, with over 4,200 bids placed by 321 bidders from across 35 countries.

Of particular interest were the one-of-a-kind whiskies bottled exclusively for the auction. One of these, the Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old Beatson Sherry Cask No.1 of 1, donated by Distell, is the oldest official bottling ever released by the Islay-based distillery and raised a stunning £12,650 (inc. buyer commission), which is £7,000 more than the previous auction record for an official Bunnahabhain bottling.

A further unique whisky was specially bottled and donated by Ian MacLeod Distillers, representing their first release in their role as new owners of the soon to be resurrected Rosebank Distillery. The Rosebank 1989 Single Cask 29 Year Old #2477 No. 1 of 1 raised £17,600 (inc. buyer commission), over £10,000 more than the previous auction record for an official Rosebank bottling.

Record UK auction prices were also achieved for The Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old, which raised £36,300 (inc. buyer commission) and Dalmore 1978 Constellation 33 Year Old Cask #1, which raised £7,370 (inc. buyers commission).  Previous prices included in this release are retrieved from data held by rare whisky analysts Rare Whisky 101.

Martin Cawley, Beatson Cancer Charity CEO said, “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the success of this exciting initiative and extremely grateful to everyone involved in making it happen, whether they donated a bottle, helped with the organisation of the auction, or indeed purchased one of the vintage whiskies.  Everyone worked together to make this fundraising initiative such a wonderful success.  The amount raised exceeded all expectations and we are delighted at the outcome!  Our aim is to enhance the lives of people living with cancer and their families by providing practical care and support working closely with our colleagues at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.  I can assure you this money will make a huge positive contribution to people’s lives.”

Commenting on the auction result, Ian Curle said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the auction, which wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of all parties involved. The sum raised is testimony to the generosity and support of my former colleagues and friends across the Scotch Whisky industry. A special thanks must go to Whisky Auctioneer who provided their services free of charge and donated their commissions to Beatson Cancer Charity. We were proud to come together to support the exceptional work of Beatson Cancer Charity which supports people through their cancer journey every step of the way.”

Iain McClune, Whisky Auctioneer Founder, said “We are blown away by the results of the auction and could not be more delighted to see Beatson Cancer Charity receive £371,950 towards their vital work. The Scotch Whisky industry has been unreserved in their generosity, donating some truly incredible whiskies that have attracted interest from around the world, achieving deserved record prices. We are truly honoured to have been asked to host the auction and would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a huge success.”

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, added, “It’s fabulous news that so much money has been raised for the Beatson Cancer Charity through the generosity of the Scotch Whisky industry and Whisky Auctioneer. The industry’s commitment to supporting organisations such as the Beatson in their provision of outstanding support to cancer patients in Scotland is testament to its spirit of generosity and collaboration.  Our congratulations go to everyone who was involved.”

The auction ran from 13 September and closed on 23 September.

Photographs can be found here (caption as below, and caption is also included in photograph information): https://whiskylink.co/swicapostauction

L to R, Alan Kilpatrick BEM, Kenneth Ferguson, Donna McLeod, Tom MacLaren, Ian Curle, Martin Cawley, Nathan Kaczmarski, Azmat Sadozye, David Glen, Jo Cook, Kirsty Nimmo, Lindsay McGarvie.

A link to the full auction is here:

https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/scotch-whisky-industry-charity-auction

For more information about the auction or to register to participate in future auctions please visit https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com

For further information, please contact:

Nathan Kaczmarski, Whisky Auctioneer, nathan.kaczmarski@whiskyauctioneer.com 01738 245 576 or 07538 062 076

Graeme Littlejohn, Scotch Whisky Association, glittlejohn@swa.org.uk 0207 073 0544

Rosie Willmot, Scotch Whisky Association, rwillmot@swa.org.uk  0131 222 9225

About Beatson Cancer Charity

Beatson Cancer Charity supports people and families affected by cancer. From providing wellbeing and patient care services to funding pioneering research and specialist clinical posts, the Glasgow based charity reaches out to cancer patients across the West of Scotland and beyond. Working alongside the NHS and university partners, Beatson Cancer Charity strives to support The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

About The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is an internationally renowned institution, one of the most innovative and modern cancer centres in the world and one of the busiest in terms of clinical activity and patient numbers. Each year The Beatson sees more than 8000 new patients and delivers more than 35,000 courses of chemotherapy and 6,800 courses of radiotherapy.

The Beatson has a catchment area of 2.5 million people, around 50% of the Scottish population. It is the primary centre for all radiotherapy and chemotherapy delivery to the population of the West of Scotland.

The Beatson is staffed by some 650 highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is dedicated to the valuation and auctioning of fine and rare whiskies. We deal in whisky for the love of whisky, using our passion to support customers in valuing their collection, showcasing their whiskies to a wider audience and connecting it to those for whom whisky is also a passion – whether they be collectors, investors or connoisseurs.

 Whisky Auctioneer also looks for opportunities to support those undertaking charitable fundraising through our auctions and this has led to more than £7,000 being generated through auctions for causes including Islay Defibrillators, Street Soccer UK, Logan’s Fund, Leuchie House, the Feis Ile Committee and the Islay Pollinator Project.

Since 2013, Whisky Auctioneer has held regular monthly auctions. Each month our auctions feature over 5,000 whiskies and spirits. With a customer base of more than 30,000 registered users from 125 countries, sellers’ lots are shown to a truly global audience.

 Our easy-to-use and responsive site sees 60,000 bids each month.

 Our passion for whisky has gained us respect and authority from our customers, leading to world record hammer prices each month.

About Scotch Whisky Association

The Scotch Whisky Association is the trade body for the Scotch Whisky industry. With over 70 member companies, and more than a century’s experience of looking after the interests of this iconic industry, the SWA is recognised as one of the leading trade associations in the UK and is a respected and recognised voice in markets around the world.

The SWA strives to deliver the best possible global business environment for Scotch Whisky, in order to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to be the world’s premier whisky and consumers’ spirit of choice.

To achieve this, the Association works closely with members, with the UK and Scottish governments, international governments, and other partners to shape the future in favour of Scotch.

Wemyss Malts reintroduces ‘Nectar Grove’ Madeira cask finish as a limited edition Batch Strength release.

Scottish family whisky makers, Wemyss Malts, has reintroduced the award-winning, limited edition blended malt Scotch whisky named ‘Nectar Grove’ by bottling it as a Batch Strength release.  Nectar Grove is a combination of light and nutty Highland Scotch whiskies that have been carefully and considerately combined together before finishing for a further period in casks which had previously held Madeira fortified wine.

Nectar Grove Batch Strength is the first new expression in the Wemyss Malts Batch Strength range which launched in 2017 and currently consists of The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney Batch Strength Batch No.002 released earlier in 2019.

Bottled at the strength found to best suit the moreish stone fruit and nutty flavours of this Highland blended malt, an abv of 54.0% was chosen by the Wemyss Malts blenders. The result is an intensely fruity, sweet and indulgent malt whisky with a bright natural colour and an effervescent yet mouth-coating texture.

Nectar Grove Batch Strength is non chill-filtered and the Madeira wine finish has imparted a natural colour that has a rich, rose copper hue.

Striking ‘Rainbow Holographic’ material has been used to amplify the already eye-catching Nectar Grove packaging design that was initially inspired by artwork, jewellery and ceramics from the island of Madeira.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “After the immensely positive feedback from our first “finished” blended malt we decided that a batch strength version of this recipe would prove an interesting and provoking addition to the blended malt category as a whole”.

8,100 bottles of Nectar Grove Batch Strength will be available, initially to the Wemyss Malts Cask Club. Retailers in the UK, EU and Asian markets will list from mid-October with suggested UK retail price of £55.00.

Notes:

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is family run company operated by brother and sister William and Isabella Wemyss. The Wemyss family Castle has been home to the family since the 1300s and is featured in the company logo.
• Nectar Grove Batch Strength joins other 2019 limited releases Blooming Gorse and Flaming Feast which are the 3^rd and 4^th release of Wemyss Family Collection range
• Wemyss Malts craft blended malt whiskies such as The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney as well as Batch Strength versions and single cask whiskies.
• Wemyss blended malts have recently won double gold medals for The Hive and Spice King as well as ‘Best in Class’ for The Hive at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The latest release of The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney Batch Strength, Batch No.002 all received gold medal wins from the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

• The family opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife and in July 2017 also added Darnley’s Gin distillery to the site. www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

We are pleased to reveal to our Spirit of Rothes community our 13 Year Old Halloween Edition 2019 single malt and, with it, a ghostly revelation: Halloween is Scottish! The whisky celebrates the ancient traditions and forgotten rituals that permeate Scotland’s history.

Thirteen is an unlucky number for some, superstitious for others. For The Glenrothes, it’s the perfect year to open the most unusual casks, and our latest eerie release has a hidden treat for the owner. The Glenrothes Halloween Edition 2019 resurrects the mystique and mystery of a deeply Scottish celebration by combining the ancient with the new. State of the art Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is embedded on each bottle label to reward its lucky owner with a hidden webpage and exclusive tasting video in the company of the Spirit of The Glenrothes.

This is our spooky secret for now.
The limited edition launch will not be available to buy on www.theglenrothes.com until 13th October.
Haste ye back!

Additionally we invite you to watch the premiere of “The Real Halloween”, a short film from The Glenrothes unveiling Scotland’s latest smoky secret.

WATCH NOW

MIDLETON VERY RARE 2019 UNVEILED AS ONLINE MEMBERS’ PROGRAMME LAUNCHES WITH SALE OF RARE VINTAGES

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2019, alongside the launch of the ‘1825 Room’, an online members’ programme for discerning whiskey lovers to delve further into the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

The 36^th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range has been masterfully blended from whiskeys laid down at Midleton Distillery, Co Cork, over the past four decades. Crafted by Master Distiller Brian Nation, Midleton Very Rare 2019 combines only hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys of exceptional quality and rarity within the Midleton inventory. With each whiskey having been matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels for between 13 and 34 years, 2019 marks the oldest collection of casks used to create a Midleton Very Rare.

“Each year, for over forty years, we have been setting aside very small amounts of the finest single pot still and single grain distillates so that the Midleton Very Rare legacy can continue. I am delighted that our 2019 vintage is once again a whiskey of exceptional quality that fits beautifully into the family,” explains Brian. “This vintage features an extraordinary blend of whiskeys from the rarest casks in our collection, with the youngest whiskey in our 2019 vintage having been aged for 13 years, and the oldest dating back to 1985.”

Midleton Very Rare 2019 is a whiskey of great depth and flavour that marries the spice of a pot still whiskey and the floral fragrance of grain whiskey with a layer of delightful sweetness from the finest bourbon casks. Offering ripe fruit and sugary notes that complement the charred American oak of the barrels, Midleton Very Rare 2019 is a luxurious liquid with a touch of spice that slowly fades to give way to charred oak and barley notes that linger.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2019 is available globally from this month at the RRP of €180 in markets including Ireland, the UK, and the US.

To mark the release of its 2019 Midleton Very Rare vintage, Irish Distillers has launched the ‘1825 Room’, a members’ site to pay homage to Midleton Distillery’s outstanding influence on Irish distilling since its foundation in 1825. Offering exclusive content and features about Midleton Very Rare, the site – available to join now @ midletonveryrare.com will also include an exclusive online store, with five rare vintages for sale from 2^nd October for one month. To celebrate the launch of the 1825 Room, members will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of the very first 1984 vintage at the price of £40 Irish punts, which equates to €50.80. In anticipation of demand being exceptionally high, purchasers will be selected through a ballot system.

“The new 1825 Room gives us a unique opportunity to offer rare releases, which we have acquired over time or released from our archives, to whiskey fans and collectors around the world.” explains Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers.

Tasting notes for Midleton Very Rare 2019: 

Nose: Ripe fruit notes of sweet pear and apple that develop over time, adding a delicate touch of mango. Complimented by the charred American Oak, these flavours are further accentuated with additional sweet layers of brown sugar and vanilla, with a light dusting of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove spice.

Taste: Luscious and silky texture with the orchard fruits and pot still spices coming to the fore while the grain’s soft floral notes gently linger in the background, allowing the oak to add dimensions of mild tannins and wood spice.

Finish:  The fruits and gentle spice slowly fade, giving way to the oak foundation that leaves a mild roasted coffee and nutty character to linger until the very end. 

About Irish DistillersIrish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier 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 fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.7m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

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 €250m 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 €9,182 million in FY19. 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.

Raise a Glass With Larkfire: New ‘Wild Water’

Launches Online

Whisky fans can raise a glass as a new ‘wild water’ – which helps to enhance the depth of flavour of scotch – is now available online.

Larkfire is sourced from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where 3-billion-year-old gneiss rock helps give it a unique softness and natural purity that helps unleash the rich mix of aromas in whisky.

The high quality natural water is the only known canned water for whisky and is now available for just £1 a can at www.larkfire.co.uk.

The launch comes after Swedish chemists Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman published a paper in the Scientific Reports journal in 2017, which helped establish why whisky tastes better when water is added – proving that water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of the drink, enhancing the flavour.

Larkfire taps into the growing trend of ‘premiumisation’ in the drinks industry, where consumers take great care in the preparation of their drink, often prioritising quality above quantity.

A percentage of sales will flow back into the islands via an agreement with The Stornoway Trust, which looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis, where the water is sourced.

Larkfire was founded by two whisky enthusiasts who observed people drinking wild water from streams in Scotland.

Co-founder James McIntosh said: “As whisky fans ourselves, it’s been a labour of love launching Larkfire.

“Whilst exploring the incredible Scottish landscape, we kept coming across locals drinking wild water straight from the ground.

“The centuries-old Lewisian gneiss rock is metamorphic and non-soluble, creating a pure and soft natural water with a low mineral content – which is perfect for whisky. It’s this process that helps create such a unique wild water, and we were determined to share it with people up and down the country.

“In Edinburgh and London you often see people add regular tap water to an expensive scotch – the problem is tap water has been recycled several times before it even reaches your glass, and chlorine and fluoride are added, interfering with the delicate flavours found in whisky. Put simply, tap water shouldn’t go anywhere near a good scotch.

“In Scotland we have a law specifying how whisky should be made, yet we’re willing to dilute this centuries-old craftmanship by allowing bog-standard tap water to be added to our great drink.

“Bottled water carries its own problems, as its high mineral content interferes with the aroma and taste.

“Consumers are becoming more discerning about not only their spirits but their mixers too. When you’re paying £20, £30, or even more for a single glass of whisky in a bar, you deserve to have the best water to pair it with.

“After travelling the breadth of Scotland, consulting master blenders, professors, chemists and geologists along the way, we think we’ve come up with the perfect solution.

“Mixing Larkfire with whisky creates a natural chemistry – complementing the whisky and unlocking its hidden complexities, creating a drink that is more enjoyable with greater depth.

“It’s a case of letting nature do its work with as little human intervention as possible.”

Larkfire is sourced on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, which is home to 15% of the UK’s freshwater surface area. The climate of the Isle of Lewis is characterised by short, cool and windy summers and extremely wet and windy winters – this wild climate and Scottish wilderness come together to produce the purest wild water.

The water is held on the surface by 3-billion-year-old Lewisian gneiss rock, among the oldest rock in the world. This non-soluble metamorphic rock is part of the reason for the water’s purity and lack of mineral content – it is naturally very soft and retains a slightly golden hue.

Larkfire is available now from www.larkfire.com priced at £1 per can, with a minimum order of 24 cans, plus delivery.

SAZERAC COMPANY OPENS SAZERAC HOUSE IMMERSIVE SPIRITED EXPERIENCE 

New homeplace celebrates New Orleans cocktail culture in completely restored historic building; brings first whiskey distillery to downtown New Orleans 

NEW ORLEANS, LA (October 2, 2019) The Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans since 1850, today opened the Sazerac House, an immersive, spirited experience exploring the history of New Orleans through its cocktails. The Sazerac House, located at the intersection of Canal and Magazine Street, is just a few hundred yards from the original 1850 Sazerac Coffee House—the site where the Sazerac Cocktail was first introduced and the company was born.  Cutting-edge, immersive exhibit technology throughout the experience allows guests to dive into the French Quarter in the 1800s, take a seat at a simulation of the original Sazerac House café tables, chat with virtual New Orleans bartenders about their signature drink recipes and learn how to build drinks from the famous Mr. Boston guide, based on their favorite flavor profiles. The Sazerac House is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm through the end of November 2019, and will then be expanding its hours. Complimentary tickets, available at www.sazerachouse.com, are required for entry.

Inside, guests will learn about the roots of the Sazerac family, which date back to the 1630s in France, explore interactive exhibits about the iconic Sazerac Cocktail, as well as learn about the impact of New Orleans on international cocktail culture. The Sazerac Company worked with a number of archivists to thoroughly research and document all of the information in the exhibits. More than a museum, guests can also take part in the production of Peychaud’s Bitters and Sazerac Rye Whiskey—marking the first time that whiskey has been legally distilled in the New Orleans Central Business District.

“The opening of the Sazerac House gives us a show-stopping homeplace in the heart of New Orleans, in a building with a history that aligns so closely to ours,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer of the Sazerac Company. “The Sazerac House showcases our roots in this remarkable city, our commitment to our guests to create an incredibly memorable experience and our celebration of the Sazerac Cocktail.”

Upon arrival, guests will travel past a three-story-tall bottle wall featuring signature Sazerac brand spirits to elevators that bring them to the third floor, where the self-guided journey begins. Guests will first immerse themselves in New Orleans in the 1800s before traveling to the second floor exhibits which feature modern day cocktail craftsmanship.  Finally, visitors will explore whiskey production in the distillery before exiting through the retail store on the first floor. Along the way, guests who are age 21 and over will enjoy sampling stations with a variety of Sazerac products or cocktails, which will vary by day of the week and the season. 

Sazerac House Highlights Include:

• Sophisticated Spirits
  • Sit down, choose a drink and enjoy a virtual cocktail mixed up by a New Orleans bartender. Four bartenders who represent the city’s diverse cocktail culture share their craft, cocktail history, and personal stories. Watch an expert in action and along the way, learn about important tools, ingredients, spirits, and lore. Visitors leave feeling inspired and empowered to order or make new drinks.
• Café Culture
  • Café Culture captures the Sazerac House, c. 1902, one of the city’s top destinations–a place where the who’s who went to cut deals, handle business and discuss politics.  Visitors use physical coasters to activate the three stories and touch to expand upon story elements. Guests will meet the Sazerac House’s famous bartenders, enjoy tales of its spirited history, learn methods for making its most famous drinks, and get a taste for some of the celebrations. At the end, visitors can take the coaster as a souvenir, which has a drink recipe printed on the back.
• Magic Mirrors
  • Using hidden motion sensors, seemingly regular mirrors magically reveal a series of animated films. Through each of the three mirrors, visitors will see historic advertisements, photographs, and iconic Sazerac products, including Herbsaint, Sazerac de Forge & Fils Cognac, and Sazerac Rye Whiskey.
• The Power of the Dash
  • Visitors discover that bitters are a versatile product with the power to elevate cocktails and food recipes. They learn what bitters are, how they’re made, and simple pairings for each of the three featured Sazerac products. While learning about bitters as a concept, guests will also be able to view production and bottling of the famous Peychaud’s Bitters.
• Mr. Boston
  • Inspired by the Mr. Boston Bartender Guide, this interactive exhibit offers a curated-but-extensive menu of cocktails and a playful mode to find just the right one. Spin the virtual wheel to locate the perfect drink based on favorite flavors and spirits. Visitors can also browse recipes and learn about how drinking has changed since the first Mr. Boston guide was published in the 1930.
• Sazerac Rye Distillery Exhibit
  • One of the showstoppers of the Sazerac House is the Distillery Exhibit, which includes a new, custom-built still on the first floor of the Sazerac House. The 60-inch diameter, 500-gallon capacity still, which will produce Sazerac Rye Whiskey, is viewable from two stories through a glass front facing Canal Street, making it a prime attraction in the heart of downtown New Orleans. Sazerac Rye will also be bottled on site and available for sale in the Sazerac House retail shop. A 2,200 gallon thermal energy tank, viewable in the Distillery Exhibit, makes 14,000 pounds of ice at night to cool and condition the distillery equipment during the day.
• Retail Shop
  • At the close of their visit, guests will have the opportunity to purchase items from the retail shop, including apparel, bar tools, exclusive gift sets and even the spirits represented at the Sazerac House.

The Sazerac House is a full renovation of two nearly 200-year-old buildings which were previously vacant for more than 30 years. Local historic preservation architects Trapolin-Peer Architects and Ryan Gootee General Contractors led the renovation efforts of the 48,000 square foot space over the course of two years. Throughout the renovation there was a focus on restoring and reusing historic elements of the building, which reduced landfill load by 5300 tons and saved 2.557 metric tons of CO2.

Gallagher & Associates, a museum design company known for its work on the National WWII Museum, The Spy Museum, and many other notable attractions designed the exhibits. The New Orleans-based Solomon Group fabricated and installed the exhibits, and provided audio-visual integration.

In addition to exhibit space, the Sazerac House provides state of the art meeting and event space, with a capacity of up to 400 guests. Private events can include tastes of the spirits portfolios of the Sazerac Company with cocktail experts.

The buildings also house Sazerac company offices, which are home to 60 employees, 45 of which are new positions due to the Sazerac House creation.

Sazerac has a history of buying hidden gems and restoring them to their natural beauty. In 1992 the company bought Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, complete with ramshackle buildings, barbed wire fences surrounding the property, and an employee base which had dwindled down to 50 from its thriving post World War II days of 1,000 employees.  Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of only 2,600 national historic landmarks in the United States, employing nearly 500 workers, and welcoming more than 250,000 visitors a year who enjoy its lush gardens and picturesque campus.

Sazerac is projecting 200,000 visitors within the Sazerac House’s first year of operation. The purchase price and renovation price is not being disclosed.

About Sazerac House

Standing proudly in a historic building at the corner of Canal and Magazine, and just a short stroll from the original 1850s era Sazerac Coffeehouse, the Sazerac House is an immersive exploration of the spirited culture of New Orleans. Featuring three floors of interactive exhibits across 48,000 square feet, including private event venues, an on-site Sazerac Rye distillery, and Peychaud’s Bitters production facility, the Sazerac House welcomes visitors to experience New Orleans history through the stories of its cocktails.  For more information on the Sazerac House, please visit www.sazerachouse.com 

About the Sazerac Company

            Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com