REDBREAST DREAM CASK PEDRO XIMÉNEZ EDITION SELLS OUT IN RECORD TIME

Pictured: Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition #BottleKill at Midleton Distillery 

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has announced that the limited-edition Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition, released to mark World Whisky Day 2019, has sold out in 14 minutes. Launched exclusively through the Redbreast Birdhouse at 3.00pm on 27^th May, all 924 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition were sold by 3:14pm – at a rate of over 65 bottles per minute.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Irish Distillers, commented: “In addition to selling out in record time, Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition has been bought by people from many parts of the globe. From Ireland to Taiwan and many places in between, we’re delighted that so many Birdhouse members will soon be able to share and enjoy this exceptional creation.” 

The Birdhouse is the Redbreast online members’ club and gives Irish whiskey fans exclusive access to limited edition releases, information on the Redbreast family, interviews from the Midleton Masters and bespoke Redbreast gifts. Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition is the second in a series of limited-edition Redbreast Irish whiskeys planned for the coming years, which will be sold exclusively through The Birdhouse.

Click here to visit The Redbreast Birdhouse. 

Notes 

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition tasting notes, by Head Blender Billy Leighton

Aroma: full rich aroma of liquorice and treacle toffee, giving cover to vanilla sweetness and a concentrate of caramelised dried fruits. Cinnamon and clove acknowledge the presence of the ex-bourbon influence whilst hazelnut and almond nuttiness adds to the complexity delivered by the fine old Pedro Ximénez Butt from Jerez

Taste: A rich viscose mouthful of satisfyingly assertive spices combined with sweet ripe fruit. The liquorice notes slowly evolve to reveal those typical exotic fruits and berries which define the Redbreast style

Finish: Rich and long with those familiar Redbreast berries, slow to fade 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer 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 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 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 world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

THE MACALLAN INTRODUCES ESTATE:

A TRIBUTE TO OUR HERITAGE AND HOME 

The Macallan has unveiled Estate, an extremely special new single malt containing rare spirit distilled with barley grown at Easter Elchies estate, the iconic home of the world-famous whisky.

A rich and complex whisky with a remarkably long finish, The Macallan Estate was created by Whisky Makers to celebrate the single malt’s peerless provenance and heritage.

It also represents a unique opportunity to experience a single malt containing spirit made from The Macallan’s precious home-grown barley, which is distilled just once a year over the course of a single week. Previously, this spirit has been limited to The Macallan’s most exclusive and sought-after releases.

The 485-acre Easter Elchies estate is set within the legendary Speyside region of Scotland, where The Macallan has been creating extraordinary single malts since 1824. Its carefully tended barley fields are located on the banks of the River Spey, overlooked by The Macallan’s new award-winning distillery.

The distillery, which was inspired by Scotland’s undulating hills and cut into the slope of the land to complement its Spey Valley setting, opened its doors to the public in June 2018.

Displaying a warm conker, chestnut hue, The Macallan Estate exudes aromas of wood spice and orange oil. The sweet, subtle hint of citrus acts as the perfect counterbalance to the traditional sherried richness associated with The Macallan’s distinctive single malts.

Sarah Burgess, Whisky Maker for The Macallan, said: “Our Easter Elchies estate lies within the legendary Speyside region of Scotland, a place of timeless natural beauty, and a place that we are proud to call home.

“With its wonderful sweet citrus hints and warming wood spice, The Macallan Estate is a rich, satisfying and complex spirit that pays homage to the fertile Speyside lands where The Macallan is located and celebrates the unrivalled craftsmanship for which we have been known since 1824.”

The Macallan Estate is presented in an elegant gift box featuring landscape-inspired designs and it reflects the natural stones found on our estate, with an inlay of slate. Inside, aerial photography showcases the estate’s impressive barley fields on the banks of the beautiful River Spey. Priced at £195, Estate will be available to buy from selected whisky specialists from July.

Whisky Makers Notes

Colour: Conker, chestnut hue

Aroma: Warm, comforting and homely notes of cinnamon. Wood spice and orange oil, opening into dried fruits with a sweet lemon, banana and caramel.

Palate: Soft and warming with wood spice, opening into a dry oak flavour spiked with candied raisin and fresh fig. Moving into a sweet fresh orange and delicate fresh citrus.

Finish: A sweet citrus twist.

ABV: 43%

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.”

www.themacallan.com

TWO BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT 2019 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Four other Barton 1792 whiskies awarded silver 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 15, 2019) –The 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced this year’s results, awarding Double Gold to two bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery. In total, whiskies from Barton 1792 Distillery received six medals from the competition out of the record breaking 3,000 spirits entered.

Double Gold

• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Zachariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Forty-four of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry in a blind taste test to award top selected spirits. All Silver, Gold, Double Gold and Premium awarded whiskies will be featured in the August 2019 issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine. Results from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview. 

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY AWARDED TWO GOLD MEDALS AT THE 2019 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Three A. Smith Bowman spirits received Bronze 

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (May 16, 2019) – At this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, two Gold medals were awarded to whiskies from A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Its John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon and Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Port Finished Bourbon each received top honors. Three other A. Smith Bowman spirits received Bronze for a total of five medals among the near 3,000 competing spirits.

Gold

• John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Port Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze

• Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Vanilla Bean Virginia Whiskey
• Isaac Bowman Port Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Forty-four of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry in a blind taste test to award top selected spirits. All Silver, Gold, Double Gold and Premium awarded whiskies will be featured in the August 2019 issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine. Results from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview.

About A. Smith Bowman

1. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

GEORGE DICKEL ENTERS BOTTLED IN BOND CATEGORY WITH 13-YEAR-OLD LIMITED RELEASE 

Cascade Hollow Distilling Company Releases Latest Innovation that’s a High Quality Whisky and Great Buy for Whisky Lovers 

TULLAHOMA, TN, May 15, 2019 – In 1897, the federal government enacted The Bottled in Bond Act to help guarantee a spirit’s authenticity and quality. Fast forward more than 120 years, Nicole Austin – General Manager and Distiller of Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. – is trying her hand at this special offering and reinforcing George Dickel’s commitment to making unique, high quality whisky available at a great value with the release of George Dickel Bottled in Bond as her first innovation since joining the company in 2018.

George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky is a limited release, 13-year-old whisky that has already racked up a score of 95 (on a scale of 100) and earned the designation of “Best Buy” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Additionally, George Dickel Bottled in Bond took home a Gold medal this spring at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

At 100-proof (50% ABV), George Dickel Bottled in Bond offers a bold and assertive profile with a well-balanced finish highlighted by tastes of light honey, tropical fruit, warm spices, and a touch of leather. George Dickel Bottled in Bond has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $35.99, making it a must-try for whisky lovers.

The first bottles of George Dickel Bottled in Bond will be available for purchase in the Bottle Shop at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. this Friday, May 17, and then will roll out to retailers nationwide later in the month. For information on the distillery and Visitor’s Center, please visit www.georgedickel.com.

“We wanted George Dickel Bottled in Bond to be rooted in authenticity, quality and truth, reflective of the values we feel are most important when making Tennessee’s finest whisky,” said Austin. “The aged whisky stocks we have access to here at Cascade Hollow are absolutely beautiful, and it’s important to me that we create whisky that’s sure to be a great value for the quality you’re getting.”

To be labeled as Bottled in Bond, a spirit must be: composed only of the same class and type of spirits, the product of one distillation season by one distillery (distilled by Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. at Cascade Hollow Distillery, DSP-TN-2, during the fall season of 2005), unaltered from the original condition or character, stored in oak containers a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision  (stored at Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tullahoma, TN) for at least four years (13 years old) and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) and reduced in proof only by the addition of water to not less than 100 proof. George Dickel Bottled in Bond has been aged and bottled according to this special set of regulations from the U.S. government’s Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.

While Nicole Austin recommends first trying the whisky neat or on the rocks to realize the full flavor profile, George Dickel Bottled in Bond can also lend a beautiful backbone to popular cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

George Dickel Bottled in Bond has a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley. It is chill charcoal mellowed like the rest of the George Dickel Tennessee Whisky portfolio, which helps it get that the smooth mouthfeel for which the brand is best known.

As with all the whiskies in the George Dickel family, your friends at Cascade Hollow encourage you to sip this new offering the same way it’s made – slowly and responsibly.

About George Dickel Tennessee Whisky 

Back in the late 1800’s, George Dickel worked to fulfill his dream for crafting the smoothest Tennessee Whisky around.  Over a century later, we continue to honor George’s timeless values and tradition.   Legend has it that early on George discovered that whisky made in the cold winter months tasted smoother.  Today we honor this tradition by chilling our whisky before filtering it through sugar-maple charcoal so it’s mellow as moonlight just how George liked.  For more information, please visit www.GeorgeDickel.com and always remember to drink responsibly.

About DIAGEO

DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

 Follow us on Twitter for news and information about DIAGEO North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SEDUCTIVE SILKIE IRISH WHISKEY LAUNCHES IN UK

Fresh from widespread acclaim in its homeland, the award-winning and legendary Silkie blended Irish whiskey is now available to UK drinkers. Named after the mythical seals that transform into irresistible maidens when ashore Donegal’s beaches, the whiskey is as smooth as its name suggests.  Available from Amazon, Master of Malt and Whisky Exchange at an RRP of £32.99 for 70cl (40%ABV).

Created by James Doherty, a returning Donegal ‘scatterling’, Silkie is made from a blend of carefully selected malt and grain whiskeys.  By using a higher malt percentage – with malts aged up to eight years including some sherry wood – James is able to produce a signature-soft mouth feel and silken, easy character.

On the nose, Silkie evokes brisk green apples opening to a more honeyed butteryness. On the palate, it suggests orange zest, digestive biscuits and stem ginger, all with the signature softness. The rich, sweet taste provides a sublimely gentle finish.

Commenting on the arrival into the UK, James Doherty, Managing Director, Sliabh Liag Distillers said: “As a young lad, my mother used to tell me all about the silkies emerging from the wild Atlantic ocean and beguiling the men they encountered.  We’ve worked hard to create a blended Irish whiskey that is rich, soft and very easy-drinking and are confident drinkers across the UK who encounter our Silkie will be as equally mesmerised by it as the Donegal seafarers of old were by its namesake.”

Given its soft character, Silkie can easily be enjoyed neat but also works superbly as an Old Fashioned cocktail, especially if rhubarb bitters are used instead of the traditional Angostura variety. For a more refreshing drink, a “Silkie Rua” – Silkie with ginger ale garnished with an orange peel twist hits the spot.

Notes 

• Sliabh Liag (pronounced ‘sleeve league’) Distillers is committed to reclaiming the distilling heritage of Donegal. In addition to Silkie, the company also produces An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin at its distillery, near Carrick.  Planning has also been submitted for a new distillery at Ardara, co Donegal.

• Silkie and An Dúlamán are both distributed by Vine Distribution Services in the UK. Established in 2000, Vine Distribution Services (VDS UK Limited) are importers and distributors of premium drinks and other FMCG brands in the UK. Founded by Steve Brown and Paul Macgregor, VDS is a sales, marketing and distribution company that specialises in the development of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands.

The Fisherman’s Retreat launches fourth and fifth edition whisky

Following the success of its previous three editions, The Fisherman’s Retreat, located just beyond the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, has launched its fourth and fifth edition single malt whisky.

From buying the first few single malt whiskies to stock the bar back in 1992 to purchasing the first cask in 1995, whisky has always been at the heart of The Fisherman’s Retreat.

Now in its 27 th year The Fisherman’s Retreat now stock over 500 different Scottish single malt whiskies, with the majority of these available to try by the dram or purchase by the bottle from their onsite shop.

Their online shop has just launched which showcases some of the more fine and rare whiskies The Fisherman’s Retreat has to offer.

The 90 litre Octavius red wine cask was filled in 2013 with new make Arran spirit, the smaller cask enabled a faster maturation, thus rendering it ready for bottling after just five years. Bottled at 54% ABV this is a very limited edition at only 191 bottles.

One of the whisky industry’s best-known figures, Jim McEwan, the former master distiller of Bruichladdich, and good friend to the Magnall family has written the tasting notes for the whisky, describing its palate as:

“Amazingly complex for one so young. Layered and seductive. The flavours of the toasted barley, rich wine soaked oak and spicy vanilla is impressive for such a young spirit. Little hints of tangerines & almonds bring this amazing Yalumba matured spirit to a most surprising and satisfying conclusion”

Jim’s notes on the whisky’s aromas focus on the impact of the Yalumba cask:

“Brilliant combinations of mellow oak & concentrated fruitiness from the Yalumba wine cask. No other influence can encourage such an ambrosial intensity. It’s a luscious aroma cradled in a halo of toasted malt with an overture from the Flora & Fauna from this stunning Island”

Edition five has been 10 years in the making. This unique single cask bottling sees a return to Bruicladdich for The Fisherman’s in the form of this heavily peated Port Charlotte. Distilled November 2008 at Bruichladdich distillery on the Isle of Islay and peated to 40ppm this Port Charlotte ticks all the boxes when it comes to embodying Islay’s peaty history.

Spending all its life maturing in a warehouse on the windswept shores of Loch Indaal this whisky has endured everything the elements have thrown at it and used them to create something exceptional. The former Haut-Brion red wine cask has also played an immense role in the making of this whisky, imparting its unique characteristics over many seasons to leave us with a deeply rich and well-rounded malt, accompanied by the unmistakable flavors that can only be found in an Islay aged whisky. Hand bottled in December 2018 at 54%ABV this release has produced 360 bottles.

https://www.fishermansretreat.com/

MAIN COURSE

Asian slow cooked ham hough with slaw & brioche coupled with Tomatin 1988 

1 smoked ham hough
100ml apple juice
50ml soy sauce
50 ml runny Scottish honey
25ml rice wine
1 red chilli de seeded
1 Clove garlic

1. Half full a deep pot with cold water
   2.    Pour in apple juice and add other ingredients
   3.    Slowly simmer ham for 2-3hrs
   4.    Remove hough check water not too salty
   5.    Then reduce In a high heat until a sticky glaze
   6.    Brush the sticky glaze all over the ham
   7.    Allow to sit

Slaw

1 carrot peeled & cut into julienne
1/4 Chinese cabbage finely shredded
1/2 red onion finely sliced
1″ ginger cut into julienne
1 red chilli de seed & finely chop
2 lime zest & juice
2tbs toasted sesame seeds

To serve slice some brioche bread and toast, Flake the ham hough over the brioche and serve the slaw on the side

DESSERT

Scotch raspberry and dark chocolate chilli tart with a clotted cream ice cream paired with Tomatin 14 year old 

Pastry case
250g of plain flour
100g of icing sugar
35gr ground almonds
125g of unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
1 egg & 1 egg yolk
Chocolate and chilli filling
400g of 70% dark chocolate, roughly chopped
350ml of double cream
3/4 tsp chilli flakes
150ml of milk
2 eggs, beaten

1.  To begin the chocolate tart, prepare the pastry case. In a mixing bowl, crumb the flour, icing sugar, ground almonds and butter together
   2.    Add 2 eggs and blend together, handling as little as possible, until just mixed. Wrap in cling film and rest the pastry in the fridge for 1 hour
   3.    To begin the filling, heat the double cream and milk to the boil, then add the chilli flakes. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 1 hour
   4.    Grease and line your tart ring. Roll out the pastry to 3mm thick. Push the pastry into the corners evenly and then line with baking parchment before filling with baking beads.  Blind bake at 190˚C/gas mark 5 until the pastry is lightly golden, around 10 minutes. Remove the baking beads and return to the oven in order to colour the base until the pastry is golden brown, around 10-15 minutes
   5.    After removing the pastry from the oven, use a pastry brush to glaze it with the remaining egg yolk. This will seal the case for the chocolate mixture
   6.    To make the chocolate mixture, place the chocolate in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Strain the infused chilli cream and bring back to the boil. Once boiled, pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has fully melted. Slowly add the beaten eggs and mix well
   7.    Preheat the oven to 150ºC/gas mark 2. Pour the mix into the prepared pastry case and carefully transfer to the oven. Bake until the mix is just set, approximately 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool but do not refrigerate
   8.    Served with Clotted cream ice cream & Scottish raspberries with Honeycomb spikes

CHEESE

Barwheys cheddar with homemade oatcakes with celery, apple & a pear chutney coupled with our Tomatin 18 year old

200gr Barwheys cheddar
225gr Oats
60gr wholewheat flour
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
60gr butter
1tsp salt
60-80ml boiling water

1. Mix all ingredients together and shape into large rounds or squares for oatcakes
   2. Bake at 180c Gas 5 for 20-25 minutes. They will come out of the oven crisp
   3.  Serve with celery sticks apple & pear chutney and a big chunk of Barwheys cheddar

SCARABUS ISLAY SINGLE MALT LAUNCHES, ‘A WHISKY FOR THOSE WITH A CURIOUS MIND AND EYE FOR DETAIL.’

Hunter Laing & Co reveals newest brand from the famed whisky island

The family owned Scotch whisky distiller, blender and bottler Hunter Laing & Co. releases Scarabus Specially Selected at Feis Ile 2019, the Islay Festival of Music and Whisky held at the end of May. The Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available worldwide from mid June. In the UK it has an RRP of £38 (70cl).

The first drams of Scarabus will be poured at a number of tours and tastings throughout the festival at Hunter Laing & Co.’s newly opened distillery on the island, Ardnahoe. It will also be available exclusively for purchase there until next month.

Scarabus, meaning ‘rocky place’ in Nordic, is named after a mystical area of Islay and is described as a whisky for those with a curious mind and an eye for detail. The Scarabus Specially Selected tasting notes read: “Aromas of Islay peat smoke and sea salt, followed by warming leather notes, stewed rhubarb and a wonderful vanilla sweetness on the palate, leading to a rich lingering finish.”

The whisky creates a sense of mystery and discovery through the mantra “Only those who seek shall find”, with the symbols found on the bottle being intentionally ambiguous. The look and feel drew inspiration from the work of Islay born John Francis Campbell, who created the sunshine recorder, a device that tallies the hours of sunshine in a day, as well as creating a vast collection of Celtic folklore tales.

Commenting on the release of the new expression, Stewart Laing, Managing Director, said: “We’re extremely proud of the Scarabus whisky and the Feis Ile Festival is the perfect place to release the first bottling. We aimed to produce an expression that showcases a traditional Islay whisky style, and the unmistakable Islay smoke matches wonderfully with the rich, sweeter notes that linger on the finish.”

Adding to his father’s comments, Andrew Laing, Export Director said: “Our new brand is mysterious, which we know will create intrigue with the ever-loyal following of Islay whisky fans. Our family has such a strong connection with the island and we can’t wait for people to discover Scarabus at Feis Ile.”

“Our new release is bottled at 46% and will be available in 70cl, 75cl & 1L in the UK and international markets as well as in selected travel retail and duty free stores. We are very proud of the first release from the Scarabus range and are confident we will receive a positive reaction at the festival,” said Scott Laing, Business Development Director.

Facebook: @scarabuswhisky
Instagram: @scarabus_whisky

Notes:

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent distiller, blender and bottler based in Glasgow and run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Kinship, Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £2.3m on a turnover of £8.4m for its last full year of trading (end April 2018).

BBQ pioneer teams up with Johnnie Walker Black

Introducing Berber & Q’s Johnnie & Ginger  –

“Celebrate National BBQ Week with a Johnnie & Ginger at Berber & Q Grill House”

Get down to Berber & Q this National BBQ Week to experience their Johnnie Walker Johnnie & Ginger; the perfect pre-dinner drink for your BBQ banquet!

The limited edition cocktail was crafted by Josh Katz, founder of London’s trendy BBQ joint, Berber & Q, to celebrate National BBQ Week. Expertly designed to complement Berber’s famous Joojeh Chicken Kebab, the charred and smokey notes of the chicken are perfectly countered by the light and summery cocktail.

Available at Berber & Q Grill House from 27th May – 2nd June and priced at £9 the Johnnie Walker, Johnnie & Ginger is a smooth start to your barbecue and works wonderfully well for al fresco dining and summer sunshine.

No fear if you miss the rush to get a table at Berber & Q, the Johnnie Walker, Johnnie & Ginger is easily recreated at home with every day, store bought items – please find the recipe below.

Josh Katz, founder of Berber & Q commented: “What a taste experience, the Johnnie Walker Johnnie & Ginger is the perfect start to a barbecue and pairs perfectly with our house Joojeh Chicken Kebabs. The smokeyness of the charred chicken is offset by the smooth whisky and is given a spicy lift by the inclusion of ginger ale. You’ll have to move quickly if you want to sample the Johnnie Walker, Johnnie & Ginger in its true home, although, it’s a cinch to make at home if you can’t make it to our restaurant.”

Berber & Q Grill House is an East London BBQ restaurant by barbecue pioneer Josh Katz. Inspired by the ingredients and flavours of the Middle East, North Africa and across the Ottoman, Berber & Q is flourishing in the ever popular BBQ market.

Berber & Q

338 Acton Mews

Haggerston

London

E8 4EA

Johnnie Walker – Johnnie & Ginger (2 units):

The recipe:

50ml Johnnie Walker Black

15ml lime juice

35ml pressed Granny Smith apple juice

35ml ginger ale

And a little pinch of Zaatar for that Berber touch

The method:

Shake the mix with one ice cube for no longer than 5 seconds

Place the mix in a High-ball glass filled with ice

Top it all up with ginger ale

Garnish with a dehydrated apple wheel and mint sprig

Please drink responsibly and do not forward to anyone under the age of 18.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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