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.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

Highland Park launches Søren: a limited edition 26-year-old whisky

Created in collaboration with renowned Danish photographer Søren Solkær, Søren is available to purchase from 23 May

(23 May 2019, London) Highland Park today announces the launch of Søren Solkær 26 Years of Photography – a limited-edition single malt whisky that’s been created in honour of Danish photographer, Søren Solkær.

Best known for his portraits of world-famous musicians including Björk, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, David Lynch, The Arctic Monkeys, R.E.M. and U2, Søren has worked with Highland Park since 2016 to capture the brand’s Viking Soul – taking over 250 images of the people of Orkney, the distillery and the island itself.

Matured in sherry seasoned American oak casks and first fill Bourbon casks, the limited-edition liquid has a spicy nose with a rich heathery peat smoke. The packaging is inspired by a traditional, vintage square shaped box camera and contains a 230-page book featuring a selection of Søren’s work split into three key themes: men, women and places.

The whisky will be available to purchase globally from 23^rd May 2019. UK retailers include The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Harrods. RSP £499.

Jason R. Craig, global brand director, Highland Park, said: “We are delighted to be working with Søren on this very special project. He truly embodies a modern day Viking Soul through his unique photographic style and how he gets the best out of all his subject matters.

“Whilst he is best known for his distinctive images of musicians and movie stars, he has worked with us to develop a collection of over 250 images capturing our people at the distillery, our location in Orkney and of course, our whisky.”

Søren Solkær, said: “My journey began 26 years ago when I decided to leave my literature studies and pursue my passion for photography. From my homeland in Denmark, I travelled many thousands of miles with my camera, exploring some of the world’s most fascinating places, absorbing each new environment I found myself in and photographing the people I met which helped me grow into the visual storyteller that I wanted to be.

“During those 26 years, the whisky that now bears my name stayed in just one place, sheltered from the same world I was so busy exploring. A contrast perhaps, but in its quiet warehouse in the remote Orkney Islands, this whisky too was absorbing the environment around it and slowly acquiring rich nuances of flavour and character to mature into the fine spirit it is today.

“We shared a similar journey of honesty and integrity, of patience and craftsmanship to arrive here together, 26 years on.”

For more information visit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com   

Notes

About Søren Solkær 26 Years of Photography

RSP: £499

ABV: 40.5%

Tasting notes

Appearance: Natural cask driven colour, bright

Nose: Cloves, cardamom and raisins

Palate: Rich and spicy, light heathery peat smoke

Finish: Long and lingering

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 whiskies brands in categories including:

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

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard and EFFEN vodkas, Roku gin, Sauza tequila, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

About Highland Park, the Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul:

Whisky has been distilled at Highland Park in Kirkwall, Orkney since 1798.  Founder Magnus Eunson, was a direct descendant of Vikings who settled in Orkney over 1,000 years ago. A butcher and church officer by day and a bootlegger and smuggler by night, he set up an illegal whisky-making operation at a little bothy (a stone hut) at High Park, overlooking Kirkwall.

It is still the site of the distillery today and although we say Highland Park was founded in 1798, that’s actually the year the authorities finally caught up with Magnus.

Few trees survive the gale-force winds on Orkney, this makes the island peat woodless and rich in heather. This helps create the trademark Highland Park flavour profile of aromatic smoky peat and sweet heather honey.

About Søren Solkær:

Søren Solkær is a Danish photographer best known for his distinctive portraits of musicians. He is most recognised as the man responsible for various iconic images of Björk, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, David Lynch, The Arctic Monkeys, R.E.M. and U2

Søren’s photography is characterised by finding a tension point between intimacy and edginess. His portraits are often regarded as cinematic in tone with a distinctive colour palette. The inspirations for his style as a photographer is ranging from filmmakers David Lynch and Wong Kar-Wai through to the works of photographer Philip-Lorca diCorcia and painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Søren has released five fine art photography books: Beat City (2006), CLOSER (2011), SOULS (2011, SURFACE (2015) and Portraits 1993-2018 (2018). His works have been exhibited globally and are featured as part of the permanent collection in The Royal Danish Library and The National Portrait Collection in Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark.

Father’s Day Gift: Bespoke 30 litre casks from Raasay Distillery

Looking ahead to Father’s Day next month (Sunday 16th June), Raasay Distillery‘s bespoke 30 litre casks of Raasay Single Malt which would make a thoughtful gift for whisky-loving Dads.

Proud to chart its own course, Raasay Distillery has launched its bespoke 30 litre casks of Raasay Single Malt. The 30 litre ex-Speyside Scotch whisky oak casks are available to purchase on Raasay Distillery’s website and in person at the distillery.

The smaller casks make the island’s first expression more accessible to whisky lovers and will sit proudly alongside the 190 litre first-fill ex-American whiskey casks currently offered by Raasay Distillery and maturing in the island warehouse. Wood from ex-Speyside casks has been carefully chosen for the smaller casks to ensure the flavours of the final whisky are finely balanced.

All Raasay spirit is produced and distilled on the island, using only Scottish barley, distillers’ yeast and mineral-rich water sourced and filtered directly from a Celtic well on site. A long fermentation period brings a rich, characterful flavour to the Raasay spirit before it even touches the oak of a cask. Once the spirit is ready, both large and small casks are filled by the distillery team and left to age into the first ever Raasay Single Malt.

While the whisky matures, cask owners can come and visit their cask, staying in Raasay Distillery’s four-star accommodation: Borodale House. After the whisky is bottled, owners can also keep their empty cask as a treasured memento.

CELEBRATING THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP THE GLENDRONACH + WALKER SLATER ANNOUNCE UK PARTNERSHIP

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries has partnered with quintessential contemporary tweed tailors in a creative collaboration marrying two of Scotland’s finest whisky and tweed connoisseurs.

In time for Father’s Day, The GlenDronach and Walker Slater have teamed up to design a tweed-dressed hip-flask to mark the launch of the partnership. The deep russet colours of the bespoke tweed are inspired by the rich character of The GlenDronach’s award-winning 12 year old Single Malt, a bottle of which is included as part of a gift-set.

The richly-sherried Single Malt is the distillery’s flagship expression, matured for 12 years in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Non-chill filtered, of natural colour and bottled at 43% ABV, The GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years is a rich, fruity and elegant Single Malt with a long, satisfying sweet and nutty finish. The limited edition gift-set will be available to purchase across the UK from specialist whisky retailers from the beginning of May.

The Glen.Dronach Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie said:

“My job is usually creating the finest expressions of Single Malt whisky, but this is the perfect blend of a historic distillery and a traditional yet contemporary outfitters. The GlenDronach and Walker Slater have both been mastering the art of their crafts for decades, driven by heritage in the pursuit of excellence, producing whiskies and tailoring which will be treasured for years to come.

The rich character of this superb whisky is reflected in the yarns of the tweed on the hip-flask which perfectly complement The GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years. I look forward to seeing how our Single Malts will continue to inspire this much-loved contemporary classic tailors.”

Designer and Director of Walker Slater, Paul Walker said:

“Working with The GlenDronach has been an exciting and inspiring partnership, with tweed and whisky carrying connotations of quality and tradition. Both Walker Slater and The GlenDronach are heritage products reinterpreted for the modern world, this gift set celebrates the art of our craftsmanship and will make the perfect present for the discerning gentleman for Father’s Day.”

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, The GlenDronach is of true Highland style; a full bodied and robust taste, perfect for long maturation in sherry casks. The GlenDronach Distillery has carried forth the tradition of founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing their whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía.

The same high standards are held by tailors Walker Slater. Founded in the Highlands, the tweed for which they are renowned is carefully sourced from the Scottish Borders, the Shetland Islands and the Isle of Harris. This exceptional fabric is integral to the timeless elegance of Walker Slater’s garments, craftsmakers reviving tweed with their contemporary house styles and approach to cloth.

The giftset will be available to purchase from May for £44 from specialist whisky retailers across the UK.

STOCKISTS INCLUDE

• Master of Malt
• C.Gars
• The Whisky World
• The Whisky Shop
• Gordon & MacPhail
• Inverarity Morton
• Nickolls and Perks
• Royal Mile Whiskies
• Whisky Exchange
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• The Whisky Trail

ABOUT THE GLENDRONACH DISTILLERY

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style; a full bodied and robust taste, perfect for long maturation in sherry casks. At The
GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía.

We continue to master the art of sherry cask maturation and our Highland Single Malts are recognized for their deep colour and rich flavour profiles; which range from the sweet, fruity flavours of Pedro Ximénez, to the dry and nutty notes of Oloroso. Our well-kept secrets have been guarded for nearly two hundred years by a parliament of rooks, who love The GlenDronach so much they try to nest in the warehouses. The distillery folk believe as long as the rooks remain at the distillery, it will be
good for the whisky.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLENDRONACH:

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk
Twitter: /TheGlendronach
Facebook: @Glendronach
Instagram: @Glendronach

THE GLENDRONACH ORIGINAL AGED 12 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deep amber-red gold
Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled
wine and pear
Taste: Rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry
sweetness, full mouth-feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with
medium length and a dry finish.
Finish: Long, full and firm. Slightly nutty.
ABV: 43%

ABOUT WALKER AND SLATER

Walker Slater was founded in Laggan in the Scottish Highlands in 1989. One year later its first shop opened in the heart of Edinburgh on the picturesque Victoria Street. As a fabric and as a way of life, tweed has a tremendous heritage. Walker Slater’s main inspiration is Scotland’s heritage and natural beauty. Tweed is at the core of our collections, from the hard wearing Harris Tweed to softer blends of cashmere wool. Alongside Harris tweed we use knitwear and tweed produced in the Borders, Shetland and Harris. Our designs bring a cutting edge style to Scottish fashion whilst remaining timeless. We are a tweed specialist tailoring brand which aims to redefine and transcend the traditional perception of tweed cloth. Walker Slater believes in quality, timeless clothing and works hard to develop looks that are both fashionable and practical. We have won Scottish Retailer of the Year, Groomswear Supplier of the Year, and Scottish Online Retailer of the Year, which is representative of the growing popularity and reputation of our clothing brand. Walker Slater has stores in Glasgow, London and its flagship traditional outfitters in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket which attracts international visitors and discerning Scots who are looking for a
contemporary yet classic Scottish fashion.

Visit: www.walkerslater.com/
Twitter: /WalkerSlaterTweed
Facebook: @walkerslaterUK
Instagram: @walkerslater