International Beverage appoints Cara Chambers to Marketing Director Role

Global drinks business International Beverage Holdings has today (Tuesday 9^th October) announced the appointment of Cara Chambers to the post of Marketing Director.

Based at the company’s Scotch whisky subsidiary Inver House Distillers in Airdrie, Mrs Chambers is tasked with leading marketing and innovation for International Beverage’s award-winning spirits portfolio, which includes the Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Speyburn and Balblair single malt whisky brands, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch, as well as Scotland’s leading super premium gin Caorunn.

She brings 25 years’ experience working for some of the UK’s leading blue chip companies to the position, as well as a strong track record in implementing successful brand marketing strategies for global drinks companies, including Heineken and Whyte & Mackay.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Chambers said: ‘I have heard so many positive things about the International Beverage business, its people and its brilliant brands, and I am thrilled to have been appointed to the post. The opportunity to work closely with the team in Scotland, whilst also being part of the company’s international business framework, is a very appealing prospect. It’s a chance for me to learn within a dynamic global team, and to deliver plans to take these successful brands to the next level. I am really looking forward to the challenge.’

Inver House Distillers Managing Director Martin Leonard added: ‘We are entering a very exciting period for our business, with the channels in place to grow our brands in markets around the world. The position of Marketing Director is critical to delivering our ambitious plans, and Cara brings outstanding qualities, skills and experience to the task. She is a great fit for our business and a most welcome addition to our growing team.’

Mrs Chambers began her career in the drinks industry, starting at United Distillers (Diageo), Scottish Courage – where she became Marketing Manager for its cider portfolio – and Scottish & Newcastle / Heineken UK, where she rose to become Head of Innovation.

After a period working in consultancy, Mrs Chambers returned to the drinks industry as Marketing Director for Whyte & Mackay, before moving to Sainsbury’s Bank as Head of Customer and Brand Development, leading a brand, communications and innovation strategy at a pivotal point in the company’s development. Latterly, she was European Marketing Director of Baxters Food Group.

She is a qualified business coach and a fellow of the Marketing Society.

http://www.interbevgroup.com/

International Beverage Holdings Ltd

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

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

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

www.interbevgroup.com

Focus brands

Old Pulteney, ‘The Maritime Malt’, is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick at Pulteney Distillery – established in 1826 and one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. ‘Pulteneytown’ once housed 7000 fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom, and Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. Crafted using the most time-honoured techniques, Old Pulteney recently launched a new core range featuring flagship 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 and 18 Years Old. www.oldpulteney.com

Speyburn Distillery was established in 1897 by John Hopkins at Rothes in the heart of Speyside. The beautiful natural environment of this location, combined with traditional methods of production and a quest for innovation, produce a whisky that symbolises all that is special about the great Speyside region. Speyburn currently has three core expressions – Bradan Orach, 10 and 15 Years Old. www.speyburn.com

Balblair Distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, built in 1790 and sitting on the original site to this day. Balblair whiskies are released as vintage expressions, only when they have reached their exact point of ‘optimum maturation’, the peak of perfection. www.balblair.com

anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery, built in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned by malt enthusiasts worldwide for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. www.ancnoc.com

Hankey Bannister is crafted from a blend of fine single malts from the five Inver House distilleries, producing a smooth and distinctive blend that is true to the original recipe of its historic founders – the flamboyant Mr Beaumont Hankey and his astute business partner, Mr Hugh Bannister. The whiskies of these eighteenth century pioneers were awarded royal warrants under King George V and Edward VII and were enjoyed by the likes of Winston Churchill and the Prince Regent William IV. www.hankeybannister.com

BOURBONS FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WIN TWO DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AT THE 2018 NEW YORK WORLD WINE AND SPIRITS COMPETITION 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (October 11, 2018) – A bevy of spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including Best Straight Bourbon and Double Gold Medal to W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon also received a Double Gold, along with winning Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon.

The NYWSC, held in August, received more than 430 wines and 340 spirits to be judged at this year’s competition, breaking all records of previous years.

Spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery which received Gold Medals:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver Medals from Buffalo Trace Distillery produced spirits:

• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery Bronze Medal Spirits Winners:

• Wheatley Vodka
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream Liqueur

“We are honored to accept the awards at this year’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, says Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery, “It was truly a team effort.”

Results from the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Brand Home Manager of Forres distillery joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A distillery brand home manager who has been delighting visitors for five years about Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle in Perthshire.

Susan Colville was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Susan, who was born and raised in Speyside, joined the Forres-based distillery in 2013 to lead a dedicated team of guides who deliver a highly personal and up-close experience to thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.

Throughout 2018, as Benromach celebrates its 20^th anniversary since production restarted, Susan has been driving an exciting programme of activity. She began by leading the team that staged the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opening gala dinner in May and is helping to host colleague and trade events throughout the year.

Susan was thrilled to be honoured by the Keepers of the Quaich She said: “This has been an incredible year at the distillery, and to receive this accolade during our 20^th anniversary is particularly special for me.

“As one of only a few distilleries in Scotland where every whisky is handcrafted without any automated equipment, we’ve worked hard to deliver tours and tastings to our visitors that are truly unique. Since 2013, we’ve seen a 40% increase in visitor numbers from across the globe.”

Susan, who lives in Elgin, Speyside with her husband and daughter, was determined to pursue a career in the Scotch whisky industry from an early age having been inspired by her father who worked for over 30 years as a distiller at Glenrothes Distillery.

Beginning her career as a tour guide at Glenfiddich and Glenfarclas Distilleries over the summer holidays, she then moved to Edinburgh to work for Royal Mile Whiskies. With a natural disposition for customer service and a love of Scotch whisky, Susan relished the opportunity to develop her knowledge and hone her sales skills.

Sales and marketing roles with Douglas Laing, AD Rattray, Wemyss and Glenglassaugh saw Susan travel the world, conducting countless masterclasses and tastings to an audience keen to learn and enjoy Scotch whisky.

Susan was acknowledged by her industry peers in 2012 when she was presented with the Young Ambassador of the Year accolade at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Following this recognition, Susan was named Visitor Centre Manager of the year at the World Whiskies Awards in 2015.

The venue for the Keepers of the Quaich ceremony – Blair Castle – is home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only private army. The banquet is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Castle, famous for its ceiling decorated with 175 deer antlers.

Keith Cruickshank, distillery manager at Benromach, commented: “Susan’s tireless commitment and significant contribution to our wonderful industry makes her an outstanding candidate to become a Keeper of the Quaich.

“She is a terrific ambassador for Scotch malt whisky and is truly deserving of this honour.”

Last month, Benromach Distillery, which attracts more than 13,000 visitors per year achieved its Five Star Visitor Attraction status from VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme.

Notes 

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

FAMED STREET ARTIST FELIPE PANTONE PARTNERS WITH BALLANTINE’S FOR TRUE MUSIC SERIES

OCTOBER 8^th 2018 – Ballantine’s whisky, Europe’s No. 1 Scotch whisky and the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has this month announced Felipe Pantone as the latest True Music Series collaborator following previous partnerships with beatboxer, Reeps One and graphic designers Leif Podhajsky and Dave Ma.

At the cutting edge of street art, Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish visual and kinetic artist whose work fuses bold graphics, strong contrasts and vivid colours with mixed typography to create ultra-modern art that often brings music to life.

His work to date has adorned iconic music spaces around the globe including Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and the Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, as well as featuring in a music video for Anderson Paak and on album artwork for The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas. His latest pieces for Ballantine’s have been inspired by underground club culture, the recording and production process, and music soundwaves.

Featuring his distinctive geometric patterns, vivid colours, holograms and optical art, Felipe has created three inspiring artworks which form this year’s True Music Series limited edition gift packaging for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, which will be available around the world from September.

The True Music Series will take Felipe’s artwork across the globe – from Moscow to Johannesburg via Santiago – to transform a range of different music spaces with the distinctive geometric patterns, vibrant flavour and optical art that form his Ballantine’s limited-edition designs. Felipe’s artwork will connect to sound reactive projectors in each space, creating its own equaliser and allowing musicians to experience a visual representation of the music they produce and play within the space, ensuring a performance experience like no other for music fans.

Felipe Pantone said of the partnership: “I’ve always been surrounded by musicians and collaborating with Ballantine’s – a whisky brand that’s all about music – allowed me to explore a style marked by sound waves and flowing bits, juxtaposed with my signature elements. It’s always a pleasure to work around music artists, the spaces and the fans.”

Tom Elton, Head of Music at Ballantine’s, added: “There are a few artists who are really making waves internationally while creating forward-thinking and truly striking art, and Felipe is definitely one of them. With a passion and affinity for music as well as art, Felipe was an obvious choice for us and we couldn’t be happier with the bold and futuristic gift packs he has produced.

“But the limited-edition packaging is only the beginning; we have some really exciting plans to bring Felipe’s artwork to life in some of the coolest music communities around the world, including Gost Zvuk in Russia, Primavera Fauna in Chile and with Kid Fonque in South Africa – it’s going to be epic.”

The Ballantine’s True Music Series is an annual project that gives uncompromising artists a unique platform to share and visualise music and music scenes that inspire artists and fans worldwide.  The latest limited-edition gift packs created by Felipe Pantone will be available globally from September 2018. Find out more, here: http://www.ballantines.com/truemusicseries. 

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

Instagram: @Ballantines

Facebook: facebook.com/ballantines

Twitter: twitter.com/ballantines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ballantines

About Felipe Pantone

Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-born Spanish graffiti and street artist based in Valencia. Influenced by his apprehension of the digital age and technological advancement, Pantone’s futuristic style uses sharp colours and geometric shapes to capture its viewer. His work has adorned a multitude of iconic music spaces across the globe including the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas as well as within music videos and album artwork for the likes of The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas and singer-songwriter Anderson Paak. 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasbrothers.com

Twitter: @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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 and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “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.

From Guy Phenix at The WhiskyCrowd;

We are a Glasgow based Whisky start up that want to be the first to crowdfund a whisky cask. We have an amazing ex-Bordeaux cask filled with whisky distilled on Islay and has been maturing for the last 7 years. We are offering up 360 parts that correspond to a bottle, 50cl or 70cl. This enables people to own part of a whisky cask and then get a single cask, 61% hand bottled and labelled whisky from £58 with free UK shipping. When placing your order enter the exclusive Whisky Intelligence discount code WHINT5 to receive £5 off!

More info over at our website www.TheWhiskyCrowd.com or visit them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheWhiskyCrowd also on Instagram www.instagram.com/TheWhiskyCrowd

Opera in tune with distilling to be performed at Glen Scotia 

Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown is set to host one of the first performances of an exciting new opera set in a distillery and featuring music by Scot indie stars Admiral Fallow.

Navigate The Blood, which is written by Sian Evans, is about a couple whose son has disappeared in mysterious circumstances, with the action taking place in a small family distillery.

The new production combines singing, music, theatre and storytelling, and has been created to reflect the lives of the distillery community in Scotland. By being relevant to those based in Scotland’s distilling regions, it also aims to encourage new audiences to experience opera.

Distilling is an industry that employs, directly and indirectly, 41,000 people in Scotland and attracted two million tourists to various Scottish distilleries last year.

The contemporary opera features music by top Scottish indie-folk band, Admiral Fallow, who joined forces with composer Gareth Williams to push the collaborative boundaries and form this exciting new partnership. Working with Gareth, Sian and classical opera singers, they have embraced an intense writing process, resulting in a compelling first new work of modern opera by the talented and versatile musicians

The production will tour Scotland’s traditional distilling regions, from the Highlands, to the Lowlands, via Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown, where Glen Scotia will host the sole performance. Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, formerly known as the Victorian capital of Scotch.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “Navigate The Blood has been created to showcase Scotland’s distilling industry and we can’t wait for it to be performed here at Glen Scotia. Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s five official malt-producing regions, has a rich distilling heritage, with over 30 distilleries based in the town during its Victorian heyday when it was known as the Scotch capital of the world. We are extremely proud of our role as the sole host for Campbeltown.”

James Robert Carson, the founder and artistic director of New Opera in Scotland Events (NOISE), which is producing Navigate The Blood, said: “Scotland has a deep and historic involvement with the art of distilling. By performing Navigate the Blood in each of the five distinct distilling regions, NOISE has designed an opera that reflects and celebrates the success and continued innovation of this remarkable industry. The band Admiral Fallow and composer Gareth Williams have created a truly magical and original score, with a story set in a distillery.

“NOISE is delighted to be able to tour this new production to audiences who live and work in some of the country’s most important and unique working communities, such as Glen Scotia in Campbeltown.”

Navigate The Blood is to be performed at Glen Scotia Distillery on November 9. Tickets are available from www.seeticket.com.

Follow Glen Scotia on social media using the Twitter handle @GlenScotiaMalts or by visiting www.facebook.com/GlenScotiaWhisky/ 

Notes:

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• The Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt were each awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2018
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana won best Campbeltown Single Malt at World Whisky Awards 2017.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was named Scottish Field Whisky of the Year 2016
• Glen Scotia 15 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2016 

www.glenscotia.com

@glenscotiamalts

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY CELEBRATES PARTNER BARS WITH EXCLUSIVE WHISKY

SMWS to offer a taste of Cask No. 64.97: A sunny day in late summer by the dramat its network of partner bars 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is celebrating its partner bar network this October by offering every one of them and their whisky lovers an exclusive Society whisky to be sold by the dram.

The SMWS has 100 partner bars across 21 countries (http://bit.ly/2C5WjDL) and every one will have a measure of Cask No. 64.97: A sunny day in late summer available to all customers from 11 October 2018.

SMWS partner bars provide a home-from-home for Society members and whisky lovers alike, and have been exclusively selected for their whisky selection, bar staff expertise as well as the warmth of their welcome.

This exclusive hand-picked whisky has been chosen to support and promote the SMWS partner bar network. It cannot be found anywhere else and will not be sold by the bottle. There are only 222 bottles in total.

SMWS members will be invited to a members-only preview at partner bars before it is available to the public by the dram on 11 October 2018.

Cask No. 64.97: A sunny day in late summer

The Society’s expert Tasting Panel found the nose immediately attractive – dark polished wood, dried flowers and a late summer impression of meadows and orchard fruits (pear, peach, russet apple).

The palate had juicy fruits (pear-drops, strawberry, stewed rhubarb), chocolate and marzipan confectionery, with the finish nodding in a pink peppercorn and tobacco direction.

Celebration of partner bars

Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at the SMWS, said: “Our partner bars provide a place of interaction for like-minded whisky enthusiasts, a sense of community, as well as making whisky fun and approachable. This year is the perfect time to release this bottling as we celebrate the 35^th anniversary of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.”

Full tasting notes

Flavour profile: Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Age: 9 years old

Date Distilled: 05 March 2008

Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

Region: Speyside

Outturn: 1 of 222 bottles

ABV: 60.7%

The Tasting Panel found the nose immediately attractive – dark polished wood, dried flowers and a late summer impression of meadows and orchard fruits (pear, peach, russet apple). The palate had juicy fruits (pear-drops, strawberry, stewed rhubarb), chocolate and marzipan confectionery, with the finish nodding in a pink peppercorn and tobacco direction. The reduced nose seemed even brighter – a sunny day with freshly-laundered linen on the washing line, blackcurrant, Key lime pie and lemon posset. The reduced palate was simply sweet, juicy and lip-smacking, with rainbow drops, lime marmalade, orange Creamola Foam* and subtle hints of liquorice and tobacco – very easy-drinking for its age. (*fruity soft drink manufactured in Scotland from the 1950s to the ’90s. Sold in tins of soluble crystals which you had to mix with water).

For more information on membership:

UK
http://bit.ly/2OTIw6k
Twitter: @SMWSUK

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 135 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop in Edinburgh has over 200 whiskies on offer and is open to everybody
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see http://bit.ly/2OTIw6k
• For more information about the Society, visit http://bit.ly/2OTIw6k

RAASAY DISTILLERY LAUNCHES RAASAY WHILE WE WAIT 2018

In October 2018, Raasay Distillery will release Raasay While We Wait 2018 – the fourth expression to date of the brand’s independently bottled single malt – which was created as a representation of the flavours that drinkers can expect from future Raasay scotch whisky. The release of Raasay While We Wait 2018 begins the countdown to 2020 when the first ever Raasay single malt in Scotch whisky history will be released.

Unlike some new whisky distilleries, the adventurous team at Raasay Distillery decided to concentrate their attention on whisky. The result is an independently bottled single malt – Raasay While We Wait – which has been crafted as an accurate representation of Raasay Distillery’s future core style.

Designed as a peaty and fruity single malt, each iteration of Raasay While We Wait has been crafted through the vatting of two malts from a single Highland distillery – heavily peated at 45ppm and unpeated – matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Tuscan Montechiari wine casks.

The team at Raasay Distillery are keen to push the boundaries of the spirit, exploring the effect that different finishing times and casks have on the flavour profile of the spirit.

Compared to previous releases, the 2018 Release uses a higher proportion of second-fill than first-fill Tuscan Montechiari wine casks, resulting in a finer balance between the influence of French oak and smoke.

With a welcomed smokiness on first nosing, mixed with red berries, lemon, lime and grassy notes. With more time in the glass this evolves into notes of pear, tangerine and melon. On the palate there is dry peatiness, mixed in with fruity red wine notes and orange zest, while the finish is oaky and buttery.

This easy to drink whisky adeptly balances peatiness with smoothness, making it the perfect introduction for newcomers to peated single malt, and acts as an unusual addition to a flight of red wine finished whiskies. Raasay While We Wait 2018 has been crafted to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and served in premium cocktails.

NOTES:

Raasay While We Wait 2018 is priced at £53 and available to purchase on raasaydistillery.com and Master of Malt Raasay Distillery is now working with the award-winning U.K. specialist wholesaler, Gordon & MacPhail. With over 120 years of experience, Gordon & MacPhail offers the largest and most complete range of mainstream and eclectic single malt, single grain, blended whiskies from Scotland and the world over. Focusing on the highest quality whisky and premium spirits, Gordon & MacPhail will be now be Raasay Distillery’s sole U.K. distributor.

ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY: The Isle of Raasay Distillery broke ground in June 2016 and opened in September 2017, becoming the first “legal” distillery on this remote Hebridean island. Co-founded by Scottish entrepreneurs Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, Raasay Distillery is designed to produce Scotland’s modern island malt, and catapult Raasay into the global market as Scotland’s newest whisky producing island. Raasay Distillery is proud to be one of the few 100% Scottish-owned Scotch whisky businesses in Scotland. On the site of the Victorian-era Borodale House, formerly the Isle of Raasay Hotel, is a state-of-the-art modern distillery, offering year-round tours and luxury accommodation, with, arguably, the best view of any distillery in Scotland. The distillery has since received Five-Star Visitor Attraction rating and Four-Star Accommodation rating from VisitScotland for the visitor centre and accommodation respectively. Isle of Raasay Single Malt will be lightly peated and fruity, utilising the best of the island’s natural elements and reflecting Raasay’s rugged natural beauty. Raasay Distillery uses water from an ancient Celtic well located behind Borodale House at every stage of production, from mashing to fermentation, cask reduction and reduction to bottling strength, ensuring that natural flavours from the high mineral content are retained in the final whisky.

Working with local crofters, Raasay Distillery has successfully grown and harvested barley in a nearby field, the first time that barley has been grown on Raasay in over 40 years. In August 2018, the team successfully produced spirit from the 2017 batch of Raasay barley crop, which will mature into the first ever single malt produced from Raasay-grown barley in 2021. Unlike some new whisky distilleries, the adventurous team at Raasay Distillery decided to concentrate its attention on whisky. The result is an independently bottled single malt – Raasay While We Wait – which has been crafted as an accurate preview of Raasay Distillery’s future core style. Designed as a peaty and fruity single malt, each iteration of Raasay While We Wait has been crafted through the vatting of two malts from a single Highland distillery – heavily peated at 45ppm and unpeated – matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Tuscan Montechiari wine casks.

Raasay Distillery, Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB
raasaydistillery.com
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THE MIDLETON VERY RARE LEGACY CONTINUES WITH 2018 EDITION

Irish Distillers, makers of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled the 2018 vintage of Midleton Very Rare. The 35^th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, first unveiled in 1984, is a masterfully blended Irish whiskey, crafted at the Midleton Distillery, Co Cork, by Master Distiller Brian Nation.

Midleton Very Rare 2018 is the result of the careful blending of exceptional, rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys. Each cask has been matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for between 12 and 28 years, imparting a vanilla sweetness which is in keeping with the rich tradition laid down by the series over the past four decades.

The 2018 edition offers a subtle floral note alongside a hint of fresh herbs and citrus from the Irish grain whiskey contribution, which is complemented by the spicier Irish single pot still whiskey characteristics of cinnamon, clove and black pepper. The vanilla sweetness contrasts with the charred oak to deliver a finishing touch of orchard fruit, green banana and a hint of barley sugar.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2018 is available globally from this month at the RRP of €180 in markets including Ireland, the UK, and the US.

Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, commented: “It is a great honour to have my signature on the front of each bottle of Midleton Very Rare, and this acts as the ultimate guarantee of quality from the Midleton Distillery. We set aside very small amounts of particularly fine single pot still and single grain distillates each year so that the Midleton Very Rare legacy can continue. This practice has been going on for over 40 years and today we are the proud custodians of the exceptional distillates with a duty of care to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the pinnacle of Irish whiskey as we do today.”

Images can be downloaded here – https://we.tl/t-CIlckHvQTT

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton: 

Nose

Vanilla sweetness with a light floral perfume. Some citrus zest combines with fresh herbs and sweet spices complimented by a touch of black pepper and charred oak.

Taste  

Mouth-coating sweetness of vanilla, cinnamon and clove, enriched with a hint of green apple and unripe banana. Peppery pot still spices, along with charred American oak, add complexity.

Finish   

Soft sweet spices fade leisurely leaving the final say to the charred oak and barley grains. 

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 28 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 € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. 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 18,500 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.

www.pernod-ricard.com