STEP INSIDE ‘THE MACALLAN MANOR’

SCOTCH BRAND REINVENTS MULTI-SENSORY WHISKY TASTING EXPERIENCE, HITTING CITIES ACROSS AMERICA THIS FALL

August 28, 2018 – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, announces a new immersive event series, The Macallan Manor, reinventing whisky tasting through a stunning, multi-sensorial experience. The event series embarks on a three-month tour across nine major U.S. cities this fall.

Designed to surprise and delight, The Macallan Manor transforms historic, old-world manors into luxury, first-class tasting experiences, blending the sensorial with storytelling and converting new consumers to Scotch whisky fans. The event series kicks off in New York in early September and concludes in Los Angeles in November.

Guests will journey through four immersive worlds, each a unique experience created around one of The Macallan’s whisky expressions, pairing set design with storytelling and multi-sensory experiments to delve into each of the five senses.

Attendees of The Macallan Manor can expect one-of-a-kind immersive tastings taking place in unexpected locations such as an oak forest with flavor-enhancing flowers imported from the Amazonian rainforest, or  a cooperage in Spain, to name a few.. Additionally, guests can expect an unusual food menu – featuring edible clouds for starters – masterfully paired with The Macallan and designed to stimulate and intensify an already premium whisky-tasting experience.

“We are reaching a new group of consumers around the U.S. with the goal to inspire and transform them into fans of The Macallan while giving them a never-seen-before, sensorial, educational and interactive experience,” said Samantha Leotta, Brand Director of The Macallan in the Americas. “We are excited to partner with Adam Aleksander Presents on this enchanting, highly experiential event series, marrying the experiential arts with the best single malt whisky in the world.”

“The Macallan has given us wings to create our largest production to date,” said event designer Adam Aleksander. “We’re building impossible things; 7 rooms on 2 tracks, sculpting trees, making sensory machines and more, taking experiential to the next level. The idea for this event was inspired by travel from a journey I took through in 2017. Utilizing adventure theory, at The Macallan Manor small groups will move through the four rooms together. We put the quality of guest experience at number one and we hope this comes through when guests join us for the experience.”

To apply for an invitation to The Macallan Manor and for more information, visit themacallanmanor.com. The fall schedule for The Macallan Manor event series is as follows:

New York

September 11, September 12, September 13

The Down Town Association

Boston

September 20, September 21

The Algonquin Club

Miami

September 26, September 27

M Building

Austin

October 2, October 3

Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs

Denver

October 11, October 12

University Club

Chicago

October 17, October 18

International Museum of Surgical Science

Washington, D.C.

October 23, October 24

Arts Club of Washington

Atlanta

October 30, October 31

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Los Angeles

November 6, November 8

Greystone Mansion

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Adam Aleksander Presents

Adam Aleksander Presents is an award-winning experiential event design agency. Adam Aleksander focuses on creating immersive worlds for people to step into and have the time of their lives. The experiences are a mix of adventure and set design that interweaves story, performance and multi-sensory experiments. People crave “the unforgettable” and it is our mission to create that. Adam got his start by creating underground events that melded culinary with nightlife; cocktails and parties in underground settings; selling tickets to consumers.

Notes

Adam Aleksander Presents’ The Macallan Manor is directed and designed by Adam Aleksander in collaboration with the company. The Macallan has brought together some of the best designers in the country to enact this innovation:

• Adam Aleksander – Experiential Event Designer & Director
• Brian Quinn – Tasting Designer, The Noble Rot Supperclub
• Katie Fleming – Set Designer, Assistant Designer, Sleep No More
• Guy Smith – Lighting Designer, Queen of the Night
• Evan Collier – Lead Fabricator, Arch Productions, Bullet for Adolph

THE LAKES DISTILLERY MAKES HISTORY WITH ‘STEEL BONNETS’ BLENDED MALT WHISKY

The Lakes Distillery is to release the world’s first blend of English malt and Scotch malt whisky. 

Created with the highest quality malt whiskies from both sides of the border, ‘Steel Bonnets’ is a combination of The Lakes Single Malt from England and some of the most respected malts from Scotland.

The name ‘Steel Bonnets’ pays homage to the memory of the English and Scottish people who lived in the Border Marches from Berwick-upon-Tweed in the East to Carlisle in the West during the 13^th-17^th centuries.

Their life was one of constant struggle to survive, exacerbated by the armies of Scotland and England as they marched through the border lands to fight for the right to govern a united Scotland and England.

The armies took from the people of this land, and in turn they also robbed or reived from others, English and Scots alike.

In early English, to reive is to rob, and from this were born the Border Reivers nicknamed the ‘Steel Bonnets’ after the distinctive helmets they wore.

Allegiance was to kin, not kingdom.  Loyalty was to clan – to family. These loyalties had no border or king, but united them under their clan names, Rutherford, Armstrong, Graham, Fenwick and Johnstone to mention but a few.

Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon, was descended from a famous Reiver family. It was said that the Armstrong clan could call on more than two thousand men and horse, fully armed, within an hour to fight off their enemies.

This union of nations and families has been brought back today in the form of ‘Steel Bonnets’.

These families are now spread all over the world and ‘Steel Bonnets’ is the perfect way to celebrate that illustrious history of family loyalty and comradeship.

Malt whisky continues to grow in popularity and was worth over £1 billion to the UK economy in 2017. The Lakes Distillery will release its first Single Malt Whisky in July when 99 bottles of The Lakes Genesis Single Malt Whisky will be auctioned with whiskyauctioneer.com.

Nigel Mills CBE, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Lakes Distillery, said: “It was very important to us that our geographical location, its people and its culture were recognised in this new blended malt whisky, ‘Steel Bonnets’. The Border Reivers were an integral part of Border history in the 300 years leading up to the union between England and Scotland in 1707, which eventually brought peace to this battle-strewn land.”

The Lakes Distillery Master Whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi, said: “I handpicked the individual malt whiskies to create a unique blend – something that has never been tried before. The whisky, at 46.6% ABV, has a creamy, slightly nutty and full-bodied flavour with notes of vanilla, ginger, nutmeg and hints of dried fruit. All held together with a sweet layer of woodsmoke. A fitting tribute to the history of the Border families.”

Paul Currie, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Lakes Distillery, said: “This is a milestone year for the Distillery. We are releasing our first single malts to the public, and establishing the Lakes Distillery as a luxury global whisky brand. We know that people will appreciate the incredible story behind this historic release.”

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman of the Lakes Distillery, said: “The Border region has a fascinating history of survival and family loyalty going back centuries. While there is a tendency to think of clanship as a uniquely Scottish attribute, on both sides of the border the tie of tribal blood was strong. ‘Steel Bonnets’ is a tribute to those people, and their families, who saw themselves as neither English nor Scottish, but rather the ‘Steel Bonnets’ Reiver warriors.”

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY HOSTS 35^th ANNIVERSARY PARTY IN EDINBURGH’S QUEEN STREET GARDENS

Tickets are available to members and non-members of the whisky club 

On Saturday 8^th September, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is throwing open the gates to the normally private Queen Street Gardens to host a party celebrating its 35^th anniversary. The festivities start at 12pm and include food, drink and music with prices from £20 for members and £25 for non-members: http://bit.ly/2LnlF0Z

Each guest will receive a Society tasting glass on entry, which can be used to sample a wide selection of SMWS single cask whiskies, as well as whiskies from the many other distilleries that will be on hand to showcase their own malts throughout the day.

Guests will also receive a token for a dram from the SMWS Historic Stock Bar, featuring some very special Old & Rare bottlings.

If guests would like to add a little whisky education into the mix, the SMWS will be holding masterclasses all afternoon across the road in the Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street.

There will also be a Chapel Down bar serving English sparkling wine, the Edinburgh Beer Factory will be bringing along their Beer Van and live music will take place throughout the afternoon, along with a barbecue.

Jan Damen, UK Operations Director said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this party in the beautiful Queen Street Gardens to celebrate our 35^th Anniversary. The Society has risen from strength to strength over the years as our fantastic group of members continues to grow.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming some new guests to sample our wonderful range of single cask whiskies. For non-members, there will be the chance to purchase membership to the Society at the event.”

For more information on membership:

UK

http://bit.ly/2Lr81JY
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/2Lr81JY
• For more information about the Society, visit http://bit.ly/2Lr81JY

GORDON & MACPHAIL CELEBRATES 50^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘CONNOISSEURS CHOICE’

The innovative range has paved the way for single malt whiskies for five decades

To celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of its ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range, family-owned whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail is enhancing the range with a series of single malts aged 30 years and above.

George Urquhart, second-generation member of the Urquhart family that owns Gordon & MacPhail, first pioneered the ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range in 1968 at a time when very few whiskies were bottled as single malts.  Presenting these new releases as a range effectively invented a category in a market which, up to then, had been dominated by blends. In the late 1960s the ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range provided a platform for many of Scotland’s single malt distilleries, some of which had never before been released as single malts.

Over the past five decades, almost 100 of Scotland’s distilleries have been represented across more than 2,000 separate bottlings under the ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ banner, encompassing the entire spectrum of single malt flavours and profiles and featuring spirit from many distilleries that have been closed for decades.

Today’s range remains true to George Urquhart’s original vision and philosophy – the perfect marriage of liquid and cask to deliver exquisite whiskies in small batches often from single casks.

The new series of ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ releases is aged to a minimum of 30 years and features single malts from distilleries such as Mortlach, Caol Ila and Linkwood, among others. Available in decanter-style bottles inside engraved wooden presentation boxes, each whisky has been selected for bottling by Associate Director of Whisky Supply, and grandson of George, Stuart Urquhart at its peak, a skill handed down through four family generations.

The premium expressions are complemented by 30 further ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ single malts. Matured in Gordon & MacPhail casks in small batches, all are non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige and a fourth-generation member of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail said: “We’re proud to be the curators of Scotland’s liquid library – the world’s most diverse stock of single malt whiskies. When my grandfather first launched ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ in the 1960s he was considered eccentric for taking such an approach. Today, he is heralded as one of the industry’s pioneers having provided whisky lovers with the opportunity to explore many whiskies never readily available as single malts. Our new releases celebrate this proud heritage, presenting unique expressions from revered distilleries that will appeal to a wide range of tastes around the world.”

Gordon & MacPhail is also releasing three new expressions in its new ‘Discovery’ range, designed as an ideal starting point for whisky drinkers to explore the wide diversity of flavours that exist within single malt Scotch. Under the ‘Discovery’ banner, Gordon & MacPhail groups new expressions in three distinct colour-coded profiles; ‘Smoky’, ‘Sherry’ and ‘Bourbon’. The latest releases are from the Ledaig, Bunnahabhain and Tomatin distilleries.

Prices for the new ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ releases start at approximately £75 RSP, rising to around £500 for the premium expressions, dependent on taxes and import duties. Whiskies in the ‘Discovery’ range retail at £50.

Earlier this year, the 123-year-old, family-owned company streamlined their existing portfolio into five new ranges, with ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ the first to be relaunched in April 2018, specifically coinciding with the 50^th Anniversary. The second range to be launched was ‘Discovery’ in May, with ‘Distillery Labels’ following in July. ‘Private Collection’ will be revealed to consumers later in the year. The launch of the next ‘Generations’ release is yet to be revealed.

For more information about the new ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ and ‘Discovery’ range and the streamlined portfolio, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Notes:

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In 2018, the company unveiled its new portfolio:

• Discovery – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• Distillery Labels – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• Connoisseurs Choice – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• Private Collection – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• Generations – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

www.gordonandmacphail.com

NEW AUCTION WORLD RECORD FOR SINGLE BOTTLE OF JAPANESE WHISKY AT BONHAMS  HONG KONG

RARE YAMAZAKI-50 YEAR OLD SELLS FOR HK$2,695,000

First edition of Yamazaki-50 year old. Sold for: HK$2,695,000 (estimate HK$1,800,000-2,400,000.

A rare first edition of Yamazaki-50 year old became the most valuable Japanese whisky at auction when it sold for a new world record of HK$2,695,000 at Bonhams Whisky Sale in Hong Kong on Friday 17 August. It had been estimated at HK$1,800,000-2,400,000.  It overtakes the previous world record of HK$2,450,000 set at Bonhams Wine and Whisky sale in Hong Kong in May 2018. In total, the sale made more thanHK$26,000,000.

The oldest expression from the famous Japanese distillery, the Yamakazi-50 year old was matured in casks made from mizunara (Japanese Oak) before being bottled and released in 2005. Only 50 bottles were produced, making it one of the scarcest Japanese whiskies.

Earlier this year, Bonhams established a world record for the most valuable Scotch whisky – and the most valuable whisky ever sold at auction – of HK$8,636,250 for the Macallan Valerio Adami-1926-60 Year Old.

Bonhams Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, Daniel Lam, said: “The Yamazaki-50 year old is an exceptional whisky and, of course, very rare indeed. This new world record for a bottle of Japanese whisky – just a few months after we set the previous one –  and the world record we set for Scotch whisky in May demonstrate that the auction market for single malt whisky is in good health.”

Other highlights of the sale included:

• A bottle of the Yamazaki-35 year old, sold for HK$551,250 (estimate: HK$350,000-500,000);
• A bottle of Karuizawa-1965, sold for HK$490,000 (estimate: HK$330,000-380,000)
• A bottle of the Suntory-Rolling Stone 50th Anniversary from the Yamazaki distillery, sold for HK$465,500 (estimate: HK$280,000-360,000).
• A bottle of The Macallan Fine & Rare-1937-37 year old, sold for HK$428,750 (HK$260,000-320,000)
• A vertical collection of Port Ellen Annual Release – 17 bottles from 2001-2017 – sold for HK$367,500.  (Estimate: HK$280,000-360,000)
• A bottle of Macallan Fine & Rare-1946-56 year old, sold for HK$392,000 (HK$250,000-300,000).
• A bottle of Hibiki-Arita-35 year old, produced to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of Japanese porcelain production. Only 150 bottles were released. Sold for HK$196,000 (estimate: HK$100,000-140,000).
• The Karuizawa Sumo Trio Distilled in 1981, 1982 and 1983, framed within a crafted humidor designed by Ukiyo-e artist Hachisuka Kuniaki. Only 340 sets were produced. Sold for HK$183,750 (estimate: HK$90,000-120,000)

NOTES  

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

We are proud to share the news that our Head Distiller, Patrick Maguire, was inducted into the global Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame at a ceremony last night in Adelaide.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest recognition possible that an individual can receive in the whisky industry.

Drawn from distillers, blenders, company owners and writers, the Hall of Fame is a permanent tribute honouring individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the whisky world. It welcomes legendary individuals who have helped shape the whisky landscape during their long and illustrious careers. Patrick is the 50^th person ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and he joins Bill Lark as the only other Australian.

Patrick has overseen production at Sullivans Cove since 1999 and is one of the founders of the booming Tasmanian whisky industry. During Patrick’s time with us we have won, not one but two “World’s Best” awards for our single malt whisky; the first in 2014 for our French Oak and again this year for our American Oak – a feat only a small number of distilleries around the world have ever achieved.

Congratulations also to our Production Manager, Heather Tillott, who was awarded Highly Commended in the Master Distiller/Blender category for the Icons of Whisky Australia at the same ceremony.

“It’s humbling to be included in such an incredible group of people from the world of whisky. When we were playing around with stills and barrels in the early days, I never would have imagined that I’d end up here. We just made the whisky we wanted to drink, and we’re so proud that other people from this industry around the world think that’s a thing worth celebrating. I’d like to thank everyone I have worked with at the distillery, our supporters, suppliers within Australia, and importers and distributors globally for their contribution to our success.” Patrick Maguire

Your support for us along the way has been instrumental to this achievement

– Thank you!

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY UNVEILS ITS INAUGURAL SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 

Kingsbarns Distillery has unveiled its very first single malt Scotch whisky release; The Founders’ Reserve Inaugural Release.  Bottled solely for the pleasure of the Kingsbarns Founders’ Club, this is the first ever single malt to be released by the fledgling, family owned, Lowland Distillery. It is the first in a series of five, exclusive, annual bottlings and will be delivered directly to Founders in December 2018.

Kingsbarns Distillery was initially founded by a Fife-born golf caddie and with the support and expertise of the Wemyss family, who have a long standing passion as Scotch whisky makers; the distillery was opened in November 2014. The single malt Scotch whisky is produced from barley grown on only a handful of local Fife farms to ensure that it is truly a spirit of the Kingdom of Fife. It is slowly fermented using two yeast strains and meticulously distilled to produce a remarkably clean, complex and light spirit.

The Founders’ Reserve Inaugural Release comprises several casks filled in 2015 using the wood policy set under the expert consultancy of the late Dr Jim Swan. Each cask was carefully selected by Distillery Manager Peter Holroyd and the Wemyss family. 1st fill bourbon barrels, supplied by Heaven Hill Kentucky distillery, were chosen as they imparted succulent wood tannins that balance well with the complex Kingsbarns spirit to represent this new single malt Scotch whisky in its lightest style.

All future Founders’ Reserve releases will be drawn from a combination of different cask types and ages, as well as always being bottled at cask strength, non chill-filtered and in their natural colour. Each release is bottled in a bespoke, 700ml Kingsbarns single malt bottle and presentation box, both of which draw their inspiration from the ‘Doocot’ (or Dovecot) which is the oldest, most striking feature of the restored farm steading in which Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre is accommodated.

William Wemyss; family owner of Kingsbarns Distillery addressed members today:

“Over the past few years the development of Kingsbarns Distillery and its long awaited single malt has been an enthralling experience and the next chapter in the history of Kingsbarns Distillery is almost complete. I am sure the Founders’ Reserve will meet all expectations and I look forward to sharing this Inaugural Release with fellow Founders’ Club members later this year.”

The first Founders’ Reserve release will be delivered to club members in December of 2018 and for whisky fans interested in obtaining the inaugural bottling and the rest of the five exclusive releases, membership to the Kingsbarns Founders’ club is still available to join at www.Kingsbarnsdistillery.com for £500 plus postage.

Non-members can look to early 2019 for more releases of Lowland single malt Scotch whisky from Kingsbarns Distillery.

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Twitter: @KingsbarnsDist            Facebook: Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centr

Notes:

• Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014, 30th November. Since opening, the Visitor Centre has been awarded a 5 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland.
• Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was formerly head brewer at craft brewer
• The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The family already own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are avilable for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
• Darnley’s Gin Distillery is also located at Kingsbarns Disillery and daily gin tours are available.
• The Wemyss family also own the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cótes de Provence.