EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April.

Priced at £64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.

Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, commented: “We’re proud of our Smokehead Sherry Bomb expression. The whisky is more explosive than an Armada cannonball. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after a bold, peaty whisky that’s been blasted by rich sherry casks, then this is the delicious taste explosion you’ve been waiting for.”

Building on the launch of the new Smokehead brand design, Sherry Bomb’s packaging displays the brand’s iconic skull – this time in fiery red – bold typography and smoked, textured backgrounds, with each Limited-Edition black bottle presented in a Sherry Bomb tin. Smokehead Sherry Bomb is available now in the UK and will roll out globally in November.

TASTING NOTES: SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB (48% ABV) 

The First Impression: Thick peat lets you know you’ve got a serious Islay single malt on your hands. Then a fruitier, creamier feel – soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. But don’t get comfortable – this is only the beginning.

The Full-on Flavour: Tie yourself down and wait for the hit of oily black smoke, with a rich heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour of barbecued banana, (yes, really) tangy sultanas and dried fruits. Told you it was different.

The Finale: The peat returns, just as you hoped/feared it would. This time it’s brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you’re not dealing with the ordinary here.

Please drink responsibly.

www.smokehead.com

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#smokehead 

NOTES 

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

THE ‘THREE WISE MEN’ FROM LOCH LOMOND DISTILLERY

A STAR CHRISTMAS GIFT SELECTION

Image Caption: Three Wise Men Cocktails – Loch Lomond Group

This year, The Loch Lomond Distillery has the perfect Christmas gift selection for whisky lovers with its very own Three Wise Men; a specially crafted trio of 12 Year Old whiskies, each with its own unique style and character.

Traditionally, the ’12 days of Christmas’ marked the time between Christmas Day and the arrival of the three wise men; Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior, making this collection of 12 Year Olds the perfect way to toast the festive season.

Loch Lomond Distillery has also created a recommended serve for each expression representing each of the three gifts, to provide some added inspiration for those entertaining guests this Christmas – or perhaps even seeking a quiet moment to themselves…

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old – £39.99 – 46.0% ABV

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old has a deep fruity character of peach and pear layered with a vanilla sweetness and the characteristic hints of peat and smoke found in Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Matured in three different types of casks – bourbon, refill and re-charred – the expertly crafted iconic Loch Lomond whisky delivers a perfectly balanced single malt. 

Inchmoan 12 Year Old – £46.99 – ABV 46.0%

Inchmoan 12 Year Old is born from a combination of malt whiskies from the distillery’s traditional swan neck and unique straight neck pot stills, to create a peat character of exceptional depth, marrying smoke and spiciness perfectly.

Matured for 12 years in a combination of re-charred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks, it imparts sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond’s unique still set up. 

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – £44.99 – 46.0% ABV

The enchanting isle of Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands and its natural characteristics shine through in this exceptional single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as the ‘Grassy Isle’ the island is soft, rounded and wonderfully wooded, just like the whisky itself.

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old is aged in hand selected bourbon, refill and re-charred casks and then married together to create a lighter whisky with grassy notes and floral hints of pear drops, crème caramel, soft fruits, vanilla and fudge.

The whiskies are available to buy from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Loch Lomond Sparkling Gold

Gold was gifted often as an acknowledgement of kingship. This precious gift is still a symbol of Christmas and so we have incorporated it into a drink fit for royalty;

Ingredients:
25ml of Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
15ml of Golden Honey

15ml of Ginger syrup
Prosecco
Gold Flakes (optional)

Method:

Combine Loch Lomond 12 Year Old with the golden honey and ginger syrup and chill down over ice before straining into at chilled flute glass and topping with sparkling Prosecco. To add a little sparkle, top with a pinch of edible gold flakes.

Inchmurrin Aromatic Frankincense

Frankincense is a rare aromatic resin with citrus and pine aroma and is used in incense and perfume with the name coming from an old French expression meaning “high-quality incense”.

The fruity and floral profile of our Inchmurrin 12 Year Old combined with bitter and fresh Italian aperitif Aperol and soothing sweet vermouth topped with sparking soda and orange oils.

Ingredients:

25ml of Inchmurrin 12 Year Old

15ml Aperol

15ml Sweet Vermouth

A splash of soda

Orange peel to garnish

Method:

Simply add Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, Aperol and Sweet Vermouth to a large wine glass over cubed ice. Stir these ingredients together for 10 seconds and add more ice if needed. Top with sparkling soda and gently stir together. Garnish with orange peel. 

Inchmoan Warming Myrrh

Myrrh is an opulent smokey, dark, woody and earthy resin that has long been thought to contain healing qualities.

The smoky and deep character of Inchmoan 12 Year Old combines with natural honey, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg before being soothed with hot water, pressed apple and fresh lemon.

Ingredients:

25ml Inchmoan 12 Year Old

30ml of pressed apple

200 ml hot water

2 teaspoons of honey

3 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

A pinch of nutmeg

A squeeze of fresh lemon

Lemon peel to garnish

Method:

Add the honey to a glass mug then half fill with the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Add all other ingredients except for the lemon peel, and stir together for 10 seconds. Finally add the remaining hot water and serve, garnished with the lemon peel.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.

• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

John j. Bowman single barrel Virginia straight Bourbon Takes home gold at 2018 New York world wine and spirits competition  

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (Oct. 23, 2018) – Two spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon winning Gold and Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon receiving Silver.

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.

“We are honored to accept the awards at this year’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition,” said Brian Prewitt, master distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. “It’s great to see our team effort pay off.”

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

About A. Smith Bowman

A. 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.

REDBREAST 12 CASK STRENGTH RE-CLAIMS JIM MURRAY’S ‘BEST IRISH WHISKEY’ SPOT

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Batch B1/17, which is crafted at Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers, has been awarded the overall ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the world and ‘Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey’ in the annual Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.

Scoring an impressive 97 out of 100 points, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is the most highly-awarded of all new Irish whiskeys to be tasted this year. The achievement continues success for Redbreast in the Whisky Bible, with the range having scooped ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the whiskey compendium for the sixth time in seven years.

Recognition from Murray completes the whiskey awards season for 2018, a year in which Redbreast 12 Cask Strength has excelled across the board. Key awards won include a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, a Master medal at The Irish Whiskey Masters and a 94 out of 100 point score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Commenting on the accolade, Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, said: “It is a real honour to accept the ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ award on behalf of Redbreast again this year – the sixth time in seven years that I’ve had the opportunity to do so. Jim Murray is one of most distinguished names in the whiskey world, and I hope that his resounding endorsement for Redbreast, the quintessential Irish whiskey, will help to spread the gospel for exceptional Irish whiskey even further around the world. This award is a testament to the craftsmen at Midleton Distillery who assist me in blending outstanding Irish whiskeys for the world to enjoy.”

The Redbreast range has been awarded ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible six times over the past seven years:

• 2013 – Redbreast 12 Year Old
• 2014 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength
• 2015 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2017 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2018 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2019 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength

Now in its 16th edition, Jim Murray has tasted more than 4,500 different whiskeys in order to compile Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2019, evaluating each entrant out of 25 for its nose, taste, finish and balance in order to curate a score out of 100.

NOTES

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 €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

THE TWEEDDALE LAUNCHES NEW GRAIN WHISKY – ‘GRAIN OF TRUTH’

This October, heritage brand The Tweeddale will add a new single grain whisky to its repertoire – Grain of Truth.

The Tweeddale was first blended by J&A Davidson in 1820 in Coldstream in the Scottish Borders, and later continued by Richard Day from 1895 to 1940. In 2009 Alasdair Day –great-grandson of Richard Day – decided to recreate The Tweeddale and to continue Richard Day’s eminent legacy. Grain of Truth represents Alasdair Day’s latest effort to create a memorable, rich and complex single grain whisky, based on traditional Victorian craftsmanship with innovative maturation techniques.

Grain of Truth possesses an uncommon composition of 50% wheat and 50% malted barley. The spirit was matured in bourbon barrels and finished for nine months in fine Oloroso sherry hogsheads imbuing the whisky with rich and warming honey and orange notes on the nose. This evolves into touches of dark chocolate and cognac on the palate, which is balanced by Oloroso, orange and dark chocolate notes, with a dry and spicy finish.

Since its invention in the early nineteenth century, ‘Grain Whisky’ has been often been mistakenly maligned as an inferior category of whisky and despite its complexity and many desirable properties, it has been overshadowed by ‘Malt Whisky’. However, in recent years, grain whisky has witnessed a resurgence in popularity, with bartenders, industry experts and consumers alike reconsidering this style of spirit. Leading global award bodies have begun to introduce new categories in order to celebrate the increasing popularity of grain whisky, such as WWA’s Best Scotch Grain Award, which was won by The Tweeddale: A Silent Character in 2018.

The Tweeddale hopes that Grain of Truth will follow on from the success of R&B Distillers’ award-winning single grain, Borders, which was lauded at HKIWSC 2016 (Bronze) and in Scottish Field Readers’ Whisky Challenge 2017. With a strong heritage behind it, The Tweeddale is poised to redefine the perception of the category, and, through the launch of Grain of Truth, looks to the future of this grain whisky.

This unusual and memorable Grain of Truth has been designed with the curious drinker in mind. The 50% malted barley and sherry cask finish gives the whisky a more complex flavour than typical grain whiskies. Grain of Truth is delicious neat, on the rocks or with a mixer. The spirit flourishes when served in a Grain of Truth Highball: a refreshing long serve which retrains the distinctive sweet sherry and spice notes of Grain of Truth. In a highball glass stir equal parts of The Tweeddale: Grain of Truth Single Grain Scotch Whisky, premium quality ginger ale (or ginger beer) and bitters over ice. Garnish with fresh citrus fruit peel and serve as a light aperitif.

NOTES

Grain Of Truth is priced at £49.99 and is available to purchase on Master of Malt.

Notes on ‘Grain Whisky’:

Scotch whisky can be made from any cereal grain, traditionally barley, but also wheat and rye. Once the grain has been malted, it is mashed to convert starch into sugar using enzymes within the malt. These enzymes are also capable of converting starch in unmalted grain when mashed with malted grain. The resulting spirit is Grain Whisky, as opposed to “Malt Whisky”, which can only be made from malted barley.

The advent of continuous stills in the 1830s opened up new realms of possibility for whisky production and creating a grain whisky that is lighter than the often more pungent malt whisky. Merchants began to blend malt whisky and grain whisky together to produce a consistent spirit that brings out the most desirable characteristics of the component malts and grains. Master blender, Richard Day developed a number of recipes using quality grain whisky with a sherry influence, which adds an extra sweetness and smoothness. This lighter and fruitier style of blended whisky was widely enjoyed by discerning drinkers in the region during this period who tended to favour a smoother and more balanced tipple.

R&B DISTILLERS:

The Tweeddale is owned by independent Scottish whisky company R&B Distillers, which stands for Raasay and Borders. Co-founder and managing director of R&B Distillers, Alasdair Day embodies this coupling: his great-grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides, while his other great grandfather, Richard Day, was a master-blender in the Scottish Borders during the early 19th Century.

Trained as a botanist and food scientist, Alasdair first entered the whisky business in 2009, when he inherited his great grandfather Richard Day’s cellar book. Richard Day had a small licensed grocer’s shop in Coldstream in the Scottish Borders where he blended and bottled whisky. He recorded his recipes meticulously in the cellar book and left it for the family when he retired after the Second World War. Alasdair eventually recreated one of his great grandfather’s signature blends called The Tweeddale using his original recipe. The Tweeddale was reborn and has since evolved into a premium range of small batch blended, single malt and single grain whiskies, inspired by his great-grandfather’s legacy.

R&B Distillers Raasay Distillery commenced production in September 2017, the spirit is now quietly maturing and will be ready to drink from 2020. Raasay Single Malt will be ready to drink from 2020 and will encapsulate the rugged elegance of the island terroir.

TOMATIN NAMED FASTEST GROWING TOP 10 SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN THE US

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin, has today (Tuesday 16^th October) announced that it is officially the fastest growing top ten single malt whisky in the US. Recent figures released by Impact Databank confirm that the brand has increased its foothold in the US by a massive 52% following significant international growth.

Tomatin sold more than 35,000 cases of branded product stateside in 2017, amounting to almost £2 million worth of sales. The brand proved particularly popular in states including New York, Texas and California.

Graham Nicolson, Sales Director of Tomatin, said, “There is growing demand for Tomatin stateside and, thanks to our fantastic partnership with Phillips  Distilling Co., we have been able to meet this demand and grow Tomatin’s US presence at a significant pace.”

He added, “2018 has been a year of intense acceleration for Tomatin, not just in the US, but in the UK too. We are delighted to celebrate this latest business milestone and look forward to further growing the brand in the US, and beyond, as we head into 2019.” 

Commenting on the US market, Sarah Dickson, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The US continues to be the largest export market for Scotch Whisky, accounting for over £921.7 million in exports last year.”

She continued:  “Single malts are extremely popular in the USA, with the country representing 26% of overall value of single malt exports – and the equivalent of 23.7 million bottles shipped to the country in 2017. On a global level, single malts continue to perform strongly, and since topping £1bn in exports in 2016 are now valued at £1.2 billion.”

Christopher Null, a California-based whisky blogger and Editor of Drink Hacker, commented: “This is huge news for a generally under sung brand that is known for both its impressive – and often unique – expressions and reasonable pricing.”

He added: “Tomatin hasn’t been well-known by most US consumers, so annual growth of 52% is a huge accomplishment that will seemingly be changing things in short order. I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of these whiskies on the US market.”

Back in June, Tomatin reported a double-digit increase in turnover and profit. Sales in 2017 were 25 per cent higher on the previous year at £18m, driven by growth in the UK, the US and Europe. In addition, turnover from the distillery’s visitor centre – an important income stream for  the business, surpassed £1 million for the very first time.

Tomatin’s portfolio of core whiskies spans four decades and the distillery also produces Cù Bòcan, a lightly peated single malt whisky, and range a range of blended whiskies.

Notes

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £2,500). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

Bonhams Whisky Sale

 American Hogshead Cask from Macallan Distillery. 1996-22 year old

The Whisky section of the sale is particularly strong with 530 lots and leading with an American Hogshead Cask from Macallan Distillery, 1996-22 year old, estimated at HK$2,200,000 to HK$2,800,000.

The sale also presents the largest selection of Japanese whisky with over 70 bottles from the closed distillery Karuizawa, a further 50 bottles of single cask Yamazaki and a selection from the highly sought after Hanyu Card series. Highlights include:

• A bottle of Karuizawa-1960-52 year old-#5627 the oldest expression, which was sampled and kept by Mr. Osami Uchibori, the former malt master of Karuizawa Distillery (estimated at HK$1,000,000-1,400,000);
• Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Joker “Monochrome” & “Colour” (2) estimated at HK$110,000-140,000
• A third edition of Yamazaki-50 year old estimated at HK$1,000,000-1,400,000.

Other notable whisky lots include:

• A selection of collectable Bowmore including the first and second edition of Black Bowmore-1964, estimated at HK$130,000 to 180,000 and various bottling from the same year;
• The largest Macallan Fine & Rare offering, spanning seven decades over 20 bottles from vintages between 1937 and 1991, and with an estimate ranging from HK$55,000 to HK$260,000; and,
• Old and rare whiskies from the most legendary Italian independent bottlers including Laphroaig-1970-14 year-#4367 from Samaroli (estimated at HK$20,000 to 26,000), and a selection from Moon, Sestante and Silver Seal.

Auction Details Fine and Rare Whisky 

Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery Suite 2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty Friday 16 November at 10:30am

Specialist: Daniel Lam, Director of Wine & Whisky, Asia

Tel: +852 2918 4321; E: winehk@bonhams.com

 About Bonhams 

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 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.

HRH THE PRINCE CHARLES, DUKE OF ROTHESAY, VISITS ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY TO BE PRESENTED WITH GIFTED CASK OF 30-YEAR-OLD SCOTCH WHISKY

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, visited Royal Lochnagar Distillery on Royal Deeside today to be formally presented with a rare cask of single malt Scotch whisky that was laid down 30 years ago as a gift to His Royal Highness.

His Royal Highness toured the distillery and met employees, including one who worked at Royal Lochnagar when the cask was filled in 1988, before tasting the whisky. The cask was originally a gift to His Royal Highness to mark the 140th anniversary of the first royal visit to Royal Lochnagar by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. The Prince has generously donated the cask to be bottled and sold in aid of his charity, The Prince’s Foundation, and its new project, The Carriage in Ballater, a bistro and tearoom at the village’s restored Old Royal Station.

Diageo director Ewan Andrew, who received His Royal Highness at the distillery, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed His Royal Highness and to formally hand over this special cask, which will become the oldest single cask bottling of Royal Lochnagar Scotch whisky. We are particularly pleased that this will support the local community in Royal Deeside, which is so important to Royal Lochnagar and our people who live and work here.”

The Prince’s Foundation has already announced its intention to invest the proceeds in local projects that will provide employment and training opportunities for local people, as well as attracting visitors to the area. Earlier this year, The Prince’s Foundation opened The Carriage, a destination tearoom and bistro that is the latest of The Prince’s Foundation’s projects to help Ballater regain its footing after a fire that destroyed the Old Royal Station in 2015 and flooding in the village later that year. Royal Lochnagar Distillery will also offer support by providing Scotch whisky education to trainees on The Prince’s Foundation’s Get Into Hospitality programme at The Carriage.

Robert Lovie, deputy executive director of The Prince’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Diageo and Royal Lochnagar Distillery are enthusiastic about contributing greatly to His Royal Highness’s commitment to restore Ballater to its former glory. We plan to use the funds raised from this special edition Royal Lochnagar whisky to support projects in Royal Deeside such as The Carriage at Ballater Station.”

While visiting Royal Lochnagar, The Duke of Rothesay was invited to fill and sign a new cask that will now be laid down and matured at the distillery for His Royal Highness’s future charitable activity. Ewan Andrew commented: “As we pass on one cask, we are pleased that The Duke of Rothesay filled a new cask that will continue the charitable legacy and support further good causes.”

Sean Phillips, Royal Lochnagar distillery manager, who guided His Royal Highness on the tour of the distillery, said: “We are very proud of the whisky we make here and the way we make it. It was a pleasure and privilege to show His Royal Highness how we produce the finest quality spirit using traditional methods that haven’t changed much since Queen Victoria visited the distillery in 1848.”

During the visit, Royal Lochnagar brand home manager Claire Fraser introduced her father Ian Fraser, an operator at the distillery for 32 years, and her grandmother Margaret Finnie, retired distillery secretary and brand home manager, who were both present on the two previous visits by His Royal Highness (in 1995 and 1998 to mark the 150th anniversaries of the distillery and Queen Victoria’s visit).

After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the day, His Royal Highness was presented with a 70th birthday gift, which included a set of coasters, made by the coppersmiths and engineers at Diageo Abercrombie in Alloa using copper from the wash still that would have been in operation at Royal Lochnagar when the whisky was distilled in 1988. They were accompanied by four glasses made by QEST Johnnie Walker Scholar Daniel Durnin, in a box made of larch from The Duke of Rothesay’s Birkhall estate.

The Duke of Rothesay’s cask of 1988 Royal Lochnagar Scotch whisky will be bottled on His Royal Highness’s 70th birthday, 14th November 2018, and details of a ballot, to be run by The Whisky Exchange for the chance to purchase a bottle, will be announced on this date. On tasting the whisky with His Royal Highness and Diageo whisky specialist Maureen Robinson, leading whisky writer Charles MacLean commented: ‘This is a fine expression of Royal Lochnagar with rich fruits, citrus and honey notes, fitting for the occasion.’

Notes

About Royal Lochnagar

The Distillery, which opened as New Lochnagar in 1845 (named after the nearby munro), was renamed Royal Lochnagar following a visit, upon the invitation of founder John Begg, by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert from Balmoral Castle (a mile away) in 1848.

His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, has visited Royal Lochnagar twice previously, in 1995 and 1998, to mark the 150th anniversaries of the distillery and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit.

The smallest of Diageo’s 28 Scotch malt whisky distilleries, Royal Lochnagar retains traditional methods of manual production. The distillery visitor experience is an important tourist attraction on Royal Deeside, welcoming over 20,000 people each year.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). 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.

About Diageo in Scotland

• Scotland is one of Diageo’s largest spirit supply centres responsible for producing nearly 50 million cases of leading brands of Scotch whisky and white spirits brands annually
• Around 85% of Diageo’s production in Scotland is exported overseas – exporting whisky, vodka, gin, rum, beer, wine, cream liqueurs, and other spirit-based drinks to over 180 countries.
• Major employer in Scotland with around 3,500 people
• 50 sites including 28 malt distilleries and one grain distillery, along with a 50 per cent share 
in a further grain distillery
• Engineering, technical, warehousing and packaging operations as well as distilleries – 
company’s Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh

Heritage in Scotland dates back to 1627

Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Wins Gold at 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 18, 2018) –– Six spirits from Barton 1792 Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which received a Gold Medal.

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

Spirits from Barton 1792 Distillery which received Silver Medals:

• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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

About Barton 1792 Distillery

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

THE ‘KING OF WHISKY’ LAUNCHES LATEST CELEBRATION OF THE SPORT OF KINGS 

Royal Salute unveils limited edition 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition 

The ‘King of Whisky’ Royal Salute, continues to celebrate the harmony between the Sport of Kings and exceptional Scotch whisky, this month unveiling the latest in its annual Polo Collection: Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition.

Inspired by the lingering bonfires, evocative salty winds and warm seaside air synonymous with the sport, the limited edition has been expertly crafted by Royal Salute Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop. The result is an outstanding new expression that features a tantalising smoky flavour with soft peaty tones, rich fruits and sweet honey.

It is the second in Royal Salute’s annual Polo Collection and follows last year’s inaugural 21 Year Old Polo Edition. Like its predecessor, the Beach Polo Edition is endorsed by long-time Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador and former captain of the England Polo Team, Malcolm Borwick, with his signature and iconic red helmet featured on the packaging. The porcelain flagon is a striking shade of deep blue, designed to evoke typical beach polo tournament backdrop of blue skies and sea.

Royal Salute Marketing Director, Mathieu Deslandes, said of the new product: “Royal Salute has a longstanding affinity with polo; we share values with the noble game of honour, skill and integrity, and are proud to support more than 10 international tournaments annually. 

“Beach polo embodies all the qualities of the traditional sport which is why it’s a natural fit for our brand, however, it is slightly more playful fun, which is an exciting space for us to be playing in. 

“We’re thrilled add another exceptional expression to our Polo Collection, and our Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop has done a remarkable job in creating something new and different, that still has all the prestigious hallmarks of Royal Salute.”

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition launched as a Global Travel Retail Exclusive from 1st July and is now available globally for a limited time from select luxury whisky retailers around the world for, RRP USD $140.

For more information, visit www.royalsalute.com.

Notes 

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition Tasting notes

This new Royal Salute whisky has a slightly smoky flavour and peaty tones with a long, luxurious finish.

Nose:

Rich, sweet, fruity notes of poached pears, vanilla syrup, salted caramel and runny honey, perfectly balanced with soft, peat smoke.

Taste:

A burst of sweet bonfire smoke followed quickly by a medley of ripe, soft fruits and species including apricot jam, candied lemons, nutmeg and oak.

Finish:

Long and tantalisingly smoky.

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea. www.royalsalute.com

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About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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.chivasspirit.com

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, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 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. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.