RARE DALMORE MAKES EXCEPTIONAL PRICE AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH
– £900 A DRAM –  

Dalmore 50 year-old 1926. Sold for £33,750

A rare bottle of Dalmore 50 year-old 1926 tripled its pre-sale estimate to sell for £33,750 at Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh today, Wednesday 6 June, making a dram worth more than £900.  The bottle had been estimated at £10,000-14,000.

Bonhams Whisky specialist Martin Green said, “The Dalmore 50 year-old 1926 is an exceptional whisky, and I am not surprised that the bidding was so intense and the price achieved so high. It was a very strong sale overall with bidders taking full advantage of the opportunity to add some very special bottles to their collections.”

Other highlights included:

• A bottle of the Macallan 1951 that sold for £17,500.  One of only 632 bottles, it had been estimated at £10,000-12,000
• A bottle of Glenfiddich-1952. Estimated at £10,000-12,000, it sold for £16,250.
• A bottle of the Macallan 1957. Bottled in 1982 in honour of the 25th Anniversary of Rinaldi Brothers Inc., it made £8,750 against an estimate of £3,000-4,000.
• Two bottles of the Macallan-Glenlivet 35 year-old 1938. Sold as a pair for £6,875 having been estimated at £3,400-4,000.

In total, the sale made £433,150 with 92% of lots being sold.

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

ABERLOUR A’BUNADH BATCH 52 WINS WHISKY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL WHISKY COMPETITION®

[LAS VEGAS, NV, June 8, 2018] Graeme Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Aberlour Distillery becomes Master Distiller of the Year for crafting the Whisky of the Year 2018 and will receive the coveted Golden Barrel Trophy.

The International Whisky Competition just released its results for this year’s most respected blind tasting judging event. The top recognition, Whisky of the Year, was awarded to Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 52 (60.5% ABV) which scored 97.4 points, the highest scoring whisky of the competition.

Official results: www.whiskycompetition.com/2018-results

The 9th edition of the International Whisky Competition took place in Las Vegas over three days, from May 15 to 17 and received over 160 different whiskies. A world-class tasting panel made of whisky, spirit, beer and wine experts blind tasted each whisky on an individual basis (8 minutes per whisky). The judges for 2018 are Sir Adam Carmer, Sebastien Gavillet, Francesco Lafranconi, John Paddon, Debbi Peek, Alex Renshaw, Max Solano, Ron Smith and Agi Toth.

Each whisky was scored using a comprehensive 100-point scale system developed by Sebastien Gavillet, IWC Head of Tasting Panel. This process and the fact that only three medals are awarded in any category make the International Whisky Competition the most followed whisky competition and one of the most professional competitions of its kind in the world.

We warmly congratulate Graeme Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Aberlour, as well as his team, for creating such a complex, rich and perfectly balanced whisky.

Last year’s Whisky of the Year was Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Exclusive, which scored 97.3 points. Aberlour Distillery will receive the Golden Barrel Trophy for winning the Whisky of the Year during a ceremony to be held this summer in Aberlour, Scotland.

About the International Whisky Competition®

The International Whisky Competition is the most followed Whisky Competition on Social Media and brings whiskies from around the world to be blind tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel using the most comprehensive tasting method available. 15 criteria are required to produce the tasting notes as well as aroma and flavor profiles for the International Whisky Guide. Unlike other competitions, the judges are presented with one whisky at a time, to ensure each whisky gets the proper attention. It’s the only
competition in the spirits world to deliver unique medals designed to promote each of the winning whiskies. Only 3 medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) are awarded per category.

The Whisky of the Year (highest score during the competition) gets rewarded with the Golden Barrel Trophy. For more information about the International Whisky Competition, please visit whiskycompetition.com or contact: USA – Sebastien Gavillet, Head of Judges / s.gavillet@whiskycompetition.com +1 702 234 3602 Canada – Sylvain Allard, Managing Director / s.allard@whiskycompetition.com +1 418 271 6678

The Tweeddale The Evolution: 

At 28 years-old, is the eldest Tweeddale to be released. It is fuller and more complex in character than previous expressions; with sherried and Speyside qualities, dark chocolate and black cherry on the nose, followed by wood spice and earthy notes on the palate. The Evolution of this magnificent whisky began when its creator Alasdair Day inherited his great grandfather Richard Day’s cellar book. Alasdair has explored the direction that he believes Richard Day would have taken, had he continued to blend whisky after the Second World War. £172 on Master of Malt

Drams of The Tweeddale The Evolution at Truefitt & Hill: 

Truefitt & Hill has been recognised as the finest traditional gentlemen’s barber in London for over two centuries. On Saturday 16th June, the barber shop will open its doors to offer the ultimate father and son experience. Sons can honour their fathers on this special day by treating them to a day of all things quintessentially British. Upon arrival guests will be offered a dram of Scottish whisky, The Tweeddale – The Evolution. Guests will be able to enjoy treatments including a haircut or Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave, a goody bag of grooming products as well as discount at some of Mayfair’s finest gentleman’s outfitters.

Tickets are £175 and available on Eventbrite.

Membership to the An Roghainn Club: 

For those with with a very luxurious drinks cabinet, the Raasay Distillery, on the beautiful inner Hebridean island, is also offering the opportunity to join its exclusive An Roghainn Club. Members can invest in the emerging brand and have the chance to add limited release whisky to their personal libraries, as well as the opportunity to buy casks of the Isle of Raasay Distillery whisky. Membership to the An Roghainn Club is £250 and includes three full size bottles of limited release whisky.

Distinguished Father’s Day whisky FOR A DIGNIFIED DAD 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has the ideal bottle of whisky and membership offer for Father’s Day 

If your dad is a dignified chap, then The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has the perfect gift for him this Father’s Day (Sunday 17^th June 2018), with a special offer of membership to the SMWS including a limited edition single malt ‘For a dignified dad’ for only £130.

This 20-year-old Speyside whisky has matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel to produce a single cask whisky that has been described as “characteristically waxy, oily, herbal and delicately tropical.”

Like the father in your life, ‘For a dignified dad’ carries an air of authority and experience that coveys that with “age brings distinction and the opportunity to wax lyrical, and deserves a respectful audience.”

With a stimulating nose and aroma of “hours spent in the garden or in the shed, emerging with the smell of soil from potting plants”, this whisky was bottled from a single cask that produced only 190 bottles, making it a limited edition single malt.

FATHER’S DAY OFFER

‘For a dignified dad’ and a membership to the Society costs only £130 which is a saving of £25. The whisky is from the Old & Dignified flavour category, which is one of the SMWS 12 flavour profiles.

Membership unlocks the doors to the Society’s unparalleled single cask whiskies, tasting events, the award-winning ‘Unfiltered’ magazine and Members Rooms and partners bars around the world.

New whiskies are released each month, providing an ever-changing choice of malts to discover.

Included in the offer:

• Full SMWS Membership (costing £65)
• 70cl bottle of: 36.142 ‘For a dignified dad’ (£90) 

Father’s Day offer valid from Friday 1^st June until Monday 18^th June 2018 Online media find out more here
Print media: https://www.smws.com/dignified-dad-offer

For more information on membership:
Online media go here
Print media: www.smws.com/society-membership

Tasting Notes: 

Title: For a dignified dad              

Bottle tasting note: Characteristically waxy, oily, herbal and delicately tropical as befits the slightly more old-school make of this distillery. Textbook stuff

Full tasting note: This old-school and dignified character exudes aromas of hours spent in concentrated industry out in the garden or in the shed, emerging with the smell of soil from potting plants, damp dunnage warehouses, as well as furniture wax, notes of camphor and wood resin. After strolling past gorse bushes, crossing a pine forest and picking brambles, it’s time to wash up with coal tar soap and relax with a little aged yellow Chartreuse, mint tea or Gewurztraminer. Age brings distinction and the opportunity to wax lyrical, and deserves a respectful audience.

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 134 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 has over 200 whiskies on offer and is open to everybody
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see www.smws.com/society-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit www.smws.com

45 Year Old Single Malt Introduces Scottish Folklore Whisky Series

EDINBURGH — Thursday 31 May 2018 – Scottish whisky specialists Cask 88 have launched the first in a series of single cask whisky bottlings inspired by legends of Scottish folklore, starting with the fearsome Cù-Sìth to represent a venerable 45 Year Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt.

Intended to bond the stories of Scotland’s unique history with the very finest expressions of its spirit, the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore series launches with a bottling inspired by the Cù-Sìth, a terrifying large hound, with a murderous bark, said to stalk the Highlands of Scotland. The whisky typifying this formidable beast is a 45 Year Old Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt (70cl; 43.2% ABV; £650 RRP) aged in a sherry hogshead, of which only 228 bottles are available. This first bottling will be available from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from 31 May 2018.

The Cù-Sìth is a terrifyingly large hound, said to roam the Highlands of Scotland and prey upon weary travellers. Legend tells that anyone with the misfortune of hearing the beast bark three times will be transported to the underworld. European Sales Director Jonny Fowle, also whisky tastings and event organiser Wandering Whisky, said “The bold spirit of the Ben Nevis, which has matured for four and a half decades in the Scottish Highlands, is matched only by the equally indomitable spirit of the legendary Cù-Sìth. Both have drawn upon the region to develop in character and repute throughout the ages, making for a fine match.”

Cask 88 have worked closely with art historian and Celtic Revival specialist Dr Frances Fowle (co-curator of the Celts: Art and Identity exhibition, British Museum, 2015-16) to understand the history of the Cù-Sìth legend and its place in Scottish folklore. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Cask 88 team to bring Celtic myths to a wider audience. Local legends, rather like Scottish whisky, are part of our cultural identity,” said Dr Frances Fowle. “Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, sometimes in poetry and song, and often accompanied by a drop of fine whisky. In the Hebrides the more superstitious members of the community lived in fear of the Cù-Sìth, a large black ‘fairy dog’ who roamed silently across the landscape on winter nights.”

The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series will consist of six unique, single cask expressions, with each expression dictating the myth or legend it embodies. Each release in the Cask 88 Folklore series will feature a mythical beast who has roamed the highlands, stalked the lowlands or inhibited the islands. “We intend to create a fantastic collection of some of the finest Scottish whiskies, selected to represent the breadth and depth of Scotland’s world renowned culture and heritage, while playing our part in ensuring these enchanting myths and folktales endure for generations to come,” said Jonny.

The first bottling in The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series: Cù-Sìth is available for purchase from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from Thursday 31 May 2018, and in person from Cask 88 Sales Representatives globally.

For more information, visit: https://cask88.com/scottish-folklore-series-whisky/

Tasting Notes:

Nose

This whisky’s aroma instantly flaunts its forty five long years of maturation. A nutty character alongside the rich sweetness of rum molasses are followed by luxurious notes of rich dark fruit and cherry.

Taste

The indulgent richness of this cask’s dark and dried fruit character continue on the palate, but with the balance of citrus zest. This develops with notes of dark chocolate journeying into a mixture of tobacco leaves, dried herbs and a subtle oakiness.

Finish

Four and a half decades maturing in a single cask provide an incredibly long and complex finish, dancing between bitter chocolate, dry tobacco and sweet cherries with cinnamon and winter spice.

A rare single cask whisky with an incredibly rich and developed character.

Notes to Editors:

About Cask 88

Founded in 2007, Cask 88 is now internationally recognised as one of the world’s foremost whisky experts, selling old and rare casks and bottles from world-renowned distilleries. An extensive inventory and expansive global network provide an unparalleled selection of fine whiskies, which attracts a wide clientele from London, Hong Kong, Beijing to New York. Cask 88 believes that buying vintage whisky should be fun and offers clients the opportunity to select, purchase, label and package their own exclusive whisky drawn from the finest Scotch casks.

cask88.com

Follow Cask 88 on Twitter: @88Cask                        

Like Cask 88 on Facebook: facebook.com/cask88

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS OLDEST WHISKY EVER RELEASED BY THE DISTILLERY –  

THE MACALLAN 72 YEARS OLD IN LALIQUE, THE GENESIS DECANTER

Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky to Arrive in the US, September 2018

Friday June 4, 2018 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter – a remarkable new limited edition whisky to celebrate the new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience which opened its doors on June 2, 2018.

An exceptionally rare Macallan 72 Years Old single malt, The Genesis Decanter is the oldest whisky ever released by the Distillery and celebrates a monumental achievement for The Macallan – available for purchase in the United States, in September 2018 for an estimated retail price of $65,000.

The Genesis Decanter is inspired by and honors a new era for the the brand as it finds its new home in a truly magnificent architectural masterpiece. Similar to the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, the decanter is defined by its beautiful craftsmanship and rounded design. Presented in a bespoke crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, it is a celebration of the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship and marks a new beginning in The Macallan story.

For nearly two centuries the mastery of exceptional whisky making has been at the heart of The Macallan Estate and the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, embodies the care, passion and superior craftsmanship that goes into every drop of The Macallan.

Distilled back in the 1940s, The Macallan 72 Years Old is a peerless spirit which began its journey to maturation during the optimistic post Second World War period and this atmosphere of reinvention inspired the new Distillery and the whisky and design of The Genesis Decanter.

For its seventy-two years of maturation, the deceptively light color hints that this is not an ordinary single malt. Reminiscent of a time gone by, it carries an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character. The whisky delivers surprise and delight with aromas of fruit followed by distinctive hints of peat, all the way through to the back of the mouth where it is finished off with a lingering hint of rich fruit and oak.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, remarks, “The Macallan 72 Years Old is an incredibly rare single malt defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship. As the oldest whisky we have ever bottled, this is a truly momentous occasion to commemorate our remarkable new Distillery. Although delicate throughout all aspects, it provides an intense experience which acknowledges the distinguished history of The Macallan.”

Lalique has captured the character of the new architectural wonder in crystal, incorporating the clean lines and natural curves of the new Distillery. The smooth curvature of the unique roof structure defines the decanter’s design, suggestive of the building rising and falling from the ground. Marrying together modern techniques with traditional skills, each decanter is handcrafted by master craftsmen who elevate the complex crystal making process to create a stunning art piece.

“Our new Distillery is both a tribute to the traditions of our whisky and its natural Speyside environment, and a future-facing vision, looking forward to the next chapter of The Macallan.” Said Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan.  “Lalique have a deep and true understanding of The Macallan, having been our partner for over a decade. Their interpretation of this design masterpiece in crystal is beyond exceptional. Their mastery and creativity never ceases to amaze and inspire us and our extraordinary collaboration is reflective of the highly meaningful part Lalique have played in the story of The Macallan.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman of Lalique, said, “Lalique is very honored to be associated with such an important moment in the story of The Macallan, with the creation of this commemorative decanter. Our long-term partnership with The Macallan, which started over a decade ago, is based on shared values of excellence, craftsmanship and creativity; and the truly spectacular and never-before-seen architecture of the new Distillery & Visitor Experience has been highly inspiring for the design of the decanter.”

The Genesis Decanter is housed in a bespoke presentation case, designed by Burgess Studio and inspired by the interior of the Distillery, with a curved wooden roof over the decanter, and a footprint taken directly from the circular layout of the three new stillhouses. Handcrafted from the finest materials by The Royal Warrant holding cabinet makers, NEJ Stevenson, using only sustainably sourced timbers, the exterior is waterfall bubinga, with each bowl carved from mahogany layered with light maple. All drawer linings and fitments are hand-applied in pure suede and fabric, with latches and hinges in solid brass.

The Macallan 72 Years Old single malt will be rolled out globally from September 2018 and will be limited to 600 decanters worldwide (156 allocated to USA), with an estimated retail price of $65,000 per 750ml decanter. Further details about this unique whisky will be disclosed nearer to the actual arrival of the decanters.

For further information visit, us.themacallan.com 

Whisky Makers Notes:

ABV: 42%

Color: Golden amber

Nose: A delicate peat starts, leading to a soft, aged oak smoke. A body of refreshing citrus lemons and green apples, with a background of vanilla pods and raisins, with the smallest hint of ginger.

Palate: Delicate peat smoke combines with a soft vanilla, and a surprising sweet oak smoke. A gentle wood spice combines with a delicate peat smoke, which gradually fades to leave a viscous mouth coating of citrus fruits and subtle green apples.

Finish: Medium and fruity, with a sweet oaky mouth feel.

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 Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com

TWO WORLD-FIRST ‘METHOD AND MADNESS’ EXPRESSIONS

ADDED TO THE EXPERIMENTAL IRISH SPIRITS RANGE 

Irish Distillers, makers of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has added two new and experimental, limited edition Irish whiskeys to its METHOD AND MADNESS range; Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak and a 28-year-old Ruby Port Pipe Single Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS aims to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases, harnessing the creativity and fresh thinking of the masters and apprentices in Midleton Distillery.

In a world first for Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak has been finished in virgin oak felled in the Carpathian Mountain range in the North East of Hungary, where volcanic soils are best suited to the growing of Quercus Petraea. Harvested in winter and air-dried for two years at theKádár Kádár sawmills in Tokaj, the tight grain of this exceptional wood slowly imparts complex compounds and subtle flavours into the whiskey during the finishing process. The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first-fill and re-fill American oak barrels, before finishing in the virgin Hungarian oak for 11 months.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, commented: “Our quest for uncommon casks has led us all over the world. We were especially intrigued by the Quercus Petraea from North East Hungary and the unique properties that it could add to our flavour repertoire as whiskey makers. At Midleton Distillery over the past few years, we have been experimenting with Hungarian virgin oak casks – a trial and error process that we are incredibly proud to have finally mastered. The result is a new first for Irish whiskey that continues to challenge perceptions of what the category can be.”

The second aged release in the METHOD AND MADNESS series is a 28 year old Ruby Port Pipe, which is a single pot still Irish whiskey matured initially for six years in American oak barrels, before being re-casked into a Ruby Port pipe for a further 22 years. The cask was carefully seasoned with a selection of wines to remove some of the heavy tannins and further seasoned with Ruby Port, infusing rich fruit flavours. The whiskey is alive with notes of ripe stone fruit on the nose and generous with vanilla and cinnamon on the palate, while the light pot still spices shine through on the long, satisfying finish.

Dave McCabe, Apprentice Blender at Midleton Distillery, added: “METHOD AND MADNESS 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe marks the realisation of a 22-year-old prediction from the Midleton Masters, which stated that the marriage of flavours between a single pot still Irish whiskey and a Port pipe will one day achieve balance. Billy Leighton, our Master Blender, and I have been carefully monitoring the slowly evolving flavours of this rare and exceptional cask as part of my training as Apprentice Blender. It gives us great pleasure to be able to present it as the perfect harmony between whiskey, Port and wood.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak is bottled without chill-filtration at 46% ABV and is available in Ireland, the UK, Travel Retail Ireland and France, RRP €89. METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe Single Cask is bottled at 56.1% ABV and available in Ireland, UK, Travel Retail Ireland and France, priced at RRP €1,900.

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Treacle, toffee, toasted coconut and campfire ashes

Taste: Silky smooth richness, bittersweet liquorice and dry woodland notes

Finish:  Dissipating spice and toasted Oak

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Fleshy mango, kiwi & green banana and ripe plums

Taste: Vanilla & cinnamon, port wine and barley grains

Finish:  Lingering succulent fruits, toasted oak and light spice 

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD)

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 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 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

A.D. RATTRAY

When myth and reality blur together…introducing Cask Orkney 18 year old, a new limited edition Single Malt from A. D. Rattray.

Poised between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Orkney Islands are steeped in mystery. Legends are as tangible as the gales of winter and sea-haars of summer. Indeed, just as the distinction between air and water is so often lost, myth and reality blur together.

A.D. Rattray’s Cask Orkney celebrates this Neolithic folklore with an exceptional single malt. Capturing the island spirit, it is deeply engaging and perfectly balanced with a rich range of flavours working in perfect harmony.

Cask Orkney is a limited edition single malt release which has been matured for 18 years in superior ex-bourbon casks.  It fits neatly into A. D. Rattray’s portfolio alongside Cask Islay and is a ‘must’ for fans of island malts.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Olive gold

Nose: Subtle and soft, with green apple and nutmeg, wood spice, sea salt and a hazy smoke.

Palate: Toffee, peach and apricot, with a rich velvety texture, sweet background smoke and a dry nutty finish.

Finish: A fine spirit, complex and balanced.

Information

700ml / 750ml. 46% Alc./Vol.

Non-chill filtered. Natural colour

Available worldwide. Limited release

www.adrattray.com/cask-orkney

About A. D. Rattray

A.D. Rattray, an independent whisky company established in 1868, are renowned for selecting and maturing Scotland’s best casks of single malt whisky for their Cask Collection single cask range. Their whisky portfolio also includes the award-winning single malt brands Cask Islay and Stronachie and the premium blend, Bank Note. Based on the West Coast of Scotland, you can visit their 5 star visitor attraction and home of their brands, the A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience and Shop in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire.